The I ♥ YoCo Podcast Series is moderated by YCEA. The series aims to provide members with topical information presented by our members to help improve your business and careers. Podcasts will be launched to the entire membership and will offer a chance to gain access to educational resources without leaving your office or home.
2023 Series
Early Learning Update
Join us for the April installment of our Economics Club series for an update on early learning in Pennsylvania.
Nationally, April is designated as The Month of the Young Child, and each year, the Economics Club devotes its April event to elevating awareness of the importance of quality, affordable, and accessible childcare in our community. Increasingly, employers recognize that childcare is a barrier to employee attraction and retention; it is essential for employees’ ability to work.
Panelists include: Shante’ A. Brown, Deputy Secretary, Pennsylvania Departments of Education and Human Services, Office of Child Development and Early Learning; Andrea Heberlein, Executive Director, Pennsylvania Early Learning Investment Commission; and Brian Grimm, President/CEO of York Day Early Learning. The panel discussion will be moderated by Kim Bracey, CEO, YWCA York.
YoCo Grows: Economics of the Agriculture Industry
Industry experts who will help us understand the four distinct segments of York County’s agriculture industry: lifestyle agricultural land owners and investors; farms with production and business that is focused on retail sales and consumer relationships; traditional York County family farms; and full-time, large-scale farm operations. Our panelists will discuss the challenges and opportunities associated with each of these segments, as well as how they have been impacted by the pandemic in recent years.
About the panelists:
Julie Flinchbaugh
Co-Owner and Farm Market Manager
Flinchbaugh’s Orchard & Farm
Julie is part of a fourth-generation of the Flinchbaugh family happily working alongside her two brothers and business partners, Mike and Andrew, as they operate Flinchbaugh’s Orchard & Farms in York County. She happily serves in the role of Farm Market Manager and has since 2006. She is blessed to have a patient husband, Travis, and two adventurous sons, Sam and Del, to keep her stepping!
Taylor Groff
Partner
GroffJulius
Taylor Groff is a lifelong York County resident who has spent his entire career in the agricultural industry. Taylor owns GroffJulius, a design build general contracting business supporting Agricultural Infrastructure throughout the Mid Atlantic US.
Bruce Miller
Farmer and Agricultural Lender (retired)
Bruce Miller is a lifelong part-time farmer and a resident of Chanceford Township, York County. Bruce and his wife Susan are owners of the 96-acre Miller/Arnold farm that has continuously been in the Arnold family name since the purchase in 1771 (252 years). Bruce has retired from 41-year career of making agricultural loans in south central Pennsylvania area.
Get Outside: Discover YoCo's Thriving Recreational Sports Economy
Discussion featuring three of York County’s hottest outdoor sports and recreation destinations.
About our featured guests
Matt DeRose
President, Heritage Hospitality
Matt DeRose has spent more than 25 years in the hospitality and amusement industries in development, ownership, and management. His career has encompassed all aspects of hotel, food and beverage, conference center, amusement, fitness club and athletics, golf, equestrian, and indoor waterpark operations.
Bill Kunkel
Club Manager, Central Penn Sporting Clays & Game Preserve.
Bill Kunkle spent 35 years as a building contractor. He has been a member of the club for 20 years and has been guiding bird hunts for the last 12 years. Presently, Bill manages the sporting clay and hunt operations.
Eric Menzer
President, York Professional Baseball
Eric Menzer became President of York Professional Baseball, owners and operators of the York Revolution, in 2010. He is responsible for all aspects of achieving the organization?s vision of being the premier provider of hospitality and sports experiences in the communities they serve, and the most welcoming place in York. Under his guidance, York Professional Baseball also owns and operates WOYK Sports Radio 98.9 FM and hosts hundreds of events annually at PeoplesBank.
2022 Series
Why quality, affordable, & accessible childcare in our community matters!
