Local Innovation Making a Global Impact | Summer 2023

A publication of the York County Economic Alliance SUMMER 2023

Local

Innovation Making a Global Impact How YoCo is Taking the Tech Industry into the Future

• Red Lion Controls: Creative Solutions to Challenging Environments • PennAir: The Culture that Leads to Cutting Edge • Meet the Engines Driving K-12 STEAM Pathways

IN

05

TH IS

IS S U E

HEAR FROM US A message from Kevin Schreiber

06

THE CULTURE THAT LEADS TO CUTTING EDGE PennAir

10

HOW A YORK FINTECH ENGAGES STUDENTS AND THE COMMUNITY

Local

Innovati o n Ma k in g a

Global Impac t

CampusDoor

12

CREATIVE SOLUTIONS TO CHALLENGING ENVIRONMENTS

How YoCo is Taking the Tech Industry into the Future

Red Lion Controls

15

BLOOM BUSINESS EMPOWERMENT CENTER Meet the Engines Driving K-12 STEAM Pathways

18

YORK COUNTY TRAIL TOWNS STEAMing Along with the Northern Central Railway

20

ADVOCACY Ocean 10 Security Will Soon Make Waves in York

23

EVENTS

ON THE COVER: Members of the PennAir team leading cutting edge innovations.

Leaders from organizations driving K-12 STEAM pathways to enrich the next generation.

Northern Central Railway of York’s STEAM programming.

18

ABOVE: Children enjoy hands on experiences with the STEAM Programs offered by Northern Central Railway of York.

C R E D ITS

View the digital version of YoCo Connect online at Issuu.com/YoCoConnect.

The opinions expressed in this material are for general information only and are not intended to provide specific advice or recommendations for any individual.

All rights reserved. No portion of this publication may be

144 Roosevelt Ave., Suite 100 York, PA 17401 P: 717.848.4000 YCEApa.org

reproduced electronically or in print without the express written permission of the publisher.

@YCEAPA Copyright © 2023 York County Economic Alliance. All rights reserved. No portion of this publication may be reproduced, in whole or in part, without the specific written permission of the York County Economic Alliance.

ADVERTISING Casey Nixon | cnixon@yceapa.org

04 • YoCo CONNECT | SUMMER 2023 • Credits

H E AR

F R OM

U S

Community-based Companies Lead to Global Innovations York County has a rich history of being a forward-thinking community, focused on the greater good. Firmly built into our County’s DNA is innovation and persistence. Perhaps it goes back to our being among the first capitals of our fledging republic, where the foundation of our government was first galvanized around the Articles of Confederation (sure, it eventually failed, but it led us to the Constitution). Or perhaps our revolutionary spirit was manufactured through the development of the York Plan, a collaborative industry effort to meet the supply demands of World War II. The name YORK is synonymous with innovation. We gave the world Peppermint Patties (taste the sensation), air conditioning, barbells, Harley-Davidson’s, and a host of salty snacks, merely to name a few.

However you approach it – York is revolutionary, cuttingedge, and focused on bettering our community, and making a global impact. In this edition, we have highlighted a few (of the many) innovative companies that call York home.

PennAir, in East York, aids manufacturers with pneumatics, hydraulics, and automation. They’ve added to their growing collection of manufacturing services, equipment maintenance, and distribution. These brands include Allied

Hydraulic Service Co., Capitol Tool, Compressor Maintenance Company, GreasePoint, Hanover Conveying Systems, Lubromation Inc., and Valley Fluid Components. Red Lion Controls has called York their worldwide headquarters for over 50 years. They empower industrial organizations around the world to unlock the value of data by developing innovative solutions to connect and visualize real time data to drive productivity.

In January 2022, CampusDoor relocated its headquarters to Downtown York. CampusDoor is a FinTech company that designs and delivers white-labeled loan origination solutions for the financial services sector. York is now home to their full-service coding, processing, customer service, and executive team.

Too many stories such as these exist across our County. This issue selected a few to highlight grit, determination, passion, creativity, and the spirit of innovation alive and well in YoCo. Enjoy, and cheers to the continued success of YoCo!

