YCEA | 2024 In Review

Our work is driven by the York County Economic Action Plan to:

CREATE

OPPORTUNITIES FOR ALL PEOPLE

ENHANCE

YORK COUNTY’S SENSE OF PLACE

FUEL

THE ENGINES OF PROSPERITY

As the best of a Chamber of Commerce, best of an Economic Development Agency, and best of a Main Street organization, the York County Economic Alliance

drives our County’s economic growth

by leveraging the collaboration, resources, and expertise needed to create sustainable prosperity.

We are collaborative, driven, knowledgeable, and inclusive.

Left: Hiring Fair hosted at WellSpan Park; Above: The 2024 Changemakers

Economic Development Corporation

General Authority

Chamber of Commerce

Industrial Development Authority

York Business Improvement District Authority

Downtown Inc

BLOOM Business Empowerment Center

York County Land Bank Authority

Redevelopment Authority

Firefly Outdoor + Economics Consultancy

The BLOOM Grant Business Pitch “...was an incredibly inspiring experience.

It was empowering to see such a diverse and talented group of women entrepreneurs from our community...What you’re doing not only

supports and uplifts women in business but also strengthens our community as a whole.”

TATYANA D. ABREU | UNITED WAY OF YORK COUNTY

VITA & COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT MANAGER,

The BLOOM Grant business pitch competition took place during the December WBCO luncheon, where $17,500 was awarded to 15 woman owned small businesses.

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IMPACT OVERVIEW CUMULATIVE SINCE 2022

$2,428,478

IN LOANS & GRANTS

LOAN RECIPIENTS BY INDUSTRY

LOANS:

$1,780,000

to 21 small businesses, creating 156 jobs and retaining 72 jobs

50%

Women Owned Businesses

50%

BIPOC Owned Businesses

12.5%

Disability Owned Business Enterprise

GRANTS:

$648,478 Women Owned Businesses

50%

BIPOC Owned Businesses

Agriculture

43%

Childcare

9%

Food Services and Hospitality

14%

Manufacturing

14%

Personal Care

10%

Professional Services

5%

Retail

IN 2024

$167,000

to 279 small businesses, representing over 400 jobs

76%

5%

granted to 44 businesses with an average grant of $3,795.

6%

$1.1 MILLION

Veteran Owned Businesses

loaned to 13 businesses with an average loan of $84,000 at a 4.1% interest rate.

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IN 2024

“We have been so grateful for the resources that BLOOM offers.

88 GRADUATES from BLOOM Business Classes

BLOOM graduates, along with York County Commissioners Julie Wheeler and Scott Burford, gather in the 1741 Club to receive their certificates and celebrate together.

PARTICIPANTS, YEAR TO DATE, expanded skills in financial stability, marketing, hiring & HR, and legal, through classes and bootcamps.

56% 43% Operating a Business

Looking to Launch a Business 6

Not only providing networking with other local business owners, the classes were also a great opportunity to refresh our knowledge and learn more about operating in York County.”

IRINA LAWRENCE MATHIAS CO-OWNER, FLYING FIBERS BLOOM GRADUATE & GRANT RECIPIENT

PATHWAYS WORKFORCE GRANTS:

$40,000

awarded to 4 nonprofits: · New Hope Ministries

IN 2024

1,700

JOB SEEKERS

· York Builders Association

attended 4 Hiring Fairs,

· York County Alliance for Learning

to advance their careers by connecting with over 30 employers at each fair.

· York Literacy Institute With a THRIVE grant from York County Community Foundation, this funding connects individuals with opportunity and training supports for economic mobility.

HEY EMPLOYERS!

SCAN THE QR CODE to view WhyYorkPA.com,

a talent attraction and retention resource site.

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Hiring Fair hosted at WellSpan Park

“With WeeConnect receiving the ECHO Grant, it allowed them to

open a space specifically for sensory regulation.

