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Network with creative entrepreneurs throughout the region at a one-day educational event hosted by the PA Wilds Center for Entrepreneurship, Inc. (PA Wilds Center) and The Wilds Cooperative of Pennsylvania (WCO), on Friday at the Pajama Factory, 1307 Park Ave. Registration begins at 8:30 a.m.
At the Creative Entrepreneurs Conference, attendees have the opportunity to network, learn about practical skills and practices in marketing, wholesaling and capitalizing on outdoor recreations, all while utilizing the PA Wilds Design Guide for Community Character Stewardship.
The PA Wilds Design Guide utilizes planning that highlights how to protect and enhance communities through growth, said Abbi Peters, managing director, PA Wilds Center. The guide is perfect for developers, business owners, community leaders and many more.
This event "engages members in program strategies, networking and professional development," Peters said. "Our creative artists and entrepreneurs influence our regional brand and visitor experience in a unique way."
Through the the Center's program -- WCO, the PA Wilds Conservation Shop, PA Wilds licensing and regional marketing, it creates "a supply chain and commerce platforms for locally made products and experiences," Peters said.
The conference will prepare the Center's members to ensure their success, she said.
Conference speakers include Scott Dunkelberger, executive deputy secretary, PA Department of Community and Economic Development; Bill Brock, president and CEO, Straub Brewery, Inc.; and Jason Fink, executive director, Lycoming County Visitors Bureau,
The Creative Entrepreneurs Conference is a part of four events throughout April, others including the opening of the PA Wilds Conservation Shop, Creative Makers Exhibit and the 2018 PA Wild Annual Dinner and Awards, all at the Pajama Factory.
The PA Wilds Conservation Shop, located in the Lycoming County Visitors Information Center, 102 W. Fourth St., opened April 6 and showcases and sells products and soft goods, like tote bags, created by local and regional artisans and crafters.
The next day, April 7, there was a gallery opening at the Factory Works Gallery in the Pajama Factory, for the Creative Makers Exhibit, a photojournalism exhibit telling the story of artisans and producers in the region that highlights creative artwork. The Creative Makers Exhibit is a traveling, free exhibit open to the public. PA Wilds Juried Photographers include Katie Weidenboerner, St. Marys; Bill Crowell, Lock Haven; Tracy Smith, Kane; and Karen Heltzel, Warren. This exhibit closes the day of the Annual Dinner and Awards.
On April 26, PA Wilds will celebrate their 15th anniversary at the 2018 PA Wilds Annual Dinner and Awards, the perfect opportunity for networking, with 250 business, community leaders and state partners and officials in attendance.
This year's theme is "Celebrating 15 Years -- The Wilds at Work." Earl Gohl, federal co-chair of the Appalachian Regional Commission and keynote speaker, and Eric Bridges, executive director of North Central Pennsylvania Regional Planning and Development Commission, will be speaking.
"As a repurposed industrial building, we feel that the Pajama Factory is the perfect embodiment of what PA Wilds is celebrating through these types of events. Now home to over 100 artists, craftsmen and entrepreneurs, each tenant offers their own unique service, product, art or craft. It's a place where opportunities are only limited by a person's imagination," said Danielle Velkoff, events and business development, Pajama Factory.
The PA Wilds, one of 11 official tourism regions, covers 25 percent of the state, said Peters, including Warren, McKean, Potter, Tioga, Lycoming, Clinton, Cameron, Elk, Forest, Clarion, Jefferson, Clearfield and Centre Counties -- when combined, there are more than 2 million acres. Within its coverage, Williamsport is the largest city.
PA Wilds Center aims to bring together conversation and economic development to strengthen communities, Peters said. WCO is a business program through Center.
"The PA Wilds is a region ripe with opportunity. This event is a great way for businesses to align their own growth with the strategies and growth of the region as a whole," Peters said.
To view online or download the PA Wilds Design Guide, visit www.pawildscenter.org/community-character-stewardship/.
To register for the Creative Entrepreneurs Conference, visit www.pawildscenter.org/conference/. To register for the PA Wilds Annual Dinner and Awards, visit www.pawildscenter.org/awards-dinner/.