Leaders in Business and Politics Roundtable

Join us for the 2nd "Meeting of the Minds" of Leaders in Business and Politics in Western PA Hosted by State Reps Valerie Gaydos and Jason Ortitay

Speaker: Invited speaker from Jobs Ohio

This will be an in-person event and will be held at the CNX Center Conference Room 1000 Horizon Vue Dr. Cannonsburg PA 15317.

Prepare to be inspired and connect with leaders who are shaping the future of business in Western PA. Don't miss this opportunity to network with like minded business executives taking action.

Objective: Improving Pennsylvania’s business climate

In our June 2025 meeting, we discussed the following issues which we will delve into further on Sept 15.

1 Infrastructure: Persistent deficiencies in Pennsylvania’s infrastructure and regulatory environment including inadequate public transportation, slow utility upgrades, and cumbersome permitting processes causing businesses to consider relocating or expanding in other states.

2 Energy: Projected energy shortages, rising costs, and regulatory barriers threaten the operations and expansion of energy-intensive industries in the region.

3 Taxes: Pennsylvania’s current tax structure, business incentives, and deployment of economic development funds are less competitive than those in surrounding states leading to lost opportunities for business growth as well as job retention and creation.

4 Culture: Institutional gatekeeping and risk aversion are stifling innovation, commercialization, and capital attraction. Efforts must be initiated to foster a more entrepreneurial, risk-tolerant culture, develop visionary leadership focused on business growth, and improve collaboration across industry verticals to advocate for shared needs.

The mission of DESK PAC is to be a leading problem solver in fostering a competitive workforce, empowering future-ready students, and bolstering an advancing economy, ensuring that our supporters and leaders shape the region with effective strategies, communications, policies and leaders.

Host or Publisher Gaydos for PA