With delicious eateries, unique shops, cozy cafes and a trout stream flowing along scenic walkways, the small town of Brockway has much to offer the local region, which is why a group of community members has started a new 501c3 nonprofit called Discover Brockway.

Led by Brockway native Dave Steele, Discover Brockway gained traction in the summer of 2023 when local citizens began meeting regularly to share ideas related to economic development, beautification and ecotourism opportunities. After recognizing the many strengths of the small town as well as opportunities for growth, the group decided to formalize their efforts through creation of the nonprofit.

Discover Brockway board member Sharon Varischetti said, “With our guiding principle, ‘working together to unify and beautify Brockway,’ we aim to embark on projects and plans that enhance our great community. We strive to inspire like-minded individuals to join us as we work to uplift Brockway.” 

Many of Discover Brockway’s board members are local business owners who understand the challenges and advantages of running a small business in rural Pennsylvania, making supporting the local business community a priority for the group. Through social media spotlights, sponsored events and organized forums, Discover Brockway aims to help the local business community thrive. Board member and business owner James Burkholder shared, “Small businesses are essential for the economic vitality, social cohesion and cultural richness of small towns. They contribute to the local economy by creating jobs, generating income and supporting other entities through partnerships and collaborations. Small businesses also reflect the unique identity of a small town, providing residents with a sense of pride and belonging.” 

 This sentiment was echoed across the Discover Brockway board as member Matt Oknefski concurred by stating, “Small businesses are the lifeline to any community. When businesses close, so do the doors of our town’s economic future.”

Other areas of interest to the group include the beautification and revitalization of the town with a project to install hanging flower baskets along Main Street currently underway. Community members will have an opportunity to sponsor a flower basket through an upcoming fundraising drive. Discover Brockway board member Nancy Morrison stated that “this project is low-cost yet high-impact and can serve as a catalyst to unify the community and inspire growth.”

Outdoor recreational enthusiasts know the hidden gem that is the Brockway area. Discover Brockway board member Josh Clontz commented, “I’m an avid fly fisherman and have been fortunate to have fished in many cool places around the world but my home waters of Little Toby Creek are my favorite. It’s a great stream surrounded by thousands of acres of public land. We also have awesome hiking and walking trails within minutes of downtown. I’d like to see Discover Brockway promoting responsible recreation and conservation initiatives that also promote ecotourism in our area.”

Nestled among the rolling hills of Appalachia and surrounded by the forests of the Pennsylvania Wilds, a small but mighty community refuses to succumb to economic and demographic challenges and, instead, has banded together to elevate the community they proudly call home. Sharon Varischetti reflected on the place she has always called home by sharing, “Growing up and raising our family in this vibrant community is a privilege I cherish beyond measure. Brockway is a town where the bonds between neighbors run deep, where laughter of children echoes in the park, where safety is assumed, and where friends and family return home to celebrate our beloved Fourth of July.”

Discover Brockway President Dave Steele noted, “We aim to give back to a town that gives so much to its citizens.”