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Pennsylvania Introduces ‘Made in PA’ Program to Boost Local Manufacturing

The new 'Made in PA' program aims to support local manufacturers and highlight Pennsylvania-made products.

News Summary

Pennsylvania is set to launch the ‘Made in PA’ program aimed at promoting locally-made products. This initiative will help consumers identify Pennsylvania goods while also fostering connections among local manufacturers. A searchable website and a distinct logo are key features of the program, which has garnered support from labor unions and employer groups. Additionally, the popular ‘Coolest Thing Made in PA’ contest has begun, inviting public participation to celebrate the state’s manufacturing creativity and innovation.

Pennsylvania is set to unveil new legislation aimed at promoting products made within the state through the introduction of the ‘Made in PA’ program. This initiative, which is expected to be introduced in the Pennsylvania House of Representatives soon, is designed to help consumers easily identify and purchase Pennsylvania-made goods.

The proposed bill instructs the Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development to establish the ‘Made in PA’ program, which will complement the existing Pennsylvania Preferred program. A key feature of this new initiative will include a business-to-business component, which aims to facilitate connections between local manufacturers and suppliers operating within Pennsylvania.

The ‘Made in PA’ program will also include a publicly-searchable website where consumers and businesses alike can find information about local products. To further enhance its visibility and recognition, the program will incorporate a distinct ‘Made in PA’ logo, allowing shoppers to identify eligible products at a glance. Additionally, a series of marketing efforts are planned to bolster the promotion of Pennsylvania-made goods in both local and broader markets.

The initiative has gathered significant support from various stakeholders, including labor unions and employer groups, highlighting the importance of sustaining the approximately 570,000 manufacturing workers within the state. The proposed legislation reinforces the commitment to boosting the local economy and centers on job retention and growth in the manufacturing sector.

Alongside the development of the ‘Made in PA’ program, State Representative Perry Warren is advocating for additional legislation that would bar state and local contracts with private prison facilities and corporations. This broader ethical stance complements the intent of the ‘Made in PA’ initiative, reflecting a comprehensive approach to local economic and social issues.

Additionally, the Pennsylvania Chamber of Business and Industry’s popular ‘Coolest Thing Made in PA’ contest has recently commenced. The competition invites public voting on 64 products manufactured in Pennsylvania, showcasing the creativity and innovation within the state’s manufacturing sector. Last year, the contest saw over 94,000 votes cast, generating substantial engagement across social media platforms. The 2025 title for the coolest product was awarded to Sheetz MTO, which won against well-known competitors like Crayola Crayons, further illustrating the diversity and quality of products being produced in Pennsylvania.

The voting for this year’s contest will take place weekly on the Chamber’s X account, with additional voting opportunities available on LinkedIn, Instagram, and TikTok during the final 24 hours of each voting period. This contest serves not only to celebrate local products but also elevates community involvement in supporting Pennsylvania’s manufacturing landscape.

As the ‘Made in PA’ program prepares to be introduced, the prospect of increased visibility and support for local manufacturers is expected to have a positive impact on Pennsylvania’s economy. The initiative, combined with engaging events such as the ‘Coolest Thing Made in PA’ contest, reflects a robust commitment to ensuring that Pennsylvania-made products flourish in the marketplace.