Member News Roundup – Oct. 5, 2026 PA Chamber members are leading the way across Pennsylvania, creating jobs, investing in their communities, and driving innovation. Each week, we are proud to spotlight some of the latest news and accomplishments from businesses across our membership. Healthcare Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP) has welcomed Dr. Joe Mitchell as its new president and chief executive officer, succeeding longtime CEO Madeline Bell, who retired after nearly 40 years of service to the organization. A nationally recognized healthcare leader with more than 20 years of experience in pediatric healthcare, strategy and organizational leadership, Mitchell joined CHOP as president in 2025 and has spent the past 18 months preparing for the transition. CHOP said Mitchell will help lead the institution’s continued focus on advancing research, expanding access to care and improving outcomes for children and families. Read more from NBC 10 Philadelphia West Virginia University Medicine has completed a deal to affiliate with five new hospitals. On Thursday, the health system welcomed Butler Memorial Hospital, Clarion Hospital, Frick Hospital, Latrobe Hospital and Westmorland Hospital. The deal also includes the affiliated physician practices and outpatient facilities for the hospitals. Over the next five years, WVU Medicine has committed $800 million to modernize the hospitals, with two of the priorities being Butler Memorial Hospital’s emergency room and Westmoreland Hospital’s campus. Read more from the Pittsburgh Business Times. UPMC has officially completed its affiliation with Trinity Health System, the Steubenville, Ohio-based hospital network, from CommonSpirit Health. This adds a new state, Ohio, to UPMC’s system. “We are proud to officially welcome the Trinity team to UPMC. We look forward to a bright future focused on serving communities of the Ohio Valley with both innovation and compassion, advancing care close to home, and improving the health and well-being of every patient who turns to us,” said Leslie Davis, president and CEO of UPMC, in a statement. Read more from the Pittsburgh Business Times. Pharmaceuticals Cencora has appointed Robert Sanchez, former chair and chief executive officer of Ryder System Inc., to its board of directors as an independent director. Sanchez brings extensive leadership experience in logistics, supply chain management and corporate strategy after leading Ryder and overseeing the company’s growth and transformation. Cencora leaders said his expertise will help support the company’s pharmaceutical-focused strategy and long-term growth objectives as it continues to advance its role in the global healthcare supply chain. Read more from Pennsylvania Business Report Manufacturing Wabtec has signed an approximately $254 million agreement with Brazilian rail freight operator MRS Logística for new Evolution Series locomotives, spare parts and maintenance services. Wabtec said its Evolution Series locomotives are designed to improve productivity while lowering fuel consumption and greenhouse gas emissions. Company leaders said the agreement reflects the strength of Wabtec’s longstanding partnership with MRS and supports efforts to advance more efficient and sustainable rail transportation in Brazil. Read more from Pennsylvania Business Report Professional Services McNees has launched Ryepeck Ventures, a new management and commercialization consultancy designed to help organizations transform innovative ideas into commercially successful businesses. The new subsidiary will provide commercialization support, management consulting and fractional executive leadership services to entrepreneurs, innovators and growing companies. Geoffrey White, an attorney in McNees’ Intellectual Property Group, will serve as president, while experienced business leader and consultant Walt Vester will serve as executive vice president. Read more from the Central Penn Business Journal Business Development The African American Chamber of Commerce of Western Pennsylvania has named Holly Douglas, vice president of Cosmos Technologies, as the new chairwoman of its board of directors. Douglas will work alongside chamber leadership and the board to advance the organization’s mission of supporting small and minority-owned businesses and expanding economic opportunity throughout Western Pennsylvania. Chamber leaders said her appointment comes as the organization continues to grow its programs, partnerships and resources for entrepreneurs and business owners across the Pittsburgh region. Transportation & Infrastructure Allegheny County Airport Authority announced that Pittsburgh International Airport will receive $11.02 million in Federal Aviation Administration funding to support runway and airfield improvements. The funding includes upgrades to pavement and lighting on runway 10L/28R, helping enhance the airport’s infrastructure