Talking Breads in Mechanicsburg used a $250,000 Tourism Product Development grant to fund a major expansion of its bakery and retail store. The grant was awarded in 2024, and the completed project was celebrated with a ribbon cutting in October 2025.
Dear Supporters, Partners, and Community,
Twenty years ago, Cumberland County's Board of Commissioners created CAEDC with a straightforward charge: strengthen the county's economy, attract visitors, and improve quality of life. Two decades later, that mission has only grown more important and more dynamic. This year's Annual Report reflects an organization that has matured into strategic conveners, destination marketers, real estate developers, and community investors. And in 2025, we put all those capabilities to work.
On the tourism side, Lodging demand reached its highest level in CAEDC's history, with close to one million hotel rooms and short-term rental listings booked. Our redesigned VisitCumberlandValley.com website, an estimated media audience of 42 million, a multi-day media familiarization tour, and the continued popularity of our Experience Trails, which saw a 31% jump in check-ins, all contributed to making Cumberland Valley a more compelling destination.
Our tourism grant program invested nearly $1 million across 14 projects this year, with a cumulative total of more than $4.2 million supporting 236 projects since 2010. From the Destiny Dairy Bar to the Cumberland Valley Rail Trail to the Iron Bridge Music Festival, these investments deepen the visitor experience and create the kind of authentic assets that define a place.
On the economic development side, we launched Cumberland Capital + Connection, a refreshed identity for our lending programs that better reflects the personalized, relationshipdriven approach we bring to every borrower. We assisted businesses like Rev Fitness & Rejuvenations in Shippensburg and Freedom Physical Therapy in Wormleysburg, all locally owned, community-serving businesses that create real jobs and strengthen neighborhoods. We also administered $6.9 million in RACP grant funds, including the successful closeout of the Sadler Health West Shore Center project, which now serves nearly 5,000 patients annually. In May, we were awarded a $500,000 EPA Brownfields Assessment Grant to begin the important work of inventorying and reactivating underutilized sites across the county.
The Real Estate Collaborative, a subsidiary of CAEDC, acquired the former Frog Switch property, a 27-acre former manufacturing site in Carlisle. We received more than $10.2 million PA SITES funding to transform the site into a pad-ready development opportunity for years to come. This project
represents exactly the kind of catalytic work that positions Cumberland County for long-term growth.
Finally, we relaunched the CAEDC Partnership with renewed energy and a broader partner base because we know that none of this work happens alone..
This year's theme is conversion: turning awareness into action. We will evaluate a mobile visitor center to meet travelers where they are, implement digital trip-planning tools to make Cumberland Valley easier to explore, and capitalize on the America 250 anniversary to draw history-minded visitors from across the region. On the economic development side, we will expand outreach to agribusiness and outdoor recreation sectors, deepen our municipal relationships, and continue growing CAEDC's visibility as the go-to funding resource for businesses of every size. We will also push forward on site development most notably at Frog Switch to build the kind of shovel-ready inventory that attracts serious investment.
None of what you'll read in these pages happens without the commitment of our staff, our board, our partners, and the community members and county commissioners who trust us to steward resources wisely. We are proud to serve Cumberland County, and we are energized by what's ahead.
Together, we are building something lasting.
Jonathan Cox
Janet Anderson CAEDC Board Chairman C AEDC Executive Director
Cumberland Area Economic Development Corporation (CAEDC), a 501(c)3 non-profit corporation, was founded in 2005 by the Cumberland County Board of Commissioners. CAEDC is the County’s authorized agency charged with leveraging and promoting Cumberland Valley’s economic development and tourism assets to drive growth, create jobs, and improve the quality of life.
Promote and advance the overall economic health of Cumberland County.
Businesses, residents, and tourists choose Cumberland County to work, live, play, and learn.
