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Tag: York County Economic Alliance

York College Knowledge Park planned at former Schmidt & Ault Paper Company site

York College’s Knowledge Park project is moving one step closer to completion.

On Tuesday, July 28, the college announced a partnership with the York County Land Bank Authority. The Land Bank Authority is staffed by members of the York County Economic Alliance (YCEA).

“The York County Land Bank Authority is a proud partner in this demolition and is excited to help get the College’s Knowledge Park plans kicked off,” said Tom Englerth, chair of the Land Bank Authority. “The funds for this project came from the demolition funds established by the County Commissioners in May of 2018 when the Land Bank was established.”

The Knowledge Park project has been in the works since 2008 when York College purchase the former Schmidt & Ault Paper Company at 427 Kings Mill Road. The mill had been vacant since 2000.

York College’s Knowledge Park project consists of converting three of the four buildings:

  • The King House will be used as an administrative support center
  • The West End warehouse will be used as the main entrance into the complex and focal point.
  • The King’s Mill warehouse will serve as the interior crossroads of the complex with connecting elevators, skylights and multi-use space

The Land Bank Authority will help with demolition, according to the press release. In August 2019, York College was awarded a $6 million RACP grant for the Knowledge Park redevelopment.

“The development of the Knowledge Park … will add an element of diversity and opportunity to the York Community’s economic landscape,” York College president Pamela Gunter-Smith said in a statement. “The Knowledge Park facilities to be an attractive environment to operate while enriching the learning experiences for our students.”

The redevelopment of the former paper mill is one of two land projects the college has begun undertaking. Since Jan. 2018, the college has spent over $8 million acquiring land along North George Street near the York WellSpan Hospital for its Land Use and Campus Enhancement Plan.

 

Talking the local economy with Silas Chamberlin, Vice president for the York County Economic Alliance

About Silas Chamberlin

Silas Chamberlin, 37, became vice president of economic and community development of the York County Economic Alliance in September 2018, when Downtown Inc. – which he has served since 2016 – joined forces with YCEA. Prior to that, he was executive director of the Schuylkill River National Heritage Area and also worked for the state department of conservation and natural resources.  He is also the author of “On the Trail: A History of American Hiking.”

Chamberlin earned a bachelor’s degree in history from Temple University, as well as a master’s in history and doctorate in environmental history, both from Lehigh University. He also holds a commercial real estate certificate from Cornell University.

He lives in Manchester Township, with his wife, Amanda, and their 7-year-old daughter, Lillian; 3-year-old son, Reid and 12-year-old dog, Ben.

Q: What has been the best tool so far for helping you navigate working remotely?

A: I had only used Zoom videoconference a few times before I began working remotely. Now, I have hosted or participated in dozens of Zoom calls and webinars and I absolutely love the technology. Working in a walkable place like York, I am used to seeing many of my colleagues and partners face-to-face on a regular basis, so Zoom is providing a coping mechanism for the lack of social interaction. We hosted an organization-wide Zoom meeting for our staff, and seeing nearly 30 faces of friends who are all passionate and committed to the same things you are was a huge morale boost. We’ve also found during this period of incredible demand for information on funding programs and other resources, the ability to reach 100 or more people at one time via a video webinar is incredibly powerful.

Q: What did YCEA have on the horizon in terms of economic development that you’re looking forward to getting back to once the crisis is past?

A: This crisis seemed to hit at a moment when some particularly important and impactful projects were just gaining momentum. YCEA is working with the York County Planning Commission, city of York and dozens — if not hundreds — of municipal and business partners to develop the York County Economic Action Plan, a 10-year strategic plan that will cast an ambitious vision for York County’s economic future and create shared goals and metrics for our success. We’ll be forging ahead with virtual meetings, online surveys and other new tactics for us until we can start hosting physical meetings again.

On one hand, it’s disappointing to have to compromise such an important process, but, on the other hand, what better time could there be to assess our community’s true strengths and weaknesses and plan for a better future?

Q: How do you and YCEA stand ready to help local businesses recover?

A: YCEA and our partners, such as SCORE, Main Street Hanover, the Hanover Chamber, SBDC and the SBA were going to announce a free Small Business 101 series for York County. With the support of our partners, we quickly shifted focus and resources to help guide business owners through this unforeseen time. In the last week, YCEA has received more than 250 inquiries — now probably approaching 300 — from businesses seeking specific resources. We’ve also connected with approximately 200 business owners through webinars.

