Palmyra business building momentum [Central Penn Business Journal (PA)]

LEBANON COUNTY

The Palmyra area is undergoing a climate change - at least in the area of business.

"People don't feel like they are in the shadows of Hershey, but more are trying to stand out," said Maria Altebrando, who recently opened the Palmyra Academy of Dance in the 600 block of West Main Street.

Altebrando moved to the area seven years ago from Long Island, N.Y. She said dance has always been a passion and opening a studio the dream.

There was no question about fulfilling that dream in her Lebanon County hometown.

"Palmyra is a diamond in the rough," she said, adding that she fell in love with the tight-knit community and overall quality of life. "There are smart people who love this town and want to see it at its full potential."

Altebrando said she has taken notice of the steady population growth in the county. She doesn't appear to be alone there. Business activity is on the upswing, according to the Palmyra Area Business Association.

"People are sick of waiting on the economy and (are) taking things into their own hands," said Margie Yohn, president of PABA and owner of Be-Yohnd Mail & Marketing.

Yohn, who also is on the board at the Lebanon Valley Chamber of Commerce, said Palmyra's proximity to Dauphin and Lancaster counties helps, along with the busy Route 422 corridor.

There are plans for a CVS pharmacy in the 700 block of East Main Street and a new Sheetz in the 800 block.

The Palmyra area recently attracted Farmers Insurance. It also is now home to Babe's Grill House & Sports Lounge, an upscale sports bar that opened in August in the 300 block of East Main Street.

Meanwhile, Funck's Family Restaurant, an established casual eatery, is in the process of adding a liquor license.

"We're uniquely situated between Hershey and Annville-Cleona," Yohn said of the heightened level of business growth.

Earlier this year, Klick Lewis Inc. wrapped up a major expansion of its dealership, taking its facility to 28,000 square feet.

"It was a necessity," said Patrick Lewis, the company's general sales manager. "It shows vitality and that we are a viable entity."

It was the company's first major renovation project in decades and one Lewis said he believes will pay dividends in an area that has steadily grown over the last two decades because of developments along Route 422. Growth at the Penn State Milton S. Hershey Medical Center and the Hershey Co. are other contributing factors, he said.

"There is tons of land not owned by the Hershey Trust (Co.) that private developers are scooping up," he said.

In North Annville Township, a retail site is in the works that is being developed by H.R. Weaver Building Systems. The plan includes four buildings - one for a furniture store, one for a restaurant, one for a strip mall and another reserved for a hotel.

"They are hoping to attract a hotel near the sports park," Yohn said, referring to the In the Net sports complex and Klick Lewis Arena, an indoor ice facility at Flightpath Park in South Londonderry Township.

PABA, which was started in 2005, also has seen a steady climb in membership. It is up to 134 members, adding two or three every month, she said. The community-based association focuses on Palmyra and North and South Londonderry townships.

"Word-of-mouth is everything," Yohn said of the association, which focuses on networking and unique events to generate buzz about the Palmyra area.

One such event is its Winterfest, which combines a holiday parade and tree lighting with a business open house and human dog sled race called "Mush in the Slush."

PABA also has done cash mob events to support local business.

In its pipeline is trying to organize a dedicated evening event each month - similar to a Fourth Friday - where a group of local businesses would have extended hours to try and draw more people to the downtown, Yohn said.

The association also is selling street banners in Campbelltown as a way to promote business. As it builds up more of an income stream, officials are hoping to tackle regional downtown revitalization projects in the coming years, Yohn said.

Additionally, she is working on a tourism map dedicated to businesses outside of Hershey. The goal is to have that done for next year's peak tourism season.

"People see value here and in having (a) business here," Altebrando said. "We're a growing community."

Lebanon County was the 11thfastest growing county in Pennsylvania between 2000 and 2010, according to the Census.

"People see value here and in having (a) business here. We're a growing community."

Maria Altebrando,

Palmyra Academy of Dance

By Jason Scott

[email protected]