Board of Directors, Adams County Economic Development Corporation (ACEDC) – Photo Credit: Alex Hayes

GETTYSBURG, PA (February 13, 2020) – Five new faces and five returning community members were all elected to the Board of Directors for the Adams County Economic Development Corporation (ACEDC) this morning, Thursday, February 13 at the organization’s annual membership meeting.

ACEDC is one of three organizations under the umbrella Adams Economic Alliance, whose mission is 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 (ACIDA) and Adams County General Authority (ACGA).

Newly-elected board members include:

Both Flowers and Rasmussen previously served as ACEDC board members several years ago; Rasmussen was elected as a result of a nomination from the floor this morning.

Re-elected to second 3-year terms on the board are:

  • Barbara Hartman, Coldwell Banker Bigham, Gettysburg
  • Duane Kanagy, formerly of Adams Electric Cooperative, now of Kanagy Communications, Gettysburg
  • Peter North, Gettysburg College, Gettysburg
  • Marty Karsteter Qually, Adams County Commissioner
  • Shannon Toal, BB&T, Hanover

“The expertise and variety of perspectives in wide-ranging industries represented on the ACEDC board provide incredible knowledge and skill,” said Robin Fitzpatrick, Alliance President. “Adams County is certainly fortunate to depend on their insights, to guide the organization past its 30th year of existence in impacting our economy and communities.”

Fitzpatrick recently marked her 20th anniversary year with the organization; Vice President Kaycee Kemper celebrated her 20th anniversary in 2018.

In 2019, the Alliance coordinated $1.85 million in loans to Adams County companies, leveraging private investments of $2.2+ million. Since 1996, the Alliance has provided $31.485 million in loans to Adams County businesses, leveraging a total private investment of $81.258 million. As a result of the Alliance’s 2019 loans, 22 jobs were created and 171 were retained; since 1996, the Alliance is credited with creating 611 jobs and retaining 1,765.

Remaining on the ACEDC board and not up for election in 2020, are:

Recent departures from the board include Shannon Harvey, formerly of HACC Gettysburg, who took a position outside the area; and Stacey Fox, formerly of Destination Gettysburg, who also changed positions.

Rather than holding a public event in conjunction with the ACEDC’s annual membership meeting in February, the organization invites the public to an Economic Outlook Luncheon on May 6 in partnership with Destination Gettysburg. Featured speaker Anirban Basu is one of the Mid-Atlantic region’s leading economic consultants and has been called “an economist with a personality.” Basu, Chairman and CEO of Sage Policy Group, Baltimore, has twice been recognized as one of Maryland’s 50 most influential people. Tickets will soon be available—follow the Alliance on social media for this announcement.

For more information on the Alliance, 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

BIOS FOR FIRST TERM BOARD MEMBERS:

Nick Bair, COR Construction Services, Inc.

Nick joined COR Construction Services in July 2018 as the Director of Business Development, providing general contractor services throughout South Central PA. He previously worked for Schmuck Lumber Company in commercial sales and has 23 years of experience in the commercial & residential construction industry. Nick graduated from Penn State with a degree in Labor & Industrial Relations. He currently resides in Spring Grove with his wife and 2 children.

Shawn Eckenrode, Adams County Tech Prep

Shawn began as the Director of Career & Technical Education in Adams County in December 2018. Shawn is passionate about career and technical education, as his entire career has been dedicated to this education sector. Eckenrode served as a supervisor and administrator for the US Navy Nuclear Power Training Program. Most recently, he was the Electronics Technology Instructor for the Dauphin County Technical School in Harrisburg. Shawn received his Masters of Education in Workforce Education and Development from Penn State.

Norris Flowers, Destination Gettysburg

Norris is President and CEO of Destination Gettysburg, the official destination marketing organization for Gettysburg and Adams County. Mr. Flowers has more than 45 years of travel industry experience, including senior level management positions with industry consultant firms, transportation companies and served as Director of Tourism for the Greater Kansas City Convention & Visitor Bureau. Flowers served ACEDC’s Board previously and was the recipient of the J. Frank Sapp Volunteer of the Year Award in 2014. Currently, Norris Flowers serves as a board member of Main Street Gettysburg, a member of the PA Destination Marketing Committee, and is actively a part of the Gettysburg Rotary since 2015. He resides in Gettysburg with his wife, Susan.

Carrie Nace, Novak Strategic Advisors

Carrie has had an extensive career in the political arena, most notably her involvement with Rep. Torren Ecker’s campaign for the 193rd district seat in the PA House of Representatives. She also served as Rep. Kate Klunk’s district office manager. Carrie is a graduate of Juniata College and holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Political Science and International Relations. Prior to her career in the Pennsylvania House of Representatives, she worked for the British Embassy in the Hong Kong Economic and Trade office where she helped with Hong Kong’s transition to China. Carrie lives in New Oxford with her husband Jared, son Quinton, daughter Sydney and their rescue pup, Walter. In her spare time, Carrie sits on community boards in Adams and York County and is an active member of the Adams County Republican Women.