www.VisitIndianaCountyPA.org

The Indiana County Tourist Bureau is proud to announce that a long-standing member, Yarnick’s Farm Market, was honored with an award from Eat’n Park.

This IssueFire & Ice P.2

Advertising Report P.2

Group Tour Highlights P.3

Upcoming Events P.4

Computer Donation P.5

Milestones for Members P.5

Welcome New Members P.5

Shoestring Marketing – Creating Customers Seminar

Spring 2015

Tourism Tidbits

Yarnick’s Farm Receives Award

of Excellence

Indiana County Parks & Trails and the Indiana County Tourist Bureau will hold a guided tour of Indiana County’s four covered bridges on Saturday, May 16th. Indiana County is home to four covered bridges constructed in the late 1800’s and early 1900’s. A motorcoach bus will depart from Blue Spruce

Indiana County Covered Bridge Tour

CountyCountySaturday, May 16Covered Bridge Day Tour

Lodge to begin the tour. The cost is $20 per person and includes snacks, water, and door prizes. Report time for bus departure is 12:45 pm from Blue Spruce Lodge. The bus will return by 4:30 pm to the Lodge. Advance registration is required and space is limited. For complete information, please call the Tourist Bureau Office at 724-463-7505.

Yarnick’s received the Eat’n Park Hospitality Group’s 2014 Award of Excellence on February 25th. This is the 30th anniversary of the award, and is presented each year to the outside supplier, contractor, or professional who has, in the opinion of the Senior Management of Eat’n Park Hospitality Group, most significantly contributed to the success of their company. “Dan, Lynette, and Joey Yarnick have been longstanding partners of Eat’n Park through our FarmSource program, which is our initiative to find and partner with some of the finest growers and producers of food in our communities,” said Becky McArdle, Eat’n Park spokesperson. “Our FarmSource program is an important part of our business and Yarnick’s truly understands and shares our passion to serve the freshest, highest quality ingredients to our guests.”

Yarnick’s Farm is a family owned and operated vegetable, beef, and pork farm. They have been producing high quality products since opening 34 years ago. Yarnick’s Farm not only supplies our local industry with farm to table products, they also contribute to the economic growth of local tourism in Indiana County. “Visiting tour groups love to stop and visit their market, tour the hydroponic greenhouses, or experience their Pumpkin Patch & Maze by the Haunted House in the fall”, said Denise Liggett, Executive Director of the Indiana County Tourist Bureau. Congratulations, Yarnick’s!

The Indiana County Tourist Bureau, in collaboration with Armstrong, Beaver, Butler, Lawrence, Greene, and Mercer County Tourist Bureaus, hosted a marketing seminar on March 24th at the Cranberry Highlands Golf Course.

Attendees learned how to effectively market their business on a limited budget. The agenda included: Developing an Effective Marketing Strategy, Finding Contacts and Building a Media List, Tie Into Your Resources, and a special panel discussion featuring guests from the hosting counties. Speakers included: Mike Lysakowski, Kimberly Loszewski, Holly Muchnok, David Kahley, Patty Painter, and Peggy Mazyck. At the conclusion of the seminar, each attendee received a “toolbox” containing: a social media handout, a listing of free websites to post events, a Progress Fund booklet, and presentation highlights from the day’s speakers. Special thanks to all of the ICTB members that attended the seminar.

2 www.VisitIndianaCountyPA.org

Web StatsThe Indiana County Tourist

Bureau website had:

December 2014Pages Viewed: 10,943

Number of Visits: 5,012

January 2015Pages Viewed: 12,909

Number of Visits: 5,321

February 2015Pages Viewed: 17,517

Number of Visits: 9,342

During the past three months, the ICTB Office fulfilled more than 1,700

requests for Indiana County information.

Facebook Stats1,080 Lifetime Likes

Please help us to continue using the internet as a

means to draw visitors to our county and link our

website to your website and our

Facebook page to your Facebook page.

Website: www.VisitIndianaCountyPA.org

Facebook Page:www.facebook.com/pages/

Indiana-County-Tourist-Bureau

YouTube:http://www.youtube.com/user/

IndianaCountyTB

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Tourist Bureau Sponsors Event

April 7th

Print:• PunxsutawneySpirit–GroundhogDayMap& ScheduleofEvents

• HometownMagazine–GroundhogOfficialSouvenir Guide

• HometownMagazine–GroundhogPlacemat• GuestQuestTravelMagazine• JohnstownMagazine• PittsburghCityPaperTravelGuide• PittsburghPost-GazetteTravelBrochure• Interstate80Brochure•Where&WhenRt.422Co-op• PAVacationGuide• GroupsToday• GroupTourMagazine• HomeschoolersGuide

