The Circle Spring 2022 Edition
Inside this issue... Thank You Renewing Members pg. 2 ◆◆◆ Welcome New Members pg. 4
New Oxford Chamber Hosts First Annual Awards Banquet The New Oxford Area Chamber of Commerce held its first annual awards banquet on Thursday, January 26 at Inn 94 in New Oxford with approximately 75 guests in attendance. The banquet was made possible by presenting sponsors Hanover Auto Team and PA Chamber Insurance.
◆◆◆ Chamber News pg. 5 ◆◆◆ Member News pg. 7 ◆◆◆ Member Spotlight pg. 10
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During the banquet, the New Oxford Chamber honored six award winners for their achievements in 2021 and recognized its members celebrating milestone Chamber anniversaries. The following 2021 awards were presented at the event: •
Volunteer of the Year - Nevin Auchey
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Educator of the Year presented by PWI, Inc. - David Snyder, Adams County Technical Institute
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Student Achievement Award presented by Adams Electric Cooperative, Inc. - Andrew Yealy, Adams County Technical Institute/ New Oxford High School
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Community Impact Award presented by Lyle R Pitner State Farm - YWCA Hanover Safe Home
@newoxfordareachamberofcommerce
@newoxfordareachamber
@newoxfordareachamberofcommercepa
Thank you to our Spring 2022 Chamber Champion:
Ronald Albright (left) and David Albright (right), third and fourth generation owners at Hanover Concrete Co., holding their 2021 Business of the Year plaque and honorary citation from the PA House of Representatives.
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Non-Profit of the Year - Hoffman Homes for Youth
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Business of the Year presented by Adams Economic Alliance - Hanover Concrete Co.
PA State Representative Torren Ecker was also on hand to present a citation from the PA House of Representatives to Business of the Year winner Hanover Concrete Co. The following Chamber members were recognized for their milestone anniversaries: •
15 years - Conewago Enterprises, Inc., Covington Plastic Molding, Inc., DL3 Systems LLC, Furs by Susan, Greg’s Car & Truck Repair, VNA of Hanover & Spring Grove and York Street Treat
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20 years - New Oxford Antique Center
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40 years - Inn 94 and Yazoo Mills, Inc.
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60 years - Hanover Concrete Co. continued on pg. 5...
Thank You Renewing Members! Please note that this list was generated on March 19 and does not include renewals received after that date. Additional renewing members will be featured in the Summer 2022 edition of “The Circle.”
Board of Directors: Ashley Hershey, President Brown Schultz Sheridan & Fritz CPAs & Business Advisors Lyle Pitner, Vice President Lyle R Pitner State Farm Jennifer Meckley, Secretary Members 1st Federal Credit Union Christina Palermo, Treasurer M&T Bank Dorothy Robinson, Borough Liaison New Oxford Borough Janise Bankard YWCA Hanover Chad Collie Allied Plaster & Construction Heather Laughman HD Entertainment April Majka Individual Member Janice Swartz UPMC Express Care
Chamber Staff: Michaela Shaffer Director of Membership & Marketing “The Circle” is a quarterly publication of the New Oxford Area Chamber of Commerce. Members interested in submitting news for future issues are encouraged to contact the Chamber at info@newoxford.org The New Oxford Area Chamber of Commerce is a volunteer-based, non-profit organization. Board meetings are held the fourth Thursday of each month and are open to Chamber members. For additional details, please contact us at info@newoxford.org.
