Our deepest appreciation and thanks to our legislature’s public investment in the tourism industry. We are grateful for tourism’s hotel tax revenue sharing as it allows us to invest in economic

development with tourists’ dollars. Tourism pays for itself and as careful stewards, we enjoy the privilege of providing partner services, increasing visitation and economic investment, and marketing

Schuylkill County by telling her stories to the outside world.

Special Thanks.

Senior Advisory Board Members Robert Carl, Jerry Enders, Joan Goodman, Patrick McKinney, and Noreen O’Boyle

1874 Tamaqua Railroad Station18 North Railroad St., Tamaqua, PA, 18252

Senator James J. Rhoades Municipal Center Building39 West Centre Street, Mahanoy City, PA 17948

Locust Lake State Park, Tuscarora State Park, Swatara State Park, Sweet Arrow Lake County Park, Schuylkill Conservation District, Weiser State Forest, Schuylkill River Greenways, Schuylkill County Conservancy,

Schuylkill County Sportsmen’s Association, SEDCO, Tamaqua Area Community Partnership.

City of Pottsville, Boroughs of Ashland, Auburn, Coaldale, Cressona, Deer Lake, Frackville, Gilberton, Girardville, Gordon, Landingville, Mahanoy City, McAdoo, Mechanicsville, Middleport, Minersville, Mount Carbon, New Philadelphia,

New Ringgold, Orwigsburg, Palo Alto, Pine Grove, Port Carbon, Port Clinton, Ringtown, Schuylkill Haven, Shenandoah, Saint Clair, Tamaqua, Tower City, Tremont, and the Townships of Barry, Blythe, Branch, Butler, Cass, Delano, East

Brunswick, East Norwegian, East Union, Eldred, Foster, Frailey, Hegins, Hubley, Kline, Mahanoy, New Castle, North Manheim, North Union, Norwegian, Pine Grove, Porter, Reilly, Rush, Ryan, Schuylkill, South Manheim, Tremont, Union,

Upper Mahantongo, Walker, Washington, Wayne, West Brunswick, West Mahanoy, West Penn.

Partners & Supporters

State Legislators

County Commissioners

Senator David Argall 100 North Centre StreetPottsville, PA 17901(570) 621-3400Fax: (570) 622-6629

Barron L Hetherington, ChairmanGeorge F. Halcovage Jr., CommissionerGary J. Hess, CommissionerFrank J. Staudenmeier, Commissioner - deceased401 N. Second St. Pottsville, PA 17901(570) 622-5570Fax: (570) 628-1210

Hon. Michael Tobash988 East Main StreetSchuylkill Haven, PA 17972 (570) 385-8235 Fax: (570) 385-8238

Hon. Jerry Knowles202 E. Broad StreetTamaqua, PA 18252 (570) 668-1240 Fax: (570) 952-3374

Hon. Neal P. Goodman39 West Centre StreetMahanoy City, PA 17948 (570) 773-3075 Fax: (570) 773-3105

County TreasurerLinda L. Marchalk401 N. Second St. Pottsville, PA 17901(570) 622-5570Fax: (570) 628-1210

Dear Schuylkill County Tourism Partner,

Fifty-seven years ago we became your designated tourism promotion agency working to bring visitors and their dollarsto Schuylkill County. Over that time, the tourism industry continues to change and so do we, but one thing remainsthe same: we’re telling our community’s stories.

As we close this tumultuous year on the books, we know the only constantis change. Covid-19 has upended the tourism industry as well as the entireU.S. economy. Explore Schuylkill has weathered the storm thus far via ourprudent emergency reserves set aside over time by our responsible stew-ardship of funding. We expect the 2020-21 fiscal year to be every bit asdifficult.

Difficult, but not impossible. Tremendous change also brings innovation,opportunity, and growth potential, and Explore Schuylkill is up to the chal-lenge. We are blessed with a dedicated team of employees and a dedicatedboard of directors who will work alongside our community partners tokeep growing Schuylkill County’s tourism industry.

