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Mark S. Schweiker leads a business advocacy organization of more than 5,000 member companies that delivers impressive results on its goals to promote growth and economic development in the 11-county region, advocate for sound public policy and enhance its strong member services and programs. Mr. Schweiker became President & CEO of the Greater Philadelphia Chamber of Commerce (GPCC) in February 2003 and set an aggressive economy-building agenda. One of his early successful efforts was to raise an initial $16 million investment from the region’s business leaders to create Select Greater Philadelphia, an economic development marketing affiliate. Select is governed by the CEO Council for Growth and Mr. Schweiker is its chairman. Select launched the region’s first large-scale, comprehensive effort to brand and market Greater Philadelphia to a national and international audience as a first-tier place to do business. The effort is designed to help area companies remain and expand here, and to attract new businesses to Greater Philadelphia. In the area of public policy, the Chamber has pushed for a series of business tax cuts at both the local and state level. Mr. Schweiker has testified before state committees in favor of dedicated funding for public transit and transportation improvements financed through public-private partnerships. Through Mr. Schweiker’s leadership, the Chamber finished the 2006 program year as the best ever financially in its 205-year history. From the area’s largest corporations to the smallest entrepreneurs, Chamber members participated in informational programs and networking opportunities, and took advantage of GPCC Benefit Services. Prior to joining the Chamber, Mr. Schweiker served as the 44th Governor of Pennsylvania the only governor in the nation to hold the position as a direct result of the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks on the United States and enjoyed a relatively short tenure that was long on accomplishment. Interestingly, many of his policy pursuits and program successes as governor parallel the current priorities of the GPCC. As a precursor to his economy-building efforts at the Chamber, Gov. Schweiker worked to make Pennsylvania more attractive to both employers and employees through worker training and retraining. Gov. Schweiker also ushered in an exciting, new era of academic achievement and fiscal stability to the troubled Philadelphia public school system. Working to ensure 215,000 students receive a quality education, he helped assemble the largest urban reform plan in the history of American public education. In July 2002, Gov. Schweiker led one of the most successful mine rescues in national history when he oversaw a 77-hour operation in Quecreek, Somerset County that saved nine trapped coal miners. Nine for nine was his announcement to a thrilled world. Mr. Schweiker earned a Bachelor of Science degree from Bloomsburg University in 1975. He also holds a master's degree in administration from Rider University. After college, he entered the business world and advanced to positions at Merrill Lynch, McGraw Hill, and his own management-consulting firm. He was first elected to public office in 1979 as Middletown Township Supervisor, and in 1987 was elected Bucks County Commissioner. He was first elected Lieutenant Governor in November 1994 and re-elected in November 1998. Mark Schweiker lives in Bucks County, Pennsylvania with his wife, Kathy, and their three children. | 