Chamber supports Fox Chase Cancer Center Expansion

Mark Schweiker, President & CEO of the Greater Philadelphia Chamber of Commerce, recently testified before members of the Rules Committee at City Hall in support of the proposed Fox Chase Cancer Center expansion project. The Chamber believes that the expansion will allow the renowned cancer center to remain competitive and bring over 1,900 new jobs to the region.

The Fox Chase Cancer Center is one of the top institutions in its field in the world, providing the highest level of cancer care and carrying out cutting-edge, life-saving research. Its presence in Philadelphia brings prestige to our region and attracts the world’s finest cancer researchers and their families. These researchers have earned significant honors, including two Nobel Prizes in Medicine.

In its current 750,000 square-foot facility, the Fox Chase Cancer Center is bursting at its seams. In 1980, the center treated 740 patients. It is expected to treat between 9,000 to 12,000 new patients in 2010. The facility expansion will help Fox Chase continue to help an increasing number of people and save lives to the best of its ability.

Mr. Schweiker also discussed the economic benefits that the expansion will bring to the region.

“It is estimated that over the life of the project the Fox Chase Cancer Center will increase its employee base by 4,000 jobs,” Mr. Schweiker said. “Because of the nature of the cancer center’s mission and business, these jobs will be permanent and do not lend themselves to being outsourced.

In addition to these permanent jobs, the construction phases of this project will generate jobs for the building trades as well. No doubt, this significant increase in employment will yield a windfall in tax revenue to the City of Philadelphia.”

To read Mr. Schweiker’s full testimony click here.

To read an article from the Philadelphia Inquirer on the expansion click here.