Schuylkill County continues to be a convenient outdoor recreation destination providing a fun, uplifting experience toa variety of people. It’s a place where historic town escapes couple beautifully with woodland adventures. Our rural lo-cation, rich history, unique attractions, handcrafted beverages, exquisite foods, and lush mountains afford us the abil-ity to offer the authentic travel experience visitors crave, especially in the uncertain pandemic landscape.

While telling our stories to the heritage tourist and outdoor enthusiast market, we’ve managed to make more peopleaware of Schuylkill County – both here and from a distance. We know that once stabilized, hotel occupancies willeventually resume their rise. Our robust social media strategy enjoys a significant following as we continue to invest inhigh emotion storytelling and imagery through video. Our promotions continue to move the needle in our favor. Morevisitors –and their dollars– will again find their way to our many attractions and events, restaurants, and lodging facil-ities.

Thanks to the work of our dedicated Board of Directors, Senior Advisory Board, and industry partners, we continue togrow, make larger financial investments in advertising, and create a larger impact as one component of our county’scomprehensive economic development plan. We continue to move forward telling Schuylkill County’s stories and com-peting as a unique Pennsylvania destination, and are excited to be in partnership with you.

Sincerely,

Regina Gargano

Greeting.

Board of Directors.

Robert CarlSchuylkill Chamber

of Commerce

Brian HansburyPresidentSEDCO

David Crouse3C’s Family Restaurant

Allyson ChrystMaid’ Quarters Bed,Breakfast & Tearoom

Jeanne ElberfeldSchuylkill County’s

VISION

Noreen O’BoyleHoliday Inn

Express

Stephanie PremichMud & Maker

Staff

Regina GarganoExecutive Director

Vanessa GerhardAdministrativeCoordinator

Keri JohnsonCommunications

Coordinator

Debbie AltobelliYuengling Brewery

Museum & Gift Shop

Hellen KocurHoliday Inn

Express & Suites

Senior Advisory Board

Joan GoodmanKaier Mansion

Bed & Breakfast

Jerry EndersJerry’s Classic Cars & Collectibles Museum

Patrick McKinneySchuylkill

Conservation District

Chastity MoranVice-PresidentPioneer Tunnel

Coal Mine

Troy JochemsSecretaryHope Hill

Lavender Farm

Samantha ChivinskiSchuylkill Chamber

of Commerce

Sandy HessHess Catering

Holly KonkusStone Mountain

Wine Cellars

John RossTamaqua Station

Restaurant

Community Investments.In these difficult and uncertain times, we are fortunate to continue making a number of community investments with our members in Schuylkill County and around our region of East Central Pennsylvania. Many of these investments are ongoing innature, have been occurring for many years, and will hopefully continue for many more. Schuylkill County is successful because we all work so well in collaboration and partnership.

Brand New Website In Process - When completed, this project will accurately convey our brand’s message while offering ourtarget audience an exceptional and engaging user experience by utilizing responsive design, increased online interaction, socialmedia and video integration, and visitor statistics and tracking.

Member and partner Covid-19 support, resources, and assistance - Explore Schuylkill provided current, timely, user-friendlyinformation and hands-on support for all Covid-19 assistance programs. In addition, in an effort to aid our partners, we put ourmoney where our mouth is and offered a free year of membership dues to all our current members in good standing.

Customizable Historical Walking Tours of Pottsville & John O’Hara’s Gibbsville

Continued development of relationships with media influencers to increase media reach and coverage. One such example issince developing our relationship with Discover NEPA in 2018, they have covered and video featured 14 Schuylkill County organizations, which accounts for 5% of their features while they cover 14 counties in the NEPA region.

Expansion of cool new Road Trips and Trails itineraries designed with timeliness and flexibility

Growing Craft Beverage Trail - Designed to drive visitation and build awareness of each of its member locations by featuringthis successful and growing segment of tourism. Trail currently consists of eight wineries, three distilleries, and three breweries.The trail is expanding while growing members, developing incentives, driving customers, and creating virtual events and destinations themes.

Implemented data from our tourism survey to design, develop, and launch a brand for Schuylkill County that builds valuefor and showcases Schuylkill County’s authenticity as a destination. Explore Schuylkill, where your woodland escape and historic town adventures come together naturally serves multiple themes and partners and fosters mutually beneficial, cohesivework across the community while supporting multiple platforms of marketing across the tourism industry.

