YEAR IN REVIEW 2022
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. We are knowledgeable. We are driven. We are inclusive. We are futuristic. We are YoCo.
CREATE OPPORTUNITIES FOR ALL PEOPLE ENHANCE YORK COUNTY’S SENSE OF PLACE FUEL THE ENGINES OF PROSPERITY IN 2022 & 220+ $115M CREATED SUPPORTED OVER NEW JOBS IN ECONOMIC INVESTMENT IN YORK COUNTY OUR TEAM FACILITATED PROJECTS & INITIATIVES THAT Our work is driven by the York County Economic Action Plan to: To learn more about the York County Economic Action Plan, visit YorkCountyEAP.org YORK COUNTY ECONOMIC ALLIANCE AFFILIATES Economic Development Corporation General Authority Industrial Development Authority Partnership for Economic Development Redevelopment Authority York Business Improvement District Authority York County Land Bank Authority Chamber of Commerce Downtown Inc
CREATE OPPORTUNITIES FOR ALL PEOPLE
> BLOOM BUSINESS EMPOWERMENT CENTER
> WELCOMING WORKPLACES
BLOOM Business Empowerment Center launched with $6.8 million to offer education, resources and capital to small business owners across YoCo.
Awarded the first BLOOM Loan to Jen Heasley of Cooking with the Pros and Sweet Mama’s Mambo Sauce to expand her facility and offerings.
BLOOM Small Business Development Program hosted 101 and 201 level courses, with over 150 total participants.
BLOOM Small Business Development Program Graduates
Awarded a total of $115,978 in BLOOM Grants to 77 small businesses, including:
• 2021 & 2022 BLOOM Small Business Class Perfect Attendance
- $30,000 awarded to 20 recipients
• York County Trail Towns - $24,978 awarded to 12 recipients
• Downtown York - $20,500 awarded to 13 recipients
• Downtown Hanover - $18,000 awarded to 12 recipients
• Women Owned Businesses - $22,500 awarded to 20 recipients
The BLOOM Business Empowerment Center believed in me and granted me their very first business loan, because they saw something in me that other lending institutions were missing. They were attentive to my story from beginning to end.
JEN HEASLEY
Bottom: Downtown York BLOOM Grant Recipients; Top: The first BLOOM Loan Recipient, Jen Heasley
Cooking with the Pros & Sweet Mama’s Mambo Sauce | BLOOM Loan Recipient
Welcoming Workplaces, developed to identify, share, and spotlight the work being done by our corporate community to attract, train, and retain diverse, talented employees, grew to 50 major employers. Launched WhyYorkPA.com to attract, retain, and elevate the best employees.
Continued to focus on workforce development with the Federal Reserve as part of the Reinventing Our Communities designation.
300+
65 JOB SEEKERS EMPLOYERS
TO
THROUGH
3
CAREER FAIRS WITH A FOCUS ON RE-ENTRY
IN PARTNERSHIP WITH THE YORK REVOLUTION
6 | CREATE OPPORTUNITIES FOR ALL PEOPLE
CONNECTED
July’s Economics Club Event, featuring Welcoming Workplaces
Childcare continues to be a barrier for workforce stability.
In a recent report, 54% of employers believe they lost employees during the height of the pandemic due to difficulty accessing childcare, and 38% of employers indicated their employees currently have an active moderate to high childcare need. YCEA has collaborated with groups like the Early Learning Investment Commission, the PA Chamber of Business & Industry, Community Connections for Childcare, and Start Strong PA to address this barrier.
Stat Source: PA Chamber of Business & Industry and Pennsylvania Early Learning Investment Commission. The Impact of Childcare on Business and the Workforce. 2021.
When we build a more diverse, inclusive community, that is going to attract and retain the future of talented employees of all backgrounds that is so important to York County’s prosperity and vibrant economy.
