By Lindsay Andrews
2025 was a historic year for Pennsylvania’s business community—and for the PA Chamber. From advocacy victories that are making our state more competitive to transformative investments and events that are attracting the next generation of inspired workers, we are working tirelessly to make Pennsylvania the best state to live, work, and grow a business. It’s a fact: There’s never been a better time to be a PA Chamber member!
As we close out the year, here are 12 reasons why being a PA Chamber member matters now more than ever – and why 2026 promises even more.
1. Advocacy That Delivers
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- The 2025-26 recently-enacted state budget contained several big pro-business wins, including tax reforms that continue the Corporate Net Income Tax phase-down and improvements to the treatment of Net Operating Losses; along with long-awaited and expanded permitting reforms that are reducing barriers to growth and creating a pro-business environment. These are just a few of the reasons why we’re celebrating our advocacy leadership alongside pro-business stakeholders and lawmakers who champion our mission.
2. Historic Investments in Pennsylvania
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- Pennsylvania has the assets to lead the nation in economic opportunity. From a thriving and diverse energy industry, robust infrastructure, an ideal location, world-class educational and healthcare institutions, and a dedicated workforce, Pennsylvania possesses innate characteristics that other states envy. It’s a primary reason why $90 billion was invested in Pennsylvania’s energy and infrastructure this year alone, positioning the Commonwealth as a hub for AI, data centers, and tech innovation.
3. Educational Events That Empower
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- The PA Chamber’s tried-and-true educational programs like the Annual HR Conference and Energy & Environmental Conference continue to set the standard for the updates, insights, and networking you need to stay informed and connected. New forums, including our Aerospace & Aviation Day, Engineering Summit, AI Summit, and Healthcare Summit, are bringing together public and private leaders to define opportunities and solve big challenges.
4. The PA Chamber Foundation: Raising the Bar
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- 2025 brought major advancements in civics education and internship advancements, as the PA Chamber Foundation expanded engagement with young leaders in the National Civics Bee Pennsylvania State Finals. As focus turns to America250 and Pennsylvania’s important role in our nation’s founding, the 2026 Civics Bee will be a historic celebration of civic engagement, Pennsylvania’s pivotal place in history, and what the future holds for our democracy.
5. Workforce Development That Works for Everyone
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- PA Chamber Foundation-led programs, like EPIC and the Greatest Places to Intern in PA, connect employers with student talent, highlight the importance of work-based learning and internship programs, and help address critical skills gaps. Additionally, our team developed a multi-pronged childcare policy agenda to stabilize the childcare crisis and provide workforce solutions, which will help businesses attract and retain talent. Read more.
6. Celebrating PA Business Success Stories
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- Through our member-centric blog, The Current, our robust social media presence – check us out on TikTok! – and contests like the “Coolest Thing Made in PA” and this year’s inaugural “Small Business of the Year Awards,” we’re spotlighting the innovation and impact of businesses across the Commonwealth.
7. Signature Events that Shine
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- Our annual Signature Events bring in world-renowned speakers with powerful messages about resilience, empowerment, and business leadership. Legendary speakers including Bradley Cooper, Serena Williams, Caitlin Clark, and
Shaquille O’Neal have all graced the stages at events including the Women in Business Conference (the PA Chamber’s newest Signature Event that continues to grow by leaps and bounds) and our crown jewel, the Annual PA Chamber Dinner. View the full slate of our 2026 Signature Events and take advantage of these premier opportunities to network, get your business in front of the right audiences, and enjoy a dynamic and unforgettable program.
8. Open Lines of Communication
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- From the moment you join the PA Chamber to your engagements with our team and 12,000+ members, there’s no shortage of opportunities to connect and leverage the power of the Statewide Voice of Business. Get your questions answered and your comments heard year-round and know that your experiences and insights make a difference.
9. A Seat at the Table
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- Our 11 member-driven policy councils are robust, diverse, and informative, helping drive our legislative priorities and agenda forward – and ensuring that you’ll always have a seat at the table. You can learn more about these offerings and their impact at our upcoming Policy Summit in February.
10. National Recognition as a Leading Chamber
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- The PA Chamber is Accredited with Distinction by the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, its highest level of recognition of the leadership and promotion of pro-growth practices across communities throughout the Commonwealth. Several of our team members are also raising the bar this year. Government Affairs Manager Aaron Riggleman is a member of the U.S. Chamber Foundation’s Business Leads Fellowship Program, and External Relations Director Gina Suydam earned the Certified Chamber Executive designation from the Association of Chamber of Commerce Executives – leadership in action!
11. Benefits to Meet Every Business Need and Budget
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- PA Chamber Insurance offers a robust suite of speciality benefits – dental, vision, life, disability, and more – that can be bundled with your medical plans or offered à la carte. Meet with a dedicated member of the PCI team today to learn how they can craft an individualised plan that suits your business, your people, and your budget.
12. Relentless Representation of our 12,000 Member Businesses!
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- After a year of solid growth, we’re officially – and for the first time in PA Chamber history – at the 12,000-member-strong mark! Thank you for your support of our programs and our mission, which proves that our strength lies in the diversity and unity of business leaders across Pennsylvania.
As we look toward 2026, we invite you to stay engaged, share your insights, and join us in the mission to shape a stronger Pennsylvania!
Your membership is more than a connection—it’s a commitment to progress. Learn more about how you can add your voice to the 12,000-strong who are proud members of the PA Chamber.
Lindsay Andrews is director of member communications with the PA Chamber.