2023 PA Wilds Champions receive awards at July 27 dinner
- by Britt Madera
- August 4, 2023
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2023 PA Wilds Champions receive awards at July 27 dinner
Event honors organizations and individuals throughout PA Wilds, along with milestone anniversaries for PA Wilds and Allegheny National Forest
On July 27, the eleven recipients of the 2023 Champions of the Pennsylvania Wilds Awards were recognized for their efforts to help grow and sustainably develop the region’s outdoor recreation economy and nature tourism.
Approximately 200 people from across the 13-county PA Wilds region and Harrisburg gathered to celebrate the award winners during the 2023 PA Wilds Dinner & Awards, held at Gobbler’s Knob in Punxsutawney, Jefferson County. The event is organized by the PA Wilds Center for Entrepreneurship, Inc. (PA Wilds Center) and the PA Wilds Planning Team, and the theme for this year’s dinner was “Celebrating Decades of Conservation and Innovation.”
The Champion of the Pennsylvania Wilds Awards celebrate individuals, groups, organizations, communities and businesses that in the last year have made significant contributions to the region’s outdoor recreation economy, helping to create jobs, diversify local economies, inspire stewardship and improve quality of life.
Award winners, announced in May, include the following: Artisan of the Year, Sue Morris; Best Brand Ambassador, New Trail Brewing Co.; Business of the Year, Highland Chocolates; Conservation Stewardship, Kelly Williams; Event of the Year, Potter-Tioga Maple Weekend; Great Design, River’s Landing Event Center; Great Places, Cook Forest Sensory Trail; Inspiring Youth (Individual), Alex Luckenbill; Inspiring Youth (Organization), Allegheny Mountain Chapter of Trout Unlimited; Outstanding Leader, Erick Coolidge; and PA Wilds Planning Team Member of the Year, Dan Glotz.
“This was a monumental year, with many organizations around the region, including the PA Wilds itself, celebrating milestone anniversaries,” said Jason Fink, PA Wilds Center Board Member and Outreach Committee member who also emceed the event. “In addition to celebrating the Champion Award winners this year, we took time to recognize the region’s long history of stewardship and economic development. The theme for this year’s dinner was ‘Celebrating Decades of Conservation & Innovation.’ This year marks the 20th anniversary of the creation of the Pennsylvania Wilds brand, the 10th anniversary of PA Wilds Center’s founding, and the centennial for the Allegheny National Forest, to name a few.”
“It was inspiring to be able to celebrate the history of not just the PA Wilds Center and the PA Wilds region but also the many organizations that have decades of service to this landscape and to our residents. This is truly generational work,” said Ta Enos, Founder and CEO of the PA Wilds Center for Entrepreneurship. “There is hard work and effort being done every day within our Pennsylvania Wilds region to strengthen our communities, and the PA Wilds Dinner is a chance to reflect on those efforts and the many people who love and support our rural region.”
The awards were created by Lisa Conklin Conn of Conklin Studio Pottery, a Creative Maker in the Wilds Cooperative of Pennsylvania (WCO). Based in McKean County, Conklin Studio Pottery gave the awards a different look than in the past by creating them out of ceramic, with details such a beehive pattern to harken to the PA Wilds Center’s logo and a natural brown ceramic color to celebrate natural beauty.
2023 AWARD WINNERS
Artisan of the Year Award: Sue Morris – Mill Hall, Clinton County
Sue Morris of Sue’s Salves received the 2023 PA Wilds Artisan of the Year Champion Award. Sue is a professional level Craft Artisan in the Wilds Cooperative of Pennsylvania who specializes in making body and skin care products, along with herbal tinctures, from her own organic garden. She is a wholesale vendor to the PA Wilds Conservation Shop and sells her products on the PA Wilds Marketplace at ShopThePAWilds.com. The award was presented by LaKeshia Knarr, Entrepreneurial Ecosystem Director for the PA Wilds Center for Entrepreneurship.
