by Karen Bilowith, President & CEO of The Erie Community Foundation
Earlier this month, I had the opportunity to join more than 25 leaders from across Erie County for Erie Day in Harrisburg, a two-day effort organized by Infinite Erie in partnership with the Erie Regional Chamber and Growth Partnership.
We all carried the same message –– Erie is united towards a vibrant future.
There was a “buzz” in the Capitol. Our state representatives and senators knew we were in Harrisburg as a coordinated and well-prepared region ready to move forward together. Over the course of two days, our delegation, including our Mayor and our County Executive, met with legislators and members of Governor Shapiro’s administration. We shared our priorities ranging from infrastructure and workforce development to housing, economic growth, and waterfront investment.
Our efforts, like the Infinite Erie Playbook and the Erie Regional Chamber’s Erie 300 Strategy, align our local leadership around a more cohesive vision for Erie and the surrounding region. We understand that legislators invest in communities that clearly articulate local needs and demonstrate the ability to deliver results.
What made Erie Day in Harrisburg especially meaningful was the diversity of voices at the table. Leaders from across sectors traveled together because we recognize that no single organization can move our community forward alone. Progress happens through partnership. Erie Day demonstrated our alliances across public, private, and philanthropic organizations.
At The Erie Community Foundation, we know that philanthropy and the nonprofit sector play an important role in sustaining a vibrant community. For decades the Foundation has engaged and empowered local community organizations to respond to economic and population shifts. At the same time, we inspire philanthropy that helps transform the place we call home.
We partner with Infinite Erie, the Chamber and others to set an agenda for economic and community development. We help convene conversations, identify shared goals, and bring people together around solutions. Finally, we respond with strategic investments.
Our momentum did not end when the bus returned home. Erie Day in Harrisburg created new connections, sparked important follow-up conversations, and reinforced the value of showing up together with a unified message. Our message in Harrisburg was clear and consistent: Erie is aligned, focused, collaborative, and ready to partner. We expect this to result in state investment in priorities highlighted in Erie’s investment Playbook.
Our coordinated presence will continue to grow each year. Erie is creating a new annual tradition centered on alignment, advocacy, and long-term regional progress. May 4th was a good day for Erie, PA.