DOING BUSINESS WITH PENNSYLVANIA

Pennsylvania's businesses find success here -- and the statistics prove it. The Keystone State has amazing market access along with a first-class transportation system. As a technology leader, Pennsylvania’s workforce is highly skilled, with access to some of the best colleges and universities in the world. Considering all these factors, it's no wonder that companies like Merck, Shire Pharmaceuticals, Olympus America and Comcast Corporation have decided to locate or expand in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.

Pennsylvania's strategic location in the northeastern United States has made it a hub of major investments by international companies establishing locations overseas. Our extensive rail and road systems, three major ports and six international airports make moving your goods to domestic and international markets a smooth and streamlined process.

According to the World Bank, Pennsylvania is the 17th largest economy in the world with $450 billion Gross Domestic Product (GDP). Great companies are built in Pennsylvania. The governor has cut business taxes by $1 billion since 2003 and was recognized by the Tax Foundation and Council on State Taxes for his business-friendly tax code. Pennsylvania was also ranked as one of the lowest states for business taxes.

Facts

Within this radius lies access to vital markets that encompass:

• 40% of the U.S. population and purchasing power.
• More than 60% of Canada's population.
• 45% of U.S. manufacturers.
• 41% of the nation's domestic trade and service industries.
  Pennsylvania's work force numbers 6,299,000, and 82% have earned at least a high school degree.
• Pennsylvania ranks 3rd in the northeastern U.S. (after New York and New Jersey) and 9th out of the 50 U.S. states in total number of foreign-owned firms.
• Key Industries: biosciences, technology, advanced manufacturing, and business services - just a few of the diverse industries thriving within the borders of Pennsylvania.

Pennsylvania is a stable, prosperous market that has the wherewithal to support new development and innovative business ideas. The Commonwealth is split between male and female residents, and nearly 10% of households routinely speak a language other than English. Some other interesting facts:

• Population: more than 12 million people.
• The median household income is more than $40,000 a year.
• 71% own their own homes.
• 632,469 people own their own businesses in Pennsylvania.
• 226,814 (26.4%) are women-owned businesses.
• The largest ethnic groups are: White (85%), African American (10%), Hispanic (3%) and Asian (2%).
• 25% of the Commonwealth’s population is of German ancestry; 16% is Irish, and 11% is Italian.
  

Transportation: Pennsylvania offers every means to move your products, via ground, air and water.
Ground: 120,000-mile highway system and 69 railroads with more than 5,100 miles of railways (ranks 5th in the U.S. according to the Association of American Railroads)
Air: 134 public-use airports (6 international) and almost 800 airports and landing facilities
Water: access to the World via the Port of Philadelphia and access to Canada and the Great Lakes via the Port of Erie.

The Port of Pittsburgh is the 2nd largest inland port in the U.S., with access to the Gulf of Mexico and Atlantic, as well as the Pacific through the Panama Canal.

In order to register a business, you will need to file with the Corporation Bureau. Under Pennsylvania law, every proceeding for the organization of corporations, both for-profit and nonprofit, and every ancillary transaction relating to such corporations is required to be filed with the department's Corporation Bureau.

So, take a look at this great State and start doing business with Pennsylvania!

Sources:
Corporation Bureau of Pennsylvania’s Department of State:
http://www.dos.state.pa.us/corps/site/default.asp
Pennsylvania Department of Community & Economic Development
http://www.newpa.com
Read about some success stories at http://www.newpa.com/default.aspx?id=7
For tourism information go to: http://www.visitpa.com
For more information on how to do business in Pennsylvania please got to: http://www.paopenforbusiness.state.pa.us/paofb/site/default.asp