Trade Rally to Promote Importance of Global Business for Pittsburgh and the State

Pittsburghers will join representatives from across the state and around the country for a rally on the steps of the State Capitol in Harrisburg on Tuesday, April 21 to promote the importance of international trade to the Pennsylvania economy.

The rally is the kick-off event for TradeRoots PA, a year-long, private sector initiative led by the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, the PA Chamber of Business & Industry, the Pittsburgh Regional Alliance, and other key chambers and business groups.

Exports, imports, and foreign direct investment are fundamental to the success of the Pennsylvania economy. The goal of TradeRoots PA is to educate consumers, businesses, workers, farmers, families and elected officials as to the importance of international trade in all aspects of the economy.

"Openness to international trade encourages productivity gains and improved competitiveness," according to the U.S. Chamber of Commerce. "Doing business internationally has allowed U.S. businesses, including small and medium-size enterprises, to grow in markets outside of the United States and prosper globally."

TradeRoots PA will include a road tour in mid-May with stops in Pittsburgh, Philadelphia, York/Harrisburg and Erie. Each stop will include a plant visit, news conference and town hall forum.

For information about TradeRoots PA, contact Roger Cranville, Sr. VP at the PRA, at rcranville@alleghenyconference.org or by calling 412.392.4555 ext. 1030.