FORUM BRINGS BUSINESS LEADERS TOGETHER

​Community and business leaders gathered last week to discuss the current business climate of Adams County, while setting the stage for future growth in the region's tourism industry.
 
Forty attendees, ranging from government officials, community organizations, business leaders and others in the tourism community, gathered as part of Advantage Adams first forum.
 
Among the main topics of conversation, there was discussion of the municipal challenges that exist for those looking to open or expand businesses in Adams County. Specifically noted were the complex, and often slow, permitting processes in townships and boroughs.
 
Representatives from several businesses were on hand to share their experiences in starting businesses in Adams County.
 
Nimesh Shah - of As One Management which owns three hotels in Adams County, including the new Holiday Inn Express & Suites - encouraged fellow business owners as well as others in the community to engage with the younger generations, both by marketing for visitation, and working with employees who may grow within the local tourism community.
 
"The earlier you do that, the more beneficial it is for you and the town," Shah said. He later suggested that reaching younger visitors is key to a long-term sustainability of the tourism industry.
 
Bill Geist, a consultant for destination marketing organizations, began the forum with a presentation on tourism marketing and the positive influence on a community's economic development efforts. He shared insights from other destinations both in respects to tourism marketing and sustaining the future of the tourism industry.
 
The panel discussion was hosted by the Advantage Adams partners - the Adams County Economic Development Corporation, the County of Adams, Destination Gettysburg and the Gettysburg Adams Chamber of Commerce.

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