Chamber Foundation

Since 1985 over 700 area residents have graduated from the LFC Community program.  In 2009 LFC expanded with the addition of our LFC Youth program providing more opportunities for leadership skill development to a broader audience.

Designed and delivered by a dedicated base of community volunteer business leaders, our LFC programs provide a unique venue for personal and professional development. LFC steering committees (most members are LFC alumni) deliver these quality programs year after year.  Graduates continue to volunteer all over our county and participate in our active LFC Alumni group.

For more information on the program and application information, visit our website Chambersburg.org/Leadership or contact Ginny Harriger at gharriger@chambersburg.org

Follow Leadership Franklin County on Facebook or Leadership Franklin County on LinkedIn

LFC COMMUNITY

LFC Community is the flagship leadership program with this mission -- “Developing an inclusive continuum of civic leaders engaged in the advancement of the quality of life in Franklin County” Participants are taken through a nine month course where they learn about leadership and their community.

For more information and to apply for the Leadership Franklin County Community program, click here. 

LFC Community is sponsored by F&M Trust.

LFC YOUTH

LFC Youth began in 2009 with the mission "To create a community of young people who are actively engaged in responsible, ethical and effective leadership".

Key curriculum components of LFCY include: The Five Practices of Exemplary Student Leadership: Model the Way, Inspire a Shared Vision, Challenge the Process, Enable Others to Act, Encourage the Heart PLUS learning in public speaking, diversity & inclusion, and service learning in our community.

For more information and to apply for the Leadership Franklin County Youth program, click here.

LFC Youth is sponsored by Wilson College.

LFC ALUMNI

LFC Alumni are graduates of our LFC Community program who stay involved in the community long after their class has graduated. LFC Alumni can connect via their LFC Alumni Facebook Group or can learn about other alumni activities by contacting Alumni Committee Chair Angi Quigley at aquigley@sek.com

LFC Alumni want to increase the participation of local professionals in community organizations which will advance the community's quality and growth.  Check out this directory for non-profit, non-paid leadership organization boards and committees in Franklin County.

LFC Alumni also work with the IceFestPa committee hosting the Run Your Ice Off 5k   

Annually, an LFC Alumni of the Year award is given to acknowledge one alumna's accomplishments within the community.

Technology Innovation Challenge Grants for Educators

Technology grants for teachers in Franklin County public schools are awarded annually to encourage the innovative use of technology in grades K-12. The Foundation offers the Technology Innovation Challenge Grants to educators in all public school districts thanks to contributions from area businesses.

The 2023 grant application is now open. The deadline is Monday, April 17, 2023.  See links below

2023 TechInnovGrantChallenge Application Packet

2022 Grants Funded

2021 Grants Funded

Contributing businesses are eligible for Educational Improvement Tax Credits (EITC) through the Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development (DCED). As an approved Educational Improvement Organization (EIO), the Greater Chambersburg Chamber Foundation partners with area businesses to provide these grant dollars.    Since 1999 the Chamber Foundation has funded over $434,719 in technology grants from this program.

In 2023 the Foundation grant program is supported through generous EITC funds from Orrstown Bank  and Truist (formerly BB&T)

2022 Technology Innovation Challenge Grant Awards

Digging Deeper: History Explored Through Recording and Production

Greencastle Antrim High School/Social Studies Department, Greencastle Antrim School District

SUMMARY: This is a project that is fluid in time and opportunity; essentially, this will be adapted for any and all learners. As a starting point, we will work as a department to create resources for our students to be able to engage in inquiry-based learning. This document will be replicated and modified for each of the other Social Studies courses. Additional research method materials to help students plan for a product will be created and published. Students will have the opportunity to learn about the steps taken to plan, draft, create, edit, and publish their final product. These resources will be created by the department and shared using our online platform Schoology. The professional book “From Pencils to Podcasts” by Katie Stover and Lindsay Yearta and the Apple Teacher “Everyone Can Create” guides will be used to develop the appropriate resources for students and guide the department in implementation, production, and evaluation. Once students have completed the research and plan for a product, they will have the opportunity to use the department recording resources to create their digital product. The audio shields are necessary as the space designated for recording can be noisy. High-quality microphones with pop filters help to eliminate unnecessary background sound. The free app Audacity allows for students to record podcasts, video audio, lesson audio, and book reviews with seamless editing. Other free apps will be assessed for use and could potentially be a recording platform. Student products will then be reviewed by the teacher and the class before publication on the department page of the school website. We will work with the district technology staff to upload and organize the department website and student materials. Through the various methods of public exposure, we will direct the school and community to the newly produced materials. The requested materials will be available to the entire department and shared alongside resources, information, and additional materials.

