Discussion Thread #1
For my discussion thread, I chose to explore some of the projects dedicated to economic
development and growth in my town of Gettysburg, Pennsylvania. Historically, Gettysburg has
never been a large town, but since it was the turning point of the Civil War, it has become a
major tourist destination. According to the National Park Service, the town of Gettysburg attracts
an average of a million tourists annually, while the town itself had approximately 8,558 residents
in 2022 (U.S. Census Bureau, 2024). The battlefield benefits from government funding for
creating new and repairing old monuments at both the Gettysburg National Military Park and the
Eisenhower National Historic Site. However, the community is more than just the battlefield, and
one way the community has developed is through the assistance of Destination Gettysburg.
Destination Gettysburg is a service aimed at fostering the growth and promotion of small
businesses in the town. More importantly, it facilitates a diverse range of job opportunities for
the citizens of Gettysburg. While Destination Gettysburg offers free access for tourists to visit
Gettysburg, it also receives substantial donations. These donations enable the implementation of
free programs across various historical sites on the battlefield. Most Gettysburg businesses
benefit from Destination Gettysburg by receiving free promotions on their website, Facebook,
and Twitter. The website states, “Our efforts are based on the value to the visitor, partner, and
community and on the overall economic impact on Adams County,” continuing by saying, “This
mission is achieved by aggressive marketing and building partnerships with federal, state, and
local entities while maximizing all available resources” (Destination Gettysburg, 2024, About
Us).
In Planning Local Economic Development, Leigh and Blakely state, “The central thesis of this
book is that locally based economic development and employment generation are more likely to
be successful if initiated at the community and local level than elsewhere” (2017, p. 31). In my
opinion, Destination Gettysburg enables the community to increase job opportunities, whether in
the food industry or tourism. To understand how effective Destination Gettysburg is, it is
imperative to examine what MacDonald said in Collaborative Stewardship: “Because the
statement of goals and objectives is theory-based, one must specify in measurable terms what the
goal is” (2016, p. 26). Under the intense marketing strategies of this nonprofit, they received
slightly under $2.5 million in 2022 through donations, contributions, and grants (Cause IQ, 2024,
Destination Gettysburg). This amount is around half a million more than what they received in
2021.
In my exploration of this project dedicated to economic development in Gettysburg,
Pennsylvania, I am reminded of the biblical wisdom found in Proverbs 11:25: “The liberal soul
shall be made fat: and he that watereth shall be watered also himself” (King James Bible,
1769/2017). This verse encapsulates the spirit of community growth and support, reflecting the
idea that those who contribute generously to the well-being of others will, in turn, experience
prosperity themselves. Much like the endeavors of Destination Gettysburg, which not only
fosters the growth of small businesses but also creates diverse job opportunities for the
community. Additionally, Romans 12:16 encourages us to “Be of the same mind one toward
another. Mind not high things, but condescend to men of low estate. Be not wise in your own
conceits” (King James Bible, 1769/2017). This verse underscores the importance of unity,
humility, and mutual support within a community. It aligns with the collaborative approach taken
by Destination Gettysburg in building partnerships and promoting economic development at the
local level. In my opinion, these biblical principles resonate with the positive impact Destination
Gettysburg has on the community, promoting a mindset of generosity, humility, and unity for the
overall betterment of Gettysburg and its residents.
The intertwined collaboration of the public, private, and not-for-profit sectors, guided by the
causal theory emphasizing local economic development and job creation, forms the backbone of
Gettysburg's sustainable community growth. This strategic alignment ensures that the
development projects contribute not only to the economic prosperity of the community but also
to its long-term sustainability.
Resources:
Leigh, N. G., & Blakely, E. J. (2017). Planning local economic development: Theory and
practice (6th ed.). Thousand Oaks, CA: Sage. ISBN: 9781506363998.
McDonald, O. M. (2016). Collaborative stewardship: An analytical approach to improving
quality of life in communities. Suffolk, VA: Grace House Publishing. ISBN: 9780983565277.
