Tourist promotion entering new era
County is growing more sophisticated and more connected to regional strategies.

At last week's annual dinner of the Potter County Visitors Association (PCVA) in Cross Fork, members heard about a new option to promote themselves through the creation of "travel packages."

Merlin Benner of Nature Quest Inc., based in Tioga County, introduced the concept.

"People may stare at the fishing section at their local store and would love to participate if they only knew how to get started," Benner said. "We can connect people with nature in a manner that ensures a quality experience."

Benner, a former state wildlife biologist, said his company is targeting the lodging industry and artisans, as well as experts in rural activities or skills.

"Our objective is to create employment that is sustainable year-'round," he added.

PCVA Executive Director David Brooks endorsed the Nature Quest concept.

Any business or potential guide interested in the program should contact Brooks at 274-3365. A meeting of interested persons will be scheduled for late July.

In other business, PCVA also held the election of new board members. Gene Kosa, representing Bailey Hill Lodge, and Mark Long, representing the Coudersport Golf Club, were welcomed to the board.

Re-elected were Trisha Berberich (Pa. Lumber Museum), Doug Morley (Potter County Education Council), Mark Chambers (Potter County Family Campground) and Walter Baker (Hotel Crittenden).

They join holdover board members Shawn Schoonover (Ski Denton), Amber Neefe (Sweden Valley Inn), Gerri Miller (Radio Station WFRM), John Berthoud (Austin Campground) and John Abplanalp (Coudersport Rotary).

PCVA honored departing board members Kim Mitchell (Mitchell's Accounting Services) and Donald Gilliland (Potter Leader-Enterprise) for their service to the organization over the past six years.

PCVA is the official tourist promotion agency for Potter County, dedicated to enhancing local economic development and quality of life by promoting tourism and recreational opportunities in Potter County.

Originally incorporated in 1962 as the Denton Hill Recreation Association, PCVA currently serves 177 business members.