Following the recent 250 Years of Industry & Innovation in Adams County event, we reflected on the businesses, industries, and people who have shaped our local economy over generations. It’s always been important to me to know the history, of anything and everything really! You cannot know the road ahead very well if you don’t understand the ground beneath your feet.
But just as important as looking back is recognizing what is happening right now—and where we are headed next.
On March 9, the Adams Economic Alliance partnered with BusinessPA to host a full day of manufacturing visits across Adams County. BusinessPA works across the Commonwealth to support business growth, connect companies to resources, and strengthen local economies.
That work matters here. Access to the right resources—whether funding, workforce programs, or infrastructure—can directly influence whether a business chooses to grow in Adams County.
That’s where the Adams Economic Alliance comes in.
Through our ability to connect businesses with resources, bring stakeholders together, and focus on solutions, we work every day to attract, retain, and grow business across the county. March 9 was that work in action—bringing state partners directly into our industries COMMUNITIES to listen, learn, and identify opportunities.
We visited five manufacturers across Adams County that reflect both the strength and future of Adams County’s economy:
LCDM Corp – Headquartered locally, specializing in custom grain material handling systems that connect our agricultural roots to advanced manufacturing.
G&S Foods – A growing snack food manufacturer continuing to invest and expand operations.
Spectra-Kote – A Gettysburg-based company preparing for expansion and exploring international markets.
Sandridge Crafted Foods – An Ohio-based company investing locally with plans to expand production and create jobs.
A.S.S.T. – A skilled solid surface manufacturer producing world class solutions used across the country in diverse industries.
At each stop, our focus was simple: listen, connect, and advocate.
And throughout every visit, the same themes emerged:
Growth opportunities are real—and happening now
Power and infrastructure are critical to expansion
Workforce development remains a top priority
These aren’t just challenges—they are opportunities to better align local businesses with regional and state resources.
Economic development is often thought of as attracting new companies. But just as important is the work of retention and expansion—supporting the businesses already here, already investing, and already creating jobs in Adams County.
That work happens through connection.
It happens by showing up, asking the right questions, and building relationships.
And it continues in April, as the Adams Economic Alliance participates in the Pennsylvania Economic Development Association Conference in Harrisburg—where we will build new partnerships, learn best practices, and bring additional resources back to Adams County.
As we continue to celebrate our past, we are equally focused on building what comes next.
If you are a business owner planning to grow, an employer facing challenges, or a community partner with an idea—the Adams Economic Alliance is here to connect you to the people and resources that can help move it forward.
Because the future of Adams County’s economy isn’t just something we talk about.
It’s something we’re building—together.
