Sign In
Free Newsletter
What true inclusion looks like: Beyond tokenism in DE&I
I have spent my life working at the intersection of business, culture, and community. I’ve seen the best of what diversity, equity, and inclusion (DE&I) efforts can achieve, and the worst of what happens when they become nothing more than box-checking exercises. I grew up locally here in Harrisburg, in[...]
Financial literacy is fuel for Central Pa.’s next gen of entrepreneurs
Entrepreneurs account for a significant share of economic momentum in Pennsylvania. According to the U.S. Small Business Administration, 99.6% of Pennsylvania businesses are small with less than 500 employees. In the Harrisburg-Carlisle area, there are 49,575 small businesses. Women own 38.6% of them, and racial minorities own 15.6%. How[...]
Why smart development is key to sustainable growth
We face rapidly evolving urban and suburban environments and land development has become a very complex balancing act between growth, regulation, and sustainability. Businesses, real estate developers, the AEC industry (architects, engineers, contractors) and municipalities are grappling with the tension between economic expansion and responsible land use. Zoning constraints, infrastructure[...]
Pa. construction industry tackles opioid crisis
It isn’t an exaggeration to say Pennsylvania’s opioid and fentanyl epidemic is the public health challenge of our time. Across our commonwealth and America, opioid use disorder (OUD) continues to be a crisis that requires our constant attention. Overdose deaths inflict a toll on families, workplaces, communities and state economies.[...]
Pennsylvania faces critical aging care workforce shortage
Across Pennsylvania, aging services providers are posting job openings faster than they can fill them. This Workforce Development Month, we need to shine a light on one of the most pressing challenges facing Pennsylvania: the need to strengthen and expand our aging services workforce. Pennsylvania is among the 10 oldest[...]
Pennsylvania unveils AI and energy innovation roadmap
Pennsylvania leaders have developed a 10-year roadmap to capitalize on the state’s energy resources, developments in artificial intelligence (AI), and the growing need for data centers, while calling for the creation of up to five “innovation corridors” that could include central Pennsylvania and the Lehigh Valley. “Pennsylvania is at a[...]
Employers can help detect cancer early and save lives
A new report from America’s Health Rankings found that 8.4% of adults in the U.S. have previously been diagnosed with cancer,1 and the latest data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) show 78,198 cancer cases were reported in Pennsylvania in 2022.2 Costs related to this disease are[...]
Building a vision that drives your organization forward
Many organizations have benefited from working with experienced advisors to create, refine, and execute strategic plans that move organizations forward. External consultants are often brought in to continue or improve upon the efforts of previous consultants, often bringing fresh perspectives and renewed momentum. It’s not uncommon to encounter strategic plans[...]
Beyond Burnout: The case for workplaces where people thrive
In my last column I wrote about the lesson of 996 culture, an overwork philosophy that destroys value. Now, the next question is obvious: what actually creates it? The answer isn’t complicated, but it does require courage. Sustainable business success comes from workplaces where people feel valued, fulfilled and empowered.[...]
Impact of a federal government shutdown: Credit unions avert downstream consequences
The credit union philosophy is universally founded on people helping people. That includes financing member milestones like starting a new business or walking a young family through a skip-a-loan payment option when money is tight. We understand that life can change in an instant and many times through no fault[...]
Levity vs comedy: The subtle art of lightening the workplace
When people hear the idea of bringing humor into the workplace, many immediately picture someone cracking jokes at a meeting or telling a funny story during a presentation. While comedy has its place, what most workplaces actually need is not more stand-up routines but more levity. Levity is the art[...]
U.S. M&A market set for major rebound in 2026
The U.S. mergers and acquisitions (M&A) sector is poised for a significant rebound in 2026 after two years of market turbulence. Elevated interest rates, macroeconomic uncertainty, and supply chain disruptions initially slowed activity. Private equity (PE) firms are sitting on a historic amount of undeployed capital setting the stage for[...]
