The PA Wilds Center for Entrepreneurship, Inc. is now accepting nominations for the 2023 PA Wilds Champion Awards-- Artisan of the Year, Best Brand Ambassador, Business of the Year, Conservation Stewardship, Event of the Year, Great Design, Great Places, Inspiring Youth, and Outstanding Leader Awards.

Nominations are due April 3.

The Champion of the Pennsylvania Wild Awards celebrate individuals, groups, organizations, communities and businesses that in the last year have made significant contributions to help grow and sustainably develop the outdoor recreation economy and nature tourism in the Pennsylvania Wilds in a way that creates jobs, diversifies local economies, inspires stewardship and improves quality of life.

The region’s 13 county governments, visitor bureaus and many local organizations participate in the effort, along with the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources and the Department of Community and Economic Development.

Awards Celebration

The award honorees will be celebrated at the 2023 PA Wilds Dinner and Awards program on July 27 at Gobbler's Knob, the home of Punxsutawney Phil hosted by the Punxsutawney Chamber of Commerce.

“Gobbler’s Knob holds a special place in the hearts of many of our residents, as the Groundhog Day celebrations typically bring thousands of visitors and a boost in tourism revenue to the region. It’s a perfect location to celebrate creativity, entrepreneurship, innovation, history and hard work,” said Britt Madera, Communications Manager for the PA Wilds Center.

“We’re honored to host the 2023 PA Wilds Champion Awards and Dinner,” said Katie Laska, Punxsutawney Area Chamber of Commerce President. “Punxsutawney embodies the spirit of the Pennsylvania Wilds. The people, businesses and organizations in our community are proud to live and work here, and we’re blessed with some of the best natural assets and landscapes in the country. We’re thrilled to help celebrate these kinds of achievements and determination.”

More than 250 businesses and community leaders from across the Pennsylvania Wilds, along with state partners and officials from Harrisburg, will gather for the dinner to recognize award winner Champions of the PA Wilds and get an update on the effort to grow the region’s outdoor recreation economy. 

For all the details, visit the PA Wilds Champion Awards and Dinner webpage.

The Pennsylvania Wilds is a 13-county region that includes the counties of Cameron, Clarion, Clearfield, Clinton, Elk, Forest, Jefferson, Lycoming, McKean, Potter, Tioga, Warren, and northern Centre.

Visit the PA Wilds Center website for more information on these and other initiatives.

To plan a visit to the region, go to the Visit PA Wilds website.

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[Posted: March 7, 2023]

3/13/2023