The Cumberland Area Economic Development Corporation's Directors would like to highlight 2012 economic development and tourism successes and their 2013 outlook for Cumberland Valley PA.

The Cumberland Area Economic Development Corporation's Directors would like to highlight 2012 economic development and tourism successes and their 2013 outlook for Cumberland Valley PA.

Cumberland Area Economic Development Updates
Jonathan Bowser, Director of Economic Development & Corporate Vice PresidentIMG 4797

CAEDC delivered strong results in 2012 with the completion of six projects with a total capital investment of $4.9 million, approved another eight projects with total investment of $7.2 million, and has a strong pipeline of projects with projected capital investment of $22 million for 2013.

2012 marked the start and completion of several projects throughout Cumberland County that will better enhance our local and regional economy such as; Pinnacle Health Hospital with a total investment of approximately $100 million and the creation of 300 jobs; the parent company of Giant Food Stores, Ahold USA, which commenced construction on a meat packing facility in Lower Allen Township that will create 800 jobs; and the strategic decision of Volvo Construction Equipment to consolidate their North American production and sales in Shippensburg that will not only create several hundred jobs for the region but also create new opportunities for growth in the local supply chain.  

As we transition into 2013 and beyond, we firmly believe that Cumberland County is well positioned for sustainable economic growth. 

Cumberland Valley Visitors Bureau Updates
Shireen Farr, Director of Tourism & Corporate Vice PresidentIMG 4824

The CVVB has been focused on continuing to build the Cumberland Valley destination brand in 2012. Examples of this continuation include:

  • Key signage improvements include directional signage off I-81 Southbound to our downtown Visitors Center and approval to place signage along I-76 at the Carlisle Exit. The sign is in partnership with the Downtown Carlisle Association and supported by the Borough of Carlisle.
  • Launched newly designed VisitCumberlandValley.com website in late summer. The new website is fully interactive, integrated and offers a trip planner, trip suggestions based on visitor interest, the official events calendar for Cumberland Valley and more features specifically designed for visitors. The new site also allows area businesses to highlight themselves through online listings, events and content.
  • The CVVB continued its successful grant program in 2012 by awarding 10 grants.  Future projects include a Cumberland Valley Race Series that will combine and brand all area foot and bike races and a new road trip to be developed by Carlisle Events to attract new visitors and extend stays in Cumberland Valley.
  • In 2013 the CVVB plans to expand the grant program to allow for targeted gateway communities to place gateway monument signs at designated locations.

In 2012 the CVVB continued to nurture unique partnerships to support our visitors - we extended our operating agreement with the Central PA Conservancy to support all group reservations at the Ironmaster's Mansion; we continue to operate our downtown visitor center with the capable team of volunteers and oversight by the Cumberland County Historical Society and we opened our visitor information desk at the U.S. Army Heritage & Education Center, which is operated by Carlisle Barracks Family Morale Welfare & Recreation.

Overnight visitors to the County are up approximately 8% over 2011, which equates to approximately 1.2 million overnight visitors and visitor spending of approximately $680 million on accommodations, food & beverage, entertainment, recreation, shopping and transportation. We are encouraged by this growth trend and expect it to continue into 2013.

On behalf of the Cumberland Area Economic Development Corporation team, we wish you much success in 2013!