Publisher Erica Shames has opened a new Susquehanna Life Magazine office at the Pajama Factory, 1307 Park Ave., because she was "inspired by the energy of the artists." Shames came to interview the factory's residents during its Art and Wine festival earlier this year and she happened to talk to Michael Pilato. "At first, I was just joking with him when I said 'maybe I should open an office here.' But the more I thought about it, the more I realized I should."
Shames hopes that Susquehanna Life and the factory can work together to bring more attention to both. "Marshall Harris [project manager at the Pajama Factory], Anna Falat [owner of the Eagle Rock Winery] and I have set up an open house Dec. 4 for First Friday. We're trying to attract as many people as possible. Many people don't know the factory exists. We want to let everyone know that it's here and that it's a real haven for creative people." They see First Friday as a great opportunity for the public to get acquainted or re-acquainted with everything that's going on in the historical building. "The fact that Erica fell in the love with the factory when she was here for the Arts and Wine festival is a great testament to how far we've come," Harris said.
Besides the artists and the space, Shames also connected with Mark Winkelmann, the Pajama Factory's owner, because of his entrepreneurial determination. "I was very impressed with [his] overall spirit. You have to be bold and outrageous to start anything. That's what contributed to me starting the magazine. I saw that same spirit at the factory."
Shames originally founded Susquehanna Life, which has been published since 1993, because she was inspired by the area. "I moved to Lewisburg from New York City and I appreciated the difference. I realized what a great area this is." She saw what many of us have upon moving to central pa: the perfect combination of nature and culture.
Shames felt inspired all over again upon spending time in Williamsport. "[The people here] are really earnest about making a great scene. They have to work hard at it because Williamsport wasn't always known as a Mecca for culture. But now it is. A lot of work has been done to help create that image and that reality. Having the Community Arts Center [220 W. Fourth St.] and having top name acts to draw people in has really helped."
She knows what it takes to succeed and her efforts were recognized when the Susquehanna Valley Chamber of Commerce Susquehanna Life "Small Business of the Year" a few years ago. More recently, Shames was named one of Pennsylvania's 50 best women in business in 2008.
Business and art, however, aren't the only things on Shames' mind. She's concerned with how Williamsport residents are cut off from the Susquehanna River. In order to help people connect to the river, Susquehanna Life has partnered with Susquehanna River Heartland Coalition for Environmental Studies. "We've made ourselves known as a part of the rededicated efforts for the river. We had an all-river issue and we're trying to do something about the river for every issue. If you look at any riverside community, the river is always the focal point for that area but that's not the case in Williamsport because access to the river is so difficult." Shames was quick to point out that "there are many groups trying to promote activities on the river" and that she's really happy about the upcoming opening of the Riverwalk [which will be featured in the Showcase in an upcoming issue].
"I'm on the task force for the Susquehanna River Town. We are really trying to bring attention to it," she said.
One thing's for sure, both the Pajama Factory and Williamsport will benefit from Susquehanna Life's presence.