• Janet Anderson, Executive Director
• Patrick Bourque, Destination Sales Manager
• Stacey Cornman, Content Marketing Manager
• Laura Delaney, Director of Tourism & Marketing
• Doreen Edwards, Executive Assistant
• Rafael Hernandez, Advertising & Brand Manager
• Lauren Hostetter, Marketing & Engagement Manager
• Aaron Jumper, Communications Manager
• Julie Koranda, Human Resources/Finance Manager
• Ashley Kurtz, Tourism Development Manager
• Griffin Means, Economic Development Specialist
• Matthew Simmons, Marketing Coordinator
• Alyssa Smith, Grants Manager
• Greg Welker, Economic Development Director
• Interns: Chayse Jumper and Cody Goss
CAEDC is led by an Executive Director who reports to a Board of Directors. Members of the Board of Directors are appointed by the Cumberland County Board of Commissioners.
• Chair – Jon Cox, Eckert Seamans
• Vice Chair – Carol Kilko, Retired/Economic Development Professional
• Secretary – John Rampulla, Deloitte
• Treasurer – Harold Brandt, Carlisle Events
• Kristine Becker, SpringHill Suites by Marriott Camp Hill
• Todd Campbell, Retired, CTO Farm Credit
• Patrick Dennis, Landmark Homes
• Lauren Isch, Volvo Construction Equipment
• Don Kibler, New Cumberland Borough Council
• Kyle Miller, Cushman & Wakefield
• Commissioner Kelly Neiderer, Cumberland County Board of Commissioners
• Deb Pierson, Pierson Computing Connection, Inc.
• Morgan Rector, M&T Bank
• Kenneth Tuckey, Tuckey Companies
• Curtis Voelker, Central Penn College
• County Commissioner Kelly Neiderer, Chairman
• County Commissioner Jean Foschi, Vice Chairman
• County Commissioner Gary Eichelberger, Secretary
In 2025, CAEDC’s targeted marketing strategy continued to position Cumberland Valley as a high-value drivable weekend getaway with the goal of generating visitor spending, supporting local businesses, and strengthening the county’s overall economy. Through a mix of paid media, content marketing, public relations, sales efforts, and partner collaborations, the team increased awareness of Cumberland Valley and drove measurable engagement and travel intent.
By aligning tourism promotion with broader economic development goals, efforts supported job creation, tax revenue, and quality of life throughout the county. As visitor expectations evolve, CAEDC will continue refining its tourism marketing approach. Strategic investment in destination promotion remains essential to attracting visitors who strengthen Cumberland County’s economy today and into the future.
As a member of the America250PA Cumberland County Committee, CAEDC joined a coalition of representatives from various private and public organizations to promote community engagement, encourage businesses and municipalities to theme events around this milestone anniversary, and highlight the county’s rich history through marketing efforts. Specifically, CAEDC actively supported the America250PA Cumberland County initiative through the following projects.
• Designed and posted a landing page to keep residents and visitors informed of all America250PA activities.
• Sponsored the county’s commemorative bell ($10,000) as part of the statewide Bells Across PA initiative. A fiberglass bell was designed by local artist Phil George and installed at the Veterans Memorial Courtyard in downtown Carlisle.
• Partnered with the Army Heritage Center Foundation and other collaborators to develop Patriots’ Path: A Revolutionary War Trail in Cumberland Valley, with a scheduled unveiling in July 2026.
• Allocated $20,000 to establish an America250PA sponsorship to support events and activities taking place throughout the county. The program continues into the 1st quarter of 2026.
I want to express our heartfelt gratitude for your generous donation of $3,000 in support of the Grand Opening of Patriots’ Path. Your support plays a vital role in sustaining our operations and advancing our mission. We’re so grateful for your investment in us.
– Julie Germany, President & CEO, Army Heritage Center Foundation
• Organized a multi-day media familiarization tour for 10 travel writers, resulting in 130 social media posts and videos during their visit. The group stayed at Allenberry Resort and traveled to the county’s top attractions, including USAHEC, Carlisle Events, Carlisle Sports Emporium, Meadowbrooke Gourds, and the Appalachian Trail, along with experiencing the culinary favorites of the Cumberland Valley.
