Pirates, PNC continue strong support for local small businesses

The Pirates’ new Legacy Hall at PNC Park is smartly appointed with memorabilia and artifacts that celebrate the rich history of the organization. And before a pregame event in early July, it served as the handsome backdrop for a reception that recognized this year’s beneficiaries of the Going to Bat for Small Business program, presented by PNC.

Now in its seventh year, the initiative provides resources and shines a spotlight on small businesses that strengthen neighborhoods and make a positive impact in the Pittsburgh region. Each month during the baseball season, one business is featured across Pirates platforms that include television and radio broadcasts, social media and in-park experiences. Through custom-produced commercials and features, these businesses can reach new audiences and build more brand awareness. Each receives a marketing package valued at up to $100,000 as well as a $5,000 grant to support its objectives.

Pirates chairman Bob Nutting believes the Going to Bat for Small Business program has become precisely what the team and PNC designed it to be.

“It really is hitting the goals we had, which were to reach out into the broader community for smaller businesses that can’t always access the kind of resources and promotional opportunities that we have available,” he said. “The Pirates and PNC wanted to support those small businesses that are really the heartbeat of every community and help them showcase the great work that they do.”

“We’re pleased to help amplify these small businesses through our collaboration with the Pirates, because small businesses are the lifeblood of our community,” added Luigi Tommasino, PNC group sales executive and senior vice president for PNC business banking. “We get a lot of positive feedback because people enjoy getting to meet different community leaders, plus it allows us to share our network of resources to help them see where they can grow their business.”

The Going to Bat for Small Business recipients for this year are:

• SwingCity Sports, a training facility dedicated to helping young athletes develop their skills, confidence and love of baseball and softball
• HandinHand Counseling Services, a counseling practice committed to providing accessible, compassionate mental health support to individuals and families
• Pittsburgh Dance Workshop, a creative studio offering high-quality dance instruction while fostering confidence, discipline and artistic expression
• Fat Butcher, a neighborhood butcher shop and eatery known for its premium meats, curated offerings and commitment to quality and community
• Hop Farm Brewing Company, a craft brewery focused on sustainability, locally sourced ingredients and bringing people together
• Brave Bean Coffee Company, a specialty coffee company dedicated to sourcing high-quality beans and creating welcoming spaces for connection and community

Each was among the small businesses located in Allegheny County and surrounding counties that applied to the program. Recipients were selected by a committee that includes past winners, chamber of commerce representatives, members of the media and community leaders based on how they presented ways the program would help amplify their story and expand their impact.

Keri Meyer of SwingCity Sports said one of her best friends, a Pirates season ticket holder, told her about the Going to Bat for Small Business program and suggested that she apply.

“When I looked at the information, I said, ‘This is perfect. I’ve been looking for something like this,’” said Meyer, whose seven-year-old business offers private lessons, camps, clinics and showcases. “The next day, I took the time to fill out the application, and now, here we are.”

Representatives from the Pirates dropped by SwingCity Sports, located in Moon Township, to give Meyer the good word in person.

“They surprised me and showed up at the facility and said, ‘We’d like to meet and talk about some more things, but you won,’” she said. “It was shocking in a good way.

“We’ve already seen some of the benefits [after being showcased in April]. It’s hard to put a price on that kind of marketing and exposure, but I can tell you that we’re definitely busier now than we were at this time last year.”

​

Steve Dawson of Fat Butcher, which was showcased in July, applied after his landlord in Upper Lawrenceville told him about the program.

“Advertising is something that we’re not really able to spend much of any money at all on,” he said. “Whenever we have a little bit extra, that’s usually not where we invest. So, when I saw that there was an opportunity to get some advertising and exposure, I applied.

“It’s still early for us, but the benefit so far has been the communication and networking. We’ve made some good contacts with people that have gone through the program. That’s valuable to us.”

Witnessing the small businesses grow, with assistance from the Pirates and PNC, is a gratifying aspect of the program.

“Being able to stay connected to these companies and see them continue to flourish is really wonderful,” Nutting said. “I know that we’ve helped them tell their stories, and it’s important they know that the Pirates and PNC are supportive and standing with them.”

During the reception at Legacy Hall, each of the winning small businesses received a commemorative bat in recognition of its impact on the region. Festivities continued on the field before the Pirates’ game against the Atlanta Braves, when the businesses were honored and highlighted on the scoreboard. After that, it was on to two of PNC Park’s World Series Suites, where the winners joined past recipients, selection committee members, Pirates and PNC representatives, and community supporters to continue to celebrate the success of the program.

Before Meyer left the reception at Legacy Hall, she mentioned that lots of folks still come up to her and share that they saw her SwingCity Sports commercial during Pirates telecasts.

“I’m still getting that a lot,” she said. “And that’s a good thing. What’s that old expression? 'Any publicity is good publicity.' I’ll take that any day of the week.”