On Wednesday, business and community leaders convened at Penn State Behrend for the 2025 Economic Research Institute of Erie Conference to deliberate on strategies for economic transformation and revitalization. The conference centered on Erie’s adaptation to a rapidly evolving economy, transitioning from a goods-based to a service-oriented model. Sectors such as education, healthcare, finance, insurance, and real estate are experiencing growth.
Ken Louie, Director of the Economic Research Institute of Erie at Penn State Behrend, emphasized that this year’s focus is on transformation. Lavea Brachman, Senior Fellow at Brookings Metro, pointed out the changing landscape of manufacturing jobs, describing them as often clean and distinct from those of previous generations.
Conference speakers shared insights from other communities on achieving success in a shifting economic environment. Presenters urged leaders to remain flexible, as employment patterns are anticipated to change significantly. Louie noted that individuals accustomed to manufacturing jobs may encounter challenges, while those in other fields might find opportunities more readily due to rapid expansion.
Brachman highlighted the importance of a trained workforce, suggesting that community colleges play a crucial role in cultivating talent for the manufacturing sector. Research presented at the event indicated that revitalizing the downtown area is more vital for economic development than focusing solely on low taxes and regulations.
The conference stressed the necessity for Erie to embrace economic transformation, concentrating on service-based industries and preparing a skilled workforce to meet future demands. As Erie shifts its economic focus, leaders are encouraged to recognize the significance of downtown revitalization in fostering growth.
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Erie business, community leaders explore economic transformation plans
Business and community leaders gathered on Wednesday at Penn State Behrend for the 2025 Economic Research Institute of Erie Conference to discuss strategies for economic transformation and revitalization.
The conference focused on how Erie can adapt to a rapidly changing economy, with a shift from a goods-based to a service-based economy. Growth is occurring in sectors such as education, healthcare, finance, insurance, and real estate.
Ken Louie, Director of the Economic Research Institute of Erie at Penn State Behrend, said this year’s theme is transformation.
Lavea Brachman, Senior Fellow at Brookings Metro, highlighted the evolving nature of manufacturing jobs, noting, “These are not the jobs of our parents or grandparents in the manufacturing sector. These are often clean jobs.”
Speakers at the conference shared lessons learned from other communities on how to achieve success in a changing economy. Presenters encouraged leaders to be adaptable to change, as employment patterns are expected to shift dramatically.
Ken Louie noted that workers accustomed to manufacturing jobs may face challenges, while those in other fields might find opportunities more easily due to rapid expansion.
Lavea Brachman discussed the importance of a trained workforce, suggesting community colleges as a key resource for cultivating talent in the manufacturing sector.
Research presented at the conference indicated that a revitalized downtown is more crucial for economic development than low taxes and regulations.
The conference underscored the need for Erie to embrace economic transformation, focusing on service-based industries and preparing a skilled workforce to meet future demands. As Erie shifts its economic focus, leaders are encouraged to consider the importance of downtown revitalization in fostering growth.
All facts in this report were gathered by journalists employed by WJET/WFXP. Artificial intelligence tools were used to reformat from a broadcast script into a news article for our website. This report was edited and fact-checked by WJET/WFXP staff before being published.