Times Observer photo by Josh Cotton Ben Lisowski, center, talking to Gary Lester and Ben Kafferlin is one of several remote workers who will be living in Warren this month as part of the PA Wilds “Wilds are Working” initiative.

There’s been plenty of talk in recent years that one way we can grow our economy is to recruit people who work remotely and want to live in a rural, small town environment.

For the month of August, we’re going to see just how that works.

Several families will spend the month in Warren County as part of the PA Wilds “Wilds are Working initiative.”

The aim is to give those families a glimpse into what moving here might look like.

“With an eye toward tackling the challenges that come with outmigration and a dwindling tax base, the Wilds Are Working campaign seeks to empower workers to try out living, working, and giving in the PA Wilds communities for 2-4 weeks with a hope that some of those participants will decide to work in the region full-time,” according to a program description.

Those families were welcomed to Warren County Thursday night in a reception held at the Crary Art Gallery.

They come from Atlanta, Georgia, Wisconsin, Pittsburgh and Indianapolis, Indiana.

“(We’re) ecstatic to have our new friends for the month of August,” Warren County Chamber of Business and Industry President/CEO Jim Decker said.

While the workers will get a glimpse into life here, local officials will also get feedback from the workers about strengths and opportunities they see in our community.

“(We are) certainly hoping all of you will find it in your heart to move here,” Decker said.

“Get out and explore,” Ta Enos, Founder and CEO of the PA Wilds Center for Entrepreneurship said. “(We are) looking forward to hearing about your experiences.”

Enos said the program was held in two communities last year, two this year – Warren included and two next year.

Decker said some communal events – a ride/hike at the Trails at Jakes Rocks and a float down the Allegheny River – are in the works for the workers.

Communities selected to host the program have to tick several boxes – suitable accommodations, access to high-speed internet, cell phone coverage, recreation and activity options and “a group of friendly and knowledgeable volunteers ready to host workers and help them make the most of their experience.”

Phil Gilbert spearheaded the grant application for Warren’s participation and members of the steering committee working to facilitate the program include Jim Decker, John Papalia, Savannah Casey, Ben Kafferlin, Kassie Damcott, Pat Evans, Phil Gilbert, Piper VanOrd and Tiffany Marino.