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Business Members:
1st Choice Computer Solutions ACNB Bank ACNB Insurance Services, Inc. Adams County Arts Council Adams County Community Foundation Adams County Historical Society Adams County Library System Adams County Technical Institute Adams Economic Alliance Adams Electric Cooperative, Inc. Aero Energy Allied Plaster & Construction Auchey Woodworks Auto Glass Guyz Baker Truck & Auto Collision Black Rose Antiques & Collectibles Brown Schultz Sheridan & Fritz Carma Industrial Coatings Cassidy Hershey, Realtor Children’s Aid Society Clark’s Body Shop, Inc. Clearspring Market LLC Columbia Cottage Assisted Living Conewago Enterprises, Inc. Conewago Valley School District Covington Plastic Moldings, Inc. Crawford Designs, LLC Cross Keys Village - The Brethren Home Community Dentistry on the Square/Kari Stuntz DDS Destination Gettysburg DL3 Systems LLC Doceo Douglas M. Miller Construction Company Drayer Physical Therapy Edward Jones - Janelle Coolbaugh Eichelberger Performing Arts Center Essis and Sons, Inc. Everoak Insurance Group Feiser Funeral Home, Inc. Frock Bros. Trucking, Inc. Fuhrman Creative, LLC Furs by Susan Gene Latta Ford Gettysburg Montessori Charter School Greg’s Car & Truck Repair, LLC H&R Block - Carla Green H.M. Kelly, Inc. Hanover Area YMCA
New Oxford Area Chamber of Commerce
Hanover Auto Team - Toyota/VW/Nissan/ Mazda Hanover Building Systems, Inc. Hanover Concrete Co. Hanover Country Club Hanover Land Services HART Center Harvest Chapel HD Entertainment Hoffman Homes for Youth Holistic Harmony Inn 94 J. Kuhns Home Improvement LLC Jarvis Landscaping Jeff A. Shaffer Real Estate Inc. Ken Adams Mechanical, Inc. Ken F. Smith Custom Sheet Metal Kona Ice of Adams County LLC L&M Tire & Wheel Laboratory, Analytical & Biological Services, Inc. (LABS, Inc.) Lyle R Pitner State Farm M&T Bank Martin’s New Oxford Hardware, Inc. McDonald’s Members 1st Federal Credit Union Miller Hanover Insurance Minuteman Press Mooney Law New Hope Ministries New Oxford Antique Center New Oxford Area Historical Society New Oxford Municipal Authority PA Chamber Insurance PCA Corrugated and Display LLC Pizza Garden Plainville Farms LLC PNC Bank Primerica Financial Services -Marc Weber PWI Incorporated Quality Rebel’s Roost Antique Emporium Redbud House Re/Max Quality Service Inc./Karen Tavenner Re/Max Quality Service/Homes for Heroes/Sue Pindle Riggle Wealth Group Rosie’s Restaurant Ryan California - State Farm Insurance Scott & Co. Fine Jewelers
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Sleighters Furniture & Sleep Shop Smitha Nair, MD Smith’s Auto Sales, Inc. Sundown Concessions Susquehanna Door Service The Chamber of Gettysburg & Adams County The Christmas Haus The Manufacturers Association The Markets at Hanover Treysta Technology Management Trone Outdoor Advertising Trone Rental Properties LLC Unique Upscale Resale United Hook & Ladder Company 33 United Way of Adams County Vida Charter School VNA of Hanover and Spring Grove Winter Gardens Quality Foods, Inc. Yazoo Mills, Inc.
York Street Treat, Inc. YWCA Hanover Zelma’s Emporium Zimmerman Homes and Renovations
Getting To Know...Heather Laughman It’s time for another edition of “Getting to Know...” Each quarter, we feature one of our Chamber board members. Our board members are imperative to our organizational success, and we are excited for you to get to know them a little better through this new feature!
Individual Members: Torren Ecker Elaine Gerwig James Lafferty Nancy Lafferty April Majka Carol Marymont David Moul Sharon Moul Lanny Mummert Dorothy Robinson Matt Sautter Michael Schen Pat Senft Sueanne Senft Anne Zero
This quarter we are excited to introduce you to Heather Laughman. Heather has been a member of the New Oxford Chamber board since March 2020. She is the owner of HD Entertainment LLC, the area’s only all-female, award-winning DJ company. What inspired you to open your own business? I wanted to have more time with my boys and to be able to build my schedule around them. I am able to do that by working my own set hours and planning events around their busy lives. What originally got you interested in your current field of work? My father is a radio personality and trained me in how to be a DJ and an emcee. My stepdad also loved music, and I built a love for music from both of them. Why did you decide to get involved with the New Oxford Area Chamber of Commerce?
