Cumberland Capital + Connection: The Strategic Advantage for Business Financing

Picture this: A second-generation manufacturer in Shippensburg has outgrown its facility. The deal is right, the timing is right, but a $500,000 gap stands between them and the next chapter of their business. Their bank can’t bridge it alone. That’s where Cumberland Area Economic Development Corporation (CAEDC) comes in.

 

Access to the right financing at the right time can determine whether a project moves forward or stalls out. Across Cumberland County, CAEDC helps businesses turn momentum into action, not just through funding capital, but by providing a strategic partnership that supports long-term success.  

Through Cumberland Capital + Connection, CAEDC works alongside banks and private lenders to fill financing gaps that often halt projects. For decision-makers navigating complex financing, this means moving forward with confidence. In the Shippensburg scenario, the $500,000 shortfall doesn’t kill the deal. Instead, by partnering with the primary lender, CAEDC helps complete the financing package, allowing the company to expand, hire, and compete at a higher level.

This kind of collaboration creates stronger, more flexible loan structures, meaning businesses often bring less upfront equity to the table, preserve working capital for operations, and benefit from lower blended interest rates over the life of the loan. For decision-makers, that can mean the difference between scaling back a project or moving forward with confidence instead of compromise.

And it’s not limited to one industry or community. It might mean assisting with the purchase of new equipment to help grow an agribusiness on the outskirts of downtown Carlisle. Or it could involve financing a second location for a growing company in Mechanicsburg. The details vary, but the challenge is familiar: a gap between vision and available capital.

Equally important is CAEDC’s deep understanding of the regional economy. With knowledge of local market conditions, workforce dynamics, and the realities of doing business in Central Pennsylvania, CAEDC’s insights translate into financing solutions that work in the real world. 

“CAEDC has supported our mission to bring high-level care to New Cumberland. Their positive encouragement and guidance have been a blessing,” notes Belinda Heltzel, owner, Freedom Physical Therapy & Performance, who secured funding from CAEDC and LINKBANK to open a second location.

If a project on your desk isn’t quite coming together, it may not be a dead end. It may just need the right partner. CAEDC’s Cumberland Capital + Connection program helps turn “almost” into approved, preserving equity for operations or reducing your monthly payment, and helping businesses move forward with confidence and communities grow stronger as a result.

Whether your project is big, small, or somewhere in between, explore what’s possible. Visit Cumberlandbusiness.com/ccc-loans/ to receive a preliminary estimate tailored to your financing needs.

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Veterans to be honored with Taps on Armed Forces Day

Bugles Across America members at a previous event.

An upcoming event will honor veterans with traditional music.

Indiantown Gap National Cemetery in Annville shared that it would host its annual Armed Forces Day Echo Taps ceremony on May 16, made even more significant by the 250th anniversary of the country.

“This occasion offers a special moment for reflection and gratitude, recognizing the sacrifices made by veterans and commemorating this important milestone in our country’s history,” said the organization’s press release.

The ceremony will feature a traditional three-volley rifle salute by the Vet 21 Salute Honor Guard of Lancaster and the Echo Taps, the sequential sounding of Taps throughout the cemetery by a corps of buglers from across the region.

The Pennsylvania chapter of Bugles Across America, which is sponsoring the event, will also perform a musical tribute at the Pennsylvania Veterans’ Memorial at the cemetery. Chaplain (Colonel) Matthew Atkins of the U.S. Army War College in Carlisle will speak as well.

At the event, there will be a memorial book for friends and family to sign.

The ceremony will begin at 11 a.m. in front of the cemetery’s administration building.

For more information about Bugles Across America, visit their website.

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The Week that Was: News and features around Harrisburg

A CASA student shows a hat designed for CASALive’s “Waves”

Happy May, everyone! We published our new issue this week, thick with stories on Harrisburg’s restaurants, bakeries, coffee shops and more. It’s one of our favorite issues of the year—and we hope it’s one of yours, too! 

Around town this week, we also covered lots of exciting developments, including the Harrisburg School Board’s hiring of a new principal and the Harrisburg YMCA’s takeover of a downtown fitness studio. Check out the full news haul below:

CASA Live, an all-original student-led production, will take place later this month. Students have created the music, scenes and everything in-between.

Excel Remodeling’s president shares tips for a smooth home remodel in a column from April’s home and gardens issue.

HACC reversed course on its decision to cancel fall sports programming as part of a plan to reduce costs as it attempts to narrow a large budget deficit.

Harrisburg School Board hired a new high school principal and approved $6.8 million in William Penn demo contracts earlier this week.

Harrisburg YMCA has taken over operations of the former “Fit on Market” fitness studio in Strawberry Square downtown, now called “Y on Market.”