Fulfilled and executed commitments and tasks as Key Lead Partners in Pottsville Economic Strategic Revitalization Planbased primarily on tourism, livable communities, and art.

Expanded Video Library - Continuing to expand and create short new videos designed specifically for marketing and socialsto add to our current series of over 34 different local attractions, events, and experiences which present viewers with an intriguing glimpse of a destination that is truly an American Original. We made the video series available to any and all partners throughout the region to utilize the video series to showcase the county, educate their partners, and spread the goodnews that there is plenty of fun to be had in Schuylkill County.

State of the Art Digital Wayfinding Kiosk system enhancement – Continuous expansion to this system which is designed toincrease visitor spend, provide member connectivity, and move people and revenue around Schuylkill County. Additionally, thekiosk system assists in gathering crucial visitor data such as zip code, most searched categories of interest, number of visitors toa location, and more.

Evergreen marketing featuring Top 10 Thing to do in Schuylkill County, Top 10 Things for Kids to do in Schuylkill County,Schuylkill New Year’s Resolution List, Schuylkill Summer Passport to Fun, 5 Reasons to Visit Schuylkill County, The SchuylkillFoodie List, Local Shopping

Continuation of numerous event sponsorships, co-ops, funding opportunities, marketing support, and assistance to organizations throughout the county & region during Covid-19. For all members and partners who had to postpone and cancel,we did not request refunds but instead asked that they keep the sponsorship dollars for 2021 in the hopes that we can supportthem in continuing their missions and keeping community events ongoing in the future.

SkooCal - Partner sponsors and direct link for SkooCal, the free, premier online event calendar resource for the community.

Itineraries - Provide customizable itineraries and related resources.

Membership.1787 Brewing Company3 C’s Family RestaurantAAA Schuylkill CountyAlchemist's Cove Games & ComicsAlvernia University Schuylkill CenterAnnual Girardville St. Patrick's DayParadeArmstrong Valley WineryThe Art of EscapeThe Arts Barn Gallery & EducationCenterAshland Mother's MemorialAteeco Inc. - Mrs. T's PierogiesBeehive Hair SalonBerkshire Hathaway Home ServiceHome Sale RealtyBenigna's Creek Vineyard & WineryBrickhouse GrillBuddy's Log Cabin Family Restaurant Bum's Rush Restaurant & PubC & C Candies And Country Store CACL Federal Credit UnionCamp-A-While CampgroundChristmas Pines CampgroundCity of PottsvilleComfort Inn & SuitesCountry Inn & Suites Crimson HouseCrystal CaveDemmergraphics Screen PrintingDowntown Shenandoah Inc.Eastern Press Quality PrintingEcho Valley Campground Inc.Evans Delivery CompanyFairlane Village MallFamous Reading Outdoors Fieldwood WineryFighter's HeavenForget-Me-Not FloristFrackville Business & Professional AssociationFrackville Rotary ClubFriedensburg Country RestaurantGabriel Chamber EnsembleGalen Glen Vineyard & WineryGood Intent Hose #1Gramma's Family DiningGreater Schuylkill Haven Area Business Association

Members are the heart and soul of Explore Schuylkill! After all, they comprise Schuylkill County’stourism product; therefore, they are the reason we exist. We can’t showcase Schuylkill County’s

tourism product and tell our story if there’s nothing to showcase and no story to tell. We are grateful for your partnership.

