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Tag: business

Pa. chambers eye impact of special election

Lindsay Powell’s victory in Tuesday’s special election allowed Pennsylvania Democrats to retain their razor-thin 102-101 majority in the state’s House of Representatives. 

While the election was decided by voters in Pittsburgh, its impact will be felt far beyond the boundaries of Allegheny County. 

Ryan Unger, president and CEO of the Harrisburg Regional Chamber and CREDC, said there are pieces of legislation the chamber is hoping to see move forward here at the end of the year. 

“One is the Clean Slate Expansion (House Bill 689) which is with the senate now so that’s a good sign,” he said. “That’s one I think we feel could move before the end of the year. It probably won’t be impacted by that (Pittsburgh) election but it’s one we’re keeping our eye on. 

“The other big ones are corporate net income tax (Senate Bill 345) and net operating loss carryforward (Senate Bill 346), got somewhat wrapped up potentially in the budget. We’re hopeful with this election we’ll see movement potentially on some of those code bills and an opportunity to make some changes there. Most likely it will be in the fall for either one of those but there is hope that with strong revenues and with kind of a unique opportunity here we can get some movement before the end of the year.” 

Unger noted that there’s also a bill on transparency in permitting (Senate Bill 350), which he said makes sense in many ways. 

“You can see where your DoorDash is, but you don’t know where your permitting is,” said Unger. “So why don’t we bring that same philosophy to people’s work? It passed with bipartisan support in the senate and it’s now in the House State Government Committee. I’m not sure this election changes that but at least there’s more likelihood bills will move, now that (the special election) has been resolved. 

“Those are the kind of big-ticket things we’re looking at right now. Certainly, the budget is the biggest. The budget could potentially have a resolution around some of those bigger issues because we’re going to start talking about the next budget in 2024.” 

Unger said that while the Harrisburg Chamber hasn’t seen anything directly impact its work, any attention that is still being consumed by conversation about the budget impacts issues the chamber is focusing on. 

“There’s only so much oxygen in the room, right? I think we’re hopeful there could be some bipartisan agreement,” he said. “In reality, when you look at the grand scope of the amount of money the state spends and where the disagreements are, it’s relatively small, and we hope we can resolve those and move forward with these issues that are critically important to the business community.” 

Tony Iannelli, president and CEO of the Greater Lehigh Valley Chamber of Commerce, noted that in many communities in the Lehigh Valley, there’s a narrow edge for either Republicans or Democrats, and that the chamber takes those differences in stride. 

“We try to work with both sides to the best of our ability and we’ve been able to do that,” he said.  “We’ve been at this game for some time, and we realize we have to work with people on both sides of the aisle and come to some kind of compromise. That’s been our approach. 

“As a regional chamber that’s a combination of many geographic as well as our diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives, I think we take all the changes in stride. Although it’s hard today, the goal is to find some kind of happy medium with legislation that we know has to have some flexibility to get to the finish line.” 

Alex Halper, vice president, Government Affairs Pennsylvania Chamber of Business and Industry, said state residents are fortunate that lawmakers on both sides of the aisle want to see a strong Pennsylvania economy. 

“Many are passionate about supporting their local businesses,” he said. “We’re confident that lawmakers will think about the economy and jobs and their local employers when they’re considering public policy.” 

Halper remarked that many of the Pennsylvania Chamber’s top priorities – improvements to Pennsylvania’s tax code, for instance – have broad bipartisan support. 

“We’ve seen our top priorities get passed with unanimous support out of the Senate Finance Committee, for example,” he said. “We have a Democrat in the House who’s introduced important business tax reform legislation, permitting reform passed with bipartisan support in the senate. 

“When we think about top priority issues for Pennsylvania employers, I think lawmakers on both sides of the aisle have embraced those as important steps to make Pennsylvania more competitive.”

Pa. Gaming Control Board revenue in August increases

Combined revenue for August from gaming in Pennsylvania increased 7.4% over last year to $457,153,095, the Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board reported Tuesday. 

Gaming revenue regulated by the Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board (PGCB) includes slot machines, table games, internet gaming, sports wagering, fantasy contests and video gaming terminals (VGTs). 

Slot machine revenue in August was $203,192,328, an increase of 0.95% over the $201,277,627 generated in August 2022. This despite the number of slot machines in operation in August 2023 being 25,206, a lower total than the 25,592 at the casinos at this time last year. Tax revenue from the play of slots machines in August was $102,847,638. 

