Heritage Areas Receive Keystone Award

The Lumber Heritage Region (LHR) and the 11 other Pennsylvania Heritage Areas, including the PA Route 6 Heritage Corridor were inducted into the Keystone Society for Tourism. According to the Office of Governor Edward G. Rendell, induction into the Keystone Society for Tourism is the highest honor Pennsylvania confers on leaders in the tourism industry.

Pennsylvania’s Heritage Areas were honored with the Enterprise Award, presented "to champions of a cooperative alliance that has spurred economic development through significant financial investments" to regional anchor attractions. Recipients of this award "demonstrate skillful management and facilitation of diverse resources necessary to frame, brand, and position a destination or attraction."

In northwestern and northcentral Pennsylvania, the Lumber Heritage Region has been recognized for the management and facilitation of diverse resources designed to enhance the anchor attractions of the Lumber Region, such as scenic overlooks, local and county museums, heritage sites and trails, and the Susquehanna River greenway and water trail.

“We are pleased that the efforts of the heritage regions are being recognized at a state level” committed Linda Devlin, director of the ANF Visitors Bureau, “they have been a key resource in many of the projects completed in McKean County including the Smethport Mansion District Brochure, the Mount Jewett Mural, and most recently the McKean County Welcome sign along Rt. 219 south.”

The Pennsylvania Heritage Areas Program is funded by the Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources and administered through its Bureau of Recreation and Conservation.

According to Lumber Heritage executive director Michael Wennin, "induction into the Keystone Society for Tourism is a special honor and a pivotal event for this organization and for HeritagePA, the association of state heritage areas. The LHR is very pleased to share this honor with all of the Pennsylvania Heritage Areas and is most appreciative of the work of our board of directors, members, partners and volunteers to help make heritage development and tourism so successful in the Region."

The Lumber Heritage Region was represented by LHR Executive Director Michael Wennin and Holly Komonczi, Director of the Clearfield County Recreation and Tourism Authority at an induction ceremony on June 4 at the Governor’s Residence.

Future projects within McKean County that have received funding support from the Lumber Heritage Region include the “Fun with Trees & Leaves” cards and cut out displays that will be used at fairs and festivals and for school field trips.

Pictured, Wennin being congratulated by DCED Deputy Secretary J. Mickey Rowley and State Representative Thaddeus Kirkland Chairman of Tourism and Recreational Development.
Photo courtesy of Linda Devlin, ANFVB