SEDCO Funding Project Receives Award
The York County Agriculture Business Council named Flinchbaugh Farmers Market as the 2007 Outstanding Farm Family. The family was honored during an annual banquet held to celebrate persons who contribute to the agricultural community on Tuesday, January 23.

The Small Enterprise Development Company (SEDCO) facilitated a Pennsylvania First Industries-Agriculture loan for the Flinchbaugh's new farmers market building constructed in 2006. The Flinchbaugh's First Industries loan was the first approved in York county.

ATAYC Approves 12-Year Plan
At its December 20, 2006 meeting, the Air Transportation Authority of York County (ATAYC) board approved and executed York Airport's Twelve-Year Plan. Tom Tomczyk, Pennsylvania Department of Transportation, Bureau of Aviation, accepted the plan on behalf of the Commonwealth.

PEDYC Presents FTZ in Paris
On December 11, 2006 more than 50 international investors gathered in Paris, France to learn about and compare investment locations, and FTZ #147 was there as the zone representative from the United States.

The World Free Zones Convention (WFZC) sponsored an "Investor Day" at their annual convention. The WFZC is the only credible organization that promotes free zones on a world wide basis. The program enables Zones and other organizations to present their projects, region or country to investors actively engaged in business location projects. Participation also provides "face time" with the investors throughout the day and the remainder of the conference. WFZC invites guests with a professional interest in corporate location, site selection and foreign direct investment.

Randy P. Campbell, President of Campbell Trade Group, Inc., the Administrator for FTZ #147, attended the Convention and made the presentation to the group of investors. The presentation highlighted the reasons to consider York County, Pennsylvania, USA in business location decisions and provided information to the investors detailing the Foreign-Trade Zone sites in Central Pennsylvania. Information for the presentation was provided by the York County Economic Development Corporation, the Berks Economic Partnership, ROCK Commercial Real Estate (representing Commerce Park in Jackson Township), NAI/CIR (representing Fairview Business Park and the York Business Center), D&D Distribution Services, and in Lancaster, the Jay Group.

YCEDC Recognizes Volunteers
At its Annual Member meeting on January 11, the YCEDC presented three awards to volunteers who support economic growth and improvement to the quality of life for the citizens of York County.

Michael March, of York College, received the 2006 YCEDC "Volunteer of the Year" award for his committment and guidance with the Investors Circle of York (ICY) as Chairman of the Mentoring Committee.

YCEDC board member, President Commissioner Lori O. Mitrick, was presented the 2006 YCEDC "Friend of Economic Development" award on behalf of the York County Commissioners for displaying leadership in advancing the cause of economic development.

John D. Krout, YCEDC board member and Chairman of the York County Industrial Development Authority, received the 2006 YCEDC "Dare to be Exceptional" award for his dedication, leadership, and countless hours on the Sovereign Bank Stadium project.

Site Selector Featured Speaker at YCEDC Annual Meeting
David Beal, Vice President of the Hart Corporation, addressed YCEDC board members and sponsors about what companies are looking for from a site selection standpoint. According to Mr. Beal, the issues that are most important to companies today are location, proximity to a major interstate, zoning, availability of utilities, and access to broadband.

The YCEDC has worked with Mr. Beal from both the site selection and location process in the past. Future projects will only serve to strengthen therelationship between the YCEDC and the Hart Corporation.

YCEDC Leadership Approves Reorganization
YCEDC Executive Committee approved a new organizational chart during their December 21, 2006 meeting. Several employees will have new and/or expanded roles in the organization:

• Kenetha Hansen has assumed additional responsibilities as Vice President, Economic Development. She now supervises Business Development, Redevelopment, New Business Development and Funding Programs.
• Jill Rexroth has been promoted to Manager, Funding Programs.
• Carole Swope has joined the Funding Department as Funding Programs Coordinator.
• Katie Miles has shifted focus to business attraction and communications as Manager, Business Development.
• Aeman Bashir has been promoted to Manager, New Business Development.

As a result of these changes, the organization will be hiring to fill three positions: Receptionist, New Business Development Coordinator and Assistant to the President.

Sovereign Bank Stadium Update
Construction of Sovereign Bank Stadium is progressing rapidly thanks to the efforts of the prime contractors and the assistance of the unseasonably warm winter weather. Crews installed most of the utility pipes that will be under the concrete slabs and have been working diligently on forming and pouring the infield walls and have begun to shape the seating bowl. With the structural steel columns being set in place, Sovereign Bank Stadium is beginning to rise out of the ground. In a feature that is unique to York's stadium, construction crews have installed the 250-foot long tunnel that will lead the visiting team from their lower-level locker rooms directly on to the playing field. In the next few weeks, contractors will begin installing exterior brick walls and work will commence on interior plumbing and mechanical systems.