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I became a member of the New Oxford Chamber and not too long after meeting Michaela and some of the board members, I decided this was a fantastic organization to be involved in beyond just being a member. I wanted to have a hand in helping to plan local events in our area, and the Chamber affords me that opportunity. What is your favorite part about being a member of the board of directors? Our meetings are actually fun, and our events are well received from our collective hard work. It’s not hard to rally behind and support Michaela in her duties because she is so passionate about them. Who inspires you professionally? Anyone who works hard and never gives up! Walt Disney is a favorite. What movie do you wish you could watch again for the first time? Ghostbusters with my 6 year old, who is a Ghostbuster. I would love to see his face. What is the best superpower? Reading minds. You will never be wrong!
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Welcome New Members!
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Bruno & Schwartz B&B and Music by the Master 2 Lincoln Way West New Oxford, PA 17350 (717) 357-4447 Lodging/Entertainment (Music Lessons)
riends of the New Oxford F Area Library 122 N. Peters St. New Oxford, PA 17350 (717) 624-2181 Community & Non-Profit Organizations
Clark Financial Planning 908A Baltimore St. Hanover, PA 17331 (717) 969-8922 clarkfinancialplanning.net Financial Services & Insurance
Gettysburg Connection PO Box 4101 Gettysburg, PA 17325 (717) 340-2171 gettysburgconnection.org Partners
Dawg Gone Bees 15 Center Square New Oxford, PA 17350 (717) 688-7151 dawggonebees.com Shopping & Specialty Retail
Kasey King, Realtor 1000 Carlisle St., Ste. 1650 Hanover, PA 17331 (717) 345-3477 ironvalleysouthernpa.com Real Estate
Dustin Wilkes, Realtor 570 Carlisle St. Hanover, PA 17331 (717) 253-1342 homeswithdustin.com Real Estate
Lady G’s Magical Mystical Woo Woo Store & Stuff 16A Lincoln Way East New Oxford, PA 17350 woowoostore.net Shopping & Specialty Retail
Edward Jones - Rick McKee 1446 Baltimore St., Ste. F Hanover, PA 17331 (717) 632-3198 edwardjones.com Financial Services & Insurance
Michael Gray Painting 660B Green Springs Rd. Hanover, PA 17331 (717) 965-9322 Construction, Contractors & Engineering
Elite Therapy Solutions 438 Lincoln Way East New Oxford, PA 17350 (717) 840-1874 etsclinics.net Health & Wellness
Optic-Kleer Adams & York New Oxford, PA 17350 (717) 316-9477 optic-kleer.com Automotive
First Evangelical Lutheran Church 200 Lincoln Way East New Oxford, PA 17350 (717) 624-7551 1stlutheranchurch.net Community & Non-Profit Organizations
South Central Community Action Programs (SCCAP) 153 N. Stratton St. Gettysburg, PA 17325 (717) 334-7634 sccap.org Community & Non-Profit Organizations
New Oxford Area Chamber of Commerce
Chamber News ...continued from pg. 1
Remembering Francis “Smitty” Smith New Oxford lost a beloved community member on Tuesday, January 25 with the passing of Francis E. “Smitty” Smith at the age of 76. Francis, affectionately known as “Smitty,” was an active and lifetime member of United Hook & Ladder Company 33. He served in various positions, including vice president and fire police captain. Most recently, he served as a lieutenant.
Lyle Pitner (left) of Lyle R Pitner State Farm and New Oxford Chamber vice president presents the 2021 Community Impact Award to YWCA Hanover Safe Home’s Jamie Bonser (center), assistant director, and Michelle Shae (right), director.
