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2026 Economic & Workforce Development Summit

About the Event

Pennsylvania's economic future depends on its ability to compete for investment while developing the talent needed to support a rapidly changing economy. The PA Economic & Workforce Development Summit will bring together business leaders, policymakers, workforce experts, and community stakeholders to explore the opportunities and challenges shaping the Commonwealth's economic growth.

Attend the Event

Thursday, September 17, 2026

Thursday, September 17, 2026

8:30 AM - 12:00 PM

8:30 AM - 12:00 PM

Hilton Harrisburg

One N 2nd Street

Harrisburg, PA 

Hilton Harrisburg

One N 2nd Street

Harrisburg, PA 

Dress Attire

Sponsorship and Ticket Information

Promo Image

Agenda

8:30 AM EDT

1 HR
8:30 AM EDT 1 HR

Doors Open, Check-in & Networking

9:30 AM EDT

5 MINS
9:30 AM EDT 5 MINS

Welcoming Remarks by Emcee

Greg Salisbury
Greg Salisbury
Editor-in-Chief
City & State Pennsylvania
Greg Salisbury
Greg Salisbury
Editor-in-Chief
City & State Pennsylvania
Greg Salisbury
Greg Salisbury
Editor-in-Chief
City & State Pennsylvania

9:35 AM EDT

25 MINS
9:35 AM EDT 25 MINS

Keynote Remarks

10 AM EDT

1 HR
10 AM EDT 1 HR

Economic Competitiveness and Business Attraction

David Wade
David Wade
Chief of Staff
PA Governor's Office of Transformation & Opportunity
Dawn K. Summerville
Dawn K. Summerville
Deputy Commerce Director, Department of Commerce
City of Philadelphia
Lauren Connelly
Lauren Connelly
Economic Development Director
Allegheny County

Pennsylvania often ranks behind neighboring states in attracting new business investment and large economic development projects. Policymakers, advocates and business leaders will discuss and debate how to make the state more competitive through tax policy, permitting reform, infrastructure investment, site development, and incentives for high-growth industries.

David Wade
David Wade
Chief of Staff
PA Governor's Office of Transformation & Opportunity
Dawn K. Summerville
Dawn K. Summerville
Deputy Commerce Director, Department of Commerce
City of Philadelphia
Lauren Connelly
Lauren Connelly
Economic Development Director
Allegheny County

Pennsylvania often ranks behind neighboring states in attracting new business investment and large economic development projects. Policymakers, advocates and business leaders will discuss and debate how to make the state more competitive through tax policy, permitting reform, infrastructure investment, site development, and incentives for high-growth industries.

Pennsylvania often ranks behind neighboring states in attracting new business investment and large economic development projects. Policymakers, advocates and business leaders will discuss and debate how to make the state more competitive through tax policy, permitting reform, infrastructure investment, site development, and incentives for high-growth industries.

David Wade
David Wade
Chief of Staff
PA Governor's Office of Transformation & Opportunity
Dawn K. Summerville
Dawn K. Summerville
Deputy Commerce Director, Department of Commerce
City of Philadelphia
Lauren Connelly
Lauren Connelly
Economic Development Director
Allegheny County

Pennsylvania often ranks behind neighboring states in attracting new business investment and large economic development projects. Policymakers, advocates and business leaders will discuss and debate how to make the state more competitive through tax policy, permitting reform, infrastructure investment, site development, and incentives for high-growth industries.

11 AM EDT

1 HR
11 AM EDT 1 HR

The Evolving Workforce: Skills, Talent, and Growth

Stephanie Shirk
Stephanie Shirk
Director of the Agriculture Business Development Center
PA Department of Agriculture
Mike Pries
Mike Pries
Vice Chairman
Dauphin County Board of Commissioners
TBA
TBA
Deputy Secretary of Workforce Development
PA Department of Labor & Industry

Pennsylvania's workforce is evolving alongside rapid technological change, shifting demographics, and new industry demands. This panel will explore how employers, educators, workforce organizations, and policymakers are strengthening talent pipelines, expanding skills development opportunities, and preparing workers for the jobs of today and tomorrow. Join us for a discussion on the strategies for driving workforce growth and economic competitiveness across the Commonwealth.

Stephanie Shirk
Stephanie Shirk
Director of the Agriculture Business Development Center
PA Department of Agriculture
Mike Pries
Mike Pries
Vice Chairman
Dauphin County Board of Commissioners
TBA
TBA
Deputy Secretary of Workforce Development
PA Department of Labor & Industry

Pennsylvania's workforce is evolving alongside rapid technological change, shifting demographics, and new industry demands. This panel will explore how employers, educators, workforce organizations, and policymakers are strengthening talent pipelines, expanding skills development opportunities, and preparing workers for the jobs of today and tomorrow. Join us for a discussion on the strategies for driving workforce growth and economic competitiveness across the Commonwealth.

Pennsylvania's workforce is evolving alongside rapid technological change, shifting demographics, and new industry demands. This panel will explore how employers, educators, workforce organizations, and policymakers are strengthening talent pipelines, expanding skills development opportunities, and preparing workers for the jobs of today and tomorrow. Join us for a discussion on the strategies for driving workforce growth and economic competitiveness across the Commonwealth.

Stephanie Shirk
Stephanie Shirk
Director of the Agriculture Business Development Center
PA Department of Agriculture
Mike Pries
Mike Pries
Vice Chairman
Dauphin County Board of Commissioners
TBA
TBA
Deputy Secretary of Workforce Development
PA Department of Labor & Industry

Pennsylvania's workforce is evolving alongside rapid technological change, shifting demographics, and new industry demands. This panel will explore how employers, educators, workforce organizations, and policymakers are strengthening talent pipelines, expanding skills development opportunities, and preparing workers for the jobs of today and tomorrow. Join us for a discussion on the strategies for driving workforce growth and economic competitiveness across the Commonwealth.

12 PM EDT

12 PM EDT

Sessions Conclude

Underwriters