Seminar to aid businesses along trail
CONNELLSVILLE – Business owners and organizations hoping to draw trail users to their locations as well as sponsored activities are invited to attend a seminar to assist in their efforts. The Laurel Highlands Visitors Bureau will present the program Wednesday at the Connellsville Municipal Building, located on North Arch Street.
With the bike/hike trailhead located within walking distance of restaurants, stores, shops and other businesses, Ralph Wombacker, president of the Yough River Trail Council, said the community must offer a welcoming hand to those biking or hiking on the trail.
“Hundreds of thousands of people are coming through Connellsville every year and we need to get them to come to our downtown,” said Wombacker. “We have a wonderful opportunity because Connellsville is a trail town, but we are not doing enough to get the users to stay here; to take part in our activities; visit our historic landmarks or have something to eat.”
Julie Donavan, spokeswoman for the visitors bureau, said those taking part in the seminar will learn how to offer information to the visitor and make their brief or long stay an enjoyable one.
“Hospitality is the key word,” said Donavan. “As a trail town, Connellsville has a wonderful opportunity with so many traveling along their portion of the trail, and the seminar is being held to help the city make the most of that opportunity.”
Similar seminars are being held in Myersdale, Ohiopyle, Confluence and West Newton.
Donavan said that with the opening of the Allegheny Highlands Trail portion of the Great Allegheny Passage, Connellsville could expect an increase in trail usage.
The biking and hiking trail connects Pittsburgh to Cumberland, Md., with Connellsville along the route.
Wombacker, meanwhile, said that it is important that those encountering biking or hiking visitors be able to offer directions to activities, eateries, restrooms and other amenities along with how to access the trail in Connellsville.
“We want to make their visits as pleasant as possible, ” said Wombacker.
The seminar will begin at 6 p.m. For more information, call the Connellsville Chamber office at 724-628-5500.