6 minute read
Cheers to the Years!
Congratulations to these YCEA Members celebrating significant milestone anniversaries – just a few among many we’re proud to support.
York State Fair - 260 Years!
("America's First Fair") yorkstatefair.com
Eleven years before the Nation was founded, a charter to hold that fair was granted to the people of York by Thomas Penn, son of William Penn, in recognition of “the flourishing state to which the town hath arrived through their industry.” Those early gatherings were reported to have been “the liveliest days of the whole year.” Growing from a two-day agricultural market on the town commons (now known as Penn Park), the fair now runs 10 days each July. In 2024, the fair drew 455,899 attendees to exhibits, concerts, rides, agricultural experiences, and more, showing a 14% increase from the year prior. Visitor spending exceeds $20M with the York Fair ranking second in operational spending across the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania
This year, it was showcased on baking icon Sandra Lee’s “Best in Fair” tour on the heels of her Netflix success, “Blue Ribbon Baking Championship.”
More than 110 events are booked into the fair’s buildings and grounds every year. These popular happenings include Street Rod conventions, train shows, regional sporting events like basketball, volleyball and cheer, and many kinds of trade shows and spectator events.
McConkey Insurance & Benefits - 135 Years!
Established in 1890, McConkey has evolved from a small local agency into a respected leader in business insurance, employee benefits, risk management, and captive solutions.
Headquartered in York, Pennsylvania, McConkey Insurance & Benefits serves a broad and diverse client base throughout the United States and abroad. As an independent agency, their guidance is never influenced by commissions or sales quotas but is instead rooted in a steadfast commitment to their clients’ best interests. Many of these relationships span decades, reflecting the trust, stability, and consistency that have long defined their approach.
“We have never defined success by growth alone,” says Michael Harter, President & CEO. “We define it by the quality of service we provide, the way we invest in our people, and the impact we make in the communities we serve.”
As they reflect on this milestone, they remain focused on the future and remain committed to upholding the client-centered service that has guided them since their founding.
One hundred thirty-five years represents more than a milestone; it is a legacy and a responsibility they are honored to carry forward.
White Rose Credit Union - 75 Years!
White Rose Credit Union is proud to celebrate 75 years of service to the York County community. Since 1950, they have been committed to helping their members achieve financial wellness through personalized service, trusted guidance, and a deep-rooted belief in the power of community.
Over the decade, they have grown alongside their members, expanding their services, embracing innovation, and staying true to their mission of people helping people. From launching new digital tools to supporting local causes, their journey has always been about making a meaningful difference.
“As we make the milestone, we’re reflecting on the generations of members who have trusted us with their financial goals,” said Bryan C. Smith, CEO. “This anniversary is a celebration of their loyalty and our team’s dedication. We are excited for what’s ahead and remain committed to building a stronger, more connected community.”
Here’s to 75 years and to shaping the future, together.
Members 1st Federal Credit Union - 75 Years!
Members 1st Federal Credit Union is proud to celebrate 75 years of putting people first. Founded in 1950, the credit union began with just nine individuals pooling their resources at a desk in the Naval Supply Depot in Mechanicsburg to help a coworker buy an appliance. They now serve over 600,000 members with a full suite of financial services while staying true to their core mission: serving our members and strengthening the communities we call home.
“From our humble beginnings to becoming a leading financial institution, our members have been at the heart of everything we do. This anniversary year is truly about celebrating the relationships we have built with our members and communities,” said Michael Wilson, President & CEO. “We are excited to commemorate this milestone together and look forward to an even brighter future.”
They are especially proud of our continued involvement in York County, from sponsoring community favorites like Night at the York Revolution and Dover Township’s Groundhog Day Breakfast, to participating in events like the York Home and Garden Show.
Murphy & Dittenhafer Architects - 40 Years!
Murphy & Dittenhafer Architects – a York City based Architectural, Planning, and Interiors firm with offices in Pennsylvania and Maryland - celebrates 40 years of shaping the built environment in the Mid-Atlantic region. Since 1985, they’ve focused on thoughtful design, client-centered service, and a deep-rooted commitment to the neighborhoods, institutions, and people we serve.
The firm began as a small practice focused on crafting quality, not quantity, and has grown organically from 2 persons to nearly 30 – based on reputation and referrals, while earning design excellence recognition across an array of project types. A few of M&D’s impactful York projects include CODO241, Byrnes Health Education Center, York Central Market, Penn State York’s Pullo Center and Graham Center for Innovation & Collaboration, MarketView Arts, the soon-to-open Crispus Attucks York History & Culture Center, and many more.
Frank Dittenhafer II, FAIA, LEED AP, co-founder/ President, shares “We’ve enthusiastically embraced all design scenarios, requests for professional assistance, and the unique situations that our clients have entrusted to us – regardless of size, scale, prominence, or budget. The York community has consistently supported M&D’s creativity and architectural expressions over the decades. Our collaborations with many partners have preserved and repurposed historic structures – and crafted new insertions of color, texture, materiality, and daylight.”
From revitalizing landmark buildings to designing welcoming public spaces, Murphy & Dittenhafer has prioritized projects that enhance communities’ cultural, social, and economic fabric – while working closely with many nonprofits, business owners, and educational institutions. M&D also supports sustainability, having completed numerous LEEDcertified and high-performance building projects.
