Q: Decision Criteria

Visual Artisans: Applications and related images or publications are evaluated on artistic merit (70%), marketability (20%), design/material sourcing (10%), and professionalism (10%). Craft & Food Artisans: Juries for artisan food producers and craft artisans focus first aesthetics and technique (40%), followed by local aspects such as ingredient/material sourcing (30%), presentation and marketability (20%) and professionalism (10%). Creative Industries Partners: Applications and related images are evaluated on artistic/technical merit (70%), professionalism (10%) and marketability (10%).

Question 1

What is the Jury Review Process?

PA Wilds Center · Accepted Answer

The jurying process allows us to keep our brand strong, our network focused and to curate a unique experience for visitors.

To evaluate Creative Makers applicants, juries made up of professionals from relevant fields are convened twice yearly to evaluate applications and images and/or publications.

The jurors complete scoring sheets and provide comments designed to be helpful in marketing or promotion, or further improvement.

Question 2

What is the Creative Maker Application Process?

PA Wilds Center · Accepted Answer

To complete your jury application:
1. Select the medium, craft, food or service you would like to be juried. You may select up to 5 types for review per application, it is $10 per selection for review.

2. After selecting the medium, product or service you would like juried, complete the rest of the application fields.

3. You will be able to pay securely via credit card once your application is complete. At this point we only accept credit cards for payment. There are no cash or check options for payment.

4. After submitting your application you will receive an email confirming receipt of your submission. Your application will be reviewed during the next scheduled Jury Review Session.

5. Upon acceptance to the Wilds Cooperative, you will receive an email indicating your membership type, and based on your score whether you have been accepted as a professional level artisan.

For more information about the program, Member Benefits and Expectations read our Member Guidelines .

Question 3

Decision Criteria

PA Wilds Center · Accepted Answer

Visual Artisans: Applications and related images or publications are evaluated on artistic merit (70%), marketability (20%), design/material sourcing (10%), and professionalism (10%).

Craft & Food Artisans: Juries for artisan food producers and craft artisans focus first aesthetics and technique (40%), followed by local aspects such as ingredient/material sourcing (30%), presentation and marketability (20%) and professionalism (10%).

Creative Industries Partners: Applications and related images are evaluated on artistic/technical merit (70%), professionalism (10%) and marketability (10%).

Question 4

I have new information for my profile, who do I send it to?

PA Wilds Center · Accepted Answer

No one! That's right - if you have new images, new information about your work, an updated mailing address, or any other information about yourself and your work, you may update the information yourself in your profile. Directions for updating your profile can be found here.

Question 5

What is the difference between Basic and Professional level memberships?

PA Wilds Center · Accepted Answer

Juried Artisans are the talented makers at the heart of the Wilds Cooperative of Pennsylvania. The two categories of Juried Artisans are Basic Membership and Professional Artisan.

Basic Members are those who are admitted with a jury score between 100-300 – OR – those with a higher jury score who elect to enroll at this level. Professional Artisans are those who are admitted with a jury score above 301. The jury score is based on the criteria, including artistic merit, marketability and design, and material sourcing. You can read more about member benefits and decision criteria in our member guidelines here.

All artisans with paid membership for the 1516 member year will be able to view their jury score in their profile by the beginning of November 2016. They will renew for the 1617 member year at their appropriate member level. Artisans that were not current with membership dues for 1516 will be required to be re-juried into the program in Spring of 2017. Artisans can contact the Wilds Cooperative of Pennsylvania support staff at wildscopa at pawildscenter.org to arrange a time to discuss their score and jury feedback.

Question 6

Why did you change member types?

PA Wilds Center · Accepted Answer

Since we started the re-branding process in 2015 there have been quite a few changes in the program- the largest and the most obvious was the decision to change the name from the PA Wilds Artisan Trail to The Wilds Cooperative of Pennsylvania. The change in the program name is reflective of the positive change and growth opportunities that The Cooperative provides for its members. Looking at these opportunities it became clear that there are different types of members. There are some artisans that have made their craft their full time job and are growing the possibilities of their business into different markets, including wholesale venues. There are other artisans that work on their craft as a hobby or in their spare time and are not interested in selling on a larger scale. There other artisans that might be in the earlier stages of honing their craft and they haven't quite yet reached a level in their business to grow it on a large scale (but are on their way). We love that there are different types of members and we want to do our best to develop and promote all of our members - regardless of their member level. But with that in mind, different types of motivation in your work require different types of support. As a program we felt that we could better our members if we could focus on the different types of needs. We know that whether you are a Basic or Professional level you need access to digital marketing tools, promotion from our team via social media platforms, networking with other members of The Wilds Cooperative and access to professional development - and both levels receive all of those benefits (and a little more- compare the full list here). For the additional member cost Professional level members receive added support that is geared toward wholesale opportunities, which includes hang tags, a listing in the annual Buyers Guide and the eligibility to be considered as a vendor in the PA Wilds Conservation Shops.

