Our work is driven by the York County Economic Action Plan to:
FUEL
OPPORTUNITIES
FOR ALL PEOPLE
YORK COUNTY’S SENSE OF PLACE
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 .
Left: Hiring Fair hosted at WellSpan Park; Above: The 2024 Changemakers
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 |
CUMULATIVE SINCE 2022
$2,428,478 IN LOANS & GRANTS
LOANS:
$1,780,000 to 21 small businesses , creating 156 jobs and retaining 72 jobs
Businesses
GRANTS: $648,478 to 279 small businesses , representing over 400 jobs
IN 2024
$167,000 granted to 44 businesses with an average grant of $3,795.
$1.1 MILLION loaned to 13 businesses with an average loan of $84,000 at a 4.1% interest rate.
PARTICIPANTS, YEAR TO DATE, expanded skills in financial stability, marketing, hiring & HR, and legal, through classes and bootcamps.
56% Operating a Business 43% Looking to Launch a Business
“We have been so grateful for the resources that BLOOM offers.
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
BLOOM graduates, along with York County Commissioners Julie Wheeler and Scott Burford, gather in the 1741 Club to receive their certificates and celebrate together.
PATHWAYS WORKFORCE GRANTS:
$40,000 awarded to 4 nonprofits:
· New Hope Ministries
· York Builders Association
· York County Alliance for Learning
With a THRIVE grant from York County Community Foundation , this funding connects individuals with opportunity and training supports for economic mobility.
· York Literacy Institute SCAN THE QR CODE to view WhyYorkPA.com , a talent attraction and retention resource site. HEY EMPLOYERS!
1,700 JOB SEEKERS attended 4 Hiring Fairs , to advance their careers by connecting with over 30 employers at each fair. IN 2024
“With
WeeConnect receiving the ECHO Grant , it allowed them to open a space specifically for sensory regulation. The team is more like familythey 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 York Day Early Learning Center
Children of Marisela’s Garden Babysitting Service
THROUGH YEAR ONE OF ECHO:
854 188 19
New Children enrolled New Early Learning Professionals hired
Teacher Aides trained
BLOOM GRANTS:
15 NEW CHILD CARE PROGRAMS awarded $440,000
ECHO INNOVATION GRANTS:
28 CHILD CARE PROGRAMS awarded $1,202,398
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
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.
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
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.
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.
FUNDING awarded to 8 Projects in Seven Valleys Borough , North York Borough , and York City. IN 2024
$364,200 IN DEMOLITION GRANT
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.
Codorus Greenway
created, and 4 retained, across all 7 trail towns , bringing the total to now designated as Trail-Friendly.
awarded $82,000 to improve signage, lighting and curb appeal, with an average grant of $5,000.
awarded $86,748.30 for advancements in marketing & sales, minor capital improvements or equipment, and expanding their team.
“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. ”
PENNY ZECH OWNER, GUNG HO BIKES
FACADE GRANT RECIPIENT
Lori and Jason Capello, Owners of Wrightsville’s Half Nuts Popcorn Co., a trail-friendly business
STRATEGIC INVESTMENTS
$100,000 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.
Public safety improvements in New Freedom Borough , including pavement and sidewalk treatments and light installation.
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.
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
“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)
YORK COUNTY HOUSING STUDY ACTION AGENDA
TOGETHER,
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.
· Creation of a private and public housing developers roundtable.
· Engage employers to support housing access for workforce recruitment and retention.
· 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.
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:
· American Planning Association of Pennsylvania’s annual conference in Erie
· Lebanon County’s Let’s Talk Housing summit
· Pennsylvania Downtown Center’s annual conference
· Association of Chamber of Commerce Executives convening
· Governor Sharpiro’s Housing Roundtable
· Annual Southern Delmarva Economic Forecast
SCAN THE QR CODE to view the York County Housing Action Agenda
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.
Silas Chamberlin, Ph.D., presents at the Lebanon County ‘Let’s Talk’ Housing summit
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:
9,500+ POUNDS
5,000 HOURS of litter removed spent removing graffiti, weeds, and litter
50+ pedestrian and vehicular wayfinding signs and terminals were installed through the Explore York tourism grant program.
