Past Winners
2017: TrAils to ales brewery
Grand prize winner
1270 Liberty Street
Franklin, PA 16323
Owners: David Ballard, Berline Nerlich, Craig Smith, Jim Paulson, Logan Degroat, Jasen Fry
Winning Idea: TrAils to Ales Brewery developed a "From Our Trails to Our Screen" program which encouraged trail users to submit their trail photographs to be displayed for guests on televisions in the brewery.
TrAils to Ales owners accepting grand prize award, courtesy Kim Harris
2017: Allegheny river rentals
second place winner
Kennerdell, PA 16374
Owner: Devin Gold
Winning Idea: Allegheny River Rentals proposed purchasing a sufficient number of kayaks, bicycles, and other necessary amenities for tourists who wish to use local trails.
Allegheny River Rentals Logo, courtesy Allegheny River Rentals Facebook page
2016: karma coffee company
grand prize winner
237 Seneca Street / 238 Elm Street
Oil City, PA 16301
Owners: Shaun and Marie Alcorn
Winning Idea: Karma Coffee Co. anticipated creating expanded space for seating. They planned to overhaul the "back room" to create an environment favorable for holding community events. Karma also wanted to add an indoor space on Elm Street and outdoor rack on Seneca Street for bikers to house their bikes while visiting the restaurant.
Karma Coffee Co. storefront, courtesy Karma Coffee Co Facebook page
2016: outdoor allegheny river services (OARS)
second place winner
250 Elk Street
Franklin, PA 16323
Owner: Jeff Brunton
Winning Idea: OARS proposed to purchase a stand-alone building to house a bicycle repair shop, as well as buy shop parts inventory, add "specialty" rental items, and update their website. The goal was to increase awareness of trail-related services.
Kayaking on the Allegheny River, courtesy OARS Facebook page
2016: Little It Deli
third place winner
516 Main Street
Emlenton, PA 16373
Owners: Jeff and Julie Powell
Winning Idea: Little It Deli put forward a plan to build an L-shaped bar with working bar sink, refrigeration equipment, and furniture to aid in the expansion of their wine business. They aimed to create more foot traffic in Emlenton while attracting more customers including trail users.
Little It Deli storefront, courtesy Little It Deli Facebook page