Light on Hope Shining a
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
Crystal Kleponis, Director of Member Services crystalk@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.
UPMC partnered with Girls on the Run Midstate to host a hands-on summer workshop at UPMC Community Osteopathic in Harrisburg, introducing about 40 girls to health care careers. Highlights included operating the DaVinci surgical robot, led by Dr. Andrea Benton, and a “Name the Robot” contest—where the winning name, Helpful Hazel, was selected. Nurse educators also guided participants through a mini operating room workshop. The event aimed to inspire future health professionals while reinforcing teamwork and creativity. Girls on the Run empowers girls through mentorship and physical activity, helping them build confidence, resilience, and essential life skills.
Hoffman Homes hosted its annual Charity Ride at Battlefield Harley-Davidson in Gettysburg. Motorcycle enthusiasts gathered for a scenic ride supporting mental health services for youth in need. Riders made a meaningful stop at Hoffman Homes, connecting directly with the mission they support. The event wrapped up with lunch, raffles, and games, bringing together families and supporters for a fun-filled afternoon. Organized with the help of Blaine Gladfelter and the God Bless America Motorcycle Color Guard, the ride raised funds for Hoffman Homes’ therapeutic, residential, and educational programs across Pennsylvania.
Keller Engineers, Inc., with offices in PA and NJ, is a fullservice civil and structural engineering and surveying firm. They proudly welcomed four new team members: Abbey Lansberry, a Highway Designer with a Civil Engineering
degree from West Virginia University; Claudia Barnes, an Environmental Scientist and recent Duquesne University graduate specializing in wetland delineations; Rob Butler, a Construction Inspector with 18+ years of experience and certifications; and Marc Kifer, a Field Surveyor with over 30 years in surveying and an associate degree from Pennsylvania College of Technology. Keller continues to deliver client-focused engineering solutions.
Big Brothers Big Sisters of SouthCentral PA has been named a 2024 Agency of the Year by Big Brothers Big Sisters of America—one of only four agencies nationwide to receive the honor.
Recognized in the Mid to Large Agency category, the award highlights the organization’s growth, including serving 1,320 youth, expanding to seven counties, and launching the region’s only Youth Leadership Summit. The agency also earned a 2024 Growth Award for program excellence. This recognition reflects the commitment of staff, volunteers, partners, and donors who help BBBS create lasting, one-to-one mentoring relationships that empower youth across South-Central Pennsylvania.
Luminest Community Development, Inc. has received a $350,000 grant from the Pennsylvania Housing Finance Agency to continue its Whole Home Repair program in Franklin County. The program helps incomeeligible homeowners make essential home repairs, improving safety, energy efficiency, and accessibility. To date, Luminest has completed 15 projects, with more underway and nearly 20 in development. The new funding will support approximately 12 additional projects. Most participants have been senior citizens across Franklin County. Luminest also manages over
300 affordable housing units and has new senior housing developments in Shippensburg and Gettysburg, along with programs for first-time buyers and home rehabilitation.
Barley Snyder attorney Julia M. Parrish has been appointed to the Legislative Review Committee of the Pennsylvania Bar Association’s Real Property, Probate, and Trust Law Section. In this role, she will help evaluate proposed legislation impacting trusts, estates, and property law across the state. Parrish is a member of the firm’s Trusts & Estates Practice Group, where she focuses on estate planning and administration. Parrish says she’s honored to contribute to shaping legislation that affects families and property owners statewide.
WellSpan committed $3.5 million over three years to support 12 organizations developing innovative housing solutions across central Pennsylvania. The largest community grant investment to date, this funding includes $3 million through Imagine grants and $333,200 in smaller Inspire grants, benefiting groups like New hope Ministries, Lebanon County Christian Ministries, and LifePath Christian Ministries. York Habitat for Humanity also received $200,000 for its Chestnut Street Revitalization project. WellSpan aims to improve health by addressing housing stability, having contributed $17.65 million to housing initiatives including shelters, rental assistance, and eviction prevention. Learn more at WellSpan.org/ CommunityHealth.