Question 7

Will I always be categorized at my current membership level?

PA Wilds Center · Accepted Answer

No. These are the factors that can change your categorization:

If you receive a score that qualifies you for the Basic level (100-300) and you have the desire to grow your business and work to the Professional level you can arrange for a meeting to review the jury comments and as early as the next jury review session you can re-submit your work for review.
If you receive a score that qualifies you for Professional level (301+) but you feel that your business approach is a better fit at the Basic level you may elect to join/renew at the Basic level.
If you become past due in your membership and have lapsed in the program you will be re-juried before returning to the program and your member level will be determined on that score and not your original score.
On a rotating basis our jury will review long standing members, the new score could reflect a change in your member level.

Question 8

If I don't renew can I still sell my work in a PA Wilds Conservation Shop?

PA Wilds Center · Accepted Answer

No. Only Professional level members of the PA Wilds Cooperative are eligible to submit their work for consideration to be sold in the PA Wilds Conservation Shop. If a member of the Wilds Cooperative leaves the program they will be asked to go through the jury process to be accepted back into the membership and once accepted they will once again be eligible to submit their work for consideration in a PA Wilds Conservation Shop.

You can read more about the PA Wilds Conservation Shops and vendor eligibility here.

Question 9

If I scored above 301 do I have to join/renew as a Professional Level Artisan?

PA Wilds Center · Accepted Answer

Members with a score of 301 or higher can elect to join at either the Professional OR Basic level. You can view the difference in membership benefits here.

Question 10

I have an event coming up - will you post information about it?

PA Wilds Center · Accepted Answer

We love to share upcoming events with the public and other Wilds Cooperative members. We share events being held by our members through posts in our Event Calendar and also in the Events section on pawilds.com. If you have an upcoming event please log in and head over to the Events Calendar to post details of the event. Learn more here. And don't forget to use #pawilds and #pawildsmade as you market the event online so our social media team can pick it up.

Question 11

I lost or don't have a password and I can't log in.

PA Wilds Center · Accepted Answer

Enter your email address and select "Forgot password" during log in at www.WildsCoPA.org/manage-account/. Check your email inbox and spam folder for an email with directions for logging in.

Note: If you do not receive an email within 15 minutes contact us and we will check your account for a valid email address.

Question 12

I'm not receiving emails from the Wilds Cooperative

PA Wilds Center · Accepted Answer

We send a lot of relevant communications to our membership (like invoicing and opportunities) via the email address wildscopa at pawildscenter.org, so please whitelist us or add us to your contacts (this will keep us out of your spam folder). We’ve written instructions on how to do this here.

Question 13

Keep our emails out of your spam folder

PA Wilds Center · Accepted Answer

Spam filters that come with email clients (gmail, outlook, yahoo, etc.) have both whitelists and blacklists of senders and keywords to look for in emails. By adding our email address to your whitelist you will be able to receive important emails from The Wilds Cooperative of Pennsylvania.

Below are instructions for whitelisting based on common email clients.

GMAIL

In your inbox, locate an email from wildscopa@pawildscenter.org
Drag this email to the “primary” tab of your inbox.
Emails from The Wilds Cooperative of PA will go to your primary folder from now on.

OUTLOOK 2003 OR LATER

Right-click on a message from wildscopa@pawildscenter.org in your inbox.
Select “Junk E-mail” from the menu.
Click “Add Sender to Safe Senders List.”

YAHOO! MAIL

Open an email from wildscopa@pawildscenter.org – a “+” symbol should display next to From: .
Select this and an “Add to contacts” pop-up should appear.
Select “Save”

MAC MAIL

Select “Mail” and “Preferences” from the top menu.
In the “Preferences” window, click the “Rules” icon.
Click the “Add Rule” button.
In the “Rules” window, type a name for your rule in the “Description” field.
Use the following settings: “If any of the following conditions are met: From Contains.”
Type wildscopa@pawildscenter.org in the text field beside “Contains.”
Select “Move Message” and “Inbox” from the drop-down menus.
Click “Ok” to save the rule.

DON’T SEE INSTRUCTIONS THAT WORK FOR YOU?

Not a problem. Just get in touch with customer services at your email provider and ask for instructions on whitelisting safe email addresses.

Then, if you’ve got a sec, forward their reply to wildscopa@pawildscenter.org and we’ll add it here.

Question 14

What Our Brand Stands for

PA Wilds Center · Accepted Answer

The Wilds Cooperative of Pennsylvania name captures the spirit of place and partnership upon which the program is founded and operates. It evokes an aspirational “of the people, for the people” feeling, where grassroots, homegrown, organization, and commerce all intersect, and welcomes and inspires collaborators and investors for the long-run.

The ‘Made By Hand’ brand reflects the relationship among our artisans, the high-quality products they create, and the unique core values they represent as residents of the Pennsylvania Wilds. These elements include: tradition, authenticity, natural products, environmental sensitivity, attention to detail, cultural values, quality, and craftsmanship.