Listen as Joel Berg from biznewsPA, along with a panel of experts on early learning discuss the importance of quality, affordable, and accessible childcare in our community. Andrea Heberlein, Executive Director of Pennsylvania Early Learning Investment Commission, or ELIC; Heather Miller, Chief Education Officer at the York JCC; and two ELIC commissioners: Tony Campisi, Chairman of Glatfelter Insurance Group; and Jim Hoehn, regional president, PNC Bank, Central Pennsylvania..
Welcoming Workplaces
Join us along with Joel Berg from BizNewPA where you’ll learn about the Welcoming Workplaces initiative. The mission of Welcoming Workplaces is to drive opportunities to support the diversity of talent in the workplace and advance shared prosperity based on four strategic focus areas: Talent Attraction, Talent Retention, Policies & Procedures, and Knowledge Sharing.
Hear from several businesses such as Family First Health, OSS Health and Central Pennsylvania Independent Electrical Contractors, who are all implementing Welcoming Workplaces into their organization!
Political Update from Dr. G. Terry Madonna
Dr. Madonna will provide an analysis of the 2022 midterm election. His talk will cover national and Pennsylvania politics, with an update on Pennsylvania’s important open-seat U.S. Senate and Governor’s elections. He will also assess the impact President Biden’s standing with the voters will have on the Midterm, as well as the important issues before the voters.
For more than 30 years, Madonna has taught and written about his two academic specialties: the American presidency, and American political parties and political behavior. As a pollster in recent years, he has written extensively about voters and voting behavior.
Transportation Update
Join Joel Berg from BizNewPA for a transportation update from industry experts Rich Farr, Executive Director of rabbittransit and Mark Wisniewski, Manager, Supply and Trading at Shipley Energy.
Farr will talk about the state of regional transportation and public transportation for the future, as well as how the business community can transportation partner with the business sector. We’ll also get expert insight from Wisniewski on the rising cost of fuel and energy.
Cultural Sector Economic Impact
Join us along with Joel Berg from BizNewPA where you’ll hear about the creative sector economy across the Commonwealth and here in York County. Our guest speakers will explain a bit about the pandemic’s impact on cultural organizations and outline strategies for enhancing community competitiveness through the creative sector. We’ll also hear about initial findings from the recent cultural/outdoor assets survey and public funding study done jointly with YCEA and Fourth Economy and the impact of the cultural community on York’s overall economic recovery.
Workforce Strategies for Equity in Education
Join us along with Joel Berg from BizNewPA where you’ll hear from Pedro Rivera, President of Thaddeus Stevens College of Technology and former PA Secretary of Education. He’ll provide an overview of workforce and strategies to bring equity into education and skill-building programs.
2021 Series
County Of York Focuses On Opportunity, Equity, And Inclusion
The County of York has focused on improving Diversity, Opportunity, Equity, and Inclusion for our community by adding two new positions in 2020. York County President Commissioner Julie Wheeler and Felicia Dell, Director of the York County Planning Commission, talk about the new positions and introduce Joseph Morales, Chief Opportunity Officer; and Jada Richardson, Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Community Planner.
WellSpan Reimagines Grocery Shopping To Help Health Care Employees
The pandemic has put an enormous strain on our health care system, including long hours and reduced time with family for health care providers. Tim Bentzel, senior director of food and nutrition services for WellSpan Health, joins the YCEA to talk about an innovative program that allows employees to pick up grocery and household staples at hospitals in the WellSpan network through partnerships with local businesses like Leg Up Farmers Market.
COVID Vaccinations And The Liability Concerns For Businesses
With several approved COVID vaccinations approved for use by the CDC, businesses are finding themselves in the middle of the debate on whether or not they should require their employees to be vaccinated. Business owners and leaders are concerned about potential implications surrounding vaccinations, including requiring vaccinations, offering incentives to employees to get vaccinated, vaccine availability, personal beliefs about vaccinations and potential side effects, and risks of spreading COVID if employees are not vaccinated. The York County Economic Alliance welcomes Mike Crocenzi, partner with Barley Snyder law firm and Board Member of the York Chapter of the Society of Human Resources Management (SHRM); Dr. Michael Spangler, vice president of Medical Affairs at UPMC Memorial; and Kristen Pittman, North America HRBP at RHI Magnesita and past president of the York Chapter of the Society of Human Resources Management (SHRM); and moderator Jeff Vermeulen, Assistant Vice President for External Relations at York College of Pennsylvania and vice chair of the York County Economic Alliance Board of Directors, for a panel discussion panel of presenters to join in a discussion about the COVID vaccine and potential liability concerns for businesses.
