Pennsylvania house committee tours southcentral Pennsylvania businesses

The Pennsylvania House Majority Policy Committee recently toured several southcentral Pennsylvania employers to learn about the challenges businesses face creating good jobs and about any government-imposed barriers.

The committee toured ACCO Material Handling Solution in York, Allen Distribution in Carlisle, Big Hill Ciderworks in Gardners, Farmacy Partners in York, Hollabaugh Brothers Fruit Farm and Market in Biglerville and SpringGate Vineyard and Brewery near Harrisburg.

Two days of tours ended with a roundtable discussion at the U.S. Army Heritage and Education Center in Carlisle.

“Having a forum where we can hear directly from businesses, in order to help eliminate the state barriers to vital economic growth, is incredibly valuable,” Rep. Barb Gleim (R-Cumberland), who hosted the roundtable, said. “I am thankful for the opportunity that the House Majority Policy Committee provided to facilitate this informed discussion. Based upon the information we received, it is time for the legislature to act on additional measures and reforms to help improve our jobs climate.”

The roundtable brought together business owners, industry leaders, and economic development experts to discuss state and local regulations, workforce development, transportation logistics, and liquor laws, and other issues.

Challenges facing employers include finding qualified, skilled workers and workers with commercial driver’s licenses.