Question 15

Our History

PA Wilds Center · Accepted Answer

The Wilds Cooperative of Pennsylvania, originally named the Pennsylvania Wilds Artisan Trail, was initially imagined as a way to grow the nature and heritage tourism industry in the Pennsylvania Wilds by promoting the region’s unique artisan wood products, and tying them to the regional PA Wilds brand. The opportunity, however, was much greater. The PA Wilds is home to an impressive and diverse community of skilled artisans, craftspeople, and producers working across a variety of media. In the 2007, following the Artisan Development Initiative economics study, the PA Wilds Artisan Trail program was born. In 2015, the program was relaunched as the Wilds Cooperative of Pennsylvania to better reflect its growing membership and mission.

Question 16

Our Mission

PA Wilds Center · Accepted Answer

The Wilds Cooperative of Pennsylvania grows and connects the unique establishments central to our place-based tourism development. We provide members with branding and marketing tools; networking and education opportunities; access to new markets and products, and mentorship and referrals to PA's financial and technical service programs for small businesses.

Question 17

Our Philosophy

PA Wilds Center · Accepted Answer

Our creative artists and entrepreneurs influence our regional brand and visitor experience in a unique way. We are proud to be building one of rural PA's largest networks of creative entrepreneurs, to help them network and learn from each other, and to bring products to market that reflect our region's natural beauty, bounty and rural traditions, while giving an economic boost to our communities and enhancing their unique character.

Question 18

How We're Organized

PA Wilds Center · Accepted Answer

The Wilds Cooperative of Pennsylvania is a program of the Pennsylvania Wilds Center for Entrepreneurship Inc. (PA Wilds Center), a 501(c)(3) regional nonprofit. Program development guidance is provided by a volunteer Advisory Committee comprised of program members and other stakeholders. Staff support for the Wilds Cooperative of Pennsylvania program is provided through a partnership with Elk County Council on the Arts (ECCOTA).

Question 19

Contact Us

PA Wilds Center · Accepted Answer

[mw open="!form/Contact"]

Question 20

What is a ZIP file?

PA Wilds Center · Accepted Answer

What is a ZIP file? (link) - what it is, how to open, edit, and convert the contents.
Summary: A zipped file is a collection of files compressed into one folder so it can be easily shared and downloaded. Most computers automatically decompress these files upon download once they're double clicked to open the folder. You can drag the internal folders and files to your computer to save them for your own use.

Question 21

What is the difference between JPEG and PNG files?

PA Wilds Center · Accepted Answer

What is the difference between JPEG and PNG? (link) - this link explains the difference between two of the file types provided in the zipped folder.

Question 22

Why can't I see the white PNG logo?

PA Wilds Center · Accepted Answer

That's the funny thing with a white image on a white background. You can't see it! Because the PNG format allows for a transparent background you can use these white logo files on a colored or patterned background. Please refer to the Brand Guidelines before trying anything too crazy!

Question 23

What is a PDF?

PA Wilds Center · Accepted Answer

PDF files are vector images that can contain text or images that don't rely on a particular operating system or program to open, so they look the same no matter where they're opened.
Summary: Vector files (PDF, AI) are made of lines that can be scaled to any size. If you want to use the logo in a very large format, like a poster, choose PDF. AI can only be opened in Adobe Illustrator. Raster files (JPEG, PNG) are made of pixels. These are typically best for use on websites and social media. They provide very sharp clean images but the quality can degrade over time with repeated saving and editing.

Question 24

Still lost?

PA Wilds Center · Accepted Answer

We get it. There's a lot of stuff in that folder. Here's how we suggestyou start out:
Open the raster folder, open full-color folder, take a look at each of the logos and save the ones you want in a folder that makes sense to you. Rename them if you want to organize them in your own way. Do the same for the white logos and the Vector logos if you'll use those.
Still having trouble? Email the Wilds Cooperative administrative support team at wildscopa at pawildscenter.org. We can help!

Question 25

What is the PA Wilds Conservation Shop?

PA Wilds Center · Accepted Answer

PA Wilds Conservation Shops are gift shops run by the PA Wilds Center for Entrepreneurship (PA Wilds Center), a 501(c)(3) nonprofit. Our physical and online stores focus on locally-made and value-added products so that customers can take home a piece of the Pennsylvania Wilds while making a difference. These purchases have a ripple effect on our local economy while also supporting our nonprofit mission, which is to work with partners to grow the region’s nature and heritage tourism industry as a way to create jobs, diversify local economies, inspire stewardship and improve quality of life.

Question 26

How do I sell my products in the Shop?

PA Wilds Center · Accepted Answer

Our products are purchased at wholesale cost from members of The Wilds Cooperative of Pennsylvania. Read more about our sourcing method here.

Step 1: Eligible producers can submit information via the online application to be considered as a vendor in the gift shop. Eligibility requirements are listed below.

Vendor Eligibility: Producers must sell their product line at wholesale pricing, offer Net 30 terms for payment of product and professional level members of The Wilds Cooperative.