Vacations And Travel In 2021 - What To Think About, When To Book, And Where To Go
After a year of COVID-19 travel restrictions, everyone is looking forward to vacations and travel this summer. Suzanne Schrum from Aquamarine Travel joins the York County Economic Alliance to talk about what you should be thinking about when planning a trip this year, how soon you should be making reservations, and what some of the hottest destinations are.
A Summer Affair: The York State Fair Moves to July
Bryan Blair, CEO of the York State Fair, joins the York County Economic Alliance to talk about the 2021 Fair. This year’s Fair will be held in July and will feature a star-studded lineup of musical acts on the Grandstand Stage, new agricultural exhibits and competitions, and all of the food, games, and fun that will make it the event of the summer.
The Evolving Workplace And Its New Normal
Employers continue to ramp up operations following the COVID-19 pandemic, but many are rethinking what they need for their workers to be successful. Justin Warner, President and CEO of Synergy Process Consulting, joins the York County Economic Alliance to talk about the ‘new normal’ for workplaces, including remote work, process automation, and other efficiencies that will redefine the typical office environment in the coming year.
The State of Residential Real Estate and Construction
The residential real estate market and new home construction industry have been some of the hottest sectors in our economy over the last two years. Shanna Terroso, chief executive officer at the Realtors Association of York and Adams Counties, or RAYAC; and Brandon Knaub, board chair for the York County Builders Association and vice president of sales and marketing at Cameo Services, Inc., join the York County Economic Alliance to talk about what has been driving lightening fast home sales and rising construction material costs.
Where does your garbage go?
Modern Landfill has been permitted to serve commercial, residential and industrial customers across Central Pennsylvania and neighboring states since 1978. Designed to provide safe and environmentally responsible waste disposal services. Listen here to learn more!
A Look at Our Federal Budget and National Deficit
Marc Goldwein, Senior Vice President and Senior Policy Director for the Committee for a Responsible Federal Budget, joins the York County Economic Alliance to discuss the state of our Federal budget and national deficit by looking at recent trends, impacts from COVID-19 stimulus packages, and how we can reduce our national deficit in the coming years.
Meet The New CEO Of York JCC
Jonah Geller, CEO of the York JCC, joins the York County Economic Alliance to talk about the JCC; why he was excited by the opportunity of being CEO; and the programs, services, and activities they offer to be welcoming for everyone.
The Rabbittransit And Capital Area Transit Merger And How It Benefits South Central Pennsylvania
In December 2020, York-based Rabbittransit announced a merger with Capital Area Transit. Richard Farr, executive director for both organizations, joins the York County Economic Alliance to talk about the services provided by the two transit authorities and how the merger will benefit riders throughout South Central Pennsylvania.
MANTEC Welcomes New President and CEO
Bruce Newell joins the York County Economic Alliance to talk about his new role as president and CEO of MANTEC and the state of manufacturing in south central PA.
Do You Have Backup?
Don’t find out the hard way whether you have good back-up! From natural disasters to server crashes to cybercriminals, losing your data can be devastating for a business. Ben Drummond, Vice President of Client Success, and Chris Scanlan, Technical Service Analyst, from D2 Integrated Solutions join the York County Economic Alliance to talk about the importance of backing up your data and best practices every organization needs to be thinking about.
Digital Transformation To Support A Mobile Workforce
After the pandemic transitioned many employees into a remote workforce, businesses began to see some benefits and efficiences from having a smaller workforce on-site. As businesses ramp up post-pandemic, many employers are looking to create new hybrid mobile workforces. Ben Drummond, Vice President of Client Success at D2 Integrated Solutions, joins the York County Economic Alliance to talk about transitioning resources to a digital format to help support employees working on the road and non-traditional work environments.
