As FY21 comes to a close June 30, Grow PA applauds those chambers of commerce throughout the Commonwealth who, despite a pandemic that moved everything online, held virtual gatherings to advance issues around economic growth, infrastructure, workforce development, and innovation.

In all, Grow PA held eight virtual gatherings with 11 chambers of commerce and economic development organizations with over 750 business and civic leaders, and elected officials in attendance that touched over 13,000 individuals statewide.

Thank you to the following chambers for their leadership addressing these important economic issues:

  • The Blair County Chamber of Commerce
  • The Chamber of Business and Industry of Centre County
  • The Chamber of Commerce for Greater Philadelphia
  • The Chester County Chamber of Business and Industry
  • The Greater Reading Chamber Alliance
  • The Greater Scranton Chamber of Commerce
  • The Lancaster Chamber
  • The Venango Area Chamber of Commerce
  • The Wyoming County Chamber of Commerce
  • The Greater Wyoming Valley Chamber of Commerce
  • The York County Economic Alliance

As a result of Grow PA’s work in FY20-21, there is an increased focus on regional partnerships between public and private entities to find local solutions to improving internet connectivity. In Harrisburg, numerous state resources are being distributed to address the issue of access in rural areas and digital literacy. In 2020, Governor Tom Wolf signed into law Act 132 that establishes the Unserved High-Speed Broadband Funding Program. The Commonwealth Financing Authority is administering the program and providing grants to eligible applicants who can operate broadband services through wireline or fixed wireless technology. We will continue to champion these issues in FY22.

In addition, Grow PA helped foster better coordination of workforce development programs with business and academia. We saw tremendous support by the Wolf Administration and the General Assembly for additional public resources for workforce development programs and increased partnerships with the private sector.

Expanding upon the work in FY 22, Grow PA will continue its focus on building an innovation agenda in Harrisburg and advancing economic, job and population growth for all Pennsylvanians. Stay tuned…

Thank you!

Grow PA’s important work could not be possible without the leadership and support of Essential Utilities, The Penn State University, Archer, First National Bank, Exelon, and Audubon Land Trust.