Fairview Elementary - Anyone Can Code Project 

Fairview Elementary School, Waynesboro School District

SUMMARY: The goal of the Anyone Can Code project is to create a solid foundation of the fundamentals of computational thinking and computer science that early learners will be able to apply to cross-curricular and subsequently utilize to demonstrate a deeper understanding of concepts and skills. This project will use Sphero INDI, a programmable robot vehicle that students can code in a completely screenless environment using an onboard color sensor and colored tiles that provide an introduction to the fundamentals of computational thinking and computer science. This project would serve as a direct enhancement to our Coding Experience Project by providing learners with earlier access to computer science and computational thinking principles allowing for them to more effectively, efficiently, and creatively use the Sphero Bolts. Since INDI is a Sphero product it will provide a consistent computer science platform for our students as they progress through elementary school. The project also includes professional development and coaching for teachers. Led by a certified Sphero Lead Educator who is the Director, the project will measure the increase in engagement and academic achievement through school attendance records, pre/post surveys of students, and test scores.

Sublimation Station for Primary Learners 

Greencastle Antrim Primary School, Greencastle Antrim School District

SUMMARY: The sublimation unit will be a collaborative unit between art, library, and STEM classes. In our primary school, all students rotate between special classes on a six-day cycle. The sublimation project will span over several weeks for each grade level to complete. The process will include students creating artwork in art class and then spending time digitizing their artwork in STEM class. Finally, students will complete the final sublimation process (printing, cutting, and heat pressing) during library class where they will put their custom artwork onto keepsake keychains.

This unit will be taught to all students in grades K-2 during the second semester of the school year, starting first in art, then STEM class, and finally concluding in the library. It will take place over approximately one month, depending on the way that the six-day cycles fall in the school year. At the Primary School, we explore the design process through creating and building, but it is rare that students have the opportunity to create a permanent product. Most of their design work is disassembled at the end of a class period or unit. This project will allow students to experience the way the design process works with technology to create a tangible product (a keychain) that they will be able to keep and take home as evidence of their learning.  This grant would allow us to kickstart this unit to be taught on a yearly basis for all students coming through the Primary School. After teaching the unit for one year, we will be working to further differentiate for each grade level in years moving forward. Consumable supplies to continue the project would be funded through a combination of school supply budgets and other local grant opportunities, with the majority of the supplies purchased through this grant being used year after year for the benefit of all students in the school.

The Mathematized Classroom: Building Math Resources through Technology Focused Project Based Learning  

Greencastle Antrim High School/Mathematics Department, Greencastle Antrim School District

SUMMARY: The nature of this project is flexible and adaptive to all learners. Students will be asked to demonstrate their understanding of key mathematical concepts by creating digital materials designed with high school peers in mind. After selecting a mathematical concept, students will plan for the digital materials using a Planning Guide Worksheet. This worksheet will ask students to plan the needed steps for developing the mathematical content application, planning the digital materials, designing the materials, a timeline for production, and a self-directed rubric. Students will be asked to conference with the teacher to ensure the production plan is on track and ready to proceed to the next step. The next step is production using the one-to-the-one devices and the requested Logitech Crayons. Students are able to access apps that allow for screencast recording, videos, and other digital delivery methods. After production, students will edit and prepare for the review step. Student products will then be reviewed by the teacher (and potentially the class) before publication on the department page of the school website. Because this project aligns to any of the content within mathematics courses, students are provided freedom of choice with their selection. This cycle of project-based learning will take place throughout the school year and materials will be published to the website as they are completed and approved.

