s the Little League World Series started, more than two dozen lawmakers from the state House, Senate and United States Congress came to South Williamsport to participate in a roundtable discussion and take in a few games.

The event, according to a news release, was a collaboration between Little League International and state Rep. Jamie Flick, R-South Williamsport, whose district is host to the LLWS.

Held at the newly constructed South Williamsport Borough building, located just a short distance from the Little League complex, the bipartisan roundtable provided an opportunity for lawmakers representing districts across Pennsylvania, as well as Taiwanese Ambassador Tom Chih-Chiang Lee, to learn about the series and the economic impact the two-week long tournament has on the region.

“It’s estimated the LLWS brings in around $40 million, along with tens of thousands of visitors to North Central Pennsylvania,” Flick said, according to the news release.

Ten members of the House Tourism, Recreation and Economic Development Committee, including House Majority Chairwoman Mary Jo Daley, D-Merion Station, were in attendance.

Seated on the panel were Flick; President and CEO of Little League International Patrick Wilson; Lycoming County Commissioner Mark Mussina; Williamsport Mayor Derek Slaughter; Williamsport/Lycoming Chamber President and CEO Jason Fink; Taiwanese Ambassador Tom Chih-Chiang Lee; and U.S. Rep. Dan Meuser, R-Dallas.

Many of the representatives in attendance said the Little League World Series was a “bucket list” event and finally making it to the complex was a long time coming.

“This was a fantastic opportunity to continue building relationships that benefit tourism in the North Central Pennsylvania region, showing members of the House Tourism, Recreation and Economic Development Committee the scope of the tournament’s impact on the region,” Flick said. “From promoting the globally known sporting event, to offering our visitors samples from local businesses and industry, every time we can bring a sizable delegation to the region, we increase opportunity.”

Flick also noted international connections forged through the LLWS can extend far beyond baseball, opening doors for partnerships and global economic growth.

“We are growing a relationship with Taiwan,” Flick said. “Taiwan currently only imports about 10% of its liquified natural gas (LNG) from the U.S., most of it from Alaska. We have the potential to significantly increase that share, with Pennsylvania and Lycoming County, in particular, well positioned to help meet Taiwan’s growing energy needs.”

Teamwork between South Williamsport Borough, Little League International, River Valley Transit Authority and the 83rd District legislative office made the event possible.