This morning, I represented the Board of Commissioners at a meeting with Lockheed Martin and Sikorsky leaders, members of the Commissioners’ task force and many other partners at the Chester County Chamber of Business and Industry. The meeting included an open and honest discussion on finding ways to keep the Sikorsky operation in Coatesville open long-term. Our task force has the skills and contacts, and importantly, the creative thinking to help review every option out there to keep Sikorsky here, and potentially even attract other Lockheed Martin operations.

We have some of the best workforce and economic development skills and knowledge in the state – even the nation – and we have a bi-partisan collaboration of federal, state and local officials with the same focus of keeping and potentially growing Lockheed Martin’s presence in the county. Together with these partners we will keep this conversation – and actions – going.  We can offer practical support and funding for re-tooling the facility and re-training the dedicated workforce if that’s what will be needed to keep the plant in operation, and we will keep asking questions and offering help to find ways for Sikorsky to stay here.

The collaboration list is long because the economic impact of Sikorsky’s presence is far-reaching:  Congresswoman Houlahan and Senators Casey and Toomey, as well as State Senator Andy Dinniman, State Representative Dan Williams, the Governor’s Action Team, the Chester County Economic Development Council, Chester County Chamber of Business & Industry, Western Chester County Chamber, Sadsbury Township Supervisors, Coatesville City Council and Coatesville Area School District.

In the “lessons learned” category, the Task Force is also starting to reach out to other significant employers in Chester County to encourage them to work with us in discussing market influences and business challenges so that, together, we can get ahead of potential issues that could impact their continued successful operation in Chester County.

Sincerely,
Michelle Kichline
Chester County Commissioners’ Chair