Issuu

SEPTEMBER 2025

A DA M S C OUN T Y

Adventure

! s t i a w A

BUSINESS BRIEFS

ADVOCACY UPDATE

EVENTS CALENDAR

Mark Your Calendars! September 18: Membership Mixer at Vida Charter School, 4-6 p.m.

September 23: YPR at Lincoln Links, 3-5 p.m. October 8: County Connections Reception at The Barn Resort, 4-6 p.m.

October 15: Prayer Breakfast at The Refectory at the United Lutheran Seminary, 8 a.m.

For more details visit gettysburg-chamber.org or call 717.334.8151

November 13: Annual Meeting at Liberty Mountain Resort, 4:30 p.m.

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October 16: Membership Mixer at Delone Catholic High School, 4-6 p.m.

December 4: Christmas Cookie Cash Bash at The Chamber office, 3-6 p.m.

BOARD OF DIRECTORS Bryan Johnson, Chair* SMB Associates

IN THIS ISSUE 04 06

Business Briefs

Member Spotlight Adventure In Fun – Captivating Creatures Dustin Queary - Co-Owner

#FreshFaces:

Chamber Chat

Advocacy Updates

Out & About

Stacey Schlosser*

Guest Article: Phone Scams are Getting Sneakier Thanks to AI! By Shannon McCleary, TREYSTA Marketing & Account Manager

Kate Shay

Chamber & Community Events

Chamber News

John Husser, Vice Chair* ACNB Bank

Judy Morley, Treasurer* The Gettysburg Cookie Co.

Sarah Sidenstricker, Secretary* Members 1st Federal Credit Union

Darlene A. Brown Individual Member

Isaac Bucher, Immediate Past Chair* Mister Ed’s Elephant Museum & Candy Emporium

Michael Cogliano, Sr.* WellSpan Gettysburg Hospital

Lisa Duffy UPMC Hanover

Shawn Eckenrode Adams County Technical Institute

Sharon Kebil-Whisler M & T Bank

Kelly Mower Graphics Universal, Inc. Biggerstaff ’s Catering Scott & Co. Fine Jewelers

Karen Tavenner RE/MAX Quality Service, Inc.

Becky Van der Groef Hoffman Homes

Wesley Warehime Aero Energy

Carrie S. Stuart, President* The Chamber of Gettysburg & Adams County *Denotes Executive Committee Member

ADAMS COUNTY BUSINESS IS PUBLISHED AND PRODUCED BY

CHAMBER STAFF Carrie S. Stuart, President carries@gettysburg-chamber.org Edith Cimino, Operations Manager edithc@gettysburg-chamber.org Crystal Kleponis, Director of Member Services crystalk@gettysburg-chamber.org Annie Burns, Communications Specialist annieb@gettysburg-chamber.org

Chartered in 1919, The Chamber of Gettysburg & Adams County is Adams County’s oldest and largest business organization. The chamber supports and strengthens its members and the Adams County area by promoting diverse economic opportunities through advocacy, building relationships, providing timely information and developing leaders for the future. Nearly 530 local businesses and organizations have made an investment in Adams County through membership. 1382 BIGLERVILLE ROAD, GETTYSBURG, PA 17325 | 717.334.8151