Revenue from retail table games revenue for August reached $82,676,497, an increase of 5.38% over the August 2022 total of $78,453,939. Total tax revenue from table games play during August 2023 was $13,513,405. 

Internet casino-type Gaming (iGaming) generated revenue of $144,980,774 in August 2023, an increase of 35.27% over the $107,180,341 one year ago. Internet gaming play tax revenue during August 2023 was $63,190,517. 

The sports wagering handle for August was $393,007,298, or 8.25% above the August 2022 total of $363,046,972. Tax revenue generated from sports wagering during August 2023 was $7,929,470. 

VGT adjusted revenue for August 2023 was $3,484,985, 5.40% lower than the revenue of $3,683,907 at this time last year. By the end of August, VGT Terminal Operators were operating the maximum permitted five machines at 69 truck stop establishments, compared to five machines at 66 establishments at this time last year. Tax revenue collected from VGTs in August 2023 was $1,812,192. 

Fantasy Contests revenue for August was $792,206, a decrease of 5.81% from last year at this time, when revenue was $841,087. Tax revenue collected from Fantasy Contests in August 2023 was $118,831.

Pa. receives $500M investment from Australia company

Gov. Josh Shapiro and Pratt Industries announced a commitment Monday to invest $500 million and create hundreds of jobs in Pennsylvania over the next 10 years. 

Pratt Industries Executive Global Chairman Anthony Pratt joined with Shapiro and Department of Community and Economic Development (DCED) Secretary Rick Siger to announce the investment at the corrugated packaging company’s plant in Carlisle. 

“I want to plant a flag and make it clear to companies across the country and around the world that Pennsylvania is open for business,” Shapiro said in a statement. “Having Pratt Industries invest a total of $1 billion in Pennsylvania and create hundreds of new jobs is a clear sign that the commonwealth is a place where global businesses can grow and succeed.

“Whether they’re based in Australia or Allegheny County, we are showing the private sector that an investment in our Commonwealth is a worthwhile one – and companies that commit to moving and growing here know that the Commonwealth will be an active partner, and that we’ll work as hard for them as they work for their customers and employees.”

As part of its new commitment, Pratt Industries will invest in recycling, remanufacturing, and clean energy infrastructure. The company has invested $500 million in Pennsylvania and employs more than 800 total workers at its facilities in Carlisle (Cumberland County), Reading (Berks County), East Greenville (Montgomery County) and Macungie and Emmaus (both in Lehigh County).

“Pratt Industries is proud to employ more than 800 Pennsylvanians across the state in high-paying, green collar, advanced manufacturing jobs, and our total culminative investment in Pennsylvania now exceeds $500 million,” said Anthony Pratt.

“As part of that commitment, and as a result of Governor Shapiro’s leadership, I’m honored today to pledge a further investment of $500 million in recycling, remanufacturing and clean energy infrastructure over the next ten years, to create hundreds of new jobs in the great state of Pennsylvania. Our investments will allow the company to grow for years to come, supporting our customers, employees, and the community.”

Through the DCED, Pennsylvania in 2011 provided Pratt Industries with a more than $1.3 million funding offer to locate a box manufacturing plant in Macungie that helped create 125 jobs. 

“We compete every day with other states and countries for global business investments like this one,” Siger said. “Under Governor Shapiro’s leadership, Pennsylvania is working aggressively to keep companies here and attract businesses from around the world looking to grow and succeed in our commonwealth. We’re moving at the speed of business to ensure more companies like Pratt Industries choose to grow here in Pennsylvania.”

Originating in Australia, Pratt Industries is America’s fifth largest corrugated packaging company and the world’s largest, privately held producer of 100% recycled containerboard. The company operates manufacturing facilities in more than 25 states.

Pratt Industries has received assistance from DCED’s Office of International Business Development, which offers customized services to help international companies seeking to expand in Pennsylvania. 

Biden notes Pa.’s record low unemployment rate

U.S. President Joe Biden noted Pennsylvania’s unemployment rate for August, which remained at an historic low 3.5%, a figure that ranks below the national unemployment figure of 3.8%.

“Under Bidenomics, we have helped build one of the greatest stretches of job creation in American history, and Pennsylvania is leading the way with its second month in a row at its lowest unemployment rate on record,” Biden said in an email. “The Bidenomics boom is in every corner of Pennsylvania. With record lows in areas from Pittsburgh to Philadelphia, York to Erie, Scranton to Reading and Allentown, Pennsylvania is leading America and America is leading the world again.”