LGBT Center of Central PA announced its schedule of happenings for the coming months, including exhibits, screenings and celebrations.

TheBurg captured the “Sweepstakes” award for best performance in an annual ad contest sponsored by the Pennsylvania NewsMedia Association Foundation.

The Jewish Federation of Greater Harrisburg is set to shift its business model with the help of a transition team, after an open letter said its development of the Alexander Grass Campus was “not viable.”

Our Adventure Together columnist highlights Cunningham Falls State Park as a fun family trip just over the Maryland state line.

Our editor wonders why Harrisburg feels like it’s constantly in crisis in his May editorial—and proposes some potential answers.

Sara Bozich has compiled the best events of the weekend in her Weekend Roundup, including Books & Brews in Coronet Park. Check out the full list.

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Serbian music, culture in the spotlight during three-day choral festival

A Serbian choral group

A unique choral event later this month will offer a glimpse into Serbian music and culture.

Over the Memorial Day weekend, St. Nicholas Serbian Orthodox Church in Steelton will host the Serbian Singing Festival, celebrating 100 years of Serbian choral music in North America.

The program, called “A Century of Song,” will bring together vocal ensembles for a National Concert at the Forum Auditorium, along with live music, dancing and community events open to everyone at St. Nicholas Church.

“Serbian choral music expresses the richness of the Christian faith interwoven with the heartbeat of Serbian melody,” said Fr. Christopher Rocknage.

The festival offers more ways to explore Serbian culture beyond the choir concert. Each day features a gala, featuring traditional food, drinks, dancing and fellowship.

“I am so excited to host this festival and concert, not only for the international Serbian community, but for our local Harrisburg area community as well,” said Andreja Rocknage, festival committee chair. “I love sharing our culture and heritage, whether through song, dance or food—all of which we will have this Memorial Day weekend.”

Festival Schedule
May 22 to 24

Friday, May 22
All at St. Nicholas Church

  • 5 p.m.: Doors open for Welcome Dance
  • 6 p.m.: À la carte kitchen opens
  • 7 to 9 p.m.: Buffet dinner (additional cost)
  • Musical entertainment by local ensemble Sviraj

Saturday, May 23
All at St. Nicholas Church, except Choral Concert

  • 1 p.m. (The Forum Auditorium): Choral concert
  • 6 p.m. Doors open for Saturday Dance; à la carte kitchen opens
  • 7 to 9 p.m.: Buffet dinner (additional cost)
  • Musical entertainment by local ensemble Sviraj, Pobeda of Pittsburgh, and Bozo Matovic
  • Specialty premium cocktails and professional photo booth available

Sunday, May 24
All at St. Nicholas Church

  • 9:30 a.m. Divine Liturgy
  • 12 p.m. Buffet Brunch (additional cost)
  • 2 p.m. a la carte kitchen opens
  • Musical entertainment by Sviraj

Admission is $10 per event, with food and beverages available for purchase. Buffet dinners are at an additional cost. For more information, contact St. Nicholas Serbian Orthodox Church or follow event updates on social media.

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Harrisburg YMCA takes over Strawberry Square boutique fitness space

Rendering of Y on Market signage.

Harrisburg fitness enthusiasts can get their sweat on at a new YMCA location.

The Harrisburg Area YMCA on Thursday announced that it has taken over operations of the former “Fit on Market” fitness studio in Strawberry Square downtown.

The 3,420-square-foot boutique fitness center opened in 2020 at 312 Market St. and was operated by Harristown, the owner of Strawberry Square. However, beginning April 1, the Y began leasing the space and operating it.

“We are always looking for new ways to serve our members where they are, and this space allows us to bring the YMCA mission directly into the center of downtown Harrisburg,” said David Ozmore, president & CEO of the Harrisburg Area YMCA.

Previous Fit on Market members’ rates will be matched until their membership terms end. Strawberry Square tenants and Fit on Market members can get 20% off the standard Y membership rate, if applied for before the end of June.

YMCA members can access the new location even when Strawberry Square is not open. Shower facilities and lockers are available to all members.

On-street parking downtown is free before 8 a.m. and after 5 p.m., and all day on Sundays.

According to the Y’s press release, the organization’s expansion reflects its commitment to the revitalization of downtown Harrisburg. The Market Street gym is the Y’s second downtown location, with its first being located on N. Front Street.

“We welcome the Harrisburg Area YMCA as our new tenant here to bring its respected brand to Strawberry Square,” said Brad Jones, president & CEO of Harristown. “Serving both the workforce and residential populations here in the city, this location will add a very convenient branch to the YMCA lineup of central PA locations.”

For more information about the Y on Market, visit their website.

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LGBT Center shares schedule of upcoming spring events

LGBT Center’s building on N. Front Street.

