Back to list April 25, 2017 CAEDC Announces Partner, Project & Volunteer of the Year CUMBERLAND VALLEY, PA (April 25, 2017) – The Cumberland Area Economic Development Corporation (CAEDC) announced three awards at the Annual Partner Celebration. The event was held at the newly renovated and reopened Allenberry Resort. This year’s honorees were selected by CAEDC staff for going above and beyond expectations to support the organization and CAEDC’s mission through superb economic development practices. PARTNER OF THE YEAR – Mike Kennedy Mike is a Camp Hill native, grew up in the area and worked with his father in the railroad business. He is the President/CEO of TRAC – The Rail Road Associates Corporation, a Mechanicsburg based company that provides repair and maintenance of railroad sidings. TRAC was formed in 2000 and less than a decade later was named one of 15 top small workplaces in the US by the Wall Street Journal. Mike is an entrepreneur that is inspired through the redevelopment of industries and properties. From the railroad business; in 2013, Mike saw an opportunity to convert the old Sun Motors on the Carlisle Pike into retail/office complex – now known as The Hampden Terminal. The Hampden Terminal is beautiful, useful and makes an impactful statement along a busy Carlisle Pike. The energy of this project fueled another significant redevelopment opportunity to restore the historic wonder of the Allenberry Resort. Together with his partner Jim Hoffman, they envisioned how the Allenberry could be restored to the place that it is today. PROJECT OF THE YEAR – SPAtacular Escapes/The Carlisle Group Several years ago, CAEDC was approached by Shelly and Bert Wendeln to provide financing solutions to the Carlisle Group, an executive search and recruitment firm founded in 1996. The firm was looking to expand as well as open a new business – an upscale full-service salon and spa that was inspired by their daughter Chelsie. CAEDC assisted the Carlisle Group and SPAtacular Escapes through a $1,610,000 investment through the SBA 504 loan program in partnership with Members 1st Federal Credit Union. This loan assisted in acquiring land and construction costs for a new facility on Technology Drive in Mechanicsburg. SPAtacular Escapes occupies the ground floor of a magnificent structure that overlooks the North Mountain. The second floor is occupied by the Carlisle Group and more than adequately met the group’s growth needs. Shelly architecturally designed the impressive “green” structure. CAEDC has commissioned local artist Julie Riker to produce a painting of both Allenberry and SPAtacular over the coming months. Julie is a graduate of the Philadelphia’s University of the Arts and has worked as a decorator in the historic restoration of the PA State Capitol for five years replicating original decorative paintings. Julie also has her own painting business creating artwork for homes and businesses. VOLUNTEER OF THE YEAR – Maribeth Heishman CAEDC recognized Maribeth Heishman for her commitment to volunteering for the organization. She started as a volunteer at CAEDC’s office in December 2011 and has proven to be consistent and dedicated. From submitting events to CAEDC’s online calendars or preparing welcome bags, Maribeth as contributed almost 200 volunteer hours to CAEDC. In 2016, a committed roster of 14 volunteers at the downtown Visitors Center, Area Information Desk at USAHEC and at CAEDC’s office contributed a total of 583 hours which has a value of $13,500. About CAEDC CAEDC is Cumberland County’s authorized agency charged with leveraging and promoting Cumberland Valley’s economic development and tourism assets to drive growth, create jobs and improve the quality of life. Offices are located at 53 W. South Street, Carlisle PA. For more information, visit www.cumberlandbusiness.com and www.visitcumberlandvalley.com.
