CLEARFIELD – The future of Quehanna Industrial Development Corp. and also several articles from a regional blog writer topped the Clearfield County Recreation and Tourism Authority.
Director Josiah Jones reported that the QIDC board is down to two people with the death of Ray Savel, founder, and the resignation of the board treasurer.
He said he has been attending meetings for several months to get an idea of what they need and what they would like to accomplish, and now they are in desperate need of help.
Jones stressed how QIDC was formed to promote industry and jobs in the area.
A meeting is planned Monday at 6:30 p.m. at the Quehanna Motor Lodge to discuss the future of QIDC and the many programs it has supported over the years, including the incredibly popular 100-Mile Yard Sale.
Anyone interested in helping in any way, however big or small, is encouraged to attend. Jones added that the group is at a disadvantage since Savel did not always keep written records and his death was entirely unexpected.
Board members John Sobel and Terry Cunkle both noted how the 100-Mile Yard Sale alone draws people from across the country, at least as far as Kentucky and even Texas, and also from Canada.
QIDC has also been involved in other events promoting the Downriver Area including the Mosquito Creek Coyote Hunt, Red Moshannon Canoe and Kayak Race, an upcoming elk shed hunt and meetings with coal and other energy industries to market the Quehanna region for development.
Later in the meeting the board approved $4,000 for sponsorship of the 100-Mile Yard Sale. Jones said he believes that will be adequate to help them this year and he hopes they will be on better footing for the years to come.
Jones also reported on a visit from the writer of Mid-Atlantic Day Trips blog. He said the writer and her husband enjoyed a packed weekend of events, including visits to Bilger’s Rocks, Doolittle’s and the Grice Museum.
The first article was about Bilger’s Rocks, and the second on wineries. Jones said her article on Bilger’s Rocks will also appear in The Commoner, an online travel magazine.
In other business, four board members—Cunkle, Sue Williams, David King and Rusty McClarren—attended workshops concerning ethics, records retention, the Sunshine Law and Right-to-Know procedures.
All four recommended other board members take the classes as well as Visit Clearfield County secretary Tracey Rose and Jones.
King said the ethics information was especially informative and noted how the state Ethics Commission is there to answer questions before problems arise.
Local businesses and organizations are also reminded that the applications for the spring grants are due March 30.
Jones also reported that the staff is continuing to work with Lunar Cow to get the Web site finished and Rose has been working with the Visit PA Web site to clean up the listings for Clearfield County.
He said hotel stays have increased, with about 93 percent filled during the summer and a percentage rate in the high 80s during the winter.
Residents and visitors are also reminded of the annual Cabin Fever sales event in downtown Clearfield this weekend, which includes a free Sportsmen’s Day event at the YMCA Saturday, beginning at 9 a.m.