In 1960, community businessmen and leaders recognized Chambersburg's valuable resources and location and undertook a capital campaign to fund a not-for-profit industrial development corporation. The business leaders raised $375,000 and organized the Chambersburg Area Development Corporation. Since 1960, CADC has continued to build upon the successes of its initial efforts.
CADC's annual report lists the numerous projects completed since 1960 and the list is an impressive one. CADC had the foresight to develop business and industrial parks with the infrastructure needed to operate successfully. The construction of Interstate 81 through Chambersburg in the 1960s made the community an extremely desirable location in which to do business.
CADC works with others to bring major employers to the area and to improve the downtown and quality of life in Chambersburg. All of these factors contribute to ongoing success in recruitment and retention of businesses and industries. The result is a healthy economy with relatively low unemployment.
CADC, an affiliate of the Greater Chambersburg Chamber of Commerce, is linked to nearly 2,900 jobs and about $3 million in wage and property tax revenues annually. Its four business and commercial parks are premier sites for business and industry along the Interstate 81 corridor, and they are a key reason why Franklin County has had one of the lowest unemployment rates in Pennsylvania (an average of 3.1 percent in 2007, though higher now because of the recession).