and operational reliability. The award follows additional federal support for air traffic control modernization initiatives at PIT, including new technology and data systems designed to improve the safety, efficiency and management of air travel. Read more from the Pittsburgh Business Times Education The University of Pittsburgh has received a $1.8 million grant from the John Templeton Foundation to support a three-year research initiative examining how communities can respond to declining trust in public institutions and strengthen effective governance. Led by the university’s Center for Governance and Markets, the project will support new research, policy briefs, case studies, educational resources and mentorship opportunities for early-career scholars. University leaders said the initiative aims to advance understanding of public governance while helping prepare the next generation of researchers and practitioners focused on civic leadership and institutional trust. Read more from the Pittsburgh Business Times Carnegie Mellon University will open an innovative campus in Miami after a $3 billion donation from hedge fund CEO Kenneth Griffin, whose nationally historic gift will also aim to bolster CMU’s flagship Pittsburgh campus. Two-thirds of the gift, announced Wednesday morning, will go toward the Miami campus. Slated to open in just two years, the campus will pioneer a new higher education model that is centered around societal challenges rather than academic majors. The remaining $1 billion will support the Pittsburgh campus, and will include a $500 million investment in the School of Computer Science. That money will also be used to recruit talent to the Pittsburgh campus, expand access and affordability for students, and invest in research. Read more from the Pittsburgh Business Times Energy Pennsylvanians for Reliable and Affordable Energy executive Director Terry Fitzpatrick is making the case that modernizing Pennsylvania’s energy infrastructure is the key to unlocking reliable and affordable energy. In a new op-ed published in PennLive, Fitzpatrick cites his experience as former chairman of the Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission and a recent survey indicating that electricity demand is projected to rise nearly 20 percent by 2034. Yet much of Pennsylvania’s high-voltage transmission network is 40 to 70 years old, built for a smaller, less electrified economy. Fitzpatrick argues that Pennsylvania has debated infrastructure long enough, and it’s time to act on the broad consensus that a modern economy requires modern energy infrastructure Read more in PennLive.
Regional Roundtables Explore Benefits of Data Center Development As interest in data center development continues to grow across Pennsylvania, the Pennsylvania Energy and Innovation Institute recently brought together industry, legal, workforce, and utility leaders for a pair of regional discussions focused on the opportunities and challenges associated with attracting these projects. The Institute hosted data center roundtables last week in Montgomery and Lycoming counties, continuing its statewide effort to educate local leaders and stakeholders about the economic, workforce, and infrastructure considerations that accompany large-scale technology investments. At a roundtable in Bala Cynwyd, the Institute partnered with Manko, Gold, Katcher & Fox to examine what local communities should understand before a data center proposal reaches the planning stage. The discussion focused on land-use and zoning considerations, the legal and regulatory approval process, and the factors developers evaluate when selecting potential sites. In Williamsport, the Institute’s Lycoming County Data Center Roundtable explored another critical aspect of data center growth: the workforce, educational, and infrastructure resources needed to support new projects. The panel connected the full lifecycle of data center development, from research and workforce training to construction and utility service. Participants included Vasant Honavar of Penn State; Mike Reed of Pennsylvania College of Technology; Jim Beamer of IBEW; Jim Rodgers of Woolpert; and Shelby Linton-Keddie of PPL Corporation. The events are part of a broader education initiative led by the Institute to help local officials, business leaders, and community stakeholders better understand the role data centers can play in Pennsylvania’s economy and the policy considerations associated with attracting investment. Since its launch, the Institute has hosted more than 30 data center education events across the Commonwealth. Those efforts have included roundtables in every region of the Commonwealth, as well as bus tours that brought Pennsylvania elected officials and economic development stakeholders to operating data center campuses in Virginia and Ohio. The Institute has also distributed thousands of educational toolkits statewide.