Photo courtesy of Victor L. Ferree, Jr.

Visit our website for more updates and photos: www.ycedc.org
www.yorkrevolution.com

Ben Franklin's Ninth Annual Business Plan Contest
Ben Franklin Venture Investment Forum, Ben Franklin Technology PArtners and the Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development are sponsoring the $35,000 Big Idea Business Plan Contest. The Business Plan Contest is open to residents of the 34 counties in Central and Northern Pennsylvania that are listed on the brochure. Entrepreneurs with an idea for a new business and business owners with a new company (one that did not have substantive sales before October 13, 2006) can compete to win $35,000 to implement their business plan.

The deadline to submit an application is April 13, 2007.

CareerLink News
CareerLink is a cooperative effort to provide one-stop delivery of career services to job seekers, employers and other interested individuals. Its mission is to function as a self-directed Job Search System providing quality customer service to York County enabling all customers to make informed choices. The goal of CareerLink is to provide a self service system in which interested individuals have access to employment, education and training.

• The Pennsylvania Youth Leadership Network Governing Board invite young adults ages 18 - 28 who have graduated from high school to join their efforts in Pennsylvania to develop the self-determination, empowerment, and leadership of youth that promotes successful post school outcomes in the areas of education, employment, independent living, and health and wellness among youth and young adults throughout Pennsylvania. If you are an education or agency professional, parent, or advocate please forward this information to young adults ages 18 - 28 who have graduated from high school that you feel have shown strong leadership and self determination skills. If you are a young adult, and would like more information about joining the PYLN in their efforts please email pyln.gb@gmail.com. The deadline for submission of applications is February 14, 2007. Additionally, if you wish more information, please contact Doran Condon, Youth Coordinator, at dcondon@wibpa.org.

Community Events

Hanover Area Chamber of Commerce
Healthcare Plan Open House
When: Tuesday, February 6, 2007
Register: 717.637.6130 or www.HanoverChamber.com

Call to meet with a representative to discuss your healthcare options. Complimentary.

Hanover Area Chamber of Commerce
Healthcare Plan Open House
When: Tuesday, February 20, 2007
Register: 717.637.6130 or www.HanoverChamber.com

Call to meet with a representative to discuss your healthcare options. Complimentary.

Hanover Area Chamber Eye-Opener Breakfast
Where: Hanover Elks Lodge
47 N. Forney Ave., Hanover PA
When: Wednesday, February 21, 2007, 7:30am
Cost: $11/member; $13/non-member
Register: 717.637.6130 or www.HanoverChamber.com

Area businesses will be saluted.

York County Chamber of Commerce Lunch Plus - Small Business Series
Where: York Fairgrounds - Pennsylvania Room
334 Carlisle Avenue, York PA
When: Thursday, February 22, 2007, 12pm
Register: 771.4582 or www.yorkchamber.com

The terms Google, blogs, and ecommerce routinely make headlines. Separate fact from fiction about the latest web-based marketing strategies in the "Basics of Internet Marketing" seminar. During the seminar, you'll learn what marketing options are available to your business on a local and/or national level to help increase traffic to your website and help improve business.

"The definition of 'excellence' on the Internet has changed", says Don Bishop, President and CEO of Affinigent, Inc. "Today's accelerated business environment demands not just a great website, but also attention to the many details of how to make certain that the right people find the content they need on your site."

Hanover Area Chamber Marketing Seminar: "Using E-mail as a Marketing Tool"
Where: Guthrie Memorial Library
2 Library Place, Hanover PA
When: Friday, February 23, 2007, 9am-10am
Cost: $10/member; $20/non-member
Register: 717.637.6130 or www.HanoverChamber.com

Barry Carbaugh from The Barry Group will be presenting.

Hanover Area Chamber Membership Mixer
Where: Super Suppers & Longaberger Basket
1404 Baltimore Street, Hanover PA
When: Tuesday, February 27, 2007, 11:30am-1:30pm
Register: 717.637.6130 or www.HanoverChamber.com

Hanover Area Chamber Innovation Series: "Implementing Changes"
Where: Guthrie Memorial Library
2 Library Place, Hanover PA
When: Friday, February 23, 2007, 8am-10:30am
Cost: $50/person
Register: 717.637.6130 or www.HanoverChamber.com

York County Chamber Economics Club Breakfast
Where: Yorktowne Hotel
48 East Market Street, York PA
When: Wednesday, February 28, 2007, 7:30am-8:30am
Register: 771.4585 or www.yorkchamber.com

Presented by Citizens Bank. Wachovia Economist, Jason Schenker, will present "Energy Economic Outlook." Registration and breakfast begin at 7am. Program begins at 7:30am.