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BUSINESS BRIEFS The bolded businesses in Business Briefs are Chamber members. Submit news to chambernews@gettysburgchamber.org by the second Tuesday of each month for inclusion in the following month’s publication. Adams County Historical Society has launched a new initiative, Gettysburg History, that will help them grow, reach new audiences, and amplify their mission of preservation and education. While their brand is evolving, their mission remains unchanged. With the support of the public, they will continue to deliver exceptional programs and experiences – and ensure Gettysburg’s powerful story reaches and inspires more people than ever. Keller Engineers is excited to welcome Doug Coffman to the Transportation Division as a Construction Inspector. Coffman has 30 years of experience which includes working within the heavy highway construction industry as a Foreman/Superintendent. He also completed the 12 TA-TCI Training Modules and is a certified NECEPT Concrete Field-Testing Technician. Cross Keys Village - The Brethren Home Community is pleased to announce the promotion of Mike Kovacs to Vice President of Foundation. Throughout his time as the Director of Development and most recently Interim Executive Director, Kovacs has thoroughly demonstrated his passion for the work of The Brethren Home Foundation and commitment to the mission, vision, and values of Cross Keys Village. James Meisenbach has joined Herbert, Rowland & Grubic, Inc as a GIS Group Manager. Meisenbach helps clients leverage spatial data for smart decision-making about their infrastructure. His professional experience spans most types of assets: transportation, water and wastewater systems, fiber optic communications infrastructure, municipal public works, upstream and midstream oil and gas, and MS4 compliance. Meisenbach also serves his community as a volunteer firefighter and emergency responder with the Columbia Borough Fire Department.

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Main Street Gettysburg has been awarded a $10,000 grant from the Adams County Community Foundation’s Forward Fund to support critical infrastructure stabilization beneath the future Gettysburg Welcome Center site. The funds will be used for the interim stabilization and permanent blocking of the historic Winebrenner Culvert, an underground channel dating to Gettysburg’s pre-Civil War era. Recently exposed during the demolition phase, the culvert’s deteriorated condition presents longterm risks to public safety and to the foundation of the Welcome Center itself. Structural engineers from C.S. Davidson recommended blocking the culvert as a costeffective, preventative measure. The $10,000 grant will cover engineering-based solutions, such as concrete bulkheads or structural fill, to stabilize the area and prepare it for vertical construction. The Gettysburg Welcome Center is projected to open in time for America’s 250th anniversary in 2026. The York Water Company announced their financial results for the second quarter and the first six months of 2025. President JT Hand reported that second quarter operating revenues of $19,199,000 increased $49,000 and net income of $5,052,000 increased $59,000 compared to the second quarter of 2024. Basic and Diluted Earnings per share of $0.35 for the three-month period is unchanged compared to the same period last year. President Hand also reported that the first six months operating revenues of $37,655,000 increased $1,277,000, but net income of $8,690,000 decreased $630,000 compared to the first six months of 2024. During the first six months of 2025, the company invested $22.2 million in capital projects for main extensions and an upgrade to the enterprise software system, as well as various replacements and improvements to infrastructure and routine items. In a move that strengthens and improves access to highquality orthopaedic care across central Pennsylvania, UPMC and the Orthopedic Institute of Pennsylvania (OIP) have formalized a new strategic partnership. Building upon decades of collaboration between the two leaders in

SEK, CPAs & Advisors has been named 167th in INSIDE Public Accounting’s 2025 annual rankings of the largest accounting firms in the nation, the IPA 200. IPA is an award-winning newsletter for the accounting profession. The IPA 200 is one of the most comprehensive lists of its kind and is the most current snapshot of the financial and operational health of accounting firms. More than 500 firms participate in the annual ranking process and SEK ranks as the 167th largest public accounting firm in the nation, up 10 spots from last year’s ranking.

The Chamber of Gettysburg and Adams County, along with other local businesses and organizations, signed a Statement of Community Support for the Gettysburg National Military Park and Eisenhower National Historic Site as both serve as cornerstones for local community and places that have shaped the course of our nation’s history. These parks draw hundreds of thousands of visitors each year, bringing vitality and opportunity to Adams County and the broader south-central Pennsylvania region. In 2023 alone, visitors to the Gettysburg National Military Park contributed an estimated $55 million in local spending, supported over 650 jobs, and generated nearly $80 million in total economic contributions. To read the full letter and see a list of signatures, visit www.gettysburgfoundation.org/news/2025/statementof-community-support-for-national-park-service-atgettysburg.

PRAYER BREAKFAST

musculoskeletal health, the partnership is designed to deliver exceptional, patient-centered care closer to home while also expanding access to orthopaedic services. UPMC’s orthopaedic network will continue to be a combination of employed and independent physicians.

