Welcome to The Pittsburgh Newsletter!

In today’s edition:

• Upcoming St. Louis Billikens at Duquesne Dukes Basketball

• Pittsburgh's unemployment rate drops to 3.5% in January

• A deep-dive into the life of Henry J. Heinz

• And more…

Quote of the Week

"He who knows others is wise; he who knows himself is enlightened."

– Lao Tzu

Trivia

Here is your trivia question of the week. The answer will be shown in next week’s newsletter. Which do you think it is? No cheating!

What is the name of the famous Pittsburgh sandwich shop known for its unique sandwiches with fries and coleslaw inside?

A) Mancini's Bakery

B) Primanti Brothers

C) Fat Head's

D) DeLuca's Diner

Answer to Last Week's Trivia: The river not found in Pittsburgh is D) Susquehanna River.

News

💼 Business

Uber Technologies Inc. announces plans to expand its autonomous vehicle operations in Pittsburgh, creating 100 new jobs. (Link)

PNC Financial Services Group Inc. reveals plans to open a new branch in downtown Pittsburgh. (Link)

Carnegie Mellon University launches a new research initiative focused on artificial intelligence and robotics, funded by a $10 million grant from the Hillman Foundation. (Link)

Pittsburgh-based American Eagle Outfitters reports an increase in quarterly earnings, driven by strong online sales growth. (Link)

🏒 Sports

Pittsburgh Penguins defeat the Toronto Maple Leaf 5-2 in a home game at PPG Paints Arena. (Link)

University of Pittsburgh Panthers men's basketball team wins against North Carolina State in an ACC matchup. (Link)

Pittsburgh Pirates sign outfielder Gregory Polanco to a one-year contract. (Link)

🏦 Finance

Allegheny County Executive Rich Fitzgerald announces a proposed budget for 2024 that includes a property tax increase of 2%. (Link)

Pittsburgh's unemployment rate drops to 3.5% in January, down from 4.2% in December. (Link)

Local bank First National Bank of Pennsylvania introduces a new mobile banking app with enhanced security features. (Link)

Pittsburgh-based investment firm Federated Hermes Inc. acquires a majority stake in a California-based asset management company. (Link)

Upcoming Events

Here are some events that are happening in our city this week. There is a good mix between sports, entertainment, conferences, concerts, and more.

Sports

🏀 St. Louis Billikens at Duquesne Dukes Basketball
UPMC Cooper Fieldhouse, Pittsburgh, PA
Wednesday, Feb. 21st | 7:00 PM | (More Info)

🏒 Pittsburgh Penguins vs. New York Islanders
PPG Paints Arena, Pittsburgh
Wednesday, Feb. 21st | 7:00 PM | (More Info)

🏀 Wake Forest Demon Deacons at Pittsburgh Panthers Women’s Basketball
Petersen Events Center, Pittsburgh, PA
Friday, Feb. 23rd | 7:00 PM | (More Info)

🏒 Montreal Canadiens at Pittsburgh Penguins
PPG Paints Arena, Pittsburgh, PA
Friday, Feb. 23rd | 7:00 PM | (More Info)

🏒 Philadelphia Flyers at Pittsburgh Penguins
PPG Paints Arena, Pittsburgh
Sunday, Feb. 25th | 3:30 PM | (More Info)(More Info)

Music & Concerts

🎭 Pittsburgh Ballet Theatre – Beauty and the Beast
Benedum Center, Pittsburgh, PA
Friday, Feb. 23rd | 7:30 PM | (More Info)

Family

🌍 Cities of the Future (3D and 2D) - Carnegie Science Center
Carnegie Science Center, One Allegheny Ave., Pittsburgh, PA, 15212
Monday, Feb. 19th | 11:00 AM & 4:00 PM | (More Info)

💕 Hearts in the Garden - Pittsburgh Botanic Garden
Pittsburgh Botanic Garden, 799 Pinkerton Run Road, Pittsburgh, PA, 15071
Daily, Feb. 19th - Feb. 25th | 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM | (More Info)

Image of the Week

Every week, I have a habit of making some AI art about our city.