General Fund Revenue Surges, CNI Collections Lead Gains Pennsylvania’s General Fund collections are running $529.3 million, or 4.9 percent, above estimate through the first three months of the 2026-27 fiscal year, with strong Corporate Net Income (CNI) tax collections driving much of the September gain. The Commonwealth collected $4.8 billion in General Fund revenue in September, $550.8 million above estimate. Corporate tax revenue accounted for nearly all of that difference, totaling $1.2 billion for the month, $466.9 million above estimate. Year to date, corporate tax collections total $1.4 billion, which is $462.1 million, or 46.8 percent, above estimate. Revenue Secretary Pat Browne said Pennsylvania’s ongoing CNI tax cuts are helping drive the stronger-than-expected collections. “Corporate Net Income Tax collections were very strong in September and are the main reason why we are over estimate for the month. Based on our preliminary analysis, there are a few factors driving these results — strong corporate profits, the probable positive effects of recent Corporate Net Income rate reductions, and the impact of rescinded federal tariffs on corporations’ taxable income,” Browne said. The figures come as Pennsylvania continues its phased reduction of the CNI rate, which fell to 7.49 percent at the start of this year and is scheduled to reach 4.99 percent by 2031. The PA Chamber was a driving force in advocating for the bipartisan reform, enacted in 2022, and has long championed corporate tax reduction as a way to improve Pennsylvania’s business climate while strengthening the Commonwealth’s economy and tax base. Other major revenue sources also came in above estimate, according to the Revenue Department. Year-to-date sales tax collections are $42.4 million above estimate, while personal income tax collections are $53.6 million above estimate.
The Biggest Night Out in Pennsylvania Is Tonight! The stage is set for the 42nd PA Chamber Annual Dinner tonight at the Hershey Lodge. This annual event brings together business, civic, and government leaders from across Pennsylvania for the Commonwealth’s biggest business event of the year. This year’s program features a lineup that spans entertainment, entrepreneurship, and the national economy. Philadelphia native Kevin Hart will headline the evening, bringing his perspective as a global entertainment star and entrepreneur whose career has taken him from Philadelphia to the top of the entertainment and business worlds. Pennsylvania native Bret Michaels will also take the stage for a conversation covering his Pennsylvania roots, music, branding, entrepreneurship, sports, philanthropy, and the experiences that shaped his career. From growing up in Mechanicsburg to becoming the frontman of the multi-platinum selling rock band Poison and building a career spanning music, television, and business, Michaels brings a distinctly Pennsylvania success story to the program. Additionally, U.S. Secretary of the Treasury Scott Bessent will conclude the evening with a fireside chat on issues that matter to employers across the Commonwealth, including economic growth, workforce development, competitiveness, and the global forces shaping the future of American business. The “Biggest Night Out in Pennsylvania” will celebrate success, entrepreneurship, and Pennsylvania pride with a memorable program fitting of the PA Chamber’s top signature event! Thank you to the businesses and organizations whose sponsorship and support make the Annual Dinner possible. You can view the full list of sponsors here.
Last Week in the Legislature As lawmakers returned to Harrisburg last week, several proposals affecting Pennsylvania employers advanced through the legislative process. From utility regulation and AI governance to workplace mandates, health care transparency, and data center development, the measures highlighted ongoing debates over Pennsylvania’s business climate, regulatory environment, and competitiveness. Here’s a recap of last week’s legislative action most relevant to employers: Amending Public Utility Commission Standards (H.B. 2184) The House of Representatives voted 150-53 to pass House Bill 2184 last Tuesday. This legislation would require the Public Utility Commission (PUC) to explicitly consider “public interest” in their proceedings and decisions. This legislation is unnecessary, as PUC practice and approval processes already emphasize the concept of “public interest.” The proposal is also detrimental as it would complicate PUC proceedings by forcing it to expand the factors it required to consider beyond the scope of its intended purpose. We opposed this legislation, which now goes over to the Senate. AI Companions (H.B. 2006) The House voted 133-70 to pass House Bill 2006 last Monday. This legislation