FTC Non-Compete Ban: What Every Business Needs to Know – Webinar EVENT DESCRIPTION On April 23, 2024, the Federal Trade Commission voted to ban most forms of noncompete agreements from employment contracts nationwide with retroactive effect – a decision with major implications for the business community.Join us for a FREE webinar with Erin J. McLaughlin, Shareholder and Member of Buchanan Ingersoll & Rooney’s Labor & Employment Group, who will discuss what this ruling means for businesses and steps you can take to protect your trade secrets and employees; and Sean Heather, Senior Vice President of International Regulatory Affairs & Antitrust at the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, who will provide insight into the U.S. Chamber’s lawsuit to block the FTC’s rule. Time & PlaceTuesday, May 14, 202410:30 a.m. – 11:45 a.m.Virtual Platform: Zoom Price: FREE REGISTRATION: Register Now + Featured SpeakersErin J. McLaughlin, a member of the firm’s Labor & Employment Group, handles complex employment matters and provides strategic, day-to-day guidance to employers on their personnel matters. Erin helps her clients in numerous industries with employment litigation, litigation avoidance, effective employee training, and positive employee relations. Throughout her career, Erin has been selected for inclusion in The Best Lawyers in America® consistently since 2016 under the Employment Law – Management in Litigation – Labor and Employment categories and recognized by Chambers USA as an up-and-coming Labor & Employment lawyer in Pennsylvania in 2023.Erin works with clients in the technology services, higher education, oil and gas, telecommunications, hospitality, healthcare, pharmaceutical sales, construction, transportation, sports, retail, manufacturing, gaming and entertainment, financial services, retail, and nonprofit industries. In addition to her private sector clients, Erin works with universities, local authorities, municipalities, and public schools.Erin is a frequent lecturer on various employment topics at conferences across the country, such as the Pennsylvania Society for Human Resource Management’s Annual State Conference, and is a contributing author to well-regarded publications such as the Pennsylvania Employment Law Deskbook. Sean Heather is senior vice president for International Regulatory Affairs and Antitrust at the U.S. Chamber of Commerce. He leads the Chamber’s Center for Global Regulatory Cooperation (GRC), which seeks to align trade, regulatory, and competition policy in support of open and competitive markets, and oversees the organization’s antitrust policy on behalf of its members.On the international level, Heather directs policy related to data governance, cross-border data flows, artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, and other emerging regulatory frameworks related to the digital transformation of the economy. His efforts focus on advancing sound regulatory practices as the foundation of better regulation and cooperation across jurisdictions. In addition, he is responsible for policy related to foreign direct investment and investment screening.Heather has made significant contributions to update trade disciplines that address issues ranging from digital trade and regulatory cooperation to competition policy and state-owned enterprises.Heather has held a variety of positions during his long career at the Chamber. He served in the Congressional and Public Affairs Division and was head of the Chamber’s regional office in Chicago.Before joining the Chamber, Heather worked for the Illinois comptroller and with several political campaigns across the state. He holds an undergraduate degree and an M.B.A. from the University of Illinois. presented in partnership with
