President Gina Suydam Attends Chamber Day in Harrisburg

Workforce Development, State Budget Discussed at 2019 Chamber Day
Annual event brings more than 90 state and local chamber professionals to PA Capitol
 
Harrisburg – More than 90 state and local chamber representatives from across the Commonwealth gathered in Harrisburg 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 encourages me to step out of Wyoming County, and know that our rural business issues are heard in Harrisburg.  Senator Lisa Baker & Representative Karen Boback are working for Wyoming County in Harrisburg & were happy to spend sometime with me and the Wyoming County Chamber members in attendance," Gina Suydam stated about the experience.

Wyoming County Chamber Champion investors were offered the opportunity to attend the day; Mike Narcavage of Southwestern Energy, Bill DesRosiers of Cabot Oil & Gas Corporation, and Don Brominski of UGI Utilities joined Suydam in Harrisburg.  Coincidentally, June 4 was also "Milkshake Day" raising awareness for Feeding Pennsylvania and Dairy Month, and the Wyoming County Chamber group was happy to "Fill a Glass with Hope" for the cause!


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.