ACBiz June (3) by The Chamber of Gettysburg & Adams County

Homegrown Leadership

at Members 1st

SIZZLE SALE

BUY 2 ADS, GET 1 FREE

June 1-30

Turn up the heat on your marketing with The Chamber’s Summer Sizzle Sale! Throughout the month of June, when you purchase two advertisements, you’ll receive one free—any size, your choice of website sidebar ads or newsletter placements. All ads must be booked by June 30, 2025, but can be used anytime through June 2026, giving you the flexibility to plan ahead.

To reserve your space, contact Annie Burns at annieb@gettysburg-chamber.org.

Don’t miss this limited-time opportunity to boost your visibility and save!

Bryan Johnson, Chair* SMB Associates

John Husser, Vice Chair* ACNB Bank

Judy Morley, Treasurer* The Gettysburg Cookie Co.

Sarah Sidenstricker, Secretary* Members 1st Federal Credit Union

Darlene A. Brown Individual Member

Isaac Bucher, Immediate Past Chair*

Mister Ed’s Elephant Museum & Candy Emporium

Michael Cogliano, Sr.* WellSpan Gettysburg Hospital

Lisa Duffy UPMC Hanover

Shawn Eckenrode Adams County Technical Institute

Sharon Kebil-Whisler M & T Bank

Kelly Mower Graphics Universal, Inc.

Stacey Schlosser* Biggerstaff’s Catering

Kate Shay Scott & Co. Fine Jewelers

Karen Tavenner RE/MAX Quality Service, Inc.

Becky Van der Groef Hoffman Homes

Wesley Warehime Aero Energy

Carrie S. Stuart, President* The Chamber of Gettysburg & Adams County *Denotes Executive Committee Member

CHAMBER STAFF

Carrie S. Stuart, President carries@gettysburg-chamber.org

Edith Cimino, Operations Manager edithc@gettysburg-chamber.org

Annie Burns, Communications Specialist annieb@gettysburg-chamber.org

IN THIS ISSUE

BUSINESS BRIEFS

The bolded businesses in Business Briefs are Chamber members. Submit news to chambernews@gettysburgchamber.org by the second Tuesday of each month for inclusion in the following month’s publication.

Mister Ed’s Elephant Museum & Candy Emporium has been named one of Yelp’s Top 100 Local Businesses for 2025 in the “Family and Pets” category. This national recognition celebrates independently owned businesses that stand out for their service, community involvement, and customer experience. Mister Ed’s, now in its 50th year and located along Route 30 in Orrtanna, was selected among top-rated businesses across the country. Yelp’s list highlights businesses with strong local ties, excellent reviews, and no more than three locations. Learn more or plan your visit at mistereds.com or call 717-352-3792.

The Adams County Library System was honored with the President’s Community Service Award from the Broadband Communications Association of Pennsylvania at the annual Broadband Summit in Gettysburg on April 16. The award recognizes the library’s longstanding dedication to expanding digital access and internet services for local residents. Executive Director Miranda Wisor accepted the award, highlighting the library’s mission of connecting the community to resources and opportunities. With locations in six communities, the system continues its 80-year tradition of supporting lifelong learning and enrichment. Learn more at AdamsLibrary.org.

Herbert, Rowland & Grubic, Inc. (HRG) has partnered with Bentley Systems to bring cutting-edge digital twin technology to water utilities in the mid-Atlantic using Bentley’s OpenFlows WaterSight software. This tool integrates SCADA, GIS, hydraulic modeling, and operations data to help utilities optimize performance, improve efficiency, and plan capital improvements. A pilot project is underway with Freeland Municipal Authority in Luzerne County, PA. Melissa Rohland also joined HRG as Director of Strategic Programs to support digital integration. Her engineering and tech background strengthens HRG’s ability to guide clients toward smarter infrastructure management.

WellSpan Evangelical Community Hospital and WellSpan Waynesboro Hospital have been named 2025 Outstanding Patient Experience Award winners by Healthgrades, placing them among the top 15% of hospitals nationwide. WellSpan Evangelical has earned this recognition six years in a row, consistently ranking in the top 10% since 2020. The award reflects WellSpan’s dedication to delivering compassionate, personalized care tailored to patients’ individual needs and schedules. Healthgrades evaluated more than 3,000 hospitals using patient survey data from 2023, focusing on communication, cleanliness, and other key factors. This recognition highlights WellSpan’s ongoing commitment to enhancing patient experience and outcomes.