• Redesigned VisitCumberlandValley.com to improve user experience, increase engagement, and reflect an updated brand identity. The new site offers a modern layout that encourages users to stay longer, browse more pages, and explore our offerings.
• Hosted an annual Tourism event on May 5 at the Cumberland County Historical Society. Speakers from the state tourism office, DCNR, the America250PA office, and Commissioner Neiderer highlighted tourism efforts at the county and state level for America’s 250th anniversary celebration and also discussed the importance of Cumberland Valley's outdoor recreation attractions.
The 2025 Cumberland Valley Meal Madness competition ran from March 3 through March 29, 2025, on Cumberland Valley's Instagram page. The 64-restaurant bracket received over 60,000 total votes to determine the most popular restaurant in our region. Congratulations to Valley Bistro, now a two-time Meal Madness champion. Thank you to the Pennsylvania Restaurant & Lodging Association’s South Central Chapter for sponsoring the promotion.
This annual holiday promotion featured a chance for our social media users to win a selection of thoughtfully curated gifts from Cumberland Valley’s local businesses. Winners were required to pick up their prizes from the local shop where the gift was purchased, offering a fun way for them to explore new businesses and support small shops in the Cumberland Valley.
Trips
5,790,376 Overnight visitors accounted for 51.5% of all visitors. Most visits occurred over the weekend.
Average Length of Stay 2 Days Repeat Visitation 69% Average Spending Per Trip $135.01
Source: Datafy. CAEDC partners with Datafy to track visitor movement, spending patterns and marketing impact. Though Datafy is not able to track every person that visits the county, the data helps CAEDC make informed decisions by layering geolocation data, website data and credit card spending.
VisitCumberlandValley.com serves as a key gateway for inspiring and informing travel to Cumberland Valley. Datafy reports on visitors that browse the website and then visit Cumberland Valley. While analyzing data captured this way does not include every visitor to Cumberland Valley, it provides a meaningful, data-informed view of how digital engagement contributes to tourism activity.
Attributable Trips 39,267
% of Estimated Economic Impact by Target DMA Philadelphia 47.5%
Source: Datafy Estimated Economic Impact
$4,704,579
In 2025, the Cumberland Valley Visitors Guide debuted with a fresh look, reinforcing its role as Cumberland Valley's premier printed marketing asset. More than a directory of attractions, the guide offers a thoughtfully curated introduction to the experiences that define Cumberland Valley. The new design, combined with additional promotional efforts, resulted in 4,013 visitor guide inquiries, an increase of more than 20% as compared to 2024.
Social Media Data
Visitor Newsletter Data
PR & Media Data
Total Audience
41,995,115
Lodging Data
Content Creator Collaboration Posts 154 Articles 98
Demand outpaced supply in 2025, resulting in a stable occupancy rate with modest year-over-year growth. 2025 also marks the highest lodging demand recorded for Cumberland Valley, with nearly one million hotel rooms/short-term rental listings booked (986,926). This is a 26% increase in demand from 2015.
Sources: CoStar (Hotel Data) and AirDNA (Short Term Rental Data)
We visited Cumberland Valley in November 2021 and 2023. We used the fall foliage information from a Visit Cumberland Valley email and had a great time. We returned in July 2025 and used your guide again to find some great spots to visit.
– D. Haas, Lakewood, CA
$994,140 in grant funding 14 projects
$1,563,037 Estimated total project cost
Over $4.2 million in grants have been awarded to support 236 projects since 2010.
Tourism Recovery Grant Highlights
Closed in November 2025, the Tourism Recovery Grant was designed to restart projects that were put on hold due to COVID-19. It has been replaced by the Tourism Partnership Grant.
• Denim Coffee: $10,000 for new furniture, a water filling station, butcher-block tabletops, and additional enhancements.
Tourism Product Development Grant Highlights
The Tourism Product Development Grant focuses on projects that attract overnight visitors or provide new experiences for visitors to increase their length of stay.
