15 minute read
KEVIN’S MESSAGE: CHEERS, YoCo
from Together for the Better: YCEA & Downtown Inc Make Big Things Happen for YoCo | Nov/Dec 2018
by YoCo Connect
Cheers, YoCo!
BY KEVIN J. SCHREIBER
PRESIDENT & CEO, YORK COUNTY ECONOMIC ALLIANCE
Congratulations, YoCo! As 2018 comes down to the final few months, we have much to celebrate. The York community and our YCEA members have had tremendous successes, some of which you will read about in this issue, including Legacy in Hanover, Rise MMJ, and Marshmallow MBA.
At the YCEA, our team has worked tirelessly to move the needle for York County in 2018. While our work isn’t done, we are certainly proud of some of the following highlights:
The Wolf Administration awarded $19.4 million in Pennsylvania Redevelopment Assistance Capital Program (RACP) funding. This amount includes $5 million for the beautification of the Codorus Creek, $3 million to Magnesita Refractories, and $1.4 million to Downtown Hanover. These projects will leverage a total project investment of nearly $75 million. That investment, in turn, will create an exponential indirect economic impact in new jobs, tax base, and construction activity. The YCEA launched the “YoCo Bloom” grant program, providing small business grants to three businesses in York County: MarshmallowMBA, Studio 117 York, and Mt. Rose Barberama. Our dynamic summer interns spearheaded this inaugural program and narrowed down many applications from seven finalists to the final three recipients. We look forward to the next round! We welcomed several of you to events throughout the year, including a sold-out Annual Dinner: Showcasing YoCo, a sold-out Spirit of York County Awards breakfast, and recently sold-out Directors’ DrawDown. We also launched the Brews & Views series at Collusion Tap Works that’s focused on community engagement and growth. We cut 33 ribbons to welcome new businesses, celebrate anniversaries, and honor business growth. And, of course, I’d be remiss not to include perhaps our greatest achievement this year: our strategic affiliation with Downtown Inc (see pages 12-13). Bringing together these two economic powerhouses will create a prosperous County and a thriving downtown.
And we’re just getting started! Together for the better with Downtown Inc, we have expanded our capacity, talent, creativity, and economic drive to better serve York County. Expect us to Make MORE Things Happen in 2019.
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CELEBRATING THE SUCCESSES OF OUR MEMBERS
BY KATIE MAHONEY
VICE PRESIDENT, MARKETING AND COMMUNICATIONS YORK COUNTY ECONOMIC ALLIANCE
PHOTOGRAPHY COURTESY OF YORK COUNTY ECONOMIC ALLIANCE
Cheers, YoCo! With more than 1,100 members, the York County Economic Alliance has well over 1,100 successes this year. From ribbon cuttings and grand openings to anniversaries and milestones countywide, we wish we could profile each and every one. We’ve spotlighted a few of them on the following pages.
MarshmallowMBA: a women-owned small business headquartered in Red Lion and a recipient of the first-ever YCEA YoCo Bloom Grant Program.
Legacy: an apparel manufacturer headquartered in Hanover experienced a merger this year that will result in 200 new jobs in York County in the coming years and position Legacy as one of the country’s largest headwear, apparel, and home goods manufacturers.
RISE York: located in West Manchester Township, and the second of two MMJ dispensaries in York County, RISE brings a new economic-driving industry to our community and offers a step in aiding to cure the opioid crisis.
The YCEA looks forward to working with YOU, our members, to Make even more Things Happen in 2019.
