'Virtual incubator' started in Potter County
By Travis Moshier Endeavor News

Horticulture skills of Ann Stultz are a complement to the backgrounds and talents of Jim Reed and Barry Bradley. That trio, as the Northern Tier Growers, has high ambitions for emphasizing local agriculture and achieving organic farming certification. All photos by Travis Moshier

A former general store in the Potter County village of Colesburg is the location of a new concept in supporting the growth of new businesses. An open house was held earlier this month at the "virtual incubator," a project of the Potter County Education Council.

It's a place where individuals or small businesses can have access to a high-speed internet connection, telephones, fax, copying, printing and desktop video-conferencing. The site is also an overnight shipping depot, where the public can have packages quickly and efficiently delivered.

Some of the features include office spaces that can be rented out on hourly, daily or monthly rates, allowing all types of citizens and visitors to use the facility.

One benefit is that tourists can connect with work and extend their stay in Potter County, explained Helene Nawrocki, Education Council executive director.

Long-time Galeton resident Henry Lush (right) discusses the virtual incubator project with Commissioner Doug Morley. They both sit on the Potter County Education Council board of directors.

The incubator is tied in with regional activities designed to steer tourists toward northcentral Pennsylvania, including the Pennsylvania Wilds and Route 6 Heritage initiatives.

It's also linked with a multifaceted and growing effort to boost local agriculture.

The same building that hosts the virtual incubator also contains a certified commercial kitchen, which may open the doors for new businesses to come to a boil. Its concept is value-added agriculture, using locally grown products to make food items for commercial sale.

Potter County Education Council is using a state grant to rent the space from Northern Tier Growers, a trio of local agriculturalists who are leasing the former "Edd's Place," or Tucker's Store, and surrounding property from John Rigas's Wending Creek Farms.

Sonny Tucker (far left) has watched many changes over the years in Colesburg, including the start-up of the virtual incubator in the Northern Tier Growers headquarters. He's shown with the Growers trio, from left, Jim Reed, Ann Stultz and Barry Bradley.

Local growers Jim Reed and Barry Bradley are teaming with horticulturalist Ann Stultz in Northern Tier Growers.

They have high ambitions and are working toward meeting the tough standards to be certified as an organic farming operation.

For now, Northern Tier Growers will set up a produce stand at Colesburg property. Customers will also be able to pick their own strawberries and probably choose their own pumpkins directly from the vine this fall.

If they have their way, the former Tucker property will become an "agritourism" destination, where visitors can learn about agriculture and enjoy activities, such as a corn maze.

That may happen this summer, with proceeds from the admission fee being donated to local high schools' Project Yellow Ribbon suicide prevention programs and other charitable causes.

Rep. Martin Causer (left) emphasized the importance of internet connectivity. State Senator Joe Scarnati supported the incubator concept.

Reed, Bradley and Stultz acknowledge the support of many more experienced farmers in the region who have helped them lean the fine points of caring for and transplanting field crops.