Connecting and promoting the products, services and experiences only found in the PA Wilds

WCO members connect at 2024 fall membership meeting at Mechanistic Brewing in Clarion

Members of the Wilds Cooperative of PA met at Mechanistic Brewing in Clarion on Wednesday, September 25 for the second of two Membership Meetings in 2024.

WCO members urged to participate in ‘Wildly Cooperative’ engagement sessions this fall

Participate in Wildly Cooperative: Imagining and Evolving the Network’s Future, an engagement process taking place this fall, to share your feedback and insights.

PA Wilds Center launches Artisan Collaborative to develop new product lines, grow in-region business collaborations

PA Wilds Center launches Artisan Collaborative to develop new product lines, grow in-region business collaborations Artisans invited to apply to participate in 2024 program by August 16 KANE – PA Wilds Center for Entrepreneurship invites visual artists and graphic...

PennTAP is putting the vast resources of Penn State to work for the PA Wilds

Pennsylvania Technical Assistance Program (PennTAP) is bringing the resources of Penn State to rural PA and the PA Wilds in the PA Wilds BIG IDEA Contest.

Brite-Liter: a handheld solution to increasing literacy

The Brite-Liter has evolved beyond the first iteration of rubber bands and tape, but the tool is still refreshingly simple: it is a handheld device that combines a broad beam of white light with a pointer to trace letters, phonics or words in a printed book, creatively stimulating the visual cortex and maximizing retention.

Woodland Biomass Innovations: Turning PA Wilds renewable resources into revenue

Woodland Biomass Innovations is the startup aims to remove fallen trees from the forest floor where they are decomposing, releasing CO2 into the atmosphere, and blocking new growth, and turning them into gasoline that is chemically identical to existing fossil fuel sources.

The PennWest – Clarion SBDC generated big excitement for the BIG IDEA Contest

The word spread far and wide about the PA Wilds BIG IDEA Contest thanks to marketing and promotion from the Small Business Development Centers (SBDC) of Clarion University, Gannon University, and Penn State. From social media to in-person information sessions, the organization helped to drive participation across each participating county.

Thompson Farms LLC: Turning market downturn into valuable product

Thompson Farms LLC is a century farm located in Potter County that is known for its dairy, meat, organic vegetables, and wool. Thompson Farms LLC is taking the opportunity to take a bioproduct and turn it into fertilizer and give something back to the soil.

Good Things Growing LLC: boosting soil nutrients with biochar

Josh Zucal is developing his biochar solution within his Good Things Growing LLC company. He says that in order to have good produce, good soil comes first.

PA Wilds Center for Entrepreneurship: Amplifying and growing a legacy of innovation

Building on the region’s legacy of innovation, the PA Wilds Center for Entrepreneurship supported the three-year PA Wilds BIG IDEA Contest series with a storytelling campaign aimed at connecting local entrepreneurs to the opportunity.

OUR PLACE-BASED NETWORK

ABOUT US

Learn more about the WCO, our place-based network of creative entrepreneurs and organizations.

OPPORTUNITIES

Take advantage of opportunities to leverage the PA Wilds brand and grow your business.

TOOLS

Find more tools and resources related to WCO membership and growing your business.

Pleasant Valley Farm: Hand-forged metal work and curated vintage items

Pleasant Valley Farm is a historic family owned farm located in the PA Wilds Allegheny National Forest and Surrounds Landscape. Dan and Emily Stevenson are the husband and wife creative makers continuing the farm’s traditions. Dan is an accomplished authentic blacksmith and Emily is a seamstress with a passion for history and agriculture. Together they raise a variety of heritage breed livestock and poultry as well as non-heritage animals.

Potter County Education Council:  Working for a brighter tomorrow

If your community in Potter or McKean County has an educational need, then the Potter County Education Council may be your solution.

Cameron County Chamber of Commerce and Artisan Center: Supporting local businesses and showcasing artisans

The Cameron County Chamber of Commerce and Artisan Center is located in the Elk County and Dark Skies Landscape of the PA Wilds region. Opening their doors in 2008, the Cameron County Chamber of Commerce and Artisan Center have taken up residence in a refurbished drug store in downtown Emporium, PA.

Village Eatinghouse: Handcrafting flavorful, all natural and gluten free sauces

Village Eatinghouse owners Clay and Melanie Phillips have been in the sauce and marinade game for over 30 years. This husband and wife duo create their sauces in the Elk Country landscape of the PA Wilds region. You’ll find that they are not only inspired by the natural world, but they also embrace it with all of their products. 

Warren County Chamber of Business & Industry: Leading Warren County to economic and community excellence

The Warren County Chamber of Business & Industry (WCCBI) is the organization dedicated to serving the Warren County business community. Located in the beautiful Allegheny National Forest and Surrounds landscape of the PA Wilds region, Warren County has abundance of natural resources.

The Watershed Journal: Uplifting and empowering local literary arts

The Watershed Journal Literary Group is an autonomous, grassroots, charitable nonprofit literary organization located in the I-80 Frontier Landscape of the PA Wilds serving storytellers in western Pennsylvania. The Watershed Journal Literary Group is a multi-faceted organization. They publish a literary magazine, run Watershed Books and Literary Center, host monthly Writer’s Block Party meetings, publish books, promote local authors, create a podcast, write blogs, and provide writing resources.

Jillia Ceramics: Small batch handmade pottery inspired by the beauty of the PA Wilds

Meet Jillia English, the ceramic artist behind Jillia Ceramics. Jillia Ceramics is located in the community of Williamsport, which is located conveniently along the I-80 Frontier and Pine Creek Valley and PA Grand Canyon landscapes of the PA Wilds region.

Mansfield Chamber of Commerce: Fostering business development and community enrichment

Wearing many hats and with a mission to keep Mansfield and the surrounding areas thriving, the Mansfield Chamber of Commerce focuses on both business development and community resources.

The Golden Axe: Embracing the thrill of axe throwing

Clinton County's entertainment scene has just been infused with a dose of exhilarating competition and shared laughter: The Golden Axe. This isn't your rustic backyard axe toss! Located along the I-80 Frontier right in downtown Lock Haven is this state-of-the-art venue meticulously designed for an unparalleled axe-throwing experience. Owners Travis and Beth welcome both seasoned competitors and curious newcomers.

Laughing Owl Press: Personalizing art through letterpress printing

Andrea and Joe Lanich started Laughing Owl Press in a two-car garage in New Jersey, selling on Etsy. They have since traded in their jobs as an architect and engineer to move home and open a storefront in the Pennsylvania Wilds, counting themselves among the approximately 200 larger letterpress printers in the United States.

GET INVOLVED

MAKE CONNECTIONS

The Wilds Cooperative of PA (WCO) is a network — and we want to facilitate connections among members. When we work together to address market demands in the PA Wilds, we help our communities thrive.

FIND COMMUNITY

If you, your business or your organization are located in the PA Wilds and you make a product, offer a service, or provide an experience, then we want to hear from you. Learn more about what it takes to join our network!

UPCOMING EVENTS

Events happen every day in the PA Wilds, from place-based activities happening in communities across the region to webinars and professional development. Here’s where to post and find them.

SELLING PRODUCTS

One of the primary goals of The Wilds Cooperative of PA (WCO) is to help PA Wilds enthusiasts find products proudly made in the region. Learn about opportunities to easily find or sell products made in the PA Wilds.

SHARING NEWS

The WCO forum offers a platform for members to share their updates and news, calls to action and business opportunities. Learn more about the latest happenings in the Wilds from our network!