CVBA’s Economic Development Breakfast Celebrates Regional Investment and Community Impact

Photo of Award Winners: (Standing L-R): Brian McNew (Brim Builders), John McElwee (Keystone Health), Melinda Cordell (Greencastle Notary Services), Arcadia Clever, Jess Brindle (Boys and Girls Club of Chambersburg and Shippensburg), Daniel Myers, (Franklin County Housing Authority), Loren Martin, Gavin Martin (ELM Active), Michael Manning (Forrester Lincoln).(Sitting L-R): Colby McNew (Brim Builders), Dawn and Rick Soccio (AES Hearth & Patio), Josh and Sherah Blankenship (Mane & Co.).
Business leaders, nonprofit organizations, developers, and community partners gathered for the Cumberland Valley Business Alliance (CVBA) Economic Development Breakfast to celebrate the projects and people helping shape the future of the Cumberland Valley.
Hosted at Joy El Ministries, the annual event recognized outstanding investment, revitalization, historic preservation, sustainability initiatives, and nonprofit collaboration throughout the region.
“This event is an opportunity to celebrate the businesses, organizations, and individuals making meaningful investments in our communities,” said Nikki Howells, marketing manager for the CVBA. “These projects strengthen our downtowns, create opportunity, improve quality of life, and demonstrate continued confidence in the future of the Cumberland Valley.”
Property Improvement Award Winners
Property Improvement Award | Up to $150,000
Greencastle Notary Services
Greencastle Notary Services was recognized for transforming a former garage bay into a modern office space that improved workflow, customer service, and operational efficiency while supporting continued business growth.
Property Improvement Award | $150,000 to $500,000
ELM Active
ELM Active received recognition for revitalizing the former Carl’s Drug Store building in downtown Greencastle into a vibrant retail destination while preserving the building’s historic character.
Property Improvement Award | $500,000 to $1 Million
AES Hearth & Patio
AES Hearth & Patio was honored for renovating the former Snavely’s building into a modern showroom and retail destination focused on fireplaces, grills, patio furniture, and outdoor living products.
Property Improvement Award | $1 Million to $5 Million
Forrester Lincoln
Forrester Lincoln received recognition for a major showroom renovation that modernized the customer experience while continuing the dealership’s long standing family legacy in Chambersburg.
Property Improvement Award | $5 Million to $10 Million
Keystone Health – St. Catherine Street Center
Keystone Health was recognized for developing the St. Catherine Street Center, a major healthcare expansion designed to improve access to integrated healthcare services and strengthen long term community wellness.
Historic Preservation Award
Mane & Co.
Mane & Co. received the Historic Preservation Award for revitalizing 100 and 102 South Main Street in downtown Chambersburg, now home to Berg Brewery and Neighbors Food Hall. The project preserved important historic structures while creating a new gathering space and destination for the community.
Environmental Sustainability Award
SummerBridge at Falling Spring | Brim Builders
Brim Builders was recognized for the SummerBridge at Falling Spring development, which incorporates large scale solar energy systems, energy efficient design, and sustainable building practices throughout the residential community.
Community Impact Award
Boys and Girls Club of Chambersburg and Shippensburg & Franklin County Housing Authority
The first ever Community Impact Award was presented to the partnership between the Boys and Girls Club of Chambersburg and Shippensburg and the Franklin County Housing Authority for transforming underutilized space into a safe and welcoming youth facility serving local families and children.
The project included major facility improvements, playground development, security upgrades, and the creation of new opportunities for youth engagement and community connection.
Looking Ahead
The Economic Development Breakfast continues to highlight the collaboration, investment, and vision helping drive the Cumberland Valley forward. From small business expansion and historic preservation to healthcare investment and nonprofit partnerships, this year’s recipients showcased the diverse ways organizations are creating lasting impact throughout the region.
The CVBA extends congratulations to all award recipients and thanks the sponsors, partners, volunteers, and attendees who helped make the event possible.
For more information about joining the CVBA, please contact our team at info@cvballiance.org or call 717-264-7101.
