PITTSBURGH -- President Barack Obama will host the next G-20 summit at the David L. Lawrence Convention Center in downtown Pittsburgh, where he and other world leaders will gather to discuss major global economic issues.
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Watch Bob Mayo's Report From Downtown Photo Slideshow: World Leaders, Protests At G-20 SummitObama had suggested Pittsburgh as a venue for the upcoming Sept. 24-25 forum at the end of the most recent G-20 in London last month, spokesman Robert Gibbs said.
The announcement of Pittsburgh as the host city drew some chuckles from the White House press corps Thursday in Washington, D.C.
"We got a little murmur there?" Gibbs asked, with a smile. "There's a Terrible Towel back there somewhere," as he pointed toward the group of reporters.
Video: Pittsburgh Pick Draws Laughter From White House Reporters"Any doubts that Pittsburgh is a world class city with a bright future should be erased by this choice," said a statement from Gov. Ed Rendell, who pointed out that the White House was impressed by the city's commitment to new and green technology and the convention center is the world's largest to be certified LEED Gold by the U.S. Green Building Council.
One reason Pittsburgh was chosen to host the G-20 is that Obama would like to highlight the city's continuing financial recovery, Gibbs said.
"I think it's an area that has seen its share of economic woes in the past, but, because of foresight and investment, is now giving birth to renewed industries that are creating the jobs of the future," Gibbs said.
Also, the United States was convenient because many world leaders will already be there in September for a meeting of the U.N. General Assembly in New York.
Joe McGrath, president of the Greater Pittsburgh Convention and Visitors Bureau, estimated the potential economic impact at "something north of $8 million" associated with the G-20 coming to Pittsburgh.
What Is The G-20?
G-20 -- the Group of 20 Finance Ministers and Central Bank Governors -- was established in 1999 "to bring together systemically important industrialized and developing economies to discuss key issues in the global economy," according to its Web site, G20.org.
Countries from all over the world -- including the U.S., Canada, China, France, Germany, India, South Korea, Saudi Arabia and Russia -- are involved in the G-20 summit.
The gathering typically attracts a variety of protestors from around the world. In April, London saw mostly peaceful protests about economic policy, the banking system and bankers' bonuses, climate change concerns and the war on terror.
Photo Slideshow: World Leaders, Protests At G-20 SummitDuring the last G-20, a peaceful protest dubbed "Financial Fools' Day" was held April 1 by the Pittsburgh Organizing Group, a local anarchist group. Members and supporters gathered in Market Square before marching around downtown, stopping at several banks and government offices.
More Info: What IS G-20?
Pittsburgh Leaders React
Mayor Luke Ravenstahl was out sick and Allegheny County Chief Executive Dan Onorato was not in town Thursday.
"It's really incredible news for the city and the region -- an opportunity to share our tale with the world, as well as make sure there is an economic impact in Pittsburgh," said Ravenstahl's chief of staff, Yarone Zober.
"It's a testament to what's happened in Pittsburgh, the kind of product that we produce and the confidence level that the White House and others have in our hosting events," said McGrath.
Ravenstahl's and Onorato's offices released a joint written statement that said a host committee of local organizations and businesses will be formed and a government Web site with all relevant information about the G-20 will be created.
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