The Adams County Arts Council awarded three scholarships to graduating seniors pursuing the arts at college. At the Gettysburg Area High School Dollars for Scholars ceremony and the 21st Annual Juried Art Exhibition Awards, recipients were recognized for their talents and dedication. Megan Schultz received the $1,000 Nanette Hatzes Memorial Award for photography and film studies at Temple University. Salem Palmer earned the $750 Mel Shull Memorial Award to study Art History at Wilson College. Savannah Schneider was
honored with the $500 Stu Kravits Emerging Artist Award to pursue music performance at Ithaca College. Learn more at www.adamsarts.org.
Shining Stars Therapeutic Riding Program, Inc. welcomed Ben Hansford as its new Development Director. In this role, Ben will lead fundraising and donor engagement to support and grow the organization’s therapeutic riding programs. With over 12 years of fundraising experience, including a decade at the Gettysburg Foundation, Ben is committed to advancing Shining Stars’ mission to serve children, families, and veterans. A Hanover native and West Chester University graduate, he is also active in the local arts community and enjoys traveling, hiking, music, and history with his wife Ashley.
Destination Gettysburg has launched the Adams County Sweet Stroll, a new trail highlighting local sweet shops, coffee spots, and dessert destinations across the region. Running through September 1, the trail features over a dozen businesses, from ice cream parlors to candy stores. Participants can sign up for a free digital passport at DestinationGettysburg.com/sweet, check in at locations, and earn points for prizes. It’s a fun way for families, couples, and food lovers to explore Gettysburg’s tastiest treats. The Sweet Stroll is the first seasonal trail from Destination Gettysburg, joining popular offerings like the Pour Tour and Crop Hop.
Packaging Corporation of America (PCA) announced a $1.8 billion cash deal to acquire the containerboard business of Greif, Inc., expected to close by the end of PCA’s third quarter pending regulatory approvals. The acquisition includes two mills and eight U.S. facilities, with $1.2 billion in sales and $212 million in EBITDA over the past year. PCA anticipates $60 million in pre-tax synergies within two years. The deal will be financed with $1.5 billion in new debt and cash. PCA leaders praised the cultural and operational fit, noting the move supports strategic growth and will be immediately accretive to earnings.
MEMBER SPOTLIGHT
New Hope Ministries
Leah Yingling- Littlestown Center Manager
717.848.0885 x 801 | nhm-pa.org
Let’s Meet Leah with New Hope Ministries!
At the heart of Littlestown, Leah Yingling leads with compassion and purpose as the Center Manager for New Hope Ministries. A native of Adams County, Yingling has called Littlestown home since 1993. With nearly five years at New Hope, and a previous career in pastoral ministry, she brings both faith and a deep commitment to service into every facet of her role.
New Hope’s vision, “Every life transformed,” is evident in every service they offer—from emergency food support to workforce development and youth programming. With values like compassion, dignity, cooperation, and stewardship guiding their daily work, New Hope fosters a culture of respect and empowerment.
What sets New Hope apart is the range of support it offers. Beyond the well-known food pantry, New Hope runs a variety of life-changing programs. The Stability Program provides classes to help individuals gain employment skills and financial literacy, while the Transportation Program assists with car repairs and purchasing reliable vehicles. Hope Rides helps guests get to and from work to ensure they don’t lose employment due to transportation issues. There’s also a Housing and Homeless Program for those at risk of eviction, and a Youth Program offering enriching activities for children and resources for expecting parents through Baby Bundles.
As center manager, Leah wears many hats. She ensures programs run smoothly, volunteers are engaged, and the pantry operates efficiently. She also leads community outreach efforts, builds relationships with local churches and businesses, and coordinates annual events such as the Back-to-School drive, Thanksgiving food distribution, Christmas Blessing Event, and celebrations for both seniors and volunteers. It’s a role that demands organization, empathy, and above all, a heart for people.