Faith in an Institutional Setting Wednesday, October 15, 2025 The Refectory at the United Lutheran Seminary 145 Seminary Ridge, Gettysburg, PA 17325

8:00 am.- Registration/Breakfast 8:30 am.- Program

Cost is $20 Speaker Dr. Rev. Angel Perez Served as an Active Duty Army Chaplain for 10 years and was the Director of Christian Ministries at Adams Christian Prison Ministries for six years.

M EMBER SPOTLIGHT Dustin Queary- Co Owner Adventure In Fun – Captivating Creatures 717.334.7528 | adventureinfun.com Let’s Meet Dustin with Adventure in Fun and Captivating Creatures! For more than 20 years, Dustin Queary has worn many hats in his family’s business, Adventure in Fun. He’s twisted balloons, performed as costumed characters, walked on stilts, and now serves as an exotic animal wrangler with the Captivating Creatures show. After living in Germany for a time, Queary’s family moved to Adams County in 2004, when he was 14. His mother, Shonna Flanigan—the founder of Adventure in Fun—was then working at a costume and tuxedo shop in Frederick, Maryland. That job evolved into balloon deliveries and singing telegrams. Along the way, she was inspired by a local clown who taught her the basics of balloon animals. The joy those creations sparked became the foundation of her own business. “Our approach and offerings have grown and changed over the years, but our mission and values have stayed the same,” Queary said. “We endeavor to bring more joy, adventure, and fun to any occasion, no matter how big or small. The world is much more fun when everyone is smiling.” Today, Adventure in Fun offers everything from costumed characters, face painting, and caricatures to airbrush tattoos, stilt walking, exotic animal shows, and more. But it all began with balloons—a huge pillar of the company’s success. “Balloons have allowed us to travel the world. They’ve taken our company to every continent except Antarctica!” Queary said proudly. “They were also the primary source of income for our family during my teen years.” That growth has allowed the business to employ others in the community and expand even further. Today, Adventure in Fun supports more than 100 independent subcontractors.

In 2012, Queary began focusing on presenting reptiles through live educational shows called Captivating Creatures. His first performance was for a preschool in 2007, and he quickly discovered how much he enjoyed sharing his passion for reptiles with others. “My mother saw the opportunity for me to build a career sharing my fascination and joy for these animals,” Queary said. “Now we’re so busy during the summer months that we often refer people to colleagues—because the animals need rest too!” As the business continues to grow, the family emphasizes the importance of enjoying their work. For Queary, that comes naturally. “My favorite part is hearing someone’s vision and bringing it to life—often in ways they never imagined. That’s why I still love creating balloon art,” he said. “And of course, getting to play a Viking, pirate, or dinosaur wrangler is always a lot of fun too.” Work is constant, with shows and events booked yearround. But the joy of making people smile, laugh, or even overcome their fears—whether by petting a snake or holding an alligator for the first time—keeps the family energized. “One of the best things is hearing that I’ve inspired others to follow their passions, just like my mother inspired me,” Queary said. As someone doing business in Adams County, how does the chamber help you? We have made so many wonderful connections, partnerships and friendships that the chamber has facilitated. That is one of the perks of a small town. Everyone knows everyone and can connect you with the right people.

B IZ B UZ Z Adventure In Fun is a family run business that has over 30 years of experience in the entertainment industry. They have been entertaining at all types of events and are dedicated to providing family entertainment that is unique, high energy and high quality.

