A publication of the York County Economic Alliance • SPRING 2022
LEADING
transformation education THRO U G H
Celebrating Women’s History Month with Leaders in Education
› WBCO BLOOM Grant Recipients › Myra Gillis of Gillice Italian Ice and Ice Cream
I N
TH IS
05
IS S U E
HEAR FROM US
A message from Sully Pinos
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Celebrating Women’s History Month with Leaders in Education
L E A D I N G
transformation education T HROUGH
ON THE COVER
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DR. PAMELA GUNTER-SMITH | President York College of Pennsylvania
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DR. ANDREA BERRY | Superintendent School District of the City of York
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LISA RUMSEY | VP of Programming York Day Nursery DEB ROHRBAUGH | Associate Director Kinsley Education Center
BLOOM BUSINESS EMPOWERMENT CENTER
WBCO Grant Recipients
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YORK COUNTY TRAIL TOWNS
Small Business Spotlight: Gillice Italian Ice & Ice Cream
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ADVOCACY
Internet Expansion in York County
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EVENTS
The cover feature was shot on location at Keystone Kidspace-Downtown York’s newest space for kids to make a mess, try new things, fail, and try again. This exciting space offers fun while learning about science, technology, engineering, art and math through interactive exhibits, handson activities and unique classes for the entire family. A place to help the young dreamers of today become the leaders of tomorrow! Keystone Kidspace was home to the former York Armory building. The Redevelopment Authority for the County of York (RACY), staffed by the YCEA, was vital in holding the title of the building until it was able to be transferred to Keystone Kidspace for redevelopment. Our team also assisted in securing $2.65 million in Redevelopment Assistance Capital Program (RACP) grants from the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania to reuse the historic site. A special thanks to Jessica Brubaker, Executive Director and the entire Keystone Kidspace team for their gracious hospitality!
KEYSTONE KIDSPACE 10 E. Hamilton Ave, York, PA 17401 (717) 900-9915 | keystonekidspace.org
C R E D ITS
View the digital version of YoCo Connect online at Issuu.com/YoCoConnect.
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The opinions expressed in this material are for general information only and are not intended to provide specific advice or recommendations for any individual.
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York, PA 17401
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@YCEAPA ADVERTISING Casey Nixon | cnixon@yceapa.org
04 • YoCo CONNECT | SPRING 2022 • Credits
HE A R
F R O M
U S
BY SULLY PINOS | EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR BLOOM Business Empowerment Center Growing up, my family always encouraged and supported us to pursue education. My family emigrated from Ecuador, so education was the one component of their assimilation that helped them along their way to pursue their GED, English as a Second Language certificates and ultimately, their Naturalization to become U.S. Citizens. With their support, I was fortunate to pursue higher education and be the first one in my family to do so. In this issue, we’re highlighting and celebrating Women’s History Month and the impact education plays in our daily lives. We are honored to feature a series of talented and passionate leaders who have dedicated their careers to giving back to their community by education. As education can take on many forms, they are constant learners emanating from a variety of backgrounds in science, construction, early education and more. One thing that remains is their ability to adapt and evolve to maintain engagement and learning for their students. This ability to evolve is vital because it’s in those moments the engines of creativity are ignited and provide immediate relief to a need in the community.
particularly evident in those businesses owned by women and persons of color. Because of that learning, we have evolved our services to launch the BLOOM Business Empowerment Center as a one stop shop of resources. This organizational evolution has allowed my own
It’s in that lesson our organization has been evolving to better serve small businesses and our county when it comes to entrepreneurship and economic mobility. We’ve offered free education for small business owners, free training for individuals to go into the manufacturing sector, women’s business networking and training through our Women’s Business Center Organization, nearly $30M in small business relief and close to $300,000 in micro grants to entrepreneurs across York County. Through those services, we saw the need and opportunity to dedicate
personal education, and evolution. Joining the YCEA just over five years ago, I’ve worked closely with major employers and small businesses on workforce development, women’s programming, small business education and grants, and more as part of a dynamic team. As I step into the role of Executive Director of the BLOOM Business Empowerment Center, my passion for our work has never been greater. The drive to learn more, instilled at a young age, and provide solutions and resources, will continue to drive my work, and the vision of BLOOM.
additional capacity and wrap around services to make more sustainable impact for small businesses. To emphasize the need, we learned from York County’s Economic Action Plan that we lag the state and national
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average in business startups and growth, and that is
05 • YoCo CONNECT | SPRING 2022 • Hear From Us
L E A DING THROUGH
As we celebrate Women’s History Month, , we highlight education - an industry that can take many forms and impacts our daily lives. On the following pages, we introduce you to four women who, using their backgrounds in science, construction, early education and more, are engaging students through all stages of life and learning. These leaders are using their talents and passion to give back to their community and help shape our future leaders.
