Celebrating 100 Years of Community Impact, Innovation, & Inclusion
pg. 8
Parks and Outdoor
Recreation
Elevate Lancaster County pg. 14
COBYS Family Services
Counseling: Fostering Hope pg. 18
Rhoads Energy Rooted in Legacy. Driven by Service. pg. 21
11 The Fig Tree: One Big Idea to Leave a Lasting Legacy
A creative legacy fund using design and storytelling to empower small businesses and strengthen Lancaster City’s vibrant community.
Nourishing Community: How TFB Cares is Building a Stronger Lancaster
TFB Cares uses food, compassion, and partnerships to nourish Lancaster County and strengthen community connections beyond the table.
United Way of Lancaster County is celebrating 100 years of advancing education, economic mobility, and health throughout the region. Since 1925, the organization has brought together individuals, businesses, and nonprofits to create lasting and meaningful change. Explore United Way’s legacy of service and the vital role local businesses have played through workplace campaigns, volunteerism, and community partnerships. Events like the annual Trike Race highlight the fun and camaraderie that define the spirit of giving in Lancaster County. With a century of impact behind them, United Way continues to be a powerful force for good in Lancaster County.
2025 Community Benefit Organizations Cohort
Meet the 2025 Cohort of Community Benefit Organizations, supported through a partnership between the Lancaster Chamber and Lancaster County Community Foundation (LCCF).
COVER PHOTO: On May 7, 2025, Lancaster County businesses took part in the 25th Annual Trike Race hosted by the United Way at Greenfield Lancaster, where 34 teams from a diverse mix of local businesses and organizations raced on tricycles, raising over $24,000 to help United Way’s mission to advance the education, economic mobility, and health of our community.
The 2025 Council Camporee showcased how Scouting builds community through service, education, and hands-on engagement with local organizations
33 | Lancaster Chamber Upcoming Events
34 | Out & About – Member Ribbon Cuttings & Grand Openings
37 | Welcome New Members
38 | Lancaster Chamber Member Anniversaries
As temperatures rise, so does the energy, excitement, and community spirit. In this issue of Thriving!, we’re diving deep into the partnerships that make Lancaster more than just a place to live or work, and we’re sharing the stories that show how local businesses and nonprofits are working together to build a stronger, more connected Lancaster County.
At the heart of this issue is a powerful theme: businesses fostering strong community partnerships are shaping Lancaster’s future. Whether it’s through mentorship programs, workforce development, or support for our community benefit organizations, the businesses and nonprofits featured in this issue aren’t just doing well – they’re doing good.
We’re turning the spotlight on the United Way of Lancaster County, celebrating 100 years of legacy-making partnerships that have transformed lives and neighborhoods. Legacy partners, like Armstrong World Industries, remind us that meaningful change doesn’t happen overnight – it happens over decades of consistent investment in people and purpose.
Our summer splash continues with a journey into Lancaster’s great outdoors. Thanks to the Lancaster Conservancy and its Elevate Outdoors PA program, we’re exploring how outdoor recreation is not only good for our souls, but for our economy too.
Meanwhile, High Associates is reimagining 476 acres in Manor Township – not just for commerce, but for community. With resident input and a vision for vibrant, people-first development, this project is a shining example of growth rooted in purpose.
In Lancaster County, the most powerful partnerships often begin with a simple question: How can we help?
Sometimes that help emerges from crisis. That’s the story of TFB Hospitality’s TFBCares – a program born during the COVID-19 pandemic that has since grown into a source of nourishment for those in need and has proven that hospitality means more than just great service – it means showing up for your neighbors.
That same compassion runs deep at COBYS Family Services, where they know that it takes a village to care for kids – and that businesses can be part of that village in meaningful ways. And as we focus on partnerships supporting youth in our community, this issue gives insight into the Lancaster Chamber’s Discovering Paths Mentoring Program and the Friends of Scouting events, two initiatives where business leaders are helping to spark confidence, ambition, and meaningful connections.
Of course, some of the most transformative support comes through philanthropy. Fortunately, Lancaster County’s generosity is both deep and forward-thinking. The Lancaster County Community Foundation, with over 100 years of connecting people to purpose, continues to fuel impactful change. Meanwhile, innovative approaches like The Fig Tree Fund by Fig Lancaster are empowering entrepreneurs and nonprofits to broaden their impact on our region’s social and economic landscape. These types of efforts – guided by strategy AND heart – can grow dreams, action, and better outcomes.
As always, this issue of Thriving! includes our standard features – new member welcomes, member milestones, advocacy updates, Chamber events, and Out & About business buzz. Plus, we’re bringing you a splash of inspiration from the Cultivate Lancaster Money, Money, Money event and a celebration of community in action.
So, grab your sunglasses, a cool drink, and this issue of Thriving!. Let’s jump into summer – and into the stories of businesses making waves for a better, brighter Lancaster County!
With Gratitude and Optimism,
Heather Valudes President & CEO, Lancaster Chamber
The opinions expressed in this material are for general information only and are not intended to provide specific advice or recommendations for any individual.
EDITOR & CONTENT MANAGER: Justin W. Johnson Director of Marketing & Communications, Lancaster Chamber jjohnson@lancasterchamber.com
Jared Spackman Marketing & Communications Specialist jspackman@lancasterchamber.com
Aliyah Mengel Marketing & Communications Coordinator amengel@lancasterchamber.com
All rights reserved. No portion of this publication may be reproduced electronically or in print without the expressed written permission of the publisher.
Lancaster Thriving! is published quarterly by Hoffmann Publishing Group, Reading, PA • 610.685.0914 HoffmannPublishing.com For Advertising Opportunities: contact Patricia Young at Pat@hoffmannpublishing.com or call 610.685.0914 x702. Lancaster Thriving! Magazine
In 2023, the Lancaster Chamber and Lancaster County Community Foundation (LCCF) launched a Community Benefit Organization Partnership to support the work of Community Benefit Organizations. Meet Our 2025 Cohort! Learn more at lancasterchamber.com/community-benefit-organization-partnership/.
For nearly two decades, Rising Stars Football Academy Foundation (RSFA) has proven that football can be much more than a game—it can be a transformative life path. Founded and led by former NFL player and Philadelphia Eagles defensive end Ron Johnson, RSFA is on a mission to educate, support, and empower student-athletes—regardless of background—to thrive in the classroom, on the field, and in life.
While RSFA’s summer camps, minicamps, and showcases are built on football fundamentals, they’re grounded in academic excellence, leadership, emotional and mental wellness, and financial literacy. Based at Millersville University, the program welcomes boys and girls aged 8–18 from Lancaster County and beyond, with a special emphasis on reaching underserved youth who may not otherwise have access to this kind of enrichment.
One powerful example of RSFA’s impact tells the story. A young athlete— navigating personal loss, unstable housing, and academic challenges—was awarded a full scholarship to attend the academy. He arrived with few essentials, and the RSFA team stepped in, providing not just gear, but mentorship,
care, and opportunity. That student went on to become a three-sport AllState athlete, earn a Division I football scholarship, and today, is succeeding as a collegiate student-athlete. His story is a testament to RSFA’s holistic model, where mentorship, accountability, and support change lives.
Each year, RSFA offers 10–15 camp scholarships to student-athletes in need and regularly collaborates with community-minded partners to enhance their reach and curriculum. Local businesses play a vital role in supporting and expanding RSFA’s programming.
UPMC Sports Medicine ensures athlete health and education; Truist Bank delivers financial literacy workshops; and partners like the Jordan McNair and Peyton Walker Foundations provide critical instruction on safety, CPR, and life beyond sports.
New in 2025 is RSFA’s groundbreaking Girls Flag Football Camp—the first known weeklong residential experience of its kind—offering young women a platform for athletic and personal growth, grounded in the same core values.
The impact doesn’t end with athletics. Campers tour local colleges like Millersville University and Thaddeus Stevens College, engage with former
NFL players, and attend career panels featuring professionals in business, finance, and law who were once studentathletes themselves.
RSFA is a proud member of the Lancaster Chamber and is actively seeking local business support through sponsorship, volunteer engagement, and donations. Whether you’re a business leader, community advocate, or parent looking to invest in the next generation, there’s a role you can play. LT
To learn more or get involved, visit risingstarsfootball academy.com or contact Executive Director Ron Johnson at ron@ risingstarsfootballacademy.com or 717-434-4558. Together, we can empower student-athletes to become rising stars in every sense of the word.
For one hundred years, United Way of Lancaster County has been a cornerstone of community collaboration, uniting individuals, businesses, and organizations to drive meaningful impact across the county. Since its inception in 1925, the organization has focused on advancing education, economic mobility and health, creating a foundation for a thriving community.
Local businesses have been instrumental in this journey, providing unwavering support through donations, employee campaigns, and community initiatives. These stakeholders have played pivotal roles in sustaining United Way’s mission. Their contributions have not only funded critical programs but also fostered a culture of giving and civic responsibility.
