On Thursday, January 8, Chamber and CREDC members attended the Policy Pulse Speaker Series featuring Zachary Adams, Executive Director of the Center for Rural Pennsylvania (CRP). The CRP is a bipartisan, bicameral legislative agency that supports rural policy within the Pennsylvania General Assembly. The Center launched in 1987. Today, it works with legislators, educators, state and federal agencies, and organizations of all sizes. Together, these partners help serve Pennsylvania’s nearly 3.4 million rural residents.
Cities such as Harrisburg and Carlisle act as urban anchors for the capital region. However, rural communities surround these population centers. Western Cumberland County, northern Dauphin County, and Perry County make up much of this rural landscape. As a result, these areas play a key role in the regional economy.
During his presentation, Zachary shared data on population change, workforce trends, and economic output in rural Pennsylvania. This information aligns with the Chamber and CREDC’s commitment to being data driven, and the research from the CRP will help guide future strategies and advocacy efforts. Thank you, Zachary, for taking the time to speak with our members.
About the Harrisburg Regional Chamber & CREDC
For 140 years, the Harrisburg Regional Chamber & CREDC has served as the region’s catalyst for economic prosperity. The organization combines business, community, and economic development services to enhance the region’s vitality and livability. The Chamber is a five-star accredited chamber through the U.S. Chamber of Commerce—a distinction held by fewer than 1 percent of chambers nationwide. CREDC is the Certified Economic Development Organization (CEDO) approved by the Commonwealth’s Department of Community and Economic Development to perform economic development activities using Pennsylvania’s funding programs in Cumberland, Dauphin, and Perry counties.