Greater Shenandoah Area HistoricalSocietyHampton Inn at Pine GroveHawk Mountain SanctuaryHegins Valley Arts & Craft FaireHeisler's Cloverleaf Dairy Hess Catering Inc.Hidden Valley Golf CourseHillbilly HoochHillside SPCAHoliday Inn Express And Suites Hometown Farmers MarketHope & CoffeeHope Hill Lavender FarmInn At Birch WildsIsland Committee Jack Azz DistillingJerry's Classic Car & Collectibles MuseumJoan Goodman Real EstateJohannes Schwalm Historical Association Inc.Kaier Mansion Bed & BreakfastKen’s Tire Inc.King Cole WineryKline Brothers Auto Body ShopKowalonek's Kielbasy ShopL & K ConstructionCatalpa Grove At Lakewood ParkLake Wynonah Property Owners AssociationLasting Legacy For PottsvilleLaurel Lake CampsitesLeesport Farmers Market Inc.Lehigh Gorge Scenic RailwayLehigh Valley Wine TrailLessie's Garden Greenhouse & Gift Shop/AvenuesLewis General StoreLisa's Floral Expressions & MarketplaceLong Trout Winery Made In PGAMaids' Quarters Bed, Breakfast, &Tea RoomMain Street MoonshineManheim DinerMajestic TheaterMimm's Country Inn

Momma Millie's BakeryMountain Valley Golf CourseMud and MakerMurphy Jewelers of PottsvilleMyrtle May’s CaféThe Nature And Discovery StoreNo. 9 Mine & MuseumOld White Church Preservation CommitteeO'Neals PubOrwigsburg Business and Professional AssociationOrwigsburg Historical Society & MuseumOur Haven FoundationOur Town FoundationPalestinian Orthodox Church ofAmerica ChanceryPeace Frog Natural FoodsPenn State SchuylkillPenn State Master GardenersPine Grove Pilot Travel CenterPine Lanes Bowling CenterPioneer Evergreen FarmsPioneer Pole BuildingsPioneer Tunnel Coal MinePottsville Business AssociationPottsville Commission on TourismPottsville DinerPottsville Free Public LibraryPottsville Lions ClubPottsville Motor InnPressed Coffee & BooksPristine Green Cleaning Service R & J TransportationRamada InnRausch Creek TrailridersReading BaseballRed Lion CafeRed Ridge Lake CampgroundRed Shale Ridge VineyardsRevere BreweryRoman DelightRepublican HeraldRoma Pizzeria & RestaurantRosemount Camping ResortSchaeffer's Harley-Davidson Sales &ServicesSchuylkill Ballet Theatre

Schuylkill Chamber of CommerceSchuylkill Choral SocietySchuylkill County AirportSchuylkill County Board of RealtorsSchuylkill County ConservancySchuylkill Conservation DistrictSchuylkill County Council for the ArtsSchuylkill County Fair AssociationSchuylkill County Historical SocietySchuylkill County's VisionSchuylkill County Wine FestivalSchuylkill Country ClubSchuylkill Keep It PrettySchuylkill River Greenway AssociationSchuylkill Transportation SystemSchuylkill YMCAScottDee's CateringStoker's Brewing CompanyStone House Bed & BreakfastStone Mountain Wine CellarsStrike Zone AlleysSubwaySummer Valley Guest HouseSusquehanna Heartland Wine TrailTamaqua Area Chamber of CommerceTamaqua Community Art CenterTamaqua Historical SocietyTamaqua Station RestaurantTamaqua SOSValley View Park AssociationVeterans of the Vietnam War Post # 29Vintage 61 StorehouseVist BankVito’s Coal Fire Pizza & RestaurantWerner Lumber CompanyWalk In Art CenterWanamaker, Kempton, & SouthernRailroadThe Washington HotelWheel RestaurantWhite Birch Golf CourseWhitewater Rafting AdventuresWilkes-Barre/Scranton InternationalAirport-AVPYocko'sYuengling Brewery Museum & Gift Shop

Professional Affiliations. Explore Schuylkill realizes that our tourism industry partners need as many resources as they can

possibly get in today’s competitive industry environment and that’s why we subscribe to an extensive list of professional affiliations that are key components to our destination product. We bring the benefits of these relationships to our partners and keep costs at a minimum.

*Source PADCED, Office of Tourism**All dollar amounts in millions

Travel Economy Impacts

Performance.

Media Partnerships.With tight media and ad budgets, public relations is more important than ever. It’s a cost effective way of getting information about Schuylkill County out to the media, our target

audiences, and our community. Social media, in particular, is extremely effective for us. However,we are fortunate to have many media partners that support the tourism industry and its economicimpact in Schuylkill County. Their contribution, support, and partnership make it possible for us to

continue to tell Schuylkill County’s story.