Pennsylvania leaders unite to ensure the Commonwealth is represented during America's 250th Anniversary celebration on the National Mall-completely privately funded and with no taxpayer dollars.

WASHINGTON - U.S. Senators Dave McCormick (R-PA) and John Fetterman (D-PA) today announced a coalition of Pennsylvania organizations that will ensure the Commonwealth has a strong presence at the Great American State Fair on the National Mall. This announcement comes after working in coordination with U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins.

When it became clear that Pennsylvania still has an opportunity to join most other states participating in Great American State Fair, Senator McCormick worked with Senator Fetterman, Secretary Rollins, and leading Pennsylvania organizations to make sure the Keystone State would have a showcase worthy of its singular place in our nation's history. The effort is being made possible entirely through private partnerships and will not use any taxpayer dollars.

Joining Senators McCormick and Fetterman in this effort are the Pennsylvania Chamber of Business and Industry, PennAg Industries Association, the Pennsylvania Farm Bureau, the National Federation of Independent Business (NFIB), the Pennsylvania Manufacturers' Association, and The Manufacturer & Business Association (MBA).

"Pennsylvania is where America's story began, and there was no way we were going to let the Commonwealth go unrepresented during our Nation's 250th birthday celebration," said Senator McCormick. "As the birthplace of American independence, home to the hallowed grounds of Gettysburg, and the engine for the arsenal of democracy, Pennsylvania has a special responsibility to preserve, celebrate, and share that enduring legacy."

"Celebrating America's 250th birthday and Pennsylvania's special role in our country is important and bipartisan. We discovered our Commonwealth wasn't participating in the Great American State Fair on the National Mall and we should be," said Senator Fetterman. "We are now making sure Pennsylvania's booth will highlight the Commonwealth's agriculture dominance, our businesses, and what makes PA a truly awesome and historic place."

"Pennsylvania's story is simply too important to be missing from our nation's capital during America's 250th birthday celebration. That's why the PA Chamber is proud to partner with Senator McCormick and Senator Fetterman to lead the Pennsylvania Pavilion at the Great American State Fair. The Keystone State belongs front and center-and we're excited to help showcase the people, businesses, and innovation that continue to shape America's future," said Luke Bernstein, President and CEO of the PA Chamber.

"PennAg Industries Association is honored to partner with Senator Dave McCormick and Senator John Fetterman in representing Pennsylvania at the Great American State Fair during our nation's 250th Anniversary celebration. Agriculture has always been at the heart of the Commonwealth's story, and we are proud to showcase Pennsylvania's farmers, agribusinesses, and agricultural history as we celebrate this milestone anniversary for America," said Chris Herr, Executive Vice President, Penn Ag.

"Pennsylvania Farm Bureau is pleased to see that Pennsylvania agriculture will be on display as part of the Great American State Fair taking place on the National Mall," said Chris Hoffman, President of Pennsylvania Farm Bureau. "This is an excellent opportunity for Pennsylvania's top industry to be on display at the national level, along with the other states that work together to provide the food, fuel and fiber that sustains our nation. We'd like to thank Senator Dave McCormick and Senator John Fetterman for making it possible for the strength and diversity of Pennsylvania agriculture to be on display as part of this unique event to celebrate America's 250th birthday."

"Pennsylvania's small businesses have been driving innovation, creating jobs, and strengthening our communities since the founding of our nation," said Greg Moreland, Pennsylvania State Director for NFIB. "America's 250th Anniversary is the perfect opportunity to showcase the entrepreneurs and family-owned businesses that continue to power the Commonwealth's economy. NFIB is proud to partner with Senator McCormick, Senator Fetterman, and organizations across Pennsylvania to ensure our state's rich history and vibrant small business community are represented at the Great American State Fair."

"Pennsylvania is at the very heart of our national story," said David N. Taylor, President & CEO Pennsylvania Manufacturers' Association. "To celebrate America 250 at the Great American State Fair without the Keystone State is unthinkable. Profound thanks to Senator Dave McCormick and Senator John Fetterman for making things right! God bless America on this Glorious Fourth! Let Freedom Ring!"

"No state is more woven into the fabric of America's founding than Pennsylvania. As the birthplace of our democracy and a continuing leader in manufacturing, agriculture, innovation, and community, Pennsylvania tells the story of where America has been - and where it is going. America's 250th celebration would not be complete without Pennsylvania," said Lori Joint, President & CEO, The Manufacturer & Business Association (MBA).

Senator McCormick and Senator Fetterman thank Secretary Rollins and our outstanding Pennsylvania partners for stepping up to ensure Americans visiting the Great American State Fair can experience everything our Commonwealth has to offer. Celebrating America's 250th Anniversary is an opportunity to honor our shared history, renew our commitment to the ideals that have sustained our Republic for two and a half centuries, and showcase the people, businesses, farmers, veterans and industries that continue to make Pennsylvania exceptional.

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