Launching a process to establish an evolved governance structure for the Wilds Cooperative of PA and to evaluate how to better leverage partner strengths to help businesses in the network thrive
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Goals + Outcomes
Process Overview
Activities + Updates
Meet the Consultants
GOALS + OUTCOMES
The goal of this research and planning process is to attain recommendations for what an evolved governance structure for the Wilds Cooperative (WCO) could look like, and how it could operate to achieve these objectives:
- Help PA Wilds Center better serve this growing network
- Better leverage partner strengths to serve this growing network
- Help rural businesses in the WCO program thrive
WHY NOW?
By helping to establish stronger partner input and feedback loops, referral processes, and social impact investment approaches, the consultant will deepen our partner networks at a critical growth stage and contribute to the evolution of what the governance structure of one of the PA Wilds Center’s largest core stakeholder groups could look like to support transformational work.
AN OVERVIEW OF THE PROCESS
OUTREACH & DATA COLLECTION
Consultants will conduct online surveys, virtual interviews, and in-person meetings with Wilds Cooperative of PA members and core stakeholders to gather confidential feedback on how the network supports their needs and how they can be engaged and supported better.
EVALUATE & DEFINE
Based on the evaluation of outreach, data collection, and research, Consultants will define what an evolved WCO governance structure could look like and make recommendations for how it could function and how to better engage stakeholders.
RECOMMENDATIONS & OUTCOMES
Consultants will provide a Governance Plan for The Wilds Cooperative of PA that addresses the project goals (above), details data collected, provides an action plan for implementation and performance measurements, and offers recommendations for tools or resources needed.
Virtual Group Session
December 2, 11 AM – 12 PM
Via Zoom
for government and nonprofit partners unable to attend previous events
Virtual Group Session
December 5, 7:30-9:30 PM
Via Zoom
for WCO members and stakeholders unable to attend previous events
Online Survey
Via Google Forms
take just 10 minutes to complete the Wildly Cooperative Survey & get a $10 gift card
1:1 Interviews
Via Phone
Schedule a 45-minute interview with a consultant to share deeper insights & get a $20 gift card
WHERE WE’VE BEEN SO FAR
Elk County
October 17, 6-8 PM
Maker’s Warehouse, 315 Brusselles St., Saint Marys, PA
Warren County
October 19, 12-2 PM
Bent Run Brewing Co., 20 Clark St, Suite B, Warren, PA
Potter County
November 15, 1-3 PM
PA Lumber Museum, 5660 US Route 6 West, Ulysses Township, PA
Centre County
November 21, 10 AM – 12 PM
SpringBoard, 221 W. High St., Suite 1300, Bellefonte, PA
Clarion County
November 22, 5:30-7:30 PM
Phrame It, 1 N. Sixth Avenue,
Clarion, PA
Forest County
October 18, 3-5 PM
PA Wilds Conservation Shop, 105 S. Forest St., Marienville, PA
Virtual
October 24, 2-4 PM
Via Zoom
for Nonprofit Partners
Cameron County
November 16, 10 AM – 12 PM
Cameron County Artisan Center, 24 West Fourth St., Emporium,
Clinton County
November 21, 3-5 PM
The Station Gallery, 2 E. Bald Eagle St., Lock Haven, PA
Clearfield County
November 23, 11 AM – 1 PM
Clearfield Arts Studio Theater, 112 E. Locust St., Clearfield, PA
McKean County
October 18, 7-9 PM
Wilds Sonshine Factory, 3480 Route 6 West, Kane, PA
Tioga County
November 14, 6-8 PM
Deane Deane Center for Performing Arts, 104 Main St., Wellsboro, PA
Lycoming County
November 20, 5-7 PM
Pajama Factory, 1307 Park Avenue, Williamsport, PA
Jefferson County
November 22, 1-3 PM
Gobbler’s Knob, 1548 Woodland Avenue Extension, Punxsutawney, PA
PHOTOS FROM RECENT OUTREACH
So far, community outreach sessions have been held in Saint Marys, Marienville, Kane and Warren. We’re adding photos below!
