YCEA Year in Review | 2023

Top: Ribbon Cutting Ceremony and YoCo Connect Live event with Doceo, in partnership with Buy Local Coalition; Bottom: The 2023 Changemakers

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, knowledgeable, driven, inclusive, and futuristic.

We are YoCo.

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 YoCo Connect Live with Community Progress Council

Economic Development Corporation

Chamber of Commerce

Downtown Inc

AFFILIATES General Authority

Industrial Development Authority

BLOOM Business Empowerment Center

Redevelopment Authority

York Business Improvement District Authority

York County Land Bank Authority

CREATE

OPPORTUNITIES FOR ALL PEOPLE

BLOOM BUSINESS EMPOWERMENT CENTER•WHYYORKPA.COM •FEDERAL RESERVE PARTNERSHIP•INVESTMENT IN EARLY CHILDCARE EDUCATION

2023 Recipients of the BLOOM WBCO Grants

The BLOOM Business Empowerment Center offers a suite of small business services, and has raised

$6.7 million to support small 4

business education, capital needs, and opportunities.

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CAPITAL GRANTS

$100,000

to 69 businesses

LOANS

$670,000 to 5 businesses

$770,000

disbursed in 2023 BLOOM recipients currently employ 211 full time employees, and will create 125 new jobs in 2024.

$486,000

in grants to date, to 235 businesses 72% Women owned businesses 49% BIPOC owned businesses

“ THE BLOOM BUSINESS EMPOWERMENT

CENTER HAS BEEN AN

integral ally in providing financial opportunities and guidance. ...the vision is becoming clearer and confidence is gaining towards our dreams.”

Cresha Drayden Owner, Our Sons and Daughters

5 Cresha and Philip Drayden of Our Sons and Daughters LLC

CLASSES

80 entrepreneurs graduated

2023 Graduates of the BLOOM Classes

590

participants to date:

in 2023 from the free BLOOM Business 101, 201 and Spanish speaking 101 Classes

Business Series Workshops

· 44% in business; 56% looking to launch

Boot Camps

· 84% BIPOC; 77% Female · 67% Household income less than $50,000 6

BLOOM Business 101 and 201 Classes

Hey employers!

WhyYorkPA.com is a resource for talent attraction and retention.

Scan the QR Code

to learn more.

7

FEDERAL RESERVE PARTNERSHIP

“ PREDICTABILITY IS JUST GONE. IT’S VERY HARD TO OPERATE A BUSINESS IN A WORLD WHERE THERE’S NO PREDICTABILITY. And so that’s been a bit of a challenge.”

Julie Flinchbaugh Keene

Co-owner, Flinchbaugh’s Orchard & Farm Source: Bloomberg, 10.2.2023

Top: Federal Reserve Chairman Jerome Powell (2nd from L) and Philadelphia District President Patrick Harker (4th from L) meeting with business owners at Gather256; Bottom: Roundtable Participants

On October 2, Federal Reserve Chairman Jerome Powell and Philadelphia District President Patrick Harker visited York County to meet with local partners and learn about economic conditions and trends, education and workforce development, and small business growth and access to capital. The relationship with the Federal Reserve has increased through the Reinventing Our Communities Fellowship Program.

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Governor Josh Shapiro visits YWCA York to announce the expansion of the Child and Dependent Care Tax Credit to match 100% of the federal credit to help over 210,000 PA families offset the burden of rising childcare costs.

“ AFFORDABLE CHILDCARE

IS THE NUMBER ONE REASON FOR ABSENTEEISM IN THE WORKPLACE. ECHO IS THE FIRST STEP IN

expanding access to quality, affordable childcare.”