200+ DOWNTOWN REVITALIZATION PROFESSIONALS
from across the Commonwealth attended the Pennsylvania Downtown Center Conference, held at the Yorktowne Hotel.
PUBLIC SAFETY
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.
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.
“Downtown Inc has helped my business in many ways. The team has built a relationship with me , and is available for any concerns or questions I may have.”
ROBERT BROWN OWNER, INSPIRED IMAGEZ
Attendees of the Pennsylvania Downtown Center Conference
Merchants highlighted in the Spring issue of Downtown York magazine, hosted at Hamir’s Indian Fusion
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
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.
Skillet2Plate Soul Bistro opened an expanded location in the WeCo District of Downtown York.
Rendering of Heritage Crossings, the mixed-use space in Downtown York’s Northwest Triangle
$99.8 MILLION in capital investment across York County.
underway at the Crispus Attucks York History and Culture Center.
the brand new York County History Center, opened in 2024, and continuing to tell YoCo’s story.
YWCA York Camp Cann-Edi-On renovations and capital improvements completed to better serve YoCo youth.
”
“YCEA provided invaluable support throughout our loan application and building process making it even smoother from start to grand opening. We truly appreciate their guidance and partnership!
ELISHA RIGGINS CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER, R&S FENCE & RAILING SUPPLY
ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT & FINANCING
$14.5 MILLION in PA RACP grants awarded to 9 projects
$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.
WellSpan Health breaking ground on a state-of-the-art hospital in Newberry Township .
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.
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
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.
Farm & Natural Lands Trust has worked to preserve over 15,000 acres across York County.
& MEMBERSHIP 100+ events held, welcoming over 4,000 attendees IN 2024
India Banks (center) honored as a 2024 Changemaker.
Daysha Illarza (center) accepting the Ignite Young Professional Award at Showcasing YoCo.
Philanthropic and corporate leaders Dave Meckley, Natalee Gunderson, and Cindy Fruitrail speak at an Economics Club event.
“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
THANK YOU TO OUR
1,071 MEMBERS who invest annually!
71 MEMBERS celebrated through Ribbon Cuttings.
Jakyra Simpson cuts the ribbon for STEAM Sneakerheadz, located at York College of Pennsylvania’s J.D. Brown Center for Entrepreneurship.
Jackie Summers (front row, center) honored as the 2024 ATHENA, with fellow past honorees.
900+ BUSINESSES
promoted through social media, print publications,and e-newsletters, sharing the stories and successes of our partnership.
7 with combined reach of 30,000 across York County and into neighboring states in partnership with Getaways on Display.
“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
Liquid Hero Brewery Pub expanded their operations in Downtown Yorkafter opening in 2011.
The panel and sponsors of May’s Economics Club event focused on entrepreneurialism.
York Time Institute, located in Downtown York, has provided historic watch and clock-making traditions for over 17 years.
RESOURCES
@YorkCountyTrailTowns
@DowntownYorkPA
Development & Financing
THANK YOU TO OUR YCEA BOARD MEMBERS!
2025 Executive Committee:
Oliver Hoar - Hoar Investments, Chair
Sara Parrish – CampusDoor, Vice-Chair & Secretary
Laura Buczkowski – WellSpan Health, Treasurer
Bev Mackereth – Mackereth
Consulting, Economic Initiatives Chair
Jeff Vermeulen – York College of Pennsylvania, Immediate Past Chair
2024-2025 Members of the Board: (*concluded their term in 2024)
*David Christiansen – Penn State York
Todd Davies – West York School District
Lauren Days – Sara Ellen Event Venue & Skillet2Plate Soul Bistro
Michael Gaskins – UPMC
Taylor Groff - GroffJulius
*Rev. Mark Kearse – Cornerstone Baptist Church
Katie Kinsley – Kinsley Enterprises
Christina McCullough – Stewart & Tate
Bruce Newell – Mantec
Aneury Perez – Fulton Bank
*Grace Quartey – Grace & Associates
Christopher Rockey – PNC
*Casey (Kat) Rossum – Kat Choreography
Barry Schoch – KCI Technologies
*Julian Tolbert – Downtown Investor
*Ruben Warren – Hollywood Casino, York
Julie Wheeler – County of York
Ronesha Willis – RHI Magnesita
@YCEAPA