The late rankings were released Friday by the Pennsylvania Department of Labor & Industry (L&I). While Pennsylvania’s rate remains its lowest since January 1976, the U.S. unemployment rate rose slightly by three-tenths of a percentage point. 

Pennsylvania’s unemployment was 0.8% below its August 2022 level of 4.3%. The state’s civilian labor force, which is the estimated number of residents working or looking for work, increased by 1,000 in August. Resident employment rose by 6,000 from July and unemployment fell by 4,000. 

Nonfarm jobs in Pennsylvania were up 15,800 in August to a record high of 6,164,500. It marks the eighth consecutive month that jobs have set a new all-time high level. 

Eight of the 11 industry supersectors saw jobs increase in July, the largest gain (7,400) being in education & health services, which rose to a record high. Construction and trade, transportation and utilities also reached record high levels in August. 

Nonfarm jobs for the year have increased by 153,800, with gains in all 11 supersectors. The largest volume over-the-year gain among supersectors was in education & health services, which increased by 50,000.

Pella Gettysburg invests in AC to protect employees, beat summer heat

To protect the health of their employees, the Pella Corporation in Gettysburg had to figure out a way to beat summer heat.

Winters weren’t a problem since the company’s heating system kept the manufacturing plant warm. But the summer months were a different story for the privately held window and door manufacturing company whose headquarters are in Pella, Iowa, but whose manufacturing and sales operations in several locations across the country, including Gettysburg and Harrisburg.

In past years, the Pella plant in Gettysburg tried various methods to cool down its 230,000 square foot site.

“I’ve been at this site for eight years and every year we’ve tried something different to try to cool the plant down,” said Plant Manager Gilliam Els. “We get warm weather in June, July, and August, and to improve air quality over 230,000 square feet we put out fans, intake and outtake circulation fans that start up at certain temperatures and draw in fresh air and pull-out hot air. But they were insufficient to cool the plant down during summer months.

“We’ve experimented with these types of ways to cool down the plant. We also gave team members extra breaks and handed out extra water, popsicles, and we air conditioned the break room to keep team members healthy.”

Yet little worked in a plant whose heat index inside reflected the temperature outside.

“If it was 100 (degrees) outside it would be 100 inside,” said Els. “Our work is very hands on, and when you’re busy like that, the temperature means a lot more than if you’re working behind a desk.”

Especially when that work involves eight-to-10-hour shifts for four-to-five days per week. High heat and humidity can not only be draining, but dangerous. Els said meetings involving team members and management produced a plan to install air conditioning units to deal with extreme heat.

The result was a proactive approach that would safeguard workers while also increasing productivity by reducing heat-related occurrences. Utilizing Sunbelt Rentals and their own internal engineering team to do the install, Pella positioned three air conditioners – an 80-ton unit, 40-ton, and 25-ton – on the perimeter grounds of the plant to stabilize temperatures and humidity.

“What these units do is create airflow,” said Els. “They pull hot air from inside the plant into the unit, cool it down, and blow it back into the plant. This was done for the safety of team members.

“It wasn’t one specific person’s idea. It came from suggestions from team members and management, in terms of what we could do to cool down the plant. We listened to the team members in meetings, what it feels like for them when they work.”

The units were installed at the end of May and are being used to cool the plant through September, when the heat and humidity of the summer months subside. Els said the difference in the plant and among team members has been noticeable.

“From the safety perspective of our team members, it makes it much more comfortable for them to work in those conditions and it keeps them safe from heat stroke,” he said. “There’s been a very positive response, our team members are all smiles.

“When you work a 10-hour shift, humidity is what gets you. One of the comments from the team members is that when you walk into the plant now you don’t feel the temperature bearing down on you because the humidity is out. The units pull the humidity out and stabilize the temperature inside the plant.

“Obviously, there was a big cost to get the air conditioning units, but we had to make a difference in the plant. We showed that we care about safety by doing more, reducing the temperature and taking out the humidity.”

Pella believes its strategy could serve as a model for others in the industry.

“We installed this at a big cost to our company, but for the safety of our team members we felt we needed to do this,” said Els. “From a Pella perspective we pride ourselves on being a caring company and this is one other way we showed we care about our team members. We wanted to make sure we take care of them.”

New UPS ‘Super Hub’ marks major investment in Harrisburg community

United Parcel Service celebrated its opening Wednesday of an East Zone Regional “Super Hub” in Middletown. 