There are three important ways businesses can take full advantage of YCEA’s resources, especially those related to information and funding: sign up for YCEA’s’ e-newsletters, visit www.PreparedYork.com and complete our COVID-19 Economic Impact Survey. I want to encourage businesses and individuals to please never be afraid to reach out for help, whether to your bank to ask about deferring your loan payments, your utility companies to learn about their COVID policies or one of the many community partners such as SCORE, SBDC, SBA and YCEA, which are available to help. 

Q: Which local businesses do you miss going to right now?

A: This is currently the longest I have gone without my two daily iced decaf coffees in many years, so I am definitely missing York County’s many independent coffee shops, including the Green Bean in downtown York. Yes, you can make it at home, but it’s never, ever as good, and you miss out on seeing all of your favorite people, which is half the fun of coffee shops. I am also desperately craving the brussel sprout caesar salad from Revival Social Club in downtown York, daydreaming about tacos y tortas in Hanover and crossing my fingers that COVID doesn’t delay the seasonal opening of Forry’s Drive-In near Wellsville. However, those who know me best, understand I’ve had a lifelong love for Hoss’s.  

I am incredibly grateful for York County’s parks, trails, and open space right now. They are an incredibly important respite during trying times like this and the skyrocketing use of our natural spaces is testament to the fact that these special places are indeed essential. I only hope we can enjoy them safely in groups again very soon!

York County Economic Alliance’s COVID-19 resources

The York County Economic Alliance is make several resources available to businesses.

As information changes daily, it is sending a daily e-newsletter with up-to-date information, and created a clearinghouse for information on a website.

Here’s how you can connect with both:

  • E-newsletter: to sign up visit www.yceapa.org and scrolling down to the newsletter subscription bar, or send an email to [email protected].  “We will be using our e-newsletters to share the latest developments on financial resources,” said Silas Chamberlin, vice president of economic and community development for the Alliance. “For example, when DCED announced the new COVID-19 Working Capital Access loan program earlier this week, we used our e-news to share the guidelines and application process almost immediately.
  • www.PreparedYork.com is a clearinghouse for information on the COVID crisis that includes information for both employers and employees, including archived video webinar sessions. The site includes a tab for small businesses that includes information on SBA Economic Recovery loans and COVID Working Capital Access loans, which are administered by PIDA but must be applied for through YCEA.

 

“We are also prepared to offer Spanish translations services and assistance,” Chamberlin said.

YCEA is also gathering data for an economic impact study of the effects of the pandemic on business. The COVID19 Economic Impact Survey will gather data on what is happening with businesses and what resources they need. 

“This information will be used to lobby for increased funding and, even more importantly, funding that actually meets the needs of our businesses at the state and federal levels.

We will be using our e-newsletters to share the latest developments on financial resources. For example, when DCED announced the new COVID-19 Working Capital Access loan program earlier this week, we used our e-news to share the guidelines and application process almost immediately.

You can sign up for our e-news by going to www.yceapa.org and scrolling down to the newsletter subscription bar, or by emailing [email protected]. 

Visit www.PreparedYork.com. This is a clearinghouse for information on the COVID crisis that includes information for both employers and employees, including archived video webinar sessions.

On the site, there is a tab for small businesses, which includes information on SBA Economic Recovery loans and COVID Working Capital Access loans, which are administered by PIDA but must be applied for through YCEA.

I know everyone is looking for tangible, cash resources—but these two communication streams—our newsletters and www.PreparedYork.com –are the two ways we will communicate those opportunities.

The survey is available at www.PreparedYork.com. We encourage everyone to take a few minutes to complete it and share with others.

There is hope, helpers, and humanity to focus upon

Foremost, thank you to our healthcare and government professionals working tirelessly to wrap their collective arms around this pandemic. Thank you to our elected leaders, local, county, state and federal. And thank you to our educational partners who quickly adapted their systems to keep our learners connected. This is an unenviable but life-saving task. 

It is yet unknown the toll that COVID-19 will have, or the timeframe which it will endure. We are, however, certain that there are those in need of assistance now. 

