Local Business
Saturday, April 25, 2026 · Reading
Hershey Lodge Hits Record Tourism Revenue in Dauphin County Boom
The Hershey Lodge and Convention Center announced a 12% surge in tourism revenue, fueled by family vacations and Chocolate World expansions. This growth underscores Dauphin County's tourism engine, generating $2.6 billion and 26,000 jobs countywide. Pennsylvania's chocolate capital sweetens the state's economy amid broader visitation records.
Philly Office Vacancies Hit 24% Despite Tech Hopes, Suburbs Worse
Philadelphia's Center City office vacancy rate has surged to nearly 24% amid persistent remote work trends, bucking earlier optimism of a tech-driven boom. While job growth surges citywide, downtown towers stand half-empty as leases expire through 2027. Local leaders eye tax reforms to revive the core.
Saturday, April 25, 2026
U.S. Steel Invests $100M in Mon Valley Plant as Nippon Partnership Accelerates
U.S. Steel is modernizing its Edgar Thomson Plant near Pittsburgh with a new $100 million slag recycler, part of a sweeping $11 billion investment program by 2028. The project signals the Pittsburgh steelmaker's commitment to western Pennsylvania as it partners with Japan's Nippon Steel to reshape American steel production.
Saturday, April 25, 2026
Hershey's $300M Plant Upgrade Powers PA Chocolate Legacy
The Hershey Company has unveiled the world's most advanced chocolate factory in Hershey, Pennsylvania, with a massive $300 million investment. This flagship expansion at the West Hershey plant boosts production of iconic treats like Hershey's Kisses and promises over $1 billion in economic impact. Local jobs and innovation keep the Sweetest Place on Earth thriving for the next century.
Saturday, April 25, 2026
PA Allegheny Trails Fuel Record Tourism Boom
Pennsylvania's Great Allegheny Passage trail drew nearly 1 million visitors in 2019, pumping $121 million into the regional economy and supporting 1,400 jobs. New state investments under Gov. Josh Shapiro are supercharging outdoor attractions, with the recreation sector hitting $20.4 billion last year. From Pittsburgh to small trail towns, bike tourism is revitalizing communities once reliant on industry.
Saturday, April 25, 2026