Dauphin News

Rep. Torren Ecker (R-Adams/Cumberland) and the House Republican Policy Committee, led by Chairman Josh Kail (R-Beaver/Washington), convened a hearing today to discuss the challenges and opportunities within Pennsylvania’s business environment. The goal was to identify innovative solutions that can enhance the Commonwealth’s economic competitiveness, support local enterprises, and attract new investment.

The hearing, titled “The Costs and Benefits of Doing Business in Pennsylvania,” took place at Shippensburg University. Testifiers included Andy Williford, head of People and Culture Americas at Volvo Construction Equipment; Darren Croxall, Shippensburg plant manager; Justin Townley, corporate engineering leader at Schreiber Foods; and Joshua Simmons, complex general manager at International Paper. Charles Patterson, president of Shippensburg University, provided opening remarks.

“There are many reasons why Volvo Construction Equipment chose to be in Pennsylvania but the two biggest were the strong workforce in the area and access to the I-81 corridor. With the strong economic growth in the areas we do business in, these are also big opportunity areas we want to partner with you to solve,” said Williford.

“It is a privilege to hear from business leaders who share the same vision for a vibrant future in Pennsylvania,” said Ecker. “But as policymakers, we cannot rest on our laurels. We need to continue to implement change so that the relationship between state government and industry can shift from punitive to collaborative. The decisions we make in Harrisburg need to be in the best interest of our business owners, employees and their families, and not in the interest of our politics.”

“Economic competitiveness is great, but economic dominance is better,” said Kail. “House Republicans are fighting for prosperity through job-creating reforms that will make this Commonwealth’s business environment more supportive of current workers and enticing to new ones.”

To watch the complete hearing, click the video below.

Representative Torren Ecker

193rd Legislative District

Pennsylvania House of Representatives

Media Contact: Greg Gross

717.260.6374