About
ERIE HOMECOMING 2022
Right here, right now the momentum for Erie grows, creating an oasis of opportunity for Erieites near and far to engage in the exciting projects and renaissance taking place throughout the region.
Join us for a jam-packed two days to connect with local leaders and community advocates during engaging conference sessions, collaborative conversations, immersive experiences, and more!
This event will be full of opportunities to hear about the incredible work so many passionate Erieites engage in to make your hometown a vibrant community. It's also a chance to experience the change for yourself — whether you're visiting for the first time in over a decade or want to play tourist in your own backyard for a few days.
Attendees will experience the energy of the community through unique and engaging presentations, tours and networking opportunities!
Your ticket will enable you to:
Please join us on October 20th and 21st for this two-day event to learn how you can invest in your hometown.
Who should attend?
What you'll learn
Why invest in Erie?
Erie is in the midst of an unprecedented era of growth and investment — one that includes more than $750 million in capital investment from the private, philanthropic, and public sectors. Erie is also home to more than 23,000 university students, commercial and residential property ready for redevelopment, and 470 acres of bayfront property — 176 acres of which is prime for development.
EVENT SCHEDULE
Schedule is subject to change. Please check back for updates.
Day One: Erie Today
Thursday, Oct 20
VARIOUS LOCATIONS
Erie is the place for emerging leaders to make their mark and Young Erie Professionals is ready to help make it happen! Join professionals under 40 in a morning of workshops and training to level up. Representative Ryan Bizzarro will kick off the morning with a fireside chat on politics and paving the way as a young professional in Erie.
Hop on the bus and tour the latest redevelopment projects happening in Erie including a 100+ year old former industrial site leading the way in revitalizing Erie's 12th street corridor.
Come early, grab lunch, and network with fellow conference
attendees
James Grunke, president and CEO of Erie Regional Chamber, welcomes attendees to Erie Homecoming 2022: Right Here, Right Now
Josh Knauff, Partner at Boston Consulting Group and Erie ex-pat, shares why and how he reconnected with his hometown of Erie and the four simple statements that lead to a more fulfilling life.
Pete Zaphiris tells the story of why he became so invested in Downtown Erie as well as key things he looks for when making any investment
Join founders of four groups that identified a need and created community as young professionals and what these groups are doing
today to create impact in Erie.
Did you know a large percentage of Western PA businesses are family owned? In 2021, Penn State Behrend established the Center for Family
Business after recognizing the unique challenges facing these organizations. Learn how the work at the center as well as work with
Decision Associates – a leading firm in strategic planning for businesses –are working to develop actionable succession and sustainability plans for local businesses.
Workplace
Brandon Wiley from OpenedEyes will lead a panel discussion with representatives from Erie County Re-Entry Services and Support
Alliance, Office of Vocational Rehabilitation, and U.S. Committee for Refugees and Immigrants about how business can expand outreach to new populations within the community.
Did you know that four of Pennsylvania’s preeminent education and healthcare organizations are led by women? Neeli Bendapudi, president of Penn State University, and Cynthia Hundorfean, president and CEO of Allegheny Health Network will share their thoughts on women’s role in executive leadership and how they’re setting the stage for leads of tomorrow.
We’ll close out day one recognizing community leaders who have been instrumental in transforming Erie.
Day Two: Erie Tomorrow
Friday, Oct 21
VARIOUS LOCATIONS
Join us for a light breakfast and networking.
The heart and soul of any community is the eclectic group of businesses and organizations that bring fresh perspective and engaging
opportunities for all walks of life. Hear from some of Erie’s organizations with a deep passion for creating a vibrant community where we live, work, and play.
Meet some of Erie newest faces that have recently relocated and have made significant investments in their new home
Learn about the newly formed ICE Angel fund and hear about the importance of investment in an emerging economy
When business, government, and philanthropic leaders collaborate we can create a vision for a better tomorrow. Kim Thomas, director of Erie’s Inclusive Growth, will lead a panel discussion about transformational and collaborative opportunities taking shape throughout
the region.
Tom Hagen – civic leader, philanthropist, and preservationist – will share how he’s turned his passion into legacy, followed by a panel of fellow Erieites discussing how they’re building philanthropic wealth in community assets.
YOU are part of Erie’s evolution. Leverage Erie’s assets right here, right now to be part of its transformation.
OUR SPEAKERS
Speaker details will be announced shortly. Please check back for details soon.
RESERVE YOUR SPOT
For more information, contact Colleen Gross, Director of Membership Services, Erie Regional Chamber and Growth Partnership at cgross@eriepa.com or (814) 454-07191 ext. 146.