Destination Gettysburg. (2024). The official destination marketing organization of Gettysburg
and Adams County. https://destinationgettysburg.com/about-destination-gettysburg/.
Cause IQ. (2024). A website of nonprofit data. https://www.causeiq.com/organizations/
destination-gettysburg,231488763/.
King James Bible. (2017). King James Bible Online. https://www.kingjamesbibleonline.org/
(Original work published 1769)
United States. (2023) National Park Service NPS. United States. [Web Archive] Retrieved from
the Library of Congress, https://www.nps.gov/gett/learn/news/presskit.htm.
U.S. Census Bureau. (n.d.). Gettysburg borough, Pennsylvania. U.S. Department of Commerce.
Retrieved January 25, 2024, from https://www.census.gov/quickfacts/fact/table/
gettysburgboroughpennsylvania/PST045223.
“The liberal soul shall be made fat: and he that watereth shall be watered also himself.” Proverbs
11:25
“Be of the same mind one toward another. Mind not high things, but condescend to men of low
estate. Be not wise in your own conceits.” Romans 12:16 (King James Bible, 1769/2017, Luke
14:13-14)
For my discussion thread, I chose to delve into the economic development and growth projects in
Gettysburg, Pennsylvania. Historically a modest town, Gettysburg transformed into a major
tourist destination following its pivotal role in the Civil War. The National Park Service reports
an annual average of one million tourists, juxtaposed against the town's 8,558 residents in 2022
(U.S. Census Bureau, 2024). While government funding supports battlefield monuments, the
community's broader development owes much to the efforts of Destination Gettysburg.
Destination Gettysburg is a service dedicated to nurturing small business growth and job
opportunities. It not only provides free access for tourists but also relies on substantial donations
to implement free programs across historical sites. Most local businesses benefit from
Destination Gettysburg's promotional initiatives on various platforms. Their mission, as
articulated on their website, emphasizes value to visitors, partners, and the community, achieved
through aggressive marketing and strategic partnerships at federal, state, and local levels
(Destination Gettysburg, 2024, About Us).
Leigh and Blakely, in 'Planning Local Economic Development,' argue that locally initiated
development is more likely to succeed (2017, p. 31). In my view, Destination Gettysburg
significantly boosts job opportunities, particularly in the food industry and tourism. Examining
MacDonald's perspective in 'Collaborative Stewardship,' which stresses the importance of
specifying measurable goals, reveals that Destination Gettysburg secured just under $2.5 million
in 2022 through diverse funding sources, surpassing the previous year's contributions (Cause IQ,
2024, Destination Gettysburg).
My exploration of this economic development project in Gettysburg brings to mind the biblical
wisdom of Proverbs 11:25: 'The liberal soul shall be made fat: and he that watereth shall be
watered also himself' (King James Bible, 1769/2017). This encapsulates the spirit of community
growth and support, mirroring the ethos of Destination Gettysburg, which not only fosters small
businesses but also generates diverse job opportunities.
Additionally, Romans 12:16 encourages unity, humility, and mutual support within a community:
'Be of the same mind one toward another. Mind not high things, but condescend to men of low
estate. Be not wise in your own conceits' (King James Bible, 1769/2017). This aligns with
Destination Gettysburg's collaborative approach in building partnerships and promoting local
economic development.
In my opinion, these biblical principles resonate with the positive impact Destination Gettysburg
has on the community, fostering a mindset of generosity, humility, and unity for the overall
betterment of Gettysburg and its residents. The intertwined collaboration of the public, private,
and not-for-profit sectors, guided by the causal theory emphasizing local economic development
and job creation, forms the backbone of Gettysburg's sustainable community growth. This
strategic alignment ensures that the development projects contribute not only to the economic
prosperity of the community but also to its long-term sustainability.”