Located six miles northeast of Harrisburg International Airport, the 775,000-square foot distribution facility located at 2110 North Union Street features the latest sorting, processing, and data capture technology. The advanced automation of the United Parcel Service (UPS) hub is expected to enhance the speed and reliability of package delivery to customers in the region and help Pennsylvania businesses reach a greater number of East Coast markets.  

The fourth largest UPS hub in the U.S., the East Zone hub will employ more than 2,500 people at its 192-acre site. It will also house the largest renewable natural gas fueling station in the UPS network. 

“This UPS project is another clear example of why Pennsylvania is a great place to do business,” Department of Community and Economic Development (DCED) Secretary Rick Singer said in a statement. “The Shapiro Administration is aggressively competing with other states and countries to attract and keep businesses in Pennsylvania, and we’re doing that by creating growth-focused policies and breaking down bureaucratic barriers.”

Coordinating the UPS expansion was the Governor’s Action Team, economic development professionals who work with businesses that are considering locating or expanding in Pennsylvania.

“UPS appreciates the Shapiro Administration’s support for our business, customers and employees across Pennsylvania,” said Nando Cesarone, UPS executive vice president and President U.S. “The jobs at this facility will provide industry-leading pay and benefits to support local families and communities, and companies throughout the Northeast will benefit from this investment in our global integrated network that provides reliable on-time delivery and world-class service.”

The world’s largest package delivery company and a leading global provider of specialized transportation and logistics services, UPS manages the flow of goods, funds, and information in more than 200 countries and territories worldwide.

Report calls for disability community involvement in solving health disparities

A new report recommending the disability community’s involvement in solving health disparities has been released by the Arc of Pennsylvania. 

Facilitated for the COVID-19 Health Disparities Task Force, the report includes contributions from people with lived experience of a disability, caretakers, and family members of those with a disability, and professionals in support fields. It recommends 10 core solutions for Pennsylvania’s Department of Health, including involving people with disabilities, their families and caregivers in policy making and healthcare decisions. 

“Let’s be clear: This isn’t just a COVID issue,” Sherri Landis, executive director of The Arc of Pennsylvania, said in a statement. “These barriers existed long before COVID. The pandemic just shined a light on them. The solutions report goes far beyond COVID to address disparities that have existed for far too long.” 

COVID-19 health care barriers among people with disabilities, their families, and caregivers were identified in an August 2022 report from the Task Force and The Arc. The report identified the effects the COVID-19 emergency response had on the disability community. 

The Arc convened regional workgroups to ask members of the disability community about solutions to address those barriers in the future. It noted that health decisions for people with disabilities are made without their insight and involvement, despite the community being among the country’s largest groups experiencing health disparities. 

The task force’s latest report, “Recommendations for Addressing COVID-19 Health Disparities Among the Disability Community,” concluded a multi-year effort funded with a grant from the Pennsylvania Department of Health through the CDC’s National Initiative to Address COVID-19 Health Disparities Among Populations at High-Risk and Underserved. 

Contributors to the report included people with lived experience of a disability, caretakers, and family members of those with a disability, and professionals in support fields. Individuals with diverse types of disabilities, including physical, intellectual, developmental, and behavioral, as well as emotional, sensory impairment, and complex medical disabilities, were among the contributors. 

Hundreds of individuals from diverse racial, ethnic, and rural populations participated in the initiative through regional and local interviews, surveys, meetings, and listening tours that served as focus groups to identify the barriers, core solutions, and recommendations. 

The recommended core solutions specific to the Pennsylvania Department of Health were: 

  • Involve people with disabilities, their families, and caregivers in policy making and healthcare decisions. 
  • Reactivate the Governor’s Cabinet and Advisory Committee for People with Disabilities. 
  • Keep helpful policy changes from the COVID-19 pandemic. 
  • Expand community-based healthcare, including telehealth services and mobile clinics. 
  • Include disability representatives in the Office of Health Equity Advisory Committee. 
  • Provide disability-specific training for healthcare professionals. 
  • Designate people with disabilities as a Medically Underserved Populations. 
  • Collect standardized data on the health needs of people with disabilities. 
  • Provide information in multiple languages, easy-to-understand and easy to access formats. 
  • Remove disability as a factor in healthcare decision making during emergencies. 

“The disability community faces complex and nuanced health barriers,” said Landis. “The first step to addressing these issues is for policymakers to listen to individuals with lived experience. Without their insights, health disparities will continue to plague the disability community.”

