From Carolyn D’Amore Rosen, Venango Chamber Board Member

On June 2, I joined Chamber President & CEO Kat Thompson in Harrisburg to attend PA Chamber Day as a member of the Venango Area Chamber Board of Directors. On my first real visit to our capital, I was grateful to have a tour of the Senate floor by Senator Scott Hutchinson and a friendly welcome from Rep. Lee James. It was especially illuminating to hear the stories from Senator Hutchinson of early Pennsylvanians depicted in the art work on the Senate floor and learn that Pennsylvania has always been at the forefront of democratic ideals.

In our morning session we heard from four House and Senate leaders about passed and proposed legislation aimed at helping business thrive in Pennsylvania. What I found reassuring is that despite partisan divide, particularly during an intense budgeting period, both parties are looking for ways to make Pennsylvania a welcome place for businesses like our Chamber members in Venango County. Whether its tax reform or education resources, Pennsylvania legislators are looking for ways to attract and retain business in our state.

While at PA Chamber headquarters, we listened to four helpful panels on topics that are having the significant impact on business in the Commonwealth. Transportation, artificial intelligence, data centers, and national politics are all topics that we do not necessarily have direct involvement in, but as a Chamber, we need to closely follow to be able to offer support to our members.

Most of all, I enjoyed the day seeing Kat in action as our Chamber President. Kat is outgoing and astute and knows how, who, when, and where to network and connect. I am confident that Kat will bring many opportunities to Venango County with the relationships she builds at events like PA Chamber Day.

This article was published in the Venango Chamber’s July 2026 VenangoWorks! Newsletter.