Kim Bracey

CEO, YWCA York

Every Child Has Opportunities (ECHO) was developed in response to the crisis in early childhood education with over $3M committed annually to address the issues that limit opportunities for families, educators, and businesses. This program is joined by partners WellSpan Health, J. William Warehime Foundation, Powder Mill Foundation, United Way of York County, The Kinsley Foundation, and York County Community Foundation. ECHO will be led by Community Connections for Children and the YCEA. 9

ENHANCE

YORK COUNTY’S SENSE OF PLACE THE YORKTOWNE HOTEL•BALLPARK COMMONS•CODORUS GREENWAY•YORK COUNTY TRAIL TOWNS •COUNTYWIDE HOUSING ANALYSIS•STRATEGIC REDEVELOPMENT•DOWNTOWN INC

The historic Yorktowne Hotel was polished up and re-introduced to our community.

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The Yorktowne Hotel is the market leader in occupancy, average daily rate (ADR) and revenue per available room (RevPAR), shown through weekly/monthly Smith Travel Research (STR) reports. In 2023, the hotel saw over 21 sellout weekends, 24,401 total rooms rented, and hosted 144 events.

$94 million in immediate and direct economic impact Now employing 84 employees and re-introducing the Yorktowne to a new generation of York Countians and guests.

UP NEXT Phase two of the Yorktowne Campus redevelopment is Zion Church, sitting adjacent on Duke Street. The project has been awarded a grant through the National Trust for Historic Preservation to conduct engineering assessments, masonry & structural assessments, environmental, historic and project planning.

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BALLPARK COMMONS

Top: Ballpark Commons possible redevelopment rendering; Bottom: Demolition at 319-335 N George St

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Developing a new Northern entryway into the City of York, and completing the original stadium district vision from 2005. Demolition has occurred and a project developer will be named in early 2024.

A first step in a 100 year journey, demolition began on the Bascule Gate Dam on the Codorus Creek to reduce flooding, improve water quality, promote public safety, and prepare for construction of the Codorus Greenway.

UP NEXT

Project permits will be submitted to the U.S. Army Corps. of Engineers in March 2024 to begin construction on 1.4 mile Codorus Greenway. $26.1M committed to fully-fund Phase One which will commence in 2025.

13 Bascule Gate Dam demolition along the Codorus River

“ THE YORK COUNTY

TRAIL TOWNS PROGRAM HELPED TO PROVIDE FUNDING FOR THE RESTORATION OF OUR GONDOLA CAR THAT WE USE FOR OUR BIKE-ABOARD EXCURSIONS. THE DESTINATION MARKETING AND PROMOTIONAL EFFORTS OF THE PROGRAM HAVE HELPED

to attract more visitors to the community.

Trail Towns public art announcement at Ruins Hall in Glen Rock

In partnership with the Cultural Alliance of York County, $100,000 was successfully secured through the PA Council on the Arts to install public art throughout our Trail Towns.

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We’re excited to see the program continue to grow and expand for years to come.”

Ashley Zimmerman Executive Director, Northern Central Railway

3 years of success 16 new businesses

started across the Trail Towns Fresh Food Markets / Micro Grocers Book Stores ∙ Event Venues Restaurants ∙ Retail Stores Breweries ∙ Coffee Shops

Left: Glen Rock Mill Inn, Glen Rock; Right, Top: Trail-Friendly Business designation of The Wild Batch Bistro, Wrightsville; Right, Bottom: AleCraft Brewery, Railroad

Over 50 businesses have been designated as Trail-Friendly, to drive visitors of the Heritage Rail Trail into the adjacent trail communities to spend dollars and boost economic impact.

15

COUNTYWIDE HOUSING ANALYSIS KEY ACTION ITEM OF EAP Conduct a Needs and Conditions Assessment on Housing, along with raising profile of workforce housing and improve pathways to ownership.

Convened over 30 housing partners (Developers, non-profits, employers, government, real estate, etc.)

Key f indings: · Nearly 50% of all renters, and more than 25% of all households are cost burdened by housing. · Median household income has increased by 24% since 2011, but median homes have increased by 131% in that time. · 30% of residents aged 20-34 are neither homeowners or renters, delaying first time home ownership. · Most new residents come from surrounding PA counties (Lancaster, etc.) – not Maryland. · Overall market demand exists for 16,000 new housing units in YoCo. 16

UP NEXT Implement key priority actions that support partner goals, from emergency shelter to workforce development to employer-supported housing.