Community events are blooming this spring at the LGBT Center of Central PA.

The organization recently announced its schedule of happenings for the coming months, including exhibits, screenings and celebrations.

“Spending time in community is as important as it ever has been, and we’re excited to open our doors to all,” said LGBT Center Executive Director Amber Barnes.

Events will kick off in May, with a Kentucky Derby fundraiser at Hollywood Casino at Penn National Race Course on May 2. At the event, there will be food, drinks, a hat contest and hobby horse race.

On May 16, the LGBT Center will participate in a Highmark Walk Fundraiser, starting in the HACC parking lot. The following day, on May 17, the center will collaborate with Midtown Cinema for a screening of “The First Lady,” as part of the Harrisburg Jewish Film Festival.

Also this spring, an LGBT History exhibit, “HIV/AIDS: A History of the Response of the Central PA LGBTQ+ Community to the Pandemic,” will be on display at the LGBT Center.

At the end of the summer, the center plans to host its largest event, its annual FAB celebration, on Aug. 22

For more information about the LGBT Center and upcoming events, visit their website.

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Weekend Roundup with Sara Bozich

Plan your weekend with my weekly list of things to do around Harrisburg and central PA!

What you’ll find below:

For something new: Books & Brews in Coronet Park on Saturday!

Worth noting: Lots of spring markets and festivals, plus Derby Day events. What will you choose?

Things on my agenda this weekend: a college reunion, Horn Farm Center Plant Sale with mom, then Books & Brews. On Sunday, hitting up Grayapple’s Spring Market!

Thursday

Friday

Saturday

Sunday

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TheBurg captures “Sweepstakes” award, 21 others in annual advertising contest

Without advertising, TheBurg would not be able to publish.

Ads pay for our very existence as a community publication, so we can continue to bring you our daily news reporting, our monthly magazine and our other products and services—all for free.

At TheBurg, we try to make our ads as beautiful, eye-catching and compelling as our stories, so readers will linger over them and, hopefully, patronize our advertisers. It seems, we’re succeeding!

For the fourth straight year, TheBurg has won the “Sweepstakes” award for best performance in our category in the annual advertising contest sponsored by the Pennsylvania NewsMedia Association Foundation. In all, TheBurg took home 22 contest awards.

“This is all to the credit of our amazing sales team,” said Lawrance Binda, publisher and editor of TheBurg. “Winning these awards is just more proof of their hard work, dedication and creativity.”

The sales staff consists of sales director Lauren Maurer and sales associate Natalie diSanto, with the help and support of creative director/designer Meg Caruso.

Please note that, while TheBurg published all of these award-winning ads, we designed many, but not all of them.

Of special note, we won our first-ever “Best Use of Video Award,” a single, statewide award across all news organizations in Pennsylvania. We’d like to thank our video partner, GK Visual, for their excellent production work in making this award possible.

See below a list of all the awards TheBurg won in PNA’s 2026 advertising contest, along with examples of some of our winners.


Best Single Print Ad

First Place, Second Place and Honorable Mention (category sweep)

“Celebrate 10 Years at the Millworks,” 1st Place, Single Print Ad

 

“Sit, Stay, Slurp,” 2nd Place, Single Print Ad

 

“Cirque du Soleil,” Honorable Mention, Single Print Ad

 

Best Single Digital Ad
2nd Place, Honorable Mention


Ad Campaign or Series

2nd Place


Multiple Advertiser Ad

2nd Place

“Shop Small, Shop Local,” 2nd Place, Multiple Advertiser Ad

 

Ad Campaign Using Multiple Products
Honorable Mention


Special Event/Vendor Support Idea

First Place

“Karma Konnect,” 1st Place, Special Event/Vendor Support Idea

 

Special Section/Niche Publication
Honorable Mention

“Dinner and a Show,” Honorable Mention, Special Section/Niche Publication

 

Best Branded Content Advertising
1st Place, 2nd Place

“Business Supporting Community Nonprofits,” 1st Place, Best Branded Content Advertising

 

“Pennsylvania State of the Union on Latino Health,” 2nd Place, Best Branded Content Advertising

 

Self-Promotion Advertising
2nd Place, Honorable Mention

 

“Friends of TheBurg Turns 5,” Honorable Mention, Self-Promotion Advertising

 

Best Automotive/Transportation Ad
First Place

“Mecum Auctions Returns to Harrisburg,” 1st Place, Best Automotive/Transportation Ad

 

Real Estate/Builders/Renters Ad
1st Place, 2nd Place

“Walnut Street Commons, HBG Realty” 1st Place, Best Real Estate/Builders/Renters Ad

 

“Midtown Property Management, Agent Welcome” 2nd Place, Best Real Estate/Builders/Renters Ad

 

Best Recruitment or Commercial Ad
First Place

“Serve with Us,” 1st Place, Best Recruitment or Commercial Ad

 

Wild Card Category
First Place, Second Place

“TheBurg Pride Guide,” 1st Place, Wild Card Category

 

“More than a Card: Mother’s Day Tribute,” 2nd Place, Wild Card Category


Click here for a full list of PNA Foundation advertising contest winners throughout Pennsylvania.