One notable initiative is the Summer Youth Experience, a partnership with the Rotary Club of Lancaster, which offers grants to nonprofits providing STEAM-focused educational programs for youth aged 5-16. This program exemplifies United Way’s commitment to enhancing educational opportunities for underserved communities. Additionally, the Nurse-Family Partnership, in collaboration with Penn
“Strong relationships with local businesses and organizations are essential to building lasting impact across Lancaster County. Partnerships don’t just amplify our work; we help our partners live out their organizational values through philanthropy and service. They become an integral part of the impact and together we can build a stronger, more resilient Lancaster County where everyone can thrive.”
Kate Zimmerman President and CEO United Way
of Lancaster County
Medicine Lancaster General Health, has been a vital resource for first-time mothers, offering support from registered nurses to build healthier futures for families. These programs reflect United Way’s holistic approach to community wellbeing.
United Way’s impact extends beyond individual programs. In 2024, the organization commemorated the distribution of over $2.2 million through 57 grants to 45 local organizations. This funding supports a diverse array of initiatives aimed at addressing the community’s most pressing needs, reinforcing United Way’s role as a catalyst for positive change.
A fun and spirited highlight of United Way of Lancaster County’s fundraising efforts is Trike Race, an annual event that brings together local businesses and community partners in a lighthearted competition for a good cause. Teams race adult-sized tricycles through a lively course, raising awareness and funds for United Way’s programs and initiatives. The race not only showcases community camaraderie but also reflects the organization’s unique ability to combine fun with purpose.
As we celebrate this centennial milestone, the partnership between businesses and community organizations remains vital. By continuing to invest in these collaborations, we can ensure a prosperous future for Lancaster County, where every individual has the opportunity to thrive.
BY MADDIE SEILER CNP, Vice President of Marketing & Communications, United Way of Lancaster County
Contact Maddie at seiler@uwlanc.org
Founded in 1925, United Way of Lancaster County is dedicated to advancing education, economic mobility, and health by mobilizing resources, people, and organizations.
Through strategic partnerships and community-driven initiatives, United Way addresses critical challenges and fosters lasting change across the region.
Businesses and individuals can engage with United Way by participating in workplace campaigns, advocating, volunteering, or contributing to the Centennial Campaign, which aims to raise $5 million to support ongoing and future initiatives. For more information on how to get involved, visit www.uwlanc.org
Join us in celebrating a century of impact, innovation and inclusion at the Centennial Celebration on October 25, 2025, at the Lancaster County Convention Center. This event will honor the achievements of the past and look forward to a future of continued collaboration and community strength.
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The United Way has traced their history all the way back to 1925, but the seeds of the organization were planted much earlier. Explore their full Historical Timeline at https://www.uwlanc.org/who-we-are/#history
Founded in 1860, Armstrong World Industries’ guiding principle has been to “let the buyer have faith,” guaranteeing a level of quality in product, service, and support that the company continues to deliver today.
This principle extends beyond customers into the Lancaster community, where Armstrong employs more than 975 people, partners with educators to develop the future workforce, and engages in charitable giving for local organizations through the AWI Foundation.
As an employer of more than 3,600 people in North America, Armstrong proactively works to create an environment of belonging, support, and mentorship for employees. The manifestation of this work is the employee resource groups (ERG), which are volunteer-driven and allow employees to connect based on shared backgrounds, identities or interests. The four ERGs include:
AWARE (Armstrong Women Achieving Real Excellence) focuses on advancing women within the organization through networking, sharing best practices, and providing peer support.
BOLD (Black Organization of Leaders and Doers) cultivates community and development for Black employees to create an inclusive environment within the company.
AQUA (Armstrong Queer Unity Alliance) is a group for LGBTQ+ employees and their allies, working to foster a culture of inclusion and belonging at AWI.
EMERGE (Empowering & Mentoring Emerging Professionals for Growth & Excellence) focuses on supporting and developing emerging professionals within AWI through education and mentorship.
Armstrong also creates opportunities for employees to give back to their community and causes that matter to them. In 2022, the company introduced the AWI Workplace Giving and Employee Choice Matching Gift program, which gives employees choice in their philanthropic contributions and broadens the company’s charitable impact. Employees can request a matching gift up to $500 from the AWI Foundation each year.
Armstrong is keenly aware of the workforce challenges facing the building and construction industry, specifically the shortage of workers in skilled trades. To address this, Armstrong engages in partnerships with local organizations, such as the Lancaster Chamber, Lancaster County Workforce Development Board, Career Ready Lancaster and the Lancaster STEM Alliance, where we collectively help introduce the next generation of workers to Armstrong as a choice employer.
Additionally, Armstrong’s state-of-the-art, 6,000-square-foot Armstrong Training Center (ATC), which opened in 2023, includes a 30-person classroom space for hands-on learning that is commonly referred to as the “playground.”
Armstrong’s AWI Foundation invests in organizations that embolden people to live better and healthier lives and has supported several notable local projects in recent years.
The Lancaster Cleft Palate Clinic received a Building Better Grant that helped fund the renovation of its facility, transforming it into a comforting and functional space.
The Boys & Girls Club of Lancaster was able to renovate both of its formerly noisy clubhouses with a Building Better grant and the donation of ceilings and wall products that created a healthier, quieter and more effective space for children to learn and play.
The Lancaster Public Library gave Armstrong the opportunity to share its extensive design knowledge and innovation with the public in Lancaster City, where a Building Better Grant combined with donated products brought the library’s vision to life and created a new space for education, involvement, and innovation.
To learn more about Armstrong’s work in the community and its philanthropic work through the AWI Foundation, please visit armstrongceilings.com/thriving LT
When I moved back from New York City and founded Fig Industries in 2000, I knew I wanted to build a business that was different—one rooted in a mission of Design for Good. As I became involved in the Lancaster community, I learned more about what our city needed and embarked on a journey to help the independent businesses of Lancaster City by telling their stories, encouraging local engagement, and cultivating a pride of place.
Fig magazine was planted in 2005 and quickly became one of the core products of our growing marketing and design studio—with its mission to showcase small businesses, shine a light on creative entrepreneurs, and share what makes our city special so others would love it too.
Over the last two decades, Fig has invested in many initiatives that contribute to the vitality of our city, and in 2023, we decided to make a lasting commitment by channeling our mission into a financial legacy that will benefit small business owners and spur on new ideas for years to come.
The Fig Tree is a Donor Advised Fund through Lancaster County Community Foundation that awards annual grants to support improvements, expansions, and innovations to the
local businesses of Lancaster City. It’s a way for us to give back to the city that has given us so much.
In our inaugural grant cycle in 2024, we were honored to award $5,000 grants to local businesses, which were selected by an independent advisory committee made up of local community leaders. Grant recipients presented ideas on how to grow their current businesses and start projects that have made Lancaster City even more vibrant.
One of the recipients was PAVAA Gallery, a home for Afrocentric performance and visual art led by local artists Gerri McCritty, Tyrell Hoff, and Marion Coleman. Their funds were used to fix broken pavement in front of the gallery and install a new gate at their driveway, where Gerri painted an original Afrocentric piece. These changes added beauty to the neighborhood and promoted walkability between Lancaster General Hospital and the Amtrak station.
Fellow creative entrepreneurs Austin, Julie, and Jess of Pocket Books Shop used their grant to make exterior improvements and commission a mural on the side of their neighborhood independent bookstore. The piece, created by Marsden Dvorak of Pride Painting, is an embodiment of their mission of inclusivity and promotes visibility for this important community space in Lancaster’s West End.
The other 2024 grant recipients were INGOMA Films, Pham Enterprises, RichStitch Embroidery, and Lancaster Gift Box.
INGOMA is working on an immersive film installation, while Pham Enterprises—who operates three restaurant concepts including Issei—are working towards a refined brand identity. RichStich Embroidery is using their funds towards a coworking space that will bring together local creators, and Lancaster Gift Box is celebrating a move to a bigger retail space on North Queen Street while using their grant towards a larger vision for product expansion and scaling their business.
Each of these small businesses represent necessary pillars in our local economy and play an important role in crafting the fabric of our community.
Another important aspect of The Fig Tree is the opportunity for local organizations, businesses, and individuals to donate to the fund, which allows for more grants to be awarded each year and further fosters a sense of connectedness around this special place we call home.
At Fig Industries, we’ve always believed that one big idea can change everything and every business has the power to have a positive impact on their community. We are honored that our small creative business has found a way to use our big idea to honor, shape, and support Lancaster’s thriving future.
LT
BY DEBORAH BRANDT, Founder, Fig Industries & Fig Magazine
Contact Deborah at
deborah@figindustries.com
In 2023, the Lancaster Chamber and Lancaster County Community Foundation (LCCF) launched a Community Benefit Organization Partnership to support the work of Community Benefit Organizations. Meet Our 2025 Cohort! Learn more at lancasterchamber.com/community-benefit-organization-partnership/.