From left: LaKeshia Knarr (Entrepreneurial Ecosystem Director for PA Wilds Center), Congressman Glenn “GT” Thompson’s aide Andrea Verobish, Senator John Fetterman’s aide Elliot Copeland, Clinton County Commissioner Angela Harding, recipient Sue Morris, Senator Bob Casey’s aide Liz Kisbaugh, Senator Cris Dush’s aide Penny Pifer
Best Brand Ambassador: New Trail Brewing Company – Williamsport, Lycoming County
Don Rieck, marketing director of New Trail Brewing Company in Williamsport, accepted the 2023 PA Wilds Best Brand Ambassador Champion Award. Despite it being a relatively young brewery, New Trail led a recent collaboration brew, “The Wilds Are Calling,” which honors the PA Wilds. There are 17 breweries, including New Trail, from across the PA Wilds landscape, that are involved in this branded beer. In addition to raising awareness about the PA Wilds through its distribution, a portion of proceeds from each beer sold will support the mission of the PA Wilds Center for Entrepreneurship, which is to marry conservation and economic development in the PA Wilds region. The award was presented by Hannah Brock, PA Wilds Conservation Shop and Licensing Manager.
From left: Congressman Glenn “GT” Thompson’s aide Andrea Verobish, Senator John Fetterman’s aide Elliot Copeland, Don Rieck (marketing director of New Trail Brewing Company), Senator Bob Casey’s aide Liz Kisbaugh, PA Wilds Center’s Board Chair Kate Brock
Business of the Year: Highland Chocolates – Wellsboro, Tioga County
Highland Chocolates, a business that sells delicious chocolates while also empowering individuals with disabilities to succeed, received the 2023 PA Wilds Champion Award for Business of the Year. Highland Chocolates is undergoing a remodeling project many years in the making. The new facility will allow for tours, as well as a window to view confection making when tours are not available. This will make Highland Chocolates a destination for tourists to our area. In partnership with Partners In Progress, Highland Chocolates allows those with disabilities to enjoy meaningful work that celebrates our rural landscape! Highland Chocolates truly is “Extraordinary Chocolates by Extraordinary People.” The award was presented by Libby Bloomquist, Sustainable Commerce Director for the PA Wilds Center for Entrepreneurship.
From left: Congressman Glenn “GT” Thompson’s aide Andrea Verobish, Senator John Fetterman’s aide Elliot Copeland, PA Wilds Center Sustainable Commerce Director Libby Bloomquist, Erin Roupp (Operations Manager at Highland Chocolates), Senator Bob Casey’s aide Liz Kisbaugh, PA Wilds Center’s Board Chair Kate Brock, Tioga County Commissioner Erick Coolidge
Conservation Stewardship: Kelly Williams – Clearfield County
Kelly Williams of the Clearfield County Conservation District received the 2023 PA Wilds Champion Award for Conservation Stewardship. In addition to stream work and protecting wetlands, Williams was involved in the effort to improve water quality in the Deer Creek Watershed, which was impaired by Acid Mine Drainage and had not been able to support any aquatic life for over 70 years. Wild trout can now be supported in this beautiful area of the PA Wilds, thanks to efforts of Williams and her colleagues at Clearfield County Conservation District. Williams is a past recipient of the Golden Reel Award from the Allegheny Mountain Chapter of Trout Unlimited. The PA Wilds Champion Award was presented by Matt Marusiak, PA Wilds Center Board Member.
From left: Senator John Fetterman’s aide Elliot Copeland, Senator Bob Casey’s aide Liz Kisbaugh, Congressman Glenn “GT” Thompson’s aide Andrea Verobish, Representative Brian Smith, Willie Null Clearfield County Conservation District Manager, recipient Kelly Williams of the Clearfield County Conservation District, PA Wilds Center Board Member Matt Marusiak, PA Wilds Center’s Board Chair Kate Brock, Representative Mike Armanini, Visit Clearfield County Director Sue Swales-Vitullo, Clearfield County Commissioner Dave Glass, Clearfield County Commissioner John Sobel, Representative Dallas Kephart
Event of the Year: Potter-Tioga Maple Weekend – Potter and Tioga Counties
Potter-Tioga Maple Weekend received the 2023 PA Wilds Champion Award for Event of the Year. As the Potter-Tioga Maple Producers’ Association were unable to attend the PA Wilds Dinner, Deb Bigley from Tioga County accepted the award on their behalf. The Potter-Tioga Maple Weekend brings people from near and far to learn more about maple syrup and see maple products being produced. It’s not uncommon to see license plates from all the surrounding states in mid-March. Typically more than a dozen individual maple farms are listed as participants in the event, which encourages people to stop by the farms to see the tap houses, taste the products and learn more about how the producers get the sap from the trees to the bottles. The award was presented by Abbi Peters, Founding COO of the PA Wilds Center for Entrepreneurship.
