Apr 22, 2015 2 min read

The Washington County Tourism Promotion Agency floated its new slogan, “Share The Energy,” Wednesday on the fore section of a 15-foot canoe at the Field & Stream store in South Strabane Township, anchoring the county’s many historic, outdoor and leisure attractions with its standing as a major energy center in the Northeast.

While the official unveiling in the Old Mill shopping complex was its first public view, the promotional statement will have its maiden voyage Saturday in the county’s first major event of the 2015 tourism season – the annual Marianna Canoe Race.

The event, sponsored by the Marianna Outdoorsmen Association, attracts more than 3,000 people each year to Ten Mile Creek in Marianna.

Flanked by poster-sized banners of the Arden Trolley Museum as well as one depicting a Whiskey Rebellion-era rebel each bearing the new slogan, Washington County Commission Chairman Larry Maggi explained the new tack the tourism agency is taking.

“Washington County is known for its outdoor activities, parks, biking trails and river recreation,” Maggi said. “It is also known for its premier shopping experiences, gaming, fine restaurants and historical treasurers. ‘Share the Energy’ reflects our county’s rich tourism offerings as well as invites both business and leisure travelers to explore, learn or simply recharge in Washington County.”

Jeff Kotula, president of the Washington County Chamber of Commerce and WCTPA, said recent research has shown outdoor activities are an increasingly important aspect of the tourism mix here and elsewhere.

“As we continue to refine our tourism messaging and promotion, we find that more and more travelers are interested in outdoor activities, food, gaming, shopping and other unique experiences,” he said. “In addition, many of these visitors are sharing their experiences by traveling with friends and family as well as communicating their adventures through their social networks.

“‘Share the Energy’ is a bold statement that we believe both welcomes and challenges visitors to explore Washington County for not only recreation, history and entertainment, but also for jobs, business opportunities and as a place to raise a family.”

While energy-related activites have become a major driver of Washington County’s economy in recent years, tourism is also an increasingly big business here, noted commissioner Diana Irey, who said the industry now contributes $754.7 million in direct spending and supports nearly 6,000 jobs.