The next governor of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania will face several unique challenges. On Wednesday, the Lehigh Valley Economic Development Corporation (LVEDC) and Berks Economic Partnership (BEP) joined forces to lead the discussion about salient economic development issues with the 2010 Economic Development Forum featuring all six candidates to become Pennsylvania’s next leader, held before about 125 LVEDC and BEP investors on the campus of TEK Park in Breinigsville.

LVEDC President and CEO, Philip Mitman, and BEP President and CEO, Jon Scott, led the discussion, which featured Pennsylvania Attorney General Thomas Corbett, Montgomery County Commissioner Joseph Hoeffel, Allegheny County Executive Daniel Onorato, Pennsylvania Representative Sam Rohrer, Pennsylvania Auditor General Jack Wagner and Pennsylvania Senator Anthony Williams.

“Our mission at LVEDC is to help shape the Lehigh Valley’s economic future by retaining existing companies, fostering the growth of new businesses, and attracting targeted industries that enhance the vitality of the Lehigh Valley’s economy,” said Mitman. “We appreciate the chance to host all the candidates and look forward to partnering with the next governor of Pennsylvania to advance our agenda.”

“This event provided the prospective candidates for Governor an excellent opportunity to share their views on economic development.  Berks Economic Partnership and LVEDC continue to work together on a regional basis to attract and retain business, and it’s critical that we move forward in a collaborative way with the next Governor to promote new and existing business in the Commonwealth,” said Jon Scott, President and CEO of Berks Economic Partnership.

The economic development forum allowed the two Republican and four Democratic candidates an equal opportunity to present their views on economic development for up to 10 minutes, followed by up to 90 seconds to respond to three pre-qualified questions from LVEDC and BEP investors.

The event was coordinated by LVEDC’s Legislative and Government Relations Committee, which is part of LVEDC’s continuing agenda to provide investors with access to regional, state and local leaders concerning current issues. The Title Sponsor of Wednesday’s event was Air Products and Chemicals Inc.
The forum will be broadcast on the Pennsylvania Cable Network. For scheduling, please consult www.pcntv.com/schedule_daily.php.

BEP is the lead marketing agency and primary point of contact for all economic development inquiries related to the Greater Reading and Berks County area. BEP coordinates and works with other economic development agencies to provide a single voice in helping to retain, attract, promote, and grow business in a collaborative and unified manner. BEP is one of only 22 organizations worldwide to receive accreditation from the International Economic Development Council (IEDC).  For further information, visit www.GreaterReading.com. 

Lehigh Valley Economic Development Corporation (LVEDC) is a one-stop, full-service business and economic development agency. Created to promote and foster economic prosperity in the Lehigh Valley, LVEDC assists businesses by providing them with regional, economic and demographic information, finance and business incentives, site and facility availability, business networking, and workforce services. By coordinating with state, county, and municipal governments, chambers of commerce, industry organizations, educational institutions and utilities, the award-winning LVEDC streamlines the relocation and expansion process for businesses. Visit LVEDC online at www.lehighvalley.org.