would establish a new regulatory framework for AI companions, imposing requirements related to disclosures, age verification, and content controls. The bill would authorize enforcement by the Pennsylvania Attorney General and expose companies to significant civil penalties for violations. Businesses agree that AI systems should be age-appropriate, safe, and transparent. Unfortunately, House Bill 2006 goes much further in its regulations than comparable laws adopted in other states. The legislation’s broad requirements, ambiguous standards, and excessive penalties would add to the growing patchwork of state AI regulations, creating compliance uncertainty and potentially discouraging adoption of AI technologies in Pennsylvania. We opposed this legislation, which now goes over to the Senate. Prison Industry Enhancement Authority (H.B. 2154) The House voted 116-87 to pass House Bill 2154 last Monday. This legislation would establish the Prison Industry Enhancement Authority to facilitate joint ventures between correctional facilities and private industry. This legislation has potential to benefit both incarcerated individuals and employers. However, we have expressed concerns with several aspects of the bill including the employment status of participating individuals and liability on employers. We urged lawmakers to hold consideration of the bill while stakeholders develop compromise language. It now goes to the Senate. Data Center NDA Ban (S.B. 1408) The Senate Communications and Technology Committee voted 11-0 to advance Senate Bill 1408 last Tuesday. This legislation bans the use of NDAs between data center developers and potential host municipalities. Developers frequently depend on confidentiality while evaluating potential sites, negotiating infrastructure needs, and assessing project feasibility, and the use of nondisclosure agreements during these preliminary discussions is a common and widely accepted practice in economic development projects. Restricting the use of NDAs may discourage companies from engaging with local governments until later in the process or could lead some projects to be directed toward states that provide greater flexibility for confidential business negotiations. We opposed this legislation (CLICK HERE for our memo), which now moves to the full Senate. Flexible Use of County Bridge Funding (H.B. 2437) The Senate Transportation Committee voted 14-0 to advance House Bill 2437 last Wednesday. This legislation allows counties to reinvest unused dollars from completed Marcellus Legacy Fund bridge projects into other eligible bridge needs within the county. Under current law, these funds are restricted to a narrow category of at-risk deteriorated bridges, which can leave remaining balances unused once those specific projects are complete. This legislation enables counties to apply overage dollars more broadly across bridge maintenance and repair needs, consistent with federal and state requirements. Providing counties with this flexibility supports more efficient project delivery and helps maintain critical transportation infrastructure across the Commonwealth. We supported this legislation, which now moves to the full Senate. Workplace Regulations (H.B. 2135) The House Labor and Industry Committee voted 14-12 to advance House Bill 2135 last Tuesday. This legislation imposes new workplace requirements on employers regarding an employee or respective employee’s condition related to pregnancy, childbirth, and menopause. This legislation duplicates and effectively circumvents existing federal and state workplace protections including under the Pregnant Workers Fairness Act, the Pregnancy Discrimination Act, the Providing Urgent Maternal Protections for Nursing Mothers Act, the Americans with Disabilities Act, and the Pennsylvania Human Relations Act. Legislation that is similar in purpose to existing law but different in application and detail can complicate compliance for employers. We urged lawmakers to hold consideration of this bill. It now moves to the full House. Removing PHC4 Sunset Provision (H.B. 2702) The House Health Committee voted 24-2 to advance House Bill 2702 last Tuesday. This legislation would remove the sunset provision for the Pennsylvania Health Care Cost Containment Council (PHC4). PHC4 empowers Pennsylvanians through transparency, providing access to data, research, analysis, and reporting focused on the cost, utilization, and quality of health care delivery in the Commonwealth. It was founded 40 years ago with the backing of the business community and labor. Having to seek reauthorization every couple years has at times created uncertainty and reduces PHC4’s ability to focus on their mission. We supported this legislation (CLICK HERE for our memo), which now moves to the full House.