Main Street Gettysburg has once again earned Accredited status from Main Street America, the highest level of national recognition for community revitalization. This designation acknowledges the organization’s outstanding performance in economic development, historic preservation, and community engagement. Evaluated by the Pennsylvania Downtown Center, Main Street Gettysburg met rigorous standards across six key areas, including leadership, sustainability, and measurable impact. In 2024, Main Street programs nationwide generated over $7.6 billion in local reinvestment. Recent milestones for Main Street Gettysburg include securing major funding for the Baltimore Street Revitalization Project and the future Gettysburg Welcome Center, demonstrating their ongoing commitment to downtown development.

Bill French of Shippensburg, Jay Herman of Aspers, and Nadine Hubner of Felton have been elected to new

three-year terms on the Adams Electric Cooperative board of directors. Their election was finalized during the cooperative’s annual meeting on May 8 by the

12-member Credentials & Election Committee, which is composed of volunteers who oversee the board election process. Following the election, the board held its reorganizational meeting on May 13, selecting Dale Myers as president, Dave Frey as vice president, Glenn Bange as secretary, and re-electing Tom Knaub as treasurer.

Luminest Community Development, Inc. recently completed major upgrades at Valley Terrace Townhomes in Waynesboro, including new roofs and HVAC systems to boost energy efficiency and comfort. Contractors DRI Dependable Roofing, GW Electric, and McCleary Heating & Cooling completed the work. The project was supported by a $417,228 grant from PHFA, $100,000 from Franklin County, and $11,966 from Luminest.

Luminest owns over 300 homes across three counties and continues to expand, with new senior housing projects underway. Founded in 2002, Luminest also supports homeownership and housing rehab programs, working to build stronger neighborhoods and brighter futures.

The York Water Company’s President and CEO, JT Hand, announced today that the Board of Directors at their May 5th meeting declared a quarterly dividend of $0.2192 per share. The dividend is payable July 15, 2025, to shareholders as of record date June 30, 2025. This is the 618th consecutive dividend to be paid by The York Water Company. York Water, which is the oldest publicly traded company in the nation, has never missed a dividend in over 209 years. This is believed to be the longest record of consecutive dividends in America.

MEMBER SPOTLIGHT

Members 1st Federal Credit Union

Sarah Sidenstricker –Branch Manager II

717.338.1295 | www.members1st.org

Let’s Meet Sarah Sidenstricker with Members 1st!

After spending 13 years cultivating a successful career in Gettysburg’s hospitality industry—working her way from bartending to roles in sales and marketing—Sarah Sidenstricker was ready for a new challenge. She now brings that same energy, dedication, and leadership to her new position as Branch Manager at Members 1st Federal Credit Union.

Members 1st is a not-for-profit financial cooperative that exists to serve its members—not corporate shareholders. This member-first mindset allows the credit union to offer lower fees, better rates, and the ability to reinvest profits back into the communities it serves.

“I’ve lived in this area my entire life and am a proud graduate of New Oxford High School,” Sidenstricker shared. “I have two boys who now attend New Oxford Elementary School. My children are my biggest motivation. They inspire me to succeed and push me to set a strong example as they grow up.”

In her role as Branch Manager at the Gettysburg East Branch, Sidenstricker oversees daily operations, manages staff scheduling, and assists with member transactions. Her responsibilities also extend beyond the branch, where she leads local business development efforts.

“I attend networking events, volunteer in the community, and strive to educate both current and potential members about the wide range of products and services that Members 1st offers,” she said.

With a culture grounded in support and service, Members 1st takes great pride in creating a warm, welcoming experience for its members. As financial needs evolve, the credit union stays ahead of industry trends—continuously improving digital tools,

BIZ BUZZ

enhancing the mobile banking experience, and expanding financial wellness resources to meet the needs of today’s members.

In her leadership role, Sidenstricker understands that collaboration is key to delivering the best outcomes for members and for the business.

“Lead by example. Don’t ask your team to do anything you wouldn’t do yourself. Before we were leaders, we were individual contributors working toward a shared goal,” she said. “Ultimately, a leader’s success is measured by the success and achievements of their team.”