 

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HACC reverses course, will continue sports programs for next school year

HACC has reversed course on previously announced sports cutbacks, restoring several programs through the next academic year.

On Wednesday, the Harrisburg-based community college stated that it will continue men’s and women’s basketball, men’s and women’s cross country, men’s and women’s soccer and women’s volleyball through the 2026-27 school year.

Last week, HACC stated that it would cut those programs as part of a plan to reduce costs as it attempts to narrow a large budget deficit. On Wednesday, HACC stated it had decided to continue the programs after hearing from students and “other stakeholders.” It also said it had “identified funding” to continue the sports as it seeks a longer-term funding solution for those programs.

“This update reflects HACC’s commitment to listening to our stakeholders and supporting our students” HACC said, in a statement. “We recognize that athletics plays an important role in helping students build discipline, teamwork, leadership, school pride and a stronger connection to the college.”

The sports programming cuts came a few weeks after the college announced it will be making changes and downsizing due to compounding pressures that “could have resulted in a deficit approaching $10 million without intervention.” As a result, numerous academic programs were cut.

In addition, HACC soon will have new leadership, as Daniel Lufkin will begin as school president in June, replacing long-time President and CEO John “Ski” Sygielski.

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Harrisburg school board hires high school principal, approves $6.8M in William Penn demo contracts

John Harris principal Roma Benjamin

Harrisburg’s main high school has a new, but familiar, principal.

Board members moved unanimously at a Tuesday night meeting to hire John Harris’s acting principal, Roma Benjamin, to fill the role permanently.

A longtime school district employee, Benjamin was brought on temporarily to fill the post in December. Following a string of former John Harris principals who had short-lived stints at the school, the district began a national search for a principal who would be “committed” long term and could help improve student performance earlier this year.

“You are the person for that job, and we support you. We’re behind you, and we appreciate you,” board President Roslyn Copeland told Benjamin after the vote.

Benjamin has more than 20 years of administrative experience and holds a doctorate in education leadership from Nova Southeastern University.

“I’m just so appreciative to be back with the Harrisburg board school district,” Benjamin said.

Harrisburg School Board

The board also voted Tuesday to approve $6.8 million worth of demolition contracts for William Penn after discussing project quotes for the 100-year-old, long-vacant building earlier this month.

The cost includes a $6.2 million contract with the Gordian Group to raze the structure, plus contracts to remove asbestos prior to demolition ($257,000), to remove asbestos discovered during demolition ($200,000), and to conduct on-site airborne asbestos testing ($100,000). 

The project also spends roughly $25,000 for compaction testing—to ensure the site of the building can be built on later, if needed.

The demolition, proposed to begin this summer, would take an estimated six to eight months to complete.

“We will be providing weekly updates on the progress of the demo, as well as certainly any asbestos that we find, or any type of issues that we find during that project,” Chief Operations Administrator John Reedy said.

Brian Carter marked the board’s sole member voting ‘no’ on William Penn’s demolition contracts.

Marcia Stokes, chief financial officer for the district

Beginning a conversation that will continue next month, Chief Financial Officer Marcia Stokes also spoke to the board about property taxes, advocating to continue with small, incremental increases, building on last year’s 2% hike.

“Our community can at least plan for that,” she said.

She recommended that the district increase the tax rate by at least 2% for the upcoming school year as not increasing taxes would leave the district with an approximate $1 million deficit.

Chief Recovery Officer Lori Suski noted that the only way to overcome a deficit, without raising taxes, is to cut expenses.

“Cutting reams of paper isn’t going to make a million dollars. It’s cutting people, and that’s what we don’t want to see happen,” she said.

Board member Danielle Robinson voiced concerns about whether continuous raises might drive residents out of the city or force them to make hard choices about which bills to pay.

“We have to be realistic in our community—how it affects the people that are living here,” Robinson said.

The final budget is due in June.

The board also unanimously approved a $12.8 million capital budget for the 2026-2027 school year. 

Alongside William Penn’s demo, the budget included $1.8 million in summer upgrades for Lincoln Elementary (approved unanimously earlier in the meeting), a $2.7 million roof restoration for Marshall Math and Science Academy (partially funded through a grant) and $500,000 to build out a wing of John Harris for career and technical education (CTE) programming.

The board approved the budget 8-1, with Carter voting ‘no.’

Board member Danielle Robinson

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