Step 2: PA Wilds Center staff will invite selected vendors (via email) to submit a buyers’ pack for further consideration.

Step 3: Once buyers’ packs have been reviewed selected producers will be contacted and a buying meeting will be scheduled to place an initial order.

You can read more about the process, eligibility, and submit your information here.

Eligibility as a vendor in The PA Wilds Conservation Shops is just one benefit of being a member of The Wilds Cooperative. Learn more about becoming a member here.

Question 27

What is a Buyers’ Pack?

PA Wilds Center · Accepted Answer

A Buyers’ Pack is a way to present your product, business and terms as a wholesale line to potential buyers.

For our purposes we ask that your buyers’ pack be created in a digital format and include the following:

A cover letter. Introducing your work and why you think it’s a great fit for sale in the PA Wilds Conservation Shop at Kinzua Bridge State Park; include your contact information.
A wholesale price list or line sheet.
Terms and conditions. Do you have minimum orders or quantities? Where are your price breaks? How will you deliver your product to us? What are your cancellation, damages and returns policies?
A catalog or look book which contains images of your work that can be produced and sold in quantities of 20 or more. If you have not produced the items yet you can include sketches or comparable design images.

We have compiled resources to help with creating a buyers’ pack, visit our resources section here for more information.

Fore more information, check out these resources:

Retail Minded: What's in a Buyer's Pack
Selling to shops: What is a buyer's pack

Question 28

I submitted a vendor application, why haven’t I heard anything back yet?

PA Wilds Center · Accepted Answer

Good question! Short answer: We’re sorry if we’ve been slow in communication and we’re working on improving that.

Long Answer: In launching our first PA Wilds Conservation Shop, we had a lot to accomplish in a very short time period. We are continuously working to improve our communication strategies and develop procedures so that our processes and methods are as transparent as can be. This is just as important to us as it is to you so we appreciate your understanding and patience as we put these steps in place.

Question 29

How often do you select product lines?

PA Wilds Center · Accepted Answer

Currently, we select product as needed. However, we typically place seasonal orders forecasted on anticipated visitor numbers. Interested producers are encouraged to fill out this form, and as we get in the position to order more product we will be in contact on an individual basis

Question 30

You didn’t select my work – will you ever?

PA Wilds Center · Accepted Answer

Possibly. No one likes a vague answer, but we don’t want to make promises we can’t keep. Purchasing for The Conservation Shops is a marathon – not a sprint. So we will be constantly looking back through submission requests and also putting out our own calls for requested products. We can’t guarantee that all product submissions will be a fit. But we can promise to revisit submissions in a regular way, and believe demand for new product lines will continue to grow as we expand the PA Wilds Conservation Shop program in coming years. Artisans/producers should not take a non-purchase as an indication that their work is not good enough; if you’re a professional-level artisan in The Wilds Cooperative – your product has already passed that test. Sometimes it just comes down to timing

Question 31

What is a professional-level artisan?

PA Wilds Center · Accepted Answer

Juried Artisans are the talented makers at the heart of the Wilds Cooperative of Pennsylvania. The two categories of Juried Artisans are Basic Membership and Professional Artisan.

Basic Members are those who are admitted with a jury score between 100-300 – OR – those with a higher jury score who elect to enroll at this level. Professional Artisans are those who are admitted with a jury score above 301. The jury score is based on the criteria, including artistic merit, marketability and design, and material sourcing. You can read more about member benefits and decision criteria in our member guidelines here.

Artisans can contact the Wilds Cooperative of Pennsylvania support staff at wildscopa at pawildscenter.org to arrange a time to discuss their score and jury feedback.

Question 32

If I change my product/packaging, should I submit a new Buyers Pack?

PA Wilds Center · Accepted Answer

Yes. And be sure to tell us the steps you’ve gone through and how you think your product fills a gap in our current inventory.

Question 33

Do you sell products on consignment at the Shop?

PA Wilds Center · Accepted Answer

No, we purchase all of our inventory at wholesale prices on Net 30 terms.

Question 34

Why don’t you sell larger fine art pieces at the Shop?

PA Wilds Center · Accepted Answer

Space, audience and liability. The space at the current gift shop does not allow for large pieces. This is also not the venue for selling large one-of-a-kind pieces. This is not a sales gallery or artisan center, although we have many great venues of this type throughout the Pennsylvania Wilds, which can be found here. Instead, this is a gift shop where a customer wants to take home a memento that is a reflection of their visit to the park and their trip in the Pennsylvania Wilds. At this time, our e-commerce site is not equipped to place large pieces in storage until sold, nor can we assume the liability to ship large one-of-a-kind pieces.

Question 35

What’s the Shop's sourcing method?

PA Wilds Center · Accepted Answer

Does it matter where the stuff you buy comes from? We think so. Which is why we’ve put a lot of thought into how we source products at our PA Wilds Conservation Shops.