2024 Women in Business Conference Attendee Information Friday, April 12, 2024Lancaster Marriott at Penn Square(Registration, Networking, and Continental Breakfast begin at 8:30 a.m.; Program begins at 9:30 a.m.)ADDRESS: Lancaster Marriott at Penn Square25 South Queen StreetLancaster, PAWHERE TO PARK:Parking is available at the Penn Square Garage beside the hotel. Additional parking is located at the East King Street Garage.DIRECTIONSHotel entrances can be found on Queen Street and through the Penn Square Garage. The conference is on the Third Floor. You can access this by using the elevators in the lobby across from Starbucks, or by taking the elevators at the bottom of the steps from the Penn Square Garage to the Third Floor.WHEN YOU ARRIVE:Registration begins at 8:30 a.m. in the Heritage Ballroom lobby. Stop at the registration table to pick up your name badge upon your arrival. FULL CONFERENCE AGENDATo access the conference agenda, click here.WHERE DO I SIT?Seating is open unless otherwise noted.WHEN WILL BREAKFAST AND LUNCH BE SERVED? Continental Breakfast – 8:30 a.m. – 9:30 a.m.Lunch – 11:45 a.m. – 12:45 p.m. BREAKOUT SESSION LOCATIONS:Heritage Ballroom – Empowering Inclusion: Women Breaking Barriers (and all other sessions)Hickory Room – We All Have The Same 24 Hours as BeyoncePROFESSIONAL HEADSHOTS:8:30 a.m. – 2 p.m.We invite you to sit for a complimentary, professional headshot taken by the talented Elaine Gates. Please note: Headshots are available on a first come, first served basis. **Be sure to look for an email from us post event with a link from the photographer that will include all the headshots that were taken.BRING YOUR BRA:Feel Your Boobies Foundation will be accepting gently donated bras on behalf of the Foundation’s signature fundraising event, “Bras Across the Bridge.” The annual event celebrates breast cancer survivors, brings awareness to breast health, and raises money to support the Foundation – and you can learn more about it here! We appreciate your support! Thank You to Our Sponsors Exclusive Platinum Co-Sponsors Gold Sponsor Wellness Break Sponsor professional Development SponsorS Breakfast & Lunch SponsorS Gift Sponsor Audio Visual & Entertainment Sponsor WiFi Sponsor
2024 Coolest Thing Made in PA Launch Party EVENT DESCRIPTION The PA Chamber’s “Coolest Thing Made in PA” contest celebrates Pennsylvania’s dominance in manufacturing the most well-known and loved products in the world. This year’s contest is going bigger than ever before, and you’re invited to help us kick it off in grand style at a launch party! The “Coolest Thing Made in PA” Bracket Launch Party will be held from 5 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. on Monday, March 18, at the Sportsbook within the Hollywood Casino in Grantville, PA. Enjoy food and beverage, network with the PA Chamber team, PA Chamber members, and many of the contestants who will compete in this year’s contest. We will publicly unveil our bracket with the 64 participant companies and products crossing all industries across every region of the Commonwealth! If you’re unfamiliar with the “Coolest Thing Made in PA” contest, last year’s inaugural competition took the state by storm, amassing more than 30,000 votes and generating one million social media impressions. You can read more about the contest here and check out a promotional video for this year’s contest here. In addition to doubling the field, this year’s contest will allow public voting on the PA Chamber’s X and Instagram pages. SPACE IS LIMITED! RSVP no later than noon on Monday, March 18. We can’t wait to see you there! Time & Place Monday, March 18, 20245:00 p.m. – 6:30 p.m. The Sportsbook at Hollywood Casino at Penn National Race Course777 Hollywood BlvdGrantville, PA 17028 Price: FREE REGISTRATION: Register Now + Hosted By
Healthy Kids, Affordable Coverage: FREE Children’s Insurance Webinar with Aetna EVENT DESCRIPTION The Children’s Health Insurance Program(CHIP) is a Federal program administered by each state to help provide health insurance for uninsured kids and teens including the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. Angela Kritzer from Aetna Better Health Kids, a CHIP Managed Care organization in Pennsylvania will help the audience understand more about CHIP coverage and explain how and why more children may qualify than you previously thought. The CHIP program provides low-cost or no-cost health coverage to children of families who may not have health coverage through an employer or who may not qualify for Medicaid. The range of eligible children who qualify for CHIP may surprise you. The CHIP coverage is delivered by a series of Managed Care Organizations like Aetna