Trails Of Beer, And Wine, And Spirits, Oh My!
The ‘Yellow Brick Road’ has nothing on YoCo’s trails featuring beer, and wine, and spirits…oh my! Christine Tobias joins the York County Economic Alliance to talk about Explore York’s Good Libations Trails that take ‘hikers’ to wineries, breweries, and distilleries across York County and south central Pennsylvania for a different – and delicious – kind of trek.
The Importance of Estate Planning
Estate Planning is often thought of as something you look into later in life. However, putting together a plan early and working with the right professionals is vital to assuring you are making the best decisions for you, your family members and your peace of mind. Elder Law Attorney Jeffrey Bellomo and Client Care Advocate Meg Motter of Bellomo and Associates, LLC join the York County Economic Alliance podcast to provide insight on the importance beginning estate planning early and the legalities to be aware of when setting up a plan for yourself or a loved one.
2020 Series
YoCo-Go! - "York County Ale Trail" with Glenn Smith
Craft brewing has exploded in YoCo! Join Glenn Smith to learn more about the York County Ale Trail, craft breweries across the county, and some delicious recommendations for a relaxing summer brew. Listen on Soundcloud
YoCo-Go! - "Summer Grilling And Backyard Picnics" with GIANT
Tired of the same old dinner menu? Join GIANT Food Stores’ regional nutritionist Kilene Knitter to get some fresh ideas on how to freshen up your weekly menu with local summer produce. Kilene also shares some short demos on hot to grill up a tasty dinner and dessert in your backyard. Listen on Soundcloud
YoCo-Go! - Made In YoCo - Part 2
York County historians Jim McClure and Stephen Smith join the York County Economic Alliance to count down the list of top 10 products Made in YoCo. This list counts down from #5 to #1 of famous items that got their start here in YoCo. To read more from Jim McClure, visit www.facebook.com/groups/retroyork; and more from Stephen Smith can be found at www.yorkblog.com/yorkspast. Listen on Soundcloud
Meet WellSpan Health's New President Of York Hospital
Vicky Diamond has stepped into a new role as President of WellSpan Health York Hospital and Senior Vice President of WellSpan Health’s Central Region and talks with the York County Economic Alliance about her new position and some exciting projects in the works. Listen on Soundcloud
Business Series Presented By PNC: Preparing Your Business For The Holiday Season In The Age Of COVID
This year’s holiday shopping season will look different for local businesses with the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. The September Business Series offered both a local and statewide perspective on how businesses can prepare for this year’s Holiday Season, and provided ideas to plan for online and in-person success.
Presenting with the local economy in mind, was Allison Witherow, Chief Marketing Officer of ONE Hospitality Group, and providing the state-wide perspective, was Rick Moran, Director of Marketing Pennsylvania Chamber of Business and Industry.
The Dark (and Haunted) History of York
Journey into the eerie and uncanny history of York County with Meagan Given as she shares four tales of ghostly encounters and strange, but true events, including the infamous Hex Murder Trial, the Yorktowne Hotel’s “Ghost of Good Hospitality”, the Lafayette Club’s devoted caretaker, and P.T. Barnum’s “Cannibal Dwarf”.
Pull up the interactive map and turn the podcast into a walking tour in Downtown York!
What is Medical Marijuana and How Does It Help Patients?
Medical marijuana, hemp, cannabis, and CBD have been buzzwords over recent years. But what do they mean and what is the difference between them? And most importantly, how are they helping changes the lives of patients taking them? Alex Adams and Dr. Elizabeth Ardillo from Green Thumb Industries and RISE Dispensary join the York County Economic Alliance to talk about this budding industry and the profound effect the products can have for patients.
November Economics Club - State Of The County And 2020 Year End Update
President County Commissioner Julie Wheeler provides an update on the State of the County and discuss COVID-19, the YoCo Strong Grant program and CARES Act funding, municipal and emergency services support, and broadband expansion. Jesse McCree, CEO of SCPa Works, shares a State of the Workforce in York County and Pennsylvania, and discusses economic trends, the COVID-19 impact on York County, an Unemployment Compensation update, and an overview by Industry. Kevin Courtois, Executive Director of Congressional and Public Affairs with the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, offers a preview on recovery legislation and the small business impact and outlook for the year ahead.
