HARRISBURG — Gov. Josh Shapiro last week signed an executive order establishing the Pennsylvania Office of Transformation and Opportunity within the Governor’s Office and Economic Development Strategy Group.
This newly created office will be a one-stop shop for businesses looking to grow and work to aggressively revitalize Pennsylvania’s economy – fostering innovation, supporting transformative economic development and real opportunities for businesses and workers alike in the Commonwealwealweal, particularly in communities, create that too often have been left behind.
As part of this announcement, Shapiro appointed Pennsylvania CEO and entrepreneur Ben Kirshner as Chief Transformation and Opportunity Officer.
The executive order to establish this office and hire a managing director as chief transformation and opportunity officer underscores that building an economy that works for all is a key priority for Shapiro’s administration. On day one, Shapiro demonstrated his commitment to economic growth and success here in Pennsylvania by taking action to provide opportunities for workers without a college degree. With this new executive order, Shapiro is now sending a clear message that Pennsylvania is open for business and that the Commonwealth will work faster and find a way to boost real economic development.
The executive order created the Pennsylvania Office of Transformation and Opportunity and the Economic Development Strategy Group. Both offices will work to develop a unified strategy for economic growth and development, with a particular focus on disadvantaged and underserved communities:
- The Office of Transformation and Opportunity helps develop and guide an overall growth strategy and implement economic development projects – coordinating with Commonwealth authorities, expediting approval reviews, and ensuring the speed of business review and approval of key incentive programs. Rather than forcing businesses to go to multiple agencies for permits, permits, and funding, the office will serve as a one-stop shop to cut red tape, bring state agencies together, support Pennsylvania businesses looking to grow, and encourage other businesses to come here draw.
- The Economic Development Strategy Group is led by the Chief Transformation Officer and chaired by the Governor, composed of the Chief Transformation and Opportunity Officer and the Ministers for Labor and Industry, Community and Economic Development, Transportation, Agriculture, Education and and Environmental Protection. This group will advise the governor directly on economic development projects and processes to attract and retain employers, recruit innovation leaders, and create high-paying jobs in Pennsylvania, particularly in underserved communities.
“I’ve heard from business and union leaders across the Commonwealth of Wealth – the government needs to work faster and find a way to get a yes. We are making it clear that Pennsylvania is open for business and that we will be at the forefront of economic growth, job creation and innovation,” Shapiro said. “My government will connect our business, our workforce, our world-class universities and research institutions, and the public sector to spur economic development, especially in communities that have all too often been left behind. By helping businesses that are already here, encouraging new ones to move to Pennsylvania, and investing in our workforce, we can create real opportunity and build an economy that works for everyone.”
“Reg. Shapiro has heard from business and labor, and by signing this executive order within his first week, his administration is saying loud and clear that we will work to bring about transformative change in Pennsylvania. Businesses of all sizes have asked for economic development to be a focus of his administration, and he responded to their demands by establishing the Office of Transformation and Opportunity,” said Ben Kirshner, Pennsylvania’s chief transformation and opportunity officer. “As CEO, I know what it takes to persuade a company to relocate and stay in the Commonwealth. I am aware of the issues that must be addressed immediately to attract business and jobs to Pennsylvania. Now, as Chief Transformation Officer, I will lead the administration’s efforts to streamline processes so businesses can navigate multiple Pennsylvania agencies. I am proud to serve our business community and the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.”
“Reg. Shapiro and his administration are genuinely committed to growing our economy, fostering innovation, and ensuring that every Pennsylvanian has access to good-paying jobs,” said Rick Siger, acting secretary of DCED. “As Secretary of Community and Economic Development, I look forward to working with Ben and the Office of Transformation and Opportunity to support Pennsylvania businesses and workers and maximize the opportunity to attract disruptive economic development projects to our Commonwealth. The Department of Community and Economic Development will continue to do its part to make Pennsylvania a national leader in innovation and job creation.”