For the last three decades, small business districts (downtowns) all across our country have experienced continued economic deterioration from downtown to outlying edge locations. Once the center for community and economic activity, downtowns have suffered the loss of retail and other business activities to sites in shopping centers and commercial strips. "Downtowns" continue to suffer economic hardship brought on by fierce retail competition from category killers, large discount stores, and regional shopping centers. Many small city downtowns face high vacancy rates and a poor mix of retail tenants. They typically lack the market research support available to the big retailers and shopping center developers.                                                                                                                                       

Subsequently, the chamber organization (formerly the Regional Business Alliance [RBA]) board of directors established a 501(c) (3) foundation to help support the important programs and initiatives conducive to fulfilling the foundation's mission.

VISION
We aspire to be the communities of choice for ourselves and future generations - prosperous, a healthy economy, strong businesses, vital neighborhoods, excellent schools, vibrant downtowns, and extensive recreational and cultural opportunities.

MISSION
The RCA Foundation is a not-for-profit 501(c)(3) corporation organized to manage and distribute resources in support of chamber initiatives fostering systematic and sustainable solutions advancing economic development, infrastructure transformation and educational opportunities for Mon Valley communities.

GOALS
Expand the supply of the region's workforce possessing all basic competencies to satisfy present and future employer requirements.

Increase needed comprehensive demographic data and regional organization support systems to foster economic development-related marketing, business expansion and relocation.

Improve the mobility of people and goods throughout the region.

Escalate community awareness and knowledge relative to the fundamental connection between lower taxes, less regulations and tort reform with economic growth and the region's quality of life.

Eliminate undesirable perceptions relative to the Mon Valley to create a positive public image that encourages individuals, families and businesses to locate and invest in the community.

Amplify the business knowledge of small business companies.

RCA Foundation Board of Directors: Scott Biddle, Northwest Savings Bank; Robert Dittman, Allegheny Recovery Corporation; Howard Carpenter, Regional Chamber Alliance; Robert Macey, Century Heritage Federal Credit Union; Linda Zvolensky, Huntingdon Bank; Roger Tachoir, Tachoir Auto Body, Inc; and Cindi Rojohn, C.A. Rojohn & Associates.

For information about the chamber and/or the foundation, please contact: Howard Carpenter, at (412) 678-2450
Tax-deductible donations can be sent to the:
RCA Foundation
3001 Jacks Run Road
White Oak, PA 15131

On-line donations(click here). Scroll to bottom of page...

A copy of the official registration and financial information of the regional chamber alliance foundation may be obtained from the Pennsylvania Department of State by calling toll free within Pennsylvania 1-800-732-0999. Registration does not imply endorsement.