Civility, Optimism & Growth

Last night was the 37th annual dinner of the PA Chamber, the commonwealth's voice of business and industry to those who are elected to govern Pennsylvania. It is an organization I am proud to be part of, both as one of the more than 9,000 members but also as its Chairman.

We have an amazing Board of Directors, an incredible CEO in Gene Barr, and a talented and very dedicated staff working hard to make growth possible in our commonwealth. I am grateful to be part of that work, and really enjoyed hearing from so many smart and committed people in person at the Hershey Lodge and through our simulcast.

There was a wonderful demonstration of civility by Ana Kasparian and Ben Shapiro, where they debated solutions but honored one another. It was a great reminder of the ability to have ideas and freely express them without being rude, demeaning, or dismissive of the person sharing them.

I'm optimistic that our best days are still ahead of us, and working with others we will generate the collective impact that creates a better future. Below is an excerpt from my opening remarks:

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A lot has happened since we last gathered for this dinner two years ago. Too many of us have lost family, friends, or employees to COVID-19. We’ve seen production facilities flooded. Storefronts shuttered. Staffing shortages. Supply chain challenges. And in April we learned that our great commonwealth lost yet another congressional seat as a result of the last census.?

But no one in this room really needs to be reminded of all the obstacles we’ve faced these last two years.

Instead, I think what we all need tonight is a reminder of the where we’ve come from—and the tremendous potential of where we’re headed.

?This great Commonwealth of ours was founded on one man’s dream, an innovative concept of a land known for liberty, justice, tolerance, and prosperity. Pennsylvania is more than the birthplace of America. It’s been at the heart of our nation’s innovation, creativity, and growth since its inception.

?Pennsylvania was home to America’s first hospital, first stock exchange, and first super highway.

?Our fertile farmland and natural resources have fed our nation and powered our industries.

?Our steel built the nation’s skyscrapers and bridges.

?Researchers at our numerous academic institutions gave the world the first successful polio vaccine, the first modern computer, and even the first smiley face emoticon.

?When automobiles were still new on the scene, Pittsburgh was ready for the future with the world’s first drive up gas station.?

?And today, we’re still one of the nation’s leading East Coast suppliers of coal, natural gas, electricity, and refined petroleum products.?

But what will we be tomorrow??

What new advancements will Pennsylvania’s businesses and industry bring the world?

And more importantly how will we do it??

Today Pennsylvania stands at a crossroad. In the world’s rapidly shifting economy, we have the opportunity to choose our path. To live up to William Penn’s innovative experiment founded in pursuit of the common good.

As business and industry leaders, together, we wield tremendous power over the future of our Commonwealth. And when it comes to our people and our planet, we don’t have to choose between doing well and doing good, and that’s a beautiful reality.

Yes, tonight is about the future of business and politics, but for me and I know that many of you in the room would agree, it is about so much more than that.

Our future as a thriving Commonwealth is on the line, as are the futures of our people and our communities. To me, those are incredible stakes.

We must commit to taking bold and decisive action now and in the days ahead to ensure our children, including my four sons, and our grandchildren, succeed and prosper far beyond what my wife Jennifer and I dream for them. They are my why.

It starts right here, tonight, with me, and each of you. This is our chance to build a future full of promise and opportunity. Call me optimistic, but I think we can do it.

Let us leave here tonight with a new resolve to put Pennsylvania at the forefront of innovation and sustainability, growth and responsibility, creativity and social justice, capitalism and the common good.

Together, let us shape the future we have long imagined, one that reestablishes the Commonwealth as the leader it was born to be.