“Pennsylvania is within a day’s drive of 60 percent of North American consumers. As such, the nation’s rail system plays an integral role in moving Pennsylvania goods to market. Rail is also critical to the growth of our natural gas industry and the renaissance of Southeast Pennsylvania’s refineries. Freight rail investments are crucial to securing our role as a world-class energy hub, increasing our competitive edge and encouraging private sector growth throughout the Commonwealth.”
Gene Barr is the president and CEO of the Pennsylvania Chamber of Business and Industry, the state’s largest broad-based business advocacy association. Barr joined the PA Chamber in February 2003 and served as Vice President of Government and Public Affairs before being elected President in October 2011. Prior to joining the PA Chamber, he worked for BP America, the Associated Petroleum Industries of Pennsylvania and the law firm of McNees Wallace & Nurick LLC.
Barr is a current member of the Council of State Chambers and U. S. Chamber of Commerce ‘s board of directors, Committee of 100 and Nominating and Governance Committee. He is on the boards of the Foundation for Free Enterprise Education, the Bridge Educational Foundation and United Way of the Capital Region. He’s also a board member and former chair of the National Civil War Museum and is a member of the 2017 National Security Seminar at the United States Army War College.