CLEARFIELD – The Pennsylvania Economic Development Association (PEDA) honored a number of recipients for their demonstration of outstanding accomplishments in economic development during its statewide annual conference, held in Reading, Pa.
On behalf of the PEDA Awards Committee Chairman, Michael Grigalonis congratulated recipients of 2023 PEDA Membership Awards, thanking them for shining a bright light on the meaningful work being done by economic development professionals across the Commonwealth.
As part of the Awards Ceremony, PEDA announced Clearly Ahead Development as the statewide recipient of “Project of the Year” for the completion of the River’s Landing facility and final phase of the Clearfield Riverwalk.
Phase 1 of the project began as far back as 2013, comprised of land acquisition of seven properties, environmental remediation, demolition and construction of a one-mile Clearfield Riverwalk and a public park – the Raftsman Memorial Park.
Phase 1 consisted of approximately $3 million in total project costs, while leveraging $5 million in other funds for streetscape improvements in Clearfield’s Downtown District.
Phase 2 – comprised of the construction of River’s Landing and additional riverwalk connecting Market Street Bridge to Lower Witmer Park. The 11,500-sf facility is fully occupied and hosts new jobs across three businesses.
In addition to Keller Williams – Lezzer Realty Group and Dented Keg Brewing Company, Clearly Ahead Development is able to provide coworking, special event and training space to accommodate over 130 guests for community, and private events.
River’s Landing serves as strategic training grounds for local private businesses, business startups, domestic and international remotely operated businesses.
“This year the Event and Training Center welcomed over 1,800 guests among 30 events and 15 coworking functions. All but five of the functions involved out-of-town visitors and overnight stays within the county,” explained Rob Swales, chief exeuctive officer.
In recent years, both phases represented part of a $20 million Downtown Clearfield Renaissance that leveraged other public and private sector business investments within the Main Street District.
Clearly Ahead Development is a private, non-profit, membership organization serving communities to create growth and opportunity in Clearfield County.