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#FreshFaces Cold Creek Dog Training

Who we are and what we do: At Cold Creek Dog Training, we’ve been teaching dogs and their people since 2002. We serve South-Central PA, Northern Maryland, and Eastern Ohio. Our certified trainers have over 30 years of experience to every session. Clients have a choice of private lessons, in-home Board & Train programs, and specialized support for “challenging dogs” with aggression or anxiety. Our approach is personalized, compassionate, and rooted in real-world behavioral training— not just obedience drills. We focus on building calm, confident dogs and stronger human-canine relationships. Mission statement/goals: We envision a world where dogs and humans live in harmony. Guided by mutual trust, clear communication, and consistent leadership- we strive to help people in that transformation. At Cold Creek Dog Training, we aim to be a trusted resource for anyone seeking guidance and support on their journey with their dogs. Fun fact about yourself: I’ve been a FEMA Canine Search specialist since the early 90’s. I recently certified my 10th (retirement) dog Slim Shady, just recently. I’ve been to a lot of places over the years on disaster search and rescue missions with FEMA but most impactful to my life was working the first 9 days of 9/11 at the WTC with my dog Logan.

CHA MBER CHAT Host a Chamber Mixer! We’re now scheduling Chamber Mixers for 2026! Each month, on the third Thursday from 4–6 p.m., members have the chance to open their doors and host a fun, engaging networking event. Hosting is a great way to welcome fellow Chamber members into your space, highlight what your business offers, and even get creative with a theme to make the evening extra memorable. Spots fill quickly, so don’t wait—secure your month today! To sign up as a 2026 Mixer Host, contact Crystal at crystalk@gettysburg-chamber.org. Let’s make 2026 a year full of great connections and opportunities! Sponsorship Opportunities! Boost your visibility and connect with hundreds of community members by sponsoring a Chamber program! Sponsorship puts your business in front of influential decision-makers while giving you unique marketing opportunities, logo recognition in ads and programs, the chance to share materials, even time for sponsor remarks, depending on your level. Upcoming opportunities include the Annual Meeting, and a special two-for-one sponsorship of the Chamber Chance Raffle and Christmas Cookie Cash Bash. 2026 program sponsorships are also available—don’t miss your chance to shine! For details, contact Carrie Stuart at carries@gettysburg-chamber.org.

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A DVOC ACY UPDATES HEALTHY RURAL COMMUNITIES PRIORITY OF SPARC ACT CONGRESSMAN JOHN JOYCE Communities throughout the country, particularly in rural areas, are experiencing a critical shortage of medical professionals, which is jeopardizing the ability of families to get the care they need. In response to this accelerating crisis, I have introduced bipartisan legislation to support specialty physicians serving our rural communities through the Specialty Physicians Advancing Rural Care (SPARC) Act. This legislation would create a student loan repayment program for specialty physicians who practice in rural areas. Undeniably, rural communities throughout the country are facing a rising physician shortage, creating barriers to care for patients with already limited options. By creating a student loan repayment program for specialty physicians serving in rural areas, we can incentivize physicians and bridge the gap caused by the physician shortage. The SPARC Act is a new, practical, and innovative solution that benefits practitioners, patients, families, and communities alike. My colleagues in Congress and I firmly believe that targeted incentives to medical professionals will inspire them to practice in underserved areas that need them most. The SPARC Act represents a long-term investment in workforce programs that are essential for the care of our nation’s most vulnerable populations. I am extremely proud to sponsor this impactful legislation.

AG PROGRESS DAYS - A CELEBRATION OF PENNSYLVANIA AGRICULTURE REPRESENTATIVE DAN MOUL I attended Ag Progress Days, Pennsylvania’s largest outdoor agricultural exposition, hosted by Penn State’s College of Agricultural Sciences. In its 49th year, the three-day event at the Russell E. Larson Agricultural Research Center near State College, featured over 400 exhibitors from the United States and Canada, and showcased educational programs, current research, and the latest innovations in agricultural equipment and technology. As Republican chairman and a long-time member of the House Agriculture and Rural Affairs Committee, I participated in a joint House/Senate Agriculture Committee meeting at Ag Progress Days, which sought to address pressing issues concerning Pennsylvania’s No.1 industry. Concerns raised by the agriculture community included labor shortages, permitting delays, and threats to crops and livestock. I also serve on the board of directors of the Center for Rural Pennsylvania, which held its monthly board meeting in State College during Ag Progress Days.

