HARRISBURG, Pa., Sept. 16, 2002 (PRIMEZONE) -- The Pennsylvania Chamber of Business and Industry has selected The Honorable George M. Leader, Governor of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania from 1955 to 1959, as the 2002 recipient of the Ben Franklin Award for Distinguished Leadership in the Commonwealth. Mr. Leader will receive his award at the "Election Year Edition" of the 18th Annual PA Chamber Dinner, to be held Monday, September 23, 2002, at the Hershey Lodge and Convention Center.
"As a statewide business organization, we strive to recognize extraordinary individuals who have made significant contributions toward improving the business climate of the Commonwealth as well as giving back to the community," said PA Chamber President Floyd Warner. "Governor Leader's life is a tapestry of tremendously diverse experiences and accomplishments in the public, educational, healthcare, corporate and non-profit sectors, making him an ideal recipient for this award, named appropriately after one of Pennsylvania's most famous entrepreneurs, political leaders and philanthropists."
As Governor, Mr. Leader focused on the importance of fostering an effective business climate by establishing the Pennsylvania Industrial Development Authority (PIDA) and the Department of Commerce to promote economic growth and development throughout the Commonwealth. He also spearheaded an extensive plan to market Pennsylvania as a destination not only for industry, but for vacationers from throughout the world. Keeping his commitment to good business practices, Leader served twice as Honorary Co-Chairman in statewide committees for tort reform and today, remains committed to legal reform in Pennsylvania.
Working and living by his philosophy of service to others, Governor Leader has been actively involved in the healthcare field for more than 40 years. As Governor, he appointed the first Commissioner of the Aging; promulgated the first set of licensure regulations for nursing homes; created the first Board of Licensure for Practical Nurses; and appointed the Governor's Committee for Handicapped and Retarded Children. Later, while still serving as Board Member of The George M. Leader Family Corporation, a statewide network of retirement facilities operating under the name of Country Meadows Retirement Communities, he organized the sister company Providence Place, a retirement community. Today, Providence Place has three communities in Pennsylvania.
Governor Leader is also dedicated to overcoming challenges and providing opportunities to create a better future for Pennsylvania's youth. He currently is involved in a College Bound/Career Bound program in the Harrisburg Schools, a computer training and give-away program in 85 churches in the Harrisburg/Steelton area and a mentoring program in the Commonwealth System of Corrections, in conjunction with Second Chance Ministries.
Governor Leader will be honored during a special ceremony at this year's 18th Annual PA Chamber Dinner. During the evening's festivities, which kick off with a reception at 4:45 p.m. followed by dinner at 6:30 p.m., Central. Pennsylvania's Harrisburg Region will also be honored as 2002 Outstanding Pennsylvania Community.
Media representatives are cordially invited to attend the Commonwealth's largest annual gathering of business and political leaders, which will also feature more than seven hours of inside political insight and perspective, including:
-- Political Keynote Address (2:30 p.m.)-NBC Political Analyst Tim
Russert will provide insight and commentary on both the PA and
federal scene, including a complete mid-term review on the Bush
administration and what to expect in 2004.
-- Gubernatorial Candidates Forum (3:15 p.m.)-With most governors
serving two terms this is a once in a decade opportunity to hear
where the final two candidates stand on critical business issues
just weeks away from Election Day. Moderated by NBC's Tim
Russert.
-- Featured Evening Entertainment (following dinner)-Straight from
the halls of Congress, America's leading political satirists,
the Capitol Steps, will take center stage to top off the
"Election Year Edition" of the Chamber Dinner with their own
bipartisan brand of music and comedy.
Every year, the Chamber Dinner draws close to 1,300 attendees, including Chamber members, members of the Governor's Cabinet, legislative leaders from the PA House and Senate and members of the General Assembly.
With more than 10,000 members representing every county in the Commonwealth, the Pennsylvania Chamber of Business and Industry is the state's largest broad-based business association and the fastest growing state chamber in the United States.