One of our main product lines is The Wilds Cooperative of Pennsylvania, a network of more than 100 local producers, artists and craftspeople from across the Pennsylvania Wilds region. These are people who live and work in rural PA, love what they do, and have proven through a jurying process that they are good at doing it. These pieces carry The Wilds Cooperative of PA hangtags as a signal to customers that they are taking home hand-made products.

We also carry various soft goods at our physical and online stores. These include PA Wilds-branded and state park-branded t-shirts, totes, hats and other apparel. These are sourced using industry and conservation resources such as One Green Planet’s “A Guide to Buying Sustainable, Fair-Trade and Cruelty-Free Clothing.” Once we find a responsible company with competitive prices where we can source the soft goods, we work with local companies in the Pennsylvania Wilds to place the order for ‘blanks’ and then these local companies are hired to give the products their value-added component, be that creating a design for a new line of t-shirts, stitching embroidered patches on fleece jackets, screen printing or some other service.

It’s not a perfect system, but it is one that we’ve put thought into, that we feel lives up to our Brand Principles, that is making a difference to small-scale producers and business owners in rural PA – and that we feel the consumer, in return, can feel good about.

Question 36

Do you have an online store?

PA Wilds Center · Accepted Answer

Yes! We do have an e-commerce site which can be found here.

Question 37

Have you been juried but not sure if you're in good standing?

PA Wilds Center · Accepted Answer

All Juried Artisans have a profile in the "Member Directory". Type your name into the search box and if you have a profile it will appear in the search results. You may then log into your profile to update your member information.
Read more about updating your profile here. Problems logging in? Email wildscopa at pawildscenter.org for help.

Question 38

Did you apply to be reviewed during a recent jury session?

PA Wilds Center · Accepted Answer

When applying select "Current member of Wilds Cooperative" then login. Your profile information will auto-populate and you can proceed with the application process.

Question 39

Did you miss a recent jury session?

PA Wilds Center · Accepted Answer

When applying choose "Non-Juried Artisan" as the registration type and then follow the steps to submit the application. A member of the PA Wilds Staff will contact you with further instructions for a special jury process.

Question 40

Wholesale Basics

PA Wilds Center · Accepted Answer

Indie Retail Academy Starter Kit- a free pdf that covers the basic of gearing up your business for wholesale.

Question 41

Pricing Related

PA Wilds Center · Accepted Answer

Getting pricing right - an article published by The Design Trust about the cost of incorrect pricing
Craftsy article about pricing
Etsy's formula for pricing
The Creative Hive's guide to pricing items (includes a pricing calculator)

Question 42

Line Sheet Related

PA Wilds Center · Accepted Answer

Here are some examples and resources related to creating a line sheet.

Indie Made's suggestion
An overview by Oh My handmade
Creative Hive shows you through a step by step tutorial on how to make a line sheet in Microsoft Word
Suggestions from Handshake.com

Question 43

Download PA Wilds Center Reports

PA Wilds Center · Accepted Answer

Download the PA Wilds Annual Report
Download the PA Wilds Strategic Plan

Question 44

Download Basic Artisan Digital Logo Files

PA Wilds Center · Accepted Answer

CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD THE WILDS COOPERATIVE OF PA
DIGITAL LOGO FILES FOR JURIED ARTISANS (ZIPPED FOLDER)

Question 45

Read: "A declaration of principles for the Pennsylvania Wilds Team"

PA Wilds Center · Accepted Answer

A declaration of principles
FOR THE PENNSYLVANIA WILDS TEAM

Question 46

Residency

PA Wilds Center · Accepted Answer

All applicants must have been full-time Pennsylvania Wilds residents for at least six months prior to the application deadline. To actively produce and sell juried work under program membership, Juried Creative Makers must remain as PA Wilds residents.

If proof of identity is required, you may be asked to submit copies of any one of the following:
• Valid and current (unexpired) Pennsylvania Drivers License or PA State ID Card with legible dates of issuance and expiration;
•Voter registration card (stamped copy from county clerk’s office);
•Unexpired U.S. Passport or Permanent Resident Card with legible dates;
• Proof of lawful admittance for permanent residence or proof of permission from the Department of Homeland Security to work permanently in the U.S.; For proof of residency (required only for new individual applicants), submit copies of any one of the following with your application;
• Current utility bill (gas, electric, phone, cable, satellite, etc.), lease agreement or property tax record (owners), showing name and address.

Question 47

State and Federal Registration

PA Wilds Center · Accepted Answer

It is your responsibility to inform yourself about doing business in Pennsylvania. Entrepreneurs who operate under their own given name as Sole Proprietors, with zero employees, and use their Social Security Number for tax filing are not required to register their businesses with the PA Department of State. All others must register. Business establishments with paid employees must register with the state. Visit dced.pa.gov/business-assistance/small-business-assistance, where small business owners can electronically register with the PA Departments of Labor and Industry, Revenue, and State. The PA Small Business Development Center is also a useful resource. Federal regulations can change. Consult the Small Business Administration (sba.gov) and the Internal Revenue Service (irs.gov) for more about business requirements.

