EM-Media, a full-service advertising and marketing agency, will hold the ribbon cutting ceremony for its new Northside media center on August 31 at 11:30 a.m. at 706 James Street in Old Historic Deutschtown.

The EM Media Center in Pittsburgh has made its home in a building that is as rich in history as it is in character. The versatile structure is over 125-years-old and boasts detailed woodworking that was reclaimed from beautiful properties from around Pittsburgh that had fallen into disrepair. The Media Center will house EM on its top floor with office rental opportunities available for small businesses looking for a place to call home.

Clients, guests and the media will be treated to tours of the new media center with a soul-food inspired lunch by Pittsburgh Catering Company, My Sheree a More.

James Emmerling, president of EM-Media purchased the Pittsburgh property in April and has spent the last 3 months making some needed updates and getting the building ready for business.

Emmerling says that the Pittsburgh Media Center is the next step in EM-Media’s evolution.

“I’m from Pittsburgh and I’ve always planned on coming back. Over the last couple of years, I feel like I’ve fallen in love with the city all over again. EM-Media is ready for this new challenge and expansion. We have the team in place to take what we’ve done well for so many years in the Steubenville-Wheeling market and bring those same skills and standards of excellence home to the Steel City.”

Emmerling also says that putting down roots on the Northside has led to a fast love for the community.

“I have really enjoyed getting to sit down and know so many of the business owners and community leaders over the last few months. I’m hoping that EM is able to bring a fresh, objective set of eyes and be able to add some energy and criticism where it’s warranted. We’re not here just to run a business during business hours. Being a part of the community isn’t an 8 to 5 job. We want to help make a difference and make Deutschtown the next big thing in Pittsburgh.”

The location Emmerling picked could not have been more perfect in matching his business philosophy to the altruistic history left behind by the former owner, Mr. James Allison Rauch.

Rauch’s parents purchased the Wheeler’s Paint business around 1935 – then on West Ohio Street – and lived above the store. He attended St. Peter’s Grade School, graduated a year early from North Catholic High School, enlisted in the Army Air-corps during WWII, and after service went to Duquesne University for a degree in business. Following his father, he soon took over the Wheeler’s Paint business around 1952 and expanded it to East Liberty and other areas in Western Pennsylvania over the years. The store moved to E Ohio St. in the 1960’s and is now the site of Arnold’s Tea, which abuts the new EM Media Center on the corner of James Street.

Many in the community, including some in his own family, found out about the 89-year-old businessman’s quiet, unending generosity throughout the Northside for the first time after his death on June 21, 2015.  From sponsoring a refugee family who spent nine years living in a concentration camp, to dressing up as Santa and delivering gift-wrapped presents from his family to neighboring kids, Rauch “…provided housing, jobs, money, food, gifts, and support. Without making a fuss or telling anyone else what he was doing.”, wrote Anita Betschart, one of four daughters Rauch had with his late wife, Dorothy Susa Rauch. He also volunteered at St. Vincent de Paul through St. Peter’s Church, Meals on Wheels, and contributed to a number charitable causes throughout his life.

In addition to being an established businessman and community volunteer, Rauch also had an impressive and distinguished military service. The decorated veteran a radioman in the Army Air Corps 366th Bomber Squadron with the 305th bombing group in North Africa.  He was awarded a Purple Heart after his plane was shot down during the war; he was the sole survivor from that particular B-17 mission. He retired as a Sergeant and was also awarded a Bronze Star and Distinguished Flying Cross during his service.

Barbara Burns, longtime resident, community activist and owner of Sweet Time Cafe which sits right across from the former Wheeler’s Paint location said of Rauch, “He was a very active, generous man and a good business person to deal with. He and Jack Mueller [of Mueller’s Hardware] were the key leadership to the business district’s development in the late 70s and early 80s. Whenever asked, he [Rauch] wanted to participate and support things because of his broader understanding of what is good for the community- what else can you ask of some one? Good merchants like that are the ones communities want to keep.”

This article is sponsored by EM-Media. EM-Media has been operating for over 20 years and currently has offices in Steubenville, OH and Wheeling, WV in addition to their Pittsburgh location. EM-Media is a marketing and advertising agency specializing in brand strategy, media planning and buying, video production, content creation, and inbound marketing. Their mission is to show up every day to make sure that their clients stand apart and their stories are heard. For more information about EM-Media, and the upcoming open house on Thursday August 31, contact Jim Emmerling at (412) 291-8108.