The team is more like family-

they love my kids just as much as I do.

It’s just such a blessing.”

MARY

PARENT OF CHILD ATTENDING WEECONNECT EARLY LEARNING CENTER, RECIPIENT OF AN ECHO GRANT

OFFICIALLY LAUNCHED WITH

having raised over $3.5 million through strong support from philanthropic partners.

ECHO was created in direct response to the crisis in early childhood education threatening our economy. Pennsylvania suffers a $3.47 billion impact due to childcare access and is the number one reason for absenteeism in the workplace.

Children of Marisela’s Garden Babysitting Service

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Children of York Day Early Learning Center

THROUGH YEAR ONE OF ECHO:

854 188 19

New Children enrolled

BLOOM GRANTS: 15 NEW CHILD CARE PROGRAMS awarded $440,000

New Early Learning Professionals hired

ECHO INNOVATION GRANTS: 28 CHILD CARE PROGRAMS awarded $1,202,398

Teacher Aides trained

TEACHER AIDE FUNDING: 52 STAFF MEMBERS SUPPORTED through $261,129

“The ECHO Grant has helped us push that educational component of childcare and ensure we’re providing a good service.”

BRITTANY BARLOW

EDUCATION & ONBOARDING COORDINATOR,

SMALL STEPS LEARNING CENTER ECHO INNOVATION GRANT RECIPIENT

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Brittany Barlow with children of Small Steps Learning Center

89% OF THE 142

total action items outlined in the York County Economic Action Plan were either complete or in progress at the end of 2024.

Partner successes: · The York County Planning Commission’s implementation of the first countywide Freight Plan and the work of the Freight Advisory Committee to help goods move more efficiently through the county. · The Cultural Alliance of York County’s collaboration with YCEA to advance the Creative Communities program across our trail towns to use art to encourage economic revitalization. · The United Way of York County’s transportation access study, which documented inequities in how county residents access work, school, shopping and other services, and the launch of an advisory council to address these issues. · The County of York’s ongoing efforts to close the digital divide by deploying free urban Wi-Fi in the county’s largest metro areas and incentivize private investment in broadband infrastructure for our rural areas.

Family friendly Railroad Borough is home to AleCraft Brewery, a trail-friendly business

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TRANSFORMATIONAL PARTNER PROJECTS FRANKLIN STREET SOCIAL is a new 13-vendor food hall and bar in Red Lion that is part of a mixed-use district with 200+ apartments, retail, coffee shop, and a brewery, bisected by the Red Lion Mile, a multi-use path, brought to life by developer Jordan Ilyes.

MESSIAH LIFEWAYS broke ground for Fernecrest, a new community for those ages 62-and-better along the Yellow Breeches Creek in Northern York County.

THE KNOWLEDGE PARK AT YORK COLLEGE OF PENNSYLVANIA

opened in October 2024 as a newly renovated, state-of-the-art building dedicated to fostering innovation, research, and business acceleration within the community while providing students with practical learning experiences.

PROJECTS IN THE PIPELINE: · Former United States Post Office on S George St - Downtown York · Former Zion Church - Downtown York · Ballpark Commons - Downtown York · Ruin Halls - Glen Rock · Codorus Creek Boat Launch - Seven Valleys 11

OVER THE LAST SIX YEARS:

$135 MILLION

in total economic impact through 65 projects across 34 municipalities in York County.

The Land Bank Authority exists to eliminate blight and return vacant property to productive use across all of York County.

IN 2024

$364,200

IN DEMOLITION GRANT FUNDING awarded to 8 Projects in Seven Valleys Borough, North York Borough, and York City.

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The Land Bank Authority awarded $15,000 to York Day Learning Center to revitalize their playground in York City.

The top photo shows the project's renovation, and the bottom photo features the completed playground.

IN 2024

$15 MILLION

Federal RAISE Grant received.