• Destiny Dairy Bar: $152,777 to enhance visitor capacity through the addition of a covered seating area, a food truck to provide on-farm dining options, and a concrete entrance to the cow barn to allow better access for strollers, small children, and the elderly.
• Cumberland Valley Rail Trail (CVRT): $176,000 for construction of a trail along the Middle Spring Creek to connect Shippensburg Station and the CVRT to downtown Shippensburg.
Destination Sales Grant Highlights
The Destination Sales Grant helps fund multi-day events that bring overnight visitors to Cumberland Valley.
• Carlisle Family YMCA: $24,155 grant for the Carlisle Crush Volleyball Tournament, supporting field maintenance and facility upgrades.
• New Cumberland Olde Towne Association: $120,000 multi-year grant for the Iron Bridge Festival to support entertainment and event expenses.
Grant funding is part of CAEDC's ongoing commitment to strengthen the region's tourism economy by enhancing visitor experiences supporting local businesses, and investing in attractions that draw travelers to Cumberland Valley.
The Destination Sales Grant has played a pivotal role in the success of the Carlisle Crush. With its support… Carlisle Crush has quickly become a summer tradition that showcases what makes our region special and positions Carlisle as a premier regional sports destination.
– Justin Rose, COO, Carlisle Family YMCA
In 2025, CAEDC strengthened its economic development pipeline through increased loan applications and lending activity, the launch of a refreshed loan program identity, and the revitalization of its Partnership program. These efforts were supported by ongoing collaboration and networking with partners and community leaders. CAEDC also saw significant growth in its grant activity, nearly doubling Local Share Account (LSA) applications, from 20 in 2024 to 35 in 2025, demonstrating expanded outreach and stronger project development across the county.
Did you know that CAEDC generated
$7.3 million in economic impact from grant and loan activities?
Rev Fitness & Rejuvenations opened its first location in Shippensburg with support from CAEDC and ACNB Bank. CAEDC provided a $140,000 package, using both the USDA Rural Microentrepreneurial Assistance Program and a Community Development Block Grant. To date, the owner has created 4 positions in the Shippensburg area and plans to grow his team to serve the Shippensburg and surrounding communities.
The opening of Sadler Health Center’s new West Shore facility in 2024 addressed a critical community need for accessible, comprehensive healthcare on the West Shore, an area previously underserved by affordable, integrated medical services. Through the successful award and administration of $2,000,000 in funding from the Redevelopment Assistance Capital Program (RACP), CAEDC helped Sadler bring this innovative, one-of-a-kind center to full operational status, unifying medical, dental, behavioral health, vision, pharmacy, lab, and Express Care services under one roof. Sadler successfully closed out its RACP grant in 2025, receiving final reimbursement for the project. In 2024 alone, the West Shore Center provided more than 13,300 visits to nearly 5,000 patients, dramatically improving access to quality care while generating significant economic impact through job creation, increased service capacity, and reduced strain on emergency and uncompensated care systems.
We appreciate CAEDC’s help and support throughout this project.
– Manal El Harrak, Chief Executive Officer, Sadler Health
• Designed and implemented Cumberland Capital + Connection, a new identity for CAEDC’s loan program that focuses on personalized service and customized financing options.
• Implemented Presta loan processing software to enhance reporting, streamline collaboration with commercial lenders, refine application and loan tracking, and increase payment tracking efficiency, while also improving customer service and the borrower experience.
• In May, CAEDC received a $500,000 Brownfields Community-wide Assessment Grant from the US Environmental Protection Agency. The award will be used to create a county-wide brownfields inventory and to fund Phase I Environmental Site Assessments and site reuse and remediation plans. CAEDC will work collaboratively with the County Planning Commission and an environmental firm to develop the brownfields inventory.
• Created the Frog Switch microsite to share updates and milestones with the community and key stakeholders.
• CAEDC hosted four Cumberland York Area Local Defense Group (CYALDG) meetings for representatives from military installations, government officials, the Pennsylvania Military Community Enhancement Commission, and other key stakeholders. The meetings cover installation updates, Local Defense Group Grant projects, upcoming events, and other topics aimed at increasing engagement and awareness between installations and surrounding communities.
