At the PA Chamber, we believe real progress happens when leaders from every sector—business, education, government, and community—come together with a shared vision for a stronger economic future. And in recent months, we’ve been at the center of those conversations, leading the way in spearheading partnerships that are shaping a stronger, more competitive Commonwealth.
Forging Public-Private Partnerships for Workforce Readiness
This year began with a powerful example of what collaboration can achieve. Through our work with the U.S. Chamber Foundation, the PA Chamber Foundation helped launch Pennsylvania’s first-ever EPIC (Employer Provided Innovation Challenges) Initiative at East Stroudsburg University in partnership with AT&T. This groundbreaking program – which is running through 2025 – connects students with real-world business challenges, giving them hands-on experience while helping employers tap into fresh talent, and is a model for how education and industry can work hand-in-hand to prepare the next generation of workers. If you want to get involved, contact Elizabeth Bolden at ebolden@pachamber.org.
Spotlighting High-Growth Industries
Just a few weeks ago, we hosted our 2nd Annual Aerospace and Aviation Day at the State Capitol, a hugely successful day that brought together industry leaders, students, lawmakers, and educators to explore the immense economic impact and future potential of these sectors in the Commonwealth. With Pennsylvania’s aerospace and aviation industries generating billions in economic output and supporting tens of thousands of jobs, this event was more than a showcase—it was a strategic dialogue about how to keep this momentum going and ensure small businesses are part of the supply chain and innovation ecosystem.
Championing Early Literacy as a Workforce Imperative
Recently, we joined forces with the Southeast Delco School District, the Delaware County Chamber of Commerce, state representatives, and the READ Alliance to celebrate the launch of a powerful early literacy initiative at Sharon Hill School. The READ Alliance pairs young students with high school tutors for one-on-one reading support—boosting literacy and building leadership skills. This initiative aligns with findings from the PA Chamber Foundation’s Keystone Initiative, a long-term strategic blueprint for Pennsylvania which identified early literacy as a critical factor in long-term workforce development and economic competitiveness.
A Statewide Commitment to Collaboration
What ties these initiatives together is our unwavering commitment to working across the aisle, across industries, and across communities, to advocate for a more competitive Pennsylvania. Whether we are helping students prepare for the jobs of tomorrow, supporting small businesses, or addressing skills gaps through research and action, the PA Chamber is here to listen, lead, and convene.
We’re proud to work alongside our local chamber partners and small business members every step of the way. Your insights and experiences are vital to shaping our agenda and ensuring that Pennsylvania remains a place where businesses and communities can thrive.
We want to hear from you.
What challenges are you facing? What opportunities do you see? How can we better support your growth and success?
Contact us and let us know. Let’s keep moving Pennsylvania forward—together.