2025: A Year of Growth, Investment, and Opportunity in Cumberland County

CAEDC’s 2025 Annual Report highlights a year of remarkable momentum for Cumberland County. From record-breaking visitation and increased engagement with Cumberland Valley’s tourism assets to transformative economic development investments and strategic partnerships, CAEDC continued to drive growth, opportunity, and quality of life across the region. Highlights include nearly $1 million invested in tourism projects, more than $7 million in economic impact generated through grants and loans, major site development initiatives, and the highest lodging demand ever recorded in Cumberland Valley. Explore the full report to see how CAEDC is turning vision into action and building a stronger future for Cumberland County.

2025 Highlighted Achievements

  • Record Tourism Growth – Cumberland Valley experienced its highest lodging demand on record, with nearly 987,000 hotel room and short-term rental bookings.
  • Tourism Investment – CAEDC awarded $994,140 in tourism grants supporting 14 projects that enhance visitor experiences and strengthen local communities.
  • Growing Visitor Engagement – Cumberland Valley’s Experience Trails recorded a 31% increase in check-ins, generating additional visitor spending and engagement across the county.
  • Economic Development Impact – CAEDC generated $7.3 million in economic impact through grant and loan activities while expanding access to capital for local businesses.
  • Catalytic Site Development – The Real Estate Collaborative secured more than $10.2 million in PA SITES funding to redevelop the former Frog Switch property into a pad-ready site.
  • Strategic Partnerships & Funding – CAEDC administered nearly $7 million in grant funding, strengthened business financing programs, and expanded collaboration with public and private partners across Cumberland County.
  • Expanded Reach & Awareness – Tourism and economic development marketing efforts reached a combined audience of more than 69 million, increasing awareness of Cumberland County as a destination for visitors, businesses, and investment.

Customized Business Financing

Through Cumberland Capital + Connection, we partner with local lenders to build customized financing packages that fit your business goals and support long-term growth. Contact us to learn more about our low-interest, fixed rate loan options.

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Success Story

Ark Fitness: Building Strength, Community, and Opportunity in Mechanicsburg

Without that support and CAEDC seeing the value in investing in us, we would not have been able to essentially double our business. It allowed us to expand our impact.

Noah Snyder, Ark Fitness Owner

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Success Story

Fisher’s Florist: A Legacy Preserved and a Future in Bloom

“In January 2024, I started the long journey of acquiring Fisher’s Florist. During this process, M&T Bank connected me with The Cumberland Area Economic Development Corporation. CAEDC provided me with a grant that helped fund my start up costs, pay employee wages, purchase a delivery vehicle, and assist with additional operating costs. If it was not for CAEDC, I would have had to take a larger loan from the bank—and this would have pushed my personal life goals and dreams further away. Now, the business is flourishing and my goal of purchasing a home is closer than ever before. I cannot thank CAEDC enough for the grant funding which helped me achieve this milestone and continue the legacy of a small business in our community.”

Rebekah Dehart, Owner

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Success Story

Jubilee Cake Studio Grows into a One-of-a-Kind Family Destination in Cumberland Valley

The CAEDC Tourism Product Development Grant really helped us create an even more exciting and fun place for kids—and adults—to play. Because of the grant, we were able to make several improvements that significantly enhance the visitor experience.

Tawnna Dorman, Owner

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