Web/Online:• PunxsutawneyGroundhog.org website

• IndianaGazette.com–various memberads

•VisitPA.com•VisitPgh.com• Google-webKeywords• GuestQuest.com• PARoute422.com• GroupsToday.com• GroupTourMagazine.com• UncoveringPA.com

Radio:• RendaBroadcasting–Fire&Ice

Members/Special Events (both print & web):

• ChamberofCommerceExpo• HomebuildersShow• BlairsvilleUndergroundRailroadHistoryCenter• AlicePaulHouseFundraiser• St.AndrewsVillage• Fire&Ice• BlairsvilleCommunityDevelopmentAuthority Fundraisers

• IndianaCountyHumaneSociety• BUGRRShowtime• IndianaCoinClub,Inc.• accessAbilitiesFoundation,Inc.programad• Lodging/Accommodations–-“WhenvisitingPhil, Staywithus”

• Museums• Tournaments

ICTB Advertising

The Indiana County Tourist Bureau was pleased to support and partner with the Downtown Indiana Business Improvement District, Indiana Regional Medical Center, the Indiana County Chamber of Commerce, and First Commonwealth Bank in bringing the first Downtown Indiana Fire & Ice Festival to Indiana. The event was held February 21st and featured a pancake breakfast, live professional giant ice carvings by DiMartino Ice Company, a chili cook-off competition, and placement of pre-carved ice sculptures around downtown, which were lit up in the evening by LED lights. The Tourist Bureau is pleased to have been a sponsor in this event.

The Indiana County Tourist Bureau enhances the economic and environmental well-being of our region and members through: promotion, comprehensive marketing, and advertising. We use a wide variety of advertising avenues, such as: web/online, radio and print. Here are some of the placements during January, February, and March 2015.

New Date for Mingle at Denise’s Antique Mall. Call Office for Details.

3Toll free: 877-746-3426

DYK ... “Do You Know?” That’s the catchphrase used to market where Maria Jack, Group Tour/Conference Associate for the Indiana County Tourist Bureau, happens to be each month. Her travels take her to many regional travel shows to promote our area. When at home, she hops on an incoming motorcoach to provide guide service within Indiana County. She is on the go so much that she has made it a game for our Facebook followers to try to guess her posted photos entitled “Do You Know” ... where this is? Winners receive a complimentary gift and are entered into a quarterly drawing.

Travel Shows AttendedMaria has been on the road promoting Indiana County recently at the following trade shows:

Group Tour Spotlight

•OntarioMotorcoachAssociationConvention/Ottawa,Canada/400operators/Canadian&NortheastUSmarket•AmericanBusAssociationConvention/St.Louis,MO/3,000attendees/US&Canadianmarket•HeartlandTravelShowcase-andsalescallsinOhio&Indiana/Chicago,IL/115operators/Mid-Westmarket•PennsylvaniaBusAssociationSpringMarketplace/ValleyForge,PA/Pennsylvania,MD,NJ,DEmarket

Pennsylvania Bus AssociationHeartland Travel ShowcaseAmerican Bus Association Convention

Ontario Motorcoach Association Convention

FAMSA number of FAM (Familiarization Tours) tours hosted regional freelance writers who visited county attractions, restaurants, and accommodations. “All were very impressed with our many venues, resulting in some highly visible stories appearing in numerous magazines throughout the Mid-Atlantic as a result of their tour,” Jack stated.

Jim Cheney, a travel writer/blogger for UncoveringPA.com came to town during the “It’s a Wonderful Life” (IAWL) Parade and Festival. Jim spent two days covering the county, eating locally, and staying in the beautiful Heritage House Suites. Visit his website to see stories on Jimmy Stewart Museum, the IAWL Parade & Festival, the Blairsville Underground Railroad Historical Center, and the Saltsburg Historical Society.

Vanessa Orr has written for Alaska Business Monthly, Guide to Good Health, GEEK, Mystery Scene Magazine, Recreation News, and is editor of North Hills Monthly. Her latest feature for Rec News features summer happenings in Indiana County. Rec News is the largest monthly travel and leisure tabloid in the Mid-Atlantic region distributing exclusively to 100,000 federal employees. She is excited to have also gathered great story ideas for her Pittsburgh publication North Hills Monthly, home to many IUP alumni and former Indiana County residents.

PR News“Our association with the Mid-Atlantic Tourism Public Relations Alliance (MATPRA) has brought a wealth of attention to our area in the way of their press releases to writers/bloggers, providing stories in both digital and print media,” Jack noted after attending her latest meeting in Charlottesville. Regular monthly press releases, combined with the yearly Marketplace, allow Jack to showcase a variety of venues. Results include FAM visits by five regional writers and a growing list of articles featured in magazines showcasing our area. Cindy Ross, photographer and writer for Pennsylvania Magazine, published a beautiful spread of northern Indiana County recently which highlighted Smicksburg, the pottery community, and area B&B’s.