CAEDC has supported our mission to bring high-level care to New Cumberland. Their positive encouragement and guidance have been a blessing.
– Belinda Heltzel, Freedom Physical Therapy
Freedom Physical Therapy & Performance identified an opportunity to expand its growing practice and bring high-quality rehabilitation services closer to patients in the New Cumberland area. With support from the CAEDC and LINKBANK, the company secured funding to acquire and open a second location at 100 South Front Street in Wormleysburg. CAEDC provided $150,000 through the Cumberland Small Business Fund and the USDA Rural Microentrepreneurial Assistance Program, helping the veteran-owned, locally operated business move forward with its expansion. LINKBANK was an integral partner to secure financing for the new property. The new clinic strengthens access to healthcare services in the community while creating at least 3 new full-time jobs.
By the Numbers
Loan Activity
3 loans were issued in 2025 utilizing CAEDC’s Cumberland Small Business Fund, Tourism Infrastructure Loan Fund, and Rural Microentrepreneurial Assistance Program. At least 7 fulltime equivalent positions Jobs Created $948,250 Match leveraged
Grant Activity
2025 LSA Awards (Category 4 and Statewide)
4 for $1,019,131 in funding
2025 LSA and RACP Applications
39 for $16,961,533 in requested funding (no awards yet)
Grant Funds Disbursed in 2025 (CAEDC and CCIDA) $5,925,000 RACP $1,051,412 LSA (Category 4 and Statewide)
The Pennsylvania Local Share Account (LSA) Statewide Program distributes gaming revenues through grants administered by the Commonwealth Financing Authority to fund public-interest projects that improve community quality of life, infrastructure, and economic development across Pennsylvania. The Pennsylvania Local Share Account (LSA) Category 4 Facilities Program distributes gaming revenues from Category 4 licensed facilities and is currently available only to Berks, Cumberland, Westmoreland, and York Counties.
The Redevelopment Assistance Capital Program (RACP) is a Pennsylvania state funding program that supports large-scale economic development projects with regional or multi-jurisdictional impact, helping to create or retain jobs and strengthen economic activity through investments in construction and redevelopment of significant community, civic, cultural, recreational, and industrial facilities.
you know
Engaged Sessions
23,700
Top Pages on Website (by session)
• Grant Programs
• How Small Businesses Impact Their Communities
• Loan Programs
• Staff Directory
• The Importance of Restaurants to the Local Community
• Tourism Grants
Did you know that CAEDC managed 34 active grants projects (20 CAEDC, 14 CCIDA) in 2025?
Frog, Switch Manufacturing Company
The Real Estate Collaborative (REC), LLC operates as a subsidiary real estate development company of CAEDC for the purposes of developing and managing select mixed use office, medical, industrial, tourism, and land development projects on behalf of CAEDC, joint venture partners, and third-party real estate investors and owners.
Frog Switch: Ownership of the 27-acre former Frog, Switch Manufacturing Company in Carlisle was officially transferred to REC. REC also secured more than $10.2 million in funding through the Pennsylvania Strategic Investments to Enhance Sites (PA SITES) Program to secure the former industrial site, demolish the former industrial buildings, and conduct environmental remediation activities as necessary to transform the industrial complex into a pad-ready site for future mixed-use development. REC thanks local fire companies and emergency first responders for quickly extinguishing an accidental fire at the site on July 4.
Kuhn: In November 2025, REC signed a purchase agreement with an auto parts retailer to acquire the property.
Tyco: In April 2024, REC signed a purchase agreement for the former Tyco property in Carlisle. The site will include two housing projects. In 2025, Woda Cooper Companies Inc. received $1.5 million in Low Income Housing Tax Credits, and Tri County Housing received $600,000 in Pennsylvania Housing Affordability and Rehabilitation Funds from the Pennsylvania Housing Finance Agency to support the development of this site.
