HDPC holds public hearing on jobs and the economy
Rep. Frank Burns September 10, 2014
LORETTO, Sept. 10 – State Rep. Frank Burns, D-Cambria/Somerset, today hosted a House Democratic Policy Committee hearing on jobs and the economy at Saint Francis University.
Burns said, “I feel this hearing provided great insight from local business leaders and economic development experts on the state of the economy and the perspectives on what needs to be done to give people opportunities to get and obtain jobs for a better community.”
“I applaud Representative Burns for bringing local officials into the discussion on how we can improve the state’s dismal rankings in various national economic indicators over the last four years,” said Rep. Mike Sturla, committee chairman. “It’s incumbent on state government to take a fresh look at how we can ensure economic prosperity throughout the commonwealth.”
Those testifying at the hearing included: Linda Thomson, president, Johnstown Area Regional Industries; Bill Polacek, CEO of JWF Industries and board chairman of JARI; Mike Kane, president and executive director, Community Foundation for the Alleghenies; Jeff Boldizar, senior consultant, Saint Francis University Small Business Development Center; Bob Layo, president and CEO of the Greater Johnstown/Cambria County Chamber of Commerce; Mike Artim, CEO of Cambria Rowe Business College, past chairman of the chamber’s Board of Directors; and past chairman of the chamber’s Small Business Council; Joel Valentine, CPA, partner at Wessel & Co. and member of the chamber’s Governmental Action Committee.