Erie Leaders Bring Unified Voice to Harrisburg for Erie Day
Community, Civic and Business Leaders Deliver Remarks on Capitol Steps
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CONTACT: Sam Peterson
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HARRISBURG, PA (May 4, 2026) — Erie leaders delivered a unified message of regional collaboration and readiness during remarks today on the steps of the Pennsylvania State Capitol as part of the inaugural Erie Day.
Representatives from more than 20 Erie County organizations stood together, symbolizing a years-long shift from fragmented efforts to coordinated action across the public, private and civic sectors.
“Standing on the Capitol steps with so many organizations represented was a powerful moment for Erie,” said Kim Thomas, executive director of Infinite Erie, who delivered remarks. “The moment reflected that Erie has moved beyond working in silos and is now aligned around clear priorities that directly benefit our residents.”
Those shared priorities include expanding access to safe, affordable housing; developing a world-class waterfront; and supporting sustainable economic development that strengthens workforce opportunities across the region.
“The Infinite Erie Playbook outlines these priorities clearly and serves as a guide for developing our region,” Thomas said. “The 2026 Playbook reflects deep collaboration across public, private and civic leadership and represents a real opportunity for Erie.”
The remarks also highlighted shared frameworks, including the Infinite Erie Playbook and the Erie Regional Chamber’s Erie 300 Strategy, as tools to coordinate development efforts. Speakers noted that alignment positions Erie to compete more effectively for state and federal support, particularly as budget priorities continue to emphasize housing, workforce and economic development.
“The message on the Capitol steps was simple and intentional: Erie is ready to do the work,” said Brandon Mendoza, president and CEO of the Erie Regional Chamber. “We wanted state leaders to hear, clearly and directly, that our region is aligned, prepared to deploy resources responsibly and focused on turning strategy into measurable results.”
Mendoza said the partnership between the Chamber and Infinite Erie helps ensure that long-term economic strategies translate into action for employers, workers and communities.
“State investment creates opportunity, but local coordination determines impact,” Mendoza added. “When business priorities and regional development goals align, Erie is better positioned to grow.”
The remarks also emphasized the importance of stronger coordination across Erie’s economic development ecosystem, including through shared roles designed to connect organizations, align projects and reduce duplication, so efforts move forward collectively.
Organizers noted that while the speech marked a significant milestone, the work continues beyond Erie Day.
“The words spoken today are a commitment,” Thomas said. “Now, our responsibility is to sustain that momentum and turn collaboration into continued progress back home in Erie.”
To learn more about the Infinite Erie Playbook projects, visit the 2026 Infinite Erie Playbook. Stay up to date with Infinite Erie on Facebook, LinkedIn, and Instagram.
ABOUT ERIE DAY IN HARRISBURG
Erie Day in Harrisburg is an annual convening of Erie business, civic and community leaders to highlight that Erie is coordinated and speaking with one voice to state legislators. Erie Day is presented by Infinite Erie with support from the Erie Regional Chamber. This year’s event was sponsored by Erie Insurance.
ABOUT INFINITE ERIE
Infinite Erie strengthens Erie’s community and economic development system by identifying, cultivating, and prioritizing the projects and initiatives in the Playbook.
The Playbook is a living roadmap, outlining a pipeline of projects and aligning efforts toward shared goals – a dynamic strategy to continuously move Erie toward the infinite horizon. The Playbook is published annually, establishing priority projects and sharing progress updates with the community. Infinite Erie and its partners provide resources and expertise to guide the implementation of the Playbook.
ABOUT THE ERIE CHAMBER
The Erie Regional Chamber and Growth Partnership serves as the region’s leading driver of economic growth, advancing business success through strategic awareness, advocacy, and access to the people, education, and resources organizations need to thrive. Representing more than 5,000 members across Erie County, we are committed to fostering a dynamic, competitive business environment that supports innovation, investment, and opportunity. The Erie Regional Chamber is dedicated to continuous professional growth, bringing strong judgment, accountability, and a results-driven mindset to our work. We embrace innovation and are willing to test, learn, and adapt—knowing that thoughtful risks and lessons learned lead to stronger outcomes for Erie’s future.