Question 48

Sales Tax License

PA Wilds Center · Accepted Answer

If you make taxable sales, you are required to obtain a PA Sales Tax License. Visit business.pa.gov and search “rev-717” for details.

Question 49

Food Safety

PA Wilds Center · Accepted Answer

Food artisans, producers, and retail food facilities must comply with all PA Department of Agriculture guidelines, as well as applicable state and local regulations. Applicants must have the necessary permits/licenses in hand, before submitting an application to the Wilds Cooperative of Pennsylvania. Food retail and/or wholesale operators, and their employees, must be in compliance with applicable provisions of the Federal Food Safety Act, the Retail Food Facility Safety Act and requirements referenced at the PA Dept of Agriculture site (agriculture.pa.gov).

Question 50

Native American Applicants

PA Wilds Center · Accepted Answer

Native American works must be submitted along with a copy of applicant’s membership card in a federally or state recognized Indian tribe, band, nation, organized group or community for authenticity purposes. The Indian Arts and Crafts Act of 1990 makes it illegal to sell or display with intent to sell, any product not made by Native American Indians in a way that falsely suggests it was.

Question 51

Will I receive college credit?

PA Wilds Center · Accepted Answer

No, PA Wilds PACE is not a credited course.

Question 52

When are the sessions for the 2020 Cohort?

PA Wilds Center · Accepted Answer

The Cohort will kick-off on February 17, 2020, and the kick-off is an in-person session (location TBA).
Sessions will run for 10 weeks, meeting virtually on Mondays and Thursdays from 7-8 pm. The Cohort will commence with a graduation ceremony on April 27, 2020 (location and time TBA).

Question 53

What are the 2020 Cohort curriculum topics?

PA Wilds Center · Accepted Answer

Defining Your Product/Service
Understanding Your Customer
Self-Assessment
Building Customer Relationships
Pricing Your Product
Understanding 4 Key Financial Documents (P&L, Balance Sheet, Income Statement & Budget)
Costs and Forecasting
Human Resources
Business Ethics
Personal Finance

Question 54

What if I have to miss a week?

PA Wilds Center · Accepted Answer

Attendance to at least 8 of the 10 sessions is required to receive a certificate of completion. The worksheets, assigned readings, and exercises are not collected and scored each week, but they add significant value to the experience.

Question 55

What is the PA Wilds entrepreneurial ecosystem?

PA Wilds Center · Accepted Answer

Good question! Let's start by laying some ground definitions per the Entrepreneurial Ecosystem Building Playbook 3.0 released via the EShip Summit.

Ecosystem Builders: Individuals who focus their work on building a system of support and resources for entrepreneurs in their communities or industries.

The PA Wilds Center for Entrepreneurship is an Ecosystem Builder that works with numerous partners (also Ecosystem Builders) at the local, state, and federal levels to create opportunities for Entrepreneurs and communities across the PA Wilds.

Entrepreneurs: The makers, doers, and dreamers in our society.

Entrepreneurial Ecosystem: A network of people supporting entrepreneurs, and the culture of trust and collaboration that allows them to interact successfully. The speed at which talent, information, and resources move through the ecosystem can affect entrepreneurs at each stage in their lifecycle.

The Wilds Cooperative of PA is the network at the heart of the PA Wilds Entrepreneurial Ecosystem. The PA Wilds Center supports this network through opportunities related to PA Wilds licensing, PA Wilds Conservation Shop commerce platform, lifestyle marketing, professional development, connections to funding, and stewardship. Click here for more detail about those programs and services.

Question 56

Does the PA Wilds Center really aim to help move more than $4M in local products and services in the region by 2030?

PA Wilds Center · Accepted Answer

Yes! At the PA Wilds Center, we set an organization-wide goal to "Build an entrepreneurial ecosystem tied to the region’s lifestyle brand and public lands that moves $4 million annually in local products and services and helps rural businesses and communities to thrive."

This is a multi-phase plan that started with establishing a commerce platform (PA Wilds Conservation Shop) that can move PA Wilds Made products. We purchase shop inventory from producers in the Wilds Cooperative of PA and Since 2016, the PA Wilds Conservation Shop has invested more than $300 thousand on locally produced products to resell online and at our physical gift shop at Kinzua Bridge State Park. Our next phases include expanding the PA Wilds Conservation Shop's retail footprint, as well as connecting more makers to business to business opportunities as well as markets outside of the PA Wilds region. As we continue to grow these opportunities we look to expand professional development so that our makers can scale their businesses too.

Read more about it in our Strategic Plan here. This goal falls under the heading of "DELIVER" which begins on page 22.

Question 57

PA Wilds Ambassador Vendor Forms

PA Wilds Center · Accepted Answer

To process invoices and pay you for your time you need to become a vendor in our accounting system.