KEVIN SCHREIBER President and CEO, YCEA

05 • YoCo CONNECT | SUMMER 2023 • Hear From Us

Q&A with Seth Bray, CEO, PennAir & The Conrad Company Holdings, LLC

The Culture that Leads to Cutting Edge

BY KATIE MAHONEY | CHIEF MARKETING & BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT OFFICER

PennAir focuses on their associates, and their culture, to lead the way in cutting-edge technology and creative solutions. We talked with Seth Bray, CEO of PennAir and The Conrad Company Holdings, LLC, about what this means for all their companies – including PennAir, but also the growing collection of manufacturing, distribution, and service & repair brands including Allied Hydraulic Service Co., Capitol Tool, Compressor Maintenance Company, GreasePoint, Hanover Conveying Systems, Lubromation Inc., and Valley Fluid Components.

“Few communities have the history and commitment to manufacturing that York does. It is a city filled with incredible industry diversity and scope, fueled by hard-working and innovative people.” ~Seth Bray, CEO

Q: How would you describe the focus & culture of PennAir? First and foremost, our focus is on our Associates. We believe that by putting them first and listening to their feedback, we can provide the best possible service and support to our Customers and Suppliers. Whether a large manufacturing operation or a small business, we strive to meet customer expectations.

Our culture and Core Value are one in the same: We KICK@$$ for One Another, Our Customers, Our Suppliers, and Our Community.

Q: Given the nature of the technology industry and demand for innovations, how do you remain cutting-edge and forward-thinking?

We remain cutting-edge and forward-thinking by not being afraid to break $h!t. In our pursuit of growth, innovation, and dependability, we are ready, willing, and able to embrace risk.

This often leads to CHANGE which is both a scary word and an often-uncomfortable concept. What we have discovered is this: we take risks, we break things, we fix things, and ultimately, we make everyone and everything better than before.

Q: What are some of the challenges or opportunities in the manufacturing industry, as it results in innovative technology?

The main challenge in the manufacturing industry as it results to innovative technology today is available labor. It has become increasingly difficult to hire and retain people willing to do the dirty, dull, and dangerous tasks associated with making things.

The opportunity comes when the jobs done by these folks can be automated and streamlined, allowing them to shift into roles that are more rewarding, and less, well, dirty.

Q: Is there a particular innovation you are exceptionally proud of, and why?

The innovation I am most proud of and energized by is the creation of The Conrad Company Holdings, LLC. Under this umbrella resides an ever-growing collection of manufacturing, distribution, and service & repair brands to include Allied Hydraulic Service Co., Capitol Tool, Compressor Maintenance Company, GreasePoint, Hanover Conveying Systems, Lubromation Inc., PennAir, and Valley Fluid Components. These brands focus on helping people in manufacturing and construction KICK@$$ so they can focus on what matters most and leave work, at work.

07 • YoCo CONNECT | SUMMER 2023 • The Culture that Leads to Cutting Edge

Q: Why do you choose to be headquartered in York, and why do you see that as a benefit?

We choose to be headquartered in York because in 1968 our Founder, Jim Conrad, saw potential and opportunity here. Few communities have the history and commitment to manufacturing that York does. It is a city filled with incredible industry diversity and scope, fueled by hard-working and innovative people. We have remained in York because what was true in 1968 remains true today.

Q: What does the future look like for your company?

Different. Growth. Opportunity. I don't have a definitive answer to this question. Let's just say I'm putting considerable effort into pushing traditional industry boundaries and curating new opportunities.

580 Davies Drive, York, PA 17402 888.631.7638 | pennair.com |

08 • YoCo CONNECT | SUMMER 2023 • The Culture that Leads to Cutting Edge

Why CampusDoor found York to be their perfect fit

BY JJ SHEFFER | DIRECTOR, COMMUNITY PROGRAMS

When CampusDoor was looking to move their corporate headquarters, they were searching for a community they could connect with and a strong prospective employee base. Downtown York was their ideal location.

The B2B tech company specializes in white-label student loan origination, empowering about 400 financial institutions and other lenders to provide gap financing to students by way of about 1,600 different loan programs.