Group ToursTours began early this year despite a February weather cancellation with a Greensburg group. March saw a lovely group from Ohio visit for a fun day trip. Spring trips will include: a school group from Clarion visiting Tanoma Wetlands, Yarnick’s Farm, and Blairsville Underground History Center. Jack has had trouble keeping up with requests for Fall 2015 as trade show exposure to the area has soared with requests. Bookings have increased 25% as she struggles to fulfill a large number of requests from these shows. “It’s a good problem to have,” says Jack.

ICTB Advertising

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AprilThe Buzz About Bees -

Friends of the ParksSaturday, April 11

Yellow Creek State Park724-357-7913

Into the Woods - Lively ArtsThursday, April 16 - Sunday, April 19

Fisher Auditorium - IUP724-357-2787

www.iup.edu/livelyartsHerping Field Day - Friends of the Parks

Saturday, April 18Pine Ridge Park - Blairsville

724-463-8636NEWSBOYS - Christian Music

Saturday, April 18Kovalchick Complex - Indiana

800-298-4200www.kovalchickcomplex.com

Bowl for Kids - Indiana County YMCA

Friday, April 24Mohawk Lanes - Indianawww.icymca.org/bfk.htmlUltimate Winter Alaska -

Rebecca SterleyFriday, April 24

Blue Spruce Park Lodge - Indiana724-463-8636

www.indianacountyparks.orgHealthy Kids DaySaturday, April 25YMCA - Indiana

www.icymca.org/hkd.htmlYouth Arts Celebration 2015

Tuesday, April 28 - Sunday, May 3Indiana Mall

www.indianaartscouncil.org

MayBluegrass Festival - Twolick Valley

Rod & Gun ClubFriday, May 1 - Saturday, May 2Twolick Valley Rod & Gun Club -

Cherry Tree724-254-4649

Dearly Departed “Indiana Players”Friday, May 1 - Sunday, May 3

Friday, May 8 - Sunday, May 10Philadelphia Street Playhouse - Indiana

724-464-0725www.indianaplayers.com

Indiana County Humane Society - Annual Flea Market

Saturday, May 2 - Sunday, May 3Indiana County Fair Grounds

724-465-3977

6th Annual Westgate Yard SaleSaturday, May 2

Westgate Apartments - Indiana724-463-0480

Spring Open House - SmicksburgSaturday, May 2

Smicksburg Community814-257-0192

www.smicksburg.netMorel Mushroom Walk Western PA

Mushroom ClubSaturday, May 2

Pine Ridge Park - Blairsville 724-463-8636

6th Annual Authors of Indiana County and Beyond

Saturday, May 2Windgate Vineyards and Winery -

Smicksburg814-257-8797

www.windgatevineyards.comMemphis the Musical - ‘Ovations’