At The Edible Classroom, our mission is to cultivate academic achievement, healthy lifestyles, and environmental stewardship through garden-based, experiential learning. By transforming schoolyards into vibrant and productive gardens, we create hands-on learning opportunities that empower students to connect with nature, food and each other all during the school day.
We proudly serve a diverse range of educational communities at 18 school gardens across three school districts— School District of Lancaster, Columbia Borough School District, and Penn Manor School District—as well as IU13, the Community Action Partnership’s Thrive to Five program and K-Prep Learning Center. Each garden is tailored to meet the needs of its unique learners, whether it’s through PA State standards and STEELSaligned programming, supporting social emotional learning or harvesting produce to inspire healthy eating habits.
Our Impact: Learning That Grows Our gardens are more than green spaces—they’re living classrooms. In the past year alone:
• Over 4,491 students engaged in crosscurricular garden lessons.
• Students engaged with the nature during 993 school day garden lessons,
8 Summer Garden Camps and a NEW Winter Composting Program
• Students harvested over 2,090 pounds of fresh produce, which was tasted by students during school day lessons and sent home to be shared with their families. A portion was donated to local organizations and food banks to support the wider community.
A great example of success comes from the Columbia School District, where our partnership enabled elementary schools to incorporate Austrian Winter Peas from their school garden into cafeteria lunches. Students enjoyed improved nutrition and the chance to experience a new food!
Community Roots: Collaborating for Change
Our work flourishes thanks to strong partnerships with civic and other nonprofit organizations like the Columbia Lions Club, Let’s Go 123, Homefields Care Farm, Lancaster Compost Co-Ops and the Alliance for the Chesapeake Bay. These collaborations allow us to expand our reach, enhance programming and deepen community involvement.
We are also grateful to our local business partners which include but are not limited to—Lemon Street Market, Ken’s Gardens, GIANT food stores, BN Excavating, Full Circle Recycling and Penn State Health—
whose generous support through donations, in-kind gifts, and sustainability initiatives makes a real difference. Their contributions have helped us provide garden tools for young learners, offer paid garden-based internships for students, and foster the continued growth of our organization. LT
Join Us: Plant the Seeds of Change
Whether you’re a local business, a passionate individual or a potential volunteer, there’s a place for you in our garden. Help us grow the next generation of environmental stewards and healthy, curious learners.
• Volunteer your time in a school garden or summer camp
• Sponsor a school or garden bed
• Donate tools, materials, or funding
• Partner with us for community events or programs
To get involved, visit The Edible Classroom or contact us directly at angie@theedibleclassroom.org. You can also follow us on social media to see our gardens—and students— in action.
Together, we can grow something truly meaningful. Ready to dig in? 13
Dave Gantz loves living and working in Lancaster County. A county native, he explored the United States after graduation but returned to the area in 2020 to start a family. Since then, he has spent time visiting the many parks and enjoying the myriad outdoor recreation opportunities within the county. In fact, you can read about his hiking adventures at https://walkwithgantz.weebly.com.
As a part-time video production coordinator for Enwild – an e-commerce company based in Manheim that sells a variety of outdoor recreational gear – Dave recognizes and values the importance of green spaces for human and economic health.
“Outdoor recreation has been a staple in my life since the day I was born,” said Gantz. “I am an avid supporter of our natural lands and waters. I feel strongly that experiential
opportunities in these places help all of us to create an affinity and love for our environment, which in turn benefits us greatly.”
The human health benefits of outdoor recreation are welldocumented and researched. For instance, spending time in nature reduces stress and increases relaxation, which is good for our physical and mental well-being. Protected lands like parks and preserves provide us with clean air and pure water that keep us healthy. Time in nature also connects us and offers the possibility of deeper meaning, showing us that nature and humans are interconnected.
“The physical, mental, and emotional health benefits of being outdoors cannot be understated,” said Marci Mowery, President of the Pennsylvania Parks and Forests Foundation
(and Lancaster County native), an organization that promotes the benefits of parks, forests, and outdoor recreation across the commonwealth. “Plenty of research shows that outdoor physical activity helps control your heart rate, decrease blood pressure, and lower stress, among other benefits. The fact that Lancaster County has so many public green spaces like parks and preserves makes it one of the great places in Pennsylvania in which to live, work, and play.”
The economic benefits of outdoor recreation are also welldocumented. For instance, a recent Penn State Lion Poll that was created to help inform the Pennsylvania Statewide Comprehensive Outdoor Recreation Plan (SCORP) 2025-2029 shows that 85 percent of Pennsylvanians participated in one or more types of outdoor recreation in the past year and that more than half the respondents spend money at local establishments like gas stations, restaurants, and stores near where they spend time recreating outdoors. More specifically, those who use trails report spending more on outdoor recreation and related expenditures (lodging, food, and travel) than users of other forms of outdoor recreation. Therefore, parks, forests, and other public green spaces are effective economic engines.
Headwaters Economics, an independent, nonprofit research group, notes that “In today’s economy, the greatest value of natural amenities and recreation opportunities often lie in the ability of protected lands to attract and retain residents, entrepreneurs, businesses, and the growing number of retirees who relocate for improved quality of life.”
Lancaster County is no exception to this, with so many protected lands and waters (see sidebar on page 16). Is it any wonder why the county continues to grow at a faster pace than the rest of the state? As Gantz points out, “There’s everything from flat and mellow paved bike paths to rugged hiking and running trails. Water features include easy paddling on small lakes and more advanced boating opportunities on the Susquehanna River. I especially appreciate the plethora of waterfowl and other migrating birds that stop in our area while on their long journeys up and down the western hemisphere.”
However, more can still be done to position the county as a champion for outdoor recreation and the multiple health and economic benefits that come from it. The Pennsylvania
Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (DCNR) began the “Elevate” initiative to support county-wide efforts like this. Elevate will establish an outdoor business alliance to unite, grow, and strengthen Pennsylvania’s outdoor recreation industry by hearing directly from the producers, providers, and professionals in the industry about their business needs.
“The creation of a statewide outdoor business alliance, representing the broad and strong Pennsylvania outdoor recreation industry, has the potential to address barriers to business growth, grow the state’s outdoor clientele, create entrepreneurial opportunities in outdoor recreation, develop our outdoor workforce, and elevate Pennsylvania’s identity as an outdoor recreation leader and destination,” said Dr. Nathan Reigner, Director of the Office of Outdoor Recreation within DCNR.
Business leaders, elected officials, and other decisionmakers in Lancaster County are encouraged to support the creation of businesses and services frequented by outdoor recreation enthusiasts, such as unique shops, restaurants, and craft breweries, as well as enough parking that is safe for vehicles containing bike and/or kayak racks and large enough to accommodate camper vans and RVs. Through the enhancement of such business opportunities, Lancaster can diversify and support seasonal outdoor recreation and tourism, which in turn helps local businesses, such as restaurants, ice cream shops, hotels, and retail shops. See the sidebar for additional suggestions on how counties like Lancaster can help grow this important segment of Pennsylvania’s economy.
“Outdoor recreation opportunities can be a powerful tool that helps recruit businesses and workers to the Lancaster area by positioning the region as attractive and competitive based on the high overall quality of life,” said Reigner. “All this combined can contribute a positive image of the area where people want to live and work.”
“Lancaster is a wonderful place to raise a family and ultimately to retire to,” added Gantz. “Working collaboratively, the business community, outdoor recreational professionals, and elected officials can prime the county for even greater growth.” LT
Lancaster County contains numerous parks and other green spaces, with additional places for outdoor recreation in adjacent counties like York and Chester. Visitation is not limited to those who reside within each of those counties. Parks within Lancaster County draw people in from neighboring counties and people from much further afield, and vice versa, as this sample visitation heat map for Gifford Pinchot State Park shows (data is aggregated from 2017-2024).
Some great places for outdoor recreation include Susquehannock State Park (Lancaster County) and Samuel Lewis and Susquehanna Riverlands state parks (York County). These parks offer numerous opportunities for hiking, picnicking, boating, fishing, and wildlife viewing, among other activities. These parks are managed by the Pennsylvania DCNR, a state agency that also provides funds to nonprofits and local governments to construct and maintain their own natural spaces. This includes the Northwest Lancaster County River Trail, which is a 14.2-mile-long trail that runs from Columbia to Falmouth, and the Enola Low Grade Rail Trail, which is a 29-mile-long trail from Conestoga to Atglen. Lancaster County also manages many parks too, such as Chiques Rock and Central Park, and nonprofits like the Lancaster Conservancy add acreage to the overall total.
