Author: Lindsay Andrews

The PA Chamber has helped lead several recent pro-business policy wins, and as a result, Pennsylvania continues to see strong momentum and historic investments. Global employers are now choosing the Commonwealth for major, job-creating projects, benefiting businesses and communities of all sizes.

Last week, PA Chamber President and CEO Luke Bernstein attended Investor Member Johnson & Johnson’s announcement of a more than $1 billion investment in Montgomery County to construct and operate a next‑generation cell therapy manufacturing facility. The new site will expand the company’s U.S. manufacturing capacity while advancing transformational medicines for cancer, immune‑mediated, and neurological diseases.

Beyond its life‑changing medical impact, the project is a major economic win for Pennsylvania. Construction of the facility will support more than 4,000 local jobs. Once fully operational, Johnson & Johnson will employ over 500 highly skilled biomanufacturing professionals, creating long‑term, high-skilled career opportunities and demand throughout the region’s supply chain.

“This announcement builds on recent momentum, including Eli Lilly’s $3.5 billion commitment in the Lehigh Valley, and reinforces that when Pennsylvania advances smart, pro‑growth policies, employers respond with real investment,” Bernstein said at the announcement. “Pro‑growth tax reforms and meaningful permitting improvements are making our state more competitive for large‑scale, transformative projects.”

The PA Chamber’s role in fostering a more competitive business climate was highlighted during last week’s press conference, where Governor Josh Shapiro and Pennsylvania Building and Construction Trades Council President Rob Bair both praised the Chamber’s leadership on policies that are driving Pennsylvania’s economic momentum forward.

“We want to thank Luke Bernstein, who leads our Pennsylvania Chamber … we went from being 48^th in the nation in permitting times to literally now being the national model in permitting times. I appreciate the work the Chamber has done with us on that,” Gov. Shapiro said.

Bair echoed that sentiment, emphasizing how business and labor have come to the table on issues that are making the Commonwealth more competitive.

“I have to give a shoutout to my partner, Luke Bernstein,” Bair said. “Twenty years ago, you did not see the president of the building trades and the president of the PA Chamber having lunch together, working together on economic policy, working together on workforce development…And at the end of the day, when Luke and I sit down…we want a thriving Pennsylvania. We want a good business climate. We want businesses to come here and create good paying careers.”

As we step into a new year filled with opportunity, the PA Chamber is excited to bring our small business community two high-impact events designed to inform, inspire, and strengthen the leaders powering Pennsylvania’s economy.

Sharpen Your Strategy at the 2026 HR Conference

Thursday, March 5, 2026 · 8:00 a.m.–3:30 p.m.
Sheraton Harrisburg-Hershey, Harrisburg, PA

For employers across industries, including small businesses navigating constant workforce change, the PA Chamber’s HR Conference remains the state’s premier gathering for human resources insights and continuing education. This year’s agenda brings together policy setters, workforce innovators, and HR professionals from across the Commonwealth for a day packed with practical learning and real‑world solutions.

An agenda highlight is an exclusive, workforce-focused fireside chat with Pennsylvania Department of Labor & Industry Secretary Nancy Walker, who will share perspectives on statewide workforce needs, regulatory developments, and opportunities for employer engagement.

The full agenda is built to help HR leaders stay ahead of the curve, with the latest policy updates, the hottest HR topics, and the much-loved “mock debate” where our experts offer their take on real workplace challenges.

Registration and full agenda details are available here – and a special thank you to our Exclusive Presenting Sponsor, Duane Morris Institute, for supporting this important day of learning and leadership.

 

Be Inspired at the 2026 Women in Business Conference

Thursday, April 2, 2026
Lancaster Marriott, Lancaster, PA

We’re thrilled to share that Meta President and Vice Chairman Dina Powell McCormick will join us for an exclusive fireside chat during a morning keynote session at the 2026 Women in Business Conference – a much-anticipated day dedicated to connection, empowerment, and professional growth.

Returning to Lancaster, this signature PA Chamber annual event brings together leaders and rising professionals from across Pennsylvania for meaningful conversations, skill-building sessions, and opportunities to connect with peers, brands, and leaders.

This year’s agenda will include dynamic keynotes, exhibition opportunities, and programming for both executives and early-career professionals, featuring sessions such as:

• Breaking Barriers: Strategies for securing board seats.
• From Interns to Executives: Leading high-performing, multigenerational teams.
• Know Your Worth: Elevating your compensation strategy.
• Leading from Anywhere: Strengthening hybrid teams and culture.
• Level Up: Building your best professional portfolio—online and in person.
• …and additional keynote and breakout speakers to be announced soon!

From inspiring stories to actionable insights, this event is designed to help Pennsylvania’s professionals advance their leadership journey—and strengthen their individual skill-sets and the networks that make our Commonwealth’s business community the best there is!

Sponsorship opportunities are still available.
To learn more, contact Oona Burke Johnson at objohnson@pachamber.org.

Our sincere appreciation goes to our Exclusive Platinum Sponsor, WellSpan Health, for your generous, continued support of the PA Chamber Women in Business Conference!

 

Let’s Build Momentum Together

Small businesses are the backbone of Pennsylvania’s economy, and your leadership keeps our communities strong. We hope you’ll join us this spring to learn, connect, and grow with fellow business leaders from across the Commonwealth. These events are more than conferences; they’re opportunities to elevate your expertise, expand your network, and shape the future of Pennsylvania’s workforce and business climate.