In the wake of the initial outbreak, along with a host of community partners, www.PreparedYork.com was launched. This site serves as a clearinghouse of information for anyone economically impacted by COVID-19, looking for a guiding source of facts and resources in these ever-evolving times. Our team is doing its best effort to keep the site as current as possible, often with hourly updates occurring to alleviate any additional stress in having to navigate for resources on your own. 

It is on this site that we are compiling all financial resources available to small businesses. There is information on family support and childcare, food security and healthcare. If you are an impacted employee, it is here where you can connect with unemployment guidance or to employers who are presently hiring — and there are those hiring. There are resources available now, such as SBA Emergency Relief Funding, and there will be many more to follow. We will distill all available resources into what you need to know and render it onto this site.

Subject matter experts across our county, region and Commonwealth are hosting free webinars. We’ve dedicated a section of the site to promote and maintain this library of information. 

Prepared York has also served to connect businesses to other businesses for brain sharing or to connect them with the ongoing list of emergency equipment sought by our healthcare professionals. We have already early success stories of local manufacturers quickly coming to the aid of healthcare organizations with donated supplies or turning the might of their manufacturing prowess to support this important endeavor. York’s plan saved the world before and it can do so again. We now have a live Google document that lists all emergency needed equipment and solicits area companies to donate or manufacture goods for the greater good. Click here if you can help. 

To leverage the collaboration and resources across the region, we recently joined together with our nearby counties to launch www.PreparedCentralPa.com, representing Adams, Cumberland, Dauphin, Franklin, Lancaster, Lebanon, and Perry Counties. Further, partners such as MANTEC and the Manufacturer’s Association are working with their many stakeholders to help those businesses still operational, support those who are not, help the individuals impacted by this closure, and leverage the force of manufacturing to develop and drive support to where it is most needed. 

Our team is closely watching emergency legislation as it evolves at the state and federal levels. It is here that we distill and present what you need to know. We post updates and issue multiple e-newsletters all to that effect. 

There will be another side to this crisis. One which our country and Commonwealth endures.

The lessons learned provided evidence on just how fragile our international supply chain is, and the importance that our government support all industrial reshoring efforts possible. It demonstrates there is still a vast need for a common countrywide workforce plan to better train and adapt our 21st century economy’s employees. We’ve all learned just how many daily meetings can simply be emails, but many were taught just how ill prepared our economy is to work and live remotely. We learned the vital importance for child and family care. And yes, we’ve learned an inventory of toilet paper is of national importance.

Take solace and hope in the good already occurring. We’ve seen manufacturers and businesses rush to supply healthcare, customers purchasing gift cards, or taking ten minutes to complete their census or leave a positive review of a favorite business in Yelp, Google, or Facebook.

There will be a day when we are not living under a state of emergency. We will return to some degree of normalcy, though we are all forever changed for surviving this experience. We must now shift our collective mentality to a people centered economy. One that can equip communities and her citizenry with the resources they need to be economically sustainable, independent, and employable. 

The current climate and uncertainty may cause anxiety. It remains ever important to focus on what you may control, remaining safe and healthy, helping others, and caring for your loved ones. We’ve been tested as a nation before. We always find our way to move forward. Do what you can with what you’ve got. Care for the common-wealth of others, and allow the principle that “it gets better for all, when it gets better for all,” be our North Star as we navigate these choppy seas. 

Kevin J. Schreiber is the President and CEO of the York County Economic Alliance.

York CEO given ATHENA award for women’s leadership

Victoria Connor, left, was recognized with the 2020 ATHENA award by former award recipients like Lynda Randall, right. – PHOTO/JUSTIN HENRY

 

Victoria Connor was named this year’s York ATHENA Leadership Award recipient by the York County Economic Alliance for her impact on the local community in her role as CEO of the York County Bar Association.

The award was announced on Thursday at York Traditions Bank in York, which officials called a fitting piece of synergy because of the bank’s ongoing efforts to help women achieve financial successes through the “Her Traditions” initiative. Connor herself was an original member of the women’s council in 2011 that paved the way for the Her Traditions initiative in its current form.

“I’m deeply touched to be nominated, let alone selected, to receive this award,” Connor said when she accepted the award. “The selection committee includes many of the people who have influenced me personally and professionally since making York our home over 20 years ago. …Joining this group of accomplished women that I greatly admire is meaningful to me beyond measure.”