C O U R AG E ,
persistence,
R E S I L I E N C Y Dr. Pamela Gunter-Smith | President, York College of Pennsylvania BY KATIE MAHONEY VICE PRESIDENT, MARKETING & COMMUNICATIONS
“My mother once told me that she always wanted to be the wife of a college president, but that I could be one.” Dr. Pamela Gunter-Smith, President of York College of Pennsylvania, didn’t intend on a career in education administration. After twelve years as a research scientist and multiple opportunities to lead and guide projects in that arena, she discovered that she had a talent for generating enthusiasm about projects that needed funding to those in a position to fund them. When speaking of her decision to transition from a research scientist to a teacher-educator she shared, “I decided that I could either write 30 science papers, or I could help 30 people each write 30 papers – that would be impactful. How much time does one have to have an impact or to do what you’re going to do? Time moves fast. I asked myself ‘what do I want my legacy to be?’ I wanted to influence other young women, especially of color, to achieve their own path. It’s never been about me. It’s about what I can do for those who come behind me.”
“I wanted to influence other young women, especially of color, to achieve their own path. It’s never been about me, it’s about what I can do for those who come behind me.”
08 • YoCo CONNECT | SPRING 2022 • Leading Transformation Through Education
Undoubtedly, Dr. Gunter-Smith has done so in every level of her career, and certainly at York College. Her focus has been bringing together students and community, not just one or the other. Evidenced by the demographic shifts in students, and more first-generation students enrolling, change has been happening under her leadership. “We are putting an emphasis on a sense of belonging as being key to students’ success,” Dr. Gunter-Smith states. “We’re in the knowledge economy, and our task is to prepare graduates for a lifetime of meaningful careers. Not just what you’ve done, but what you are capable of doing 5, 6, 7, 8 jobs from now.”
She practices what she preaches, with her own personal journey mirroring her leadership style. “Each position you have should build upon something else you’ve done, and build on the skills you have to transfer to the next situation,” she shares. Dr. Gunter-Smith encourages students, colleagues, and all to do a skill assessment and determine how those skills are going to get you to that next step, while at the same time not getting too comfortable. “Stay long enough to have an impact, but not so long that you miss other opportunities along the way.” And how to do that? “Broaden your circle,” she says. “Have people and mentors around you who know what your talents are, and in that circle, people who know what you are capable of doing.”
YORK COLLEGE OF PENNSYLVANIA 441 Country Club Rd, York, PA 17403 717.846.7788 | ycp.edu
S T E A D FA S T
servanthood
Dr. Andrea Berry | Superintendent, School District of the City of York BY JONATHAN DESMARAIS DIRECTOR, DOWNTOWN INC
For Dr. Andrea J. Berry, Superintendent of the York City Public School District, the challenges may be great, but the sources of motivation are even greater. She explains, “seeing the underdog, the students that people often give up on finding success is motivation for me.” While not a native of York, Dr. Berry is proud to call York home. As a product of the Jersey City Public School District, she went on to pursue degrees at Cheyney University, Western Maryland University (now McDaniel College), and Argosy University. Prior to coming to York, she worked on the Eastern Shore of Maryland as an elementary teacher, principal, and district-level supervisor.
“Our students are definitely not the problem. They’re the solution.”
After being promoted from Assistant Superintendent to Superintendent three years ago, she has been able to advance positive change. Most noticeably, with the transition to virtual learning during the 2020-2021 school year, Dr. Berry instituted the district-wide Wellness Wednesdays initiative, turning school buildings into community hubs, offering families and students mental health services, social services, and even COVID-19 vaccines. In addition, with the support of community partners Family First Health and Communities in Schools, street teams were assembled by the District’s Pandemic Committee to provide in-person services to students and their families. This holistic approach reaped numerous benefits after the students returned to in-person learning this past school year.
10 • YoCo CONNECT | SPRING 2022 • Leading Transformation Through Education
Throughout her educational career, Dr. Berry has drawn inspiration from many women, but perhaps most significantly from famed American educator, writer, and civil rights activist, Mary McLeod Bethune. From her example, Dr. Berry learned that effective leadership requires a spirit of servanthood, felt from the heart and implemented by the hands. While her job has not always been easy, Dr. Berry remains steadfast in her commitment to the students of York City who continually inspire her: “despite all of the obstacles, the trauma, and the tragedies that some of our families and students experience, the fact that they are so steadfast on being the best that they can be through it all; that’s motivational to me.” The York County Economic Alliance is proud to celebrate the ongoing work of Dr. Berry and the York City School District, because after all, “You can’t hide….THAT BEARCAT PRIDE!”
