By Sarah Taylor
The Word is Spreading: “Pennsylvania Gets It Done”
This month, DCED Secretary Rick Siger launched the “Pennsylvania Gets It Done” advertising campaign to bolster Pennsylvania’s economic atmosphere. This initiative seeks to showcase PA’s vibrant business environment and highlight PA’s core strengths across key industries such as energy and agriculture. The campaign targets C-suite executives and site selection consultants through a strategic mix of marketing efforts in New York City, Chicago, and statewide in Pennsylvania to attract more businesses and investments into the Commonwealth. New digital ads are supporting the campaign by featuring QR codes that direct traffic to the new, dedicated website. This initiative positions Pennsylvania as a premier destination for new, innovative business ventures.
Showcasing Pennsylvania’s Strength to the World
All throughout this month, DCED’s Office of International Business Development (OIBD) organized its annual “Bringing the World to Pennsylvania” events. During this statewide tour, over 160 PA-based companies met with OIBD’s authorized representatives from 14 different countries. These events offered avenues for international trade and investments by enabling Pennsylvania communities to showcase their strengths and attract foreign investors.
The OIBD remains a valuable part of the Commonwealth’s economic prosperity by supporting 643 Pennsylvania companies in their endeavors to export goods totaling more than $584.6 million. With their support, 20 international companies have set up operations in the Commonwealth, bringing in more than 12,600 jobs into the state.
Internet for All: Advancing Digital Inclusion
Pennsylvania secured a $20 million federal investment to promote digital equity and inclusion in a step to fulfill President Joe Biden and Governor Josh Shapiro’s goal of providing fast and affordable internet access for everyone. This investment will provide laptops and other technological devices to schools, libraries, municipalities, workforce training organizations, and other nonprofits within the Commonwealth region.
The Pennsylvania Broadband Development Authority (PBDA) aims to provide technology access to underserved communities, bridging the digital divide and fostering greater access to educational and economic opportunities. The PBDA plans to purchase and distribute the devices later in 2024 as part of its forthcoming Digital Connectivity Program, which was created based off of input from stakeholders in the community. The latest broadband developments in Pennsylvania can be found at the PBDA’s new website.
A Better Life Begins with HOME: Prioritizing Affordable Housing
Secretary Siger announced the distribution of nearly $12.2 million in funding through the HOME Investment Partnerships Program (HOME) in line with Governor Josh Shapiro’s commitment to economic inclusivity. HOME is a federally funded program that supports municipalities in expanding and preserving affordable housing options for low- and very low-income Pennsylvanian residents. Pennsylvania’s dedication to affordable housing initiatives will lay the foundation for sustainable economic growth and community development while enhancing the quality of life for low- and very low-income residents.
PA Is the Place to Be: a Tourism Hotspot
PA’s tourism industry is booming. According to the DCED’s Pennsylvania Tourism Office, in 2022, Pennsylvania welcomed 192.4 million visitors and generated $76.7 billion in economic activity, supported nearly 487,000 jobs, and contributed $4.7 billion in state and local taxes.
The 2022 Economic Impact of Travel and Tourism report highlights the economic estimates of the travel industry at the state, regional, and county levels. With a wealth of attractions and destinations to explore, Pennsylvania remains a premier travel destination, underscoring the importance of tourism in driving economic vitality across the state. To discover all the beautiful attractions the Keystone State has to offer, visit visitPA.