Connor said she was recruited eight years ago at a time when the association sought to strategically invest in the York community through its charitable arm, the York County Bar Foundation.

“When they decided they really wanted to get strategic about how they wanted to make investments in the community through grant making, they looked around and said who might have the capability to run both the association and the foundation?” she said. “We have a laser-light focus on law-related initiatives in the community with things like truancy prevention and the expansion of the wellness courts — things that really make a systemic impact on the community.”

Under Connor’s leadership over the last eight years, the York County Bar Foundation has grown its endowment fund from $600,000 to more than $5 million.

Former ATHENA recipients consider three qualities when naming each year’s winner, said Lynda Randall, a 2010 ATHENA recipient and partner with New Level Advisors. Nominees are considered for their contributions to the York community, their efforts to support other women leaders and success in their fields.

“Our committee goes through a very rigorous selection process,” Randall said. “I am so thrilled to say our 2020 ATHENA selection has absolutely exceeded expectations in every area…As a breast cancer survivor, Victoria’s perseverance and her energy and her very open attitude has helped to inspire many women.”

Yanavitch named YCEA board chair

William T. Yanavitch II. (Photo: Submitted)

The York County Economic Alliance (YCEA) has appointed its leader for 2020, along with four new board members.

William T. Yanavitch II, chief human resources officer for York-based Kinsley Construction, was named chairperson of the Board of Directors at a recent meeting. Yanavitch also serves as chairman elect for the Cultural Alliance of York County, vice chairman for Penn-Mar Human Services and a director on Wellspan’s York Health Foundation Board.

Yanavitch will succeed Claire Forbush, vice president of commercial business banking with Pittsburgh-based FNB Bank. Forbush became the first ever female chair of the YCEA when she started her two-year term in 2018, and she will continue to serve on the board as immediate past chair

“I am honored and humbled to accept the role of chair for this dynamic organization focused on economic growth by leveraging collaboration, resources and expertise to create sustainable prosperity for York County residents,” Yanavitch said. “I’m following a wonderful leader in our past chairperson, and am grateful for her service.  I look forward to working with our strong YCEA team and board to advance our mission.”

Also joining the board as new members are: Abe Amorós, president of Amorós Communication; Taylor Groff, CEO of Groff North America; Bev Mackereth, Penn State Executive in Resident & Consultant; and York County Commissioner-elect Julie Wheeler.

Completing their board terms are: Doug Berman of RKL LLP (past chairperson); York County Commissioner Susan Byrnes; Joseph Clark, Esq. of The Stewart Companies; and Lynda Randall of New Level Advisors LLC.

New YCEA board members are (Top, l to r): Abe Amorós, president of Amorós Communication; Taylor Groff, CEO of Groff North America; Bev Mackereth, Penn State Executive in Resident & Consultant; and York County Commissioner-elect Julie Wheeler. (Photo: Submitted)

“We are honored to welcome this dynamic slate of leaders to our Board of Directors,” said Kevin Schreiber, president and CEO of the YCEA. “Each brings a unique perspective and set of talents to lead our organization in continuing to ‘Make Things Happen in YoCo,’ and our ‘Historically Edgy Downtown.’”

YCEA employee chosen for national development program

Sully Pinos (photo: submitted)

A York County Economic Alliance (YCEA) employee has been named to take part in a prestigious nationwide fellowship program.

Sully Pinos, who serves as director of business solutions and innovation for YCEA, is one of 21 leaders named to participate in the Association of Chamber of Commerce Executives (ACCE) education and talent development fellowship program.

The program is a workforce and education development center providing chamber of commerce professionals the opportunity to interact with peers, ACCE staff and experts through in-person consultations and teleconferences. Discussions during the 10-month program include approaches and best practices for talent development in their communities.

“We are incredibly proud of Sully for this recognition and opportunity,” said Kevin Schreiber, president and CEO of the YCEA. “Her proactivity in securing this fellowship showcases her dedication to education and talent development in our community. We know Sully will excel in the program and invest that knowledge and enthusiasm in York.”

Guest view: Cannabis contains seeds of economic growth

Last month, the York County Economic Alliance hosted our Economics Club breakfast series on the economics of the cannabis industry. We welcomed two leaders – GTI (Green Thumb Industries), the operator of RISE facilities that grow and dispense medical marijuana; and Groff North America, part of the Wyndridge Farm family, which has stepped into the industrial hemp and CBD industries.