BIZ BUZZ
For Leah, the most rewarding part of her work is the opportunity to share love, compassion, and hope with those she serves. “Praying with people, listening to their stories, and simply being there in times of joy or hardship is the highlight of my day,” she shares.
Staying connected with community concerns is vital to her role. Leah keeps in close contact with other local leaders, churches, and business owners to remain aware of ongoing needs and opportunities for collaboration. What gets her out of bed each day is knowing she can make a real difference—not just by distributing food or offering support—but by being a friend to the community.
Her advice for others working in the nonprofit world? “Be a good listener, give your best—but remember, you can’t fix everything for everyone.”
Leah credits The Chamber for helping New Hope Ministries stay engaged and visible in the community. “Through The Chamber, we’ve built strong partnerships and had opportunities to share our mission,” she says. Most notably, New Hope was proud to nominate Lyle Pitner for the 2024 Outstanding Citizen Award, which he won—an honor that perfectly reflects the spirit of service that defines both New Hope Ministries and the Littlestown community.
What makes Adams County such a great place to live and work?
Adams County is such a beautiful area with its rolling hills and farmland. My husband and I love the rural feel of Adams County, however, there are also many things to do and places to visit including historic Gettysburg and the many quaint shops and restaurants, the annual Apple Harvest Festival, Caledonia State Park, and shopping at the Outlet Shoppes. I just love the hometown feel of Adams County.
Founded in 1982, New Hope Ministries is a Christian social service agency built on the belief that neighbors should help neighbors in times of need. The organization’s mission is to show the love and hope of Christ by supporting guests with short-term assistance and long-term programs that promote stability.
The K2C2 Agency of Farmers Insurance
#FreshFaces
Who we are and what we do:
As your local Farmers® agency, we help customers like you identify the insurance coverage that best fits your needs. This process is straightforward and personalized to help make you smarter about insurance. We have the knowledge and experience to help you better understand your coverage options--whether that’s auto, home, renters, business insurance, life, and more.
Mission statement/goals:
To educate people on how insurance works and can be used to their advantage. “A happy customer is the best business plan.”
What we love about the Adams County community:
A rich and fascinating history mixed with a small-town, relaxed vibe that contains a myriad of cultural attractions and outdoor recreational activities.
Fun fact about yourself:
In my former life as an actor (BFA in Music Theatre, Shenandoah University), I was hired as a stunt double for Dr. Octopus in the movie Spider-Man 2. I spent an evening in the actual “Doc Ock” outfit leaning over the edge of a 24-story building in the Tudor City section of NYC. I ate dinner with the legendary FX legend, John Dykstra. It was definitely one of the best nights of my life.
CHAMBER CHAT
Welcome Crystal Kleponis!
Please join us in welcoming Crystal Kleponis to The Chamber of Gettysburg and Adams County as our new Director of Member Services.
Crystal brings a strong background in program management, sales, and customer service—skills she is eager to put to work in support of our members. “I’ve heard great things about the exciting projects and programs ahead, and I’m thrilled to be a part of them,” she shared.
When she’s not working, Crystal enjoys practicing yoga, gardening, and staying active with her daughter’s sports schedule. We invite you to reach out and introduce yourself or contact Crystal regarding any membership-related questions. Sunday Volunteers Needed – Join Us at the Wine & Music Festival!
We’re gearing up for the Gettysburg Wine & Music Festival, happening September 6–7 at Granite Hill Camping Resort—and we need your help, especially on Sunday, September 7!
This fun-filled weekend wouldn’t be possible without dedicated volunteers like you. There are still several open spots on Sunday across a variety of roles and shift times, and we’d love to have you join us.
