York County Press Release
YORK COUNTY – This week, the York County Young Professionals hosted a State of York County panel, to talk about exciting things happening here, as well as challenges being faced and ways for people to get involved.
Lisa Hurley, director of the York County Development Corporation, explained how the organization works toward business expansion and growth, talent recruitment, housing, childcare, quality of life, education, and much more.
York County Commissioner Chairman Randy Obermier, who is in his third term (11th year) on the county board, also previously served 10 years on the city council – so he has experience in both county and city government. He noted how the city has the benefit of working with a hired administrator while the county does not – “we have a unique dynamic in serving.”
Ronnie Miller, vice-president of enrollment for York University, talked about her move to York County from her home state of California. “There are a lot of people like me at York University, who came here from other states and countries and then decided to stay here and make this our home.” She noted how the university has hired a new president and they are close to hitting the goal of the True Blue fundraising effort.
York Chamber of Commerce Director Madonna Mogul talked about the many different roles the chamber plays in the greater York County community and events which will be happening in the near future.
York County Visitors Bureau Director Alex Saathoff explained how the entity acts as a conduit to disperse grant funds for projects to bring visitors to York County, utilizing receipts from local lodging taxes. “And one goal of the office, of course, is to promote what is happening. We also have our new York County Passport program, showing hidden gems, places to visit.”
York Mayor Barry Redfern has been involved with city government for 22 years – 15 on the council and the last seven as mayor. “We are very dependent on Sue (Crawford, city administrator) and the department heads. We are very blessed with the people who work for the city. We have a lot of things happening, and I’m proud of the city council and the great team we have. York is thriving.”
Moderator Stephen Postier asked the panelists to talk about exciting projects happening at this time.
“Well, there are so many,” Hurley responded. “There are projects we have been working on for years and we are now seeing that pay off. Soon we will have the groundbreaking for the new hotel by the convention center. We are excited about the Green Plains Innovation Campus and the Cyclonaire prototype area. People are inventive in York County. We are seeing substantial economic growth and employment.”
Obermier said he’s excited about the broadband expansion projects which have been done in rural York County and will soon be accomplished. He noted how the county has invested money into this effort as well, besides providing support behind contractors going after bids offered by the state to do this work.
“The projects have to be in unserved/underserved areas of the county. It was surprising how behind York County was when it came to high-speed internet access in the rural area.” He also noted how the county is updating the comprehensive plan, with town hall meetings being planned for June. “And we have one more issue before us, which has been controversial, that being zoning for solar projects, and we are on track again. One way or another we will put this behind us.”
Miller talked about how York University received a generous donation, which allowed them to open the Innovation Lab on campus, which offers many technological opportunities for students.
“We are in the fourth action phase of the downtown revitalization effort,” Mogul said, noting how grant money has been used to assist downtown property owners in renovating their buildings and thereby improving the appearance of the downtown. “When done, over $2.7 million will have been invested, with $750,000 of that being private dollars spent by the owners. This has spurred so much private investment as well, for improvements which weren’t part of the downtown revitalization project. This just screams community pride. It also speaks volumes as to how the property owners have pride in their properties and the community.”
Saathoff talked about upcoming events which will be bringing hundreds of visitors to the county, as well as an upcoming rededication to historical sculptures. “We are also working very hard to strengthen our branding.”
“I’ll take a different view, a lot of things which are happening (as far as new businesses) is because we re-did our tax increment financing and extended it to the interchange,” Mayor Redfern said. “We are proud of that, it took a lot of work with a lot of people. We also bought the land for the new industrial park, which is getting great interest. We were also recognized by the League of Municipalities for passing LB 357, which has paid for a lot of projects. And as Lisa (Hurley) said, these things don’t just happen – these things take time.”
“What is the importance of collaboration and how you all work together?” Postier asked.
“Collaboration is absolutely vital,” Hurley said. “We have to have our partners, all partners need to be involved and we work with our communities, our government officials, very closely.”
“One of the best examples of collaboration is the creation of our unified emergency call center, between the county and the city,” Obermier noted. “It’s not cheap but it is a great addition to this county. Also, the county works as a conduit for bonds for entities such as Four Corners Health Department, York General, York University – we have been a conduit for them to receive federal funds.”
“This community does so much for York University,” Miller said. “We all work together and it’s awesome to see.”
“We’d be lost without collaboration,” Mogul said. “As an example – Yorkfest, it wouldn’t happen without the work done by city departments. We have a strong community where everyone feels empowered to do things.”
“Collaboration is key,” Saathoff added, noting work done by York Library Director Deb Robertson on the community calendar, as an example.
“Everyone helps others toward great things for the big picture,” Mayor Redfern said. “We all want what’s best for York County.”
“Any advice to people coming into the community about how they can get involved?” Postier asked.
“It’s so easy to get involved,” Hurley said. “You just need to discover what your passion is.” She also noted there has been a greater diversity of people volunteering in York County in the last few years, with varying ages, backgrounds, etc.
“Yes, you need passion and want to be there,” Obermier said. “If you want to get involved, find a church, find a group of like-minded people.”
“Yes, everything they said,” Miller commented. “It is important to be involved. Don’t be afraid to say yes when asked. There are so many ways to serve. I am a yes person, I want to keep growing York County.”
Mogul heralded the ambassador program, which welcomes new businesses and endeavors.
Saathoff noted how she grew up here, went to college and even lived in another country, before moving back to York. “I used to have a lot of misconceptions and when moving back, the best thing I did was join the York Young Professionals. It helped me see a different side of York I hadn’t realized as a kid. And people will come into your life when you are involved.”
“I agree,” Redfern said. “Service is not political for me, it’s about community service. It’s a privilege to be involved.”