STRATEGIC REDEVELOPMENT Governor Josh Shapiro, Department of Community and Economic Development (DCED) Secretary Rick Siger, and Ben Kirshner, Chief Transformation Officer selected YoCo’s PennAir to launch the

creation of the Commonwealth’s first comprehensive economic

development strategy in nearly two decades. PennAir, led by CEO Seth Bray, supports manufacturing and construction industries with pneumatics, hydraulics, and automation.

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Left: Royal Square District mural; Right: Clean Up Crew member in Downtown York

Over $700,000

raised in philanthropic efforts for Downtown York in 2023. · $340K - Downtown York Destination Marketing & Data Tracking · $278K - Placemaking - Clean & Green · $37K - Public Safety · $50K - Small Business Grants to 25 downtown businesses 18

An enhanced clean up crew was launched to mitigate litter, weeds, graffiti, and ensure quality curb appeal to improve everyone’s experience in the Downtown. They remove a monthly average of 800 lbs. of trash, as well as leaf and graffiti removal. This initiative was accomplished by fundraising over $125,000 in corporate and philanthropic support thanks to the Powder Mill Foundation and the York County Solid Waste Authority.

NEW PLANTERS IN THE WeCo DISTRICT As well as the creation of the WeCo Action Plan

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New or Expanded businesses in Downtown York

UPDATED WAYFINDING SIGNAGE

SOLD OUT EVENTS

Among other Placemaking improvements

October’s Sweetest Pint Downtown First Awards

5 creative crosswalks, designed by local artists, were installed to increase pedestrian safety, beautify public spaces, and enhance the Rail Trail experience throughout the Downtown.

The project was completed with partners: York County Trail Towns, City of York Highway Bureau, City of York Bureau of Health, and Annalisa Gojmerac.

19 Market Street creative crosswalk installation

Destination Downtown York through funding via Explore York

“ DOWNTOWN INC

HAS PLAYED A CRUCIAL ROLE IN SUPPORTING MERCHANTS IN THE DOWNTOWN AREA.

$265,000 invested in targeted marketing to travelers in Central PA, Philadelphia, and Northern Maryland.

THEIR DEDICATION TO PROMOTING LOCAL BUSINESSES, ENHANCING THE AESTHETICS OF OUR STREETS, AND ENCOURAGING COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT HAS SIGNIFICANTLY CONTRIBUTED TO THE GROWTH OF YORK CITY.

8 million impressions via Google ads 3 million impressions via Facebook and Instagram ads Influencers utilized in family friendly, couples, and trail users for an earned media value over $150,000.

We are thankful for their partnership and the positive influence!”

“ WOW! I HAD NO IDEA YORK WAS SO CLOSE AND HAD SO MANY AMAZING THINGS TO DO! We’ll be adding York to our places to explore!”

At the intersection of classic Americana and hip happenings, Downtown York embodies the vibe of “Historically Edgy.”

The city’s central business district is home to unique locations where visitors can explore local flavors, interact with artists and creators, and experience history – all within a few blocks’ radius. Extend your time with a stay at the Yorktowne Hotel, a newly-imagined Tapestry Collection by Hilton hotel complete with a rooftop bar.

Comment by DC-based resident on Influencer Post

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SM

Top: Ads as seen in Philadelphia Magazine

Start planning your next getaway at DowntownYorkPA.com

Elizabeth Bower Owner, Refillism

FUEL

THE ENGINES OF PROSPERITY ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT & FINANCING•RURAL ECONOMY •MEMBERSHIP & EVENTS

27 active RACP projects spanning application to disbursement, with an estimated total of

Top: York County History Center construction; Bottom, Left: YWCA Team; Bottom, Right: Keystone Kidspace

$160M in economic investment

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“ NOT ONLY DID

THE YCEA PROACTIVELY REACH OUT TO EDUCATE US ABOUT A FUNDING OPPORTUNITY THROUGH THE STATE’S RACP GRANT PROGRAM, THEY ALSO WALKED US THROUGH THE APPLICATION AND HELPED US WITH GRANT MANAGEMENT AND REIMBURSEMENT. The support and staff were amazing, and most importantly our project was successfully funded and is impacting our neighbors through our beautiful new facility.”