As a thank-you, all volunteers receive free festival admission and a complimentary t-shirt. Shifts are assigned on a firstcome, first-served basis, so don’t wait—fill out the online volunteer form today. Be sure to list three preferred areas or time slots, and if you’d like to be scheduled with a friend or family member, include that in your submission. While we can’t guarantee all placement requests, we’ll do our best to accommodate. Thank you for making this event a success—we couldn’t do it without you!
ADVOCACY UPDATES
LAW BIG BEAUTIFUL BILL ENSURES RETURN TO PROSPERITY
CONGRESSMAN JOHN JOYCE
The beauty of the Big Beautiful Bill that President Trump signed into law on July 4 is that it contains provisions which will benefit all Americans.
By passing H.R. 1, Congress prevented the largest tax hike in American history. Now, millions of American families will be able to keep more money in their pockets as a result of this historic legislation.
Significantly, this historic legislation increased funding to secure our border, unleashed domestic energy production, and reinforced President Trump’s peace through strengthing national security policies.
Finally, I am incredibly proud to share that the text of my bipartisan legislation, the ORPHAN Cures Act, was included in the Big Beautiful Bill. By restoring incentives for the development of new rare disease treatments, the ORPHAN Cures Act will give hope to millions of patients throughout the country who suffer from rare diseases such as cystic fibrosis, childhood leukemia, and muscular dystrophy.
Quite simply, the Big Beautiful Bill represents the pro-growth, America First agenda that President Trump campaigned on in November.
With the passage of this landmark legislation, the Golden Age of America can finally begin.
SB 929: MASTRIANO AND GEBHARD SEEK TO END SCHOOL PROPERTY TAXES
SENATOR DOUG MASTRIANO
I, along with Chris Gebhard (R-48) have introduced Senate Bill 929, a proposed constitutional amendment that would prohibit school districts from collecting property taxes starting July 1, 2029. If passed by the General Assembly in two consecutive sessions, the question will go to the voters for final approval.
“Each year, thousands of our seniors—men and women who worked their entire lives, paid off their homes, and played by the rules—are being thrown out of those very homes simply because they can’t keep up with an evergrowing tax bill. This is not just a financial issue—it’s a moral crisis.”
Read SB 929 here
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
AI IN YOUR MEETINGS? MICROSOFT TEAMS IS ALREADY THERE
Written by Shannon McCleary, TREYSTA Marketing & Account Manager
Meetings can be overwhelming. Tracking notes, recording minutes, and trying to remember who said what? It can be a lot. But Microsoft Teams is creating tools using artificial intelligence (AI) to help tackle those challenges and turn your meetings into smart productivity.
One advantage? Real time meeting summaries. Teams can now transcribe your meeting as it happens, then create an organized recap with action items, decisions, and key points—all automatically. So if you miss a call or just want to review later, the highlights are already waiting for you.
Microsoft’s AI doesn’t just help with what happens after the meeting. It can help make things smoother during the meeting, too and it’s happening without you realizing. Microsoft’s voice isolation and noise suppression mean you can hear people clearly, even if they’re working in a coffee shop or at home with barking dogs. And for global teams, the real time translation lets everyone participate, no matter what language they speak.
text-to-speech technology to convert written content into natural sounding audio. Whether you’re reviewing a report, catching typos, or just giving your eyes a break, Read Aloud helps you hear your writing with fresh perspective. It’s especially useful for proofreading and accessibility, offering customizable voice options and playback speeds. It’s all powered by AI to make the experience feel real.
Another useful AI feature you’ve probably seen— suggested replies. Not always accurate, but great when it is for a quick and easy reply to a Team’s message or when you need a fast reply to an email.
“AI is a tool, not a teammate!”
But while AI tools are incredibly helpful, it’s important to remember they’re not perfect. Automated transcripts can miss context, action items might be misinterpreted, and no AI can replace good human judgment. These tools are designed to support—not replace—real engagement, active listening, and clear communication.