A $510,000 tax-exempt bond was approved through the Cumberland County Industrial Development Authority (CCIDA) to support a farm acquisition in Shippensburg, PA. Ephrata National Bank collaborated with staff to utilize the program on behalf of a local farmer purchasing the property from family members. Participation in the program resulted in long-term interest savings, with the borrower securing a loan below market rate.
The CCIDA has authority over tax and tax-exempt financing, access to grant and government loan funding, and provides technical assistance to developers, industries, nonprofits, and other economic development organizations. The Authority works in close cooperation with the Cumberland Area Economic Development Corporation (CAEDC).
The Partnerships for Regional Economic Performance (PREP) promotes regional collaboration to strengthen economic development, enhance business services, and deliver a more efficient statewide strategy. While CAEDC serves as the local funding and financing resource, it partners with other specialized economic development resource providers within the PREP network to support business growth and a strong economy.
• Over 60 meetings with referrals to other Economic Development Partners
Engage! is a statewide business retention and expansion (BRE) program focused on proactive outreach to targeted companies and key industries. CAEDC prioritizes agribusiness, manufacturing, hospitality, and the County’s largest employers.
• 27 Engage! visits were completed with local businesses
2025 Expenses
CCIDA:
$26,667 (0.5%)
Economic Development: $937,624 (18.9%)
Tourism: $4,003,191 (80.6%)
Total Expenses: $4,967,482
CCIDA:
$11,250 (0.2%)
Service Fees: $122,235 (2.3%)
Donations & Miscellaneous: $128,371 (2.5%)
Loan Income: $134,336 (2.6%)
Investment Earnings: $181,166 (3.5%)
CAEDC Grant Revenue: $333,778 (6.4%)
Hotel Tax: $4,309,394 (82.5%)
Total Revenue: $5,220,530
In 2026, the Cumberland Area Economic Development Corporation (CAEDC) will advance initiatives designed to increase visitation, support business growth, and strengthen partnerships across Cumberland County.
Encourage First-Time and Repeat Visitation
Building on recent brand awareness efforts, CAEDC will focus on initiatives to convert awareness into visitation and deeper engagement with Cumberland Valley, including the implementation of a trip-planning tool that allows visitors to build personalized itineraries and access a branded mobile app, and the feasibility of a mobile visitors' center.
Enhance Organization and Partnership Efforts
Organization improvements and outreach efforts will allow us to:
• Grow the CAEDC Partnership program to broaden our funding base and expand community investment.
• Restructure board engagement to strengthen governance and shared leadership.
• Increase visibility with municipalities and stakeholders to establish CAEDC as Cumberland County's recognized leader in economic development and tourism.
Strengthen Business Financing and Resource Connections
CAEDC will continue expanding its role as a trusted go-to funding source for businesses of every size.
• Position CAEDC as the authority for businesses seeking funding through Cumberland Capital + Connection.
• Pursue and promote funding opportunities that support business expansion, tourism development, and community investment.
The CAEDC Partnership was formed in 2014 as the Cumberland Valley Alliance and was relaunched with a cookout on October 3 at Creekside Liberty Forge Golf Course. The Partnership provides you with the opportunity to play a direct role in shaping the future of Cumberland County. We thank these partners for their support to help drive economic development and tourism across Cumberland County.
Community Partners
Conrad Siegel
F&M Trust
Fulton Bank
Frederick, Siebert & Associates
Members 1st
Mid Penn Bank – Harrisburg
Pennsylvania American Water Company
Pyramid Construction Services, LLC
Smith Elliott Kearns & Company, LLC
Weidner Construction Services
Micro-Business and Non-Profit Partners
Adams Electric Cooperative
Brown Plus Accountants & Advisors
Campbell Commercial Partners, LLC
Cumberland County Housing and Redevelopment
Authorities
High Hotels LTD
JC Bar Properties
Landmark Commercial Realty – Camp Hill
Leadership Cumberland
Premier Reporting
Susquehanna Area Regional Airport Authority
Thursday Morning Commercial Group
