CHAMBERSBURG, Pa. — Business leaders, nonprofit organizations, developers and community partners gathered for the Cumberland Valley Business Alliance Economic Development Breakfast to celebrate the projects and partnerships helping shape the future of the Cumberland Valley.
Hosted at Joy El Ministries, the annual event recognized outstanding investment, revitalization, historic preservation, sustainability initiatives and nonprofit collaboration throughout the region.
“This event is an opportunity to celebrate the businesses, organizations and individuals making meaningful investments in our communities,” said Nikki Howells, marketing manager for the CVBA. “These projects strengthen our downtowns, create opportunity, improve quality of life, and demonstrate continued confidence in the future of the Cumberland Valley.”
Property improvement awards
Up to $150,000
Greencastle Notary Services was recognized for transforming a former garage bay into a modern office space that improved workflow, customer service and operational efficiency while supporting continued business growth.
$150,000 to $500,000
ELM Active received recognition for revitalizing the former Carl’s Drug Store building in downtown Greencastle into a vibrant retail destination while preserving the building’s historic character.
$500,000 to $1 million
AES Hearth & Patio was honored for renovating the former Snavely’s building into a modern showroom and retail destination focused on fireplaces, grills, patio furniture and outdoor living products.
$1 million to $5 million
Forrester Lincoln received recognition for a major showroom renovation that modernized the customer experience while continuing the dealership’s long standing family legacy in Chambersburg.
$5 million to $10 million
Keystone Health was recognized for developing the St. Catherine Street Center, a major healthcare expansion designed to improve access to integrated healthcare services and strengthen long-term community wellness.
Special recognition awards
Historic Preservation Award
Mane & Co. received the Historic Preservation Award for revitalizing 100 and 102 S. Main St. in downtown Chambersburg, now home to Berg Brewery and Neighbors Food Hall. The project preserved important historic structures while creating a new gathering space and destination for the community.
Environmental Sustainability Award
Brim Builders was recognized for the SummerBridge at Falling Spring development, which incorporates large-scale solar energy systems, energy efficient design and sustainable building practices throughout the residential community.
Community Impact Award
The first-ever Community Impact Award was presented to the partnership between the Boys and Girls Club of Chambersburg and Shippensburg and the Franklin County Housing Authority for transforming under-utilized space into a safe and welcoming youth facility serving local families and children.
The project included major facility improvements, playground development, security upgrades and the creation of new opportunities for youth engagement and community connection.
Looking ahead
The Economic Development Breakfast continues to highlight the collaboration, investment and vision helping drive the Cumberland Valley forward. From small business expansion and historic preservation to healthcare investment and nonprofit partnerships, this year’s recipients showcased the diverse ways organizations are creating lasting impact throughout the region.
For more information about joining the CVBA, readers may contact the team at [email protected] or call 717-264-7101.
The CVBA issued a thank-you to the Economic Development Breakfast sponsors:
· Main Event Sponsor: Joy El Ministries
· Table Sponsors: Wellspan Health; SEK, CPAs & Advisors; Walmart Distribution Center; Community State Bank; Bartlett Tree Experts, Corning Credit Union; Menno Haven
· Coffee Sponsor: Habitat for Humanity of Franklin County
· Patron Sponsors: HouseMaster Serving Blue Ridge PA; Middletown Valley Bank; Newcomer Associates Architecture & Engineering; Strickler Agency, Inc.; SunnyHill Properties; Triad Engineering; and Waynesboro Construction Company.
The Cumberland Valley Business Alliance is a partnership between the Chambersburg and Greencastle-Antrim chambers of commerce. CVBA is the largest business advocacy organization in Franklin County with more than 800 members.
It is committed to the prosperity of its members while enhancing the quality of life in the Cumberland Valley area. For more information, readers may visit CVBAlliance.org.
