Since its creation in 2017, Be Here — an initiative of the Venango Area Chamber of Commerce — has been on a mission to celebrate the heart of Venango County by highlighting its unique stories, remarkable people and outstanding opportunities. This program aims to not only “change the narrative” of the region but also spark a movement of optimism, pride and collaboration. Through storytelling, events and community-driven initiatives, Be Here has become a powerful catalyst for change, helping Venango County thrive and shine as a welcoming and vibrant place to live, work and play.
Changing the narrative
Positivity has the power to transform communities, and Be Here has harnessed this power to elevate Venango County. By sharing good news, celebrating local accomplishments, and spotlighting the people and places that define the region, the initiative has created a ripple effect of enthusiasm. From young entrepreneurs and community leaders to artists, families and long-time residents, Be Here tells the stories that matter — stories of resilience, innovation and joy.
In August, Be Here celebrated a significant milestone by hosting a two-day ZingTrain workshop, bringing over 40 local leaders together at the PennWest Venango Campus. Participants engaged in sessions on Servant Leadership, Personal Visioning and Self-Management. Day two was dedicated to visioning exercises for the entire county, fostering collaboration among individuals and organizations with a shared passion for the region. Facilitated by ZingTrain, a globally recognized organization, the workshop equipped attendees with tools to drive leadership and strengthen community development.
These efforts have reinforced Be Here’s mission to foster unity, inspire action and build a brighter future for everyone in Venango County.
Spreading the word
In the digital age, connection is key, and Be Here excels in using online platforms to reach residents and visitors alike. With active Facebook and Instagram pages, the initiative shares captivating stories, promotes regional events and highlights the attractions that make Venango County a standout destination. Testimonials from locals on the Be Here website offer glimpses into why they chose this region as their home, their careers and the activities they love most.
The easily recognizable Be Here decal, proudly displayed on storefronts, vehicles and community spaces, symbolizes the pride and positivity of the program. These decals are available at the Chamber office or by request, providing residents and visitors with an easy way to express their love for Venango County. As Program Manager Ashley Smith explains, “Displaying the sticker is a way to spread the word and tell others, ‘Venango County is a great place, and I’m proud to be here.’”
While Be Here utilizes various online platforms and marketing strategies to promote the program, the Venango Area Chamber of Commerce understands the power of face-to-face connections. Program manager, Ashley Smith, presented to local organizations and groups, with students and and in schools to find out what matters most to people who live in the area and work together to help the region thrive.
Community Calendar of Events: Connecting people to opportunities
One of the things the Be Here initiative is proud of is having a Community Calendar, found at beherevenango.org/events. From live music and fundraisers to gallery openings and workshops, the calendar offers a one-stop resource for discovering the rich variety of events happening throughout the region.
Event organizers can submit detailed listings, complete with flyers, ticket links, images and even Google Maps locations, making it easy for attendees to plan their outings. This tool not only promotes local events, but also fosters community engagement by encouraging residents to participate and support their neighbors’ efforts.
Be Here is excited to announce that they are moving forward with a new and improved community calendar that will be launched in early 2025.
Experience Venango Video Series: Showcasing the region’s unique charm
The Experience Venango video series brings the beauty and vibrancy of Venango County to life. Through partnerships with community organizations, these videos capture the essence of what makes the region special — currently showcasing our thriving arts scene to the many outdoor recreation opportunities.
The first two videos in the series, Experience Arts in Venango and Experience Recreation in Venango, are available on the Be Here YouTube channel and Facebook page. Upcoming installments will spotlight areas such as manufacturing, farming, dining, historic preservation and more. The goal is to inspire both residents and visitors to explore the countless ways to enjoy and contribute to life in Venango County.
Community Heart & Soul: Empowering residents to shape their future
In 2024, Be Here achieved recognition as a Pennsylvania Community Heart & Soul designee, marking an exciting new chapter for the initiative. The Heart & Soul program, facilitated by Pennsylvania Humanities, empowers communities to explore their shared values and aspirations through storytelling and collaboration.
Unlike traditional top-down decision-making models, Heart & Soul focuses on a resident-driven approach, bringing people together to shape the future of their communities. Whether through neighborhood events, storytelling workshops or online discussions, the program creates opportunities for meaningful engagement.
For Venango County, the initiative highlights the unique connections between Franklin, Oil City and Cranberry Township — three hubs linked by key state routes that form a triangle at the heart of the county. These communities, while distinct in character, share common goals and challenges. By emphasizing collaboration, the Heart & Soul process is helping residents find common ground, deepen connections and create positive change across the region. This approach is not only about addressing immediate needs, but also about ensuring sustainable growth and cohesion for years to come.
In 2025, Be Here will build on this momentum by hosting a variety of events designed to engage residents and gather valuable insights. Themed story-gathering sessions will encourage individuals to share their experiences and ideas around topics that matter most to them, from outdoor recreation to local history and entrepreneurship. Informal meetups at local coffee shops will provide casual, welcoming spaces for people to connect and participate in the conversation. Additionally, online surveys will ensure that everyone — regardless of schedule or location — has the opportunity to contribute their voice to this initiative. Through these efforts, Be Here continues to embody the core principles of Community Heart & Soul: involving everyone, focusing on what matters most and playing the long game to create a thriving, united Venango County.
A Vision for the future
As Be Here looks ahead, the initiative is poised for even greater impact, driven by a commitment to growth, collaboration and innovation. Plans for the coming year include an expansion of the website’s “Live Here,” “Work Here” and “Play Here” sections, transforming them into go-to resources for residents, newcomers and visitors alike. These enhancements will provide comprehensive information on topics ranging from transportation options and housing resources to small business support, job opportunities, local attractions and recreational activities. By offering easy access to these essential resources, Be Here aims to support residents at every stage of their journey and showcase the region’s many strengths.
Additionally, the initiative is relaunching its popular community conversations to foster deeper connections and ensure that residents have a voice in shaping the future of Venango County. These conversations will create inclusive spaces for people to share their ideas, express concerns and articulate their aspirations for the community. The feedback and insights gathered will directly influence the next chapter of Be Here, helping the initiative evolve in ways that address local priorities and reflect the shared values of the region.
To complement these efforts, Be Here is doubling down on its digital and multimedia presence. Enhancements to the Community Calendar aim to make it a robust and user-friendly tool for promoting local events and activities, bridging the gap between organizers and attendees. New video projects will highlight the vibrant culture, natural beauty and opportunities that make Venango County a unique and desirable place to live, work and play. Through these videos, Be Here will continue to tell the stories of the region and its people, inspiring pride among residents and sparking interest from potential visitors and new community members.
By expanding its online presence, deepening community engagement and leveraging the power of storytelling, Be Here is charting an ambitious path forward. These efforts reflect the initiative’s unwavering dedication to creating a thriving, welcoming and connected Venango County, where everyone feels empowered to contribute to and benefit from its success.
Get involved and make a difference
Whether you’re a lifelong resident or a newcomer, there are countless ways to be part of the Be Here movement. From sharing your story and attending events to promoting the initiative through word-of-mouth and decals, every contribution helps strengthen the fabric of Venango County.
Learn more about Be Here at www.beherevenango.org, or reach out to the Venango Area Chamber of Commerce at 814-676-8521 or asmith@venangochamber.org.