CONTACT INFORMATION:

Senator Dave McCormick

Senator John Fetterman

Congressman John Joyce

Senator Doug Mastriano

Representative Dan Moul

Representative Torren Ecker

200 N. Third St., Suite 14A Harrisburg, PA 17101 717.231.7540

33 York Street Gettysburg, PA 17325 717.334.4169

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320 Market St., Suite 475E Harrisburg, PA 17101 717.782.3951

30 West Middle Street Gettysburg, PA 17325 717.334.3010

282 West King St. Abbottstown, PA 17301 717.357.6320

282 West King St., 1st Floor Abbottstown, PA 17301 717.259.7805

INTO SAVINGS! Get 15% off Chamber solo eblasts that run Monday mornings. These dedicated eblasts are the perfect way to reach Chamber members with details on your upcoming campaigns, sales, events, and more.

Sale runs September 20 through October 5. To lock in your fall savings—you’ll have up to one year to use your eblast before it expires. Contact Annie Burns at annieb@gettysburg-chamber. org to secure your discounted eblast today.

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OUT & ABOUT

Membership Mixer | July 17 Renn Kirby Chevrolet

Ribbon Cutting | July 21 A.R.M. of Biglerville

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PHONE SC A M S AR E GET TING SNEAK IER—THA NK S TO AI Written by Shannon McCleary, TREYSTA Marketing & Account Manager

We’ve all had that moment when the phone rings and the number looks familiar. Maybe it’s your bank or the local county courthouse so you pick it up. The voice on the other end even sounds official, urgently demanding a payment. Scammers are “spoofing” official numbers, claiming you’ve got unpaid charges and pushing you to pay immediately. (Spoofing is when a caller uses an official number to hide their real identity.) The truth is, no legitimate court or bank will ask for payment information—credit cards, gift cards, bank accounts, anything—via a surprise phone call.

case in Franklin County about an elderly couple who was tricked into withdrawing a large sum of money after receiving a call from someone claiming to be their grandchild in trouble. The scammers went as far as arranging transportation to the bank which resulted in the couple losing $18,000. Luckily, federal authorities uncovered the operation and have charged thirteen people in the scam.

“If you get a suspicious What makes these scams so scary is that they prey on urgency, fear, and love. One call, hang up and of the simplest defenses is agreeing on a “code word” to confirm identities—this report it...” can work for both families and businesses.

If you get a suspicious call, hang up and report it to local police or the PA Attorney General’s Bureau of Consumer Protection. Adding to this, scammers are increasingly using artificial intelligence (AI) to create fake voices that sound real. This technology can clone a person’s voice from just a short clip—sometimes pulled from social media—and use it in real time to convince you the caller is a loved one, a trusted official, or even a coworker. That means the voice on the other end might sound exactly like someone you know, even though it’s not them. Phone scams are becoming more and more sophisticated and they’re catching people off guard every day. You may have seen a story recently making headlines called the “grandparent scam”. WGAL.com reported a

Fraudsters often pose as vendors, clients, or executives in “CEO fraud” calls too, demanding urgent wire transfers or sensitive data from businesses. If the caller doesn’t know your code word, hang up. Remember, it’s best to slow down and verify the story through another source. If something feels off, you should hang up and call the person back using a known, trusted number—never the one provided in the suspicious call. Refusing to be pressured can really make all the difference, too. Stay vigilant when it comes to AI voice scams! Shannon McCleary works for TREYSTA technology management, a local IT company in Gettysburg and York. Questions? Please reach out to info@teamtreysta.com.

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RE/MAX Quality Service, Inc.

