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PA Wilds presenter promotes regional branding, grants and member programs for Warren
Summary
A representative of the PA Wilds nonprofit described programs to boost rural tourism and small-business development, encouraged Warren participation in the PA Wilds membership cooperative, and said a recent mini‑grant round received nearly 70 applications; staff and council discussed opportunities to leverage wayfinding signage and retail outlets.
Ashley, the PA Wilds value‑chain manager, spoke by video to explain the nonprofit’s role promoting conservation‑based economic development across the PA Wilds region and to encourage Warren to engage with the group’s membership cooperative.
Ashley described PA Wilds programs including regional marketing, a licensing/branding program that allows local businesses to use the PA Wilds logo, business development supports, and three flagship retail locations that give local artisans a market for regionally made products. She said the organization also supports planning and partnerships for rural communities and noted regional challenges such as an aging, shrinking population and workforce shortages.
When asked about a recent mini‑grant round, Ashley said she was not on the deliberation panel but that the program received “almost 70 applicants” and that award announcements would come after the review process. She said the organization is also assessing the future of the 'Wilds are Working' program and produces a coverage book summarizing findings for participating communities.
Council members expressed appreciation for PA Wilds’ work, discussed ways municipal partners can participate (membership is free) and noted local examples of participation: roughly 25 creative makers, 25 experience makers and eight local resource partners from Warren County are already in the PA Wilds network, the presenter said.
Next steps: PA Wilds offered to follow up with links to program materials and the mini‑grant process; council members asked staff to share contact information for community groups that may wish to join the cooperative.