12 Holidays Of YoCo
Celebrate the season with 12 holiday traditions, attractions, and celebrations that are uniquely YoCo. Local historian and author Jim McClure joins York County Economic Alliance to talk about the Glen Rock Carolers, Steam Whistle Concert, Hannukah, Kwanzaa, New Year’s countdowns, Three Kings Day, and more.
YoCo-Go! - "Summer Activities" with York County Libraries
The York County Libraries has a variety of activities for children this summer! Paula Gilbert talks about GO YORK and virtual concerts with the libraries. Listen on Soundcloud
YoCo-Go! - Made In YoCo - Part 1
York County historians Jim McClure and Stephen Smith join the York County Economic Alliance to count down the list of top 10 products Made in YoCo. This list counts down from #10 to #6 of famous items that got their start here in YoCo. To read more from Jim McClure, visit www.facebook.com/groups/retroyork; and more from Stephen Smith can be found at www.yorkblog.com/yorkspast. Listen on Soundcloud
Rails And Trails In PA
Nate Fochtman, Business Development with The Freemind Group; Wendy Keesee, President of Brewery Products; and Corey Wolfe, Founding Member of the York City beer collaboration; provide insight on the growing brewing industry in York County. They dissect the broad economic impact of the industry, ranging from production and distribution to retail consumption. Listen on Soundcloud
Brewing Up Business In YoCo
Diane Kripas, Division Chief for the PA Department of Conservation and Natural Resources; Gwen Loose, Executive Director of the York County Rail Trail Authority; and Tom Sexton, Regional Director with the Rails to Trails Conservancy; talk about the economic and community benefits of converting former rail lines to multi-use trails. York County Economic Alliance Vice President of Economic Development, Silas Chamberlin, also shares details about the York County Trail Towns program that will leverage the Heritage Rail Trail to promote economic growth for the businesses and towns along the trail, as well as all of YoCo. Listen on Soundcloud
Get To Know The York Water Company's New CEO
J.T. Hand joins the York County Economic Alliance to talk about the York Water Company, being a NASDAQ-traded company, the history of their downtown York location, and his new role as CEO. Listen on Soundcloud
York County Short Line Railroads: Then And Now
The Maryland and Pennsylvania Railroad Historical Society president, Craig Sansonetti, joins the York County Economic Alliance to talk about the history of short line railroads in York County and how they shaped the southeastern part of the county into what we know today.
Cyber Security And Liability - What You Need to Know for this New Age of Digital and Remote Working
Join the York County Economic Alliance for a panel discussion on cyber security and risk management with Erik Bennett, VCIO with Intermix IT; attorney Donald Geiter, Barley Snyder; and Ron Unger, Kocman Insurance Group. The panelists discuss employee internet connections, updating employee cyber policies, checking your insurance policy for remote working coverage, privacy and security breaches, ransomware attacks, and legal requirements for reporting.
Victor's Italian Restaurant Receives Wine Spectator Magazine Award of Excellence
Victor’s Italian Restaurant received the Award of Excellence from Wine Spectator magazine and owner Mark Sindicich joins YCEA to talk about their extensive wine menu, how to pair wine with your entrée, and his journey toward becoming certified as a sommelier.
Retirement 101: No Paycheck, No Employee Health Plan, NO PROBLEM!
We all plan for retirement, but how does everything work? From 401K retirement plans, pensions, and Social Security Income; to Medicare and income taxes, Domani Wealth’s Chris Stock talks with the York County Economic Alliance about how to convert your lifetime of planning and saving into action and replace employee health plan coverage and regular paychecks so you can enjoy your retirement.
Retaining Your Organization's Top Talent
Losing talented employees can cost businesses time, money and productivity. Julie Poland, from ProActive Leadership Group, joins YCEA to talk about why employees decide to leave a company and how organizations can make sure they are retaining their top talent.