Abe Hughes, New Holland's Vice President in North America, testified before the Pennsylvania House Majority Policy Committee to provide insight into New Holland Agriculture's and New Holland Construction's view of Pennsylvania's economy and business climate.
The hearing, held at Spooky Nook Sports Complex in Manheim, PA, was part of a statewide jobs tour in which local business owners and statewide business associations were offered the opportunity to discuss challenges facing Pennsylvania's businesses. The business leaders provided testimony to the Pennsylvania House Majority Policy Committee on state taxes and regulations, how to improve the state's business climate, the preparedness of Pennsylvania graduates to fill in-demand jobs, and how to attract new business to the area.
During his testimony, Hughes shared his perspective on topics such as property tax relief for farmers, farm labor and New Holland's support of farmland preservation through Lancaster Farmland Trust.
“New Holland Agriculture and New Holland Construction are very much a part of the Pennsylvania business community - we were founded in New Holland, PA, 120 years ago, and New Holland's North American headquarters and global hay tools engineering and manufacturing facilities are still located there today. In addition, we also have many dealer and customers located throughout the state. We are all impacted by the decisions made by state legislators, so we appreciated the opportunity to talk with the state legislators and present our business challenges, as well as some of those facing our dealers and customers in Pennsylvania," said Hughes.
Rep. Kerry Benninghoff (R-Centre/Mifflin), chariman of the Committee, and Rep. Mindy Fee (R-Manheim), deputy chairwoman of the Committee, were joined by several House members from across the state. In addition to hearing from Abe Hughes, the committee heard testimonies from representatives from the Pennsylvania Chamber of Business and Industry, National Federation of Independent Business, Pennsylvania Manufacturers Association, as well as Fulton Bank, Mt. Joy Wire, and Wenger Feeds, Inc.