“It’s not just traditional undergraduate, graduate,” says President Sara Parrish. “It gets way more creative than that. We’re funding education-to-employment pathways and other non-degree credentials.”

CampusDoor provides support for post-secondary education financing with their proprietary software, their loan processing center here in York, and a focus on their responsibility to the industry, creating new and innovative products to expand access to post-secondary education.

“We were looking for a community that we could really be part of, and a place where there was a really diverse prospective employee base. In York, we found great partnerships with institutions of higher education who can fuel us with fabulous employees.” ~ Sara Parrish, President

Their work is grounded in collaboration, creative process, and

“Being able to be part of the fabric of the community was

compliance, balancing fun an innovation within the constructs of

enormously important to me and my leadership team,

their highly-regulated industry. The company was founded in 1995

especially,” says Parrish, “and our employees have really

in Carlisle, PA by central Pennsylvania natives who felt strongly

followed suit” as they’ve settled into

about having the company be based here. Parrish joined their staff

the area.

in 2016 after meeting the founder and former CEO at a conference.

The company has 110 year-round employees, with the When it was time to move, York emerged as a great fit for

majority local to central PA, and hires local college

their needs.

students for summer employment, as well, including students from the York College Community Opportunity

“We were looking for a community that we could really be

Scholarship Program (YCCOSP). The company supports

part of,” Parrish says, “and a place where there was a really

YCCOSP, patronizes local businesses, and their employees

diverse prospective employee base. In York, we found great

serve on nonprofit boards throughout the community.

partnerships with institutions of higher education who can fuel us with fabulous employees.” They have also enjoyed the

“We are a local organization. We plan to stay a local

walkable downtown, visiting Central Market and nearby

organization,” Parrish says. “We want to be a good citizen

coffee shops.

of the local community.”

210 York St, York, PA 17403 campusdoor.com

11 • YoCo CONNECT | SUMMER 2023 • How a York FinTech Engages Students and the Community

Creative Solutions to Challenging Environments Red Lion Controls and their over 50 years of innovation

BY CASEY NIXON | DIRECTOR, MEMBERSHIP & BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT

Q&A with Marcel van Helten, President, Red Lion Controls

With recent innovations in technology such as electric vehicles, robotics in factories and on assembly lines, and now AI technology such as ChatGBT, the modernization of how industries operate have given businesses many challenges. Red Lion Controls, founded and operated in York County, has a dedicated business model to solve these obstacles serving industries worldwide.

Since 1972, Red Lion Controls has provided innovative industrial automation and networking solutions to industries such as system integrators, original equipment manufacturers, water and wastewater plant operations, alternative energy operations, and oil and gas companies, to name a few. Their specialty is developing products that can operate in challenging environments, such as extreme temperatures, humidity, and vibration. While their business has been built to support other industries, they’ve also adopted the theme of innovation to their own business model to incorporate a vertical integration of operating to ensure quality customer service.

12 • YoCo CONNECT | SUMMER 2023 • Creative Solutions to Challenging Environments

Q: Could you tell us a bit about what your company does?

Q: Where might people find Red Lion Controls products in use?

Red Lion Controls empowers industrial organizations around the world to unlock the value of data by developing and manufacturing innovative solutions to access, connect and visualize their information. We make it easy for companies to gain real-time data visibility that drives productivity. Red Lion is part of Spectris plc, the experts in providing insight through precision measurement.

You can find our products both locally and abroad

Q: Why did the founders select the York

Recently, we've had several big wins, including

area, and why have you stayed here?

Our headquarters is located in York, Pennsylvania, which is where our founder, Harry Cordes, initially selected to set up shop.

Ironically, the company was not named for the reason many assume. Though Harry’s home was located in Red Lion; Harry noticed his family’s coat of arms having two red lions in the crest (hence the name). We've stayed in York because it's an excellent location for our operations, with a skilled workforce and a great community of businesses and organizations that support us.

solving a range of customer needs. From helping count the amount of product in the Maple Donuts factory, to helping wind farms operate in Europe while preserving the bird population.

