State officials plug 'Pa. Wilds'

The Pennsylvania Wilds is more than an advertising slogan.

Two top state officials were in the region this week to emphasize the far-reaching impact of the regional tourist promotion and economic development strategy.

Pa. Dept. Conservation and Natural Resources Secretary Michael DiBerardinis cited Ridgway as an example of a community pooling its resources to revitalize its downtown. Public and private investments have spawned more than 35 new businesses since 1997.

Now, the Pa. Wilds initiative steers tourists to the northern counties, where they spend their money on lodging, food and related services, DeBerardinis pointed out.

Dennis Yablonsky, secretary of the Pa. Dept. of Community and Economic Development, said the Pa. Wilds program also includes low-interest loans for businesses that cater to tourists. "The number of visitors to

the Wilds is way up," Yablonsky said. "The program is working."

He said state and local officials should work on public education so potential business ventures are encouraged and supported.