SCHOOL DISTRICT OF THE CITY OF YORK 31 North Pershing Ave. York, PA 17401 717.845.3571 ycs.k12.pa.us
“I’m honored to be representing the early childhood field. York County has made a lot of strides over the years. Particularly, I’m so proud to be working with York Day Nursery.”
PRE P ARI NG E A R L Y L E AR N E R S
for the future
Lisa Rumsey VP of Programming York Day Nursery
BY JJ SHEFFER I DIRECTOR, COMMUNITY PROGRAMS
Lisa Rumsey has always loved working with young children. She has also found fulfillment in helping to support others in finding the same sense of joy in working with early learners. “We know that the greatest amount of brain development occurs between birth and age three to age five,” Rumsey says. “So here I am, trying to make a difference, and help other professionals make that difference, too.” Rumsey has worked in early learning for 37 years, the last 19 of which she’s spent at York Day Nursery, most recently as their VP of Programming. York Day Nursery is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit charitable organization, accredited by NAEYC (National Association for the Education of Young Children) and holding a four-star designation (the highest rating) under the Pennsylvania Keystone STARS Child Care Quality Initiative. They provide high-quality childcare with low teacher-to-child ratios and curriculum that encompasses the whole child – with an emphasis on emotional development – and aligns with Pennsylvania early learning standards in order to prepare children for kindergarten. The organization, which will celebrate its 90th anniversary this year, recently opened a second center, located within York County School of Technology. York Day Nursery President/CEO Brian Grimm credits Rumsey in large part for the organization’s longevity, expansion, and success.
“Lisa’s unmatched expertise in early childhood and her passion to help families and children receive that education is what makes YDN so special,” Grimm says. “Through Lisa’s leadership, we were able to expand access to our program while maintaining the same rigorous standards for excellence that has been the hallmark of YDN for the past 90 years.” Rumsey’s passion for early learning, and the passion she helps foster in supporting the staff of YDN, comes from a deep love for interactions with young children. “Children see you and love you for who you are. There’s no pretending with young children; they hold you to your word. Children are very inquisitive and love to learn from the people around them, but they also want to be independent, so we need to know when to back off a little bit and allow them to discover something new on their own with your support.”
YORK DAY NURSERY 450 E Philadelphia St, York, PA 17403 717.854.1300 yorkdaynursery.org
13 • YoCo CONNECT | SPRING 2022 • Leading Transformation Through Education
F O L L OWI NG
H E R
P A SSI O N
to help others find theirs Deb Rohrbaugh | Associate Director, Kinsley Education Center BY KATIE MAHONEY I VICE PRESIDENT, MARKETING & COMMUNICATIONS
“My passion is to help people,” shares Deb Rohrbaugh, Associate Director of the Kinsley Education Center. “When I found out this apprenticeship program was a tool to help people with career opportunities, and graduated high school students, plus offer additional benefits, this is what I wanted to do.” For 16 years, Deb has been active in the program which aims to build workforce excellence and encourage career advancement in the construction trades. “This is an opportunity to learn a trade and receive a salary, with company benefits, while learning,” shares Deb. “Construction in many aspects is here to stay. There are growing opportunities for life sustaining careers, and construction is always evolving in technology, safety, and better techniques.” While the construction trade tends to be male dominated, Deb encourages women to consider the opportunity, and know they will be supported. “If you are willing to work and have a positive attitude that is willing to learn, this could be a career for you to pursue,” shares Deb. From running heavy equipment, and teaching students on simulators, Kinsley continues to evolve on the cutting edge of technology in their industry, and for their students.
This program was a passion of Mr. Bob Kinsley, the founder of Kinsley Construction who passed in 2020. “He was very supportive and passionate of the apprenticeship program for growth and opportunities. Bob wanted people to learn the trade and the skills needed to be successful. Also, rather than work all day and school at night, he designed the program to pay students for schooling during the day. That’s how passionate he was about teaching the trade,” shares Deb. With the support of the Kinsley family, a new Pre-apprenticeship program was launched for area high school seniors with York County Alliance for Learning. They work with instructors in the classroom and existing apprentices as a mentor. As she approaches retirement in June, Deb is grateful for the opportunity to be part of the apprenticeship program, and part of Kinsley Construction.
“Where apprentices start with minimal knowledge, work with our instructors, and field mentors, with the potential for lead positions in their future with Kinsley – that is a win-win!”