Better Health Kids across the Commonwealth. Time & PlaceWednesday, March 27, 202411:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.Virtual Platform: Zoom Price: FREE REGISTRATION: Register Now + Program Highlights Why health insurance coverage is important for children and how easy it is to access even if a child has pre existing conditions.We will explore how a working family’s income may not prevent them from getting coverage for their children and if there is a waiting list to get covered.Attendees will have access to resources that will help educate on the quality Healthcare regardless of their socioeconomic status.How having CHIP coverage can help children stay healthy with covered regular preventive care and covered vaccinations.Following the speaker’s presentation, Angie Kritzer will engage in a moderated Q&A session. This program is a free Member Sponsored Webinar and is open to Pennsylvania’s business community. The PA Chamber thanks Aetna Better Health Kids for their partnership. ABOUT THE SPEAKER Angie Kritzer is the Lead Director of Community Engagement for Aetna Better Health Kids. She specializes in collaborating with community organizations to deliver their missions to a broader audience. Her passion for making a positive impact in the lives of others drives her creativity in developing and funding pilot programs with targeted initiatives. Angela inspires her statewide team to follow this business model to create meaningful and authentic partnerships, which increases the impact Aetna Better Health Kids in affecting positive change in their communities. Ms. Kritzer takes pride in working with others on social determinants of health, team culture, and personal/professional development. Continuing Education Credits Certification GroupType of CreditsNo. Of Credits Human Resource Certification InstituteSPHR/PHR/GPHR Recertification Hours1SHRM Preferred ProviderSHRM-CP ™ / SHRM-SCP ™ PDC's1 PRESENTED IN PARTNERSHIP WITH
2024 Economic Forecast & Business Leadership Summit Attendee Information DATE/TIMEThursday, February 22, 202412:00 – 5:00 p.m. Registration, networking & lunch begins at noon, opening remarks begin at 1:00 p.m.5:00 – 6:00 p.m. Reception honoring Gene Barr, CPBJ Icon Honors Award Recipient. **All are invited to attend.LOCATIONSheraton Harrisburg Hershey Hotel4650 Lindle Road Harrisburg, PA 17111Directions can be found here.AGENDATo access the conference agenda, click here.PARKINGConference parking is in the back lot. Take the stairs or the elevator to the lobby level.REGISTRATIONRegistration will begin at noon in the conference lobby. You will receive your name badge and be able to pick up continuing education credits if applicable.LUNCHLunch will be set up in the Commonwealth Ballroom at 12:00 p.m. Menu: Antipasto Italian SaladFresh Mozzarella & Roma Tomato Salad Garlic Green BeansGarlic Parmesan BreadsticksPasta Primavera, Stuffed Shells, Grilled Chicken MarsalaCannoli and Chocolate CakeWI-FIWi-Fi: MariottBonvoy No Password neededCONTINUING EDUCATIONAs an attendee, you are invited to participate in the program and are eligible for Continuing Education credits. Detailed information is below for your convenience:CLE Credits: 3 This program has been approved by the PA Continuing Legal Education Board for 3 hours of substantive law, practice and procedure CLE credits and 0 hours of ethics, professionalism or substance abuseCLE credit. CPE Credits: 3 Program Sponsor PX177225 Prerequisites: None Level: Management Objective: To provide practical information on how companies can better prepare and manage costs by understanding lead economic forecast indicators. THANK YOU TO OUR SPONSORS Exclusive Platinum Sponsor Bronze Sponsors WIFI Sponsor