Eric Saunders Executive Director, New Hope Ministries

22

Crispus Attucks African American History Museum rendering

Over $32 million in PA RACP Grants were awarded to York County projects at the end of 2022 leveraging total project investment of over $75 million. $5.6 million in financing small business start up or growth.

This includes traditional lending, such as SBA, one Next Generation Farmer loan was closed, and three BLOOM loans were closed.

RURAL ECONOMY A key focus area of the Economic Action Plan is supporting the rural economy in York County, specifically our rural municipalities, agriculture, and businesses at large in these regions of our community.

Rural Economy Roundtable event with Congressman Lloyd Smucker (11th)

Together with regional partners Harrisburg Regional Chamber & CREDC, Lancaster Chamber, and the U.S. Chamber, we provided an advocacy update in D.C. to Congressman Lloyd Smucker and House Committee on Agriculture Chairman Glenn “GT” Thompson.

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MEMBERSHIP “ YCEA HAS

GIVEN D.E. GEMMILL INC. many opportunities to network and showcase our products.

There is a lot of value in being a member.”

1,099

members

invested annually Celebrated

48 Ribbon Cuttings

Colleen Gemmill Vice President, D.E. Gemmill Inc.

24 Top: Ribbon Cutting Ceremony for Level Up Beauty Academy; Bottom: Economics Club event

& EVENTS

Top: Changemaker Celebration event; Bottom: Roth Preap (center) accepting the Ignite Young Professional Award at Showcasing YoCo

85 events were hosted throughout YoCo connecting over 6,000 individuals in attendance.

The 3rd Annual Changemaker Celebration, held at Investment Real Estate (IRE), honoring individuals making a difference in our community received record breaking attendance.

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RESOURCES

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

Connect with us!

VIEW OUR TEAM AND CONTACT INFO

@YorkCountyTrailTowns

MEMBERSHIP

@YCEAPA

@DowntownYorkPA

EVENTS

“ MY WIFE AND I CANNOT EXPRESS ENOUGH HOW GRATEFUL WE ARE TO RECEIVE THIS BLOOM GRANT.

You all are a true blessing to our business!”

Montika & Halman Smith | Owners, Comfort Zone Mattress 2023 Business in Boroughs BLOOM Grant Recipient

ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT & FINANCING Downtown Walking Tour with the York City Police Department

Downtown First Awards

WBCO Luncheon Event

YORK COUNTY ECONOMIC ALLIANCE 2023-2024 BOARD OF DIRECTORS OFFICERS

BOARD MEMBERS

Aneury Perez

Oliver Hoar

Laura Buczkowski

Chair | Hoar Investments

WellSpan Health

Fulton Bank & York Business Improvement District Authority

Ruben Warren

Dr. David Christiansen

Robin Rohrbaugh*

VIce-Chair & Secretary Penn National Gaming, Hollywood Casino York

Penn State York

Grace Quartey, CPA

Dr. Todd Davies West York School District

Treasurer | Grace & Associates

Michael Gaskins

Bev Mackereth

UPMC Memorial & UPMC Hanover

Economic Initiatives Committee Chair | Consultant

Jeffrey Vermeulen

Taylor Groff GroffJulius Design Build

Immediate Past Chair York College of Pennsylvania

Rev. Mark Kearse

SOLICITOR

Joe Malda*

Ronald L. Hershner, Esq. General Counsel Stock and Leader, Attorneys at Law

Cornerstone Baptist Church

FirstEnergy

Bruce Newell MANTEC

Sara Parrish CampusDoor

Community Progress Council, Inc.

Casey “Kat” Rossum Kat Choreography

Barry Schoch KCI Technologies, Inc.

Julian Tolbert Downtown Investor/York Business Improvement District Authority

President Commissioner Julie Wheeler County of York

William T. Yanavitch, II* Kinsley Enterprises *Denotes completed term in 2023

YCEApa.org @YCEAPA