14 • YoCo CONNECT | SPRING 2022 • Leading Transformation Through Education
What advice would you share for women looking to enter a male-dominated field like construction?
“If that’s your passion, go for it. Learn the skill, learn the trade. It’s very rewarding to drive on a highway where you had a part of the construction, or the pride in being part of building something. It’s tangible. There are a lot of benefits to this career path - you get to travel to different job sites and locations, and have a life-sustaining salary while developing knowledge you can transform into your own home.”
KINSLEY EDUCATION CENTER 350 Hill Street, York, PA 17403 717.852.1053 kinsleyconstruction.com/ kinsley-education
BLOOM Business Empowerment Center
BY SULLY PINOS I EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR BLOOM BUSINESS EMPOWERMENT CENTER
The six recipients were (from L to R): Lauren Days (Sara Ellen Event Venue), Jessica Weikert (Revolt Style Studio), Jaxi Rodriguez (Lash Up Beauty Bar & Glam Spa), Markaila Jones (Velvet Beauties), Jen Swanner (The Curious Little Playhouse), and Gretchen Williams (Portraits of Beauty by Gretchen Williams).
The BLOOM Business Empowerment Center launched earlier this season to help small businesses and the greater community bloom through education, capital, opportunity and beyond. This was the evolution of several years work including a series of micro grants that were awarded across York County to small businesses of all levels. Last December, BLOOM awarded the Women’s Business Center Organization (WBCO) round of grants to six women-owned businesses across York County.
$10,000 was collectively awarded to support business needs such as marketing, signage, storefront enhancements, and ongoing educational training. These six recipients were selected by an audience of WBCO attendees at the December luncheon and knocked it out of the park with their pitch presentations. “It felt great! I was overwhelmed with the love and support from WBCO and its supporters,” shared Lauren Days, owner of Sara Ellen Event Venue. “It was great meeting like-minded women who have goals and aspirations.”
16 • YoCo CONNECT | SPRING 2022 • BLOOM Business Empowerment Center
WBCO BLOOM Grant Recipients: In Their Words
I have a passion for making secondhand fashion attainable & wearable. ~Jessica Weikert
Why did you decide to start a business?
To empower women to live beautifully and self-care. ~Jaxi Rodriguez
Nothing compares to the joy of sharing your vision and dreams when others love what you have created. ~ Jen Swanner
What is your message to other women entrepreneurs as they start or continue their journey?
Stay the course. The journey will have many obstacles, twists and turns, but consistency will win every time. ~ Lauren Days
The opportunity to change lives in the beauty industry. ~ Gretchen Williams
Where do you find motivation to run your business?
My customers and my family support! ~ Markaila Jones
For more info, visit YCEApa.org/BLOOM
Small Business Spotlight:
GILLICE ITALIAN ICE & ICE CREAM BY BRENDAN SALYARDS | MANAGER, ECONOMIC INITIATIVES
Nestled in a cozy corner of the heart of New Freedom Borough, you will find Gillice Italian Ice & Ice Cream and its proprietor, Myra Gillis. Myra, a retired school bus driver, began operating an ice-cream truck over the summer. When she retired in 2013, it became her full-time job. Two years ago, she opened a store front on West Main Street in New Freedom. What started seventeen years ago, as an idea, grew into the thriving business that we see today. A transplant to New Freedom, Myra is an active participant in her community. As a business owner, she views it as her role to give back to her community and it certainly shows. Gillice was the first business to receive designation as a Trail Friendly Business, is a sponsor of several local youth sports teams, and frequently holds benefits for local charities and causes. Myra is an active member of the New Freedom Trail Towns Action Team, and, in 2021, she took on the role of organizing the inaugural New Freedom Christmas Parade. This event was a tremendous success. Last year, close to sixty floats participated, and Myra is already hearing from folks who would like to participate in this year’s parade. Myra is a pillar of her community. We look forward to seeing her work continue for years to come.
GILLICE ITALIAN ICE & ICE CREAM 1 W. Main St, New Freedom, PA 17349 @GilliceItalianIce For more information, visit YorkCountyTrailTowns.com
The Trail Towns Program is helping us “promote our business and is doing great things for the trail towns.” – MYRA GILLIS, GILLICE ITALIAN ICE & ICE CREAM
INTERNET EXPANSION IN YORK COUNTY BY BEV MACKERETH I YCEA BOARD OF DIRECTORS, ADVOCACY CHAIR DAVID GONZALEZ I DIRECTOR, ECONOMIC INITIATIVES
An issue that has impacted families, households, and businesses even before the pandemic brought it to a prominent spotlight, is the ability to afford and access the internet.