Q: What are some big milestones or wins for your company?

expanding our product line to include new IIoT offerings and winning several Readers’ Choice awards from Control Design magazine for our innovative panel meter solutions. We're proud to have been recognized by leading industry publications for our commitment to quality and customer service. Additionally, we celebrated 50 years in business and opened our new worldwide headquarters at a former UPMC outpatient facility off Belmont Avenue. Finally, we had a series of industry patents issued to some of our in-house engineers, which is a sign of our continued work in innovation and motivation of our employees.

ABOVE: How the assembly process was during the 1970’s..

For over 5 decades, Red Lion Controls has been innovating in York.

Q: Have you had any recent innovations?

We're always working on new innovations and have recently released several new products, including our touchscreen panel meter, a game changer for many plant operators, a new networking switch with an innovative web interface, and soon, an HDMI® feature for one of our flagship edge automation platform products, FlexEdge™. All of these products allow our customers to more easily collect and analyze data from their industrial equipment, helping them to make better decisions and improve their operations.

Q: What are the future goals and plans for Red Lion Controls?

1750 5th Avenue York, PA 17403 redlion.net |

Looking ahead, we plan to continue developing new and innovative products that meet the evolving needs of our customers. We are currently in the process of a brand repositioning that will allow both our employees and distributor network to better speak to our company products and solutions while still explaining how we help our customers access, connect, and visualize their data. We're excited about the opportunities that lie ahead and are committed to delivering the highest quality products and services to our customers.

14 • YoCo CONNECT | SUMMER 2023 • Creative Solutions to Challenging Environments

Meet the Engines Driving K-12 STEAM Pathways

BY SULLY PINOS, EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR AND MARLENA SCHUGT, PROGRAM MANAGER | BLOOM BUSINESS EMPOWERMENT CENTER

BLOOM Pathways, under the Pathways to Prosperity Workforce Efforts, was created to serve as a comprehensive hub of resources to develop our future workforce. With its mission to engage employers, educators, and community partners in collaborative activities, BLOOM Pathways aims to attract, strengthen, and retain a diverse and skilled workforce.

One sector of workforce efforts is the tech industry, which features jobs in Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Math, or STEAM. YoCo is home to several organizations who host opportunities for STEAM Career Pathways for K-12 students, with programming that encourages students to enter fields such as manufacturing, transportation, engineering, arts, and physical sciences. By working to build the industry’s next generation of leaders, these organizations are empowering our vibrant community and continuing to grow an innovative economy.

ABOVE: Back Row (L to R): Kirk Schlotzhauer, Director of the Adult & Continuing Education Center at York County School of Technology; Kevin Appnel, Executive Director of the York County Alliance for Learning; LaQuinn Thompson, Youth Director at the YWCA and Founder/CEO of B.E.A.S.T Initiative; Matthew Davis, Creative in Residence at Keystone Kidspace. Front Row (L to R): Mina Edmondson, Director of Martin Library; Lisa Vaughn, Community Development Manager at Junior Achievement; Heather Myers, Principal of Edgar Fahs Smith STEAM Academy.

B.E.A.S.T. Initiative

Edgar Fahs Smith STEAM Academy

LaQuinn Thompson, Founder/CEO

Heather Myers, Principal

beastpush.com | 717.586.0951

ycs.k12.pa.us | 717.849.1240

The B.E.A.S.T. Initiative is the growing esports/ gaming hub for York, PA. With their focuses on competitive gaming, photography/videography, streaming/content creation, and event organizing/planning, they mentor youth to enhance skills that will mold them into future leaders of the industry.

This school year, PreK-8th grade students at the academy collaborated with community members and business partners to gain real world experience about STEAM Career Pathways. In teams, students set out to solve challenges by these also designing, building, and testing catapults, parade floats, grabber arms, parachutes, boats, rockets, and more.

Junior Achievement

Keystone Kidspace

Lisa Vaughn, Community Development Manager

Matthew Davis, Creative in Residence

jascpa.org | 717.843.8028

keystonekidspace.org | 717.900.9915

Junior Achievement is committed to partnering with schools and community members to serve as a source of inspiration for students, helping them to take an active role in preparing for their futures by exploring careers, developing strong employability skills, and setting goals.