Additional support for the banquet was provided by Fuhrman Creative LLC and HD Entertainment LLC. The New Oxford Chamber would like to thank everyone who helped make our first banquet a success, including our sponsors, presenters, host and attendees. To see additional photos from the annual awards banquet, please visit our Facebook page.
Smitty was an integral part of the planning and safety of the New Oxford Chamber’s two major events - Market on the Square in June and the Harvest Day Festival & Parade in October. His leadership as fire police captain ensured the safety of thousands of community members and visitors at these annual events for many years. The New Oxford Chamber is grateful for the guidance Smitty provided over the years as well as his continued kindness. He was always a joy to work with, and we will greatly miss getting to see him and work with him. We extend our deepest sympathies to Smitty’s loved ones, including his wife Arlene, his sons, grandchildren and the United 33 family. We will always remember Smitty and the positive impact he had on everyone who had the chance to meet him.
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New Oxford’s 66th Annual Market on the Square Scheduled for Saturday, June 18
Upcoming Events Ribbon Cutting & Open House at Drayer Physical Therapy Thursday, April 7, 4 to 6 p.m. 6145 York Rd., New Oxford Spring 2022 Stress Management Lunch & Learn presented by UPMC Wednesday, April 13, 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. The Markets at Hanover, 1649 Broadway, Hanover April Membership Mixer at Scott & Co. Fine Jewelers Thursday, April 14, 5 to 7 p.m. 208 Lincoln Way East, New Oxford May Membership Mixer at Zelma’s Emporium Wednesday, May 18, 4 to 6 p.m. 11 N. Water St., New Oxford
The New Oxford Area Chamber of Commerce is pleased to announce that the 66th Annual Market on the Square is back to its usual date of the third Saturday in June. This year’s event will be on Saturday, June 18 from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. Market on the Square, a beloved annual event for decades, features a variety of vendors selling items such as antiques, vintage goods, repurposed and upcycled furniture and decor, artisan products, crafts and food. Additionally, the Market on the Square farmers market will be back for its second year on S. Peters St. There will also be live music and entertainment. Chamber members receive a $20 discount on vendor spaces. If you are interested in joining us for Market on the Square this year, please visit newoxford.org/market-on-the-square for more information.
New Oxford’s Annual
MARKET ON THE SQUARE ANTIQUES | VINTAGE | COLLECTIBLES | CR AFTS | FOOD | ENTERTAINMENT
This year’s event is made possible by the following sponsors: Platinum Sponsor:
June Membership Mixer at the New Oxford Library Wednesday, June 8, 5 to 7 p.m. 122 N. Peters St., New Oxford New Oxford’s 66th Annual Market on the Square Saturday, June 18, 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. Center Square, New Oxford Gold Sponsors:
◆◆◆ A full events calendar, featuring both Chamber and member events can be found at www.newoxford.org/events. Members can submit event details directly through the Chamber website.
Silver Sponsors:
Main Office:
Branch Office:
302 Lincoln Way West New Oxford, PA 17350
306 Harrisburg St. East Berlin, PA 17316
(717) 624-7261
(717) 259-7131
Martin B. Wheeler, Supervisor
Michael A. Longo Jr., Supervisor
www.feiserfuneralhome.com
Bronze Sponsors: April Majka, Miller Hanover Insurance and Sleighter’s Furniture & Sleep Shop Friends of Market on the Square: Feiser Funeral Home, Inc. and Zelma’s Emporium
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New Oxford Area Chamber of Commerce
Member News Children’s Aid Society Celebrates Newly Renovated God’s Closet, Resource for Community Members in Need
partnership between the Adams County Foster Parent Association and Children’s Aid Society. God’s Closet provides a space where children and families can come to select gently used and new clothing free of charge. With the recent renovations, the space that houses God’s Closet has transformed into a place where families can shop for children’s clothing with dignity and respect. Executive Director Eric Chase talked about the God’s Closet project, saying “Five years ago was our vision to turn this space into more of a store-like environment where children can shop and select clothing with dignity. Today we are blessed to be able to say we have achieved that vision. We are humbled by the generosity of all our friends and supporters who have partnered to help make this happen.”