From left: Senator John Fetterman’s aide Elliot Copeland, Abbi Peters (PA Wilds Center for Entrepreneurship Founding COO), Congressman Glenn “GT” Thompson’s aide Andrea Verobish, Senator Bob Casey’s aide Liz Kisbaugh, Deb Bigley of Tioga County, Tioga County Commissioner Erick Coolidge, Senator Cris Dush’s aide Penny Pifer, PA Wilds Center’s Board Chair Kate Brock
Great Design: River’s Landing Event Center – Clearfield, Clearfield County
River’s Landing Event Center received the 2023 PA Wilds Champion Award for Great Design, with Rob Swales (CEO of Clearly Ahead Development) accepting the award. River’s Landing Event Center is a two-story, 11,500-square-foot multi-occupancy facility in Downtown Clearfield, PA. River’s Landing incorporates several themes of the PA Wilds Design Guide, such as inclusion of water, glass, stone, metal, signage, lighting, and locally sourced materials. Attention to placement of windows and outdoor seating was considered to take advantage of optimal shade and sun times. Lighting was directed downward, so as not to impact our dark skies. The award was presented by Rick Vilello, the PA Department of Community and Economic Development Deputy Secretary of Community Affairs and Development.
From left: Senator Bob Casey’s aide Liz Kisbaugh, Congressman Glenn “GT” Thompson’s aide Andrea Verobish, Visit Clearfield County Director Sue Swales-Vitullo, PA Wilds Center’s Board Chair Kate Brock, recipient Rob Swales (CEO of Clearly Ahead Development), Representative Dallas Kephart, Clearfield County Commissioner Dave Glass, Rick Vilello (DCED Deputy Secretary of Community Affairs and Development) , Senator John Fetterman’s aide Elliot Copeland, Clearfield County Commissioner John Sobel
Great Places: Cook Forest Sensory Trail – Clarion County
The Friends of Cook Forest, represented by Michael and Mary Beth Doyle, received the 2023 PA Wilds Champion Award for Great Places for the Cook Forest Sensory Trail. The first sensory trail in the PA State Park system, the Cook Forest Sensory Trail is a ¼-mile paved loop for blind and physically disabled with braille/raised letter signage, a guide cable, sturdy benches, and a picnic area at the trailhead. The Friends of Cook Forest, a volunteer, non-profit group dedicated to enhancing Cook Forest State Park, converted the quarter-mile paved trail into a Sensory Trail that will enable individuals with visual or physical impairments to experience the wonders of Cook Forest in an entirely new way. The trail was dedicated in summer 2022. The award was presented by Nathan Reigner, PhD, DCNR’s Director of Outdoor Recreation.
From left: Senator Bob Casey’s aide Liz Kisbaugh, Abbi Peters (PA Wilds Center for Entrepreneurship Founding COO), Congressman Glenn “GT” Thompson’s aide Andrea Verobish, Senator John Fetterman’s aide Elliot Copeland, recipients Mary Beth Doyle and Mike Doyle (Friends of Cook Forest), Representative Brian Smith, Representative Donna Oberlander
Inspiring Youth (Individual): Alex Luckenbill – Saint Marys, Elk County
Alex Luckenbill, who is completing his junior year at Saint Marys Area High School, received the 2023 PA Wilds Champion Award for Inspiring Youth Champion Award (Individual). For his Eagle Scout project, 17-year-old Luckenbill from Saint Marys chose to partner with the Elk Country Visitor’s Center to construct a non-motorized apple cider press which debuted at the Center over Columbus Day weekend, 2022. Alex raised the majority of the funds needed for the project and collected a lot of the apples. The award was presented by Kate Brock, PA Wilds Center Board Chair and Executive Director for Community Education Center of Elk & Cameron Counties.