At Keystone Kidspace, kids can have fun and make a mess while learning about STEAM through interactive exhibits, hands-on activities and unique classes. By leveraging our community’s legacy of making, Keystone Kidspace provides real access to experiences, tools and mentors that ignite our kids’ imaginations and prepare them for a successful future.

16 • YoCo CONNECT | SUMMER 2023 • Meet the Engines Driving K-12 STEAM Pathways

Martin Library

York County Alliance for Learning

Mina Edmondson, Library Director

Kevin Appnel, Executive Director

yorklibraries.org/york-martin | 717.846.5300

ycal.us | 717.505.0044

As part of their recently completed renovation efforts, Martin Library has expanded several free opportunities for teens and children to explore STEAM, such as robots, science experiments, 3D printing, art and even Grab n’ Go Activities. While there be sure to sign up for a library card!

YCAL connects educators and employers to engage students in career education and development. YCAL encourages students to explore STEAM centered careers by hosting Career Exploration Programs, Career Readiness Education Workshops, Manufacturing Days, and Pre-Apprenticeships for Building Trades, Electrical Industry, and Manufacturing.

Thank you to Jose Santiago, Director of Community Development at the YMCA, for allowing us to utilize the TechRev York space for this feature’s photoshoot! To hear more about the YMCA and other local organizations’ STEAM programming for K-12 students, scan the QR Code for the full feature.

ADULT & CONTINUING EDUCATION CENTER AT YORK COUNTY SCHOOL OF TECHNOLOGY Kirk Schlotzhauer, Director educationthatpays.com | 717.747.2130 Through the Adult & Continuing Education Center, York Tech provides quality adult career, technical and basic skill’s education, training, and services in a customer focused atmosphere, preparing individuals for the workforce needs.

STEAMing along with the Northern Central Railway

BY BRENDAN SALYARDS | MANAGER, ECONOMIC INITIATIVES

When it comes to STEAM education in York County, nobody does it like Northern Central Railway of York (NCR). NCR operates an excursion trail with a variety of educational and history-based programming. The STEAM program began in October 2020 and has grown into a variety of programs that provide students aged 6-12 to gain hands-on experience with five principals of STEAM: Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, and Mathematics.

Through week-long camps and weekend STEAM Fairs, students go beyond the classroom experience in these fields by building, constructing, and operating various train-themed STEAM projects. For some kids, this may be the experience that starts them down a career path towards one of a number of high-demand career fields related to STEAM.

18 • YoCo CONNECT | SUMMER 2023 • STEAMing along with the Northern Central Railway

The low-pressure, relaxed environment of the STEAM program allows students to flourish. Ben Olewiler, a York City School District science teacher who runs the program, noted the importance of providing these types of programs particularly after the disruptions to education during the COVID-19 Pandemic.

“The pandemic stopped field trips and activities. This program brings back those opportunities and helps to get kids back on track”. He keeps the programming fresh by developing new activities to keep returning students engaged. “We need to expose kids to opportunities in these fields. We need welders.”

The STEAM program combines age-appropriate educational programming that meets Pennsylvania education standards with chances to play with other kids who have similar interests. The fun and educational curriculum is designed to have kids think critically and use practical skills to accomplish tasks related to circuitry, robotics, and coding. Older students have the opportunity to work with 3-D modeling software, Tinkercad, and to sculpt their designs in modeling clay.

Additionally, the STEAM program works with volunteer high school students to supervise the students and activities. The volunteers have an opportunity to use their skills to give back and to explore opportunities in education.

For more information on Northern Central Railway’s STEAM Program, as well as their other upcoming events, visit northerncentralrailway.com.

117 N. Front Street New Freedom, PA 17349 717.942.2370 northerncentralrailway.com

OCEAN 10 SECURITY WILL SOON MAKE WAVES IN YORK

BY BRENDAN SALYARDS I MANAGER, ECONOMIC INITIATIVES

“York is rocking and rolling. York has space to grow and people ready to work.” ~Stephen Teachout, Founder

ocean10security.com

Ocean 10 Security, a growing company founded by Stephen

Unfortunately, the product is not available for private

Teachout and headquartered in Asheville, North Carolina,

customers, but with a host of contracts including

recently purchased 1 North George Street in Downtown York.

