Shapiro Administration Drives Economic Growth and Innovation in Pennsylvania

In the past two years, the Shapiro Administration has taken significant strides to enhance Pennsylvania's economic landscape, focusing on strategic investments and streamlined processes to keep pace with business demands.

Governor Shapiro aims to reinforce Pennsylvania's standing as a leader in innovation, job creation, and economic development while leveraging the achievements of his administration's initial years.

Philadelphia, PA – Governor Josh Shapiro and Rick Siger, the Secretary of the Department of Community and Economic Development, recently visited Adare Pharma Solutions to showcase the administration's success in attracting over $3 billion in private investments and generating more than 4,700 jobs since Shapiro took office. Adare's relocation from New Jersey to Philadelphia, facilitated by a nearly $3 million investment from Pennsylvania, exemplifies this success. The move created 115 new jobs and preserved 200 existing positions in the city.

"My Administration is focused on driving economic growth to create real opportunity for Pennsylvanians. Pennsylvania is open for business, and I’m committed to bringing people together to spur economic development, create jobs, and drive innovation all across our Commonwealth," said Governor Shapiro. "From cutting red tape to launching our first Economic Development Strategy in nearly two decades, we’ve laid a solid foundation for continued success in the state. Pennsylvania is showing the nation how we get stuff done and deliver real results – and we’re just getting started."

According to Tom Sellig, CEO of Adare, "Access to a highly skilled talent pool and key markets is critical for us, and the Philadelphia area provides exactly what we need. That’s why we’re relocating to Pennsylvania and expanding our facilities in Philadelphia. Pennsylvania is truly a life sciences hub, and the Shapiro Administration, along with the Philadelphia Chamber of Commerce, has been instrumental in helping us — as they have for many companies like ours."

Yogini Patel, a packaging supervisor at Adare, emphasized the importance of investing in companies like theirs, stating, "Organizations like ours drive advancements in healthcare, improve patient adherence, and create solutions that have a global impact. Supporting companies that prioritize innovation and quality ensures we continue to deliver value not just to our industry, but to society as a whole."

Since assuming office, Governor Shapiro has spearheaded economic development initiatives, introducing Pennsylvania’s first Economic Development Strategy in nearly 20 years. This strategy has attracted over $3 billion in private investments, created thousands of jobs, and contributed to a historically low unemployment rate.

Rick Siger, DCED Secretary, remarked, "Governor Shapiro and I have focused on creating economic opportunity for all Pennsylvanians by investing in resources that will empower our workforce and businesses. We’re making strategic investments in every corner of our Commonwealth and will continue to get stuff done that will spur innovation, create jobs, support our communities, and invest in Pennsylvania’s bright future."

Strategic Investments Across Key Sectors

Pennsylvania launched its first statewide Economic Development Strategy last year, supported by the Governor’s 2024-25 bipartisan budget. The strategy focuses on five critical industries: agriculture, energy, life sciences, manufacturing, and robotics and technology. Key investments include:

• Expansion of the PA SITES Program with $500 million secured for shovel-ready site development.
• A $20 million Main Street Matters Program to revitalize downtowns and neighborhoods.
• The launch of Pennsylvania's new tourism campaign, Pennsylvania: The Great American Getaway, backed by $15 million in state funding.
• A $62 million investment to revitalize Downtown Pittsburgh, expected to generate nearly $600 million in total investment and create over 3,000 jobs.

Competing and Winning for Pennsylvania

Governor Shapiro's efforts to attract businesses to Pennsylvania have been marked by significant achievements, including:

Transforming Government to Drive Economic Growth

Modernizing government services to support economic growth, the Shapiro Administration has introduced:

• The Office of Transformation and Opportunity (OTO) as a “one-stop-shop” for business growth.
• PAyback.pa.gov, the nation’s first online money-back guarantee system for permit processing delays.
• The PA Permit Fast Track Program to expedite economic development projects.
• Reduced corporate filing processing times and increased the cap for net loss deductions for start-ups.
• Simplified Redevelopment Assistance Capital Program (RACP) application processes.

Advancing Pennsylvania’s Manufacturing and Tech Sectors

Significant private sector investments in manufacturing and technology include:

• Astrobotic Technology's $20 million expansion in Pittsburgh, creating 283 jobs.
• EMD Electronics' $300 million investment in Schuylkill County, creating nearly 200 jobs.
• Mitsubishi Electric Power Products' $86 million investment for a new factory.

Supporting the Agriculture and Food Industries

The Shapiro Administration is also committed to enhancing Pennsylvania's agriculture and food sectors.

Expanding Life Sciences and Biomedical Industries

The administration has backed significant investments in expanding Pennsylvania's life sciences and biomedical industries.

Broadening Opportunities and Support for All Businesses

Efforts to expand opportunities for minority-owned businesses include:

• A $20 million investment in the Historically Disadvantaged Business Program.
• An Executive Order to open state contract opportunities for small and diverse businesses.
• Increased Commonwealth spending on small diverse businesses, including a 30% increase with Black-owned and Latino-owned businesses.

Governor Shapiro: Two Years of G-S-D

As Governor Shapiro celebrates two years in office, his Administration continues to focus on driving innovation, economic growth, and workforce development. The ongoing investments in businesses, communities, and workers aim to position Pennsylvania as a leader in global economic development.

For more information, visit Governor Shapiro’s Accomplishments website to explore the Administration’s interactive midterm report and download a detailed PDF overview of accomplishments.

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