PA Chamber Healthcare Summit EVENT DESCRIPTION Healthcare is a leading priority for business leaders who want to ensure workforce retention and that their employees can perform at their best both physically and mentally. However, ongoing concerns about high costs, a pro-plaintiff legal climate, and rising medical malpractice claims create uncertainty. Our Healthcare Summit is designed to address your concerns and provide information about today’s healthcare-related topics! Join us for this great day of learning and discussions with lawmakers, healthcare professionals, pharmaceutical manufacturers, and more. SPONSORSHIP Click here for more information about sponsorship opportunities for the PA Chamber Healthcare Summit. If you have any questions please contact PA Chamber Events and Engagement Executive Jennifer O’Donnell at jodonnell@pachamber.org or 717.720.5557. AGENDAClick here to view full agenda. Time & Place Wednesday, May 22, 20248:00 a.m. – 3:30 p.m. Hilton Harrisburg One N. 2nd StreetHarrisburg, PA 17101 Price: Members: $250Non-members: $325 REGISTRATION: Register Now + Featured Keynotes Valerie A. Arkoosh, MD, MPH, was appointed to lead the Pennsylvania Department of Human Services by Governor Josh Shapiro on January 17, 2023. She completed the nomination process and took office as Secretary on June 29, 2023.Prior to this role, Secretary Arkoosh served on the Montgomery County Board of Commissioners since January 2015, when she was appointed to fill a vacancy on the Commission. Arkoosh won election to a full four-year term in November 2015 and served as Commission Vice Chair until her election as Commission Chair in November 2016. She was the first woman ever to serve in this role. Arkoosh was re-elected in November 2019 and unanimously chosen by her colleagues to again serve as Chair in January 2020. Montgomery County is the third most populous county in Pennsylvania with over 856,000 residents. The three-member Board of Commissioners oversees a budget of more than $500 million and directs more than 2,800 employees charged with administering and overseeing county functions, including human services. Kevin Stevens graduated from Silver Lake Regional High School in Kingston, MA where he captained the hockey, football and baseball teams. Kevin was invited to try out for both the Toronto Blue Jays and the Philadelphia Phillies. He admitted he “couldn’t hit the curve ball”, so he decided to pursue hockey.Kevin received a full hockey scholarship to Boston College where he was a two-time All American and captain of the BC Eagles team. In 1983, he was drafted by the Los Angeles Kings, and his rights would be traded to the Pittsburgh Penguins shortly thereafter. With big dreams of making it to the NHL, Kevin smartly elected to finish his degree at BC in the event he “may have to get a real job”. Kevin graduated from BC in 1987.From there Kevin represented the U.S. National Hockey Team at the 1987 World Championships and was a member of the 1988 US Hockey Team at the Winter Olympics in Calgary, Canada.He then went on to play for the Pittsburgh Penguins where he became one of the top left wingers and power forwards in the National Hockey League.In Game 3 of the Prince of Wales Conference final versus Boston Bruins, May 21, 1993, Kevin became only the 25th player in NHL history to score 3 goals in a single period. He had a hat trick in the first period and would go on to score another goal before the end of the game. Penguins swept the Bruins in that series and subsequently swept the Chicago Blackhawks to win their 2nd straight Stanley Cup. One year later, on May 14th, 1993, the Penguins were playing the NY Islanders in game 7 of the Patrick Division Finals. Early in the first period, Kevin skated hard and checked Islanders defenseman Rich Pilon, but hit Pilon’s visor with so much force that it knocked Kevin unconscious. Kevin landed face first on the ice; having been knocked out, he was unable to soften the blow when he landed. Kevin shattered most of the bones in his face and required extensive reconstructive surgery. Doctors cut an incision below his hairline from ear to ear, which was later closed with over 140 stitches, peeled back his skin and reassembled the bones in Kevin’s face with the use of 9 metal plates.This is where the real journey begins… Program highlights Navigating Medical Malpractice: Insights into Pennsylvania’s Legal LandscapeChad Goebel, Shareholder and Co-Chair, Healthcare Litigation, Saxton & StumpMary Ellen Nepps, Senior Counsel, University of Pennsylvania, Office of General CounselRobin Snyder, Director, Health Care Department, Marshall DennehyCurt Schroder – Moderator, Executive Director, Pennsylvania Coalition for Civil Justice ReformInnovations in