What all these parks and trails have in common is (1) they are open to everyone, (2) they are free to use, (3) they provide opportunities for physical and mental wellbeing, and (4) they generate significant economic benefits to the businesses and communities near them. Get outside and enjoy!
BY JESSICA AIELLO, Freelance writer, Pennsylvania Parks and Forests Foundation (PPFF)
Contact Jessica at jessica.s.aiello@gmail.com
Learn more about how the Elevate Program maximizes the benefits of the outdoor recreation industry in Lancaster County at https://www.elevateoutdoorspa.com/. Visit our website: https://reynaits.com or contact us today at (717) 553-2803.
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In 2023, the Lancaster Chamber and Lancaster County Community Foundation (LCCF) launched a Community Benefit Organization Partnership to support the work of Community Benefit Organizations. Meet Our 2025 Cohort! Learn more at lancasterchamber.com/community-benefit-organization-partnership/.
At Pennsylvania Furniture Mission (PFM), our mission is to create warm and welcoming homes for all Pennsylvania residents by providing essential furniture to families and individuals in need. We believe that everyone deserves a comfortable and nurturing environment, and by furnishing homes, we aim to contribute to the wellbeing and stability of our community. Imagine having a roof over your head, but the rooms where you and your family live—where your children do homework, your elderly grandparent rests, and you eat meals—are empty of furniture. There are no chairs, no beds, no tables. You sit and sleep on the floor. This is the harsh reality of furniture poverty, a crippling condition where individuals and families cannot afford basic furniture, essential for a dignified standard of living.
Pennsylvania Furniture Mission (PFM) exists to combat this silent yet profound issue.
By providing essential furniture to families and individuals in need who are referred to our program through case workers and social workers from our partner organizations, we help transform empty spaces into functional and welcoming homes. Our services alleviate stress, improve quality of rest, and foster a healthier home environment, supporting overall mental and physical well-being.
Some of our partners are Lancaster BHDS, Lancaster General Health, Lebanon VA, York County Veterans Outreach, VOA, VMCA, CWS of Greater Harrisburg, YWCA of Greater Harrisburg, Lancaster County Coalition on Homelessness, Tenfold, and Water Street Mission, just to name a few.
We turn houses into homes by providing entire households of free, gently-used furniture to families and individuals experiencing economic hardship or exiting homelessness. Our work as a 501(c)(3) non-profit redirects household resources to people in need and keeps usable furniture out of landfills. To learn more about us including how to donate to us or become a partner with us, go to https:// pennsylvaniafurnituremission.org/.
Think back to when you were a young child or teenager. You likely relied on your parents or other family members to meet your basic needs, to provide a safe place to live, food to eat, clothes to wear and nurturing guidance as you grew. The influence of supportive adults has presumably helped you become the professional and community leader you are today. Now, imagine as a child being removed from the home you know and placed in foster care. Foster care was necessary because you weren’t safe and cared for. You’re wondering, Where am I going to live?, and Does anyone love me? If you are a teen, you might be wondering, How am I going to complete high school?, or Will there be anyone to support me as I get a job?
Children are placed in foster care in Lancaster County and throughout the region each day for a variety of societal reasons. Foster care is happening all the time, but in many cases, it goes unnoticed, unsupported and certainly under-appreciated. This is where COBYS Family Services (COBYS) steps in.
COBYS, a non-profit human services organization headquartered in Lancaster, educates, supports and empowers children and adults to reach their full potential. Motivated by Christian faith, we serve foster and adoptive children, while also providing a range of mental health and parenting services to children, teens and adults.
Over 45 years of service, COBYS has seen many families answer the call to foster and adopt.
For an experienced foster family, reunification of children with their biological family was paramount. “The most rewarding thing, by far, was seeing a sibling group be able to go home to a stable, healthy environment because their parents worked hard and sacrificed to restore their family. We are still in touch with those kids, and it is so fulfilling to see them growing and thriving with their family.”
For another family, their call to foster comes from the feeling that “Everyone needs a forever family, where they feel like they belong and are loved unconditionally.”
The number of foster and adoptive families available has decreased in recent years at the local, state and national level. According to Mary Sourber, director of placement services at COBYS, “There has been a 13% decrease in foster homes in Pennsylvania since 2023. Yet despite this context, we see hope every day when children and families receive the care they need, experience healing through mental health care and develop tools to lead fulfilling lives.”
For example, a COBYS family with two biological teen sons has also opened their home to foster teenage boys for years. They recently adopted their second foster son, a young man who now can thrive in a safe, loving environment.
Or the slightly “later-than-most-families-start” couple who were drawn to foster and then adopted a preteen sibling group of two girls and a boy. The parents offer unconditional love, stability and guidance while the children fill the home with hope, joy and activity the parents longed for.
And hope shows up in the work of our staff. Like the caseworker who advocates so a mom in prison can still have visits with her children as she serves time and works toward making changes that may allow reunification when she is released.
Or the relentless kindness and persistent, creative attempts by caseworkers that finally break through to find common ground and gain the trust of a foster child who has few life lessons on how or why to trust.
Foster and adoptive families say it best themselves, noting that “Watching foster children grow, teaching them, having them teach you, building that relationship with them and their bio family is our greatest joy.”
This kind of care doesn’t happen without dedication and a calling to care by families, and it doesn’t happen without a supportive community of individuals, businesses and churches aiding agencies like COBYS. Financial and in-kind support from the wider community allows us to deliver respectful and compassionate care. Without these resources, government funding simply does not cover the true cost of care and COBYS would not exist to help those who need it most. LT
BY J. MICHAEL LAUSCH, Ed.D., Executive Director, COBYS Family Services Contact Michael at michael@cobys.org
COBYS Family Services (COBYS) is a nonprofit human services agency called to care for kids and their parents. The work of COBYS is serious. It is challenging. It is sometimes messy. It is often heartbreaking. But it is necessary. And honorable. And life-altering.
And it can even be joyful.
Our expert staff come alongside children and adults at unsettling and often chaotic times in their lives. We work to:
• Provide our clients with as much stability as possible.
• Protect children through a servant spirit.
• Do everything we can to provide a more stable, hopeful future for all we serve.
Businesses of all sizes with a communityminded spirit can help spread the word about the need for foster parents and how families can learn more.
• Can your business share information with employees?
• Does your retail location have space for a small display, are you willing to share the need on packaging or through social media?
Donors and local businesses can also support COBYS with financial gifts and sponsorships to fill the gap between the bare-bones services that state and county funding covers and the personal care COBYS provides. That commitment to serve with compassionate care, to make a difference in a child’s life, a family’s life, the community’s life is why and how we do our jobs. It is the COBYS Difference.
Businesses and donors can be a part of the COBYS Difference too. Contact Anne Stokes, director of development & communications, at anne@cobys.org to find out how.
In 2023, the Lancaster Chamber and Lancaster County Community Foundation (LCCF) launched a Community Benefit Organization Partnership to support the work of Community Benefit Organizations. Meet Our 2025 Cohort! Learn more at lancasterchamber.com/community-benefit-organization-partnership/.
At Bricks for Good, we believe in the transformative power of LEGO play. Through the iconic LEGO brick, we are uplifting children in south-central Pennsylvania and providing them with the tools to dream big. Our mission is simple yet profound: by offering opportunities for joy, creativity, and learning, we aim to inspire a brighter future for children from low-income and underprivileged families in our community.
Our core initiatives revolve around giving back to those who need it most. Each holiday season, we donate new LEGO sets to underprivileged children, with a goal of reaching over 100 families annually. These donations are more than just toys, they’re catalysts for imagination and hope, encouraging children to explore STEM concepts in a fun and accessible way.
In addition to our holiday efforts, we host hands-on workshops and community events that foster creativity, collaboration, and self-expression. Children come together to build their dream creations, with prizes occasionally awarded for categories such as “Best Build” and “Most Creative.” These gatherings not only celebrate the joy of LEGO play but also help build confidence and a sense of
belonging—especially for children who may not often get the spotlight.
Education is another pillar of our mission. We provide scholarships and grants to students pursuing degrees in science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM). All funding is awarded based on merit and financial need, assisting deserving students in pursuing their academic goals. By investing in young minds, we aim to create long-term change and opportunity.
The true measure of our impact lies in the results we’ve seen in the community.
Our annual Santa’s Visit event saw a 100% increase in attendance last year compared to its inaugural year in 2023. Since launching the event, 78 children have benefited—a number that continues to grow. We’ve also received 182 LEGO donations from local supporters, reflecting the strong and growing enthusiasm behind our mission. Each donation is a small act of kindness with a big impact.
Our work wouldn’t be possible without the generosity of local businesses and organizations. Decades in Lancaster has been a key partner, offering generous support and event-hosting assistance. This summer, from August 8–10, Decades will host a special LEGO-themed event
featuring food and drink specials, giveaways, creative LEGO builds, and activities. For each LEGO-themed item sold, a portion of the proceeds will benefit Bricks for Good. Previously, we’ve collaborated with Big Brothers Big Sisters, The Salvation Army, Harrisburg YMCA, WITF, and Make-A-Wish Foundation. These partnerships have helped amplify our reach and deepened our impact.