From left: Congressman Glenn “GT” Thompson’s aide Andrea Verobish, Senator John Fetterman’s aide Elliot Copeland, recipient’s mother Wendy Luckenbill, recipient’s brother Tyler Luckenbill, recipient’s brother Evan Luckenbill, recipient’s father Steve Luckenbill, recipient Alex Luckenbill, Representative Mike Armanini, Senator Bob Casey’s aide Liz Kisbaugh, PA Wilds Center’s Board Chair Kate Brock, Senator Cris Dush’s aide Penny Pifer
Inspiring Youth (Organization): Allegheny Mountain Chapter, Trout Unlimited
The Allegheny Mountain Chapter of Trout Unlimited, represented by president George Kutskel, received the 2023 PA Wilds Champion Award for Inspiring Youth Champion Award (Organization) for its efforts to support youth education related to angling and outdoorsmanship. The Allegheny Mountain Chapter of Trout Unlimited sponsors DuBois Middle School Environmental day at camp mountain and teaches youth fishing, identification of macroinvertebrates, electro shocking and identification of invasive species; teaches Punxsutawney Elementary fishing skills and invasive species; and sponsors Trout in the Classroom in Brockway, DuBois Area and DuBois Catholic schools. The Allegheny Mountain Chapter of Trout Unlimited is having a regional impact by engaging youth in the sport of fishing, a heritage pastime in the PA Wilds region. The award was presented by Meredith Hill, the PA Department of Conservation and Natural Resources Acting Deputy Secretary, Conservation & Technical Services.
From left: Representative Dallas Kephart, Representative Mike Armanini, Senator John Fetterman’s aide Elliot Copeland, Congressman Glenn “GT” Thompson’s aide Andrea Verobish, Jefferson County Conservation District Manager Tracey McAfoos, Kelly Williams of the Clearfield County Conservation District, recipient George Kutskel of the Allegheny Mountain Chapter of Trout Unlimited, Samantha Snedden (student volunteer with Allegheny Mountain Chapter of Trout Unlimited), PA Wilds Center Board Member Matt Marusiak, Senator Cris Dush’s aide Penny Pifer, PA Wilds Center’s Board Chair Kate Brock, Senator Bob Casey’s aide Liz Kisbaugh
Outstanding Leader: Erick Coolidge – Tioga County Commissioner
Erick Coolidge, retiring Tioga County Commissioner, received the 2023 PA Wilds Champion Award for Outstanding Leader. Coolidge has been a pillar in Tioga County for more than 20 years. As commissioner, Coolidge was dedicated to the development and success of the Pine Creek Rail Trail as well as broader outdoor recreation opportunities in Tioga County. Commissioner Coolidge has supported a strong partnership within the local community, Growth Resources of Wellsboro, PennDOT and DCNR, to ensure the multi-faceted Pine Creek Rail Trail project would be a success. He has also been a strong advocate for local businesses. The award was presented by Cindy Dunn, Secretary of the Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources.
From left: Senator Bob Casey’s aide Liz Kisbaugh, Congressman Glenn “GT” Thompson’s aide Andrea Verobish, DCNR Secretary Cindy Dunn, Tioga County Commissioner Erick Coolidge, Meredith Hill (DCNR’s Acting Deputy Secretary, Conservation & Technical Services), Senator John Fetterman’s aide Elliot Copeland, PA Wilds Center’s Board Chair Kate Brock
PA Wilds Planning Team Member of the Year: Dan Glotz – Warren County
Dan Glotz received the 2023 PA Wilds Champion Award for Planning Team Member of the Year. In his role as Warren County Planner, Glotz oversees the Warren County Planning Department and serves as a core member and past chair of the PA Wilds Planning Team. In addition to his regional efforts with the PA Wilds, Glotz also co-founded Walkable Warren, created and implemented the Warren Bike-Hike Trail, and led the creation of the county’s park and comprehensive plans. He also serves on PA Wilds Center for Entrepreneurship, Inc.’s Board Outreach Committee and is President of PA Route 6 Alliance. Glotz is a champion of heritage tourism and the impact of outdoor recreation on the economy and quality of life throughout the Route 6 Corridor and PA Wilds region. The award was presented by Candace Hillyard, PA Wilds Center Planning Team Vice-Chair.
From left: Senator Bob Casey’s aide Liz Kisbaugh, Congressman Glenn “GT” Thompson’s aide Andrea Verobish, PA Wilds Center Planning Team Vice-Chair Candace Hillyard, Warren County Planning Director Dan Glotz, Meredith Hill (DCNR’s Acting Deputy Secretary, Conservation & Technical Services), Senator John Fetterman’s aide Elliot Copeland, PA Wilds Center’s Board Chair Kate Brock
PROGRAM DETAILS
View the full dinner program here.
Catering this year was provided by Mary’s Place, with a menu including slow roasted beef with au jus, Italian crumbed chicken breast, or a three cheese manicotti. Desserts were provided by StellaBella’s Catering, with gourmet cupcakes and pizzelles. Both Mary’s Place and StellaBella’s Catering are based in Punxsutawney.
