Supporting Erie’s business community, with Brandon Mendoza
Behrend Talks: A Penn State Podcast
Chapters
0:00
Meet Brandon Mendoza
2:30
Year One Lessons And Relationships
5:30
Why Erie And Quality Of Life
7:45
Business Climate And Regional Momentum
10:35
Policy Ties And Government Relations
12:10
Rethinking The Underdog Mindset
14:40
Introducing The Erie 300 Strategy
16:30
Pillar 1: Focused Advocacy
18:05
Pillar 2: Catalyst For Development
20:10
Accelerator 2.0 For Local Firms
22:35
Pillar 3: Building Erie’s Brand
25:10
Pillar 4: AI Forward Opportunities
28:05
Pillar 5: Connection Through Events
30:10
Pillar 6: Long-Term Sustainability
33:05
Universities As Growth Engines
36:05
Fixing Air Service With Fly Erie
39:35
Metrics, Transparency, And What’s Next
Behrend Talks: A Penn State Podcast
Supporting Erie’s business community, with Brandon Mendoza
Jan 16, 2026
Season 8
Episode 4
Penn State Behrend
Dr. Ralph Ford, chancellor of Penn State Behrend, talks with Brandon Mendoza, president and CEO of the Erie Regional Chamber and Growth Partnership, about the Erie 300 strategy and the role of local universities in economic-development work. Originally recorded on January 12, 2026.
