CLEARFIELD – At some point in the future, Clearfield County could be known to tourists for some interesting aspect of the county’s culture.
To help this end and better market the county in general, the Clearfield County Commissioners approved allocating $10,000 in discretionary funds to the Greater DuBois Chamber of Commerce for a branding study. The discretionary funds come from hotel tax revenues the county collects to help further tourism efforts within the county.
The idea for the study was the result of a meeting held between Clearfield County Recreation and Tourism Director Sandy Fink Barrett, GDCC Executive Director Nancy Micks and area business leaders met with Roger Brooks, a consultant in tourism branding.
Brooks will come back in may to tour the county by himself in two days. On the third day, he will present his findings.
Clearfield County Commissioner Chairman Mark McCracken pointed out that while the funds are being allocated to the GDCC, the project is to benefit the county as a whole.
“Nancy’s taken the lead here,” said McCracken.
While Clearfield County is a part of the Pennsylvania Wilds program, McCracken believes this will give the county a chance to distinguish itself in a different way.
“Any of the marketing experts say … it’s a difficult thing to market a county,” said Rex Read, county commissioner. Read noted that it is an easier thing to market a branded county.
“Folks will look and say ‘what’s Clearfield County’,” said Read. “But they will look and start to identify with a type of brand.”
“I’m kind of anxious to see what he comes up with,” said Mike Lytle, county commissioner.