Pharmaceuticals: Navigating Trends, Challenges, and OpportunitiesJulian Ritchey, Head, Sanofi US Vaccines Public Affairs and Patient Advocacy, SanofiElyse Munoz, Director, Research and Insights, Thought Leadership, IQVIACharise Richard, Sr. Director, State Policy, PhRMANeal Lesher – Moderator, Director of Government Affairs, PA Chamber of Business and IndustryHarnessing AI for Transformative HealthcareDawei Liu, Global AI Lead, Olympus Corporation of the AmericasDr. Morgan Jeffries, Neurohospitalist & Associate Medical Director for AI, Geisinger Health SystemKaren Odash, Associate, Fisher & Phillips, LLPSeon Rockwell, Managing Director Health Transformation Leader, DeloitteNeal Lesher – Moderator, Director of Government Affairs, PA Chamber of Business and IndustryEmpowering Tomorrow’s Healthcare Workforce: Strategies for Talent Development and Innovation Laurie Badzek, Dean and Professor, Ross and Carol Nese College of Nursing at Penn StateNicole Stallings, President and CEO, Hospital & Healthsystem Association of PennsylvaniaHeather Major, Executive Director, Independence Blue Cross FoundationLauren Holubec, Sr. Vice President, Business and Workforce Development, Emerge EducationPerspectives on Behavioral Health: Advancing Equity, Access, and ResilienceJames Kinville, Senior Director, EAP, WorkpartnersAndrew Stocker, Mid-Atlantic Vice President, Regional & Small Business Solutions, MetLifeDr. Kenneth Rogers, Vice President and Chief Medical Officer of Behavioral Health, WellspanDr. Anil Singh SVP, Executive Medical Director, Population and Curated Health, Highmark HealthAlex Halper – Moderator, Sr. Vice President, Government Affairs, PA Chamber of Business and IndustryClick here to view the agenda Thank You to Our Sponsors Exclusive Platinum Sponsor GOLD SPONSOR Breakfast & Lunch Sponsor SILVER SPONSOR Bronze Sponsors Break Sponsor WiFi Sponsor
Chamber Member Mixer – Central EVENT DESCRIPTION Our Chamber Member Mixer Series invites you to network with the PA Chamber team and other business leaders, and enjoy food, beverages and a short program. The Central PA event will take place on Wednesday, February 21, 2024 at Tröegs Independent Brewing in Hershey, PA.Please note there is a limit of 2 registrations per company. SPONSORSHIP Sponsorship opportunities for these free to attend signature events are also available, and every sponsorship includes invitations to bring non-PA Chamber member guests. To inquire, contact Jennifer O’Donnell at jodonnell@pachamber.org or 717.720.5557. Time & PlaceWednesday, February 21, 20245:00 p.m. – 6:30 p.m.Tröegs Independent Brewing200 Hersheypark DrHershey, PA 17033 Price: FREE Members Only REGISTRATION: Register Now + Hosted By
2024 Women in Business Conference DESCRIPTIONBusiness professionals from across Pennsylvania will gather for a full day of networking, sharing ideas, and conversations about how to empower women in the workplace and harness your individual strengths to achieve your professional and personal goals. Men and women at all stages of their careers are encouraged to join us for our highly anticipated Women in Business Conference! SPONSORSHIP OPPORTUNITIES Click here for information and pricing regarding sponsorship opportunities at the 2024 Women in Business Conference will be available soon. For further information or questions, please contact PA Chamber Events and Engagement Executive Jennifer O’Donnell at jodonnell@pachamber.org or 717.720.5557. AgendaClick here to view the full agenda. Time & PlaceFriday, April 12, 20248:30 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.Lancaster Marriott at Penn Square25 S. Queen StreetLancaster, PA 17603Click here to book your hotel for the Women in Business Conference Price: Member $250Non Member $325 REGISTRATION: Register Now + FEATURED SPEAKERS Program Highlights Navigating Your Career With Purpose and PassionLeigh Hurst, Founder of Feel Your Boobies We all have the same 24 Hours as BeyoncéGladys Brown Dutrieuille, Of Counsel, Stevens & LeeCynthia Figueroa, President & CEO, JEVS Human ServicesAna Meyers, Regional Vice President, Commonwealth Charter AcademyMegan Martin — Moderator, Vice President and General Counsel, PA Chamber of Business and Industry Empowering Inclusion: Women