TFEC Grant Cycle 3 Offers Nonprofits Up to $38,000 in Funding
Eligible local nonprofits can apply for up to $38,000 to strengthen their programs and expand the services they provide in their communities through The Foundation for Enhancing Communities’ (TFEC) current grant opportunities. “Local nonprofits understand the needs of the people and neighborhoods they serve,” said Stefani McAuliffe, vice president of community impact at TFEC. “This funding can help them advance their missions, reach more people and build on the work already making a difference across our
Celaschi Appointed to CrossState Board of Directors
Celaschi Appointed to CrossState Board of Directors (CHAMBERSBURG, PA) Patriot Federal Credit Union President and CEO Ronald "Ron" Celaschi has been appointed to the CrossState Board of Directors, recognizing his longstanding commitment to advancing the credit union movement and advocating for the industry's continued success. Celaschi brings more than 32 years of experience in the credit union industry to the CrossState Board. Throughout his career, he has demonstrated a strong commitment to leadership,
Mastriano Announces $5.72 Million in RACP Funding to Strengthen Adams and Franklin Counties
HARRISBURG, PA – Senator Doug Mastriano (R-33) is proud to announce that more than $5.72 million has been awarded to transformational projects throughout Adams and Franklin Counties through Pennsylvania's Redevelopment Assistance Capital Program (RACP). These strategic investments will enhance tourism, preserve historic landmarks, revitalize communities, strengthen agriculture and promote long-term economic growth across the 33rd Senatorial District. "These investments will help preserve our region's
Franklin County Visitors Bureau Invites the Community to Experience the 1864 Ransoming, Burning & Re
The Franklin County Visitors Bureau invites the public to step into Chambersburg’s extraordinary past and celebrate the spirit that rebuilt the community after the devastating events of July 30, 1864. The annual 1864 Ransoming, Burning & Rebirth of Chambersburg living history portrayal returns on Friday, July 18, bringing history to life with dramatic lighting and atmospheric effects that recreate the moment the town was set ablaze. The day begins at 9 AM with Old Market Day, a beloved street festival
Used Book Sale seeks donations to benefit Habitat for Humanity
Used Book Sale seeks donations to benefit Habitat for Humanity in partnership with St. John’s UCC and sponsored by BCM Payroll ServicesHabitat for Humanity and St. John’s United Church of Christ have again partnered to host a used book sale to benefit Habitat’s housing ministry in Franklin County. The sale is sponsored by BCM Payroll Services. Online details can be found at: www.sjucc1811.org/book-sale. From Aug 31 - Oct 10, materials can be donated in five ways:At any of the Patriot Federal Credit Union
Meritus nationally recognized for commitment to excellence in stroke care
Meritus nationally recognized for commitment to excellence in stroke care This is the seventh year in a row the hospital has received the Gold Plus Award from the American Heart Association HAGERSTOWN, Md. — Meritus Medical Center has again received the American Heart Association’s Get With The Guidelines - Stroke Gold Plus quality achievement award for its commitment to ensuring people experiencing stroke receive timely, appropriate treatment based on nationally recognized, research-based guidelines,
Harper Tapped To Lead Tuscarora Managed Care Alliance
CHAMBERSBURG, Pa. (July 7, 2026) – The Franklin County Commissioners are pleased to announce that the Tuscarora Managed Care Alliance (TMCA) board has selected Genevieve Harper as its new executive director. As TMCA’s executive director, Harper will oversee the administration of Franklin and Fulton counties’ Medicaid Behavioral HealthChoices Program, which coordinates the care and addresses the mental health and substance abuse service needs of nearly 40,000 Medicaid-managed care members in the
Adobe Firefly: A Digital Design Guide for Local Trade and Home Service Businesses
What Is Adobe Firefly? Adobe Firefly is a generative artificial intelligence application that creates images, videos, and design elements from text descriptions. It works by converting written prompts into visual media using advanced machine learning models trained on licensed content. The primary output specifications include high-resolution digital files that are fully cleared for safe commercial use. Small business owners running home services or trade operations in the Waynesboro area face unique
TFEC Earns the 2026 Candid Platinum Seal of Transparency
The Foundation for Enhancing Communities (TFEC) has earned a 2026 Candid Platinum Seal of Transparency, reinforcing the trust donors and community partners place in the foundation to steward charitable resources with integrity. The Platinum Seal is Candid’s highest level of transparency. To earn it, nonprofits provide information that helps the public better understand their mission, programs, finances and results. For TFEC, this recognition reflects values that guide its work across South Central
Why Direct Mail Outperforms Digital Advertising for Waynesboro Businesses
Direct mail consistently delivers higher recall, stronger emotional response, and better ROI than email, paid search, and social media — and the research backing that claim keeps getting stronger. For businesses in Waynesboro, where local reputation and repeat customers drive a large share of revenue, a personalized letter or postcard reaches people in a way digital ads simply can't replicate. Here's what the data shows and how to put it to work.The Science Behind Why Physical Mail Sticks Most business
Why Cash Flow Kills Profitable Businesses — And What Waynesboro Business Owners Can Do About It
Financial literacy isn't a credential — it's a survival skill. Nearly 45% of small business owners have lost at least $10,000 in profits due to low financial literacy. For businesses in the greater Waynesboro area, the gap between knowing your revenue and truly understanding your finances can be the difference between growth and closure.How Review Frequency Predicts Whether a Business Survives Imagine two Waynesboro businesses — similar size, similar revenue, opened the same year. One owner spends 30
