Over the last two years, the Shapiro Administration has successfully competed for business, made strategic investments in key sectors of the Commonwealth’s economy, and implemented transformative changes to the permitting, licensing, and certification processes to ensure Pennsylvania moves at the speed of business.  

Governor Shapiro is focused on getting even more stuff done — positioning Pennsylvania as a national leader in innovation, job creation, and economic development — while building on the successes of his first two years in office. 

Philadelphia, PA – Today, Governor Josh Shapiro and Department of Community and Economic Development Secretary Rick Siger visited life sciences company Adare Pharma Solutions to highlight the Shapiro Administration’s success in securing over $3 billion in private sector investments and creating more than 4,700 jobs since taking office. Last year, Pennsylvania’s investment in Adare enticed the life sciences company to relocate from New Jersey to Philadelphia — creating 115 new well-paying jobs, retaining 200 existing positions. 

«My Administration is focused on driving economic growth to create real opportunity for Pennsylvanians. Pennsylvania is open for business, and I’m committed to bringing people together to spur economic development, create jobs, and drive innovation all across our Commonwealth,” said Governor Shapiro. “From cutting red tape to launching our first Economic Development Strategy in nearly two decades, we’ve laid a solid foundation for continued success in the state. Pennsylvania is showing the nation how we get stuff done and deliver real results – and we’re just getting started.” 

“Access to a highly skilled talent pool and key markets is critical for us, and the Philadelphia area provides exactly what we need. That’s why we’re relocating to Pennsylvania and expanding our facilities in Philadelphia,” said Tom Sellig, CEO of Adare. “Pennsylvania is truly a life sciences hub, and the Shapiro Administration, along with the Philadelphia Chamber of Commerce, has been instrumental in helping us — as they have for many companies like ours.» 

“As we look to the future, it’s clear that investing in companies like Adare is not just important — it’s essential,” said Yogini Patel, packaging supervisor at Adare. “Organizations like ours drive advancements in healthcare, improve patient adherence, and create solutions that have a global impact. Supporting companies that prioritize innovation and quality ensures we continue to deliver value not just to our industry, but to society as a whole.” 

From day one, Governor Shapiro has worked to spur economic development in Pennsylvania, creating the first Economic Development Strategy in nearly two decades, securing historic funding for site development, main streets, small businesses, and more, and speeding up the Commonwealth’s permitting, licensing, and certification processes. As a result, the Shapiro Administration has secured over $3 billion in private sector investment in Pennsylvania, created over 4,700 jobs, and achieved a historically low unemployment rate below the national average.  

“Governor Shapiro and I have focused on creating economic opportunity for all Pennsylvanians by investing in resources that will empower our workforce and businesses,” said DCED Secretary Siger. “We’re making strategic investments in every corner of our Commonwealth and will continue to get stuff done that will spur innovation, create jobs, support our communities, and invest in Pennsylvania’s bright future.” 

Strategic Investments Across Key Sectors 

Last year, Pennsylvania launched its first statewide Economic Development Strategy and the Governor’s 2024-25 bipartisan budget made significant investments aligned with the ten-year economic strategy, focusing on five key industries: agriculture, energy, life sciences, manufacturing, and robotics and technology. Key investments over the last two years include: 

• Expanding the PA SITES Program: Secured $500 million in state funds to develop shovel-ready sites, building on the success of the pilot program that awarded $10.6 million to seven projects. 

• Main Street Matters Program: Established a $20 million fund to support downtowns, main streets, and surrounding neighborhoods. 

• Promoting Pennsylvania’s Tourism Brand: Launched the new tourism campaign, Pennsylvania: The Great American Getaway, and secured $15 million in state funding for tourism marketing. 

• Revitalizing Downtown Pittsburgh: Announced a historic plan to revitalize Downtown Pittsburgh with a $62 million investment that will help spur nearly $600 million in total investment to revitalize the community as a thriving center for economic growth, culture, and industry and create over 3,000 jobs. 

Competing and Winning for Pennsylvania 

Governor Shapiro has successfully competed against other states to bring business to the Commonwealth, including: 

• 2026 NFL Draft: Supported the Pittsburgh Steelers’ successful bid to host the 2026 NFL Draft, making Pennsylvania the first state to host the draft in two different cities. 

• Excelitas Technologies: Relocated headquarters from Massachusetts to Pittsburgh, investing $2.3 million and creating at least 250 jobs. 

• Mainspring Energy: Announced a $109 million clean-tech manufacturing expansion in Allegheny County, creating almost 600 new jobs. 

• Schless Bottles: Relocated to Allentown, investing over $7.5 million and creating 98 new manufacturing jobs. 

• U.S. Boiler Company: Chose Pennsylvania over North Carolina for its $5.5 million investment to expand manufacturing in Lancaster. 

Transforming Government to Drive Economic Growth 

The Shapiro Administration has made significant strides in modernizing government services to support economic development and make government move at the speed of business, including: 

• Office of Transformation and Opportunity (OTO): Established as a “one-stop-shop” for businesses to eliminate red tape and encourage expansion. 

• Money-Back Guarantee System: Launched PAyback.pa.gov, the nation’s first online money-back guarantee system, ensures timely processing of permits, licenses, and certifications (PLC) by offering refunds for delays.  

• Permitting Modernization: Secured $16.9 million across the Governor’s first two budgets to modernize and accelerate permitting at the Commonwealth. Launched the PA Permit Fast Track Program, the nation’s first project-based permitting system to expedite major economic development and infrastructure projects, led by OTO. 

• Boosting Pennsylvania’s Competitiveness: Reduced corporate filing processing times from 8 weeks to just 2 days and cut small business certification times by 33 percent, making Pennsylvania more attractive for businesses and workers. Increased the cap for net loss deductions for start-ups and other businesses, delivering on a promise to create a more business-friendly environment and attract investments. 

• Streamlining Economic Development Tools: Simplified the application process for the Redevelopment Assistance Capital Program (RACP), one of the Commonwealth’s most important economic tools.

Advancing Pennsylvania’s Manufacturing and Tech Sectors 

Governor Shapiro and his Administration has secured hundreds of millions in private sector investments to strengthen Pennsylvania’s manufacturing and technology industries, including: 

• Astrobotic Technology: Announced a $20 million expansion in Pittsburgh, creating 283 new high-tech jobs. 

• EMD Electronics: Invested $300 million in Schuylkill County to build the world’s largest integrated specialty gas facility, creating nearly 200 jobs. 

• Mitsubishi Electric Power Products: Committed $86 million to build an advanced switchgear factory, creating at least 200 new jobs. 

Supporting the Agriculture and Food Industries 

The Shapiro Administration has also focused on bolstering Pennsylvania’s agriculture and food sectors: 

• Martin’s Famous Potato Rolls: Announced a $123.2 million expansion in Franklin County, creating 127 new jobs. 

• Little Leaf Farms: Expanded production in Carbon County with plans for three additional greenhouses.