As presidents of four of Pennsylvania’s leading chambers of commerce—the Chester County Chamber of Business and Industry, the Delaware County Chamber of Commerce, the Lancaster Chamber of Commerce, and the Chamber of Commerce for Greater Philadelphia—we share a deep commitment to advancing opportunity and prosperity in our communities. Our chambers collectively represent tens of thousands of businesses, nonprofits, and employees across the region, and we see firsthand the real impact Harrisburg’s decisions have on everyday Pennsylvanians.

Today, we are encouraged to see that Pennsylvania’s leaders have come together to deliver a long-awaited state budget. While the process has not been easy, the result demonstrates that compromise is possible, and that when our elected officials put people over politics, the Commonwealth moves forward.

This budget agreement means schools can continue to educate, counties and municipalities can plan for the future, and the nonprofit organizations that care for our most vulnerable residents can resume their work with certainty. Businesses, already navigating a complex economy, can move ahead with renewed confidence, knowing that our state’s leaders have worked together to provide the clarity and stability our economy needs.

​The current federal government shutdown is now among the longest in US history. Negotiations have intensified, but for now, both the Administration and Congressional Republicans are emphasizing the need to pass a clean Continuing Resolution (CR) to reopen the government. However, Democratic leadership in the Senate remains firm that negotiations should address broader funding issues, namely an extension of COVID-19 pandemic-era Obamacare subsidies set to expire at the end of this year.

The White House has indicated a willingness to continue discussions on these and other topics while operating on at least a short-term Continuing Resolution to end the government shutdown. President Trump has also called upon Senate Republican Leadership to abolish the filibuster. While Republicans control 53 seats, a 60-vote threshold is needed to end a filibuster.

In the meantime, agencies across the Federal Government are feeling the effects as more employees miss paychecks and government-wide operations slow.  Federal Contractors are preparing for possible disruptions if the shutdown continues, and pressure is building from affected sectors to resume normal funding.  Air traffic controllers and other essential personnel continue to report to work without pay, raising concerns about long-term staffing and safety. Federal unions representing these workers, particularly the American Federation of Government Employees (AFGE), have called for an end to the shutdown but have directed their appeals primarily toward Congress rather than the Administration. Industry leaders warn that extended delays could begin to impact travel schedules and freight operations.

Preparing today’s students for tomorrow’s jobs is essential for the success of our businesses and community. That’s why the Delaware County Chamber of Commerce, in partnership with the Delaware County Workforce Development Board, is offering free, high-impact programs this fall that directly connect employers with students.
 
How Employers Can Get Involved

• High School Job Shadow Program
  Host a junior or senior for one day. Students gain hands-on exposure while you showcase your industry and inspire future talent.
• High School Job Site Tours
  Welcome small groups of students to tour your workplace, meet employees, and see careers in action.
• Middle School Career Days
  Share your career journey and highlight opportunities within your business to spark curiosity at an earlier age.

 
Why It Matters
 “These programs are about more than a single day or workshop. They’re about building long-term connections between Delaware County’s businesses, schools, and young talent,” said Trish McFarland, President of the Delaware County Chamber of Commerce. “By working with the Delaware County Workforce Development Board, we’re ensuring that students and interns have the tools they need to succeed and that employers have access to a stronger, more prepared workforce.”
 
Take the Next Step
 All programs are free for employers, schools, and students. Join us in shaping Delaware County’s workforce of tomorrow:

• Register for the: Worksite Tour Host Sign-Up Form
• Contact us to host a student site tour or participate in a middle school career day.

 
For more information, email [email protected] or [email protected].
​
Together, we can inspire the next generation and strengthen our local talent pipeline.