Hello, Pittsburghers!

High5 Pittsburgh is here to celebrate our city’s vibrancy, uplift businesses, and share inspiring stories. From new business milestones to heartwarming efforts in our community, there’s always something to cheer about.

This edition is packed with stories, tips, and a little festive fun—ready to join the celebration?

Pittsburgh’s Best Holiday Dish Contest 🎄

Calling all foodies! This holiday season, we’re on the hunt for the best recipe in Pittsburgh. Whether it’s Grandma's famous pierogies or your Mom's favorite lasagna, or a new twist on pumpkin pie, we want to see your creations!

How to Enter:

1. Share your recipe and a photo by December 20 and
2. reply to this newsletter.
3. The top 3 recipes will be featured
4. in the next edition!
5. The winner will receive a spotlight/promo page in
6. Small Business Trendsetters Magazine

TIP Of The Week

Interesting Facts

More About The Gallery Crawl 

The Gallery Crawl in downtown Pittsburgh's Cultural District is a free, quarterly arts event showcasing visual and performance arts, including multimedia artist premieres, live music, theater, dance performances, film screenings, and hands-on activities.

The event is open to adults, children, and seniors and takes place in various venues throughout the district.

In addition to the Gallery Crawl, Pittsburgh also hosts other arts events such as Unblurred on Penn Avenue and the Three Rivers Arts Festival in the Cultural District.

More information can be found at TrustArts.org/Crawl.

We Will Never Forget Our Precious Pets! 

Fun Section: Pets Of Pittsburgh

 Do you have a pet with a story? We’d love to feature them!

The Tale of Hope: A Stray Dog's Journey to Joy

Hope was a scrappy, resilient stray dog who lived on the outskirts of a bustling town. With no family of her own, she scavenged for food and sought shelter wherever she could. Her days were tough, but her spirit was unbreakable.

One cold winter evening, a kind-hearted passerby named Emma noticed Hope curled up beneath a park bench. Moved by the dog's gentle eyes and wagging tail despite her struggles, Emma decided to take her in for the night. That simple act of kindness marked the start of a beautiful transformation.

Emma brought Hope to a veterinarian, where she learned that the dog was severely underweight and suffering from a mild infection. With proper care, nutritious food, and lots of love, Hope slowly regained her health. Her once-dull coat became shiny, and her energy was boundless.

But the most inspiring part of Hope’s story is what happened next. Emma, who worked as a counselor at a local school, noticed Hope’s calming effect on children. She decided to train Hope as a therapy dog. Soon, Hope was bringing joy and comfort to kids struggling with anxiety, helping them find their own resilience through her example.

Today, Hope is not only Emma's cherished companion but also a symbol of perseverance and the power of kindness. Her journey from stray to beloved therapy dog reminds us all that even the smallest act of care can create ripples of change.

Special Events This December 

Celebrate the Holiday Season in Pittsburgh this December!

December 2024 is packed with festive cheer and holiday activities across the city. Here’s a highlight you won’t want to miss:

Peoples Gas Holiday Market

Dates: November 22 – December 24, 2024
Location: Market Square, Downtown Pittsburgh

Details: Experience the magic of a European-style holiday market right in the heart of Pittsburgh! Browse unique gifts from local artisans and international vendors in charming wooden chalets, enjoy live music, and soak in the festive decorations.

Open daily with extended hours leading up to Christmas.

Also: 

 Wild Illuminations at the Pittsburgh Zoo

• Dates: November 15, 2024 - January 12, 2025
• Details: A festive light display featuring large lanterns and holiday-themed decorations throughout the zoo

Business Tip of the Week  

The "Trust Tip" of the Week

Positioning vs. Advertising: Why It Matters

Advertising says, “Look at me!”
Positioning says, “This is why you can trust me.”

🛠️ Pro Tip: Want to build lasting trust? Share your expertise through meaningful, credible platforms like interviews, community features, or thought leadership articles.

This is what High5 Pittsburgh helps you do!

Joke Of The Day

Why did the Pittsburgh newspaper go to therapy?