‘WILDLY COOPERATIVE’ ON WCO BLOG
MEET THE OUTREACH TEAM
The Wildly Cooperative Outreach Team is a group of WCO members who have stepped up to help support outreach and promotion activities related to this project. They will also provide early insights and feedback.
Donell Ayers
Frosty Hollow Bed & Breakfast
Landscape: Dark Skies | County: Potter
Peggy Butler
Kelletville Firefly Farm
Landscape: Cook Forest & the Ancients | County: Forest
Rachel Courtney
Sugar Mama's Appalachian Maple
Landscape: Pine Creek Valley & the PA Grand Canyon | County: Tioga
Tara Heckler
Blackberry & Sage Market
Landscape: I-80 Frontier | County: Jefferson
Karen Heltzel
Moments In Time Studio
Landscape: Allegheny National Forest & Surrounds | County: Warren
Julie Mader
Artwork by Julie Mader
Landscapes: Dark Skies + Allegheny National Forest & Surrounds | County: McKean
Melanie Phillips
Village Eatinghouse
Landscape: Elk Country | County: Centre
MEET THE CONSULTANTS
We want to ensure we set this process up for success and that members of the Wilds Cooperative feel free to share candid feedback about the network and their goals for membership. That’s why we’re partnering with some great third party partners, chosen through a competitive bid process, to conduct stakeholder engagement and develop the WCO Governance Plan based on that feedback.
Jenny Totten
Co-Founder and Co-Director, Alchemy Accompanied
Jenny has over 15 years of experience in rural community and economic development, focusing on Appalachia and Haiti’s Central Plateau. She directs Alchemy, Accompanied, and is the Strategy and Impact Manager for Future Generations University. Jenny is trained in the accompaniment model of development and has worked with federal and state leaders,
local community leaders, and small business owners. She holds a BS in Aerospace Engineering and an MS in Unmanned Systems Engineering from Virginia Tech and teaches at Future Generations University.
Spencer Moss
Co-Founder and Co-Director, Alchemy Accompanied
Spencer brings extensive multi-media communications, facilitation, and leadership experience, serving as the executive director of the West Virginia Food and Farm Coalition for 10 years. She has collaborated with nonprofits, extension services, universities, state and federal government to develop programs and communicate stories of community and change. She holds a BS in Communications from Missouri Western State University and a Masters in Public Administration from West Virginia University, with an emphasis in Local Governance and Community Development.
Marc Wilken
Economic Recovery Corps Fellow + Independent Consultant, MW Impact
Hailing from the Philadelphia area, Marc is excited to deploy his program development background to create vibrant communities through the outdoors. Marc has 14+ years of experience in launching, managing, and growing new initiatives and programs; building and sustaining public-private partnerships and community relationships; and philanthropic fundraising and generating new revenue. As a nature enthusiast and environmental advocate, he hopes to see the natural assets of the PA Wilds region help build more resilient ecosystems that can flourish.
The Declaration of Principles for the PA Wilds Team
The Declaration of Principles for the PA Wilds Team is a document that provides a heartfelt look at the guiding values of the regional strategy. The document was initiated nearly 20 years ago, and the words still ring true today! The outlined principles are central to the work and provide a unique lens through which members and consultants can look at the region and this effort to help sustain it.
Learn More: Wilds Cooperative of PA
Together, members of the Wilds Cooperative of PA are addressing PA Wilds market demands by connecting and scaling the unique establishments and producers that are central to our place-based tourism development. As we help people find #pawildsmade products, services and experiences, our businesses and communities grow and thrive.
READY TO EXPLORE MORE?
ABOUT US
Learn more about the WCO, our place-based network of creative entrepreneurs and organizations.
BENEFITS
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.