David E. Black
President & CEO
Harrisburg Regional Chamber & CREDC
The 130-year-old organization defines itself as a catalyst for dynamic job creation, policy change and economic growth that enhances the quality of life the region it serves – Cumberland, Dauphin and Perry counties. As president and CEO, Black engages in economic development work and policy advocacy. He also works with the organization’s boards and is responsible for establishing strategic goals and objectives for the chamber. He’s also responsible for building talented staff that coordinate events and projects, facilitate volunteer efforts and administer programs that enhance the region’s business, community and economic development efforts.
Black has been with the chamber for 20 years. CREDC stands for Capital Region Economic Development Corporation, and Black is proud of the chamber and CREDC’s support of the Hershey Center for Applied Research and Dura-Bond’s acquisition of Bethlehem Steel’s idle pipe manufacturing facility in Steelton. During his tenure, the chamber and CREDC have also been involved with a number of other projects including the city’s recovery, the Murata business incubator and Amazon’s HQ2 proposal. Other key accomplishments include an advocacy program, a communications program, the Catalyst Awards and the VIBE event.
The most important life lesson he’s learned during his career: “No matter how old you are, how long you have worked, you’re never done learning. You learn something new each and every day.” Black said his career has benefitted from the accumulation of experiences and lessons over the course of many jobs, many experiences and many interactions with folks.
Black enjoys hanging out with his grandkids, playing golf and doing things with his wife. He said he likes working and hopes to continue doing so, even if it’s a little bit, in the years ahead. Other favorite pastimes are reading a good biography or political history, or watching a good western, a political drama, or Star Trek: “Live long and prosper!”
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This profile is part of Central Penn Business Journal's Power 100 list for 2021. Information used in this profile was sourced from the honoree. See the full list at cpbj.com or in our digital edition. |
