CRANBERRY TWP — With the Pittsburgh G-20 Summit scheduled next week, the Route 228 Regional Corridor Alliance decided it was a good opportunity to discuss the continuing growth of the region's economy and how best its vitality can be maintained.

The Economic Champions Summit will occur Monday at the Pittsburgh Marriott North.

"Response for the event has been very strong," said Hal Martin, legislative liaison for the alliance and the event's chairman.

Martin said the summit is an opportunity to "look in the mirror," see what the region has have been able to do that has been successful and what can be done better to improve the region's business climate.

Susan Balla, chairwoman of the alliance, said the summit is an opportunity to showcase businesses along Route 228, discuss what business opportunities exist and how business successes can be enhanced.

Two panels of business leaders will talk on two topics: "Strength of Community" and "Strength in Policy."

The summit will kick off with a talk by Craig Thomas, vice president and senior economist from PNC Bank, followed by the two panel discussions.

Following lunch, Anthony Greco, senior vice president, human resources and corporate relations for Westinghouse Electric, will speak.

Balla said the goal of the Route 228 alliance is to advocate for the Route 228/Freedom Road improvements.

The Route 228 alliance decided earlier this year to expand the scope of just Route 228 to include widespread improvements to Route 228 between Route 65 in Beaver County to Buffalo Township in Butler County, a 36-mile stretch.

The alliance is composed of business leaders and politicians who want to find additional funds for the project and to keep highway issues in the forefront of the region's agenda.

"Unfortunately due to the lack of transportation funding and the state of the economy, getting money for infrastructure is becoming more difficult," she said.