Marcus Hook Energy Hub

At a recent event in Marcus Hook last week nearly 20 legislators met to discuss the natural gas industries recent growth and how it benefits the Commonwealth. One of the key legislators, Speaker of the House Mike Turzai spoke about how the Philadelphia area is poised to create nearly “2.2 million jobs” in the industry that could help hard working Pennsylvanians get a leg up. As long as Harrisburg continues to nurture growth in this rapidly expanding industry many families across the Commonwealth can expect to see themselves with good paying jobs.

Pennsylvania Energy Infrastructure Alliance (PEIA)

The Delaware County Chamber of Commerce is excited to announce our involvement in the newly launched, Pennsylvania Energy Infrastructure Alliance (PEIA). This is a coalition made of our partners at the Washington County Chamber of Commerce, the International Union of Operating Engineers Local 66, and the Laborers International Union of North America, all groups united in support of energy infrastructure investments in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.

Pennsylvania is currently the second highest natural gas producing state and the way we transport natural gas and natural gas liquids is extremely important for further development of these energy resources and critical to our local communities. Pipelines are the safest form of transport and their construction and operation provides countless direct and indirect benefits to our local economy, including many of our member businesses.

Specific to Delaware County, southeast Pennsylvania is currently on the cusp of exciting growth and opportunity with the revitalization of the Marcus Hook Industrial Complex, as a part of the Mariner East natural gas liquids pipeline project.  This economic investment will not only provide Pennsylvanians with affordable, domestic energy products, but it will also provide hundreds of jobs and economic growth here in Delaware County. The benefits of a revitalization project of this magnitude are not limited to those working on the project. Heightened investment in the community means more restaurant patrons, store sales, new hotel business, increased housing purchases and apartment rentals, and more, all here in Delaware County.

With these economic benefits for Delaware County in mind, please check out our website at, PA Infrastructure Energy Alliance, and follow the coalition on twitter at @PAllies4Energy.

Pension Reform

Pension reform likely before end of June- A pension reform package being negotiated between the State House and Senate Republican caucuses may be finalized by June.  The House State Government held a hearing this week on Senate Bill 1, which would place new hires into a 401(k)-style plan and reduce benefits for current state employees. Read complete details.

Meet Alex Rahn

Look Who's Talking . . . 

Alex Rahn, Senior Associate, Wanner Associates is the Chamber’s government affairs consultant and has over eighteen years’ experience in the association, corporate, government, non-profit, and political sectors. Mr. Rahn previously owned his own state, municipal, and federal government relations firm before joining Wanner Associates. Currently, Alex advocates for a diverse array of clients, including the Self Storage Industry, Defense Firms, Energy Industry, Child Abuse Prevention and Child Welfare. Alex previously served as the Southeast Political Director for Senator Arlen Specter and spent more than six years working as both the District Director and Campaign Manager for Congressman Curt Weldon. Alex currently serves or has served on many community organizations, including the American Red Cross in Chester County, United Way, and CASA/Children’s Advocates, Neumann University Center for Community Leadership Development, and West Chester University Alumni Association. He is a former Councilman of Ridley Park Borough, former member of the PA Army National Guard, and holds a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science and International Relations from West Chester University.