The York County Economic Alliance (YCEA) will offer a virtual workshop series about York County Trail Towns, a program to bolster local economies. It will cover everything from the basics to in-depth topics, highlighting YCEA's newly created Trail Towns Program along the York County Heritage Rail Trail.
Unless otherwise noted, each session will begin at 8:30 a.m. The events are free to attend, but registration is required by visiting http://www.yceapa.org and clicking on "Events & Resources" and "Calendar."
David Kahley, CEO and co-founder of Progress Fund, will be the keynote speaker on Tuesday, Sept. 15. "The Basics of a Trail Towns Program, and Lessons Learned From Other Programs" will be offered on Thursday, Sept. 17. "How to Be a Welcoming and Inclusive Trail Town," will take place on Tuesday, Sept. 22. "Economic Impact and Economic Benefits of Trails" will be held on Thursday, Sept. 24, at 2 p.m. "Business Retention, Expansion and Recruitment, Working with an Economic Development Agency, and Creating a Trail Friendly Business" on Tuesday, Sept. 29.
YCEA launched the Trail Towns Program to leverage the York County Heritage Rail Trail as a platform and driver for economic development in towns located along or near the multi-use trail. The pilot program includes five towns: York, Seven Valleys, Glen Rock, Railroad, and New Freedom. The intention is to expand the program as more of the trail is built. The trail towns concept was pioneered on the Great Allegheny Passage, where it has generated millions of dollars in local economic impact.
Partnering with the York County Department of Parks and Recreation, the York County Rail Trail Authority, Explore York, and our municipal partners, the Trail Towns Program is a collaborative process with outreach to local governments, residents and business owners in order for each town to reach its potential as a vibrant hub for trail users. The program seeks to enhance each town as a trail user-friendly destination and create a cohesive Heritage Rail Trail experience.
To learn more, readers may visit the aforementioned website.
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