Cameron County Chamber of Commerce is moving next month to the former Cabin Kitchen Restaurant.  The building at 24 West Fourth Street in Emporium has been a restaurant for more than 70 years.  Following a devastating fire in February 2003, the structure was rebuilt in 6 months and reopened feeding residents and travelers.  In 2022 the property was offered for sale.  The chamber will convert the property to a multi-use facility and begin the move in process October 1. 

The idea of a multi-use facility began in the fall of 2022 when the chamber was looking to relocate from its rented location.  Chamber executive director Tina Solak says the facility will focus on entrepreneurs and growth for existing businesses while promoting the county for tourism and attracting new businesses. 

An Agreement with Northern Pennsylvania Regional College will bring the latest technology for remote and in person classes to Emporium.  Currently many of those classes are only found in neighboring communities.  “This will allow employers to send workers for advanced training without factoring in driving time,” explains Solak.  Leasing space to Workforce Solutions for North Central PA will allow the organization to expand office hours to 6 days a week, which will benefit those searching for work or employees. 

 “The kitchen equipment in the building will be augmented to fit the requirements of USDA standards so that any items produced can be sold at grocery stores.”  A partnership with several grocery outlets is in the works according to Solak, who says, “the news of a functional USDA approved kitchen is attracting attention across the region.   It will be the first of its kind in the PA Wilds.”

The chamber staff will continue to operate the artisan center from the new location.  It will be open 6 days a week and offer unique handmade items from nearly 60 artists.  The new location includes a convenient parking lot for shoppers. 

During the first two weeks of October both Cameron County Chamber of Commerce locations will be open.  The staff invites people to stop in and watch the progress.