July 2022

Presented by ACNB Bank, Scoop-a-Palooza is a ticketed all-you-can-eat ice cream festival that benefits the Greater Chambersburg Chamber Foundation.  Scoop 2022 will be held on Saturday, July 9, 2022, from 10:30 am-2 pm at Chambersburg Area Senior High School in the CASHS Cafeteria. Participants can sample all the ice cream/ices they like from a variety of area vendors and vote for their favorites!  Families can enjoy the enhanced Kids' Activity area that also will have resources for children, youth, and families.

But there is more! During the pandemic, Scoop adjusted its format to a regional Scoop Ice Cream Trail Map.  It provided safe family fun, supported local ice cream vendors, and brought community engagement.  In addition to the one-day Scoop event, our popular Scoop Ice Cream Trail Map will return for the month of July 2022 bringing two ways to have ice cream fun.

THANK YOU to businesses and community members that supported Scoop in 2020-2021.  All proceeds benefit educational programs throughout Franklin County funded by the Greater Chambersburg Chamber Foundation.

Visit our Scoop website or our Scoop Facebook page to learn about our 2021 event.

Thank you to our 2022 sponsors:

Presenting Sponsor - ACNB Bank

Triple Scoop Sponsors -  Starr Insurance, Tommy's Express Car Wash, Ventura Foods, Volvo Construction Equipment, WellSpan Health

Double Scoop Sponsors - Chick-fil-A Chambersburg, Corning Credit Union, Cross Country Mortgage LLC., Patriot Federal Credit Union

Single Scoop Sponsors - Chambersburg Noontime Lions Club, Corpus Christi Catholic School, DiLoreto, Cosentino & Bolinger P.C., Floor Trader Outlet of Chambersburg, SEK CPAs & Advisors

Baby Scoop Sponsors - Barra Orthodontics, Franklin County Library System, Negley's Water & Well Drilling, Shook Home

“WellSpan is hiring! We’re investing in our communities’ health and wellness — and our growing teams need you! Explore local careers, including allied health, behavioral health, physician office, nursing, nursing support, services & trades, professionals, clerical and administration: joinwellspan.org/chambersburg “

The  Chamber Foundation, in partnership with the Cumberland Valley Business Alliance, launched a regional job board in January 2022.  Click here for CVBA Job Board

The new job board allows CVBA members to post job listings for free through the Member Portal.  Members have complete control over the listing's content and can adjust how long it will be available to view.  The user-friendly interface delivers more value to the CVBA membership and is actively promoted to local job applicants through social media, organic web searches, local news outlets, and more.   Instructions on how CVBA members can post are found here

WellSpan Health is the GCCF Workforce Development Sponsor, powering the CVBA Job Board

Wednesday April 6 - Monday April 11, 2022

About the event:  Welcome to the 2^nd Annual Log On Leash Up Virtual 5K!  This event originated during the pandemic as a Leadership Franklin County Community project to offer an opportunity for all pet lovers to enjoy the pawfect run/walk with their furry friends and to raise money for two worthy causes!  The event coincides with National Walking Day on April 6^th and National Pet Day on April 11^th.

We are asking for your support with this event that encourages our community’s physical, mental and emotional health by getting them out to run/walk with their pets.  Net proceeds of the event will benefit Leadership Franklin County Community and the Cumberland Valley Animal Shelter.

For more information on sponsoring this event or participating with your pet,  please contact Ginny Harriger at gharriger@chambersburg.org.

Thank you to our 2022 Sponsors

Gold Leash Sponsor - M&T Bank

Silver Leash Sponsors - ACNB Bank, Kristian Frank Merrill Lynch, Orrstown Bank

Bronze Leash Sponsors - Franklin Veterinary Associates, Patriot Federal Credit Union, Volvo Construction Equipment

Water Bowl Sponsors - Occupational Services Inc. (OSI), SEK, CPA's & Advisors

The Community Education Coalition (CEC) Employability was created in 2015 as a workforce development initiative for Franklin County. The coalition defined a vision "To develop a strong community where all individuals have the opportunity to grow and prosper"

Led by Angela Austin of WellSpan and Dr. Michael Doncheski of Penn State Mont Alto, the employability group addresses workforce development needs in our community and brings our business partners and educators together to discuss the development and sustaining ways to improve the overall workforce.

