Former Pennsylvania Gov. Mark Schweiker came, he saw, and he helped — big time.

Schweiker, who served as the state’s 44th governor from 2001-03, stepped into the top role after Gov. Tom Ridge was appointed Homeland Security chief by President George W. Bush.

A Bucks County resident, Schweiker was already well known to Schuylkill County residents before taking office, largely because of his ties to Bloomsburg University, where he played football for the Huskies, and later through his political career.

“I couldn’t avoid (the late) Jim Rhoades and (onetime state senator) Bob Allen,” Schweiker said Friday as keynote speaker at the annual Schuylkill Chamber of Commerce Luncheon.

Schweiker said he was happy to be back in Schuylkill County, where he toured Highridge Park off heavily traveled Interstate 81, one of the state’s largest warehousing and distribution centers.

“Every time I ran into Jim or Bob, they said, ‘We need help, Mark,’” he said with a smile, recalling their efforts to land Wegmans’ distribution center.

“It was funny, they were relentless, but both Jim and Bob worked so hard in trying to bring jobs to the area, and every time they saw me, they pleaded for help,” Schweiker said. “They were visionaries.”

Schweiker said he remains proud of the effort it took to recruit one of the region’s top grocery chains.

“We had to beat out Maryland to bring Wegmans to Pennsylvania for the distribution center,” he said, noting, “ … we were in a fight.”

He said the growth since then has been staggering.

“When (Wegmans) started they had only 80 employees, today it is (at) 4,000 employees,” Schweiker said, drawing a strong response from the roughly 220 attendees.

“This is almost like a second home (to me),” Schweiker said, praising the chamber and its leadership, including Bob Carl, chamber CEO, and Frank Zukas, president of SEDCO.

“It’s a chance to reflect these are the people who make the economy grow here in Central Pa. Based on what I saw (Friday morning) in a quick drive-by — I call it CJP — company, jobs and paychecks,” he said. “With the proximity to 81 there is plenty of need for dedicated people … there’s an opportunity for the people to really work for the county and an opportunity to really civically work with the county, too.”

Schweiker said he continues to keep a close eye on business and job growth across the state.

Asked about drug manufacturer Eli Lilly selecting its next venture in the Lehigh Valley, Schweiker said the economic ripple effect will likely extend into Schuylkill County.

“No doubt,” Schweiker said. “The supply chain multiplier by Eli Lilly will be felt even in Schuylkill County area.”

Now living in Yardley with his wife, Kathryn, Schweiker remains active in business and stays engaged with the state’s economic landscape while enjoying time with his children and grandchildren. “As you can tell, the former governor is a great communicator and a high-profile figure in the business world,” said Champ Holeman, a former aide to Sen. Rhoades and chairman of Ryan Township. “He was very effective, and still is, and instrumental when he was a senator before serving as our lieutenant governor and then governor.”

State Rep. Tim Twardzik, who represents the 123rd District, agreed.

“He still can get things accomplished,” Twardzik said. “He is a very smart man. He’s great to consult with.”

U.S. Rep. Dan Meuser, R-9, also addressed the crowd, praising Schuylkill County.

“I learned what the Schuylkill County community is about,” Meuser said, promising “to continue support.”

Meuser, who said he has known Schweiker since his tenure as lieutenant governor, called him a “very smart individual” and highlighted his leadership during the Quecreek Mine rescue in Somerset County in 2002. The 77-hour operation saved nine coal miners trapped underground.

“Mark went that night and stayed there — it lasted four days — and brought in every resource necessary and kept on saying, ‘We’re going to get every miner out,’” Meuser recalled.

Schweiker told attendees they should not take their region’s economic momentum for granted.

“Not every community, not every county, not every region, is blessed with the kind of genetic disposition toward leading and acting, literally, on economic growth in the community,” he said. “Do not take it for granted. This place does it well.”

Terry Purcell, executive with the Lehigh Valley Hospital-Schuylkill part of Jefferson Health and a title sponsor, had a similar message of business and the growth of the health care field within the county.

“Events like this remind us just how strong and connected Schuylkill County business community is — and we’re grateful to be a part of it,” Purcell said. “At Lehigh Valley Hospital-Schuylkill, now proudly part of Jefferson Health, we are deeply committed to having a strong presence (in Schuylkill County).”

Purcell delivered a poignant theme: “We don’t just work here — we live here, we serve here, and we care deeply about the health and well-being of the community”