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The Business of Pittsburgh 2001: Picking the winners
Sunday, March 25, 2001 By Douglas Heuck , Post-Gazette Business Editor
The highlight of today's Business of Pittsburgh is evident: a ranking of the top 50 business leaders in the area.
Such a gambit as we are undertaking for the first time here today is fraught with peril, some of our staff were quick to point out.
A look at present conditions and the road just ahead for:
For instance, there's the argument that the following list and any similar kinds of lists are simply arbitrary -- that is, there's not a justifiable reason why one person is higher than another, nor is there justice in being on the list vs. being left off.
There's the notion that you won't please anyone. Most of the leaders will feel they should have been higher, it was prophesied. Many will be upset they weren't mentioned. And some will wish they hadn't been on it.
Given all this possible hardship, why do it? What is the value?
A few answers come to mind. On the most narrow level, it's a very worthwhile exercise for us journalists, sharpening our knowledge of local business and the people who shape it. Who is doing what and how well are they doing it? Who is succeeding? Who is spurring change? Who is building an excellent working environment? What impact are these business leaders having on this community?
More important, though, than the effect on us at the Post-Gazette is the possible impact on our city. Increasingly, Greater Pittsburgh is a lively, bustling place with people thinking up great ideas, taking risks and inspiring organizations to strive and succeed. A list such as the one we present today brings attention to those who have tried and, on some level, won. There is value in that.
Finally, it's fun. And though some of us were kicking and screaming, it was enjoyable putting the list together over four staff meetings and probably 10 hours.
The questions were many. Who are we to judge? How would we know who the top leaders are? On what criteria?
For one, we have the biggest business reporting staff in town. We cover the people, companies and institutions. Who else could better judge?
What about the invariable problem of the leaders getting the credit for the ideas and execution of their subordinates? Though it's bound to happen in many cases, there are probably few people on the list who wouldn't quickly acknowledge the work and, in many cases, leadership of team members.
We spent a great deal of time forging the criteria. And the final analysis gave us three. Business leadership. Community impact. Timeliness.
First is business leadership. What has the person done to improve his or her business? What innovations and strategic gems have they pulled off? How has their business done?
Secondarily, what contribution is the person making in the community? Are their actions, on the job or on the side, helping the quality of life in Pittsburgh?
Third, we looked at the two points above through the lens of timeliness. This is not a lifetime achievement list. It's a list we'll repeat each year, and, as such, a scorecard of how you business leaders have been doing lately. In this case, mainly since January of last year.
With Paul O'Neill, for instance, the three factors come together in a way that's hard to top.
There are a few caveats. Elected officials, though they clearly affect business a great deal, aren't on the list. Neither, for reasons of obvious conflict, are members of the news media business. Otherwise, the list speaks for itself.
We expect you to disagree with some of our choices, placements and omissions. The numbers of impressive people not among the Top 50 is large, and we acknowledge that good arguments can be, and were, made for many not ultimately represented.
We welcome your thoughts and reactions along these lines. Let us know what you think.
Finally, we hope you enjoy considering the broad variety of accomplishment represented by the people who follow. The group and their efforts are indicative of a city that, after years of extraordinary economic challenge, is emerging as a vibrant and fascinating place to live, work and do business.
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