Photo by Alyse Horn
Rick Sebak plays the beginning of his documentary “Northside Story” before talking about his favorite Northside history.

By Alyse Horn

On Wednesday, July 27 the Northside Northshore Chamber of Commerce held it’s annual Business Awards Luncheon at Rivers Casino. Nominees for each category were selected by a committee and the winners were voted on by the members of the NS/NSCCC.

Most Visible Professional
Cindy Richey, Treasure House Fashion

Chamber Community Champion- Non-Profit
National Aviary

Chamber Community Champion- Large Business
PNC Bank

Chamber Community Champion- Small Business
Krown Employment

Brightest Technology Star
Smart Solutions

Favorite Restaurant
Bistro To Go

Rick Sebak, WQED Pittsburgh Filmmaker and creator of “Northside Story” was the Master of Ceremonies for the event, and Former Mayor of the City Tom Murphy was a special guest speaker.

Murphy, who has lived on the Northside for 43 years, discussed the history of his time as mayor and the changes that were going on within the City at the time (specifically the Northside).

“Change is tough, and the Northside more than any other place in Pittsburgh has changed so much,” Murphy said.

He applauded the strides made to make the Northside a more appealing place to live than it was 25 years ago, with the installation of Washington’s Landing and the riverfront parks and trails, as well as Heinz Field and PNC Park. He also said there are still a lot of neighborhoods in the Northside that “are not doing well, and generations of kids are not enjoying the benefits of the city.”

“You’re the ones who will drive that story,” Murphy said. “Good luck to you, my heart is here.”