By Bob Garrett, President & CEO, Greater Susquehanna Valley Chamber of Commerce.
Executive Director, Leadership Susquehanna Valley
Recognizing the airport’s vital role, the Chamber fully supports the Penn Valley Airport Authority as a critical infrastructure in our valley. The Penn Valley Airport’s functionality directly impacts several major employers and economic drivers in the region.
Supporting Regional Businesses
- National Beef: With nearly 500 employees, National Beef’s Hummel’s Wharf facility serves as a back-office operation for their Iowa headquarters. Executives frequently rely on Penn Valley Airport for same-day travel to and from Iowa, a critical factor for maintaining operations in the Greater Susquehanna Valley. Without the airport, these jobs could be at risk of relocation.
- Weis Markets: Headquartered just 10 minutes from the airport, Weis Markets has been a cornerstone of the local economy since 1912. Operating over 165 stores and employing more than 18,000 people, Weis’ success is intertwined with the airport. The company’s corporate jet is a daily user of the facility, enabling executives to efficiently oversee their extensive operations. The airport’s presence has been pivotal in ensuring that Weis Markets remains a regional powerhouse.
Catalyzing Future Investments
Simultaneous to significant infrastructure projects like the Central Susquehanna Valley Thruway and the Sunbury Pipeline, Penn Valley Airport’s strategic location bolsters the region’s appeal to agribusinesses and manufacturers. As the only aviation base within a 50-mile radius, the airport plays a decisive role in attracting new investments.
Supporting Life-Saving Medical Operations
Beyond its economic contributions, the Penn Valley Airport is a critical link in life-saving medical operations. Geisinger Medical Center in Danville, a leading trauma and transplant center, relies on the airport for the rapid transport of donor organs. The airport’s around-the-clock operations ensure that organs can be delivered swiftly, making it an indispensable resource for time-sensitive medical procedures.
A Unified Voice
From large employers like L.B. Water, PPL Electric Utilities, and Ritz-Craft to academic institutions such as Bucknell and Susquehanna Universities, the Penn Valley Airport’s impact extends across diverse sectors. The Greater Susquehanna Valley Chamber of Commerce stands united with the Penn Valley Airport Authority in advocating for support from federal and state resources. As they are able, local municipalities who are concerned about the long-term prosperity of their citizens are encouraged to financially support the airport. In turn, they will receive a ‘seat at the table’ on the airport board.
In the interest of ‘putting our money where our mouth is’ pictured while attending the 2nd Annual Penn Valley Air Show in June, 2022 are Bob Garrett, Chamber President & CEO ; Bruce Witkop, President of Keystone Building Products; Steve Bowers, Airport Manager; and Art Bowen, Chairman of SIDCO. Garrett is presenting the Airport with a check for $100,000 to offset the costs of a new commercial hanger which was recently dedicated.
Your Chamber believes that investing in the airport’s future ensures sustained economic growth, enhanced medical capabilities, and an improved quality of life for the entire region, so that we all be assured that our best days lie just ahead.