$40 MILLION funding goal completed for Phase 1 of the mile long redevelopment, the largest green infrastructure project in York County’s history.

The Codorus Greenway is

poised to strengthen Downtown York’s connectivity and appeal as a destination while strengthening neighborhood access to this natural resource.

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Codorus Greenway rendering by abSketches

created, and 4 retained, across all 7 trail towns, bringing the total to

BUSINESSES

now designated as Trail-Friendly.

Lori and Jason Capello, Owners of Wrightsville’s Half Nuts Popcorn Co., a trail-friendly business

FACADE GRANTS:

16 BUSINESSES, RESIDENTS, & NONPROFITS

“The Trail Towns Facade Grant allowed us to enhance our storefront’s visibility and curb appeal, which attracted more foot traffic and drew attention to our brand.”

awarded $82,000 to improve signage, lighting and curb appeal, with an average grant of $5,000.

SUPPORT VIA BLOOM:

33 BUSINESSES

PENNY ZECH

OWNER, GUNG HO BIKES

awarded $86,748.30 for advancements in marketing & sales, minor capital improvements or equipment, and expanding their team.

FACADE GRANT RECIPIENT

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Left: Congressman Lloyd Smucker (PA-11) and Mike Kelly (PA-17), their staff, and the YCEA team visit Keller-Brown Insurance in Shrewsbury, PA; Above: Updated trail signage at the kiosk of the Colonial Courthouse in Downtown York

STRATEGIC INVESTMENTS

Public safety improvements in New Freedom Borough, including pavement and sidewalk treatments and light installation.

$100,000

Launch of a Creek Access Study in Seven Valleys to evaluate opportunities to develop public access to points along the Southern Branch of the Codorus Creek to amplify the waterway as a public recreational amenity.

investment to improve signage along the Heritage Rail Trail, Hanover Trolley Trail, and Mason-Dixon Trail, to enhance visitor experiences, and continue to drive trail users into the adjacent communities to support our local economy.

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“As a family-owned business, we’re able

to invest in the future we envision.

At Joseph Machine Company, we’ve consistently invested in our people, process, and technology, averaging 20 percent growth for over 15 years.”

ANTHONY PIGLIACAMPO | CEO, JOSEPH MACHINE COMPANY (DILLSBURG)

Governor Josh Shapiro and Department of Community and Economic Development (DCED) Secretary Rick Siger visit York County’s Joseph Machine Company. RACP funded their 150,000 sq. ft. expansion to take on larger automation projects and create 35 immediate highly skilled jobs with up to 150 new positions in the next several years.

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YORK COUNTY HOUSING STUDY ACTION AGENDA

TOGETHER,

Silas Chamberlin, Ph.D., presents at the Lebanon County ‘Let’s Talk’ Housing summit

YCEA and partners developed strategies to make tangible improvements in housing attainability across the housing market: · Increase coordination in housing stability, investing in workforce training to support in-demand construction careers.

YORK COUNTY AS A BEST PRACTICE Our work on housing is being noticed.

This year we were invited to share our approach to housing well beyond York County, including to audiences at:

· Creation of a private and public housing developers roundtable.

· American Planning Association of Pennsylvania’s annual conference in Erie

· Engage employers to support housing access for workforce recruitment and retention.

· Lebanon County’s Let’s Talk Housing summit

· Support education and promotion of middle housing and zoning reform to address barriers and opposition to new build housing. · Support the development of a permanent day shelter. · Collaborate with housing support partners to develop a stable continuum of care and clear pathways to stable housing.

· Pennsylvania Downtown Center’s annual conference · Association of Chamber of Commerce Executives convening · Governor Sharpiro’s Housing Roundtable · Annual Southern Delmarva Economic Forecast

Now we’re answering Governor Shapiro’s call to actively contribute to Pennsylvania’s first Housing Action Plan, which will reflect some of the lessons learned in York County.

