Multiple Clinton County entrepreneurs recognized by PA Wilds

RecordStaffAugust 2, 2022Last Updated: August 2, 2022

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Winners in the Pennsylvania Wilds Awards included Punxsutawney Phil and Groundhog Day

JERSEY SHORE, PA – The PA Wilds Center for Entrepreneurship, Inc. last week recognized the recipients of the 2022 Champions of the PA Wilds Awards. The winners were honored at the 2022 PA Wilds Dinner & Awards, held July 28 at Bald Birds Brewing in Jersey Shore.

The Champion of the Pennsylvania Wilds Awards celebrate individuals, groups, organizations, communities, and businesses that in the last year have made significant contributions to help grow and sustainably develop the outdoor recreation economy and nature tourism in the Pennsylvania Wilds in a way that creates jobs, diversifies local economies, inspires stewardship and improves quality of life. There are nine award categories open for public nominations each year. The region’s county governments, visitor bureaus and many local organizations participate in the effort, along with the Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources and the Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development.

Area recipients included:

Katie de Silva, vice chair of the PA Wilds Planning Team and planner for Clinton County, received the 2022 PA Wilds Champion Award for Member of the Year. Through her leadership roles, Katie is helping to transition one of the longest-standing PA Wilds stakeholder groups to a new era of regional planning and collaboration. The award was presented by Matt Marusiak, PA Wilds Center board member and Land Protection Manager, Western Pennsylvania Conservancy.

From left: Deborah Rudy (aide for Senator Cris Dush), Clinton County Commissioner Angela Harding, Clinton County Commissioner Jeff Snyder, Senator Gene Yaw, Katie de Silva, Matt Marusiak (PA Wilds board member and Land Protection Manager for Western Pennsylvania Conservancy)

Carol Ann Simon Cillo, a fine artist serving Lock Haven (Clinton County) who works primarily with ceramics and acrylics, received the 2022 PA Wilds Champion Award for Artisan of the Year. Beyond being a juried artisan in the Wilds Cooperative of PA, Cillo encourages artists to become rooted in the landscape of the PA Wilds and takes part in regional arts initiatives. The award was presented by Julie Brennan, Chamber/Tourism Director, Clinton County Economic Partnership & Visitors Bureau.

From left: Senator Gene Yaw, Clinton County Commissioner Angela Harding, Clinton County Commissioner Jeff Snyder, Carol Cillo, Clinton County Tourism/Chamber Director Julie Brennan, Senator Cris Dush’s aid Deborah Rudy

Ron and Teresa Kodish, organizers of the Smoked Country Jam Bluegrass Festival in Cross Fork (Clinton County), received the 2022 PA Wilds Champion Award for Best Brand Ambassador. The organizers have intentionally promoted the festival to embrace the natural environment of northern Clinton County and the historic importance of local roots music and storytelling. The award was presented by Hannah Brock, PA Wilds Conservation Shop and Licensing Manager.