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Highlights of Our Future Entrepreneur Summit
In April, I hosted our second annual Future Entrepreneur Summit Focused on Trades. It was an inspiring and impactful event which brought together students, entrepreneurs and community partners. The day was all about helping young people realize the potential here in their community while discovering what they love, connecting with experienced business leaders, and exploring real opportunities for their future. The energy in the room reflected a strong sense of curiosity, connection and ambition. You can get a peek into the energy and excitement from the day in our event video here.
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Shaping the Future, Together
On Friday, May 1, Develop Tioga hosted its annual Legislative Breakfast at the Penn Wells Hotel and Lodge, bringing together local business leaders, elected officials, and policymakers to connect, share updates, and discuss key issues facing our region.
As Develop Tioga’s executive director put it best, “Economic and community development is a team sport,” and that spirit was evident in the strong turnout of individuals committed to Tioga County’s success.
We heard from County Commissioners Marc Rice and Shane Nickerson, as well as Sen. Gene Yaw. Attendees received updates on a variety of key issues including business development, data centers, energy, entrepreneurship, flood recovery, recreational trails and land use. I also had the opportunity to share updates on what’s happening in Harrisburg, with a focus on strengthening our local workforce, and highlight key takeaways from our recent Future Entrepreneur Summit.
I shared that one of the most inspiring aspects of the event was the diversity of experience in the room. There were 17- and 18-year-old students just beginning to explore their futures, skilled tradesmen in their prime working hard every day to build a life doing what they love, a 70-year-old business owner searching for someone to carry on his legacy, and even a 90-year-old electrician still pulling wire, proof that passion and purpose don’t fade with age.
If you haven’t already, I encourage you to watch highlights from the Summit in the link above. Howard Wattles, the 90-year-old electrician, encouraged every young person in room to find what they love and find someone you love to help you. He, along with every presenter in the room, played an important role in guiding the next generation of leaders.
The future of our region depends on how well we invest in the next generation. As business professionals and community advocates, we have the responsibility to mentor, guide and support young people. By doing so, we are investing in long-term success and continued growth of our community.
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Supporting a Level Playing Field for Student-Athletes
The House passed legislation this week that would allow the Pennsylvania Interscholastic Athletic Association (PIAA) to establish separate playoffs and championships for public schools and private, charter or parochial schools.
Because private, charter and parochial schools (also known as non-boundary schools) are able to actively recruit student-athletes from virtually anywhere, they are able to stack their teams and hold a significant competitive advantage over public (boundary) schools. This has been especially noticeable in basketball and football championships, but it can affect any school sport.
Parents, coaches and athletes are understandably concerned about this because these kids work hard at their sports and deserve a fair shot at winning. I supported this bill because I believe it will level the play field for our athletes and ensure fair competition for all. House Bill 41 now goes to the Senate for consideration.
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Where are They Now?
If you’ve been following our efforts to protect the rights of girls and women in sports, you might be wondering about the bills and where they are now.
Back in late December, the House Education Committee again dodged a vote on the measures by re-referring both the Fairness in Women’s Sports Act (House Bill 158) and the Dads Defending Daughters bill (House Bill 1849), of which I am the prime sponsor, to the House Judiciary Committee.
Earlier this week, without notice and without even identifying the names of the bills or allowing any debate, majority House Democrats on the Judiciary Committee re-referred the bills to the House Health Committee.
I am deeply concerned by this refusal to give a voice to our female athlete and appalled by these tactics in last weeks
You can see my comments here and see what exactly went down during last week’s House Judiciary Committee meeting.
Polls indicate 80% of people, regardless of political party, support women’s sports being for biological women only. Athletic competitions give women the opportunity to demonstrate their strength and skill, while also providing opportunities for recognition ranging from accolades to college scholarships. We owe it to our female athletes to ensure these rights and opportunities are protected.
Join us in support of this effort by signing the “I Believe” promise at defendingdaughters.com.
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Celebrating 250 Years of America Tonight in Mansfield
The America250PA Countdown to 250 Mobile Experiential Unit is back on the road! The mobile unit is a rolling celebration of our country's 250th birthday and Pennsylvania's proud place in the American story. This unit, powered by Penske, is a custom-built experience on wheels designed to bring the Semiquincentennial directly to Pennsylvanians, no matter where they live. From immersive games like Pennsylvania Pursuit and Keystone Quest, to meaningful storytelling with The Commonwealth Chronicles and so much more, this experience will connect Pennsylvanians of every age to our shared past, present and future.
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Honoring PA’s Gold Star Families
A new memorial paying tribute to fallen military heroes and their families was officially dedicated at the state Capitol recently. The Gold Star Memorial was created after passage of Act 145 of 2024, which I was honored to support.
This permanent fixture gives Gold Star families a place to gather, reflect, pray and share in fellowship with one another while honoring the sacrifice of their beloved service members. It also serves as a powerful reminder to all of us that our heroes live on through the impact they made. We honor the bravery of those who served and the steadfast strength of the families who supported them. Freedom is never free, and we remain forever thankful.
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Key Dates for Upcoming Election
Pennsylvania’s primary election is coming up on Tuesday, May 19. Voters will have the opportunity to choose their party’s candidates for governor, lieutenant governor, U.S. House of Representatives, state House and Senate (in even-numbered senatorial districts), as well as state and local committee members.
Tuesday, May 12, is the deadline to apply for mail-in or absentee ballots, which also may be done online or at your county elections office. Ballots must be completed and returned to your county election officials by 8 p.m. on May 19.
More information about voting and elections in the Commonwealth is available here.
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Keep PA Beautiful, PennDOT Invite Students to Join Young Ambassadors Program
The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) and Keep Pennsylvania Beautifulare inviting environmentally conscious students in grades 10-12 to help preserve Pennsylvania’s natural resources through the Young Ambassadors of Pennsylvania program.
The program empowers young Pennsylvanians to train and learn from leaders across the private sector, state government, local media, and Keep Pennsylvania Beautiful to protect Pennsylvania’s environment and build leadership and problem-solving skills.
Ambassadors will learn about topics related to the impact of litter on roadways, litter prevention, waste management and recycling, civic engagement and public policy, volunteer management, and social media marketing.
For more information and how to apply, click here.
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