Breaking Barriers:Armenta E. Hinton, Ph.D., Vice President, HACC, Central Pennsylvania’s Community CollegeTiffany Tavarez, Senior Vice President, Wells FargoKelli Walsh, Chief People Officer, D&H DistributingCarolyn Lerew — Moderator, Director, Human Resources, PA Chamber of Business and Industry Circle of SuccessBetsy Hamm, CEO, Duck Donuts Building Your Personal Brand Laura Emanuel, Managing Director, Red Thread PR by Brownstein GroupStephanie Shirley, Strategic Communications Specialist, Bennis Public RelationsLeslie Ferraro, Vice President and Chief Marketing Officer, Hershey Entertainment and ResortsLindsay Andrews — Moderator, Director of Communications, PA Chamber of Business and Industry Taking Care of YOU — Self-care Strategies and Resilience in the WorkplaceAnita Nall-Richesson, Olympian, Certified Holistic Nutrition Educator & Life Coach, & Wellness Expert Thank You to Our Sponsors Exclusive Platinum Co-Sponsors Gold Sponsor Wellness Break Sponsor professional Development SponsorS Breakfast & Lunch SponsorS Gift Sponsor Audio Visual & Entertainment Sponsor WiFi Sponsor
2024 Annual Human Resources Conference EVENT DESCRIPTIONCalling all Pennsylvania HR professionals! Save the Date for the PA Chamber’s popular, information-packed Annual Human Resources Conference on Thursday, March 21, 2024. This year’s conference will be held from 8 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. at Best Western Premier The Central Hotel and Conference Center in Harrisburg, PA. The event will feature updates from state and federal experts on the latest HR laws; discussions on leading HR topics that you can apply to your day-to-day operations; the ability to network with colleagues and meet with exhibitors; and the chance to earn continuing education credits along the way! SponsorshipClick here for more information about sponsorship opportunities for the 2024 Annual Human Resources Conference, please contact PA Chamber Events and Engagement Executive Jennifer O’Donnell at jodonnell@pachamber.org or 717.720.5557. AgendaClick here to view the full agenda. Time & PlaceThursday, March 21, 20248:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.Best Western PremierThe Central Hotel & Conference Center800 E Park DriveHarrisburg, PA 17111 Price: Members: $250Non-Members: $325 REGISTRATION: Register Now + Featured Speakers Click here to view the full agenda. Program HighlightsFederal and State Legislative UpdateAlex Halper, PA Chamber of Business and Industry Jonathan Segal, Duane Morris InstituteYour True North — Balancing Personal Well-Being with Organizational Needs Stephanie Doliveira, SheetzAI Strategies at Work, The Impact on Leadership Rick Grimaldi, Fisher Phillips David Walton, Fisher PhillipsMedical and Recreational Marijuana — Understanding the Legal LandscapeJohn McCreary, Babst Calland Joseph Romano Esq., Burns White Attorneys at LawExpanding The Workforce Pool — Thinking Outside of The Box Shea Zwerver, Flagger Force Andrea Heberlein, PA Early Investment CommissionRyan Palm, Mercyhurst UniversityLabor Law in 2024: The Wave Comes Ashore Glenn Spencer, U.S. Chamber of Commerce CONTINUING EDUCATION CREDITS CERTIFICATION GROUPTYPE OF CREDITSNO. OF Credits Pennsylvania State Board of AccountancyCPEs(PX177225) - Group Study4.5Continuing Legal Education BoardCLEs4.5Human Resource Certification InstituteSPHR/PHR/GPHR Recertification Hours4.5SHRM Preferred ProviderSHRM-CP ™ / SHRM-SCP ™ PDC's4.5 Thank You to Our Sponsors Exclusive Platinum Sponsor Gold Sponsor Breakfast & Lunch Sponsor Silver Sponsors Bronze Sponsor
2024 Economic Forecast & Business Leadership Summit DESCRIPTIONBack by popular demand! Learn about the current and future outlook for Pennsylvania and the nation’s economies, and business leadership lessons that will help your company thrive despite today’s challenges, at this valuable half-day event that is being co-hosted by the PA Chamber Foundation and the PA Bankers Association. We invite you to stay at the conclusion of this event to celebrate past PA Chamber President Gene Barr for having earned the Central Penn Business Journal’s “Icon Honors” award for his success and leadership while at the helm of the PA Chamber. SPONSORSHIP OPPORTUNITIES Click here for