House Tourism, Economic & Recreational Development Committee visits York attractions to learn about tourism efforts

Central PA Delegation    November 2, 2023 | 4:12 PM

YORK, Nov. 2 – State Rep. Carol Hill-Evans, D-York, hosted the Pennsylvania House Tourism, Economic and Recreational Development Committee today at several attractions around York: Yorktowne Hotel; York County History Center, including the Colonial Complex; Keystone Kidspace; WellSpan Park; Bickel’s Snack Foods; Martin’s Snacks; and Caputo Brother’s Creamery.

In addition to learning about tourism efforts in York, the committee discussed Hill-Evans’ proposed legislation (H.R. 161) to acknowledge Nov. 15 as Articles of Confederation Day in Pennsylvania. Congress adopted the Articles while in session in the York County Courthouse on Nov. 15, 1777.

Representatives from the York County History Center, York County Economic Alliance and Explore York joined the committee to talk with them about ongoing tourism projects.

Please see below for remarks from attendees:

Rep. Mary Jo Daley, D-Montgomery - Chair, House Tourism, Economic & Recreational Development Committee:

“Pennsylvania has so many exceptional opportunities for visitors. It’s part of this committee’s job to learn what local governments around the commonwealth are doing to draw them in and use those insights to foster the development of our tourism industry.

“Tourism is a key driver of our state and local economies, generating more than $43 billion each year and employing more than half a million Pennsylvanians. The more visitors we get, the more they spend at local businesses – translating into tax revenue to support public programs concerning safety, education and other essential services.”

* * * * * * * * * *

Rep. Carol Hill-Evans, D-York – Chair, Central PA Delegation

“I welcome any opportunity to show off the wonderful initiatives we have going on in York, thanks to organizations and people like these who devote their careers to supporting our community. I’ve been so impressed by the creative thinking and teamwork I’ve seen to jumpstart tourism post-pandemic. We’re bringing back many lessons learned to Harrisburg as a result of today’s tour, which my fellow committee members and I will use to inform our legislative decisions.”

* * * * * * * * * *

Katie Mahoney, Chief Marketing & Business Development Officer - York County Economic Alliance:

“We’re thankful for the opportunity to share key economic development and promotional efforts going on across York County with the members of the State House Tourism, Economic, & Recreational Development Committee.

“By providing an overview of the York County Trail Towns Program, our take on leveraging recreational assets for economic opportunity; the Codorus Greenway, a major revitalization goal to improve the banks of the Codorus Creek; and the Downtown York Destination Marketing Campaign, a focused initiative to improve the profile and visitation to our community, it is our hope that this visit aided in providing the legislators with helpful insights on the work organizations like ours do across the Commonwealth.”

* * * * * * * * * *

Joan Mummert, President & CEO - York County History Center

“We know that tourists are seeking museums and authentic experiences, and the York County History Center offers both. We have buildings that directly connect to the American Revolution. Important Revolutionary figures spent time here. York and the History Center should absolutely be considered a must-see attraction for cultural tourists.”

* * * * * * * * * *

David Caputo – Caputo Brothers Creamery

“York County is flush with diverse and exciting options for locals and visitors alike. Caputo Brothers Creamery, like many other businesses, had to adapt throughout the pandemic and was fortunate to survive to see brighter days ahead. Now that we are largely on the other side of that, we are excited at the possibilities to provide tourists with new opportunities to enjoy our companies’ one-of-a-kind portfolio of artisan cheeses, hospitality, and curated culinary travel.”

* * * * * * * * * *

Jessica Brubaker, Executive Director – Keystone Kidspace

“Keystone Kidspace is purposefully designed to be an exciting destination for York families as well as visitors to our community. As a unique STEAM makerspace for kids and their grownups, all may drop in and play with purpose in our space – no appointment needed. Located at the gateway to our city and our downtown, Keystone Kidspace is proud to be a community anchor, demonstrating York’s commitment to preparing all kids for a successful future.” 

###