‘ R E A L I Z I N G YO U ’ V E H I T O N S O M E T H I N G ’ : MarshmallowMBA Makes the Confectionery Life Sweet in YoCo
Amy Trout Hughes’ grandmother had a sweet tooth and It was this past July, while exhibiting at the Philadelphia a family that loved to receive candy as gifts. From this Gift Show, when Amy learned MarshmallowMBA had upbringing, Amy was inspired to start MarshmallowMBA, a advanced to the next round of YCEA’s YoCo Bloom Grant gourmet marshmallow business handcrafted in PA. competition. Ultimately, MarshmallowMBA was granted
After more than 20 years in federal consulting, Amy felt $2,500 to purchase a guitar cutter, a confectionery tool, that burnout setting in. A friend, while eating Amy’s marshmallows, will increase manufacturing efficiency by a minimum of 45 told her to use her new MBA and start selling her candy. percent and allow more standardization of their processes as Together with her former roommate from undergrad, Sandra well as higher quality standards. Stegman, they figured “what’s the worst that could happen?” At the beginning of 2018, Amy had hoped that wholesale and launched their company — MarshmallowMBA. would account for about 40 percent of their total revenue for
From Easter 2016, Amy jokes they still have scars. “It was the year. Projections are closer to 70 percent, growing from wild,” she says. “We still have sugar burns. Sandra probably two to 45 wholesale customers. “When your average sale has a scar from where she fell off a chair. We were so goes from $20 to $220, it makes you realize you’re doing unprepared for the demand. That’s when we really knew we something right,” Amy explains. had something.” In 2019, she hopes to continue improving
It’s been full speed ahead since then. MarshmallowMBA MarshmallowMBA’s manufacturing processes and hire now offers more than 100 flavors in their online retail shop. additional employees or “candy stylists” as they are called. In 2017, the dynamic duo built a commercial kitchen in 2017 MarshmallowMBA is interested in sharing their knowledge in Red Lion. “I’m risk averse and very cheap!” says Amy, who to help other startups in food manufacturing. “We think it’s credits Sandra with pushing them to take the risk. The years important to share the good, bad, and ugly of the business. 2016 and 2017 were all retail, and after only having a rare It’s not just about having a passion for food,” she says. In weekend off, Amy did put her MBA to work and pivoted the time, she hopes the commercial kitchen will be available focus toward wholesale. for other home-based industries. With a bright horizon, we
In 2018, Amy and Sandra dipped their toes in the wholesale know MarshmallowMBA is just getting started! trade show market, gleaning insight and wisdom from other candy manufacturers they met at the Philadelphia Candy Show convened by the Retail Confectioners Association of Pennsylvania. “People were amazingly willing to share their lessons learned and experiences,” says Amy. It /MarshmallowMBA helps that MarshmallowMBA isn’t a threat to most other @MarshmallowMba confectioners, she explains, because they don’t utilize much chocolate, which is unique in a market of 80 to 85 percent 717.739.6622 marshmallowmba.com chocolate sellers. 08
LEGACY THRIVES AND EXPANDS IN YoCo
Legacy, located in Hanover, celebrated a monumental milestone earlier this year as the company announced its merger with League, based in Bridgeport, Pennsylvania (outside Philadelphia). Both companies make apparel and accessories. Together, they will operate under parent company L2 Brands LLC and employ nearly 1,000 people.
Founded in 1992, Legacy employs more than 200 people at its facility in Penn Township, while League employs an additional 175 in Bridgeport and another 600 at its factory in El Salvador. League has gained recognition for employing workers with disabilities and in-gang rehabilitation programs, as well as for other corporate social responsibility efforts in El Salvador.
Legacy has raised the bar over the past several years and has experienced tremendous growth. The merger with League will position Legacy as one of the country’s largest headwear, apparel, and home goods manufacturers serving the college and resort and destination markets—all from its headquarters in York County. YCEA is currently working with community partners to assist Legacy with its facility expansion project, an effort which will double the size of the company’s current facility to accommodate 200 new jobs in York County in the coming years.
Legacy’s co-founder, and current L2 Brands CEO, Paige Wingert, says, “We are extremely excited for the opportunities we see as a result of the additional products and resources of our merged companies. All of us at Legacy have long admired League’s products, and both companies are extremely proud of our roots in Pennsylvania. For me, as a Hanover and York County native, I am thrilled about the new jobs that will be created here with the consolidation of all of L2’s warehousing and decoration operations into our new expanded facility in early 2019. I am also very grateful for the partnership and advocacy that Kevin [Schreiber], Kenetha [Hansen], and the entire YCEA team have provided for Legacy at every stage of our growth over the years.”