Camp Hill-based firm named among top 25 in U.S.

Following a selection process by the Best Companies Group, Camp Hill-based Boyer & Ritter LLC has been ranked 25th among the top midsize firms in the U.S. in Accounting Today’s “Best Accounting Firms to Work For.”

Anonymous Employee Engagement and Satisfaction Survey and an employer questionnaire about benefits, policies, and demographics produced the designation.

Boyer & Ritter CEO Robert J. Murphy said in a statement that national recognition is a testament to the dedication, passion, and commitment each team member brings to the firm.

“One reason clients know they can count on us for unsurpassed service and insightful advice comes down to two words: our employees,” said Murphy.

The survey and selection process were handled by Best Companies Group, an independent research firm managing programs worldwide and specializing in identifying and recognizing great places to work. Best Companies Group also oversees the 100 Best Places to Work in PA ranking.

Boyer & Ritter was named No. 3 among midsized companies ranked in the 100 Best Places to Work in PA in 2022. Best Companies Group recognized Boyer & Ritter among the 49 “2023 Best HR Teams in America” earlier this year.

For a seventh straight year, Boyer & Ritter was also among Accounting Today’s Top Mid-Atlantic Accounting Firms. It again ranked among the nation’s top 300 largest firms by Inside Public Accounting.

With offices in Camp Hill, Carlisle, Chambersburg, and State College, Boyer & Ritter provides accounting, auditing, tax, and consulting services to businesses of varying sizes and industries throughout Pennsylvania and the continental United States. 

Pa. business growth ranking revealed

New research revealed that Pennsylvania ranks 38th on the list of the best states for business growth. 

Business consulting firm Venture Smarter analyzed data from the U.S Bureau of Labor Statistics to discover the business growth rate in each state based on the number of establishments in December 2021 compared to December 2022.

According to the data, Pennsylvania listed 375,765 businesses in December 2021. By December 2022, that number rose to 391,856. The increase of 13,715 businesses represented a change of 4.3%, 13th worst in the U.S.

Georgia topped the list with a business growth rate of 13.50%. In December 2022, there were 397,515 business establishments compared to 350,189 in December 2021. Virginia and Washington rank second and third with business growth rates of 10.5% and 10.4%, respectively.

Completing the top ten are Montana (10.2%), Vermont (10.2%), Michigan (9.8%), South Carolina (9.6%), North Carolina (9.2%), Colorado (9.1%), and Hawaii (9.1%).

Washington ranks as the worst state in the country for business growth at minus 16.8%.

A spokesperson for Venture Smarter said in a statement that the benefits of starting a business will make it interesting to watch the business growth rate over time and see how many more entrepreneurs thrive with the available support.

“However, regardless of your state, it’s vital to research the fees you will be expected to pay as they can vary significantly across states – not to mention, there are many incentives to take advantage of if you are eligible that can make the process of starting a business smoother and cheaper,” the spokesperson said.

Where does Pa. rank nationally in working remote?

Pennsylvania ranks 23rd in the country in having the highest percentage of males regularly working from home  at least one day a week, and 22nd in females working from home, according to the 2023 U.S. Census Bureau’s Household Pulse Survey. 

According to the survey, an average of nearly 27% Pennsylvania males work from home, while nearly 26% of Pennsylvania females are working remote. 

Massachusetts has the highest percentage of men and women working from home, an average of 38%. Mississippi has the lowest at just over 11%. 

Select Software Reviews analyzed the U.S. Census Bureau’s Household Pulse Survey which reveals households where someone has worked from home in the previous seven days, and across a variety of demographic splits in each state including age, gender, income, and educational background.  

A spokesperson for Select Software Reviews said in a statement that the findings reveal there are more Americans earning a significantly higher salary working from home. As many high-paid roles involve working with colleagues, clients, or partners from different parts of the world, remote work allows professionals to collaborate across time zones without the need for constant travel, increasing productivity. 

The review noted that “Generation Z” has the highest percentage (33%) of remote workers. It also noted that there are several trends and factors that could influence the future of remote working in the U.S. Hybrid work models are becoming more popular, thus allowing employees to split their time between working from home and working in the office. This approach offers the flexibility and autonomy of remote work while maintaining a level of in-person collaboration.  

Remote-first companies make working from home the default option with physical office work limited. This can help organizations tap into a broader talent pool and reduce overhead costs associated with maintaining large physical office spaces. 

