12th annual ‘Salute to Leadership’ award
By Kim Chiomento, Staff Writer, The Times
NEW YORK — The Chester County Chamber of Business and Industry (CCCBI) honored Pennsylvania State Senator, John Rafferty (R-44), with its 12th annual ‘Salute to Leadership’ Award.
(Pictured L-R) CCCBI President & CEO – Guy Ciarrocchi, Pennsylvania State Senator – John Rafferty, CCCBI V.P. – Marianne Martelli & CCCBI Chairman – Joel Frank.
The award recognizes individuals either in private enterprise, or elected office, who have demonstrated strong leadership, been advocates for the interest of business, and have placed a strong focus on building a better community. Honorees must also demonstrate leadership through civic involvement in the communities that they serve.
CCCBI presented the award Friday evening during a reception it hosted as a part of the Pennsylvania Society weekend festivities in New York City.
Senator Rafferty was honored, in part, for his leadership on the recently enacted transportation infrastructure improvement legislation that authorizes state-level funding for transportation-related projects.
The passage of the transportation funding legislation increases Pennsylvania’s annual investment in road, rail and port projects by $ 2.3 billion; with a focus on repairing unsafe roads and aging bridges, new construction projects to help alleviate congested roadways, and additional investment in rail lines and mass transit systems. The legislation authorizes funding for these projects to be generated by a gasoline tax and increased motorist fees to be implemented over a five-year period.
West Chester University’s V.P. of Advancement & Sponsored Research – Mark Pavlovich, and President – Greg Weisenstein congratulate Senator Rafferty.
“My passion became learning more about the diverse array of transportation issues and how they affect many industries across Pennsylvania,” says Rafferty, “The need for better, safer roads, bridges, rail lines and ports will continue to drive the economy of the Commonwealth in a positive direction.”
The reception was attended by more than 100 business, political and higher-education leaders from across the Commonwealth. CCCBI accolades included crediting Senator Rafferty with helping Chester County, and its economy, become a leading state-wide model.
