DUBOIS – There’s a new one-stop-shop for businesses and tourists looking for information on Clearfield County and Central Pennsylvania.
The Greater DuBois Chamber of Commerce and Economic Development hosted an open house at the new tourist and business information office on Liberty Boulevard recently.
The plan came together when Nancy Micks, president and CEO of the chamber, contacted Sandy Fink-Barrett, director of the Clearfield County Recreation and Tourism Authority.
“I was talking to Nancy one day and she said, ‘I have an idea,'” Barrett said.
From there things progressed with the office opening in September and hours of 10 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. on Weekdays. CCRTA and chamber representatives along with others help to staff the office, but the venture is a partnership among other entities, too, Micks said.
SCORE, the Small Business Development Commission, Northwest Great Outdoors and the North Central Pennsylvania Regional Planning and Development Commission all played a part. Micks also thanked First Commonwealth Bank, which helped with the office’s location.
Barrett said that is important to remember because, as she put it, “Tourism happens from the bottom up, not from the top down.” Before she and her staff can promote events or attractions, they must know about them. Ensuring that is as easy as visiting the CCRTA office in the multipurpose building on Leonard Street in Clearfield or the tourism office.
Everyone at the event had their own ideas as to what Clearfield County’s greatest attraction is, from cycling and outdoor opportunities to the special things such as wineries and cultural events. Micks said that while she believes the people of the area are a fantastic asset, she believes that the greatest tourism opportunity the area has to offer has yet to be discovered.