Central Pennsylvania may not be the first place that comes to mind when thinking about chocolate, but there is one city in this region that has earned the title of the 'chocolate capital of the world' - Hershey. Located in Dauphin County, Hershey is not only known for its delicious chocolate, but also for its strong government presence.
The Government in Central Pennsylvania
Central Pennsylvania is made up of 13 counties, including Adams, Cumberland, Dauphin, Franklin, Juniata, Lancaster, Lebanon, Mifflin, Northumberland, Perry, Schuylkill, Snyder, and York. Each county has its own local government, with elected officials responsible for making decisions and providing services to their respective communities. At the state level, Central Pennsylvania is represented by the Pennsylvania General Assembly. This legislative body is responsible for creating and passing laws that affect the entire state.The General Assembly is made up of two chambers - the House of Representatives and the Senate - with a total of 253 members. In addition to local and state government, Central Pennsylvania also has a strong federal government presence. The region is home to several military installations, including the Carlisle Barracks and the Letterkenny Army Depot. These installations not only provide jobs and economic stability to the area, but also play a crucial role in national defense.
The Chocolate Capital of the World
Now let's turn our attention to Hershey - the city that has put Central Pennsylvania on the map as the 'chocolate capital of the world'. The story of Hershey's rise to fame begins with Milton S.Hershey, who founded the Hershey Chocolate Company in 1894. As the company grew, so did the town of Hershey. Milton Hershey believed in providing his employees with good wages and a high quality of life, and he built a model community for them to live in. This included affordable housing, schools, and recreational facilities. Today, the town of Hershey is still known for its strong sense of community and high standard of living. But it's not just the town that has benefited from the chocolate industry.
The Hershey Chocolate Company has also had a significant impact on the economy of Central Pennsylvania. The company employs over 16,000 people in the region and contributes millions of dollars in taxes each year.
The Government's Role in the Chocolate Industry
So how does the government play a role in the success of the chocolate industry in Central Pennsylvania? One way is through tax incentives. In order to attract businesses like the Hershey Chocolate Company, local and state governments often offer tax breaks and other incentives to encourage them to set up shop in their communities. In addition, the government also plays a role in regulating the chocolate industry to ensure that products are safe for consumers. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is responsible for overseeing food safety regulations, including those related to chocolate production.This ensures that companies like Hershey are following proper procedures and producing high quality products.
The Future of Government and Chocolate in Central Pennsylvania
As we look to the future, it's clear that both government and the chocolate industry will continue to play important roles in Central Pennsylvania. The government will continue to provide essential services and make decisions that affect the lives of its citizens, while also supporting businesses like Hershey that contribute to the economy. And as for Hershey, the company shows no signs of slowing down. In fact, they recently announced a $135 million expansion of their West Hershey plant, which will create over 100 new jobs. This expansion is just one example of how the chocolate industry in Central Pennsylvania is thriving and continuing to grow.In Conclusion
Central Pennsylvania may not be the first place that comes to mind when thinking about government or chocolate, but it's clear that both play important roles in this region.From local and state government to the thriving chocolate industry, Central Pennsylvania has a lot to offer. So next time you're craving something sweet, remember that there's more to Hershey than just delicious chocolate - it's also a prime example of how government and business can work together for the benefit of a community.
