Businesses in Adams County saw significant economic boons in 2018, and I believe the county is poised for a continued upswing in all areas of economic development in 2019. This is great news!

However there are many people, perhaps yourself included, who are perplexed about what economic development is. And the truth is, it’s very hard to define economic development because it isn’t just one thing; it is more a network of “things.”

Throughout 2019, our theme here at Adams Economic Alliance is “Demystifying Economic Development” in order to help the public better understand what it is—and isn’t.

This theme is a preview of our upcoming Annual Membership Meeting of the Adams County Economic Development Corporation (one of three entities under the Alliance’s umbrella). You’re invited to attend! Please join us on January 24, 2019 at Gettysburg College’s Atrium Dining Hall.

One of our principal, long time Investors and partners is Gettysburg College. Current Board Vice-Chair Peter North of Gettysburg College says the January 24 Annual Membership Meeting is a great opportunity to come see the new Atrium addition.

Gettysburg College Atrium

“It’s a caterer’s dream,” says North. A flexible, square space that can seat up to 140 people, the Atrium overlooks green space including the field house. The venue opened in August of 2018, serving lunch to faculty and staff, and offering catering space to groups during the evening.

North says the staff at Gettysburg College Dining Services are “phenomenal, setting a high bar, and taking a tremendous amount of pride in their work,” including Director of Dining Services Gary Brautigam and Executive Chef Charles Stockman. “They have received lots of accolades and awards including being named #13 in the country for college dining services by The Princeton Review,” says North.

We cannot thank Gettysburg College enough for all they do to enhance Adams County and our quality of life—including economic development.

Let’s begin demystifying economic development: Join us on January 24 at the Atrium! The dinner and meeting begins at 5 pm; tickets ($45) may be secured by contacting the Alliance at 717-334-0042 or [email protected]. The RSVP deadline is January 16.

This column was originally published in the Gettysburg Times, January 10, 2019.

Gettysburg College Atrium