It’s evident the cannabis industry is growing, thriving and impacting the economy in ways we have only just begun to comprehend. 2018 was the first year for Pennsylvania’s medical marijuana program, and GTI alone experienced transactions totaling $132 million. By comparison, neighboring Maryland generated just under $100 million in its first year.

Industry leaders equate this to the forethought and inclusion of PTSD and chronic pain as qualifying conditions for medical marijuana patients in Pennsylvania. The projections after quarter one of 2019 are approximately $175 million.

With this volume of sales comes job growth. In the 10 states with legalized recreational use of marijuana, and 34 with medicinal use, the cannabis industry employs 211,000 people directly nationwide. And jobs grew 44 percent in 2018, making cannabis the fastest-growing job sector in the country right now. In Pennsylvania, only 90 people were employed in the sector at the beginning of 2018, and that has increased to 3,878 – if you’re doing the math, that’s a 4,208 percent increase (Yes, 420 is in that number).

And that is just medical marijuana.

Pennsylvania has also issued 350-plus permits for the cultivation of industrial hemp. In 2019, an estimated 5,000 to 10,000 acres of hemp will be farmed in just Pennsylvania.

Groff North America is building Hemplex, right here in Red Lion, as an industrial hemp research park – the first in the United States. With the purchase of the HempTrain equipment, the company is able to process the whole plant, producing materials for health and wellness, textiles, automotive, agriculture, construction, logistics and other industries. It’s essentially the cotton gin for hemp.

The economic impact here is uncapped. For example, the CBD industry, hemp-derived, is projected to be a $16 billion market by 2025. Groff North America has also answered this call, opening Farmacy Partners physician-owned retail store providing hemp and CBD health care products.

The direct benefits, as we know, are the jobs and tax revenue generated, but indirectly, marketing agencies, banking systems, fulfillment centers, web developers and retail shops will feel this economic boom, as well, from the new market on the scene.

One of the most notable impacts will be to the farming industry, which experienced a $9 billion net decline in 2018, with the lack of a cash crop. Now, the hemp industry is breathing new life into the crop cycle. Hemp for fiber allows traditional farmers using large-scale agricultural equipment to earn strong profits from a rotational crop. Vegetable and tobacco-style farmers also have the opportunity to farm hemp for CBD and other cannabinoid extracts.

Regardless of your personal opinion, we can’t ignore the incredible and vast impact this industry is having in our country, our commonwealth, and our county. We’re proud these industries are leading the charge while calling York County home. It’s truly high times in YoCo.

Kevin Schreiber is president and CEO of the York County Economic Alliance.

Website tool provides data on York County demographics

A new feature on the York County Economic Alliance’s website is designed to help entrepreneurs make sense of local data.

The York-based alliance said Wednesday it has launched a tool it describes as a “one-stop shop” for demographics and statistics related to York County.

Entrepreneurs can use the data when planning to open businesses in the county but it may also come in handy for the county’s municipalities, according to Kevin Schreiber, president and CEO of the alliance.

“The 72 municipalities in York County don’t always have access to the same data, and it can be daunting or discouraging to try and find it all,” Schreiber said in a press release. “To aid in that, and strengthen our boroughs and towns throughout the region, we partnered with Local Intel for this York County Profile tool.”

The free online tool offers information on the county’s business climate, customer demographics, industry trends, workforce, transportation and more.

Users can enter their industry and see data on their local competition, the share of residents who graduated high school and write-ups on trends.

The website tool was created by Alberta, Canada-based LocalIntel, a firm that creates tools for use in community-based economic development.

 

In York, plans aplenty for opportunity zones – and one early target

A map shows the extent of opportunity zones in the city of York.
A map shows the extent of opportunity zones in the city of York.

York has five census tracts included in the federal opportunity zone program, which is designed to spark investments in distressed communities.

And York Mayor Michael Helfrich is optimistic many of the city’s old manufacturing sites in York will be revived as a result of the program.

“We certainly see this as an opportunity of a lifetime,” he said.

But one tract is likely to get the lion’s share of attention, at least for now. It is the tract known as the Northwest Triangle, an area long targeted for redevelopment, some of which has been moving ahead.

“At least $100 million has already been invested here,” said Eric Menzer, president of York Professional Baseball Club LLC and the York Revolution.

