Graphic from Adams Economic Alliance’s new quality of life tool on Adams Intel

Adams County Debuts First U.S. “Quality of Life” Assessment Tools by Localintel

USDA grant funds technology improvements at Adams Economic Alliance

GETTYSBURG, PA (November 15, 2021) –Adams Economic Alliance officials announce a series of website upgrades, funded in great part by a $11,492 Rural Business Development Grant (RBDG) awarded by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA). One of the most significant improvements includes a suite of innovative online “Adams Intel” tools, free and available for the public to use at adamsalliance.org, including a first-of-its-kind economic development tool in the nation: a “quality of life” assessment for Adams County created by international tech company Localintel.

“Our local quality of life is something many of us have treasured over the years as we live, work, and play in our beloved Adams County,” said Robin Fitzpatrick, President, Adams Economic Alliance. “Now, at a time when many Americans are reevaluating where they live, work, and play—and choosing smaller communities like ours—we are grateful for the USDA’s generous grant because these technology upgrades allow us to quantify, measure, and share Adams County’s incredible quality of life, in order to attract and welcome new residents and businesses alike.”

A recent report ranking U.S. markets for high-paying job growth potential gave Gettysburg the top ranking nationwide in the “small cities” category, as reported in Forbes.

“The Rural Business Development Grant program is a proven economic development engine for small businesses in rural Pennsylvania,” said Bob Morgan, state director for USDA Rural Development. On average, USDA Rural Development receives about $1 million in available funding to disperse to Commonwealth of Pennsylvania grant awardees annually.

“We are pleased to partner with the Alliance’s Adams County Economic Development Corporation to make their digital optimization a reality. Projects like this are key to helping rural Pennsylvania build back, better. The information being provided by economic development agencies like Adams Economic Alliance is key for local rural businesses to recover from the pandemic,” Morgan said.

The RBDG program is designed to provide technical assistance and training for small rural businesses and public entities. Eligible entities are rural towns, communities, state agencies, authorities, nonprofits, federally-recognized tribes, institutes of higher education and cooperatives.

“Talent attraction is one of the biggest challenges facing communities across the country, and with more and more workers looking to relocate, those locations that promote quality of life have a competitive advantage. Adding Localintel’s innovative new quality of life marketing tool to Adams Economic Alliance’s website provides an effective, visual way to promote the community’s advantages to attract new talent, including remote workers,” said Dave Parsell, CEO and co-founder, Localintel.

While quality of life might seem immeasurable, Parsell explains how the web-based tool works.

“Quality of life means different things to different people. When considering a relocation, what matters most for a family with young children will be significantly different than a newly retired couple. That’s why Localintel’s new quality of life marketing tool includes multiple ‘user personas’ so that users can select the persona that best matches them,” Parsell said. “The tool adjusts and explains what makes Adams County a special place to live based on their specific needs.”

For example, families can evaluate Adams County’s quality of life in terms of highly-rated schools, numerous activities, and access to shopping and services for everyday needs. Active retirees will see Adams County’s wide array of health facilities, numerous recreational options, and many opportunities to connect and contribute to the community. Affordability is a factor that will appeal to all users.

Additional Alliance website upgrades now allow for annual members—called Investors—to have a seamless online experience becoming new Investors or renewing their Investments. The website now allows for all memberships—corporate as well as small business Investors—to create profiles directly on the Alliance website, which will generate listings in the Alliance’s online Investor Directory. Local and regional businesses and organizations are invited to become 2022 Investors at adamsalliance.org.

It is the mission of the Adams Economic Alliance to develop and implement creative community-based strategies to enhance economic opportunity and foster a dynamic framework for balanced growth and development through the Adams County Economic Development Corporation, Adams County Industrial Development Authority and Adams County General Authority. For more information, see adamsalliance.org, or follow the Alliance on Twitter (@AdamsAlliance), Facebook (Facebook.com/AdamsAlliance) and LinkedIn (Adams Economic Alliance).

MEDIA CONTACT: KAREN HENDRICKS / HENDRICKS COMMUNICATIONS / 717-253-3553

Graphic pulled from the new quality of life assessment tool available on Adams Intel