Still, our work is far from done. As a 100% volunteer-run organization, we rely on community support. We are currently seeking help with social media, event staffing, workshop coordination, and marketing outreach. If you’re passionate about making a difference, we’d love to have you join us. LT
BY LEE BARBER, Chairman of the Board of Directors
To learn more, donate, or volunteer, visit www.bricksforgood.org. You can also reach us at hello@bricksforgood.org or 717-200-4725.
108 years ago, young Jerome H. Rhoads left home to start a life for himself. He may not have fully grasped what his small start-up business would become, but his character, ethics, and values laid the foundation for qualities that continue to guide Rhoads Energy. Still today, we remain committed to his values of family, integrity, and community.
Rhoads Energy has always believed in the importance of giving back to the communities we serve, the same communities where we work and call home.
We encourage our employee owners to get involved in non-profits that speak to their hearts and support them in those efforts. Through our Hours Impacting Others program, employees who volunteer may report up to 10 hours of volunteer time. In turn, the company will directly contribute to that organization in the employee’s name.
In 2021, Rhoads established the Community and Family Grant Fund. Each year, a rotating committee of five employee owners review applications submitted by 501c3 organizations throughout our Southcentral, Pennsylvania and Northern Maryland service area. After conducting interviews, the committee decides how to award designated grant funds. This process has proven incredibly rewarding for committee members, often introducing them to impactful organizations they might not have otherwise been exposed to.
Outside our organization, Rhoads Energy encourages others to embrace a spirit of giving. Through our partnership
with the United Way of Lancaster, Rhoads Energy donates a $2,500.00 Voyager Fleet Card, awarded to a community member who participates in United Way’s annual giving campaign. It’s always a wonderful experience to thank someone for their generosity in such a special way. We honestly believe that, as a company, we must share our success with others. And to us, that means more than just writing a check. That’s why, over the years, you have probably seen our team members walking in the Solanco Fair parade handing out gifts to attendees along the parade route, cheering on the young participants at the Girls On The Run Spring and Fall 5ks, or hosting our annual ExtraGive Happy Hour of Giving event.
The DeBerdine family has a long-standing tradition of replacing faded and torn American flags on veterans’ graves each Memorial Day. Their deep gratitude for those who sacrificed for our freedoms continues to be carried on through the company.
In 2020, Rhoads Energy launched the “Gallons for Vets” program. We began with a single delivery truck, patriotically wrapped with the program’s branding, and has grown into a fleet of three delivery vehicles. For every gallon these vehicles deliver, the company donates to a fund that provides home heating fuel, at no cost, to veterans in financial distress. Through partnerships with Veterans Affairs Hospitals in Lebanon and Coatesville, PA, hospital caseworkers help identify the veterans who benefit from this program. As of November 2024, Rhoads Energy has provided an average of $790 in assistance per veteran served.
Over the last few years, Rhoads Energy has experienced unprecedented growth. Luckily, trade jobs are becoming increasingly popular due to their high demand, lucrative salaries, and job security. Still, it is hard to find qualified applicants. So, in 2020, Rhoads Energy partnered with Thaddeus Stevens College to create a tuition reimbursement program for students enrolled in the HVAC Program.
Students must maintain a 2.5 GPA or higher and complete a summer internship open to rising sophomores.
Rhoads Energy also invested in an on-site training room where current employees and interns can get hands-on training on the newest and most up-to-date equipment, with guidance from our most seasoned technicians. This experience is designed to enhance their knowledge and the skills needed to provide top-notch service to our customers.
In 2022, we launched our internal Emerging Leadership Academy, a company-focused 12-month curriculum designed to enhance the employees’ overall understanding of operations and long-term goals, create opportunities for those seeking career advancement, or simply feel more empowered in their current position.
Our leadership continues to honor Mr. Rhoads’ legacy by supporting the communities that have given so much to the company. We owe 108 years of success to customers who have trusted us to take care of their most precious asset –their home. And we do not take that for granted. LT
BY
HEATHER RINEER, Brand and Engagement Manager, Employee-Owner, and self proclaimed “Company Cheerleader,” Rhoads Energy
Contact Heather at rineer@rhoadsenergy.com
In 2023, the Lancaster Chamber and Lancaster County Community Foundation (LCCF) launched a Community Benefit Organization Partnership to support the work of Community Benefit Organizations. Meet Our 2025 Cohort! Learn more at lancasterchamber.com/community-benefit-organization-partnership/.
The Pennsylvania Guild of Craftsmen’s (PGC) mission is to create opportunities for traditional and contemporary artisans, craft enthusiasts, and collectors through education, advocacy, and community. We believe that art is a vehicle for growth and education. We seek to grow awareness of fine craft and its many disciplines.
Founded in 1944, the PGC was one of the first organizations to follow First Lady Eleanor Roosevelt’s recommendation to find ways to transfer wartime skills to peacetime work. Since then, in addition to Fine Craft Fairs, the PGC and its state-wide chapters have hosted or sponsored social activities, juried exhibits, demonstrations, forums, studio visits, workshops, field trips, and operated a retail store focused on selling members’ art. In 1961 the PGC was formally incorporated as a nonprofit organization to promote and encourage the craftsmen of Pennsylvania through educational projects. Today, the PGC’s headquarters is located in Lancaster City, has members in over 30 states and is governed by a board of member artisans and community volunteers. Our artists include contemporary and traditional, and comprise many craft disciplines as well as fine art and photography.
Our facility is located in Lancaster City on the popular “300 Block” of North Queen Street, amongst several women-run businesses. We are in the county seat of Lancaster County and about an hour’s drive from our state capitol.
Since 1944, PGC has been bringing together our community through fine craft. We do so through our programs and events. The programs include:
Educational Workshops, most of which are held at our facility in Lancaster City, and engage over 1,800 students annually. Increasingly, we engage a larger audience at workshops at offsite locations throughout Lancaster and Chester Counties, as well as a global audience with our online workshops.
Our Guild Store provides a retail outlet and professional opportunities for over 130 artists throughout PA and beyond.
Our Fine Craft as a Business program provides opportunities for mentorship and learning, professional development, and networking. Our Fine Craft as a Business workshops help you set up, maintain, or expand your art/craft business and enrich your business skills in general. Workshops are scheduled 2-3 times per year. Programs are presented either via Zoom and/or in person.
Our Master Artisan program provides professional development, feedback, recognition, and special opportunities. Master Artisan status recognizes artists in the Guild who exemplify our three
benchmarks: Excellence in Craftsmanship, Resolved Design and Unique Voice or Faithful Representation of a Heritage Craft. To achieve this honor, members’ work is juried by a panel of Master Artisans.
Whether you’re an artisan, educator, business leader, or craft enthusiast, the Pennsylvania Guild of Craftsmen offers meaningful ways to engage, support, and grow with a thriving creative community. Visit our Lancaster City headquarters, explore our Guild Store at 335 N. Queen Street, Lancaster, attend a workshop, or partner with us to help sustain and elevate fine craft across Pennsylvania and beyond. Learn more at pacrafts.org and discover how you can be part of shaping the future of craft. LT
If you are interested in learning more about PGC or joining as a Member, visit https://pacrafts.org/
When the COVID-19 pandemic shook Lancaster County in 2020, it brought many local businesses to a standstill. But for TFB Hospitality—owners of Annie Bailey’s Irish Pub, Conway Social Club, Per Diem Lititz, and TFB Catering—it was also a call to action. What started as a response to a crisis has evolved into a long-term mission: TFB Cares, a company-wide initiative dedicated to giving back through nourishment, partnership, and compassion.
In the early days of the pandemic, with restaurant doors closed and the community in need, TFB Hospitality transformed its catering kitchens into hubs for producing free meals. These meals were delivered to essential workers, local shelters, and food-insecure families. What began as
emergency relief has since grown into a sustained program of community support.
Today, TFB Cares continues to serve Lancaster County through regular meal donations, fundraising efforts, and partnerships with impactful organizations like Water Street Mission and CASA of Lancaster County. Every month, TFB Catering donates one to two full-scale meals to local nonprofits, offering nourishment alongside compassion, reminding recipients that they are seen, valued, and cared for.
“Our mission goes beyond just serving food,” says Dakota, Director of Sales & Marketing at TFB Hospitality. “Serving with
TFB Cares has shown me the true power of community—one meal, one heart, one neighbor at a time.”
The heart of TFB Cares lies in its team. Each restaurant and division within the TFB Hospitality group appoints a committee representative who meets monthly to plan, coordinate, and reflect on community initiatives. These meetings serve not only as logistical check-ins, but as reminders of why this work matters.