This requires the following steps:

Question 58

BEST PRACTICES FOR LIVE INTERVIEWS

PA Wilds Center · Accepted Answer

Before the interview
- Prepare ahead of time by thinking about what points you hope to get across.
- Find a quiet, private, well-lit place, free from possible interruptions.
- Choose your background wisely.
- Ensure your internet connection is stable.
- Check that your computer’s audio is working.
- Test your computer’s webcam.
- Place your phone in silent mode.
- Set out a glass or bottle of water for yourself.
- Close any unnecessary web browser tabs and applications.
During the interview
- Dress professionally and avoid bright colors.
- Have a pen, notepad and agenda available.
- When listening, nod and smile to show you are engaged.
- Use hand gestures when appropriate.

Question 59

DEALING WITH INTERRUPTIONS

PA Wilds Center · Accepted Answer

If your video or audio stops working
- Before the interview, ask the interviewer for a phone number where you can reach them if you experience technical difficulties. If the video cuts out, call them at that number. Ask if you can continue the interview or if you can reschedule.
If noise interrupts the conversation
- If noises (sirens, construction, etc.) interrupt your video interview, apologize for the interruption and ask for a few moments until the noise has subsided. You may want to mute the microphone if the noise is severe.
If someone enters the room unexpectedly
- If family members, housemates or pets enter the room while you’re interviewing, apologize, ask for a few moments, mute your microphone and turn off your camera, and then step away to deal with the interruption. Make sure that the room is secure before beginning the interview again.

Question 60

QUESTIONS THAT MAY COME UP

PA Wilds Center · Accepted Answer

Remember, the Wilds Are Working: Rural Entrepreneurship in Uncharted Times is a series of 5-10 minute long LIVE interviews. However, the interviews may go beyond 10 minutes, as needed. The number of questions that are asked will depend on how long each answer is and how far along you are within the estimated duration of the interview.

Can you briefly describe your company (Location, number of employees, core products and services)?

Why did you decide to start a business in the PA Wilds?

How are you pivoting your operations amid this crisis? (This is the heart of the interview with most value to listeners - please ask follow up questions if time allows).
- Consider the following:
  - How are you making the most of the downtime?
  - How are you staying in touch with customers (how often, what platforms, what’s the response been)?
  - What operational pivots/approaches will you take once things reopen but we are still waiting on a vaccine?
  - What approaches are you taking to protect employees/ customers/vendors from coronavirus, particularly those in the high risk category?
  - Any silver linings in this awful situation?
  - Best advice that’s helped you?

Any programs, resources, or organizations that you’ve found helpful that you’d encourage other small business owners to check out?

Do you have a moment of humanity or inspiration that has helped you get through these tough times?

Question 61

Streaming with Be.Live

PA Wilds Center · Accepted Answer

Do guests need to have Be.Live account as well? No, to join a broadcast your guest will need to login via Facebook/Google account.
Wanna know more? Check the articles to see how it works for guests using a computer.

My guest's camera does not connect. What should they do? Please, make sure your guest has the latest version of Chrome. Ask them to clear their cache and check their camera and audio here https://test.webrtc.org/, reboot their computer, and try again. Wanna know more? Check the article with basic troubleshooting advice for your guests! If this doesn't solve the issue, please, ask your guest to contact our Support by simply writing to the chat in the bottom right corner of the studio page or on the main page!

Can guests share their screen? Yes, the guests can share their screen.
Wanna know more? Check the article with the guidelines for the guests to share their screen.

Can guests see comments? Yes, guests can see comments on their side if they join using a computer.

Will my broadcast also appear on my guest's feed? It will not appear on the feed of your guest automatically, but your guest can share it to their feed as any other post on Facebook (if the post is public).

Here are a few tips for having a great live stream:

Check whether you have up-to-date Google Chrome browser
Clear cache
Reboot your computer
Please check your camera and microphone before going live
Broadcast in a good mood only ?

Question 62

Download the Buyer's Guide

LaKeshia Knarr · Accepted Answer

MADE LOCAL. SELL LOCAL.

Your guide for sourcing locally-made artisan products

The PA Wilds Buyer’s Guide connects the regional makers of quality crafted products with the dedicated retailers who see the value in sourcing locally.

This 30+ page resource is a FREE download, click the button below to download the 2020 Buyer’s Guide now.

Download Now!

Question 63

What type of technology will I need to participate?

PA Wilds Center · Accepted Answer

Each member will need to utilize a computer with a webcam and internet to access course materials. Based on the location of cohort members we will work with partner organizations to provide access to webcam equipment. We want to make this program accessible to our members, during the interview process we will discuss internet access and work with you to determine a path to accessibility if accepted to the cohort.

Question 64

Ineligible Businesses

PA Wilds Center · Accepted Answer

Members of the Wilds Cooperative are those place-based businesses that are in line with the Pennsylvania Wilds lifestyle brand and which add to the overall visitor experience in the region. In so, there are certain businesses and types of businesses that are ineligible for the program.

