Last Tuesday, the PA Chamber Educational Foundation and the PA Bankers Association hosted the Ninth Annual Economic Forecast and Business Leadership Summit for more than 150 business leaders at the Hershey Country Club.

Pennsylvania Senate President Pro Tempore Jake Corman, R-Centre, provided an overview of the economic challenges currently facing the Commonwealth, including the need to cut the state’s excessively high corporate net income tax rate, which stops businesses from looking to do business in the Commonwealth.

Dr. Lindsey M. Piegza, Managing Director and Chief Economist for Stifel, Nicolaus & Company, Inc., discussed the challenges facing businesses from a national perspective and shared upcoming economic trends that could directly impact the business community. Her remarks focused on the labor market, retail sales, and housing demand.

Retired United States Navy Commander Mary Kelly provided the keynote address on leading during times of uncertainty. Commander Kelly is a United States Naval Academy graduate and spent more than 20 years on active duty, working in intelligence and logistics.

The PA Chamber would like to thank the event sponsors: Exclusive Diamond Sponsor, RKL; Keystone Sponsor, Hershey Entertainment and Resorts; Platinum Breakfast Sponsor, APPI Energy; Platinum Breakfast Sponsor, Orrstown Bank; Gold Sponsor, Capital Blue Cross; and Silver Sponsors, Benecon, Customers Bank, and PA Bankers Services.