We can’t wait to connect in person soon!

 

Pennsylvania is investment central — and in 2026, we’re primed for a bold economic future!

As the Statewide Voice of Business, representing more than 12,000 members of all sizes, across every industry, in all 67 counties, the PA Chamber is driving policies, partnerships, and a pro-growth agenda to make Pennsylvania more competitive. Working alongside elected officials, business leaders, and key stakeholders, we are strengthening the Commonwealth’s economy and expanding opportunities for job creators of all sizes.

Fueled by our membership-driven advocacy agenda, in 2025 the PA Chamber secured major wins for our state’s economic future. As noted on our website, these accomplishments are delivering measurable impacts for employers and positioning Pennsylvania for long-term growth.

Tax Reforms That Make Pennsylvania More Competitive

We continued the long-awaited modernization of Pennsylvania’s tax structure — a top priority for employers.

• The Corporate Net Income Tax is now a competitive 7.49% and on track to fall to 4.99% by 2031.
• In a big win for small businesses, the cap on Net Operating Loss deductions has risen to 50% in 2026, and again to 80% by 2029, giving you more flexibility to grow and invest!
• The PA Chamber also successfully advocated making permanent pro-growth provisions from the 2017 federal Tax Reform law. These provisions in the Big Beautiful Bill Act are making Pennsylvania a more desirable place for small businesses to invest, grow, and thrive.

 

Permitting and Regulatory Reforms That Speed Up Growth

Working with state leaders, we accelerated project permitting and improved predictability for those navigating the regulatory process.

Also last year, we saw the long-debated RGGI cap-and-trade program eliminated, bringing long-needed clarity and helping unlock stalled energy investments.

The result? A more responsive and streamlined regulatory environment that reduces delays and gets projects moving.

 

 

Workforce Solutions for Today’s Employers

Employers across Pennsylvania understand workforce challenges — especially around childcare availability and affordability.

In 2025, we:

• Developed our workforce-centered childcare reform agenda
• Supported initiatives to recruit and retain childcare workers
• Championed policies that help lower-income individuals enter and stay in the workforce

These efforts are aimed at increasing workforce participation and providing more support for working families and the employers who depend on them.

 

Momentum You Can Measure

The impact of these wins is already clear:

• Nation-Leading Business Survival:
  Pennsylvania ranks 3rd in the nation for five-year business survival – 56% of new businesses remain open compared to the 51.6% national average.
• Long-Term Economic Strength:
  Research shows Pennsylvania-founded businesses are more likely to endure, signaling sustainable, long-term growth.
• National Recognition:
  • Moody’s Analytics identified Pennsylvania as the only Northeast state with a growing economy.
  • Site Selection Magazine ranked Pennsylvania 11th in its 2025 Business Climate Rankings — a seven-spot jump powered by permitting reform, site readiness, and strategic investment.

These gains aren’t accidental — they are the direct result of our member-driven advocacy.

Because of the policies we championed, employers statewide have saved more than $33 billion — the equivalent of $5,056 per employee.

The PA Chamber’s record-high membership – 12,000 and growing – reflects our shared vision: a more competitive Commonwealth where businesses thrive and communities prosper.

Join us! Engage with us. Add your voice to the state’s most influential business coalition.

Together, we are shaping Pennsylvania’s economic future — and we’re just getting started.

The final stretch of 2024 is the perfect time to seize unique new opportunities for professional growth and promoting your business – all of which are possible at upcoming PA Chamber events! Our broad array of upcoming events are tailor-made for businesses like yours to network, learn, and maximize your full potential. Check out what’s happening at the PA Chamber!

40^th PA Chamber Annual Dinner

The highlight of the fall season – and the signature event of the year – is our 40th PA Chamber Annual Dinner on Monday, October 7th at the Hershey Lodge. This year, we are thrilled to welcome Serena Williams, a global icon in sports and business, along with discussions led by U.S. Senator Marco Rubio and U.S. Energy Secretary Jennifer M. Granholm about Pennsylvania’s key role in the national economic and political scene as the General Election draws near. Join nearly 1,800 business and governmental leaders for this unforgettable evening of celebrating the legends and leaders we’ve hosted over four decades! Visit www.chamberdinner.com to learn more and register for the biggest night out in Pennsylvania.

Educational Events to Fuel Your Growth

The PA Chamber hosts educational conferences throughout the year, where you and your team members will gain the practical and policy insights necessary to gain a competitive advantage. Still to come in 2024 includes our Environmental Conference on October 24; our reception and dinner with General David Petraeus on November 14; our Post Election Impact Summit on November 15; and our AI Summit on December 10. Whether you’re looking to enhance skills, network, earn educational credits, or prepare for 2025, we have something for every business. Visit our website for the full slate of events throughout the end of the year.

Exclusive Sponsorship Opportunities

Looking to increase your brand visibility? The PA Chamber offers unique sponsorship opportunities that can be designed to fit your marketing needs and spotlight your business. Raise your profile, showcase your services, and align your business with Pennsylvania’s most influential leaders. To learn more, contact Carly Dubetsky at cdubetsky@pachamber.org.

The PA Chamber Member Advantage

Don’t forget! Members of the PA Chamber get discounted registration rates at every event. To learn more about PA Chamber member benefits, visit our website, or contact a member of our dedicated membership team.