More than 90 state and local chamber representatives from across the Commonwealth gathered in Harrisburg today for the 2019 Chamber Day at the State Capitol. The annual event is co-hosted by the PA Chamber of Business and Industry and the Pennsylvania Association of Chamber Professionals during one of the busiest times of the year in the Capitol, as state elected officials work to finalize the 2019-20 budget. The event provides a forum for constructive dialogue between local chamber officers and policymakers on key issues important to the state’s business community and the best ways to improve the Commonwealth’s business climate.
“Chamber Day is not only a day to receive legislative updates and briefings from PA House and Senate leadership, but it’s a day to connect with business and industry leaders across the Commonwealth,” explains Taylour Trostle, Government Relations Manager of the Harrisburg Regional Chamber. “It provides the platform to advocate for issues pertinent to our members such as workforce development, economic growth, talent retention and regulatory reform.”
The program featured several panel discussions focusing on a wide range of topics, including workforce development; transportation and infrastructure in the Commonwealth; and community revitalization. Welcoming remarks were provided by Senate President Pro Tempore Joseph Scarnati, R-Jefferson, and Speaker of the House Mike Turzai, R-Allegheny. Attendees received an update on the status of state budget negotiations from the Appropriations Committee Chairs from each legislative chamber: Senate Majority Chair Pat Browne, R-Lehigh, and Minority Chair Vince Hughes, D-Philadelphia; and House Majority Chair Stan Saylor, R-York, and House Minority Chair Matt Bradford, D-Montgomery. State Treasurer Joe Torsella delivered the keynote luncheon address.
In addition to the PA Chamber and the PACP, the 2019 Chamber Day at the Capitol was sponsored by the following organizations: Beaver County Chamber, Bedford County Chamber, Blair County Chamber, Central PA Chamber, Chester County Chamber, Fayette Chamber of Commerce, Greater Reading Chamber Alliance, Greater West Chester Chamber, Lancaster Chamber, Lebanon Valley Chamber, Main Line Chamber, Schuylkill Chamber, Western Chester County Chamber, Westmoreland Chamber, and Wyoming County Chamber.
ABOUT HARRISBURG REGIONAL CHAMBER & CREDC
Harrisburg Regional Chamber & CREDC serves as a catalyst for promoting growth and quality of life in Cumberland, Dauphin and Perry Counties through bold leadership, visionary members and powerful results. The organization provides a unique blend of business, community/economic development and advocacy services under one roof to boost the economic vitality and livability across our region. The Chamber & CREDC has been accredited with five stars from the United States Chamber of Commerce—a distinction achieved by only 2 percent of chambers across the nation.
