2008 Archives

Regional Chambers Take Issues to the Nation's Capital; Hear, firsthand, about Bailout Plan

Regional Chambers Take Issues to the Nation's Capital; Hear, firsthand, about Bailout Plan

 HARRISBURG (SEPTEMBER 29, 2008)  --  Representatives of the Harrisburg Regional Chamber & CREDC, the Lancaster Chamber of Commerce & Industry, and the York County Chamber of Commerce visited Washington D.C. on Thursday, September 25th.  During their visit, they met with United States Representatives Tim Holden (D-Dauphin, Lebanon, Schuylkill), Joseph Pitts (R-Berks, Chester, Lancaster), and Todd Platts (R-Adams, Cumberland, York); United States Senators Arlen Specter and members of Bob Casey Jr.'s staff; and the United States Chamber's staff.

"It was a very interesting day to be in Washington," said David Black President & CEO of the Harrisburg Regional Chamber & CREDC. "There was certainly a lot of activity with discussion of the Economic Bail Out package, as well as end of fiscal year activity to pass a continuing resolution.  The electorate was clearly speaking to members of both the Senate and House with their concerns about the vote taking place this week.  It was a great experience to be there on a day with so many issues in play and so much input being received from the voters. Clearly we saw what our founding fathers had in mind - that lawmaking is not an easy, nor a necessarily pretty, process particularly in the challenging economic times we face today."

The purpose of the visit to Washington was to share national issues impacting South Central Pennsylvania with our United States Congressmen and Representatives, have a chance to develop a relationship with each legislator and their staff and promote positive regionalism through the collaborative effort put forth by the three regional Chambers.

During the course of the visit, the chambers advocated for transportation needs and infrastructure, health care and energy.  The chamber also had a rare opportunity to hear firsthand information, regarding the current banking/credit crisis, as well as the prospects of the proposed $700 billion bailout plan.

The Harrisburg Regional Chamber & CREDC serves as a catalyst for promoting growth and quality of life in Cumberland, Dauphin and Perry Counties by providing a unique blend of business, community and economic development and advocacy services under one roof to boost our economic vitality and livability as a region. HRC/CREDC has been accredited with four stars from the United States Chamber of Commerce.