Credit: Darryl Wheeler, Gettysburg Times Executive Director Eric Chase (center) cuts the ribbon at the newly renovated God’s Closet as representatives from Children’s Aid Society, the New Oxford Area Chamber of Commerce, the Chamber of Gettysburg & Adams County and the Hanover Area Chamber of Commerce look on.
Children’s Aid Society Southern Pennsylvania District Church of the Brethren celebrated the grand reopening of God’s Closet with a ribbon cutting in late January. The ribbon cutting celebrated the recent renovations to God’s Closet, a free children’s clothing “store” for families in need in the local community. God’s Closet is located at The Nicarry Center in New Oxford. The program grew out of a
The improvements to God’s Closet were made possible through the generous support of donors, including the J. William Warehime Foundation, the Rice Family Foundation, Armstrong Flooring, Inc., Lehman Construction Services, the Adams County Community Foundation, Christ Lutheran Church of Spry, the Arthur & Lee E. Glatfelter Foundation and the Gottfried Living Trust. God’s Closet is open Tuesdays and Thursdays from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. as well as the first and third Thursday of the month from 4 to 7 p.m. Appointments are available at other times. Donations are always welcome, and anyone can refer a family to God’s Closet by calling (717) 624-4461.
Hoffman Homes for Youth
25th Anniversary Golf Tournament Monday, June 6 12:30pm Start Hanover Country Club I Abbottstown, PA
$250 Golf Package Includes: Lunch & Dinner On-course Beverages & Snacks Contests Player Giveaway: Choice of a Dozen Titleist Pro V1 or Pro V1x Golf Balls & MORE!
We hope you will join us for a meaningful day of golf to raise funds and awareness for children struggling with their mental health! Sponsorship Opportunities Available! To register and for more information, contact Alicia Stanley at 717-359-7148 x4500 or astanley@hoffmanhomes.com. hoffmanhomes.com/specialevents
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Lady G’s Magical Mystical Woo Woo Store & Stuff Opens for Business in New Oxford
Brown Schultz Sheridan & Fritz Announces Promotion, Award Winner & New Entity Brown Schultz Sheridan & Fritz (BSSF) recently announced an employee promotion, shared news about an employee being honored and celebrated the addition of a new entity.
Members of the New Oxford Chamber Board of Directors present a certificate of recognition to Glenda Farquhar (center), owner of Lady G’s Magical Mystical Woo Woo Store & Stuff. L to R: Heather Laughman, HD Entertainment; Lyle Pitner, Lyle R Pitner State Farm; Glenda Farquhar; James Eisenhart, Mayor of New Oxford; Jennifer Meckley, Members 1st Federal Credit Union and April Majka, community member
The New Oxford Area Chamber of Commerce celebrated the opening of three small businesses in New Oxford with a ribbon cutting and open house in late February. The three businesses, including Chamber member Lady G’s Magical Mystical Woo Woo Store & Stuff, are located in the first block of Lincoln Way East in New Oxford. Lady G’s Magical Mystical Woo Woo Store & Stuff is centered around the distribution of products and services related to spiritual growth. The store offers a variety of books, tarot/oracle decks and tools of the intuitive arts and sciences. Additionally, the store offers classes, workshops and consultations including meditation, tarot reading and paranormal investigations. Lady G’s Magical Mystical Woo Woo Store & Stuff is joined by two new neighboring businesses. Little Crystal Fascinations offers a variety of handmade jewelry made from crystals and gemstones as well as metaphysical items. Passages sells a variety of candles, herbs and bath and body products and also offers Reiki by appointment. Glenda Farquhar, owner of Lady G’s Magical Mystical Woo Woo Store & Stuff, explained why she chose New Oxford as the location for her store saying, “Many people may not realize that New Oxford is midway between a lot of other towns that tourists and those doing business visit. I brought my business to New Oxford to be a convenient stop, without having to go all the way to York, Gettysburg, Hanover or Harrisburg. New Oxford has a lot of historic treasures that have been forgotten. I believe taking those historic treasures “out of the attic and dusting them off” will bring new interest and opportunities to New Oxford, and I want to be part of that.”
