Chamber of Commerce
2025/26
Community Profile &
Membership Directory
Welcome to the Westmoreland County Online Community Profile! We hope you enjoy learning more about our wonderful community. If there is any other information that you need, please visit our website or give us a call at 724-834-2900.
Chamber of Commerce
2025/26
Community Profile &
Membership Directory
Welcome to the Westmoreland County Online Community Profile! We hope you enjoy learning more about our wonderful community. If there is any other information that you need, please visit our website or give us a call at 724-834-2900.
Welcome to
Westmoreland
County
The Westmoreland County Chamber of Commerce would like to welcome you to Westmoreland County. This vibrant region of 350,000 residents is nestled in the Laurel Highlands, where rolling hills, rich heritage, and warm communities create an inviting escape just 35 miles from Pittsburgh. Anchored by charming hubs like Greensburg, Latrobe, Ligonier, and Mount Pleasant, this county blends small-town allure with modern vitality, offering a perfect balance for families, professionals, and visitors. Our proud legacy as a center of industry and innovation shines through in bustling downtowns and preserved landmarks, inviting you to explore a place where tradition meets opportunity.
Westmoreland County, established on February 26, 1773, was the first county in Pennsylvania entirely west of the Allegheny Mountains. Today, it is home to a bustling business community and several world-class organizations. Rising 175 feet above Main Street, the dome of the Westmoreland County Courthouse is the defining element of the Greensburg skyline. The stunning turn of the century Beaux-Arts structure hints at the area’s rich history, but it is only one of dozens of historical/architectural treasures that draw tourists to the area.
The Westmoreland County Chamber of Commerce would like to welcome you to Westmoreland County. This vibrant region of 350,000 residents is nestled in the Laurel Highlands, where rolling hills, rich heritage, and warm communities create an inviting escape just 35 miles from Pittsburgh. Anchored by charming hubs like Greensburg, Latrobe, Ligonier, and Mount Pleasant, this county blends small-town allure with modern vitality, offering a perfect balance for families, professionals, and visitors. Our proud legacy as a center of industry and innovation shines through in bustling downtowns and preserved landmarks, inviting you to explore a place where tradition meets opportunity.
Westmoreland County, established on February 26, 1773, was the first county in Pennsylvania entirely west of the Allegheny Mountains. Today, it is home to a bustling business community and several world-class organizations. Rising 175 feet above Main Street, the dome of the Westmoreland County Courthouse is the defining element of the Greensburg skyline. The stunning turn of the century Beaux-Arts structure hints at the area’s rich history, but it is only one of dozens of historical/architectural treasures that draw tourists to the area.
Greensburg, the county seat, pulses with energy. Its walkable downtown brims with quaint shops offering handmade crafts, boutique clothing, and antiques, alongside cozy eateries serving farm-to-table dishes and artisanal coffee. Cultural gems, like historic theaters and art galleries, showcase local talent, while vibrant festivals celebrate the community’s creative spirit.
Latrobe, known for its welcoming vibe, offers a charming mix of specialty stores with unique gifts and home decor, paired with inviting restaurants dishing up comfort food and global flavors. The town’s cultural scene thrives with live music venues and seasonal markets, reflecting a deep-rooted community spirit. Historic sites, including a preserved gristmill, nod to its industrious past, adding depth to its friendly streets. With a population hovering around 8,000, this welcoming community in the Laurel Highlands is celebrated as the birthplace of beloved figures like Fred Rogers, the gentle soul behind “Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood,” and Arnold Palmer, the legendary golfer.
Greensburg, the county seat, pulses with energy. Its walkable downtown brims with quaint shops offering handmade crafts, boutique clothing, and antiques, alongside cozy eateries serving farm-to-table dishes and artisanal coffee. Cultural gems, like historic theaters and art galleries, showcase local talent, while vibrant festivals celebrate the community’s creative spirit.
Latrobe, known for its welcoming vibe, offers a charming mix of specialty stores with unique gifts and home decor, paired with inviting restaurants dishing up comfort food and global flavors. The town’s cultural scene thrives with live music venues and seasonal markets, reflecting a deep-rooted community spirit. Historic sites, including a preserved gristmill, nod to its industrious past, adding depth to its friendly streets. With a population hovering around 8,000, this welcoming community in the Laurel Highlands is celebrated as the birthplace of beloved figures like Fred Rogers, the gentle soul behind “Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood,” and Arnold Palmer, the legendary golfer.
Ligonier, a picturesque gem, enchants with its storybook town square. Boutique shops overflow with jewelry, books, and local art, while eateries tempt with homemade pastries and fine dining. The town’s historic fort and nearby state parks draw culture and nature lovers alike, with summer concerts and craft fairs fostering a tight-knit, festive atmosphere that celebrates its heritage.
Mount Pleasant buzzes with a lively main street lined with family-owned shops selling vintage finds and custom goods. Diners and bistros serve hearty meals and craft brews, creating a warm, social atmosphere. Cultural attractions, like glassmaking museums, honor the town’s industrial roots, while community events spark joy year-round, reflecting a proud, resilient spirit.
The area has a rich industrial heritage rooted in its natural resources, strategic location, and industrious workforce, shaping its economy from the 18th century to today. Abundant coal, natural gas, and timber fueled early industries. The county’s bituminous coal fields powered steel production, notably supporting nearby Pittsburgh’s steel empire.
The arrival of railroads in the mid-1800s, including the Pennsylvania Railroad, transformed Westmoreland into a transportation nexus. Rail hubs like the Westmoreland Logistics Park in East Huntingdon Township continue this legacy, handling freight for modern industries. The county’s 66 miles of rail, linked to CSX and Norfolk Southern, underscore its enduring logistical importance.
The decline of coal and steel in the late 20th century hit hard, with mine closures and plant downsizing. However, Westmoreland County adapted, leveraging its industrial infrastructure for new sectors. The Westmoreland County Industrial Development Corporation (WCIDC) repurposed sites like the former Sony plant in East Huntingdon into business parks, such as Westmoreland Distribution Park North, now hosting logistics and tech firms. Today, 20 WCIDC-managed business parks span 1,800 acres, supporting 185 companies and 9,150 jobs. The local economy is diverse and vibrant, led by healthcare and social services (16.3%), manufacturing (13.8%), and retail trade (13.7%). Mining now accounts for less than 1% of jobs.
This site will continue to dive deeper into the county’s thriving business landscape, top-tier education options, comprehensive healthcare services, and abundant recreational opportunities, showcasing why Westmoreland is an excellent place to live, work, and play. Whether you’re here for a weekend or a lifetime, Westmoreland County promises a delightful mix of charming streets, savory local flavors, and plenty of cultural treasures. Westmoreland County welcomes you with open arms and a proud heart.
