Posted: May 28, 2019
A Look Back at Where We Started, And a Glimpse of More Great Things To Come
Just over a year ago, we were eagerly launching DiscoverNEPA.com. We had crossed all the t’s and dotted all the i’s. Finally, for our small staff and a team of research-weary interns, it was time to take the leap.
Our goal was to connect the people of Northeastern Pennsylvania with all the outstanding resources, things to do, places to eat, places to see and places to stay right here in their own backyard. We set out to inform anyone who didn’t already know that this gorgeous corner of the Keystone State had all the necessary ingredients of someplace special.
Rediscover home.
We taxed ourselves to make it known that, here in NEPA, we have the best comparable cost of living to any similarly-sized region in the entire country. We promoted our abundant and nationally-competitive educational opportunities. And we highlighted little slices of life in many of the region’s unique communities.
We celebrated our award-winning healthcare systems, our leading conservation efforts, and our untiring small business and professional development resources. Not only is life good here, but so is business.
Take it all in.
It was our mission to remind those fortunate enough to live here exactly why they’re so lucky to call NEPA “home”. Many times, we challenged our followers to get outside and get lost in the majesty of our incredible local, state and national parks. If we could inspire just a few to embrace their adventurous side, we knew we were off to a good start.
From cool streams and rivers to mountain trails and snowy slopes, NEPA’s outdoor sports and activities just can’t be beat.
Eat. Drink. Shop. Enjoy.
From the beginning, we set our sights on becoming the most comprehensive resource for everything to do in NEPA. And we’re still scouring all 10 counties to make sure we’re on top of that.
We’ve published blog posts, produced videos and virtually shouted from our social media rooftops about all the great places to grab a bite. From cool, local hangouts to date night staples, we have you covered.
We were honored to feature many of NEPA’s dedicated small shops, boutiques, bakers and makers. It is on their shoulders, we learned, that so many of our great towns rest. And continuing to highlight this dynamic is one of our sincerest endeavors.
Our region is one of great economic, academic, naturalistic, artistic and historical importance. Any efforts in the service of celebrating these virtues deserves recognition. In that regard, we spent much of our first year curating the most comprehensive local events calendar in the region.
Highlights From Our First Year
DiscoverNEPA by the numbers:
Since our launch on Wednesday, May 23, 2018, we have…
- Produced 110 videos with over 1 million collective views
- Offered 45 contests, and gave away just as many unique prizes
- Arranged 237 exclusive deals with NEPA businesses for the benefit of our followers
- Collected and curated 4,800+ incredible local events
- Published 2,100+ awesome Things to Do in NEPA
- Created 175 unique blog posts
- Developed 23 media sponsorships and partnerships with regional organizations
- Mentored 19 interns from 12 different colleges
- Grown to nearly 50,000 social media followers
- Published 600+ social media posts
- Received 15,000+ #DiscoverNEPA submissions
We’ve Laid a Sturdy Foundation, and Now We Look Ahead
We’re proud of how far we’ve come in only one year. As we grow, however, we’re reminded that there is so much more we want to accomplish. Here’s a quick look at a few things we’re focused on in our second year.
New voices.
We’re continuing to develop local partnerships. Recently, we launched a Healthy Living Blog, including valuable insight from talented Geisinger clinicians and other healthcare professionals. This informative series also welcomes guest bloggers and local experts to offer tips on eating healthy, staying active and motivated.
A renewed focus on giving back.
We know NEPA has a big heart, and we’re aiming to make volunteering time and talent to the region’s nonprofits a little easier. We’re currently building a network of local non-profit organizations, and creating their own dedicated space on DiscoverNEPA.com.
A dedication to education.
In the coming months, we will be rolling out a series of videos focusing on local colleges and universities. We will highlight many of the courses and programs that link directly to NEPA-specific areas of employment.
Staying true to our roots.
Of course, we’re still going to be producing many more of those popular videos and articles. We’re also always on the lookout for new things to do, events and contest prizes. Get in touch if you or a friend are opening a new business, planning an event, interested in a partnership, or if you find something we’re missing. We are always open to your suggestions.
And One More thing… Thank You!
You keep us moving forward.
Yes, the road ahead is long. But with a fresh crew of interns, a renewed sense of adventure, our wonderful, engaged followers, and so much more NEPA to explore, we’re gassing up the Jeep and getting to work.
Before we dive headfirst into our second year, we must pay our debt of gratitude. Without our followers, friends and community partners, we would have never made it this far. It is your continued interest and participation that propels us forward. So please, keep liking, following and spreading the word. Send more of those beautiful photos. Keep participating in our contests and meeting us at events. And don’t forget to honk and wave when you see our Jeep rolling through your town.
Ten great counties. One amazing region. DiscoverNEPA.
Our best is yet to come,
