New in Pittsburgh's Little Italy:

West Penn Allegheny Health System officials announced today that Edward M. Klaman has been named president and chief executive officer of The Western Pennsylvania Hospital.

A veteran healthcare executive in the western Pennsylvania region, Mr. Klaman has served in a number of previous high-level administrative roles for West Penn Allegheny, including executive vice president and chief hospital officer at West Penn Hospital from 2002 until April of 2007 and vice president of Network Development for WPAHS before then.

Prior to joining West Penn Allegheny, Mr. Klaman served as chief executive officer for Citizens General Hospital in New Kensington, PA, where he was instrumental in the formation of Alle-Kiski Medical Center. His background also includes serving as executive vice president for the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center and executive vice president of operations at Shadyside Health, Education and Research Corporation.

Mr. Klaman earned a master’s degree in healthcare administration from George Washington University and is a charter member of the Circle of Excellence—the highest honor given by National Medical Enterprises to recognize achievements of chief executive officers in the industry.

The Bloomfield Business Association will be celebrating it’s sixth annual Little Italy Days Festival on September 28th, 29th and 30th, 2007.

Bloomfield businesses can take to the streets during the festival when over 20,000 people from three states will be our guests. The festival has free admission and activities for both young and old. There will be 10 musical and dance groups performing on the Main Stage at Liberty and Cedarville, along with strolling musicians throughout the weekend. Other activities include a pasta and pizza eating contest, an Italian Mass and Procession and chances to win many prizes, including a trip to Las Vegas.

Produced by the Bloomfield Business Association, this event helps to nurture Bloomfield’s Little Italy identity and in 2004 won the Mainstreets Pittsburgh “Special Events Award”.

Up to date info at www.shoppingbloomfield.com.

Visit the BBA booth at Cedarville and Liberty for Las Vegas and other raffle tickets, plus “Little Italy” information.