Sidenstricker acknowledges that stepping into leadership requires a shift in mindset. While being part of the team is one experience, leading the team demands different skills—and often, a steep learning curve. But she’s up for the challenge.

“Every successful business owner who has built a wellestablished company has faced similar difficulties. They have experienced the same uphill battles and have had to pivot, adapt and change over the years,” she said. “You can achieve anything you are passionate about if you put your whole heart into it.”

One of the core values at Members 1st is a deep commitment to community. That’s demonstrated through a variety of initiatives—from a grant program supporting local nonprofits to sponsoring events across Adams County. Every associate is also encouraged to give back, with each team member volunteering at least twice a year.

When she’s not at work, you can find Sidenstricker outdoors— fishing, kayaking, or tending to her garden.

Members 1st Federal Credit Union is a member-owned, community-focused credit union. For 75 years, they have dedicated themselves to cultivating long-lasting relationships with their members and improving the communities they serve. Their “people helping people” philosophy is at the core of everything they do as a credit union. From advice and support to a full suite of financial tools designed to help their members live well financially, they provide it all.

SherwinWilliams Gettysburg

#FreshFaces

Who we are and what we do:

We are your local Sherwin-Williams store. We sell interior and exterior paint and stains, painting and construction supplies, and industrial coatings. With our wide variety of products, we are here to help with any job you may have.

Mission statement/goals:

We strive to provide amazing service and top-quality products to homeowners and contractors alike. We pride ourselves on being the Go-To paint experts in the area.

What we love about the Adams County community:

We have a rich history in Adams County and my staff, and I love seeing the historical colors and restorations that happen throughout the year. We have a lot of customers that bring in pictures of their restoration projects that are awesome to see.

Fun fact about yourself:

I’ve walked on the Great Wall of China.

CHAMBER CHAT

Promote Your Events Through Our Online Calendar!

Summer Sizzle Sale!

Did you know that The Chamber offers an online events calendar that’s open to both Chamber members and the broader community? It’s an easy and effective way to promote your upcoming workshop, fundraiser, concert, or any other community event to a wide audience. The calendar is a trusted local resource, frequently visited by Chamber members, residents, and visitors eager to stay updated on what’s happening in the area.

Submitting your event is simple and streamlined. Each organization or business has one shared login. Just log in using your organization’s member portal credentials, hover over the “Member Resources” tab, and click “Submit New Event Here.” Fill out your event details, submit the form, and a Chamber staff member will review and approve the listing for publication on the site.

If you’ve got an exciting event on the horizon, don’t miss this opportunity to boost your visibility and draw a bigger crowd. Add your event to The Chamber calendar and let us help spread the word!

Get ready to turn up the heat on your marketing with The Chamber’s Summer Sizzle Sale! From June 1–30, when you purchase two advertisements, you’ll get one free—any size, with your choice of website sidebar ads or newsletter placements. The best part? While all ads must be booked by June 30, 2025, they can be used anytime through June 2026, giving you the flexibility to plan ahead. To reserve your space, contact Annie Burns at annieb@gettysburg-chamber.org. Don’t miss this hot opportunity to boost your visibility and save!

ADVOCACY UPDATES

SENATE APPROVES MY BILL TO INCREASE FIREFIGHTERS IN PA

SENATOR DOUG MASTRIANO

The Senate approved Senate Bill 90, a bill I introduced to increase the number of volunteer firefighters in Pennsylvania. It now heads to the House of Representatives for further consideration.

The bill would make it easier for firefighters to earn their certification while maintaining the high standards and requirements of the certification process. Current firefighter applicants must complete four training modules totaling 188 hours. They then must pass a cumulative test covering all four modules. Senate Bill 90 would reform the certification process by enabling applicants to be tested following each of the four modules.

In the 1970s, Pennsylvania had as many as 300,000 volunteer firefighters – now there are fewer than 38,000. If Pennsylvania is going to reverse the trend of declining numbers, we need to reform the certification process. Many communities need more volunteer firefighters, and this is a way to make that possible.