Beyond meetings, Copilot can summarize long chats and emails, highlight important messages, and even suggest follow ups. This makes it so you stay informed without reading every message. It can also detect tasks during meetings and can send them to your to do list, keeping you on track.
AI is also making classic features more useful. The Read Aloud feature in Microsoft Word, which uses
So, yes, AI in Microsoft products can save time and reduce stress. But staying alert and involved is still the best way to get the most out of your meetings and emails. After all, technology works best when we combine it with a little human touch.
And please remember: AI is a tool, not a teammate!
Shannon McCleary works for TREYSTA technology management, a local IT company in Gettysburg and York. Questions? Please reach out to info@teamtreysta.com.
OUT & ABOUT
CHAMBER EVENTS
AUGUST 11
Marketing Advisory Committee Meeting | Noon, chamber office
AUGUST 12
Executive Committee Meeting | 8 a.m., chamber office
AUGUST 21
Membership Mixer | 4-6 p.m., Renn Kirby Kia
AUGUST 28
Board of Directors Meeting | 8 a.m., chamber office
SEPTEMBER 6 & 7
Gettysburg Wine and Music Festival | Granite Hill Camping Resort
COMMUNITY EVENTS
AUGUST 2
Kids Day | 8 a.m.
Adams County Farmers Market 223.278.4422 | acfarmersmarkets.org
AUGUST 7
Sips & Signs- Paint Night | 5:30 p.m. The Lodges at Gettysburg 717.642.2500 | thelodgesatgettysburg.com
AUGUST 8
Silent Sky |7 p.m.
Gettysburg Community Theatre
717.334.2692 | gettysburgcommunitytheatre.org
AUGUST 9
Open Air Double Decker Battlefield Bus Tour | 10 a.m.
Gettysburg Battlefield Bus Tours 717.334.6296 | gettysburgbattlefieldtours.com
AUGUST 9-10
35th Annual Peach Festival | Noon
Hollabaugh Bros., Ince. Fruit Farm & Market
717.677.8412 | hollabaughbros.com
AUGUST 12
Local Government & Schools Webinar | 8:30 a.m.
SEK, CPAs & Advisors
717.637.5915 | sek.com
AUGUST 16
Farnsworth House Tour | 11:30 a.m.
Farnsworth House Inn
717.334.8838 | farnsworthhouseinn.com
AUGUST 22
Dobbin House Tours | 10 a.m.
Dobbin House
717.334.2100 | dobbinhouse.com
MEMBER RENEWALS
20-29 Years
Adams County Arts Council
Adams Rescue Mission, Inc.
Borough of Gettysburg
Gettysburg Bicycle
St. Francis Xavier Catholic School
The GIANT Co.
10-19 Years
Gettysburg Dental Associates
Jo Bo Holstein Farm LLC
Wyndham Gettysburg Hotel & Conference Center
5-9 Years
Barley Snyder Attorneys at Law
Lyle R. Pitner State Farm Agency
New Hope Ministries, Inc.
The Arc of York & Adams Counties
1-4 Years
Hartzell Home & Garden Services, LLC
Hauser Hill Event Center
Pennsylvania Interfaith Community Programs, Inc.
Renewal by Anderson
The Keystone Inn Bed & Breakfast
Any situation is an opportunity to network - don’t miss it! SEIZE THE OPPORTUNITY to make a new connection, help reinforce connections and just plain catch up with acquaintances. Connections lead to new customers, professional growth, new resources and new friends.
1382 Biglerville Rd. | Gettysburg, PA 17325
717.334.8151 | FAX 717.334.3368 info@gettysburg-chamber.org www.gettysburg-chamber.org
G R A N D O P E N I N G
Location: 38 West York Street, Biglerville
Monday 9am - 5pm Tuesday 9am - 5pm Wednesday CLOSED Thursday 9am- 5pm Friday 9am- 5pm Saturday 9am- 5pm Sunday CLOSED
