Adams Economic Alliance Awards COVID-19 Hospitality Recovery Program (CHIRP) to 64 Businesses
GETTYSBURG, PA (April 21, 2021) – More than 60 Adams County tourism and hospitality-focused businesses will be sharing $1.135 million in state grant money, administered by Adams Economic Alliance, with support from the Adams County Office of Planning and Development. The grants received a final nod of approval by the Adams County Commissioners this morning.
“The relationship between the tourism/hospitality industry and economic development is interdependent,” said Robin Fitzpatrick, Alliance President. “Tourism is one of Adams County’s top three industries, and since our economy relies heavily upon visitors, it therefore also relies on the businesses who welcome, feed and lodge them. I am thankful this money will help 64 Adams County businesses remain viable.”
The COVID-19 Hospitality Industry Recovery Program (CHIRP) opened to applications on March 15, part of the $145 million statewide initiative by Governor Tom Wolf which flowed through the Commonwealth’s Department of Community and Economic Development to sustain Pennsylvania’s ailing tourism sector amid the pandemic.
“Adams County’s economic engine is partially driven by tourism,” said Randy Phiel, Adams County Commissioner and Chairman. “The Adams County hospitality industry has been dramatically affected by COVID-19 as travel largely ceased to exist. Hopefully the road to recovery in that industry will be consistent. The County of Adams was gratified to be the pass-through for the funds, and The Adams County Board of Commissioners appreciates and recognize the Adams Economic Alliance taking the responsibility to review and provide administration for this important grant program to benefit this industry and our county.”
One of the grant recipients is As One Management, which operates three Gettysburg-area hotels: the Hilton Garden Inn, Gettysburg’s Holiday Inn Express & Suites and Gettysburg’s Country Inn & Suites by Radisson. The three hotels, combined, employ nearly 50 people. Two of the properties will be receiving $15,000 each, while one has been awarded $20,000.
“We plan to use the money for payroll and to create a safer environment for our people and guests,” said Nimesh Shah, Managing Partner, As One Management.
“The past year has been brutal to our industry. One of the only bright spots has been the help we have received from Robin Fitzpatrick, Kaycee Kemper, and the entire Adams Economic Alliance team. They should know that not only have they helped us keep our doors open, but more importantly, their actions have kept our managers employed. Even with the current uncertainty around travel, we are optimistic that Gettysburg will be a popular destination for lots of visitors this summer and we are excited to host them all,” said Shah.
Grants range from $10,000 to $40,000 in increments of $5,000, and represent hotels, bed and breakfasts, restaurants, bars and campgrounds.
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
Gettysburg’s Hilton Garden Inn, operated by As One Management, is one of 64 Adams County hospitality businesses receiving state grant funding through the COVID-19 Hospitality Recovery Program (CHIRP) administered by Adams Economic Alliance.
