Dollar Bank Creates Regional Showcase For the David L. Lawrence Convention Center
PITTSBURGH, May 8, 2003 -- Dollar Bank today announced plans to contribute a Regional Showcase
with a high definition, multi-media format to the new David L. Lawrence Convention Center.
The Showcase, using world-class technology, will present the region's history and culture,
as well as its people, natural resources and amenities. Designed to project dramatic images
through special glass panels, the Showcase will be located at the three main entrances to
the Convention Center, and in the reception area of the Convention Center's grand ballroom.
"The Convention Center presents a tremendous opportunity for millions of visitors to experience
firsthand the vibrancy of this region and its people," stated Mr. Stephen C. Hansen,
President and CEO of Dollar Bank. "Through this state-of-the-art, multi-media display of
the Regional Showcase, individuals from all over the region, the country, and the world
attending events here will be exposed to the diverse institutions and natural resources of
this area. We believe it will provide an excellent venue to introduce visitors to the
region's exceptional quality of life and potential for economic development."
"The donation of the Regional Showcase reflects Dollar Bank's belief that if prospective
businesses evaluating a move to Pittsburgh are exposed to the incredible amenities of
Southwest Pennsylvania, they will be more likely to expand or locate here. Enabling the
Convention Center to tell the powerful story of our region, allows it to represent the
abundant opportunities for economic development available here."
Mr. Hansen went on to say, "We have pulled together an exciting and dynamic team to produce
the Showcase. Dollar Bank's marketing department, in concert with Dymun and Company and
the Pittsburgh Filmmakers, have worked with the Sports and Exhibition Authority (SEA) and
the Convention Center's architect, Rafael Vinoly Architects, PPC, to design and offer this
truly state-of-the-art multi-media format on a grand scale. The resulting Regional Showcase
will be one of the first uses of this advanced technology in the United States. We believe
it will truly reflect the talent of the people of Southwest Pennsylvania."
Mr. Hansen further noted, "The Showcase will be created in recognition of the people of this
region whose efforts have contributed to the building and development of our area's assets
and whose tax dollars helped make Pittsburgh's newest regional asset, the David L. Lawrence
Convention Center, a reality. Our ability to make this contribution presents an opportunity
for Dollar Bank to thank the people of Southwest Pennsylvania for their imagination, energy
and productivity. The institutions (public, private, civic, cultural and political) that
played a role in building the new Convention Center are comprised of individuals committed
to living and working in this region, as well as its future."
"We are very grateful to Dollar Bank," stated Stephen G. Leeper, executive director of the
Sports and Exhibition Authority (SEA). "Dollar is the first major corporation to step up
and support our efforts to enhance the new Convention Center. With amenities like the
Regional Showcase, the new Convention Center is one of the most outstanding facilities of
its kind in the country. To our knowledge, no other convention center provides a
representation of its region in the unique way Dollar Bank is planning through the Regional
Showcase. Enriching the Convention Center in this way will play a major role in generating
favorable impressions among visitors to Southwest Pennsylvania."
As part of the agreement with the SEA, Dollar Bank will invite the people of the region to name
the Conventional Center's 34,000 square foot grand ballroom, the largest in downtown
Pittsburgh. According to Mr. Hansen, "Our contribution of the Regional Showcase is not about
naming rights. The ballroom will not be named the Dollar Bank Ballroom. We are looking
forward to receiving input from the area residents with respect to selecting a name of
regional significance for the new ballroom. This regional naming initiative will take place
in May and June with details to follow."
Founded in 1855, Dollar Bank is a $4.9 billion federally chartered mutual savings bank
headquartered in Pittsburgh with offices throughout Southwest Pennsylvania and Northeast
Ohio.