The economic development projects in Gettysburg have been accompanied by a noticeable
transition in local planning strategies. As the town shifted from its historical status to a major
tourist destination, local planning has adapted to accommodate the increased economic activities.
There has been a concerted effort to align planning initiatives with the goal of fostering
sustainable growth beyond the battlefield. This transition is reflected in adjustments to zoning
regulations, community engagement programs, and a renewed focus on diversifying economic
activities.
The exploration reveals several factors that contribute to enhancing community sustainability.
Key among these is the deliberate effort to engage the community in economic development
initiatives. Beyond the battlefield, local planning has identified the importance of diversifying
economic activities, ensuring that the community is resilient to fluctuations in tourism.
Destination Gettysburg's emphasis on fostering small businesses not only promotes economic
growth but also lays the foundation for a more sustainable and diverse local economy.
The success of Gettysburg's economic development projects can be attributed to a dynamic
configuration of public, private, and not-for-profit sector linkages. In the public sector,
government funding has played a pivotal role, particularly in supporting the maintenance and
development of historical landmarks. Private sector engagement is exemplified by the active
involvement of local businesses, entrepreneurs, and Destination Gettysburg, fostering the growth
of small businesses and job opportunities. The not-for-profit sector, represented by Destination
Gettysburg, acts as a crucial bridge, leveraging substantial donations and partnerships to
implement impactful programs and initiatives. This intricate collaboration ensures that each
sector plays a distinct yet interdependent role in making the community's economic development
projects a reality.
For my discussion thread, I chose to explore some of the projects dedicated to economic
development and growth in my town of Gettysburg, Pennsylvania. Historically, Gettysburg has
never been a large town, but since it was the turning point of the Civil War, it has become a
major tourist destination. According to the National Park Service, the town of Gettysburg attracts
an average of a million tourists annually, while the town itself had approximately 8,558 residents
in 2022 (U.S. Census Bureau, 2024). The battlefield benefits from government funding for
creating new and repairing old monuments at both the Gettysburg National Military Park and the
Eisenhower National Historic Site. However, the community is more than just the battlefield, and
one way the community has developed is through the assistance of Destination Gettysburg.
Destination Gettysburg is a service aimed at fostering the growth and promotion of small
businesses in the town. More importantly, it facilitates a diverse range of job opportunities for
the citizens of Gettysburg. While Destination Gettysburg offers free access for tourists to visit
Gettysburg, it also receives substantial donations. These donations enable the implementation of
free programs across various historical sites on the battlefield. Most Gettysburg businesses
benefit from Destination Gettysburg by receiving free promotions on their website, Facebook,
and Twitter. The website states, “Our efforts are based on the value to the visitor, partner, and
community and on the overall economic impact on Adams County,” continuing by saying, “This
mission is achieved by aggressive marketing and building partnerships with federal, state, and
local entities while maximizing all available resources” (Destination Gettysburg, 2024, About
Us).
In Planning Local Economic Development, Leigh and Blakely state, “The central thesis of this
book is that locally based economic development and employment generation are more likely to
be successful if initiated at the community and local level than elsewhere” (2017, p. 31). In my
opinion, Destination Gettysburg enables the community to increase job opportunities, whether in
the food industry or tourism. To understand how effective Destination Gettysburg is, it is
imperative to examine what MacDonald said in Collaborative Stewardship: “Because the
statement of goals and objectives is theory-based, it is imperative that one specify in measurable
terms what the goal is” (2016, p. 26). Under the intense marketing strategies of this nonprofit,
they received slightly under $2.5 million in 2022 through donations, contributions, and grants
(Cause IQ, 2024, Destination Gettysburg). This amount is around half a million more than what
they received in 2021.