WILLIAM T. YANAVITCH II Chief Human Resources Officer | Kinsley Enterprises
Employer’s Case for Non-Traditional Hour Child Care Report Release and Discussion Roundtable
PROMOTED 900 BUSINESSES SOCIAL MEDIA, PRINT PUBLICATIONS, & E-NEWSLETTERS THROUGH OVER 7 PRINT & DIGITAL PUBLICATIONS
COMBINED REACH OF
Top, Left: Lindsey McBride, House of York; Top, Right: Henry Boulding II, Boulding Mortuary, Inc.; Bottom: Skillet2Plate Soul Bistro Ribbon Cutting Ceremony
WITH
30,000
BY OVER
FOLLOWED 50,000 ON SOCIAL MEDIA OUTLETS
11,800+ CONNECTED WITH YCEA 39,100+ CONNECTED WITH DOWNTOWN INC
Top: Staff of South County Brewing Company; Bottom, Left: Marissa Shockley, The Sweetest Thing; Bottom, Right: Laser Alleys, August Member of the Month
ENHANCE YORK COUNTY’S SENSE OF PLACE
> YORK COUNTY INDUSTRIAL DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY
> REDEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY FOR THE COUNTY OF YORK
> YORK COUNTY TRAIL TOWNS
> CODORUS GREENWAY
> YoCo FIBER
> LAND BANK AUTHORITY
> STRATEGIC REDEVELOPMENT
> DOWNTOWN INC
> YORK BUSINESS IMPROVEMENT DISTRICT
Construction was completed at the historic Yorktowne Hotel. The 98-year-old, historic gem was successfully redeveloped, reopened, and reintroduced to YoCo!
Left: The Yorktowne Hotel’s Re-opening Ribbon Cutting Ceremony; Right: Dining in the new Davidson Lobby.
As part of the Yorktowne Hotel project we created and launched the John A. Lambert Hospitality Certification Training Program, to support employment at the hotel and other hospitality industry employers. The program graduated 53 participants, several of whom have been hired by the Yorktowne Hotel.
ENHANCE YORK COUNTY’S SENSE OF PLACE | 11
I thought the program was wonderful, because it gives people who want to work, and are looking for new opportunities in York, an opportunity to be empowered.
LIA ESPINAL
Graduate of the John A. Lambert Hospitality Certification Training Program
Graduates of the John A. Lambert Hospitality Certification Training Program
The Hanover Trolley Trail has started the path towards completion to tie into the Heritage Rail Trail, and state funds have been designated to support Ruins Hall in Glen Rock.
Ale Craft, a trail-friendly business located in Railroad, noted Southern YoCo’s connection to the trail and overall community as the “no brainer” reason for relocating from Bel Air, MD. They are active in the Rail Trail Towns Business Networking Group, a group of Trail Towns businesses formed to coordinate efforts.
Supported 12 businesses in the Trail Towns with $24,978 through BLOOM Grants.
BOASTING 24
DESIGNATED
TRAIL-FRIENDLY BUSINESSES
WITHIN THE TRAIL TOWN COMMUNITIES
12 | ENHANCE YORK COUNTY’S SENSE OF PLACE
Rendering of development to Ruins Hall in Glen Rock
We are POPPING with excitement since becoming a Trail-Friendly Business. A new flow of customers have certainly made their way to our small business!
We appreciate the YCEA and their effort and guidance in bringing new customers and energy to our Trail Town.
GINA FREY-JONES Owner | Half Nuts Popcorn Co. LLC
Top: Trail Towns BLOOM Grant Recipients; Bottom, Left: Senator Kristin Phillips-Hill during tour of Hanover; Bottom, Right: FestivICE Event
$26 million raised with the initial phase of construction from Grantley Avenue to College Avenue commencing in 2023.
The revitalization of the Codorus Greenway will be transformative for generations to come.
The investment made in York College’s Knowledge Park was, in part, inspired by the promise of this development enhancing the attraction of students and businesses to the College and our community.
It’s more than just land development, it’s about enhanced quality of life, and development of residents in our community.
