By John Ostapkovich

PHILADELPHIA (CBS) — The goal of economic growth in the Delaware Valley through regional cooperation brought shakers and movers to Philadelphia’s Cira Center in West Philadelphia this morning.

The meeting of the CEO Council for Growth attracted ten members of Congress and more than 40 corporate and university heads for a frank and private discussion on how the region can prosper with the right moves.

“The moment is now to work in partnership with our higher ed institutions, our business community, our region’s delegation on a very thoughtful strategy that grows the energy and manufacturing economy,” says Rob Wonderling, president and CEO of the Greater Philadelphia Chamber of Commerce.

US Rep. Pat Meehan R-Pa.) says shale gas is part of the solution.

‘We have to be responsible in how we generate energy from our resources, but we’ve also got to be aware of the regulation and other things that get in the way,” he told KYW Newsradio today.

Transportation, such as airport expansion, is another key to growth, according to Meehan.