In my exploration of this project dedicated to economic development in Gettysburg,
Pennsylvania, I am reminded of the biblical wisdom found in Proverbs 11:25: “The liberal soul
shall be made fat: and he that watereth shall be watered also himself” (King James Bible,
1769/2017). This verse encapsulates the spirit of community growth and support, reflecting the
idea that those who contribute generously to the well-being of others will, in turn, experience
prosperity themselves. Much like the endeavors of Destination Gettysburg, which not only
fosters the growth of small businesses but also creates diverse job opportunities for the
community. Additionally, Romans 12:16 encourages us to “Be of the same mind one toward
another. Mind not high things, but condescend to men of low estate. Be not wise in your own
conceits” (King James Bible, 1769/2017). This verse underscores the importance of unity,
humility, and mutual support within a community. It aligns with the collaborative approach taken
by Destination Gettysburg in building partnerships and promoting economic development at the
local level. In my opinion, these biblical principles resonate with the positive impact Destination
Gettysburg has on the community, promoting a mindset of generosity, humility, and unity for the
overall betterment of Gettysburg and its residents.
The economic development projects in Gettysburg have not only transformed the town into a
major tourist destination but have also instigated a significant transition in local planning
strategies. This shift is evident in the town's adaptation to accommodate increased economic
activities and its deliberate efforts to align planning initiatives with the goal of fostering
sustainable growth beyond the battlefield. Zoning regulations, community engagement programs,
and a focus on diversifying economic activities reflect the town's commitment to adapting local
planning to support economic development.
The exploration also reveals several factors enhancing community sustainability. Beyond the
battlefield, local planning has identified the importance of diversifying economic activities,
ensuring that the community is resilient to fluctuations in tourism. Destination Gettysburg's
emphasis on fostering small businesses not only promotes economic growth but also lays the
foundation for a more sustainable and diverse local economy.
The success of Gettysburg's economic development projects can be attributed to a dynamic
configuration of public, private, and not-for-profit sector linkages. In the public sector,
government funding has played a pivotal role, particularly in supporting the maintenance and
development of historical landmarks. Private sector engagement is exemplified by the active
involvement of local businesses, entrepreneurs, and Destination Gettysburg, fostering the growth
of small businesses and job opportunities. The not-for-profit sector, represented by Destination
Gettysburg, acts as a crucial bridge, leveraging substantial donations and partnerships to
implement impactful programs and initiatives. This intricate collaboration ensures that each
sector plays a distinct yet interdependent role in making the community's economic development
projects a reality.
The intertwined collaboration of the public, private, and not-for-profit sectors, guided by the
causal theory emphasizing local economic development and job creation, forms the backbone of
Gettysburg's sustainable community growth. This strategic alignment ensures that the
development projects contribute not only to the economic prosperity of the community but also
to its long-term sustainability.
References:
Cause IQ. (2024). A website of nonprofit data. https://www.causeiq.com/organizations/
destination-gettysburg,231488763/.
Destination Gettysburg. (2024). The official destination marketing organization of Gettysburg
and Adams County. https://destinationgettysburg.com/about-destination-gettysburg/.
King James Bible. (2017). King James Bible Online. https://www.kingjamesbibleonline.org/
(Original work published 1769).
Leigh, N. G., & Blakely, E. J. (2017). Planning local economic development: Theory and
practice (6th ed.). Thousand Oaks, CA: Sage. ISBN: 9781506363998.
McDonald, O. M. (2016). Collaborative stewardship: An analytical approach to improving
quality of life in communities. Suffolk, VA: Grace House Publishing. ISBN: 9780983565277.
United States. (2023) National Park Service NPS. United States. [Web Archive] Retrieved from
the Library of Congress, https://www.nps.gov/gett/learn/news/presskit.htm.
U.S. Census Bureau. (n.d.). Gettysburg borough, Pennsylvania. U.S. Department of Commerce.
Retrieved January 25, 2024, from https://www.census.gov/quickfacts/fact/table/
gettysburgboroughpennsylvania/PST045223.
