Economic Development

March 30, 2020

PA Wilds businesses learning to adapt amid COVID-19, finding support in community

Across the state, businesses have been forced to change the way they’re doing business — or close temporarily — as a result of the spread of COVID-19 across the entire country.

February 10, 2020

Philipsburg revitalization organization looks toward future

Like many small-town communities across the state, Philipsburg, located along the I-80 Frontier of the Pennsylvania Wilds, started to see hard times as its major industries started to decline.  But recent efforts by the Philipsburg Revitalization Corporation have focused on fostering entrepreneurship, as well as events that bring the community together and encourage economic development.

December 9, 2019

DiamondBack Truck Covers makes an impact on economy, outdoors lovers

Nestled in the heart of the I-80 Frontier region of the Pennsylvania Wilds is a company that’s making a big impact — on its local community, the region and on outdoor adventure enthusiasts. DiamondBack Truck Covers, located in Philipsburg, was named Pennsylvania Small Business of the Year in 2019.

September 13, 2019

Streetscape project in Bradford a boost for economic development

In Bradford, one of the northern gateways to The Pennsylvania Wilds, local leaders are taking major steps to improve the façade of the downtown while preserving the historic architecture that so many small towns within the Wilds adore. 

September 2, 2019

Bellefonte Under the Lights: Harnessing the power of community character

A fundraiser for Downtown Bellefonte Inc., Bellefonte Under the Lights last year proved to be one of the most successful events the community has ever seen, with tickets selling out in just under two hours. Now in its second year, organizers have doubled the number of tickets sold to the event — accommodating up to 800 people — and tickets have sold out once again. Planners believe it's proof that leaders can harness the power of what makes their community unique.

August 15, 2019

Bellefonte’s Fridays in the ‘Fonte more than just a community event 

Located within the “welcome mat” of The Pennsylvania Wilds along the I-80 Frontier, Bellefonte has seen a surge of economic-related activity in recent years. Community events have played a huge part in that activity. But when the organizers of Downtown Bellefonte Inc.’s Friday in the ‘Fonte event started hosting it on the last Friday of each month, it was about more than getting the community out to shop.

July 11, 2019

Straub Brewery: Great things are on tap in the Pennsylvania Wilds

In addition to promoting the Pennsylvania Wilds through its iconic brand, Straub is noted for its strong family and community ties – and there is cause for celebration as the brewery unveiled its new Visitor Center and Tap Room with a soft opening on June 19th. A grand opening celebration has been set for July 19th.

July 8, 2019

New location centralizes, streamlines Allegheny Outfitters’ operations

Allegheny Outfitters, located in Warren, Pennsylvania, recently moved and expanded operations from its small storefront canoe, kayak and backpacking shop on one end of Warren, and its livery side of operations on the other side of town, into one big building right on the banks of the Allegheny River downtown.

June 21, 2019

The anniversary of Clinton County

Every community has a beginning. People don’t think about it, but each city and county has a starting date and an origin story. The thirteen counties in the Pennsylvania Wilds were founded between 1795 and 1863. Potter Tioga, McKean, Clearfield, and Jefferson were all founded in 1804. Lycoming was founded in 1795, and Centre County in 1800. And then, on June 21, 1839, parts of Lycoming and Centre were combined to make Clinton County.

May 31, 2019

2019 ‘Do 6’ Award recipients include three PA Wilds honorees

On May 23, 2019, PA Route 6 Alliance held its annual “Do 6” Awards banquet in Hawley, Pennsylvania. Each year the awards are presented to individuals, organizations, businesses and corporations that exemplify the mission of the PA Route 6 Alliance to protect, preserve and enhance the scenic, cultural, historical and recreational resources of Pennsylvania’s northern tier. This year, three of the six “Do 6” awards were bestowed upon Pennsylvania Wilds recipients.