New Trail Brewing Company and Starr Hill Winery offered “A Taste of the Wilds,” with the Call of the Wilds Hazy IPA and Squatch-N-Berry huckleberry wine. Guests enjoyed tastings of the wine and beer, both of which were licensed collaborations with the PA Wilds Center.
Punxsutawney Phil was on standby, greeting guests as they arrived. Members of the Groundhog Club and Inner Circle voluntarily spent the evening helping to bartend at the cash bar. Groundhog Club Vice President Dan McGinley welcomed guests to the venue and spoke about how it was an honor for Groundhog Day to be recognized as Event of the Year in 2022 and to be able to show off the event venue as part of the 2023 awards celebration.
Vendors and exhibitors inside the event hall included the Allegheny National Forest; Center for Rural PA; Friends of Cook Forest; Hello Social LLC; Keystone Trails Association; Lumber Heritage Region of Pennsylvania; PA Wilds Conservation Shop; Pine Springs Pottery; Village Eatinghouse; Western PA Conservancy.
The photography for the event was handled by Mickayla Poland of PA Made, who is a Creative Maker in the WCO that is based out of Elk County. Audio and visual was handled by Dan Wallace of Wallace Audio, based in Punxsutawney.
Many elected officials and community leaders attended the event, including several county commissioners from around the PA Wilds area, community organization and nonprofit leaders, Rep. Mike Armanini, Rep. Dallas Kephart, Rep. Donna Oberlander, Rep. Brian Smith, an aide from Congressman Glenn “GT” Thompson’s office, an aide from Senator Bob Casey’s office, an aide from Senator John Fetterman’s office, Dr. Nathan Reigner (the Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources’ Director of Outdoor Recreation), Meredith Hill (DCNR’s Acting Deputy Secretary, Conservation & Technical Services), PA DCNR Secretary Cindy Dunn; Rick Vilello (DCED Deputy Secretary of Community Affairs and Development); and Mandy Book (Executive Director of the Commonwealth Financing Authority and Acting Deputy Secretary for the Office of Business Financing and Workforce Development at DCED).
Event sponsors included DCNR, FirstEnergy Foundation, Grow Rural PA and Laska’s Pizza, with honorary hosts being the Punxsutawney Chamber of Commerce, the Groundhog Club and the Jefferson County Commissioners.
SEE MORE PHOTOS FROM THE EVENT
Mickayla Poland from PA Made captured the event.
WANT TO LEARN MORE ABOUT OUR CHAMPIONS?
Each year the PA Wilds Center recognizes individuals, groups, organizations, communities, and businesses that in the last year have made significant contributions to help grow and sustainably develop the outdoor recreation economy and nature tourism in the PA Wilds by marrying economic development and conservation goals. These prestigious awards are presented at the Center’s dinner.
NOMINATE A PA WILDS CHAMPION FOR 2024!
Do you know a business, individual, group or organization who has made significant contributions to help grow and sustainably develop the outdoor recreation economy and nature tourism in the PA Wilds? There are nine award categories open for public nominations. Nominations submitted before 5:00 PM ET April 1, 2024, will be considered for 2024 PA Wilds Champion Awards.
ABOUT THE PA WILDS
The Pennsylvania Wilds is a 13-county region that includes the counties of Cameron, Clarion, Clearfield, Clinton, Elk, Forest, Jefferson, Lycoming, McKean, Potter, Tioga, Warren, and northern Centre. The PA Wilds Center for Entrepreneurship, Inc., is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization whose mission is to integrate conservation and economic development in a way that inspires the communities of the Pennsylvania Wilds. The PA Wilds Center promotes the region as a premier outdoor recreation destination as a way to diversify local economies, inspire stewardship, attract investment, retain population and improve quality of life. The PA Wilds Center’s core programs seek to help businesses leverage the PA Wilds brand and connect with new market opportunities, including: the Wilds Cooperative of PA, a network of over 300 place-based businesses and organizations, and the PA Wilds Conservation Shop, a retail outlet primarily featuring products sourced from the WCO. For more information on the PA Wilds Center, visit www.PAWildsCenter.org. To learn more about the WCO, visit www.WildsCoPA.org. Explore the PA Wilds at www.PAWilds.com. Find regionally made products at www.ShopThePAWilds.com.