Pennsylvania is ‘on the offense’ as major investments reshape state’s economy Pennsylvania is seeing a wave of major private-sector investments, and PA Chamber President and CEO Luke Bernstein says recent improvements to the state’s business climate are helping put Pennsylvania in a position to compete for them. In an interview published last week in the Philadelphia Business Journal, Bernstein pointed to the state’s phased reduction of the Corporate Net Income Tax and bipartisan efforts to streamline permitting as factors helping Pennsylvania attract and retain major employers. “When you look at the calls we’re getting now from companies considering Pennsylvania, it’s finally an opportunity for Pennsylvania to be on the offense and land some of these big projects,” Bernstein said. The results are increasingly visible across the state. Since 2023, Pennsylvania has attracted $43 billion in private-sector investment, including major projects involving Chobani, Eli Lilly, Johnson & Johnson, Burlington Stores, Urban Outfitters, and many others. Southeastern Pennsylvania has been a major beneficiary. Burlington most recently announced plans to relocate its headquarters to Philadelphia with a $370 million investment expected to create 2,000 jobs over five years. Additionally, Urban Outfitters is investing $150 million to expand its Navy Yard headquarters and create 450 jobs, while Chobani plans a $1.2 billion manufacturing facility in the Lehigh Valley. The PA Chamber has worked with state and local officials, economic development organizations, and business leaders to help advance these projects, including by making the business case for Pennsylvania and advocating for a more competitive tax and regulatory environment. The impact of these investments extends beyond individual projects, he said. Chobani’s investment, for example, will support Pennsylvania’s water infrastructure and dairy industry, while Johnson & Johnson’s planned cell therapy facility could strengthen the state’s broader life sciences and higher education ecosystem. “Those things have led to big wins,” Bernstein said. Bernstein also pointed to southeastern Pennsylvania’s concentration of research institutions, life sciences companies, and health care systems as an opportunity to build on the region’s momentum, particularly by turning university research into new companies and commercial products. The continued growth of Pennsylvania’s economy will depend on maintaining that momentum, Bernstein said, including continued progress on taxes, permitting, and the broader business climate. Read the full Philadelphia Business Journal interview with Luke Bernstein.
Lawmakers return to Harrisburg with a short fall runway Pennsylvania lawmakers return to Harrisburg today after a 10-week recess with a limited window to move legislation before the Nov. 3 election and the scheduled Nov. 30 end of the two-year session. Data centers, energy policy, and skill games will be among the key issues to watch. More than a dozen legislative committees are scheduled to meet this week. The House has scheduled most of the committee work so far, while the Senate schedule could expand. The House and Senate currently have nine session days scheduled between Monday and the Nov. 3 election, with additional session days planned afterward. Post-election session days typically focus on legislative caucus organization and preparation for the coming year; however, a so-called “lame-duck” session with substantive votes is possible as well. Either way, the calendar leaves lawmakers little time to advance legislation, particularly before the election, when all 203 House seats and half of the Senate seats will be on the ballot. Skill games face impending deadline Skill games could become one of the first major tests of the fall session. A Commonwealth Court ruling this summer concluded that skill games are unlawful and set an Oct. 13 deadline for the General Assembly to act, presumably on legislation to legalize, regulate, and tax the gaming terminals found in thousands of restaurants, bars, private clubs, and other establishments throughout the Commonwealth. With only a handful of session days scheduled before that deadline, lawmakers have questioned whether there is enough time to reach an agreement. Two House lawmakers recently circulated co-sponsorship memoranda for proposals that would instead extend the deadline six months to April 13, 2027, while maintaining the status of skill games in the interim. The issue has also drawn attention from the Pennsylvania State Police, which recently told owners of skill-game machines to remove them by Oct. 14 or face prosecution in accordance with the state Supreme Court decision. Data centers and energy Data center development may be another key business issue as lawmakers return. The House Consumer Protection, Technology, and Utilities Committee is scheduled to meet on Tuesday to consider legislation that would prevent data centers from being treated as public utilities, as well as a separate measure regarding utility rate increases. The House Energy Committee is scheduled to consider legislation on Wednesday that would require data center projects to submit grid interconnection applications. The proposals come as Pennsylvania weighs how to accommodate billions of dollars in potential data center and technology investment while addressing electricity demand, grid capacity, and costs. Other committee activity this week will cover AI, health care, workforce issues, and higher education. With the two-year session winding down, bills that have already passed one chamber and are moving through the other generally have the clearest path to final passage. The coming weeks will show which issues can gain traction before the election and which will be left for the final post-election session dates.