It had too many issues!

New Business Openings

Pittsburgh welcomed its first Shake Shack in the Strip District, and the excitement was off the charts!

Fans lined up out the door for the iconic milkshakes and burgers from the New York-based chain, founded by renowned restaurateur Danny Meyer.

But the buzz doesn’t stop there—Shadyside and East Liberty residents can look forward to their very own Shake Shack in 2025, opening in the highly anticipated Meridian development. 

High5 Shines A Light On Pittsbugh's Exceptional  Businesses and Community Stars

                                This Week's High 5 Goes To:  

For over 35 years, Cooked Goose Catering has been a trusted name in the greater Pittsburgh region and beyond, serving East Ohio and West Virginia with high-quality, homemade foods prepared from scratch. Known for their straightforward philosophy, their owner often sums up their mission with three simple words: “Just good food.”

Cooked Goose is not only loved for its delicious offerings but also for its unwavering commitment to service and quality. They pride themselves on a team of loyal, long-standing employees who embody the company’s dedication to excellence. With over 50,000 satisfied customers, 300+ five-star reviews, and a reputation for upfront pricing and flexible catering options, Cooked Goose has become a go-to choice for catering events big and small as well as for their signature roast beef.

One customer puts it best: “It’s not just the food that’s special—it’s the people behind it.”

Cooked Goose Catering is located on Steubenville Pike in Oakdale, PA.

This Week's Favorite Culinary Delights 

This Week’s Culinary Delights in Pittsburgh

Looking for fun and festive activities this holiday season? Check out these culinary events happening at Flour Power Cooking Studios:

🎄 Christmas Cookie Crew

Who: Kids aged 5 to 12

What: A hands-on class where young chefs can create holiday treats like Christmas Snowflake Cookies, Candy Cane Cookies, and Christmas Tree Pizzas.

Why: Kids will enjoy crafting delicious goodies and take home their creations, making it a memorable family holiday experience!

🍪 Jolly Holiday Fun (For Adults)

What: Learn to make Peppermint Hot Chocolate, Ginger Snap Cookies, Spinach Basil Lasagna, and garlic bread in this cozy class designed to elevate your holiday gatherings.

Why: Perfect for adults looking to share good food and festive vibes with friends and family.

These events are more than just cooking classes—they’re a celebration of community and creativity through the joy of food.

Find more details and reserve your spot below:

👉 Flour Power Cooking Studios Events

https://flourpowerstudios.com/locations/pittsburgh/events/

             We Welcome Your Questions and Insights 

       What role does sustainability play in business strategy?

Sustainability as a Strategic Advantage in Business

In today’s fast-paced world, sustainability has evolved beyond being a "nice-to-have" corporate responsibility. Businesses are recognizing its potential as a strategic advantage that drives innovation, fosters trust, and opens up new market opportunities.

Why Sustainability Matters:
Consumers and clients increasingly prefer companies that align with their values, including environmental stewardship. By adopting sustainable practices, businesses can attract environmentally conscious customers while reducing operational costs, such as energy and waste expenses. For instance, transitioning to renewable energy or optimizing supply chains not only helps the planet but also boosts profitability.

From Initiative to Core Strategy:
Forward-thinking organizations integrate sustainability into their core strategy. This might mean developing eco-friendly products, setting net-zero goals, or partnering with suppliers committed to ethical practices. It's no longer just about compliance; it's about differentiation and leadership in an eco-aware marketplace.

The Innovation Factor:
Sustainability inspires innovation. Companies that embrace it are finding creative solutions to age-old problems—like biodegradable packaging or water-efficient manufacturing techniques. These innovations can revolutionize industries and create competitive advantages.

Your Opportunity:
No matter the size of your business, there are ways to implement sustainable practices. Start small, perhaps by reducing paper use or supporting local green initiatives. These actions not only contribute to the greater good but also resonate with customers and partners who value responsibility.

Incorporating sustainability isn’t just a trend—it’s a smarter way of doing business. By taking steps today, you’re not only protecting the planet but also securing a brighter, more profitable future for your organization.