Sep. 10, 2024
SHIPPENSBURG- Rep. Torren Ecker (R-Adams/Cumberland) and the House Republican Policy Committee, led by Chairman Josh Kail (R-Beaver/Washington), convened a hearing today on challenges and opportunities within Pennsylvania's business environment with the goal of identifying innovative solutions that can enhance the Commonwealth's economic competitiveness, support local enterprises and attract new investment.
The hearing, titled "The Costs and Benefits of Doing Business in Pennsylvania," took place at Shippensburg University and featured testifiers Andy Williford, head of People and Culture Americas, Volvo Construction Equipment; Darren Croxall, Shippensburg plant manager, and Justin Townley, corporate engineering leader, Schreiber Foods; and Joshua Simmons, complex general manager, International Paper. Opening remarks were given by Charles Patterson, president, Shippensburg University.
"There are many reasons why Volvo Construction Equipment chose to be in Pennsylvania but the two biggest were the strong workforce in the area and access to the I-81 corridor. With the strong economic growth in the areas we do business in, these are also big opportunity areas we want to partner with you to solve," Williford said.
"It is a privilege to hear from business leaders who share the same vision for a vibrant future in Pennsylvania," said Ecker. "But, as policymakers, we cannot rest on our laurels. We need to continue to implement change so that the relationship between state government and industry can shift from punitive to collaborative. The decisions we make in Harrisburg need to be in the best interest of our business owners, employees and their families, and not in the interest of our politics."
"Economic competitiveness is great, but economic dominance is better," said Kail. "House Republicans are fighting for prosperity through job-creating reforms that will make this Commonwealth's business environment more supportive of current workers and enticing to new ones."
To watch the complete hearing, click the video below.
Representative Torren Ecker
193rd Legislative District
Pennsylvania House of Representatives
Media Contact: Greg Gross
717.260.6374
[email protected]
RepEcker.com/ Facebook.com/RepTorrenEcker