Welcome to the Pittsburgh Airport Area Chamber of Commerce’s (PAACC) first newsletter for 2023. If January and February are any indications of what 2023 will look like here in the airport area then we are in for an incredible recalibration and economic upswing in all markets and sectors. As we look at the big picture I am optimistic about many areas but mostly about the possibilities of Republicans and Democrats working together in Harrisburg. Why wouldn’t I? First, we have a new Democratic governor, Josh Shapiro, a Republican majority in the Senate and a new Democratic majority in the House. Wow! My optimism is reflected in the fact that finally, after decades of lagging last in the nation with a CNI tax of 9.9%, we have finally, with the help by then Governor Tom Wolf, we dropped to 8.99% with a net limit of 2.9% by 2031. The corporate net income tax (CNI) has been a thorn in our side, and has been top of mind for me as the number one issue of state-wide economic development and growth for not only our Chamber but for all businesses here in the Commonwealth.
A barometer for economic growth in any community is their local Chamber of Commerce. The PAACC is averaging 14 new member companies per month and that is for the last five months. This is an indication of growth and attraction of new companies and industries here in the airport area. Commercial land developers are reaching critical mass at existing industrial parks and areas so they are expanding along the Southern Beltway just as we predicted they would. Moon Township just announced that over 10,000 new residents will move in over the next five years, and they aren’t stopping there. Class A commercial space is rising on old forgotten land, creating Diamond Ridge, a Mixed-Use Campus and a $130 million bet by Burns Scalo into reality.
The Pittsburgh airport area and the neighboring communities are looking better than ever and we encourage you to live, work and play here. The PAACC is you chamber of commerce, growing with you and is here as a resource as we look brighter every day.
