Local job loss: preparing for media onslaught

The sudden loss of 600 jobs and the continuing Adelphia saga are likely to shine the media spotlight on Coudersport in the coming days.

To prepare local leaders and business owners for the onslaught, Potter County Visitors Association this week released a set of "talking points" designed to put the community in a positive light and broaden reporters' perspectives.

PCVA Executive Director David Brooks and board member Donald Gilliland, managing editor of the Potter Leader-Enterprise, prepared the primer, in advance of the likely inquiries that paint a "doomsday scenario" for the Coudersport area.

"The Coudersport area was productive and profitable before the Adelphia boom, and will likely continue to be so in years to come," the document reads. "The community has resources to allow businesses to thrive."

Among these, PCVA points out, is modern, high-speed Internet access; a trained and proven workforce; environmental purity and natural beauty, with abundant recreational opportunities; a strong educational system; and outstanding opportunities for children in a family-friendly environment.

Economically, Potter County continues to benefit from tourism, particularly hunting, fishing, hiking and snowmobiling, the document states. New regional marketing efforts, including the Pennsylvania Route 6 and Pennsylvania Wilds initiatives, as well as PCVA activities, are increasing tourism in the county.

"Yes, this is a troublesome time, but Coudersport will not be a ghost town," PCVA concludes. "We will move forward into the next chapter of Potter County history with optimism and determination. What you say to reporters can have an impact on a company's decision to bring business to the community."