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New Oxford Area Chamber of Commerce
Matthew S. Fox, CPA, was recently promoted from senior manager to principal. Fox joined BSSF as a tax intern in 2005 and has been with the firm ever since. He is a key member of the tax department at BSSF, working with both businesses and individuals. Fox started the BSSF Craft Beverage Practice, as well as assisted in launching the firm’s Research and Development (R&D) Tax Credit consulting service, which is one of his specialties. He serves as the chair of the BSSF Tax Technical Committee and is responsible for helping to communicate tax law changes, as well as providing education and training both internally and externally. Fox received Central Penn Business Journal’s Forty Under 40 Award in 2021 and is a graduate of the Leadership Harrisburg Area (LHA) Class of 2019. He is highly active in the Central Pennsylvania community, serving on multiple boards and committees. Jeshanah E. Fox, marketing director at BSSF, was recently announced as a member of the YWCA Greater Harrisburg’s Tribute to Women of Excellence (TWE) Class of 2022. Fox directs all facets of BSSF’s internal marketing department, including creating and implementing BSSF’s overall marketing strategy, branding, public relations, website content management, social media management and event planning. Fox is highly active with non-profits in the Central Pennsylvania community, serving on multiple boards and committees. Over the past several years, she has received multiple awards and recognition for her community service and outreach. She’s been nationally recognized by the Association for Accounting Marketing as the 2017 “AAM Rookie of the Year,” and received The Foundation for Enhancing Communities’ (TFEC) Rising Philanthropist Award in 2018. Additionally, Fox was recognized as one of Central Penn Business Journal’s 2022 Women of Influence. BSSF has also formed a new entity, BSSF Valuation & Litigation Consulting, LLC, to focus on business valuation and litigation support services. BSSF is partnering with Carli Lehr, CPA, CVA, CSEP, who will be the Director of BSSF Valuation & Litigation Consulting. Lehr has over 16 years of experience providing business valuation services to clients, as well as other professional services including assurance, audit, tax planning, tax compliance, business consulting and finance. She is a Certified Valuation Analyst (CVA) through the National Association of Certified Valuators and Analysts. She is also a Certified Public Accountant (CPA) in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania and a Certified Specialist in Estate Planning (CSEP).Lehr resides in New Oxford, Pennsylvania, and is active in the Central Pennsylvania community.
Financial Advisor Janelle Coolbaugh of Edward Jones Receives Certification Financial Advisor Janelle Coolbaugh of the financial services firm Edward Jones in New Oxford has been authorized by the Certified Financial Planner Board of Standards (CFP Board) to use the certification mark CFP®. Coolbaugh successfully completed the CFP Board’s initial certification requirements, which include completion of financial planning coursework and passing a comprehensive examination. This advanced training offers investment professionals the hands-on information needed to provide comprehensive financial services. Study topics include the financial planning process, risk management, investments, tax planning and management, retirement and employee benefits and estate planning. CFP professionals must also meet ongoing continuing education requirements and uphold the CFP Board’s Code of Ethics and Professional Responsibility and Financial Planning Practice Standards.
◆◆◆ Destination Gettysburg Introduces New Director of Sales Destination Gettysburg recently announced the hiring of Lindsay Methlie as its new director of sales. Methlie will head up the organization’s efforts to attract student/ adult groups, meetings/conferences and international travelers. She will also be working with partners to prepare for shows and marketplaces, including American Bus Association, Pennsylvania Bus Association, Maryland Motorcoach and more. Methlie is no stranger to the Adams County tourism industry and has years of experience working in a variety of hotels in Central Pennsylvania.
