A coalition of leaders from three NAIOP (the Commercial Real Estate Development Association) Pennsylvania chapters visited the state capital in Harrisburg on May 4-5 to address issues that directly impact the commercial real estate development industry. NAIOP members met with key legislative and committee members to discuss expediting the construction permit process, the state’s mechanics’ lien law, electric cap rates, the state budget and transportation and infrastructure. These topics were discussed in meetings scheduled with the following members and/or their staffs: Senators Jane Orie (R-District 40); John Pippy (R-District 37); Rob Wonderling (R-District 24) Representatives Dan Frankel (D-District 23); Joseph Markosek (D-District 25) Members also met with new Deputy Secretary Joe Powers of the Department of Environmental Protection, which included a visit by Secretary John Hanger, who was sworn into office the previous day. Additional administration meetings were scheduled with Al Biehler, Secretary of Transportation; and Jack Wagner, Auditor General. The Contribution of Office, Industrial and Retail Development and Construction on the U.S. Economy, 2008 Edition, published by the NAIOP Research Foundation and conducted by Stephen S. Fuller, PhD, shows that, in Pennsylvania, non-residential real estate contributed $4.38 billion in direct spending for new office, industrial, warehouse and retail buildings in 2007; contributed $51,918 billion annually from the operating costs of existing buildings, and supported a total of 90,356 full time, year-round jobs for new buildings. NAIOP’s Pennsylvania coalition – representing NAIOP Central Pennsylvania, NAIOP Greater Philadelphia and NAIOP Pittsburgh – is comprised of nearly 350 members. Chapter members are encouraged to participate on a legislative level by working with NAIOP to promote both national and public policy that creates, protects and enhances property value.