Team members from across the company volunteer their time to help prepare meals, deliver donations, and attend community events. Many also share their personal connections to the causes they support, turning a company initiative into something deeply personal.
TFB Cares thrives because of its local partnerships. One such collaboration is with Water Street Mission, which provides shelter, recovery programs, and meals to Lancaster’s unhoused population. By preparing large-scale meals for Water Street guests, TFB Catering helps fill a critical need while easing the burden on the Mission’s kitchen and staff.
Another powerful relationship has formed with CASA of Lancaster County, which supports children and youth navigating the foster care system. TFB Cares has contributed meals to CASA events, offering comfort and nourishment to families and volunteers alike.
Whether it’s catering for nonprofit events or dropping off freshly prepared lunches to a community center, TFB Cares believes that food can be a powerful first step toward deeper connections and long-term change.
One of the most rewarding aspects of TFB Cares is that it isn’t just a company-driven effort—it’s open to the community. Businesses and individuals can partner with TFB Cares by sponsoring meals, volunteering time, or contributing to fundraising initiatives that directly support meal donations.
“People often want to help but don’t know where to start,” says Victoria, chairman of the TFB Cares Committee. “That’s where we come in. By providing the infrastructure and the kitchen, we make it easy for others to get involved and make a real difference.”
In a time when businesses are being called to serve not only their customers but their communities, TFB Hospitality has answered with action. Through TFB Cares, they are proving that hospitality can extend far beyond the table—and that when businesses invest in the wellbeing of their neighbors, everyone thrives.
For those looking to join the mission, more information about TFB Cares initiatives and partnership opportunities can be found by reaching out through TFB Hospitality’s website or social media channels. Because a stronger Lancaster starts with care—and sometimes, a good meal. LT
BY VICTORIA NEUMAN, Marketing Coordinator, TFB Hospitality
Contact Victoria at victoria@tfbhospitality.com
Since 1924, the Lancaster County Community Foundation has partnered with ordinary people to do extraordinary things.
Neighbors caring for each other, visionaries dreaming of a better future, and innovators on the front lines of change. All of them intentionally committing to create a stronger community. All of them philanthropists.
100 years ago, local attorney Martin M. Harnish worked with the Lancaster Chamber of Commerce to establish one of the earliest community foundations in the nation. Today, we’re strengthening the movement that was started more than a century ago and working together to build a resilient, vibrant Lancaster County for everyone.
By connecting businesses, families and individuals from all walks of life to organizations and initiatives on the frontlines of impact, we harness the power of endowment to help shape a Lancaster County where everyone is valued, feels a sense of belonging, and has the opportunity to thrive.
How does it work?
Every year, our community’s endowment yields millions of dollars in grant opportunities, scholarships, and resources that meet emerging needs, create new opportunities, and shape our shared future.
The Community Foundation cares for a wide variety of funds started by families, individuals, businesses, and organizations to support specific causes. At the same time, it is able to strategically respond to pressing community needs as they arise.
Our community’s endowment is invested for long-term growth, steadily yielding dollars to support the community year after year. These resources support causes from children and families, to health and education, the natural environment and farmland preservation, and from povertyalleviation and affordable housing to the arts, culture, religion, heritage and history.
Together, we can shape our shared future What makes a community endowment so powerful? All of us.
Philanthropy works best when we all have the chance to bring our perspectives, interests, and ideas to the table. For more than 100 years, we’ve been working with people throughout Lancaster County to build the community’s endowment, a powerful resource that helps us care for each other and our shared spaces.
In 2024, people from all walks of life contributed to the community’s endowment. From a gift of $5 to a $1.5 million contribution, people work with the community foundation to support causes they care about.
Whether you want to give today or in the future, our philanthropic advisors help you develop a plan that aligns your interest and intended impact with giving options and local causes.
In 2024, the Community Foundation activated $15.3 million supporting 312 organizations with grants, 444 organizations through ExtraGive, 42 students with scholarships, and a special series of funding boosts for regional Chambers in celebration of our 100th year.
In fact, the Lancaster Chamber Foundation is currently activating some additional grant dollars to support the Community Benefit Organization Partnership. This unique program is strengthening the work of five local nonprofit organizations serving people throughout Lancaster County.
In the last 10 years alone, 238 new funds have been established at the Community Foundation to support causes throughout the county. That’s 238 individuals, organizations, or collaborative groups that have all chosen to harness the power of endowment to create lasting impact!
Now, it’s our turn. We can shape the future of Lancaster County.
You give it. We grow it. For Lancaster. Forever. LT
Duty to others is a significant point of the Scout oath and a promise that all Scouts make. At the heart of Scouting is community service. From the time Scouts enter the program, to the time that they leave, they are taught the value of being active, engaged members of a community. That lesson was on full display Saturday, May 3rd at the 2025 Pennsylvania Dutch Council Camporee at Long’s Park in Lancaster. This year’s Scouting celebration, themed “Explore Your World,” brought together 21 local organizations to host a day filled with learning and fun. These events were also open to the public for all to enjoy.
One focus of the day was on an essential element of any thriving community – public safety and emergency services. The volunteers came out in full force, bringing tents, trucks, and equipment to show off to all the Scouts. The Lancaster
County Fireman’s Association brought along their Fire Safety Trailer, a dynamic experience that gave Scouts an immersive look at fire conditions as well as evacuation and safety strategies. Nearby, Lancaster EMS and the Medical Reserve Corps provided hands on demonstrations in first aid such as CPR and “Stop the Bleed” techniques, empowering Scouts with skills that could help them in their everyday life.
Scouting and the outdoors go hand-in-hand, and this year’s Camporee highlighted that connection. Several organizations came out for the day to educate Scouts on Lancaster’s unique environment. Urban Foresters from the City of Lancaster led a stream stomp and cleanup as well as a tour of the Long’s Park wetlands, creating an engaging learning opportunity while promoting environmental stewardship.
Scouts learned about habitat preservation, pollution, and the value of wetlands, while performing community service for the park. At another station, the Pennsylvania Game Commission and Fish and Boat Commission shared information about Lancaster County’s native flora and fauna and highlighted responsible fishing and hunting practices as well as species identification.
The day’s fun and learning went beyond service and environmentalism. Yard games like giant Jenga and checkers encouraged fun with friends, while creative stations like yarn basket weaving allowed Scouts to explore new hobbies. One standout activity was hosted by the Lancaster Amateur Radio Emergency Service, teaching Scouts about ham radios, how to use them, and even allowing them to communicate with the other emergency services at the park.
The STEM pavilion offered Scouts engagement opportunities with science and technology such as a solar system walk and a visual demonstration of sound vibrations and resonance. Unfortunately, one of the presenters was unable to attend due to storm recovery work, but their absence served as a real-world reminder that their job is to serve the community when emergencies arise.
The purpose of the Camporee was not only to teach youth valuable Scouting lessons, but to serve as a reminder of what makes communities thrive. The activities also exposed youth to a variety of professions and organizations that serve the community.
Thank you to all who helped make the Council Camporee a success. We could not provide this type of programming for our Scouts without community partners. The collaboration and support of all volunteers helped to create an event that truly fostered learning and educated the next generation of leaders of this Lancaster community. Scouts left the weekend with fun memories, valuable skills, and a deeper understanding of the Lancaster community and what keeps it strong.
The Pennsylvania Dutch Council, Scouting America, serves families and communities in Lancaster and Lebanon counties. The Cub Scout program is for youth from kindergarten to fifth grade. The Scouts BSA program is for youth from ages 11-17. For more information visit www.padutchscouts.org or contact the Council office at (717) 394-4063. To find a local Scout Unit to join or volunteer at, go to www.beascout.org. LT
BY LOGAN GINDER, Membership/Marketing Coordinator, Pennsylvania Dutch Council, Scouting America
Contact Logan at Logan.ginder@scouting.org
Throughout the 2024–2025 Discovering Paths program, over 300 students, mentors, and professionals engaged monthly in industry-focused sessions supported by local businesses. From personal development to hands-on exposure in sectors like healthcare, trades, and tourism, the program culminated in a graduation at the Wyndham, launching students toward informed next steps.
The Lancaster Chamber’s Discovering Paths Mentoring Program connects high school juniors from across Lancaster County with experienced professionals who can help them navigate the transition from classroom to career.
Mentors play a central role. They provide honest insight into local career paths, help students prepare for job shadow experiences, and offer encouragement that is often both timely and lasting. For many students, the relationship with their mentor becomes a turning point—where possibilities begin to feel personal, and next steps become clearer.
Thank you to all the businesses and organizations that supported the 2024-2025 Discovering Paths program by mentoring a student, assisting with the program or hosting a program session:
ACNB Bank
Acts Retirement-Life Communities
AIA, Alera Group
Appel, Yost & Zee
Armstrong World Industries
ASSETS and Queen Consulting
B.R. Kreider & Son, Inc.
