AUTOMOTIVE

The roundtable discussion dealt with a wide range of issues, from grooming an American work force well trained in math and science to the pros and cons of outsourcing to the critical need for federal-sponsored research in the private sector to tax reforms that lessen the burden on businesses so companies can reinvest. Snow said that innovation, like the type demonstrated by ANSYS engineers, is the "engine" that will continue to drive the country's economy. Congressman Murphy, who strives to better position the area to face the challenges of the new world economy, said that job training can identify and train workers and place them in the right careers that meet their skills. One of the main concerns of the business leaders, however, is the difficult time they have finding qualified employees, including engineers. Snow's visit occurred on a day when the Labor Department released positive statistics on new job creation for February 2006. That same day, the Pittsburgh Technology Council - one of the largest regional technology trade associations in the United States - released its 2004 state of the industry report for southwestern Pennsylvania (the latest year for which figures were available). The council report offered a mixed picture, with the number of tech companies and jobs falling that year but wages rising for those who were working in the sector. Analysts blamed the dip on the bottoming out of the regional economy in 2004. The Pittsburgh area continues the sustained transformation of its economy, over the last two decades, from steelmaking to technology development and medical research. "It is always an honor to host representatives from local, state and national government, as well as our colleagues in the region," said Jim Cashman, president and chief executive officer of ANSYS, Inc. "We're proud to be recognized for our innovation and contributions to the success of our region." Joining ANSYS at the roundtable discussion were business leaders from Akers National Roll Company, Southpointe CEO Association, Auma Corporation, Atlas Design Group, TelCove, Canonsburg Hospital, WHEMCO Group of Companies, AMCOM Office Systems, Millcraft, Pennsylvania Transformer Technology, Testa Consulting Services, Inc., Pepper Hamilton LLP, Creehan & Co. and Michael Baker Corporation.