Monday, May 4Fisher Auditorium - IUP

724-357-2787www.iup.edu/livelyarts

Miracle Field Opening Day- Indiana County YMCA

Saturday, May 9YMCA - Indiana

www.icymca.org/?miracle/ Protecting Your Family from Lyme

Disease - Thomas FordSaturday, May 9

Yellow Creek State Park724-357-7913

Mother’s Day Wildflower Walk and Tea - Cindy Rogers

Sunday, May 10Yellow Creek State Park

724-357-7913May Mart Flower & Craft FestivalFriday, May 15 - Saturday, May 16

S & T Bank Arena - Indiana724-541-4318

Indiana County Covered Bridge TourSaturday, May 16

Meeting at Blue Spruce Lodge724-463-7505

www.visitindianacountypa.org

Delaney Chevrolet Westsylvania Jazz & Blues Festival

Saturday, May 23Downtown Indiana

westsylvaniajazzandblues.org

Bird Songs 101 – Friends of the ParksSaturday, May 23

Blue Spruce Park - Indiana724-463-8636

www.indianacountyparks.orgKansas

Saturday, May 30Kovalchick Complex - Indiana

800-298-4200www.kovalchickcomplex.com

JuneSaltsburg Canal Days

Friday, June 5 - Sunday, June 7Saltsburg Canal Park

724-639-9413

2015 Indiana Summer Showcase Softball Tournament

Friday, June 5 - Sunday, June 7Various Fields around Indiana County

724-396-2181Strawberry Saturday - Smicksburg

Saturday, June 6Smicksburg Community

814-257-0192www.smicksburg.net

Downtown Decathlon - IndianaFriday, June 12

Downtown Indiana724-463-6110

www.downtownindiana.orgJimmy Stewart Airport Festival

Saturday, June 13 - Sunday, June 14Jimmy Stewart Airport - Indiana

724-463-3883www.jimmystewartairport.com

Pick-A-Dilly Herb FaireSaturday, June 13

Dillweed Bed & Breakfast - Dilltown814-446-6465

www.dillweedinc.comSalamander Safari - Mike Shaffer

Sunday, June 14Yellow Creek State Park

724-357-7913Campfire Songs, Food & Fun -

Anthony FrazierSaturday, June 20

Yellow Creek State Park724-357-7913

Cookport Antique Machinery ShowFriday, June 26 - Sunday, June 28

Cookport Fairgrounds814-243-0196

www.cookportantiquemachineryshow.org

Upcoming Events

www.VisitIndianaCountyPA.org

*All events, dates, and times subject to change without notice. Please visit the Calendar of Events page of the ICTB website for a complete listing of all upcoming events.

5Toll free: 877-746-3426

ICTB Donates ComputersThe Indiana County Tourist Bureau was pleased to donate refurbished computers to three of their members. Thanks to the assistance of KAPLET Techology Solutions, who cleaned and prepped the computers for the new owners, the Historical Society of the Blairsville Area, the Chevy Chase Community Center, and the John G. Schmick Heritage Center each received a reconditioned computer for their non-profit organization. Pictured, from left, are Cindy Hogue and Patti Lance, HSBA; Larry Bussard, Schmick Heritage Center; Beverly Mathews, CCCC; and representing ICTB are Laura Herrington, Gregg Van Horn, Jody Toldi, and Maria Jack.

Congratulations to ICTB Member, Roseann’s Everyday Gourmet, who celebrated 30 years in business on March 18th. Those in attendance enjoyed some of their signature goodies as well as a chance to win a pair of Pirate home opener tickets and $30 gift certificates. Slices of their delicious, complimentary anniversary cake and fruit punch were greatly appreciated by everyone. Stay tuned for future news on these upcoming milestones: Jimmy Stewart Museum marks 20 years of celebrity and worldwide visitors! Sip and toast 30 years with Windgate Winery in the Smicksburg Amish countryside. Rustic Lodge salutes 70 years of fantastic banquets, reunions and weddings . “Go Live at 25!” ... the Lively Arts at IUP welcomes show-stopping performances. 20 years in business - Bill Thompson, State Farm Insurance Agency.

Anew Home Health Agency Inc1380 Route 286 Highway East

Indiana, PA 15701 724-465-9224

www.anewnursing.com

B & B Country Cheese Shoppe4260 Route 210 HighwayPunxsutawney, PA 15767

724-286-9177

Brush Valley Antique Iron & Power Club PO Box 2032

Indiana, PA 15701724-479-4316

Founders Gallery and Gifts157 West Campbell Street

Blairsville, PA 15717 724-675-8574

www.foundersgalleryandgifts.com

Milestones for Our Members

Welcome New MembersMontgomery Publishing

PO Box 161Elderton, PA 15736

724-388-9744www.jumpstartmynovel.com

The Baltimore Life CompaniesRobert Elder (Agent)5370 Route 259 North

PO Box 162814-693-5697

Brush Valley, PA 15720

Smicksburg Antique Tractor & Machinery Club

PO Box 120Smicksburg, PA 16256

smicksburgtractorclub.webs.com

SuzyB Knits52 Clarion Street

Smicksburg, PA 16256814-257-8326

www.suzybknits.com

Whirlwind Toys & Hobbies 2430 Philadelphia Street

Indiana, PA 15701Phone: 724-349-6849

stores.ebay.com/whirlwind-toys-and-hobbies

Friendly Reminder to ALL Members:You can submit your events online! Simply go to:

http://visitindianacountypa.org/calendar-of-events/submit-an-event/ and follow the instructions to upload your events to our online

calendar. Please call our office if you have any questions.

Know someone interested in becoming an Indiana County

Tourist Bureau member? Membership applications can be

obtained in our office or downloaded from our website.

2334 Oakland Ave.,Suite 68, Indiana Mall

Indiana, PA 15701Phone: 724-463-7505

OfficersPresidentGregg Van Horn

Vice PresidentSandy Trimble

SecretaryTiffany Fetterman

TreasurerJacquelyn Hathaway

Member at LargeJoy Fairbanks

DirectorsValerie BaloghCommissioner Patty EvankoRobin GormanMartin HarbaughLinda MaguirePatty PainterJim StruzziJames Tweardy

StaffExecutive DirectorDenise Liggett

Office CoordinatorJody Toldi

Group Tour/Conference AssociateMaria Jack

Financial Associate/Marketing CoordinatorLaura Herrington

Graphic ArtistJen Buckles Brochure DistributionTony Greenawalt

Indiana County Tourist BureauBoard of Directors & Office Staff

PRSRT STDU.S. Postage

PAIDPermit # 181Indiana, PA

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