1147 Eichelberger Street Hanover, PA 17331 Cell: 717-253-3259 Office: 717-632-5111 karen.tavenner@yahoo.com www.karentavenner.com

Karen Tavenner, REALTOR®ABR,SRES Serving MD and PA

WWW.KENEWINGINSURANCE.COM

FALL in love with a new home! Membership Mixer

September 18 | 4-6pm at Vida Charter School 120 E. Broadway, Gettysburg

Join the chamber for a festive September Mixer at Vida Charter School as we kick off Hispanic Heritage Month in style! Enjoy authentic Hispanic food and drinks, lively conversation, and a celebration of culture and community. Show off your roots—or embrace a culture you admire—by dressing up or bringing a fun prop that represents a heritage you’d like to celebrate. Don’t miss guided tours of the school at 4:30 and 5:15, plus exciting door prizes.

RSVP by September 11 at gettysburg-chamber.org 12 | ADAMS COUNTY BUSINESS

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CHAMBER EVENTS

COMMUNITY EVENTS

SEP TEMBER 6 & 7 Gettysburg Wine and Music Festival | Granite Hill Camping Resort (gettysburgwine.com)

SEP TEMBER 2 Coffee and Crepes on the Deck | 9 a.m. Hauser Hill Event Center 717.752.0277 | hauserhill.com

SEP TEMBER 11 Governmental Affairs Committee | Noon at the chamber office SEP TEMBER 12 Chamber office closed SEP TEMBER 18 Membership Mixer | 4-6 p.m. at Vida Charter School SEP TEMBER 23 Executive Committee Meeting | 8 a.m. at the chamber office SEP TEMBER 25 Board of Directors Meeting | 8 a.m. at the chamber office

MEMBER RENEWALS 30-39 Years C.D. Cain Auto Parts, Inc. HACC, Central Pennsylvania’s Community College, Gettysburg Campus

20-29 Years Advent Partners / Thrivent Advisor Network Gettysburg Campfires, Inc. Heritage Assembly of God Church TREYSTA technology management

10-19 Years

SEP TEMBER 4 The Dummest Play Ever | 2 p.m. Gettysburg Community Theatre 717.334.2692 | gettysburgcommunitytheatre.org SEP TEMBER 7 Sip & Stretch with Gettysburg Goat Yoga | 10 a.m. The Barn Resort 717.334.8000| thebarnpa.com SEP TEMBER 9 Steel String Storytellers | 6 p.m. Adams County Arts Council- Arts Oasis on Lincoln Square 717.334.5006 | adamsarts.org SEP TEMBER 13 Living History: Steuart’s Brigade | 10 a.m. Gettysburg National Military Park 717.334.1124| nps.gov SEP TEMBER 18 D-Day Plus 20 Years | 7 p.m. Gettysburg History 717.334.4723 | gettysburghistory.org SEP TEMBER 20 Autumn Jubilee | 12 p.m. The Barn Resort 717.334.8000 | thebarnpa.com SEP TEMBER 21 34th Adams County Heritage Festival | 12 p.m. Gettysburg Area Recreation Park 717.334.0752 | icpj-gettysburg.org

Gettysburg Foursquare Church Strayer, Charles “Skip”

5-9 Years East Berlin Area Community Center GBC Church OSS Health The Brafferton Inn

1-4 Years Alam B Roofing & Home Improvements LLC Associated Products Services, Inc. Commedia, LLC Glass Concepts, Inc. HealthMarkets Insurance Agency-Lawrence Williams PDM Insurance Agency, Inc. The Barn Resort ADAMS COUNTY BUSINESS | 13

ft 1382 Biglerville Rd. | Gettysburg, PA 17325 717.334.8151 | FAX 717.334.3368 info@gettysburg-chamber.org www.gettysburg-chamber.org

OF F ICE HOU R S Monday-Friday, 8:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m.

Members Advantage Program

Auto • Property • General Liability • Businessowners • Workers’ Comp The Chamber of Gettysburg and Adams County is now part of the Members Advantage Program – a successful business insurance program. By purchasing their business insurance through Penn National Insurance, our program members tell us that the dividend often pays for their membership – and then some. Want to know more?

Call this chamber member insurance agency today! ACNB Insurance Services Gettysburg • 717-334-3414