Some companies are also offering more flexible work arrangements, allowing employees to choose when and where they work, based on their individual needs and job responsibilities.

Pa. rating outlook upgraded by Moody’s agency

Pennsylvania’s rating outlook has been upgraded to positive and its Aa3 issuer rating reaffirmed, according to the credit rating agency Moody’s. 

Gov. Josh Shapiro said the rating reaffirms that the state is on sound financial footing and that Pennsylvania is on a path for continued economic growth. 

“Together with leaders in both parties, we passed a bipartisan, commonsense budget that makes historic investments in Pennsylvania schools and businesses, supports our law enforcement and first responders, and makes our families healthier,” Shapiro said in a statement. 

“I’m proud that Pennsylvania has been recognized for our sound financial management – and my administration will keep working to grow our economy and ensure the commonwealth’s fiscal outlook remains strong.” 

As Pennsylvania’s previous rating had been “Stable”, the governor’s office issued a release stating the upgrade to “Positive” affirms that the state’s economy and budgeting practices are solid. Pennsylvania’s positive outlook is based on what Moody’s described as “the significant increase in budget reserves over the past three fiscal years to levels consistent with higher rated peers. We expect that core rainy day reserves will remain near current levels due to sound budget management and continued steady revenue growth.”  

The assessment is one of several metrics of the state’s economy and fiscal stability, but according to Moody’s, it’s an important measurement of Pennsylvania’s financial outlook. 

State Senator Scott Martin, R-Lancaster, credited the upgrade to Senate Republicans resisting calls for billions in new spending and taxes and fought for more responsible and sustainable approaches to budgeting. 

“We made it a top priority over the past three years to build up our Rainy Day Fund and avoid recklessly draining fund balances and budgetary reserves,” said Martin. “We also avoided dangerous pitfalls like spending one-time emergency funds on recurring expenses. It is encouraging to know that all these responsible decisions are making a real difference. 

“We have done everything in our power to protect taxpayer dollars and put our commonwealth on better financial footing, and this announcement shows that we are on the right track. This news confirms that Pennsylvania is stronger today because of the tough choices we have made over the past several years. It also serves as a valuable reminder that we shouldn’t deviate from that path in the years ahead.”

Secretary of the Budget Uri Monson said sound financial management makes a difference in the lives of Pennsylvanians every day, adding that the rating and upgraded outlook “affirm that the Shapiro Administration is making responsible decisions to ensure fiscal stability for our commonwealth.”

Shapiro also announced that Pennsylvania has received the Distinguished Budget Presentation Award for the Annual Budget for fiscal year 2023-24 and the Certificate of Achievement for Excellence in Financial Reporting from the Government Finance Officers Association. According to a press release from the governor’s office, the Certificate of Achievement for Excellence in Financial Reporting is the highest form of recognition in governmental accounting and financial reporting.

Millions allotted to attract major sporting events to Pa.

Seeking to bring nationally known sporting events to Pennsylvania, $5 million in grants are being awarded through the Department of Community and Economic Development’s Sports Marketing and Tourism Program. 

Funding was announced Thursday by the Department of Community and Economic Development (DCED) Secretary Rick Siger. 

The Ironman Triathlon, U.S. Open women’s and men’s golf, and World Cup, scheduled to take place in Pennsylvania this year and over the next three years, are all expected to greatly impact the state’s economy. 

“Pennsylvania is hosting a series of incredibly exciting events in the coming years, and I’m thrilled that we can support some of them through this program,” Siger said in a statement.

The Sports Marketing and Tourism Program was established to attract high-quality, amateur, and professional sporting and e-sports events to Pennsylvania. Investment in the program is geared to capitalizing on increased tourism that accompanies the hosting of major national or international sporting events.

Program grants have been awarded to the following organizations:

  • Happy Valley Adventure Bureau was awarded $70,000 for the 2023 Ironman 70.3 Triathlon in State College.  
  • The United States Golf Association (USGA) was awarded a total of $2.43 million; $1.215 million for the 2025 United States Men’s Open at Oakmont Country Club in Oakmont and $1.215 for the 2024 United States Women’s Open at the Lancaster Country Club in Lancaster. 
  • Philadelphia Soccer was awarded $2.5 million for the 2026 World Cup, with matches to be held at Lincoln Financial Field in Philadelphia.

“The commonwealth will be at the center of the sports world at events like the 2026 World Cup, where it’s estimated at least 450,000 people will visit our state from around the world, providing a tremendous boost to the economy,” said Siger.