SCAN THE QR CODE to view the York County Housing Action Agenda

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PLACEMAKING & BEAUTIFICATION

DOWNTOWN DOLLARS:

$1 MILLION

raised to support placemaking and the Downtown Clean & Green Team, including $500,000 awarded from PA DCNR for tree scaping.

CLEAN & GREEN TEAM:

litter 9,500+ POUNDS ofremoved removing graffiti, weeds, and litter 5,000 HOURS spent New wayfinding signage installed thanks to Explore York tourism grant

50+

pedestrian and vehicular wayfinding signs and terminals were installed through the Explore York tourism grant program.

ABM Janitorial staffs the Downtown Clean & Green Team

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PROMOTIONS

200+ DOWNTOWN REVITALIZATION PROFESSIONALS

from across the Commonwealth attended the Pennsylvania Downtown Center Conference, held at the Yorktowne Hotel.

Attendees of the Pennsylvania Downtown Center Conference

150+

events, promotions, and stories from over 200 unique businesses in Downtown York were shared via print and digital channels elevating awareness and building foot traffic in Downtown York.

Merchants highlighted in the Spring issue of Downtown York magazine, hosted at Hamir’s Indian Fusion

PUBLIC SAFETY

“Downtown Inc has helped my business in many ways.

The Downtown Resource Center opened, in partnership with the York City Police Department and York County Community Foundation, hosting over 100 visits, offering bilingual support to small businesses and a dedicated Downtown Resource Officer.

The Addressing Anti-Social Behavior training, held in the Fall, had over 40 businesses in attendance.

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The team has built a relationship with me, and is available for any concerns or questions I may have.”

ROBERT BROWN

OWNER, INSPIRED IMAGEZ

ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT

70 BUSINESSES awarded $176,000, through BLOOM Loans and Grants, First Friday grants through WellSpan Health, and Trail Town Facade grants.

50

new or expanded businesses in Downtown York Skillet2Plate Soul Bistro opened an expanded location in the WeCo District of Downtown York.

Downtown York continues to thrive with millions invested in significant redevelopment projects, many focused on market rate housing: · Fox Apartments opened in the former Fox Bakery on George Street, developed by Royal Square Development & Construction and Kinsley Construction. · Heritage Crossings, led by Statewide Partners, will bring apartments and 20,000 square feet of commercial and retail space in the Northwest Triangle location. · CSX Parcel, located at the intersection of Arch & George Streets, will be transformed through beautification and native landscaping.

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Rendering of Heritage Crossings, the mixed-use space in Downtown York’s Northwest Triangle

Congratulations to Dillsburg-based R&S Fence & Railing Supply, cutting the ribbon on its expanded location.

$99.8

YWCA York Camp Cann-Edi-On renovations and capital improvements completed to better serve YoCo youth.

MILLION

in capital investment across York County.

Inside the brand new York County History Center, opened in 2024, and continuing to tell YoCo’s story.

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Construction underway at the Crispus Attucks York History and Culture Center.

WellSpan Health breaking ground on a state-of-the-art hospital in Newberry Township .

ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT & FINANCING

“YCEA provided invaluable support throughout our loan application and building process making it even smoother from start to grand opening.

$14.5 MILLION

in PA RACP grants awarded to 9 projects

We truly appreciate their guidance and partnership!”

$3.1 MILLION

in LSA grant awards awarded to 16 projects All of this could not be accomplished without strong support from our York County State Delegation.

ELISHA RIGGINS

CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER, R&S FENCE & RAILING SUPPLY 22

RURAL ECONOMY

$4.4 MILLION invested in YoCo’s Rural Economy, allowing for 302 acres of farmed vegetables, hay, and alfalfa, as well as raising dairy cows, chickens, turkeys, and sheep.

OVER $2 MILLION Farm & Natural Lands Trust has worked to preserve over 15,000 acres across York County.

