ACEDC’S annual membership meeting

(12/15) The public is invited to the Annual Membership Meeting of the Adams Country Economic Development Corporation (ACEDC) on February 1 at Sidney Willoughby Run, to learn more about the county’s economic development initiatives, the nonprofit organization’s 2017 accomplishments as well as objectives for 2018.

"Overall, Adams County’s economy has made progress over the past year," said Robin Fitzpatrick, ACEDC President. "Unemployment is at an all-time low since 2007. At the same time, we have seen increased development and expansion of several key industries such as the plastics industry within the manufacturing sector and agribusiness within the agricultural sector. Ongoing land development plans assure continued growth and industry diversification. All are signs of a healthy economy."

"It is especially appropriate that we gather at Sidney Willoughby Run, one of Adams County’s many thriving restaurants. We are especially proud of their success, since we played a role in welcoming their flagship restaurant located in East Berlin," Fitzpatrick said.

Additionally, officials with both the AEA and the Adams County Office of Planning and Development (ACOPD) set a goal to meet with officials from every municipality and school board in Adams County during 2017 in order to educate, listen and gather feedback on each entity’s mix of land use and development with the ultimate goal of expanding the county’s tax base and economy.

Between 1996 and 2017, AEA has generated the following economic activity within Adams County, $29.7 million+ in public investment via low-interest loans and grants from DCED and $80 million+ in private investment via local commercial financing

ACEDC oversight is provided by a Board of Directors comprised of community and business leaders, along with numerous committees and committee members. Funding is provided by several key sources including members, termed "Investors."

"People are members because they support economic development. They aren’t members because of a benefit to themselves; they are doing it to help the community and Adams County. Giving to the ACEDC is different than other groups where there may be a benefit or reward to you personally," said Marty Qually, AEA Membership Chair.

To learn more about investing in ACEDC for 2018, call Robin Fitzpatrick at 717-334-0042, Marty Qually at 717-339-6514, or see adamsalliance.org and click on "Become an Investor."

"We are appreciative of the many individuals, municipalities, nonprofits and businesses who have already committed to being 2018 Investors. We appreciate your support of Adams County’s economic development, supporting current and future businesses of all sizes, their recruitment, relocation, expansion and ongoing support services," Fitzpatrick said.

The February 1 Annual Membership Meeting will be held at 5 pm at Sidney Willoughby Run, 730 Chambersburg Road, Gettysburg. Tickets are $45 and include cocktails (cash bar available), networking, an update on ACEDC’s activities, plus an array of hors d’oeuvres prepared by critically-acclaimed Chef/Owner Neil Annis. Annis returned home to open Sidney, after opening Compass, New York City, named "Best New Restaurant in New York City" by the Zagat Guide in 2003. In 2011, Restaurant Sidney East Berlin was awarded Best overall, Best Ambiance, Best Service, Fit for Foodies, Most Booked and Best Special Occasion Restaurant in the Harrisburg/Hershey area by OpenTable.

To RSVP for the February 1 event, please call 717-334-0042 or email your response to office@adamsalliance.org. The RSVP deadline is January 16.

The Adams Economic Alliance (AEA), is comprised of three organizations: The Adams County Economic Development Corporation (ACEDC), the Adams County Industrial Development Authority (ACIDA) and the Adams County General Authority (ACGA). For more information, see adamsalliance.org, or follow AEA on Twitter (@AdamsAlliance), Facebook (Facebook.com/AdamsAlliance) and LinkedIn (Adams Economic Alliance).