Baron Insurance Group
Barton Associates, Inc.
BCF Group Inc.
Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices
Homesale Realty
Bloom Consultants LLC
Brubaker Inc.
Business Information Group
Cargas
Clair Global Corp
Club Pilates
CNH Industrial
Coldwell Banker
Conrad Siegel
Cool Creek Financial
Donegal Insurance Group
DoubleTree Resort by Hilton Hotel Lancaster
EHD Insurance
ELA Group, Inc.
Engle Printing and Publishing Co., Inc.
First Citizens Community Bank
Flow Consulting
Foundry48
Four Seasons Produce
Fraser Advanced Information Systems
Fulton Mortgage Company
Goodhart Sons Inc.
GreenTrail Solutions, Inc.
Herbein: Business
High Companies
High Concrete Group/StructureCare
High Hotels Ltd.
High Transit, LLC (High Industries)
Highmark
Hostetter Realty
Irex Services LLC
J Crew
Jonestown Bank & Trust Co (JBT)
Kitchen Kettle Foods
Kitchen Kettle Village (Burnley Enterprises)
KMZen Creative
Komatsu America Corp
Lancaster Archery Supply
Lancaster Country Day School
Lancaster County Academy
Lancaster County Convention Center
Lancaster County STEM Alliance
Lancaster County Workforce
Development Board
Lancaster Gift Box
Lancaster Marriott at Penn Square/ Lancaster County Convention Center
Lapp Electrical Service, Inc.
LCSWMA
Leadership Lancaster
Leo Kob Co., Inc.
M&T Bank
Manor Communities
MAROTTA/MAIN Architects
Masonic Villages of Elizabethtown
Melissa Jeanes LLC
Members 1st Federal Credit Union
Millersville University
Northwest Bank
Northwestern Mutual
Novus Surgical Consultants
Palo Alto Networks
Penn Medicine Lancaster General Health
Penn State Health Lancaster
Medical Center
Phi Sigma Pi National Honor Fraternity
PSECU
RBC Wealth Management
Reading Hospital Tower Health
Learn more about becoming a mentor at lancasterchamber.com/discoveringpaths.
RGS Associates, Inc.
RKG Law
RKL
Sahd Metal Recycling
Saint Joseph’s University
Scott Hackman Ventures
Servant Heart Virtual Assistant LLC
Shumaker PDT
Sight & Sound Ministries
Sight and Sound
Simon Lever
Sodexo
Spooky Nook Sports, Inc.
Springwood
Springwood Hospitality
State Farm
Stauffer Diesel
Stoltzfus Meats
Stonebridge Financial Group
Substitute Teacher (K-12) Caterer
Sunrise Senior Living
Tanger
TCW-GAV
Thaddeus Stevens College of Technology
The Holistic Center for Health and Wellbeing
The Treer Group
The Wenger Group
True Edge Performance Solutions
Two Dudes Painting Company
Univest Bank
Vericast
Vintage Wood & Forged iron
Warfel Construction
Willow Valley Communities
Woodstream
Wyndham Lancaster Resort and Convention Center
YMCA of the Roses
As the Events and Marketing Manager for High Associates Ltd., I am thrilled to share the story of Greenfield —a community that exemplifies the future of integrated living and working spaces. Owned by High Properties and managed by High Associates Ltd., Greenfield is not just a place to live and work, but a thriving community where innovation, sustainability, and community engagement converge. For local business leaders, Greenfield represents a model of how strategic investment in community infrastructure can drive economic growth and enhance quality of life for our tenants, residents, guests and community.
Greenfield is the premier address for business in Central Pennsylvania, with more than 250 businesses calling it home. It reflects its founders’ vision of a mixed-use development catering to commercial, residential, hospitality, and community needs. The strategic location of Greenfield, near major highways and transportation hubs, provides businesses with unparalleled connectivity. This logistical advantage is complemented by state-of-the-art facilities that range from small private office suites to expansive manufacturing facilities, accommodating the needs of startups and legacy companies alike.
To make Greenfield a center for community, it was essential to make a strategic investment in complimentary events and programs that engage tenants, residents, and community members. These events range from food truck festivals and summer concerts to educational workshops and wellness programs. The success of these events has significantly improved employee, business, and resident satisfaction and retention. Employees who participate in community events feel more connected to their workplace and colleagues, leading to higher job satisfaction and morale. Residents benefit from social interactions and lifelong learning opportunities, enhancing their overall living experience.
The strategic investment in community events and programs has profoundly influenced Greenfield’s approach to business development. By fostering a vibrant and engaged community, Greenfield creates an environment where businesses can thrive. The enhanced employee satisfaction and retention rates contribute to a stable and motivated workforce, driving productivity and innovation. Additionally, the strong sense of community and collaboration attracts new businesses and investments, further bolstering economic growth.
Greenfield continues to evolve with exciting future plans that aim to enhance its role as a premier community for business, living, and innovation. One of the most significant
upcoming projects is the development of Greenfield North. Currently under construction are the 311-unit apartment and townhouse complex and the recently constructed two warehouse/industrial buildings. Located at Greenfield and Willow roads, Greenfield North is expected to bring hundreds of jobs to the area at full build-out and occupancy of the apartment and townhouse complex. This development will further solidify Greenfield’s position as a leading mixeduse community.
Relocating to Greenfield offers individuals and companies access to state-of-the-art facilities and a supportive network that fosters growth and innovation. With a holistic vision for the future, Greenfield is committed to cultivating an environment where people and businesses can reach their fullest potential. With its unwavering commitment to sustainability, innovation, and community engagement, Greenfield isn’t just a place to grow – it’s where the future takes root. LT
BY ASHLEY L. GARCIA , Marketing and Events Manager, High Associates Ltd.
Contact Ashley at
algarcia@high.net
On February 4, Governor Josh Shapiro delivered his third budget address, outlining a $51.4 billion spending plan for Pennsylvania. In response, the Lancaster Chamber released its 2025 State Budget Position Statement, urging the legislature and the governor to focus on key pro-business priorities that will drive sustainable economic growth across the Commonwealth.
• Make Pennsylvania More Business-Friendly
• Address Critical Workforce Needs
• Invest in the Next Generation
• Implement Economic Development Strategies
• Commitment to a Two-Year Budget Cycle
One of the most pressing issues highlighted in the Lancaster Chamber’s budget position is the urgent need to invest in Pennsylvania’s childcare workforce. In collaboration with 60 chambers across the state, the Lancaster Chamber is advocating for increased funding to recruit and retain childcare providers and educators. When parents have accessible, reliable childcare, they are more likely to have workforce engagement, reduced absenteeism, and boosted productivity at work.
Ultimately, the Lancaster Chamber “urges lawmakers to prioritize these vital investments, ensuring Pennsylvania’s long-term success without compromising on our fiscal sustainability.” Check out our state budget position statement online at lancasterchamber.com/community-impact.·
The Lancaster Chamber is committed to fostering a positive business climate for all Lancaster County businesses. We work with elected officials at the local, state, and federal level to advance pro-business legislation and advocate for policies that elevate business and community success.
The Grow PA Scholarship Grant Program is a strategic investment in the state’s economic future, helping to keep talent local and support students on their path to highdemand careers. Designed to address workforce shortages and reduce Pennsylvania’s “brain drain,” the program provides targeted financial aid to students pursuing degrees in critical industries across the Commonwealth.
Starting in the 2025–26 academic year, eligible Pennsylvania students can receive up to $5,000 a year, for up to four years, to pursue degrees in more than 460 high-demand programs. These include fields like agriculture, business, education, STEM, nursing, allied health, criminal justice, and more. Applications are first-come, first-served, so it’s important to apply as soon as possible! Find more information at pheaa.org/funding-opportunities. ·
• Attend an Advocacy event to gain direct access to the elected officials, agency heads, and community leaders who influence decisions and make an impact on business.
• Read and share our weekly Impact Report e-newsletter, which shares legislative updates, business resources, relevant news stories, and upcoming government meetings.
• Volunteer on our Advocacy Committee to advise the Board of Trustees on policy position statements and assist with grassroots advocacy efforts. Learn more at lancasterchamber.com/advocacy.
Questions? Reach out to Kat DeSantis for more information and resources.