DR. PAMELA GUNTER-SMITH President | York College of Pennsylvania
14 | ENHANCE YORK COUNTY’S SENSE OF PLACE
First Phase Rendering of the Codorus Greenway by abSketches
YoCo Fiber has lit 16 miles under the Heritage Rail Trail offering a free WiFi service to Trail users. Design and engineering were completed for the Urban Wireless projects in the York and Hanover metropolitan areas.
AWARDED
LAST MILE CONTRACT TO
TO CONNECT WITH
HOMES & BUSINESSES TO BROADBAND
LIT COMMUNITIES OF THEIR OWN
5,000 PRIVATE CAPITAL
$8M
Left: Hanover Junction along the Heritage Rail Trail; Right: Silas Chamberlain, YCEA’s Chief Strategy Officer & Vice President, Economic & Community Development and President Commissioner Julie Wheeler
16 | ENHANCE YORK COUNTY’S SENSE OF PLACE COMPLETED 10 BLIGHT DEMOLITIONS The Land Bank Authority demolished 10 blighted, vacant, nuisance properties, supporting neighborhood pride and property values. Completed demo projects in 2022, in municipalities: • Spring Grove • York City • Hallam Township • Hellam Borough • Dover Township • Dallastown Borough
IN 2022
Left: Thackston Homes Demo; Right: Rendering of Thackston Homes Streetscape
STRATEGIC REDEVELOPMENT
Targeted the former Hanover Theater in Downtown Hanover and the former U.S. Post Office in Downtown York for redevelopment. Both properties are critical to the respective downtowns and have sat fallow for several years.
Ballpark Commons advanced to demolition, preparing to redesign the gateway to the city adjacent to WellSpan Park.
Top, Left: Hanover Theater; Top. Right: Ballpark Commons;
ENHANCE YORK COUNTY’S SENSE OF PLACE | 17
Bottom, Left: U.S. Post Office in Downtown York
CELEBRATED PROMOTED 30+ 300 NEW OR EXPANDED BUSINESS OPENINGS BUSINESSES THROUGH 2022 VIA DIGITAL & PRINT PLATFORMS NEARLY Top: Ms. Millan’s English Class & STEAM Students at William Penn High School, Winners of April 2022’s Downtown Clean 15; Bottom, Left: Sweetest Pint Tasting Tour Group; Bottom, Right: Hamir’s Indian Fusion, Downtown First Awards: Outstanding Merchant
Secured over $300,000 to support destination marketing for Downtown York to reignite our tourism industry post-pandemic, in partnership with Explore York.
Launched TikTok with posts reaching over 6k views.
To follow, scan the QR code.
Having support from Downtown Inc is huge because they recognize the value of what the arts means to Downtown, and how the arts are integral to the growth and sustainability of our Downtown area.
The support that I have received in becoming a more entrenched artist in Downtown York has made my offerings and abilities broader and better to serve the community and other creatives.
Over 300 attendees of Sweetest Pint were introduced to Downtown merchants and local restaurants through the sold out walking tours.
$20,500 in BLOOM Grants awarded to 13 businesses within Downtown York.
ENHANCE YORK COUNTY’S SENSE OF PLACE | 19
OPHELIA CHAMBLISS Artist | Ophelia’s Making Agency
Ribbon Cutting Ceremony for a new mural by Ophelia Chambliss
York County received a cumulative award of $55.5 million in Pennsylvania Redevelopment Assistance Capital Program (RACP) grant funding for transformative projects.
FUEL THE ENGINES OF PROSPERITY
> ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT & FINANCING
> MEMBERSHIP & EVENTS
> ENROOT GATHERINGS
Campus Door and Mobile Climate Controls (MCC), respectively a financial technology company, and industrial climate control equipment manufacturer relocated their headquarters to York County, resulting in over 220 new jobs.
Mobile Climate Controls (MCC) Ribbon Cutting Ceremony
It is a pleasure to work with the YCEA team on the RACP grant; they are very organized and knowledgeable about all the intricacies of the RACP documentation. Their guidance provides so much needed assistance to this sometimes daunting process. We highly recommend the YCEA team.