Examples include:

Large conglomerate corporations that are not unique to the Pennsylvania Wilds region.
- If you’d like to support the PA Wilds work in other ways, please contact us here.
Franchises not unique to or based out of the Pennsylvania Wilds.
- Note: Franchises based out of the Pennsylvania Wilds may be considered.
Independent contractors involved in “pyramid scheme” or multi-level marketing efforts on behalf of other brands (e.g., Scentsy and Thirty-One).
Makers whose work is crafted primarily with items purchased and simply decorated, or by combining purchased commercial objects (unless commercial objects play a subordinate role).
Makers whose work utilizes appropriated images (e.g., digital clip-art, downloaded paintings, drawings, etc.).
Political and/or religious organizations.
Businesses that rely on gambling activities to support more than ⅓ of their gross annual income.
Businesses that require Tobacco Products Licenses to operate.
Adult entertainment establishments that promote sexually-oriented activities.

These ineligible businesses have been determined after thoughtful consideration of the Declaration of Principles outlined for the Pennsylvania Wilds team, as outlined below.

Our core values spring from the soul of our organization. We will adhere and live by these beliefs even if doing so becomes unpopular or costs us commercial opportunity.

OUR MISSION
Celebrate and nurture our natural wonders by connecting people with nature.

OUR PHILOSOPHY
The way of nature is our way of life.

OUR METHOD
Welcome those who share our passions.

OUR PROMISE
The road less traveled makes all the difference.

Our personality traits describe the unique characteristics that separate us from other places in the world. We celebrate these traits and bring them into every facet of THE PENNSYLVANIA WILDS. WE ARE: Down to earth; Quirky and authentic, not slick; Wild yet welcoming, Enthusiastic and optimistic; Rugged and resourceful. We commit ourselves to working TOGETHER to fulfill our mission every day, while living by our core values in THE PENNSYLVANIA WILDS.

Additional Member Resources

Download PA Wilds Center Reports

Applying as a Creative Maker

What is the Jury Review Process?

What is the Creative Maker Application Process?

Decision Criteria

Buyer's Pack Resources

What is a Buyers’ Pack?

Fore more information, check out these resources:

Wholesale Basics

Pricing Related

Line Sheet Related

Digital Logo Files

Download Community Partner Digital Logo Files

Download Creative Industries Partner logo files

Download Field Guide logo files

Download Host Site Digital logo files

Download Professional Artisan Digital logo files

Download Trading Post Digital logo files

Download Business Development Partner Logo Files

Download Stewardship Partner Logo Files

Download Production and Services Partner Logo Files

Download Friends of the WCO Logo Files

Download PA Wilds Leave No Trace Partner Toolkit Files

Download Basic Artisan Digital Logo Files

Download Basic Artisan Digital Logo Files

Download Business Development Partner Logo Files

Download Business Development Partner Logo Files

Download Community Partner logo files

Download Community Partner Digital Logo Files

Download Creative Industries Partners logo files

Download Creative Industries Partner logo files

Download Field Guide logo files

Download Field Guide logo files

Download Friends of the WCO Digital Logo Files

Download Friends of the WCO Logo Files

Download Host Site Digital Logo Files

Download Host Site Digital logo files

Download PA Wilds Leave No Trace Digital Toolkit

Download PA Wilds Leave No Trace Partner Toolkit Files

Download Production and Services Logo Files

Download Production and Services Partner Logo Files

Download Professional Artisan Digital Logo Files

Download Professional Artisan Digital logo files

Download Stewardship Partner Logo Files

Download Stewardship Partner Logo Files

Download Trading Post Logo Files

Download Trading Post Digital logo files

FAQs ~ PA Wilds PACE Cohort

Will I receive college credit?

When are the sessions for the 2020 Cohort?

What are the 2020 Cohort curriculum topics?

What if I have to miss a week?

Does the PA Wilds Center really aim to help move more than $4M in local products and services in the region by 2030?

What type of technology will I need to participate?

What is PA Wilds PACE?

Who is eligible to participate?

Will I have to drive to Williamsport for each session?

What is my cost to participate?

FAQs about becoming a vendor at the PA Wilds Conservation Shops

What is the PA Wilds Conservation Shop?

What is a Buyers’ Pack?

Fore more information, check out these resources:

I submitted a vendor application, why haven’t I heard anything back yet?

How often do you select product lines?

You didn’t select my work – will you ever?

What is a professional-level artisan?

If I change my product/packaging, should I submit a new Buyers Pack?

Do you sell products on consignment at the Shop?

Why don’t you sell larger fine art pieces at the Shop?

What’s the Shop’s sourcing method?

Do you have an online store?

Juried Artisan Status Questions

Have you been juried but not sure if you’re in good standing?

Did you apply to be reviewed during a recent jury session?

Did you miss a recent jury session?

Member Directories

Download the Buyer’s Guide

MADE LOCAL. SELL LOCAL.

Your guide for sourcing locally-made artisan products

A declaration of principles
FOR THE PENNSYLVANIA WILDS TEAM