BERNARD DAGENAIS PONDERS THE FUTURE OF GREATER PHILADELPHIA

Bernard Dagenais, a key thought leader for Greater Philadelphia's business community, will leave his post as editor of the Philadelphia Business Journal to become president and CEO of the Main Line Chamber of Commerce. Dagenais shared his unique perspective on the future of the region.

"Healthcare and education are the largest employment sectors driving the region's economy, says Dagenais. "In most other metropolitan regions, the dominant sectors are transportation and utilities, which are tied to manufacturing. Healthcare and education are the only sectors that have grown nationally month-to-month through the recession."

Dagenais also noticed a trend with baby boomers that is actually helping to grow the local economy. "Baby boomers are consuming more healthcare and the children of baby boomers are consuming more education," said Dagenais. "The fact that we have 92 colleges and universities in the region means that we're an importer of students and actually an exporter of education. This dynamic bolsters the region, brings talent to the area, and attracts dollars spent by students who come from all over the world."

Dagenais envisions a bright future across the entire region marked by growth and investment along the area's major corridors and in well-established communities like the western suburbs of Philadelphia. Also, the proximity to the big pharmaceutical companies in this region is essential for biotech companies and others looking to build relationships. Overall, Dagenais sees a robust entrepreneurial structure that is very conducive for starting and growing businesses here.

"The Great Valley area along the Route 202 corridor, plus Conshohocken and West Chester, provide great examples of success in the region's suburbs. The area includes everything from retail to healthcare and the quality of life is very high," said Dagenais. "A major company like Shire Pharmaceuticals is headquartered here because they believe they can find the human capital they need well into the future."

Dagenais has been a business journalist for the past 12 years, arriving at the Business Journal in 2002. His tenure at the multi-media company has been marked by an expansion of daily online news coverage, a renewed focus on business issues in government and journalistic awards that have included two Newspaper of the Year designations from the Pennsylvania Newspaper Association, along with repeat national Best in Business Awards accolades from the Society of American Business Editors and Writers.

In his role at the Business Journal, Dagenais has regularly led presentations about how to build business and has been a sought-after public speaker on the regional economy. He has had recurring appearances on Fox 29’s Good Day Philadelphia morning show, Larry Kane’s Voice of Reason on the Comcast Network and KYW News Radio.

The Main Line Chamber of Commerce traces its roots back 89 years. Dagenais will be joining a staff of 11 to meet the needs of the organization's 1,200 members. Dagenais will assume his new post starting August 9.

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