NASA, the U.S. Military, and municipalities across the

The third floor of the formerly Citizen’s Bank building will

country, there is a wave of interest in the TSUNAMI.

house a regional office for Ocean 10 Security, and current plans also include a tech-themed restaurant equipped with

The benefits of the device for public safety are clear.

robotic delivery for food and drink. The Heist, as the restaurant

The video evidence allows law enforcement agencies

will be known, will occupy the first floor and a newly

to have a complete 360-degree view of events

constructed mezzanine.

recorded by the camera and they can even access the video remotely. In some cases, this has led to police

The main product of Ocean 10 Security is the TSUNAMI, which

dropping charges for individuals who have been

Stephen Teachout designed as a critical tool while working to

wrongfully accused of a crime.

combat piracy in the oil fields of the Niger River Delta in Nigeria. Back in the U.S., Stephen was inspired to develop the

Ocean 10 began exploring the idea of a northeast

TSUNAMI in response to the disappearance of Heather Elvis

regional office after securing a contract in Pittsburgh.

who disappeared in December 2013. Conversations with police

York was not on Teachout’s radar, but he fell in love

and investigators led Teachout to develop a security

with the building and York grew on him. “The weather

monitoring device for the 21st century: the TSUNAMI a

and climate are good. The tax rates aren’t bad. The

patented, 360-degree view security monitoring device.

people are friendly. People want to see York grow.

The stage is set,” he shares. Access to skilled workers

Unlike other security products that rely on cloud storage, the

and recent college graduates also played a

TSUNAMI is equipped with its own server, enabling it to

role-specifically the opportunity to connect with

capture 360-degree, 4k resolution video. The self-contained

students from York College of PA’s coding program.

system provides end-users with a clear view of events recorded by its four cameras, capturing far more detailed

Teachout is already promoting York as a place for

information than conventional security camera. The TSUNAMI

other tech companies to do business. “York is rocking

is bulletproofed up to a .45 caliber and is easily installed to a

and rolling. York has space to grow and people

pole or building.

ready to work.”

21 • YoCo CONNECT | SUMMER 2023 • Ocean 10 Security Will Soon Make Waves in York

For details, visit DowntownYorkPA.com

EV E N T S June 21 -

BLOOM Business Series Workshop presented by PNC, 8:30-9:30 am

July 7 –

First Friday presented by WellSpan Health Downtown York, 5-9 pm

August 4 -

First Friday presented by WellSpan Health Downtown York, 5-9 pm

August 10 –

Downtown First Awards presented by The Glatfelter Agency, 6-8 pm

August 16 -

BLOOM Business Series Workshop presented by PNC, 8:30-9:30 am

For details, visit YCEAPA.org JUNE Wednesday, June 28 7:30-8:30 am Economics Club Event: Real Estate Update presented by Glatfelter Insurance Group Wyndham Garden York, 2000 Loucks Rd.

For details, visit enrootyork.org.

Thursday, June 29 12-2pm Leadership Luncheon presented by

June 20 –

York Story Slam: Summer Love Archetype Pizza, 7-9 pm

YCEA, 144 Roosevelt Ave.

July 18 –

York Story Slam: Ticket to Ride Archetype Pizza, 7-9 pm

JULY

August 15 –

York Story Slam: Warning Signs Archetype Pizza, 7-9 pm

CGA Law Firm

Wednesday, July 26 7:30-8:30 am Economics Club Event: Cheers!

Economics of the Brewing Industry in Our Trail Towns presented by Glatfelter Insurance Group Wyndham Garden York, 2000 Loucks Rd. Thursday, July 27 12:00-4:00 pm York Hiring Fair WellSpan Park, 5 Brooks Robinson Way AUGUST Thursday, August 3 9:00-10:30 am YCEA Member Orientation YCEA, 144 Roosevelt Ave. Wednesday, August 30 7:30-8:30 am Economics Club Event: Logistics Industry Update presented by Glatfelter Insurance Group Wyndham Garden York, 2000 Loucks Rd.

144 Roosevelt Avenue York, PA 17401