Tuna might be considered the chicken of the sea, but in Pittsburgh one iconic tuna will be flying high in the sky.
Tonight, the StarKist tuna folks will flip a giant switch to illuminate its brand-new Charlie the Tuna light, adding a distinctly fishy element to the Pittsburgh skyline.
The new 1,400-pound light is simply the latest piece of positive news for this Rust Belt city, which has weathered the prolonged recession better than most — thanks in part to companies like StarKist.
“At StarKist we are committed to Pittsburgh and growing our business in this great city,” Donald J. Binotto, StarKist’s President and CEO, said in a press release. ”This new StarKist light, which features our famous Charlie the Tuna, will shine brightly on Pittsburgh‘s North Shore and it’s a light that will certainly solidify our presence here in Pittsburgh.”
Tuna companies aside, the city also significantly upped its global presence last year when it hosted the G-20 summit, featuring business leaders and heads of state — including President Barack Obama — from the 20 wealthiest nations in the world.
Here’s another reason Pittsburgh unexpectedly rocks.
Earlier this year, Forbes.com ranked the city the most livable metropolis in the country, citing its vibrant arts scene, job prospects, safety, affordability and educational opportunities.
So get yourself to Pittsburgh and steel yourself for an unexpected treat — you don’t even have to like tuna.
Photo by Telstar Logistics via Flickr.