A NETWORK FOR GOOD
THE WILDS COOPERATIVE OF PENNSYLVANIA

working to create, connect, and develop market opportunities for our membership and our region

The WCO Value Chain is a network of people, businesses, organizations and agencies addressing a market opportunity to sell local products and place-based experiences, helping businesses and communities throughout the PA Wilds thrive.

Members of the Wilds Cooperative of PA (WCO) have proven through a vetting process that they are located in the PA Wilds and are good at what they do. Our goal is to help build meaningful connections among the members of this network and to create new market opportunities by leveraging the power of our place-based brand: the PA Wilds.

Value Chain vs. Supply Chain – what’s the difference?

Value chains start with demand, not supply. While traditional supply chains typically focus on the needs of one company and how they make their products, value chains look at the needs of an entire community and how to meet demands within those communities.

Here in the PA Wilds, we know people are coming to see and explore our unique assets, communities and businesses. The demand for services around those experiences is there and growing! Our value chain seeks to ensure these visitors’ needs are met, while at the same time creating new market opportunities for our businesses and producers.

By working together toward common goals, businesses and organizations involved in the value chain bolster each other up and, in effect, create more value in their work and communities.

VALUE CHAIN = COMMUNITY FOCUS

As defined by WealthWorks, a value chain is a network of people, businesses, organizations and agencies addressing a market opportunity to meet demand for specific products or services—advancing self-interest while building rooted local and regional wealth. Learn more about the principles behind a WealthWorks value chain here

SUPPLY CHAIN = INDIVIDUAL FOCUS

As defined by Investopedia, a supply chain is a network between a company and its suppliers to produce and distribute a specific product, and the supply chain represents the steps it takes to get the product or service to the customer.

WCO as a Value Chain: Years in the making

We have been building a Value Chain Network since the inception of the PA Wilds Artisan Trail in 2008. As interest in the Artisan Trail grew, there was an opportunity to expand participation among small businesses that focus not only on locally-made products, but also the types of unique locally-made experiences that can only happen in the PA Wilds.

By 2015 the Trail was rebranded as The Wilds Cooperative of Pennsylvania (WCO) and expanded to include not only visual artisans and retail outlets but also food and craft artisans, creative industries, outfitters, craft beverages, hospitality hosts and state parks; as well as Heritage Regions and Destination Marketing Organizations.

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Regional growth – we’re in this together

Financial Capital is not the only Capital that matters.

Growth and prosperity doesn’t count if it comes at the expense of a major resource. We believe these eight capitals are vital to the overall health of our region and wealth generation, and we work to balance these capitals so that one is not hurt at the expense of growing another.

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The Eight Capitals overview was created by WealthWorks Initiative Partners and the Aspen Institute Community Strategies Group