Grassroots Issues Series 2011-12

. . . growing a pro-business policy agenda.

The Grassroots Issues Series provides insight into current issues of concern to our business community. These Forums also offer access to government officials, agency/association executives and some of the area’s most influential decision-makers.  

June 14, 2012: Secretary C. Alan Walker, PA Department of Community & Economic Development will discuss the "State of the Commonwealth".  He will discuss economic development initiatives, opportunities that lie ahead including the Liberty Fund,  reindustrialization and re-shoring along with his goals for the department and his vision for the future. 

Click here to register

Previous Grassroots Issues Series:

November 14, 2011: Energy: Marcellus Shale Opportunities and Answers for PA (Business Opportunities, Energy Policies and Trends): Patrick Henderson, Energy Executive Office of PA Governor Corbett and Kathryn Klaber, President & Executive Director of Marcellus Shale Coalition, Gene Pine, P.G. Chief PA DEP, Bradley Hall, President of UGI Energy Services and Richard Ranger, Policy Advisor for the American Petroleum Institute along with local business testimonials and Ride To Prosperity Energy Cluster update.   Contact Gail Landis for a copy of the grassroots presentations

December 9, 2011: Decade of Investment - Transportation Funding and Berks County Priority Projects:  PA Secretary of Transportation Barry Schoch and Janet F. Kavinoky, Executive Director, Transportation & Infrastructure US Chamber/Vice President, Americans for Transportation Mobility Coalition with Penn DOT District 5, Berks Planning Commission/RATS, members of the Berks Delegation and County Commissioners.   

February 24, 2012: Workforce Development - Success in the "new" economy depends on talent and the capacity to develop and nurture a skilled workforce!    Michelle Staton, Deputy Secretary Workforce Development of the PA Department of Labor & Industry, will be the keynote speaker. The Department's Legislative Director David Greineder will also provide an update on key policy priorities. Plus, Ed McCann, Chief Operating Officer, Director of Workforce Development for Berks County Workforce Investment Board, will discuss the local labor market, strategic policy issues and current and proposed initiatives to improve workforce development in Berks County. Contact Gail Landis for a copy of the grassroots presentations

March 15, 2012: Governor's Proposed 2012-13 Budget & Environmental Policy & Requirements PA Secretary of Environmental Protection Michael Krancer will provide information on the Governor’s Proposed 2012-13 Budget; Reform, Restraint & Responsibility along with an update on plans for his department and priorities.  There will also be an interactive dialogue with regards to how his department can be more efficient in working with business concerning requirements and implementation of policy programs.  

Grassroots Issues Series Partner: 

                       Berks Economic Partnership

Grassroots Position Series Sponsor: 

                       M&T Bank

Issues Luncheon Sponsors:       

Energy: Atlantic Energy Concepts - FROMM - UGI   

Workforce Development: Met-Ed/A First Energy Company

Community & Economic Development: Greater Berks Development Fund

Advocacy Sponsors:     

Energy: SSM Group 

Transportation: Great Valley Consultants -  Larson Design Group - Traffic Planning & Design, Inc.

Workforce: Berks Career & Technology Center - Gage Personnel - R M Palmer Company

Special Issues Partners:

              Americans for Transportation Mobility Coalition/ US Chamber

              PA Chamber Foundation 

              PA Economy League

With the current political environment many business leaders are uncertain of how the new dynamics will impact their business and shape future legislation. To get clarification on these issues and more, join us for our Grassroots Issues Series or you can participate in an individual issues luncheon.

This is an ideal opportunity for you to prepare for and gain an understanding about initiatives that will certainly impact all sectors of the business community. The Chamber will also preview our local advocacy agenda and legislative priorities. Remember, belonging to The Chamber serves as the best insurance against laws and regulations that could stifle your business profitability. The Grassroots Issues Series is one way to get involved and protect your business.

The cost for each individual event will be $30 for Chamber members; $50 for prospective members. A lunch buffet is included.