PENNSYLVANIA DEPARTMENT OF CONSERVATION AND NATURAL RESOURCES hold Trail Town Mixer at the National Watch and Clock Museum on October 3, 2024

On Thursday October 3, 2024, the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources held a “Trail Town” Mixer for members of the Pennsylvania House of Representatives Tourism and Economic and Recreational Development Committee with local businesses and outfitters that contribute to and benefit from the Pennsylvania Outdoor Economy.

The National Watch and Clock Museum hosted the event which was sponsored by the York County Economic Alliance in partnership with the Columbia Economic Development Corporation.

The following local businesses were represented and conversed with the PA House Tourism Committee Members on the importance of the Susquehanna River, Columbia Crossing, York County Trail Towns Association, and the Northwest River Trial and the Enola Lower Grade River Trial at Turkey Hill.

Owner/Operator

Sara Long

Matt Fahnestock

John Biemiller

Ranae Tibbens

Jim Cox

Mike Knaub

Mike Accord

Mike Misal

Mark Platts

Fritz Schroeder

Business Name

Discover Lancaster

EDC Lancaster County

Chickies Rock Outfitters

Starview Brews

Susquehanna Fishing Tackle

Coffee and Cream

Susquehanna National Heritage Area

Lancaster County Conservancy

At the conclusion of the one-hour “Meet and Greet” participants adjourned to the auditorium of the museum for presentations regarding the positive impact on PA Outdoor Economy.

Lori Yeich, DCNR Recreation and Conservation Manager, who organized the event, welcomed the guests , and served as Mistress of Ceremonies.

Remarks were made by Rory McEvoy - Executive Director of the National Watch and Clock Museum, Heather Zink – President of Columbia Borough Council, Bill Kloidt – Executive Director of the Columbia Economic Development Corporation, John Biemiller – VP Business Retention & Expansion of the EDC of Lancaster County, and Brett Miller, PA 41st Representative.

Presentations regarding the PA Outdoor Economy and future economic development related to the outdoors, were made by David Gonzalez- Director of Economic Initiatives of the York County Economic Alliance, Don Murphy – President of Cimarron Investments, and Hope Byers, Vice President of Visitor Engagement of the Susquehanna National Heritage Area.

PA Legislative Tourism Committee members in attendance were Rep. Mary Jo Daley (Chair), Rep. Tom Jones, Rep. Rick Krajewski, Rep. Jo Ciresi, and Rep. Donna Oberlander, along with their staff members.

Other dignitaries present were Eric Nelson - DCNR, Mardra Clay - DCED, Scott Burford - York County Commissioner, Pam Shellenberger - York County Planner, Keith Williams and Jenn Tenson – Lancaster County Conservancy, and Bill Wright – Susquehanna National Heritage Area.

The event concluded with the Hourglass Foundation of Lancaster video “Unlocking Lancaster County’s Outdoor Recreation Potential” followed by a question-and-answer session.

After departing the museum, the Legislators visited Columbia Crossing and then toured the parks and natural overlooks of the Susquehanna River bordering Lancaster and York Counties.