During the height of the steel boom in Western Pennsylvania, the “Steel Valley” area of Homestead, West Homestead, and Munhall was one of the most productive industrial regions, not just in the State of Pennsylvania, but in the entire United States.  But in recent decades, as steel’s impact gave way to surging technological, education and medical opportunities for the region, the Steel Valley took an economic beating. But there is a ray of hope for the region, in the form of the Steel Valley Enterprise Zone, a consortium of area businesses and business leaders whose mission is to work with government and other business to revitalize the area through business development.  As part of the “Solutions 21 Show” on American Entrepreneur Radio, host Buddy Hobart of Solutions 21 talks with Catherine Lesko and Chuck Starrett of the Steel Valley Enterprise Zone about their mission, and the role that entrepreneurs play, not just in building their own companies, but in fostering growth for the region through their efforts.

Also on the Show:

War Rooms and Board Rooms - How Military Thinking Can Apply to Business: Chet Richards

Observation.  Orientation.  Decision. Action.  These four elements comprise what is commonly known as the OODA Loop, the brainchild of one of the foremost military strategists of the 20th Century, the late Colonel John Boyd.  Complete this loop faster than your opponent, Boyd theorizes, and your chances of winning increase dramatically.  And even though John Boyd never ran a company, the OODA Loop and his other theories of warfare success have enjoyed a letter-perfect translation into the business community.  Chet Richards was a long-time associate of John Boyd, and his new book, “Certain To Win” describes how Boyd’s military theories translate to your company, and the importance of having a focused goal, clear objectives on how to achieve that goal, open lines of communication among your people, and a unity of purpose.  Chet talks with “The International Capitalist” David Iwinski about the business legacy of John Boyd, and how military strategy is closer to business strategy than most think.