A message from the Chamber’s President and Chief Executive Officer, Chellie Cameron, to our regional business community as we work together to achieve our Chamber 2028 vision.

Dear Chamber Community,

This week, Governor Shapiro unveiled his Economic Development Strategy – the first for Pennsylvania in nearly two decades.

This strategy serves as a much-needed blueprint for inclusive growth throughout the Greater Philadelphia region and the Commonwealth, creating jobs, spurring innovation, and growing opportunities across the board.

My takeaways from Governor Shapiro’s announcement:

  • This strategy positions Pennsylvania to convert our innovation assets into high-tech, high-paying opportunities. Based on a recent economic impact analysis, we know the creation of at least a $2 billion, ten-year investment program could yield an impact of up to $40 billion and generate as many as 75,000 jobs within Pennsylvania’s advanced industries.
  • Life sciences will continue to play a major role in Pennsylvania’s innovation economy as one of the key industries identified in the strategy. This is great news for our region, which leads in the life sciences industry and specialized subsectors, including cell and gene therapy.
  • The strategy emphasizes four additional high-growth, high-value sectors where Pennsylvania currently holds a competitive advantage and can expect significant potential for growth in the next ten years: agriculture, energy, manufacturing and robotics, and technology.

I’ll be in Harrisburg this week as Governor Shapiro delivers his budget address and shares more about how he’ll put this strategy into motion. I’m optimistic that we will see significant investments in the initial implementation of this ten-year strategy.

This plan has the potential to put Pennsylvania business back on the map by prioritizing economic development. Together with our members, the Chamber stands ready to work alongside the Shapiro Administration and the Pennsylvania General Assembly to strengthen our region’s competitive position in the global economy.

In Service,

Chellie

Chellie Cameron
President and Chief Executive Officer,
The Chamber of Commerce for Greater Philadelphia