WellSpan Health is the GCCF Workforce Development Sponsor, powering the CVBA Job Board

The Franklin County High School Business Challenge

The Purpose
The Franklin County High School Business Challenge encourages area high school students to create their own fictional, yet profitable and sustainable business plans. This task allows students to use both creative thinking and critical analysis skills in establishing plans for a sustainable enterprise that is socially and environmentally responsible and financially effective.

Plans were evaluated by area business leaders, and finalists are invited to pitch their plans at the Franklin County High School Business Challenge event at the Franklin County Career and Technology Center. Scholarship dollars are awarded to the top three highest-scoring teams. The Franklin County High School Business Challenge allows students and business people to be actively engaged in each other’s worlds.

The Scenario
In today’s world, there is a new market for businesses that are socially responsible, environmentally conscious, and economically viable. The Franklin County High School Business Challenge invites teams of student entrepreneurs to develop and pitch business plans for a sustainable enterprise they believe would meet the criteria, best serve the region and its residents, and be financially successful in Franklin County, Pa.

Each business proposal must address and embrace the principles of triple-bottom-line sustainability: people, planet, and profit. All proposed plans will be evaluated to determine which company could generate the largest and quickest return on investment, create the newest jobs in the region, and operate in a socially impactful and environmentally conscious way.

Judging
Written business plans were evaluated by members of the Chambersburg Chamber Foundation’s Community Education Coalition. Judging criteria will be based on:

Ingenuity shown in the selection of a business and target market
Thoroughness and completeness of the plan
Integration of triple-bottom-line sustainability
Accuracy of the research provided.
Final judging and selection of the Challenge winner will be via oral presentations (pitching of proposals like on the TV show Shark Tank), judged by a panel of local business leaders. Judges will consider teams’ business plans, their overall proposal pitches, and the way students respond to judges’ extemporaneous questions during presentations.

Scholarship prizes were awarded to the top three highest-scoring teams. First place wins $750, second place wins $500 and third place wins $250

Franklin County High School Business Challenge is presented by the CADC and these sponsors:

Franklin County High School Business Challenge Winners:

2018: Greencastle-Antrim High School: AssemBuild - Collin Griffin, Matthew Lynerd, Clare Hudak

2017: Greencastle-Antrim High School: Grean Bag - Collin Griffin, Matthew Lynerd, Nick Starkey, Austin Straley, Dylan Starkey

Sunday, January 29, 2023

IceFest is the largest community event in Chambersburg and draws thousands from the region to Downtown Chambersburg. It is organized by three nonprofit organizations: Downtown Chambersburg, Inc; The Downtown Business Council, and The Chambersburg Council for the Arts. Check out icefestpa.com for event information.

Run Your Ice Off 5K (RYIO) is one of the last IceFest events and is organized by Leadership Franklin County Alumni.  Event proceeds support IceFest, Leadership Franklin County, and several other area nonprofits. Please note that, while every effort will be made to have the race, in the case of extreme weather, there is always the possibility of the event being canceled for safety.

2023 RYIO RESULTS 

Thanks to our 2023 RYIO Sponsors

Race Sponsor -  Rodney B. Smith Plumbing, Heating & Cooling Inc., Rotary Club of Chambersburg

Mile Marker Sponsors - ACNB Bank, Brad Etchberger, CPA,  Keystone Health, Patriot Federal Credit Union

Supporting Sponsors - Abe's Auto Service, Bartlett Tree Experts, Forrester Lincoln,  Kristian Frank Merrill Lynch, Orrstown Bank, Pivot Physical Therapy, Starr Insurance, Volvo Construction Equipment

Sponsors - SEK CPAs & Advisors, The Butcher Shoppe