This week, I typed in “Pittsburgh skyline with floating gardens and skyscrapers” and this is what I got.

Let me know what ideas you have for this. I really enjoy making these types of photos.

Pittsburgh Historical Events

1794: The Whiskey Rebellion, a resistance movement against federal taxation, occurs near Pittsburgh.

In 1794, the Whiskey Rebellion, a significant event in the early history of the United States, took place near Pittsburgh. This uprising was a response to the federal government's imposition of a whiskey tax in 1791, which was part of Treasury Secretary Alexander Hamilton's plan to centralize and reduce the nation's war debt. Farmers in Western Pennsylvania, who commonly distilled whiskey and used it as a medium of exchange, were particularly affected and vehemently opposed the tax.

The resistance escalated into an open rebellion, as tax collectors were attacked, and federal laws were openly defied. In July 1794, the situation reached its peak when a mob of 500 men attacked the home of tax inspector General John Neville. In response, President George Washington, determined to enforce federal law and assert the power of the new government, personally led a militia force of 13,000 men, one of the few times in history that a sitting U.S. president has commanded troops in the field.

The Whiskey Rebellion was a defining moment in the establishment of federal authority in the United States. The swift and decisive action by President Washington and his administration in quelling the rebellion without bloodshed demonstrated the power of the federal government and its ability to enforce law and order. It was a critical test of the new government under the Constitution, underscoring the challenges of governing a diverse and expanding nation.

Famous People From Pittsburgh

Henry J. Heinz (1844–1919):

Early Life and Entrepreneurial Beginnings (1844-1869)

Henry J. Heinz was born on October 11, 1844, in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. He grew up in a family that valued hard work and entrepreneurship. From an early age, Heinz showed a keen interest in business, selling surplus vegetables from his family’s garden. He began his first venture in 1869, forming Heinz & Noble with a friend, selling horseradish.

The Birth of H. J. Heinz Company (1870-1875)

After the initial venture went bankrupt, Heinz founded F & J Heinz with his brother and cousin in 1872. They expanded the product line to include pickles, vinegar, and sauerkraut. In 1875, Heinz took sole control of the company, renaming it H. J. Heinz Company, and introduced its "57 varieties" slogan.

Innovations in Food Processing and Marketing (1876-1890)

Heinz was a pioneer in developing sanitary food processing techniques and transparent packaging, which helped build consumer trust. He also excelled in marketing, using innovative strategies like giving out pickle pins at the 1893 Chicago World's Fair.

Expansion and Product Diversification (1890-1910)

Under Heinz’s leadership, the company expanded its product range and distribution network. He traveled extensively to promote his products, making Heinz a household name in the United States and abroad.

Leadership and Employee Welfare (1910-1919)

Heinz was known for his progressive views on employee welfare. He introduced measures such as shorter workdays, recreational facilities, and free medical care, setting a high standard for employee treatment in the early 20th century.

Community Involvement and Philanthropy (Throughout Life)

Heinz was actively involved in his community and was known for his philanthropy. He supported various charitable causes and played a significant role in the development of Pittsburgh.

Final Years and Legacy (1919)

Heinz passed away on May 14, 1919. He left behind a legacy of innovation in food processing and marketing, as well as a commitment to employee welfare and community involvement.

Henry J. Heinz’s Key Achievements:

• Founder of the H. J. Heinz Company, a pioneer in the food processing industry.

• Introduced groundbreaking food safety and processing techniques.

• Implemented progressive employee welfare programs.

• Was a successful marketer, creating one of the first multinational food brands.

Henry J. Heinz was not just a business magnate; he was a visionary who transformed the food processing industry. His commitment to quality, innovation, and employee welfare made the H. J. Heinz Company a model for future corporations. Heinz’s legacy continues to influence the food industry and corporate social responsibility practices worldwide.

Connect With Me

If you want to connect, reply to this email and let me know what you think.

I would love to hear from you. Don’t be shy.

-Matthew Larsen

Follow me on Instagram: https://instagram.com/matthewblarsen

Poll