PA Chamber Launches Bringing PA Back Initiative, Website

HARRISBURG – As part of its bold new initiative to help businesses safely re-open their facilities and jumpstart the economy, the PA Chamber today announced the launch of the ‘Bringing PA Back’ website.

“Now that the Commonwealth has worked together to successfully slow the growth of COVID-19, we’re entering the re-opening phase – which means it is critical for businesses to receive the information they need in order to safely re-open their facilities” said PA Chamber President and CEO Gene Barr. “Our ‘Bringing PA Back’ initiative aims to do just that with a user- friendly website that will help employers as they prepare to re-open their physical locations, and ensure the safety and well-being of their employees and customers. Working together, we know that we can come out of this unprecedented time stronger than before and with our economy moving forward.”

The comprehensive website features critical information for employers, including: guidance from trusted sources on on workplace readiness – such as cleaning and safety standards; employment opportunities; industry-specific guidance; and policy recommendations that will help to revive Pennsylvania’s economy.  The website also includes a map of the Commonwealth – identifying which phase of the re-opening process each county is currently in – along with an overview of the Wolf administration’s guidance for each phase.  The PA Chamber has also developed policy recommendations that are focused on the state’s economic recovery and which we will be working with elected officials to enact – all of which are highlighted on the website.  As the ‘Statewide Voice of Business^TM,’ the PA Chamber will be advising elected officials on how best to proceed.

Over the last several weeks, the PA Chamber has engaged in extensive conversations with stakeholders, business leaders and local chambers to determine employers’ major concerns and needs as the state looks to slowly re-open economies across the Commonwealth. Feedback from those conversations played a critical role in the development of the website.

Bedford County Chamber of Commerce President-CEO Kellie Goodman Shaffer participated in the meetings as Chair of the Pennsylvania Association of Chamber Professionals, representing the particular interests of small Chambers across throughout PA.

The PA Chamber will be regularly updating the website to keep employers apprised of new government guidance and industry best practices.