The Sales Pitch Mistake Most Waynesboro Business Owners Don't Know They're Making
A strong sales pitch leads with the customer's problem, not the seller's story. For small businesses in Waynesboro, where community relationships and word-of-mouth referrals do a lot of the heavy lifting, how you pitch can determine whether a conversation turns into a client — or just stays a conversation. The SBA treats defining your competitive edge as non-negotiable in any sales strategy — whether your advantage is a better product, a lower price, or a customer experience that no one else in your
Hiring Smart: Building the Right Team for Your New Business
Hiring employees is one of the most important decisions a new business owner will make. The first people you bring into your company help determine how work gets done, how problems are solved, and how your business grows. Because small teams carry significant responsibility, thoughtful hiring practices can help attract strong candidates while reducing staffing risks. A structured hiring approach helps founders avoid rushed decisions and build a team capable of supporting long-term growth.Quick
How Local Businesses Turn Raw Numbers Into Real Advantages With Data Visualization
For many Greater Waynesboro Chamber of Commerce members, growth depends on understanding what’s happening inside the business — and explaining those insights to employees, partners, and customers. Data visualization turns everyday operational data into clear pictures that guide better decisions and reveal opportunities that might otherwise stay hidden. Learn below: How visualizing data helps small businesses understand performance faster and communicate more effectively. Where visual tools make the
The Foundation for Enhancing Communities Welcomes Kim Alvarez as Vice President of Philanthropy
Expanding its capacity to support charitable giving and nonprofit capacity across south central Pennsylvania, The Foundation for Enhancing Communities (TFEC) has named Kim Alvarez vice president of philanthropy. Alvarez brings more than 20 years of experience in fundraising and nonprofit leadership to TFEC, helping donors and organizations turn generosity into lasting community impact. In her role, Alvarez leads TFEC’s Philanthropy Team and works closely with donors, professional advisors and nonprofit
Creating a Digital Marketing Plan on a Shoestring Budget
Small businesses in Waynesboro and Franklin County often share one challenge: limited marketing budgets. Yet, digital marketing doesn’t have to be expensive—it just has to be intentional. With a clear plan, the right tools, and consistent effort, even the smallest team can achieve remarkable local reach.TL;DR You don’t need deep pockets—just a clear map. Focus on free or low-cost platforms (social media, email, SEO). Reuse content across multiple channels. Build local partnerships for mutual
Smart Investments to Set Up a New Business for Success
You’ve just launched your business — or you’re on the brink. This early phase is critical. Decisions you make now will echo into every customer experience, process, and dollar earned. Whether you’re opening your first storefront, building a digital brand, or formalizing a freelance hustle, the right early investments can determine whether you struggle or scale. Below are essential areas where intentional investment early on helps new businesses thrive — supported by tactical tips, helpful resources, and
TFEC Awards More Than $140,000 Through Arts for All Grants
Communities across South Central Pennsylvania will soon benefit from new opportunities to experience live performances, cultural festivals, art education and creative programming made possible through more than $140,000 in Arts for All grants. The Foundation for Enhancing Communities (TFEC) has awarded funding to 35 nonprofit organizations serving Dauphin, Cumberland, Franklin, Lebanon and Perry Counties and the Dillsburg area of northern York County.The Arts for All program strengthens South Central
How Small Businesses Can Build a Social Presence That Feels Legit
You don’t need a full production team or a six-figure budget to make your small business look sharp online. A professional social media presence is more about rhythm and resonance than polish and perfection. Most small businesses get stuck trying to mimic big brands—churning out generic posts that feel hollow. That’s not what works. Real traction comes from showing up consistently, speaking with clarity, and looking put-together without overextending. Every move you make can build trust, signal intent,
Savvy, Not Spammy: Harnessing AI to Amplify Small Business Marketing
Small business owners often walk a tightrope between wearing too many hats and making enough time for meaningful marketing. That’s where artificial intelligence, far from being the stuff of science fiction, has begun to feel like a loyal assistant. AI tools today aren’t reserved for tech giants or Silicon Valley prodigies—they're practical, approachable, and, more importantly, affordable. What matters now is understanding how to use them without losing the personality that makes a small business feel
Tools Rewriting the Rules of Small Business
For small businesses trying to do more with less, the traditional toolkit—paper planners, spreadsheets, scattered emails—no longer keeps pace with modern demands. But the wave of available digital tools isn’t just about speed; it’s about shifting how people work, collaborate, and scale up with clarity. There’s a difference between merely keeping things afloat and actually steering the ship with purpose, and today’s platforms help anchor that shift. Rather than simply digitize old habits, these tools
How Small Businesses Can Connect Online Buzz with Real-World Presence
It used to be enough to hang a sign in your window and print up a stack of flyers. Now, it’s hashtags, geo-tags, paid ads, and maybe a sponsored video or two. That doesn’t mean the old ways stopped working, it just means they work better when paired with the tools people use every day. Small businesses that manage to blend physical presence with digital reach tend to carve out stronger relationships, not because they’re everywhere, but because they’re everywhere with purpose. This is no longer about