NEXT WEEK: PA Chamber Annual Dinner and Government Affairs Roundtable Next week will bring two PA Chamber signature events, offering members opportunities to hear from influential voices in business, entertainment, and public policy. The week begins with the PA Chamber Annual Dinner on Oct. 5 at the Hershey Lodge, where more than 1,500 business leaders, elected officials, and community stakeholders from across the Commonwealth will gather for Pennsylvania’s premier business event. The evening will feature networking, celebration of the Chamber’s accomplishments, and a special fireside chat with Philadelphia native and internationally acclaimed entertainer, comedian, producer, and entrepreneur Kevin Hart. The following morning, PA Chamber Investor Members can continue the conversation at the fall Government Affairs Roundtable on Oct. 6 at the Hershey Lodge. The session, which will also be available virtually, will run from 9:00 to 11:00 AM, with registration and networking beginning at 8:30 AM. Akbar Hossain, secretary of policy and planning for the Shapiro administration, will open the program with an update from the governor’s office, including the administration’s priorities and key issues affecting Pennsylvania’s business climate. Sen. Scott Martin (R-Lancaster), chairman of the Senate Appropriations Committee, will provide a look back at this year’s budget negotiations and discuss what the final agreement means for employers and job creators. He will also offer his perspective on the policy challenges and opportunities facing Pennsylvania in 2027. The PA Chamber’s Government Affairs team will provide additional updates on the final weeks of the 2025-26 legislative session, the Chamber’s advocacy priorities, and the issues expected to shape the next legislative session. The discussion will also address election-year dynamics, giving business leaders an opportunity to hear directly from policymakers and ask questions about issues affecting their companies. ANNUAL DINNER REGISTRATION: Email Christina Kelly at ckelly@pachamber.org for corporate tables and sponsorships or purchase individual tickets on our website here. GOVERNMENT AFFAIRS ROUNDTABLE (INVESTOR MEMBER EXCLUSIVE): Click here to register to hear from administration and legislative leaders and prepare for the final weeks of the current session and what comes next in Harrisburg.
Pennsylvania unemployment rate falls to 3.7%, lowest in two years Pennsylvania’s unemployment rate fell to 3.7 percent in August, its lowest level in more than two years and four-tenths of a percentage point below the national rate, according to preliminary data from the Pennsylvania Department of Labor & Industry. The rate dropped two-tenths of a percentage point from July and is down by seven-tenths of a percentage point from August 2025. The U.S. unemployment rate held at 4.1 percent in August. Pennsylvania’s rate is now just two-tenths of a percentage point above the Commonwealth’s record low of 3.5 percent, reached in June and July 2023. The latest figures also show continued growth in the number of Pennsylvanians working or looking for work. The civilian labor force increased by 8,000 in August to a record 6.659 million, while employment also reached a record level. The number of unemployed residents fell by 11,000. Total nonfarm jobs increased by 5,800 from July to 6.207 million. Employment rose in seven of the state’s 11 major industry categories. Trade, transportation, and utilities posted the largest monthly gain, adding 1,700 jobs. Three sectors — financial activities, education and health services, and leisure and hospitality — reached record employment levels. Over the past year, Pennsylvania has added 34,600 jobs. Education and health services accounted for the largest gain, adding 23,600 jobs. The August figures are preliminary and seasonally adjusted, and may be revised by L&I. More information is available on the Department’s website.
Data centers, energy demand to headline PA Chamber Energy & Environmental Conference Business leaders, policymakers, regulators, and energy and environmental professionals from across Pennsylvania will gather Oct. 28 for the PA Chamber’s Energy & Environmental Conference at the Sheraton Harrisburg Hershey. The conference will focus on key issues shaping Pennsylvania’s energy supply, infrastructure, and economic competitiveness, including the growing demand associated with data centers. Governor Shapiro’s Deputy Chief of Staff Sam Robinson, Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection Executive Deputy Secretary Ramez Ziadeh, and Pennsylvania Utility Commission Chairman Stephen DeFrank will headline a panel discussion of the governor’s executive order on data centers, its implementation, and its implications for businesses, energy demand, and infrastructure investment. The program will also feature: Financing the infrastructure needed to support Pennsylvania’s economic growth Updates on local and national climate change litigation impacting employers Maximizing Pennsylvania’s diverse energy resources to support future electricity demand and business expansion Recent state and federal policy developments affecting the energy and environmental sectors The conference will also provide networking and continuing education opportunities for attendees. Register today to hear directly from policymakers, utility leaders, and legal experts on the issues shaping the state’s energy future. A limited number of sponsorship and exhibitor opportunities remain available. Contact Christina Kelly at ckelly@pachamber.org for more information.