Brian,
I appreciate your insightful post regarding the significant impact of tourism on our community's
economic planning, with a particular emphasis on the challenges posed by hurricanes and beach
erosion. Your perspective as a tour boat owner adds a valuable firsthand dimension to the
discussion, highlighting the direct link between the condition of the beaches and the success of
your business
The focus on Project #6003408 for the continuous repair and restoration of Gulf Coast beaches
on Anna Maria Island is indeed noteworthy. As you rightly pointed out, this initiative not only
contributes to the preservation of our natural assets but also plays a crucial role in sustaining the
local economy by creating jobs and attracting tourists. I find it interesting how Leigh and
Blakely's observations about community development align with our situation, emphasizing the
importance of enhancing community assets to attract visitors (2017).
Your mention of the funding sources for beach projects sheds light on the strategic approach
Manatee County takes. Leveraging grants from the Florida Department of Environmental
Protection and FEMA, along with incorporating a portion of homeowner's tax, showcases a well-
rounded funding strategy. This financial commitment, approximately $28,000,000 annually,
demonstrates the community's dedication to maintaining and preserving its beaches.
I also appreciate your broader perspective on the significance of beaches in economic
development, especially in South Florida. Your insight into how tourism acts as a catalyst for
both profit and attracting new residents is well-taken. The biblical reference from Genesis
41:33-57 adds a thoughtful touch, drawing parallels between the need for discernment and
wisdom in managing the land in biblical times and our community's contemporary approach to
maintaining its vital assets.
In considering the importance of low-income housing, convention centers, and incentive
programs in our community, your reminder of the critical role played by beach maintenance and
airport improvement in ensuring continued growth provides a comprehensive view of the diverse
factors influencing our economic development.
Overall, your post has not only highlighted the economic significance of tourism and beach
maintenance in our community but also provided a nuanced understanding of the intricate
balance required for sustainable growth.
Given the substantial reliance of our community on tourism and beach maintenance for
economic prosperity, do you see any potential challenges or opportunities that might arise in the
future, especially considering factors like climate change, evolving tourism trends, or other
external influences? How might our community adapt and innovate to ensure the sustained
success of your tour boat business and the broader tourism industry?
I look forward to further discussions on how these initiatives can be expanded or improved to
meet the evolving needs of our community.
Best regards,
Priscilla Pryor
Hey Brian,
I enjoyed your post about the impact of tourism on our community's economic planning,
especially with challenges like hurricanes and beach erosion. Your take as a tour boat owner
gives us a firsthand perspective, connecting beach conditions directly to your business's success.
The focus on Project #6003408 for Gulf Coast beaches on Anna Maria Island caught my
attention. It's not just about preserving nature; it's a key player in our local economy, creating
jobs and drawing in tourists. Your mention of Leigh and Blakely's ideas on community
development makes a lot of sense in our context.
Your insights on the funding sources for beach projects are eye-opening. Manatee County's
strategy, using grants from the Florida Department of Environmental Protection and FEMA, plus
homeowner's tax, shows they've got a solid plan in place. The $28,000,000 annual commitment
speaks volumes about our community's dedication.
I also appreciate your take on the broader impact of beaches on economic development in South
Florida. Your point about tourism not only driving profits but also attracting new residents is
spot-on. The biblical reference adds a nice touch, drawing parallels between ancient wisdom and
our approach to maintaining vital assets.
Considering your reminder about low-income housing, convention centers, and incentive
programs, it's clear that beach maintenance and airport improvement are essential for our
continued growth.
Your post really brought out the economic significance of tourism and beach maintenance,
offering a nuanced view of what it takes for sustainable growth.
Thinking about our community's heavy reliance on tourism and beach maintenance, do you
foresee any challenges or opportunities on the horizon? Factors like climate change and evolving
tourism trends could play a role. How do you think our community can adapt and innovate to
ensure the ongoing success of your tour boat business and the broader tourism industry?
Looking forward to more discussions on how we can expand or improve these initiatives to meet
our community's evolving needs.
Best,
Priscilla Pryor
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