Honoring a tradition that goes back to Mayor Ed Rendell, Philadelphia Mayor Jim Kenney accepted an invitation from the Chester County Chamber to address its Board and Government Affairs Council.

During his remarks, Mayor Kenney discussed several topics including shared public policy goals regarding improved infrastructure and developing a workforce to meet the needs of manufacturing companies, both traditional and tech-based.

The roundtable event, sponsored by Aqua America and supported by the Chamber’s Advocacy Sponsors, provided an opportunity to increase regional cooperation through constructive dialogue on a variety of issues.

“CCCBI is committed to finding ways to get things done. Our goal is to create economic opportunities for businesses to start-up and grow in our community. This event helps us fulfill our mission,” stated CCCBI CEO, Guy Ciarrocchi.

During the discussion, Mayor Kenney referenced not only the challenges of combating systemic poverty in the City; but also the challenge of filling jobs that remain open—especially in manufacturing; for example at the Aker shipyard in South Philadelphia.

Kenney, who previously served as a Philadelphia City Councilman and as an aide to a state senator, detailed his proposal to increase access to Pre-K education and revitalized libraries and community recreation centers as part of multi-pronged approach to combating poverty and renewing opportunities for Philadelphia’s youth.

At the same time, he talked about our common goals to ensure that public education in the state was focused on adapting to 21st century jobs, work environments and opportunities and our shared commitment to ensuring that we have the transportation infrastructure in place—be it Septa, our highways or our Port—to allow our economy to grow.

“Mayor Kenney pointed to several areas where business leaders from across the region and across the political spectrum can collectively focus our efforts to help our economy grow,” noted Thom Chiomento of Exelon—an event sponsor and CCCBI Vice Chair.

“As the region’s leading advocacy organization, we are pleased to provide this event to encourage regional cooperation and economic development,” concluded Kim Brumbaugh of Brumbaugh Wealth Management and CCCBI Board Chair.