Kat DeSantis PUBLIC POLICY MANAGER
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Membership 101: Engaging with the Chamber
Essential Skills Workshop: The Art of Finding Solutions
Monthly Mixer at The Hampton Inn by Hilton at Greenfield
Northeast/Northwest Regional Meeting: Workforce Trends
Central/South & East Regional Meeting: Workforce Trends
WIB: Happy Hour
Lancaster Chamber Open House @115 East King
Nonprofit/CBO Roundtable: Impactful Leadership & Planning for Success
Mastering the Art of Business Networking
HR Roundtable
Ag Issues Forum
Membership 101: Engaging with the Chamber
Excellence Exchange
Get Connected: Speed Networking
Business + Baseball - Networking Mixer
YPN Experience Lancaster: Kitchen Kettle Village
Small Business Roundtable
Industry Tour at Armstrong World Industries
New Manager Academy Begins
WIB: Lattes & Leadership
Membership 101: Engaging with the Chamber
Manufacturing Roundtable
Wake Up to the Issues
Monthly Mixer at Brent L. Miller Jewelers & Goldsmiths
YPN: Lunch with Leaders
Essential Skills Workshop: Learn To Navigate Conflict Like a Pro in the Workplace
Leadercast – Legacy of Impact
Selling Series: Mastering Time in SalesThe Productivity Playbook
Lancaster Chamber Open House @115 East King
PENN MEDICINE LANCASTER GENERAL HEALTH
New Location
538 North Queen Street, Lancaster, PA
DIRTY DOUGH LITITZ
1 Year Anniversary
1020 Lititz Pk, Lititz, PA
LANCASTER KITCHEN & BATHS
Grand Opening
301 Main Street, Landisville, PA
MACK’S COFFEE AND CREAM SHOP AT HOMESTEAD VILLAGE
Grand Opening
1800 Village Cir, Lancaster, PA
RESOURCES
New Location
625 N Park Rd, Wyomissing, PA
THE BARN & HEARTH SHOP
Grand Opening
3121 Old Philadelphia Pike, Bird in Hand, PA
EPHRATA NATIONAL BANK AT TEC CENTRO
Open House & New Location
57 Laurel Street, Lancaster, PA
PROCARE MEDICAL, @HOME, INNOVATIONS
New Location
759 Flory Mill Rd, Lancaster, PA
KETTLEWORKS (KETTLE & FIRE)
Grand Opening of New Location
425 Ben Franklin Blvd, Lancaster, PA
ARTISAN MILL COMPANY AT ROCKVALE OUTLETS
Grand Opening 35 S Willowdale Dr, Lancaster, PA 17602
THE KLING HOUSE RESTAURANT AT KITCHEN KETTLE VILLAGE
Grand Reopening 3529 Old Philadelphia Pike, Intercourse, PA
SCHREIBER CENTER FOR PEDIATRIC DEVELOPMENT
New Location
625 Community Way, Lancaster, PA
In partnership with Lancaster City Alliance and CRIZ (City Revitalization & Improvement Zone), the Lancaster Chamber has been honored to be a part of welcoming these new businesses into the Lancaster City business community.
SOUTH COUNTY BREWING CO.
26 W. King Street, Lancaster, PA
PEOPLE & THINGS
17 N. Prince Street, 2nd Floor, Lancaster, PA
SPANGLER’S AUTO MOBILE CARWASH
111 N Prince Street, Lancaster, PA
ERIN’S ATELIER, LLC
313 W. Liberty Street, Suite 383 (Liberty Place), Lancaster, PA
FESCUE GALLERY
140 N Prince Street, Lancaster, PA
KEEL SALON CO.
147 E King Street, Lancaster, PA
THE POP SHOP
50 N. Queen Street, Lancaster, PA
GALLERY GROW
320 N. Queen Street, Lancaster, PA
BAD GARDEN KITCHEN
398 Harrisburg Ave, Lancaster, PA
WELCOME NEW MEMBERS AND PARTNERS TO THE
SAHARA BISTRO SHAWARMA
245 N. Queen Street, Lancaster, PA
LANCASTER CAT CAFÉ
222 N. Duke Street, Lancaster, PA
THIS IS HAPPINESS STUDIO
150 N. Prince Street, Lancaster, PA
LOVI BOUTIQUE
325 N Queen Street, Lancaster, PA
The Lancaster Chamber is thrilled to welcome these business to our network. Because of businesses that choose to be
Members and Partners, we are able to fund powerful initiatives that are vastly changing the landscape of business. Now more than ever, your support is truly helping to shape the futu re of business and making Lancaster County, a thriving community for all.
We are grateful for the many businesses choosing to invest with us and our mission!
Meet some of the new Members and Partner below:
FEBRUARY 2025
Members
Arcarea Adult Day Center
Brent L Miller Jewelers
Bricks for Good
Elk Environmental Services
Field Development
FilterTracker
GoodPost
HQ Water Solutions
Lancaster Lebanon Habitat for Humanity
Magnolia Pediatric Dentistry
Merrymaker Catering
PA Craftsman Guild
PA Furniture Mission
Phoenix Physical Therapy
Rising Stars Football
Academy Foundation
Slaymaker Rentals & Supply Co
Tandium Corporation
The Boot Barn
The Dwelling Place Counseling
The Edible Classroom
Vincent and Company
Wiker Industries
Yevgeniy Sukhenko
MARCH 2025
Partner
Founders Market & Co
Members
Allison Crane & Rigging
A. Neuman & Associates
Blume House of Aethetics
Caldwell, Heckles, and Eagan
Camp Hebron Inc
CrossCountry Mortgage LLC
Dirty Dough
Epitome Fit
Fireside Dreamscapes LLC
Go-Lean-Six Consulting LLC
House of Stone Designs
KettleWorks, LLC
Leukemia Lymphoma Society
MorEsthetics
Neilly’s Pantry & Beyond
Pop In Decor Balloons
ProCare Medical
WhiteCliff Advisors
APRIL 2025
Members
3 West Productions
Belmoore Financial Services
Bob Carnevale
Cline Virtual Reality Design Review
Denim Coffee
Edison and Rail
EZSolution
Frey Lutz
Grey Medical Advocate LLC
Hoover Building Specialists
Omega Ecycles
Paradise Station
Paychex
Precision Cobotics
Puroclean of Northern Lancaster County
Revolution Self Defense
Spark by Hilton Lancaster Dutch Country
Staples #0138
State Farm Insurance Companies
Stehli Mill, LLC
Strategic HCM
T2KS Consulting
Thorn Hill Vineyards
We are so grateful for the continued support and commitment from our Member businesses! Please take note of our Members who are celebrating milestone anniversaries as members of the Lancaster Chamber for the months of April, May, & June.
5 YEARS (‘20)
Regal Wealth Advisors
Your Financial Maven® LLC
Edu-Tech Academic Solutions
Crownstone Equipment
The CI Companies - CI Records
Ironstrong Metal Fabrication, LLC
10 YEARS (‘15)
JP Morgan Chase
The GateHouse
PCI Auctions East Coast
15 YEARS (‘10)
Lancaster County Motors, Inc.
Advanced Cooling Technologies, Inc.
Landis Foods Inc.
EHC Associates, Inc.
Penn Waste, Inc.
Integrity Pools & Spas, Inc.
20 YEARS (‘05)
National Novelty Brush Company
Groff’s Heating, Air Conditioning & Plumbing, Inc.
Lantz Insulation, Inc.
Home One Home
Improvement Services
25 YEARS (‘00)
Oak Tree Development Group
HARTZ Physical Therapy
EH Gochnauer & Sons, Inc.
CHI St. Joseph Children’s Health
30 YEARS (‘95)
Jackson’s Window Shoppe, Inc.
Parking Authority of The City of Lancaster
Inova Payroll
35 YEARS (‘90)
Pelletron Corporation
Gamber Container, Inc.
Vanscoy, Maurer & Bash
Diamond Jewelers
W. L. Zimmerman & Sons, Inc.
Executive Coach, Inc.
Tandem Living
40 YEARS (‘85)
Hoober, Inc.
45 YEARS (‘80)
Nikolaus & Hohenadel, LLP
Lancaster Area Sewer Authority
Red Carpet Inn
Star Rock Farms, LLC
Dutch Valley Auto Works, LLC
Sam S. Smucker & Sons, Inc.
Water Street Mission
50 YEARS +
Hammond Pretzel Bakery, Inc.
Lift-All Company, Inc.
Community Action Partnership of Lancaster County
Lancaster Salvage Company
Fulton Bank, N.A.
PPL Electric Utilities
Dermatology Physicians, Inc.
Lancaster Leaf Tobacco Company of PA Inc.
MWG Administrators (Lancaster)
Lamar Outdoor Advertising
MSC Investments LP
Keystone Chapter Associated Builders & Contractors, Inc.
Schaedler Yesco Distribution, Inc.
WGAL-TV
GSM Roofing
Kitchen Kettle Foods, Inc.
AAA Central Penn
PNC Financial Services Group
UGI Utilities, Inc.
Schwanger Brothers & Co., Inc.
Wells Fargo
Warfel Construction Company
Hatter Harris & Beittel, LLP
At UPMC, we don’t imagine possibilities—we pioneer them. Challenging conventional thinking. Uncovering never-before-imagined treatments and turning them into reality. Every day, we are redefining what health care can be and empowering you to live your best life.