The 2026 Focus Central PA Industrial Development Forum highlighted AI use and collaboration

The Industrial Development Forum, organized by Focus Central PA, brought together community leaders, business owners, site selectors, brokers, and partners to discuss economic development opportunities in the region. The goal of this event was to put everyone in one room to work toward growth.

“If we want to attract investment, we need to engage a lot of different groups,” says Lauren Bryson, Executive Director of Focus Central PA. “This forum brings together various stakeholders to learn from each other and participate in like-minded discussions.”

Focus Central PA even invited advisors like bank owners, lawyers, and construction companies to share their insights on development projects and the process of bringing them to the region. This is in direct response to partner feedback that they wish they had been brought into projects earlier. This forum allows everyone to be at the table and discuss their roles within the economic development ecosystem.

In case you missed it, here are some takeaways from the Industrial Development Forum that can support stakeholders going forward. 

AI is an Essential Asset to Central Pennsylvania Businesses

Ronn Cort, President and CEO of the Dunmore Corporation, was this year’s keynote speaker. He used his time to address artificial intelligence (AI) in the world of industrial investment – and how local companies can apply it.

Cort began with the idea that 55% of the workforce is over 45, and that older workers have 30 to 45 years of operational knowledge they are set to retire with. This expertise needs to be passed to the younger generation, but in forms that new employees can understand.

Cort explained that AI can be used to better communicate within teams while scaling training efforts from senior to junior workers. The goal isn’t to replace senior workers, but to create better training and onboarding pathways.  

Naturally, employee training is just one use for AI in the workplace. Cort highlighted the MLB Playbook as an example of breaking down each step to analyze how it can be improved. Manufacturers can take similar steps to streamline their operations. There are nearly 700 manufacturing companies in Central Pennsylvania, representing 35,000 jobs, so AI for manufacturing was a valuable topic of discussion.

However, despite the high levels of interest in AI, it has yet to be used by many stakeholders in the region. Cort asked the audience to raise their hands if they regularly use AI in their workflows, and very few did.

“This was an eye-opener for our community,” says Bryson. “Cort’s presentation was a reality check that we need to start using this if we want to stay competitive.”

Cort’s thesis is that AI is a “People Elevator” that saves time, preserves knowledge, and scales productivity. When used intentionally, AI can make individual companies more effective while growing the region as a whole.  

The State is Fostering a Business-Friendly Environment

Rick Siger, Secretary of the Department of Community and Economic Development (DCED), also spoke at the Industrial Development Forum and shared how Pennsylvania is reducing barriers to investment while adding incentives and infrastructure. A few highlights from their 2026-2027 Budget Proposal include:

• $100 million allocated to Innovate in PA 2.0, which provides venture capital to startups and manufacturers to help them grow. This is particularly important for Central Pennsylvania companies. 
• $38 million is being sent to PA First, which incentivizes investment in Pennsylvania by covering costs related to equipment, infrastructure, and workforce development. 
• $12.5 million will go to WEDnetPA, which supports workforce training. The DCED also allocated funds for career and technical education (CTE) and statewide internship programs.

Siger ended his presentation by discussing the importance of housing in Pennsylvania and how ample, affordable homes can attract and retain talent, fostering long-term economic development.

“The state representatives were very impressed with our teams and the changes coming to Central Pennsylvania,” says Bryson. “They see that we are getting things done and want to support us.” 

The Forum Balanced Presentations With Informal Discussions

Along with the keynote speaker and state presentations, the Industrial Development Forum created space for informal networking and planning meetings. There were more than 30 tables in the exhibit hall with a diverse mix of companies and organizations. Exhibitors ranged from robotics and automation companies to rail line partners and organizations that make it easier to find childcare.

“This event is hard to pull off because we bring in such diverse groups of professionals, but the discussions are invaluable,” says Bryson. “We are already in the planning stages of our 2028 event.” 

Watch Central Pennsylvania Grow With Focus and DRIVE

Economic development is a team effort, with countless stakeholders from the first site visit to the celebratory ribbon cutting. There are endless moving pieces and experts sharing ideas. If you’re ready to grow with Central Pennsylvania, connect with Focus Central PA and the team at DRIVE. Our departments frequently share updates on projects and are always looking for new partners to collaborate with. Together, we can grow your industry and shape the region's future for the better.

Read about other projects by DRIVE and how its team collaborates with partners like Focus Central PA to foster economic development.