300 Fame Ave. Hanover PA 17331 717.630.0892
/LegacyAthletic
@Legacy92 legacy92.com
@Legacy_Athletic
R I S E- I N G TO T H E O C CAS I O N : MMJ Dispensaries Address Opioid Crisis
In 2018, YoCo made history by opening not one, but two MMJ dispensaries in the county. RISE York, located in West Manchester Township, opened in October, joining its sister dispensary in Penn Township. The YCEA was proud to welcome them as a member and as a new economic engine for our community. Participating in the grand opening were former Baltimore Ravens offensive tackle Eugene Monroe and former Philadelphia Flyer enforcer Riley Cote. Both spoke about the benefits of medical cannabis, including a reduction of stress and anxiety.
Pennsylvania was the 24th state to legalize medical cannabis. Like many cities nationwide, communities across the Commonwealth are not immune to the effects of the opioid crisis. However, data has shown that states with MMJ dispensaries have seen a reduction of opioid-related deaths by at least 25 percent.
RISE York is owned by Green Thumb Industries (GTI), but its name originates from RISE Dispensaries since the two entities operate in collaboration with one another. “Medical marijuana has personally transformed my life and helps to alleviate the chronic pain I experience from my time playing professional football,” says Monroe, a GTI Partner and cannabis advocate. “I’m thrilled that GTI is expanding in Pennsylvania to bring additional relief to patients and that we continue to educate the public about the benefits of medical marijuana.”
Patients can apply for a medical marijuana card if they suffer from at least one of the 21 serious medical conditions accepted by the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. RISE York will offer all forms of medical marijuana that have been approved by the state.
4395 W. Market St. York, PA 17408 717.800.1729
/RISEYork @risedispensary @risepennsylvania
risedispensaries.com/dispensaries-locations/york
2018 MILESTONES MEMBER
The York County Economic Alliance extends its congratulations to the following members celebrating milestones in 2018. We are pleased to have these members and all our members working among us to create a prosperous York County.
Celebrations:
January
› Herbert, Rowland & Grubic, Inc. - Grand Opening 135 N. George St., York: January 24 February › Express Employment - Grand Opening 31 S. Mills St., Suite 201, York: February 1 › Home & Garden Show (York Builders Association) 334 Carlisle Road, York: 50-Year Anniversary: February 7
April › Common Grounds Coffee House - Grand Opening 109 E. Main St., Dallastown: April 13 › Tailbanger’s Pet Resort LLC - Grand Opening 7580 Hill Road, Dallastown: April 14 › Pivot Physical Therapy - Grand Opening 984 Loucks Road, York: April 19 › Johnson Controls Chiller Unit - Grand Opening 631 S. Richland Ave., York: April 23 May › CASA - Grand Re-Opening 225 E. Princess St., York: May 3 › Sprint - Grand Opening 3167 Cape Horn Road, Red Lion: May 4 › FivesSquared Coworking - Grand Opening 257 E. Market St., Floor 2, York: May 11 › Pyfer Reese Straub Gray & Farhat - Grand Opening 2550 Kingston Road, Suite 310, York: May 18 › Misericordia Nursing & Rehabilitation Center Grand Re-Opening, 75-Year Anniversary 998 S. Russell St., York: May 30 June › Orrstown Bank - Grand Opening 135 N. George St., Suite 202, York: June 6 › Tractor Supply - Grand Opening 3218 Cape Horn Road, Red Lion: June 8 › Penn-Mar Human Services - Grand Opening 888 Far Hills Drive, New Freedom: June 12 › Domani Wealth - Open House 221 W. Philadelphia St., York: June 26 › Farm to Freezer York - Grand Opening 555 Ryan Run Road, Suite P, York: June 29
August › Courtyard by Marriott - Grand Re-Opening 2799 Concord Road, York: August 2 › Hobby Lobby - Grand Opening 460 Town Center Drive, York: August 13 September
› Cupajoe - Grand Opening 284 W. Market St., York: September 7 › Klassy Kidz Salon - Grand Opening 122 E. King St., York: September 7 › CORE Design Group - Grand Opening 155 W. Market St., Suite 200, York: September 20 › The Inn at Wyndridge - Grand Opening 885 S. Pleasant Ave., Dallastown: September 20 October › RISE York - Grand Opening 4395 W. Market St., York: October 2 › TCC Verizon - Grand Opening 3212 Cape Horn Road, Unit 1, Red Lion: October 10 › York Academy - Grand Opening c/o Wagman Construction, 32 W. North St., York: October 21 › Genesis Golf - Grand Opening 200 Bailey Drive #104, Stewartstown: October 23
November › Christian School of York - Grand Re-Opening 907 Greebriar Road, York: November 13
TOGETHER FOR THE BETTER
DOWNTOWN INC and YCEA Strategic Affiliation Aims To Make Big Things Happen For York County and Downtown York
STORY BY MICHAEL VYSKOCIL
YRK CREATIVE
ILLUSTRATION BY YCEA
Two York County economic development powerhouses have teamed up for one dynamic mission: create prosperity for York County’s (YoCo) present and future.
