I bet everyone has a memory or story to tell about a favorite field trip. I encourage you to think back to your school days, and how exciting it was to leave school and visit the Battlefield, a zoo, farm, or museum—in Gettysburg, Harrisburg or Washington, D.C.
Here’s a fun piece of trivia: The term “field trip” was first used in 1926. So they’ve been part of our culture for about 100 years. Today, Merriam-Webster defines field trip as “a visit (as to a factory, farm, or museum) made by students and a teacher for purposes of firsthand observation.” A field trip is a chance to experience something first-hand!
Here at the Alliance, we just concluded a series of field trips, called “Engage! Visits.” Throughout the first half of 2024, we had the opportunity to visit 18 businesses all over Adams County. Every business we met with was unique and left us appreciating the diversity of Adams County’s businesses and industries.
Some businesses have long roots and family trees. We had the opportunity to meet with AgCom, established in 1904, and Adams County Nursery Inc., established in 1905. Both of these businesses have been supporting and sustaining agriculture in our community for generations. And they are both family-owned agricultural businesses that continue to grow, expand and thrive as the next generation assumes leadership roles.
Technology is at the forefront of many Adams County businesses. We had the opportunity to see how automation and AI are helping improve processes and keep Adams County businesses like C&J Clark America Inc. and Ring Container Technologies competitive in a global economy. We also had the opportunity to tour businesses that are newer to Adams County, with big plans for large economic impacts, such as Summit Project Group LLC in Aspers and J.F. Rohrbaugh Co. Inc. in New Oxford.
The entrepreneurial spirit is alive and well in Adams County! Our team toured the Gettysburg Outlets and New Oxford Borough, where there are a number of new shops. We visited the Chick Clique Collective at the Gettysburg Outlets and Fiddlesticks Mercantile just off New Oxford’s Center Square. Check them out! Their colorful displays truly have something for everyone.
While we were in New Oxford, we stopped in to visit with New Oxford Area Chamber Business of the Year winners Josh Keeney and Lily Medina at Deja Brew Coffee & Bakery, and we sampled some delicious food at their new restaurant next-door, Five Loaves Sandwiches, also on the New Oxford Square.
The biggest, over-arching lesson we learned from this year’s field trips? We are amazed at the innovation, creativity and success of the amazing people who help Adams County businesses thrive! We thank everyone who took the time to provide a tour, show us around and help us learn. We also hope our visits were educational for the businesses, as we shared information about the services we offer through the Alliance, including our network of partnerships that can connect businesses to low-interest loan products, grant opportunities and additional support.
We are always looking to get out of the office (for field trips, of course!) and have conversations about how the Alliance can support your business goals! If you’re interested in meeting with the Alliance team, please contact Brady Rodgers, Director of Business and Community Outreach, at [email protected] or 717-334-0042, x 104.
Brady Rodgers is Director of Business and Community Outreach at Adams Economic Alliance, which comprises three organizations:
The Adams County Economic Development Corporation (ACEDC), the Adams County Industrial Development Authority (ACIDA) and the Adams County General Authority (ACGA). Follow us on Instagram (@adamscountypa), Twitter (@AdamsAlliance), Facebook (Facebook.com/AdamsAlliance) and LinkedIn (Adams Economic Alliance).
This article originally published in the Gettysburg Times, July 11, 2024