information and pricing regarding sponsorship opportunities at the 2024 Economic Forecast & Business Leadership Summit. If you have any questions, please contact PA Chamber Events and Engagement Executive Jennifer O’Donnell at jodonnell@pachamber.org or 717.720.5557. AgendaClick here to view the full agenda. Time & Place Thursday, February 22, 202412:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m.Sheraton Harrisburg Hershey Hotel4650 Lindle Rd, Harrisburg, PA 17110 HOTEL INFORMATION Click here to book your group rate for 2024 Annual Economic Forecast Summit.Group rate: $159/night, available until 1/21/24. Price: INDIVIDUAL: $250tABLE: $2,000 REGISTRATION: Purchase Individual Tickets + Purchase Tables + Featured Speakers Dave DeFazio, Partner at StrategyCorpsArmed with a passion for banking strategy, StrategyCorps partner Dave DeFazio has found great success and satisfaction in exploring the intersection of data, marketing, and technology.At StrategyCorps, DeFazio leads and manages the company’s direct sales efforts while working directly with financial institutions to design, build, and implement various checking solutions. His extensive financial services experience and continuous research in the field help him ensure that each product and service meets the needs of today’s financial institutions.Across the industry, DeFazio is a highly sought-after speaker who has shared thought leadership with banking and business professionals on innovations in financial technology, retail banking, mobile banking, customer engagement, product and customer profitability, product design, and bank marketing. His enlightening presentation will guide you through the current “fintech revolution,” and offer valuable insights and actionable strategies to help you navigate changing consumer behaviors in an increasingly mobile-centric world.DeFazio graduated from Ohio Wesleyan University with a B.A. in Economics and Mathematics. Matthew Knittel, Director at PA Independent Fiscal OfficeFormerly employed as a financial economist by the U.S. Department of Treasury and an economist by the Michigan Department of Treasury. Matthew Knittel holds an M.A. and Ph.D. in Economics from Michigan State University, and a bachelor’s degree in Economics from Hope College in Holland, Michigan. Knittel has taught courses at Johns Hopkins, Temple, and Penn State Universities and published several articles in the National Tax Journal, the NBER, and the U.S. Treasury’s Office of Tax Analysis working paper series. Rob Engstrom, Chief Political Strategist at the American Bankers AssociationRob Engstrom is Chief Political Strategist at the American Bankers Association. He has been a chief strategist to some of the nation’s leading trade associations and corporations, spearheading strategic advocacy and political engagement operations.Engstrom is the Founder and CEO of Wolfe Street Partners, a full-service strategic advocacy firm that advises trade associations, corporations, and state and local chambers of commerce. Previously, Engstrom served in various capacities at the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, where he led the group’s national political, grassroots, and election-related activities and was the Chamber’s chief liaison to more than 2,000 state and local chambers and trade associations. He also served as Senior Vice President of Political and State Affairs for the U.S. Chamber Institute for Legal Reform, where he directed all state-level voter education, grassroots, coalition building, and advocacy efforts.Before that, Engstrom worked for the Republican National Committee and on Speaker Gingrich’s campaign; and was recognized by Campaigns & Elections magazine as one of the “Top 50 Influencers” in the 2014 election. He lives with his wife, Celina, and their two young children in Alexandria, VA. Neil Bradley, Executive Vice President, Chief Policy Officer, and Head of Strategic Advocacy at the U.S. Chamber of CommerceAs Executive Vice President, Chief Policy Officer, and Head of Strategic Advocacy at the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, Neil Bradley is responsible for the organization’s overall advocacy efforts. In addition to managing policy development for the Chamber, Bradley