In September, Downtown Inc and the York County Economic Alliance (YCEA) announced the creation of a strategic affiliation aimed at enabling both organizations to better serve York County and Downtown York. The announcement comes after multiyear conversations held between Downtown Inc and the YCEA about ways they could increase capacity without diminishing the impact each one has made in economic development efforts for York County and Downtown York.
An Opportunity to Seize Momentum
As part of its strategic affiliation, Downtown Inc and the YCEA will maintain their individual identities, employees, programming, and focus areas. For Downtown Inc, its team has become YCEA employees, with Silas Chamberlin, Downtown Inc’s current CEO, filling a newly created role as Vice President of Economic and Community Development with the YCEA.
Mandy Arnold, president of the Board of Directors for Downtown Inc, says that a strategic affiliation enables each organization to preserve its respective missions.
Arnold—who has been involved with Downtown Inc for more than a decade—owns Gavin™, a digitally minded public relations and marketing agency, and co-owns The Left Bank Restaurant & Bar, both based in Downtown York. Commenting on the affiliation, she says that both organizations will be able to access more resources to make a greater impact on economic development at a macro and micro level. Delta, Dover, Glen Rock, Red Lion, Spring Grove, and Wrightsville…these names represent only some of the many municipalities at the heart of YoCo. Thanks to the Downtown Inc–YCEA affiliation, these communities will now be able to access the “Main Street” expertise of the Downtown Inc team, individuals with a proven track record of encouraging and promoting economic development and investment with a downtownminded focus. “We recognize that these communities could benefit from technical expertise such as urban landscaping, business YCEA Board of Directors Chair Claire Forbush says that this affiliation reflects the YCEA’s continued advocacy for YoCo’s future economic prosperity. “York County has very unique things to offer—access to the Susquehanna River, breweries, factory tours, the Rail Trail, and small towns. Both small and international businesses are based here. It makes sense to promote all these offerings through a collaborative partnership.” The introduction of the new brand identity for Downtown York—Historically Edgy—offered further validation of the need for Downtown Inc to have access to expanded resources to ensure greater momentum for the brand introduction and goals for the regional tourism effort.
“As we advance our vision of economic progress, we know that the role our downtown plays in the broader success of the region requires greater collaboration while continuously improving access to resources for the business improvement district,” she adds. “This strategic affiliation empowers our team to drive greater outcomes through improved financial tools, enhanced service capacity, and expanded reach in elevating the understanding of downtown’s role in York’s overall prosperity. This affiliation provides Downtown Inc the horsepower we’ve been envisioning in order to deliver high
Support for YoCo’s Main Street Communities
impact outcomes.” development, pedestrian accessibility, and targeted programming that we’ve focused on with Downtown Inc,” Chamberlin says.
He notes evidence of the interest in building strong “Main Street” communities across YoCo. John T. McLucas, director of community development for the Borough of Spring Grove, has worked to organize and promote activities and events that benefit the Spring Grove community. Chamberlin also cites the efforts of Main Street Hanover and its mission to
Collaboration to Create Economic Competitiveness for YoCo
bolster economic activity in Downtown Hanover. “We celebrate the boards, staff, volunteers, and countless others who got both of these organizations from initial discussions to crossing the finish line,” says Kevin Schreiber, President and CEO of the York County Economic Alliance. “This affiliation creates economic competitiveness for York County. Our economic output is $16 billion a year, so we need to be working to complement one another’s strengths. A strong county and city are inextricably linked.”