RURAL ROUNDTABLE HOSTED in connection with the York County Agriculture Recognition Banquet, allowing attendees to discuss with local, State, and Federal officials about resources available for farming growth and operations.

financed in 4 Next Generation Farmer loans Pennsylvania Next Generation Farmer Loan program uses federal tax-exempt financing to reduce a federally qualifying first time farmer’s interest rate to finance capital purchases.

NEARLY $2 MILLION financed in 2 Pennsylvania Industrial Development loans.

$400,000

BLOOM Loan to a Felton-based farm, providing the business the ability to leverage $1.7 million to expand their operations.

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EVENTS & MEMBERSHIP

IN 2024

100+

events held, welcoming over 4,000 attendees

India Banks (center) honored as a 2024 Changemaker.

Philanthropic and corporate leaders Dave Meckley, Natalee Gunderson, and Cindy Fruitrail speak at an Economics Club event.

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Daysha Illarza (center) accepting the Ignite Young Professional Award at Showcasing YoCo.

“Being a part of the YCEA has been an invaluable experience, providing me with meaningful networking opportunities, strong community connections, and professional growth.

YCEA has truly been a catalyst for both my personal and professional development.”

KIMMIE LAY

ASSISTANT VICE PRESIDENT BRANCH LEADER II, TRUIST

Jakyra Simpson cuts the ribbon for STEAM Sneakerheadz, located at York College of Pennsylvania’s J.D. Brown Center for Entrepreneurship.

THANK YOU TO OUR

1,071 MEMBERS who invest annually!

71 MEMBERS

celebrated through Ribbon Cuttings.

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Jackie Summers (front row, center) honored as the 2024 ATHENA, with fellow past honorees.

The panel and sponsors of May’s Economics Club event focused on entrepreneurialism.

Liquid Hero Brewery Pub expanded their operations in Downtown Yorkafter opening in 2011.

900+

BUSINESSES

“Through the Members Advantage Program, I insure my business at a discounted rate, and the savings pays for my YCEA membership!”

KRISTY FASANO

VICE PRESIDENT & COO, BAILEY FAMILY OF COMPANIES

promoted through social media, print publications,and e-newsletters, sharing the stories and successes of our partnership.

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with combined reach of 30,000 across York County and into neighboring states in partnership with Getaways on Display.

York Time Institute, located in Downtown York, has provided historic watch and clock-making traditions for over 17 years.

RESOURCES

View the YCEA Team and Contact Info

Connect with the YCEA and see how we can make things happen together!

@YCEAPA

@DowntownYorkPA

Membership

Events

@YorkCountyTrailTowns

Economic Development & Financing

THANK YOU TO OUR YCEA BOARD MEMBERS! 2025 Executive Committee:

2024-2025 Members of the Board: (*concluded their term in 2024)

Oliver Hoar - Hoar Investments, Chair

*David Christiansen – Penn State York

Aneury Perez – Fulton Bank

Todd Davies – West York School District

*Grace Quartey – Grace & Associates

Sara Parrish – CampusDoor, Vice-Chair & Secretary

Lauren Days – Sara Ellen Event Venue & Skillet2Plate Soul Bistro

Christopher Rockey – PNC

Laura Buczkowski – WellSpan Health, Treasurer

Michael Gaskins – UPMC

*Casey (Kat) Rossum – Kat Choreography

Taylor Groff - GroffJulius

Barry Schoch – KCI Technologies

Bev Mackereth – Mackereth Consulting, Economic Initiatives Chair

*Rev. Mark Kearse – Cornerstone Baptist

*Julian Tolbert – Downtown Investor

Church Katie Kinsley – Kinsley Enterprises

*Ruben Warren – Hollywood Casino, York

Christina McCullough – Stewart & Tate

Julie Wheeler – County of York

Bruce Newell – Mantec

Ronesha Willis – RHI Magnesita

Jeff Vermeulen – York College of Pennsylvania, Immediate Past Chair

@YCEAPA