2026 Economic & Workforce Development Summit

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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.

Thursday, September 17, 2026

Thursday, September 17, 2026

8:45 AM - 12:00 PM

8:45 AM - 12:00 PM

The Whitaker Center for Science and the Arts

222 Market St

Harrisburg, PA

NOTE: As of 8/24 the venue has changed, and The Whitaker Center is the correct venue.

The Whitaker Center for Science and the Arts

222 Market St

Harrisburg, PA

NOTE: As of 8/24 the venue has changed, and The Whitaker Center is the correct venue.

Venue Image
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Dress Attire

Dress Attire

Business Casual

Sponsorship and Ticket Information

Sponsorship and Ticket Information

For more information about sponsorships and tickets, please email advertising@cityandstatepa.com

event photos
event photos

8:45 AM EDT

1 HR
8:45 AM EDT 1 HR

Doors Open, Check-in & Networking

9:55 AM EDT

5 MINS
9:55 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
Greg Salisbury
Editor-in-Chief
City & State Pennsylvania
Greg Salisbury

10 AM EDT

1 HR
10 AM EDT 1 HR

Economic Competitiveness and Business Attraction

Moderator: Haley O'Brien
Moderator: Haley O'Brien
Community Impact Reporter
WITF
Lauren Connelly
Lauren Connelly
Economic Development Director
Allegheny County
Dawn K. Summerville
Dawn K. Summerville
Deputy Commerce Director, Department of Commerce
City of Philadelphia
David Wade
David Wade
Chief of Staff
PA Governor's Office of Transformation & Opportunity

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.

Moderator: Haley O'Brien
Moderator: Haley O'Brien
Community Impact Reporter
WITF
Lauren Connelly
Lauren Connelly
Economic Development Director
Allegheny County
Dawn K. Summerville
Dawn K. Summerville
Deputy Commerce Director, Department of Commerce
City of Philadelphia
David Wade
David Wade
Chief of Staff
PA Governor's Office of Transformation & Opportunity

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.

Moderator: Haley O'Brien
Lauren Connelly
+2
2 more speakers

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.

Moderator: Haley O'Brien
Moderator: Haley O'Brien
Community Impact Reporter
WITF
Lauren Connelly
Lauren Connelly
Economic Development Director
Allegheny County
Dawn K. Summerville
Dawn K. Summerville
Deputy Commerce Director, Department of Commerce
City of Philadelphia
David Wade
David Wade
Chief of Staff
PA Governor's Office of Transformation & Opportunity

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.

Moderator: Haley O'Brien
Lauren Connelly
+2
2 more speakers

11 AM EDT

1 HR
11 AM EDT 1 HR

The Evolving Workforce: Skills, Talent, and Growth

Moderator: Rebecca O'Shea
Moderator: Rebecca O'Shea
Director of Workforce Initiatives
PA Workforce Development Association
Patricia Blumenauer
Patricia Blumenauer
Deputy Secretary of Workforce Development
PA Department of Labor & Industry
Mike Pries
Mike Pries
Vice Chairman
Dauphin County Board of Commissioners
Stephanie Shirk
Stephanie Shirk
Director of the Agriculture Business Development Center
PA Department of Agriculture
Minh Huynh
Minh Huynh
Managing Director
KPMG
Loni Warholic
Loni Warholic
Executive Director
IEC Pennsylvania
Bridget Wolf
Bridget Wolf
Vice President
Grant Associates

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.

Moderator: Rebecca O'Shea
Moderator: Rebecca O'Shea
Director of Workforce Initiatives
PA Workforce Development Association
Patricia Blumenauer
Patricia Blumenauer
Deputy Secretary of Workforce Development
PA Department of Labor & Industry
Mike Pries
Mike Pries
Vice Chairman
Dauphin County Board of Commissioners
Stephanie Shirk
Stephanie Shirk
Director of the Agriculture Business Development Center
PA Department of Agriculture
Minh Huynh
Minh Huynh
Managing Director
KPMG
Loni Warholic
Loni Warholic
Executive Director
IEC Pennsylvania
Bridget Wolf
Bridget Wolf
Vice President
Grant Associates

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.

Moderator: Rebecca O'Shea
Patricia Blumenauer
+5
5 more speakers

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.

Moderator: Rebecca O'Shea
Moderator: Rebecca O'Shea
Director of Workforce Initiatives
PA Workforce Development Association
Patricia Blumenauer
Patricia Blumenauer
Deputy Secretary of Workforce Development
PA Department of Labor & Industry
Mike Pries
Mike Pries
Vice Chairman
Dauphin County Board of Commissioners
Stephanie Shirk
Stephanie Shirk
Director of the Agriculture Business Development Center
PA Department of Agriculture
Minh Huynh
Minh Huynh
Managing Director
KPMG
Loni Warholic
Loni Warholic
Executive Director
IEC Pennsylvania
Bridget Wolf
Bridget Wolf
Vice President
Grant Associates

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.

Moderator: Rebecca O'Shea
Patricia Blumenauer
+5
5 more speakers

12 PM EDT

12 PM EDT

Sessions Conclude

Gold

KPMG

Silver

Grant Associates

Bronze

Per Scholas IEC

Partners

Pennsylvania Workforce Development Association Vibrant Pittsburgh GPHCC