From Where I Sit…
By Bob Garrett
Chamber’s First-Ever Transportation Summit a Rolling Success
By Bob Garrett
Chamber’s First-Ever Transportation Summit a Rolling Success
Last Friday, the Greater Susquehanna Valley Chamber of Commerce hosted its inaugural Transportation Summit, an action-packed day that put a spotlight on our region’s dynamic infrastructure projects and transportation assets.
The highlight of the day was a guided bus tour of the Central Susquehanna Valley Thruway construction zones. Participants heard directly from PennDOT’s Chief Plans Engineer Matt Beck, P.E. and Construction Manager Dave Wise, P.E. who offered expert insights into one of the region’s most significant infrastructure undertakings.
The summit also featured a variety of in-depth presentations. Andrew Rohrer of UGI discussed gas line development, while Ben Reichley of LB Water explored the complexity of underground utilities. Steve Bowers led a walking tour of the Penn Valley Airport, which concluded with a ribbon-cutting ceremony by Bruce Whitcobb and Art Bowen, and remarks from State Representative David Rowe (R-85).
The journey continued to downtown Lewisburg, where Mike Molesevich of the Union County Historical Society led a conversation about pedestrian safety and active transportation. Aaron Barth of Asbury (formerly the United Methodist Homes) discussed plans for a trail connector linking St. Anthony Street Park with the Buffalo Creek sports fields and further onto the Riverwoods campus.
The day concluded on a high note with a boxed lunch provided by Tried and True Catering aboard the historic dining cars of the North Shore Railroad. Over lunch, participants heard updates on municipal services, wayfinding, intercity motorcoach service, and both freight and excursion rail.
Legislative updates were also provided by Senator Lynda Schlegel Culver (R-27th) and Representatives Robert Leadbeter (R-109th) and Michael Stender (R-108th).
The Transportation Summit was an overwhelming success, underscoring the seamless, multimodal systems that make the Greater Susquehanna Valley a hub of connectivity—and celebrating the many Chamber-inspired ‘Wins’ that brought us the prosperity that characterize our valley.
By working together, our best days lie just ahead.