The Manufacturers’ Association Announces New Hire and Expansion of Program The Manufacturers’ Association recently announced the appointment of Miranda Martz to a newly created pre-apprenticeship coordinator position as well as new investments into the future workforce for the advanced manufacturing sector in South Central Pennsylvania. Martz recently graduated at the top of her class from the Manufacturers’ Association’s state certified apprenticeship machinist program and is the first female machinist journeyman graduate of the program. She comes to her new role after six years at a local manufacturing company, working as an experienced lead of the CNC milling machining department. She has an additional combined 15 years experience in the diverse fields of manufacturing, including aerospace, military and medical. As the new pre-apprenticeship coordinator, Martz will help minimize the ever-growing regional job demand in trade manufacturing by empowering high school and middle school students through individualized, industry-specific education with some of the industries newest technological hands-on training. Martz has also long advocated and participated in promoting manufacturing careers to women and other non-traditional populations. Martz takes the lead in an expanding manufacturing preapprenticeship program in South Central Pennsylvania. Originating in York County, the program has now expanded to include Lancaster County and the capitol region with plans for several other counties. “Pre-apprenticeship” programs allow high school students to learn and practice career skills to enter full time registered apprenticeship programs sponsored by local manufacturing companies. Students earn state-approved credentials and other certificates to develop their careers and document their skills. The program is also developing work-based learning experiences at manufacturing companies so students can explore the exciting hightech and high-paid opportunities available in the region.
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Member Spotlight: Adams County Technical Institute ACTI’s programs are approved by the Department of Education and all of the programs currently offer at least one industry certification, whether that be a ServSafe certification in the Culinary Arts program or OSHA certification in the Building Trades program. In addition to industry certifications, all ACTI programs offer some form of post-secondary connection for students. Whether a student chooses to continue on to an apprenticeship, earn a certificate in the trades or attend college, there is a post-secondary connection available for them to utilize. ACTI’s post-secondary connections include preapprenticeship agreements, statewide articulation agreements and dual enrollment with Harrisburg Area Community College (HACC). The Building Trades workshop at Adams County Technical Institute.
South Central Pennsylvania is a hub for industry, and Adams County is no exception. The current leading industry of employment in Adams County is manufacturing; however, the county has not always had a centralized vocational technology facility for secondary school aged students. Despite initial attempts in the 1960s and 1970s to build a vocational technology center, Adams County lagged behind many of its neighboring counties, including York, Franklin and Cumberland, for much of the last few decades. Luckily, workforce development and vocational opportunities are on the rise in Adams County. Started in 1995 as Adams County Tech Prep Consortium (ACTP), Adams County’s vocational center began with one program, Allied Health, within the Gettysburg Area School District. Over the coming years, ACTP added more programs, including Diesel Mechanics, Criminal Justice and Culinary Arts. In 2016, ACTP started the process of becoming its own entity similar to the career and technology centers in surrounding counties. In the fall of 2019, five out of six school districts in the county voted to form and participate in Adams County Technical Institute (ACTI). These school districts – Bermudian Springs, Conewago Valley, Gettysburg, Fairfield and Littlestown – all maintain seats at the table on the joint operating committee for the school as the committee includes a board member from each district. The State Board of Education officially approved ACTI in 2020 with official operations starting on July 1, 2020. ACTI offers seven programs, with an eighth program currently in development, to students looking for an alternative path for their postsecondary years. ACTI students presently participate in the following programs: Allied Health, Building Trades, Criminal Justice, Computer Networking, Culinary Arts, Diesel Technology and Early Learning. The newest program in development is Career Connections, a flexible program geared at pairing high school seniors with a local business that aligns with the student’s career goals. Each of the seven programs also has an advisory committee made up of local professionals in the field who help guide the program’s goals and progress.
