Back to list January 22, 2015 DCED Funds Continued Work for Cumberland York Area Local Defense Group CUMBERLAND VALLEY, PA (January 22, 2015) – The Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development (DCED) has agreed to fund Cumberland Area Economic Development Corporation (CAEDC) $85,000 to continue the efforts of the Cumberland York Area Local Defense Group (CYALDG) in 2015. CAEDC was appointed by the Pennsylvania Military Community Enhancement Commission to establish the Local Defense Group to coordinate, develop and implement recommendations to enhance the military value of the installations in the area. In 2014, CAEDC received a $45,000 grant to commence activities including the creation of a mission and strategic focus areas, along with two sub-committees. The local defense group’s mission is to enhance military value of and advocacy for the Defense Logistics Agency Distribution, Naval Support Activity Mechanicsburg, the Carlisle Barracks and the Army War College, organizations, and defense related stakeholders throughout South Central Pennsylvania. Strategic Focus Areas include – retention of military bases, enhancement of military bases, expansion of military bases and military/community partnerships. “The Local Defense Group has made great progress in the short time since it’s inception,” said Jonathan Bowser, CAEDC CEO. “The DCED grant will continue to allow this group to develop actionable planning steps and advocate for the advancement of our military installations that provide a strong economic benefit to our communities through employment and services.” The two subcommittees that have been created are the Outreach Subcommittee and the Strategic Positioning Subcommittee. The Outreach Subcommittee, led by Al Bienstock, Hampden Township Commissioner, will begin reaching out to key stakeholders. The purpose of this committee is to build awareness to the activity at the installations and the value they add to the military and community. The Strategic Positioning Committee is chaired by Jamie Keener. The committee is currently focused on positioning the Defense Logistics Agency Distribution, Naval Support Activity of Mechanicsburg, and Carlisle Barracks and the Army War College to preserve and expand existing assets and provide opportunity for additional workloads, roles, functions and missions. 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.
