Seven bids to be home to Amazon's new headquarters came from the Commonwealth. From major cities like Philadelphia to job-hungry regions like Northeastern PA, economic development professionals made their pitches as to why they have the ideal location for one of the world's most dynamic companies. Who will triumph in the race for thousands of jobs and billions in investment?
When downsizing threatened the Letterkenny Army Depot, an essential institution in Franklin County, the community rallied. Determined not to lose a major employer without a fight, local economic development and county government officials sprang into action, making moves that are still paying dividends 20 years later.
The inaugural PA Urban Parks & Recreation Exchange, held in Allentown, spotlighted how Pennsylvania cities large and small can improve their communities through thoughtful design and increased access to parks and playgrounds.
Device Events strives to make information about medical devices available to providers and patients. Their idea bested the field at this pitch competition that seeds startups working outside traditional tech hubs.
This iconic Pennsylvania institution has been taking startups from great idea to thriving company since 1983, contributing billions to the state's economy. Check out four businesses — one for each of BFTP's regional headquarters — taking advantage of its incubation and acceleration resources to thrive, whether developing next-generation pregnancy tests, fighting bedbugs or saving lives with stroke prevention.
From a blind elephant seal in Pittsburgh to an entire population of endangered butterflies near Hershey, the state's zoos are jumping in to help the world's wildlife. It's all part of a national movement that has these beloved institutions emphasizing education and conservation.
In September, Reading hosted the 2017 PA Greenways and Trails Summit, an opportunity to celebrate and advocate for the state's growing network of trails. These assets not only help Pennsylvanians get out into nature, they also spur economic development in adjacent communities.
The winners — which will be announced on November 16 — will earn cash prizes and business development opportunities to help get their idea off the ground.
Often the greenest new homes are also the most expensive. GreenBuild, a partnership between Penn State and the State College Community Land Trust, is looking to solve that problem with a net-zero energy duplex that will be affordable both to purchase and to live in.
This farm-to-home subscription service gives Pennsylvanians access to humanely-raised beef and other meat products.