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New Oxford Area Chamber of Commerce
ACTI currently employs 10 professionals, including an administrative director, seven teachers and two office personnel. At the helm is Administrative Director Shawn Eckenrode. Eckenrode was a vo-tech student when he was in high school. He studied electronics and went on to serve in the Navy as a nuclear electronics technician. During Eckenrode’s time in the Navy, he also served as an instructor. His time spent as an instructor fostered his desire to be an educator. After his time in the Navy, Eckenrode taught at Franklin County Career and Technology Center for 20 years, launching an engineering technology program during his tenure. After a stint at Dauphin County Technical School, he set his sights on expanding career and technical education opportunities in Adams County. Since 2018, he has served a vital role in the development of ACTI. The importance of the trades is evident beyond ACTI, with multiple school districts in the county offering additional technical programs. For instance, Conewago Valley School District launched its Colonial Career & Technology Center (CCTC) in the fall of 2019. At this time, CCTC offers three state-approved programs for its students in engineering, family consumer science and welding. In many cases, at both ACTI and at individual districts, programs are at full or near-full capacity. Many of the programs even have waiting lists reflecting the growing interest local students have in the trades. This interest was not always present. Over the years, many schools throughout the United States have put a stronger emphasis on college education, often neglecting the alternative paths available.
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Happy Chamber Anniversary! We would like to congratulate the following members celebrating Chamber anniversaries in 2022 (based on continuous years of membership): 5 years - Kona Ice of Adams County, LLC and The Manufacturers’ Association 10 years - United Hook & Ladder Company 33 and UPMC 15 years - Crawford Designs LLC and Kurt K. Thomas D.O., LLC Culinary Arts students preparing a multi-course meal.
Additionally, up until the mid-1990s, Adams County students had limited vocational opportunities in their home county. Nevertheless, the pendulum is beginning to swing, both nationally and locally, with many high schools promoting the trades as a post-graduation option. This change in direction is important as the impact of workforce development and educating young people in the trades cannot be overstated. Robin Fitzpatrick, president of the Adams Economic Alliance, knows the importance of career and technology opportunities. As the first executive director of ACTP, Fitzpatrick was instrumental in launching ACTP’s first program, Allied Health. Despite the continued growth of ACTP and now ACTI over the past few decades, Fitzpatrick says, “[The growth] doesn’t stop there. In addition to the lack of employees available to fill existing job openings, many of the employment opportunities require technical skills. These jobs pay well! They provide family sustaining wages. They are no longer the jobs we think about being historically industrial: hot, dirty and dangerous. Think high tech and high skill.”
25 years - Cross Keys Mini Storage, Frock Bros. Trucking, Inc., H.M. Kelly, Inc. and PNC Bank 30 years - Douglas M. Miller Construction Company 35 years - Winter Gardens Quality Foods, Inc.
BSSF IS PROUD TO SUPPORT THE NEW OXFORD CHAMBER!
Eckenrode agrees that Adams County students need more career and technical opportunities, saying, “Not only are our students missing out, but our local businesses are also missing out on skilled, entrylevel workers. You could even draw a parallel between career and technical education and the standard of living in a community. If you have these programs available, you have a higher skilled workforce, better paying jobs and a higher standard of living. There are many benefits of training and therefore retaining our young workforce.” As ACTI looks toward the future, the school hopes to offer additional programming to even more students throughout the county. To do this, ACTI will need to secure additional physical space for growth as well as funding and support. Despite these obstacles, growth is inevitable with the continuing enthusiasm of local students, educators and businesses. If you are a local business or community member interested in being a part of growth and development at ACTI, please visit www.acti-pa.org to learn more about how you can get involved or provide support.
WWW.BSSF.COM 717.761.7171
Quality Service, Inc. 1147 Eichelberger St. Hanover, PA 17331 Cell: 717-253-3259 Office: 717-632-5111 karen.tavenner@yahoo.com www.karentavenner.com
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New Oxford Area Chamber of Commerce 27 Center Square New Oxford, PA 17350 717-624-2800 info@newoxford.org newoxford.org
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