Greensburg Community Development Corp. looks to hire events staffer, join forces with SummerSounds

Jeff Himler, Tribune-Review, Greensburg, Pa.
·3 min read

Jan. 6—Greensburg Community Development Corp. is looking to hire an events manager, a new position that will be key in the organization's plan to collaborate with Greensburg's seasonal SummerSounds concert series.

The events manager will be the nonprofit's second full-time staff member, joining executive director Alec Italiano. According to the online job posting, working on the SummerSounds free concert series — which is also a nonprofit operation — will be the primary responsibility for the new staffer.

While a formal memorandum of understanding between the two entities is pending, officials for both parties say it makes sense for them to join forces.

"We're excited about it," said Italiano. "We're hiring this position to help manage SummerSounds and also to manage some of the other events we have.

"I think it's a good way for us to grow GCDC and help highlight these events."

That includes Greensburg Restaurant Week promotional events that are held twice a year. The next one is slated for Jan. 22-28, according to Italiano.

Gene James has voluntarily managed SummerSounds since it debuted in 2000 and chairs the supporting Friends of SummerSounds board. He'll continue to be involved in preparing this year's concert series at the City of Greensburg's St. Clair Park, but he said he's hoping to hand off duties to a new generation.

"I enjoy it and I hope to continue to be involved, but we have to make room for another generation," James said. "That's the whole point of collaborating with GCDC. The skill sets are a little different, but both of us partner with the city, so there's a lot of synergy there.

"The SummerSounds mission statement is to promote the economic, cultural and social health of Greensburg. That's why we started it. GCDC has about the same goals."

"We want to collaborate and help in growing all the community nonprofits together," said Elsie Lampl, who is president of the GCDC board.

While SummerSounds has been an all-volunteer operation in the past, James said it now will help to fund the GCDC events manager position.

"We are 100% volunteer and there have been some challenges," James said. He noted GCDC has the advantage of a physical office and a paid staff.

While GCDC is well-versed in seeking sponsors for community events like the SummerSounds concerts, James said he's working with the organization to share his institutional knowledge, including tips for booking varied touring musical acts.

Concerts are held on Fridays throughout the summer, with main artists taking the Robertshaw Amphitheater stage at 7 p.m., supported by pre-show musicians. James said this year's concert series will kick off on June 7 with the return of one of its most popular acts, Elton John tribute artist Elton Rohn.

"There's been a lot of demand to have him back," James said.

Lampl said GCDC hopes to have the events manager in place by February. Jan. 19 is the deadline for applications.

Visit the GCDC website at thinkgreensburg.com for more information.

Jeff Himler is a Tribune-Review staff writer. You can contact Jeff by email at jhimler@triblive.com or via Twitter .