oversees its government affairs activities, political program, and relations with other business organizations.At the Chamber, Bradley has led the national discussion on hundreds of high-profile policy issues, influencing legislation at the federal, state, and local levels. He frequently appears on broadcast and cable news networks to present the business community’s priorities.Prior to joining the Chamber, Bradley spent nearly 20 years working in the House of Representatives, including 11 years working for the House Republican leadership, where he oversaw policy formulation and coordinated committee activity in the House. After leaving Capitol Hill, Bradley founded Chartwell Policy Solutions LLC, a research, analysis, and advisory firm focused on public policy issues.He has been recognized by several publications as among the most influential and effective policy staffers and lobbyists in Washington, D.C. and serves on numerous boards focusing on public policy and free enterprise. A graduate of Georgetown University, Bradley resides in Chevy Chase, MD, with his wife, Kiki, and their son, Peter. Russell Mills, Senior Principal and the Senior Regional Officer of the Federal Reserve Bank of ClevelandRussell Mills is a Senior Principal and the Senior Regional Officer of the Federal Reserve Bank of Cleveland’s Pittsburgh Branch. He is responsible for managing relationships with regional stakeholders, monitoring the region’s economic environment, and speaking to regional audiences on national and regional economic conditions. Additionally, he participates in briefings that support the Bank president’s role on the Federal Open Market Committee (FOMC). He also manages the Bank’s relationships with the Pittsburgh Branch’s board of directors and business advisory councils in southwest Pennsylvania, northwest Pennsylvania, and northwest Ohio. Dr. Mills joined the Federal Reserve Bank of Cleveland in 2023. Before taking on his current role, he oversaw the Center for Regional Development at Bowling Green State University, leading a team in economic, community, and workforce development projects across 31 counties in northwestern Ohio. Prior to his time at the center, Dr. Mills was an Associate Professor of Political Science at BGSU and a Policy Analyst at the Federal Aviation Administration in Washington D.C. He holds a B.A. in Political Science from Westminster College, an M.P.A. from the University of Vermont, and a Ph.D. in Political Science from Kent State University. Allison Coccia, Director of Political Engagement, PA Chamber of Business and IndustryAllison Coccia serves as the PA Chamber’s Director of Political Engagement on the Government Affairs team. She helped lead efforts for the recent state tax reform package that included a historic reduction of the corporate net income tax rate, and is responsible for the management of ChamberPAC, and the political arm of the PA Chamber. Previously Allison worked for five years as the Director of Government Relations for the Pennsylvania Association of Community Bankers; served as Regional Political Director for the Republican National Committee, National Finance Director and Director of the Young Guns program at the National Republican Congressional Committee for former House Republican Majority Leader Eric Cantor; executive director for two state political parties, and managed or advised numerous political campaigns from Presidential and Federal through State and Local levels, including eleven Pennsylvania State House races . Reception – Honoring Gene barrCPBJ Icon Honors Award Recipient The PA Chamber Foundation is pleased to announce a reception immediately following the 2024 Economic Forecast and Business Leadership Summit in honor of former PA Chamber President and CEO Gene Barr. The reception will honor Barr for having earned the Central Penn Business Journal’s “Icon Honors” award for his success and leadership while at the helm of the PA Chamber.We invite all attendees to stay for the reception congratulating Gene, whose development and execution of the annual Economic Forecast and Business Leadership Summit was among his many accomplishments! THANK YOU TO OUR SPONSORS Exclusive Platinum Sponsor Bronze Sponsors WIFI Sponsor