Cumberland Area economic development agency reports $15.2 million in grants, outlines tourism campaign and business outreach

Leaders of the Cumberland Area Economic Development Corporation (CADEC) told the Cumberland County Board of Commissioners that the agency secured $15.2 million in grant funding for 14 projects and is launching a series of tourism and business-development initiatives this year.

The announcement, made during a presentation to commissioners, covered CADEC’s newest marketing work — including a brand-lift study and a May advertising push — expanded outreach to bus groups and site selectors, loan and referral activity for small businesses, and several upcoming public events and grant workshops.

CADEC reported that between October and March it secured $15,200,000 on behalf of 14 projects, with about $5.7 million of redevelopment assistance capital program (RACP) awards tied to Industrial Development Authority projects, Greg Welker, CADEC’s director of economic development, told the commissioners. Welker said the agency serves as staff to the Cumberland County Industrial Development Authority and assists applicants through award paperwork and project compliance.

On tourism, Ashley Kurtz, interim director of tourism and marketing, described a two-part brand-lift study aimed at residents of Philadelphia, Pittsburgh and Washington, D.C., who indicated they travel for leisure. Kurtz said the pre-survey showed roughly 60% of respondents said they were aware of the Cumberland Valley and about 40% reported having traveled there. CADEC plans a…