IT’S TIME TO PRIORITIZE DAIRY PROCESSING IN PENNSYLVANIA

REPRESENTATIVE DAN MOUL

In May, I voted with my House Republican colleagues to amend legislation aimed at providing a long overdue and much-needed boost to Pennsylvania’s struggling dairy industry, but our efforts were voted down by House Democrats who hold the majority. The amendments to House Bill 500 were aimed at fixing the Economic Development for a Growing Economy (EDGE) Tax Credit Program, which was created in 2022 to help attract large dairy processors like the ones now choosing to locate in neighboring states.

However, the substantial amount of investment required to qualify for the tax credit has left the program unused. An amendment by Rep. John Lawrence (R-Chester), who serves on the Agriculture and Rural Affairs Committee, would make Pennsylvania more competitive by providing tax incentives to locate new or expand existing dairy processing plants here to provide increased processing capacity for Pennsylvania milk. It would also address environmental concerns by providing a tax credit for the construction of methane digesters on family farms to prevent damaging runoff into the Chesapeake Bay and incentivize farmers to reduce harmful emissions.

As chairman of the Agriculture and Rural Affairs Committee, I helped usher this bill through committee, and I’m disappointed that when the bill got to the full House it failed on a 102-101 party-line vote.

CONTACT INFORMATION:

Senator Dave McCormick

200 N. Third St., Suite 14A

Harrisburg, PA 17101

717.231.7540

Senator Doug Mastriano

33 York Street

Gettysburg, PA 17325

717.334.4169

Senator John Fetterman

320 Market St., Suite 475E

Harrisburg, PA 17101

717.782.3951

Representative Dan Moul

30 West Middle Street

Gettysburg, PA 17325

717.334.3010

Congressman John Joyce

282 West King St.

Abbottstown, PA 17301

717.357.6320

Representative Torren Ecker

282 West King St., 1st Floor

Abbottstown, PA 17301

717.259.7805

WHY SECURITY AWARENESS TRAINING IS YOUR NEW BEST FRIEND

Written by Shannon McCleary, TREYSTA Marketing & Account Manager

Listen—I completely understand how frustrating it can be to complete your Security Awareness Training (SAT). You’re busy and so is your team! However, there’s a very good reason your IT team sends out those pesky reminders: human error is still the #1 threat when it comes to cybersecurity. In fact, a whopping 41%1 of recent attacks started with a simple phishing email.

If you’re unfamiliar with the term “phishing”— you’ve probably experienced it before. It’s when a scammer sends a fake email, text, or message that tricks you into clicking a bad link or sharing personal information.

Unfortunately, cybercriminals are getting really good at tricking people and it’s not just big companies they’re after anymore. Small and mid-sized businesses (SMBs) are a huge target because hackers know they might not have the same fancy security tools as the big guys. We can no longer have the mindset that “it won’t happen to me” since employees at SMBs get hit with 350% more social engineering attacks than people at big companies. Crazy, right?

are pretending to be your boss or coworkers using fake emails that look almost identical. Would you know how to spot the difference? Let’s be honest—even the sharpest among us can be tricked. AI is making phishing scams look more convincing than ever.

The good news? SAT works. Companies that train their teams regularly cut down on phishing click rates by up to 90%3. That means way fewer data breaches, less downtime, and way less stress for you and your team. Plus, it saves money. Data breaches in 2024 cost an average of $217,000 per incident4 for SMBs. Yikes! Even a small breach could cripple a business.

“Human error is still the #1 threat when it comes to cybersecurity”

But what is a social engineering attack? It’s when a hacker tricks you into giving up personal info—like passwords or credit card numbers—by pretending to be someone you trust. It’s basically a con job, but done over email, text, or even a phone call.

And now with AI, those social engineering attacks are looking more realistic than ever. A recent report stated 3.4 BILLION phishing emails are sent daily2—greatly enhanced with the use of AI. Hackers

1 Source: X-Force | IBM

2 Source: Astra Security

Security Awareness Training turns your employees into your best line of defense. As TREYSTA’s Proactive Services Lead Cody Daniels states, “True security starts with how you think. InfoSec SAT strengthens that mindset!”

So here’s the bottom line: you can buy the best firewalls and antivirus programs, but if one person clicks the wrong link, it’s game over. Train your people and make Security Awareness Training part of your everyday thinking. It’s the easiest way to sleep better at night!

Shannon McCleary works for TREYSTA technology management, a local IT company in Gettysburg and York. Questions? Please reach out to info@teamtreysta.com.

3 Source: KnowB4

4 Source: Web Check Security

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