DONNA M. WILLIAMS Chief Financial Officer | Crispus Attucks Association
ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT AND FINANCING
SBA 504 LOAN KIZ TAX CREDIT TO TO
KS TOOLING RETURN LOGIC
FUEL THE ENGINES OF PROSPERITY | 21
Plaza 34 in Hanover, a recently completed RACP project
$2,363,000 $100,000
WORKING
$4,200,000 $576,000
WITH WITH A SBA LOAN SBA LOAN TO TO
SOUTH COUNTY BREWING COMPANY HOUSE OF BREW (IN PROCESS) (IN PROCESS)
37 ACTIVE FUNDING PROJECTS
TOTAL
LOAN/GRANT AMOUNT OF APPROXIMATELY
$178M
22 | FUEL THE ENGINES OF PROSPERITY
Interior of South County Brewing Company
FACILITATED
THAT CREATED OVER
220+ $115M
SUPPORTED
PROJECTS & INITIATIVES NEW JOBS IN YORK COUNTY IN ECONOMIC INVESTMENT
The Next Generation Farmer Loan (NGFL) helped ease some of the financial burden of buying a farm as first-generation farmers by offering a lower interest rate program. We’re thankful for the YCEA’s part in it to help ease some of those burdens.
ANISSA CANTEY
Owner | Windsor Valley Farm Market
MEMBERSHIP AND EVENTS
Supported over 1,000 members who invest in us annually.
Celebrated 50 Ribbon Cuttings throughout YoCo, with 25 of them being in Downtown York.
The YCEA, through informative member programming, networking opportunities, and helping us connect with the community, has been a wonderful resource...helping us reach more patients and families in need of our care, as well as philanthropic support for our charitable services.
STEVE KNAUB President & CEO | Hospice & Community Care
Events are back! We hosted over 100 Events across YoCo with over 4,000 individuals attending to celebrate, educate, and connect business owners and community members, including 150 golfers to the annual Golf Outing, and over 300 to experience the raffle of a Harley-Davidson at Showcasing YoCo.
24 | FUEL THE ENGINES OF PROSPERITY
Ribbon Cutting Ceremony for PennCares
enroot Gatherings hightlights include:
• York Story Slam welcomed 500 people, sharing 85 true, personal stories.
• Kable House Presents welcomed more than 1,000 people by hosting 11 shows, including a sold-out event at Wyndridge Farm and a summertime show at Valencia Ballroom.
• PechaKucha Night York hosted 3 events, with a combined total of about 350 attendees.
• Project Nucleus returned for the first time since 2016 and welcomed about 40 participants from around York County and beyond, representing a wide variety of businesses, organizations, and community initiatives.
Top: Jada Richardson (center) accepting the Ignite Young Professional Award at Showcasing YoCo; Bottom, Left: Golf Outing; Bottom, Middle: York Story Slam; Bottom, Right: Kable House Presents show at Central Market
The YCEA has been an indispensable partner since launching in 2018. Their support and resources, and especially the YCEA Team, has been a key component in the expansion of our exclusive, educational, and entertaining craft beer experiences throughout South-Central Pennsylvania.
GLENN J. SMITH Founder | Brewery Tours, LLC
MEMBERSHIP EVENTS
HOW
CONNECT WITH THE YCEA AND SEE
WE CAN MAKE THINGS HAPPEN TOGETHER.
THE CHANGEMAKERS CONNECT WITH US! VIEW OUR TEAM AND CONTACT INFO @YCEAPA @DowntownYorkPA @YorkCountyTrailTowns
RESOURCES
ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT & FINANCING
An investment in the YCEA is an investment in York County. We Make Things Happen everyday - our board, team, members, ambassadors, and stakeholders wake up daily laser focused on YoCo’s future. This is our competitive advantage. It’s our return on investment. We are YoCo!
JEFF VERMEULEN Chair | YCEA Board of Directors
Economics Club Event
BLOOM Business Empowerment Center Launch Annoucement
The Spirit of YoCo Awards Event
YCEApa.org @YCEAPA