HOW CAN THE COMMUNITY SUPPORT THIS EFFORT?
That is why the York County Commissioners established the YoCo Strong Recovery Task Force, to assess the issues raised from the pandemic and formulate recovery funding recommendations. A notable and reoccurring recommendation throughout the 2020 and 2021 reports are a call to address the issues around the digital divide by investing in broadband infrastructure for all residents. This push is to create more equitable access to the internet, especially at a time when the ability for residents to be competitive in the job market and in their education hinders on reliable internet access. To further support this effort, YCEA works with the YoCo Fiber Broadband Task Force, a group established by the County Commissioners, to advise the county on uses of federal recovery
The task force is gathering data through a survey to develop an understanding on current internet access (or lack of access), speeds, and costs to help advance this initiative. The captured data will aid in the County of York’s ability to secure grants, advocate, and ultimately bring better internet to residents, businesses, and non-profits. To complete the survey, visit YoCoFiber.com.
funding to implement the countywide broadband strategy and advocate at various levels of government.
21 • YoCo CONNECT | SPRING 2022 • Internet Expansion in York County
E V E N T S
For details, visit DowntownYorkPA.com
April 20 –
BLOOM Business Series Workshop presented by PNC, 8:30-9:30 am
April 23 –
Go Green in the City presented by UPMC Downtown York, 10 am - 3 pm
APRIL
May 6 –
Thursday, April 7, 9:00 am-10:30 am YCEA Member Orientation YCEA Office, Upstairs Boardroom, 144 Roosevelt Ave.
Give Local York & First Friday presented by WellSpan Health, 5-9 pm
May 18 –
BLOOM Business Series Workshop presented by PNC, 8:30-9:30 am
June 3 –
First Friday presented by WellSpan Health Downtown York, 5-9 pm
June 15 –
BLOOM Business Series Workshop presented by PNC, 8:30-9:30 am
For details, visit YCEAPA.org
Tuesday, April 12, 11:30-1 pm WBCO Luncheon: Being an Ally Building a Welcoming Workplace Heritage Hills Resort, 2700 Mt. Rose Ave. Thursday, April 14 11:30 am-1:30 pm 2022 Legislative Luncheon Out Door Country Club, 1157 Detwiler Dr. Wednesday, April 27, 7:30-8:30 am Economics Club Event presented by Murray: Early Learning York JCC, 2000 Hollywood Dr.
For details, visit enrootyork.org.
York Story Slam: Every Third Tuesday of the Month
MAY
Archetype Pizza, 33 W. Market St., York
Tuesday, May 10, 8:15 am - 11:30 pm WBCO Women’s Business Summit Heritage Hills Resort, 2700 Mt. Rose Ave.
April 19 –
Theme: Courage
May 17 –
Theme: Chaos
June 21 –
Theme: Father Knows Best
Tuesday, May 10, 11:30-1 pm WBCO Luncheon: Investing in Yourself: Financial Literacy Heritage Hills Resort, 2700 Mt. Rose Ave. Friday, May 13, 5-10 pm Showcasing YoCo: The YCEA Keynote Event Wyndham Garden York, 2000 Loucks Rd. Tuesday, May 17, 12-2 pm Leadership Luncheon: Labor and Employment Law Update with CGA Law Firm YCEA Office, Upstairs Boardroom, 144 Roosevelt Ave. Wednesday, May 25, 7:30-8:30 am Economics Club Event presented by Murray: Economics Impact of Destination Marketing Wyndham Garden York, 2000 Loucks Rd.
APRIL 23, 2022 10am - 3pm Downtown York
Entering its 14th year, Go Green in the City is a fun, family-friendly festival that celebrates green, healthy and local living.
JUNE Thursday, June 2, 9:00 am-10:30 am YCEA Member Orientation YCEA Office, Upstairs Boardroom,144 Roosevelt Ave.
IN THE CITY PRESENTED BY
Friday, June 3, 11:30 am-5 pm 34th Annual Golf Outing Royal Manchester Golf Links 5700 Board Road, Mt. Wolf Tuesday, June 17, 11:30 am-1 pm WBCO Summer Networking Luncheon Heritage Hills Resort, 2700 Mt. Rose Ave. Wednesday, June 29, 7:30-8:30 am Economics Club Event presented by Murray: Transportation Update Wyndham Garden York, 2000 Loucks Rd.
• Children's Activities • Vendors • Food • Live Music • Interactive Art • Much More!
144 Roosevelt Avenue York, PA 17401
