More than 80 chamber of commerce professionals and business leaders from across the commonwealth gathered in Harrisburg on June 7 for the 2022 Chamber Day at the State Capitol.

The annual event, co-hosted by the Pennsylvania Chamber of Business and Industry and the Pennsylvania Association of Chamber Professionals, includes policy discussions with key public officials and provides an opportunity for chambers to advocate on behalf of the employer community to improve the commonwealth’s business climate.

“Chamber Day provides an invaluable opportunity for our chamber community partners and local business leaders to come together and collectively advocate for a pro-growth agenda to improve Pennsylvania’s economic climate,” said PA Chamber President and CEO Gene Barr.

“Chambers of commerce play a critical role representing employers in their respective regions and advocating for policies that will help businesses and communities across the commonwealth thrive.”

The day opened with welcoming remarks from Speaker of the House Bryan Cutler, R-Lancaster, followed by a series of panel discussions focusing on a range of topics including transportation and infrastructure; workforce development and the 2022 elections.

Attendees were also briefed on the status of state budget negotiations from House Appropriations Committee Vice Chair Jesse Topper, R-Bedford; and House Appropriations Committee Democratic Chair Matt Bradford, D-Montgomery; and were provided a state economic overview from PA Independent Fiscal Office Director Matthew Knittel.

“We value the opportunity to come together as a chamber community each year during the budget process to discuss issues of importance to the business community,” said Fred Gaffney, President of the Columbia Montour Chamber of Commerce and PACP Board Chair. “Thank you to the PA Chamber for their tremendous support and assistance with this annual event.”

Sponsors of the event included the Schuylkill Chamber of Commerce.