Related: In York, momentum builds in former industrial tract
He pointed to the $32.5 million minor-league ballpark, apartment projects and the York Academy Regional Charter School, which last year opened a $22 million high school along the Codorus Creek.

Menzer and the York County Economic Alliance see more in store for the triangle, which hugs the Codorus around Beaver and North streets and Pershing Avenue.

“It’s very natural to see continued development of that corridor,” Menzer said.

York County Economic Alliance and the York Revolution have floated a project for the Queen Street parking lot at PeoplesBank Park, seen here. The idea is to build an office tower on the parking lot with the first level or two for parking and the next four or five stories dedicated to office space. The parking would be shared with the Revs. PHOTO/JASON SCOTT
York County Economic Alliance and the York Revolution have floated a project for the Queen Street parking lot at PeoplesBank Park, seen here. The idea is to build an office tower on the parking lot with the first level or two for parking and the next four or five stories dedicated to office space. The parking would be shared with the Revs. PHOTO/JASON SCOTT

In the meantime, the alliance is working to market all of York’s opportunity zones. It has launched a website, opportunityyork.org, and begin working with community partners to develop plans to attract investors.  

“We have good building stock for redevelopment,” said Silas Chamberlin, the alliance’s vice president of economic and community development.

Chamberlin believes landing one big project through the opportunity zone program could “change the way people think” and prompt other investments in York.

Among the potential projects is a manufacturing, technology, arts, history and education district, dubbed The York Plan 2.0 Innovation District.  The state last summer awarded the city a $6 million grant for the project, which would be in the Northwest Triangle. Among other elements, the plan calls for a 240,000-square-foot facility for robotic-device development, design workshops, labs and office space.

A full drawing board

Menzer, meanwhile, sees potential for more construction around the baseball stadium.

Among the ideas on the drawing board is an office building on what is currently a parking lot off Queen Street behind the stadium. The first level or two would be dedicated to parking and the next four or five stories to office space. Menzer sees corporate tenants using the parking during the day and baseball fans using spaces for night and weekend games.

“It’s a great shared use,” said Menzer, who pegged the project’s cost at more than $10 million.

Another property that could garner outside investment is the former Pewtarex facility at 145 N. Hartley St., which is near the alliance’s office on Roosevelt Avenue.

The 54,000-square-foot building is owned by Royal Square Development and Construction. But the property is listed for sale or lease with True Commercial Real Estate.

The former Pewtarex facility, left, is in one of York’s five designated opportunity zones. It is currently owned by Royal Square Development and Construction. Last fall, Royal Square donated use of the building for Downtown Inc’s annual fundraising event, hoping to showcase the potential redevelopment of the space, dubbed The Foundry (submitted rendering on right).
The former Pewtarex facility, left, is in one of York’s five designated opportunity zones. It is currently owned by Royal Square Development and Construction. Last fall, Royal Square donated use of the building for Downtown Inc’s annual fundraising event, hoping to showcase the potential redevelopment of the space, dubbed The Foundry (submitted rendering on right).

Last fall, Royal Square donated the space to host Downtown Inc’s annual fundraising event, hoping to showcase the potential of the former factory space, dubbed The Foundry.

Potential uses for the building include as brewery, restaurant and office spaces. The Foundry could also be used for production or manufacturing, events and even some residential, according to True.

In the city’s Southwest neighborhood, the alliance is keeping tabs on the former Smurfit-Stone containerboard factory at South Penn Street and Kings Mill Road.

York College has owned the old industrial site for a decade and is currently seeking a $7 million state grant through the state’s Redevelopment Assistance Capital Program to expand the college’s business incubator on Kings Mill Road.

College officials say redevelopment plans are still being formulated but the goal is to convert the old factory buildings and old manor house into new space for what is being called Knowledge Park at York College of Pennsylvania.  

Knowledge Park would be an extension of the J.D. Brown Center for Entrepreneurship, which is across the street from the old factory. The state grant would help cover construction expenses needed to renovate three buildings on the property.

“This new venture would allow us to grow our partnerships with companies, agencies, nonprofits or organizations that will provide programmatic connections to York College through student experiential-learning opportunities and collaboration with our faculty,” said Jeff Vermeulen, the college’s assistant vice president for external relations and executive director of the center.