• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
  • Skip to footer
The Progress Fund

The Progress Fund

The Progress Fund

  • (724) 216-9160
  • Ask about a loan today
MENU
Hide Search
  • Home
  • Loans
    • Small Business LoansThe Progress Fund provides financing from $20,000 to over $1,000,000 to people who are starting, expanding or buying small businesses.
    • Get Loan ReadyLet us help connect you to the right resources to grow your business.
    • Ask About a LoanExplore your loan options.
    • Resources for EntrepreneursOur small business experts can help you plan your business start-up or a new type of venture.
    • FAQFind answers for commonly asked questions about us, how to apply for a loan, our loans, and technical assistance.
    • Application FormsContact us first before submitting the forms.
  • Borrowers
    • Browse Borrowers
    • Explore Borrower Map
  • Stories
  • About
    • About UsThe Progress Fund provides financing and business coaching to help people like you to grow businesses and create jobs for the region.
    • StaffThe Progress Fund staff combine lending experience with dedication to help small business owners.
    • ImpactsThe Progress Fund makes a difference.
    • Praise by OthersWe have provided financing to help people grow their businesses. Learn what people are saying about us.
    • Board of DirectorsOur Board of Directors combines experience and dedicated community service.
    • History and AwardsThe success of our work has brought notoriety and awards for community development impact.
    • Our SupportersWe rely on financial support of state and federal agencies, private foundations, and commercial banks.
    • Community DevelopmentWe have been creating opportunities along the Nation’s Trails since 2007 as well as redeveloping key properties in key communities.
    • The West Newton StoryCommunity development loans and real estate developments projects have supported the start-up and expansion of small businesses that are changing the future of the community.
    • EmploymentView our current job openings.
  • Contact
  • 724-216-9160
  • Display Search
Home The Progress Fund Stories Stories About Us A congratulatory note from the President & CEO

A congratulatory note from the President & CEO

December 15, 2021

The Great Allegheny Passage Conservancy (formally the Allegheny Trail Alliance) and Fourth Economy (an economic development consulting firm) deserve a standing ovation for their just released Economic Impact Report on the Great Allegheny Passage.

If you are interested in outdoor recreation, environmentally sustainable development and Trail Towns, I suggest you dig into their Impact Report.  I have seen thousands of economy reports through my career, and I’ll tell you this one is one of the very best.   All involved did an impressive job.  Fourth Economy prepared a thoughtful report using a conservative approach, and presented it in an easy to read and linear fashion that increased the understanding of the data.

I particularly like the following text on page 33, which is:

“…a fairly high number. More rural outdoor trail systems — especially those whose primary users are backpackers and hikers (with higher rates of rustic camping, and fewer opportunities for local spending) — tend to have lower rates of spending per user visit. Although the GAP does offer a more rustic experience for some users, most GAP tourists, on the other hand, tend to be higher-income cyclists, with high rates of daily spending — especially overnight GAP users. They contribute substantially to local businesses, giving the GAP an especially high rate of spending per user.”

The statement above is the essence and impetus of why The Progress Fund implemented the Trail Town Program®…to build a network of high-quality businesses that would give high-income tourists multiple opportunities to pull out their wallets.  Few people know of the economic impact studies back in the 1990’s done by the Southwestern Pennsylvania Heritage Preservation Commission that involved exit surveys of visitors to the newly opened National Park sites of Fort Necessity Battlefield and the Horseshoe Curve.  Visitors, when questioned about their visits to the region, had one major complaint…not enough high-quality places to eat, sleep or shop.  Those studies were the reason we started The Progress Fund and why I saw the need again when Linda McKenna Boxx mentioned similar complaints along the GAP.  Her concept of Trail Towns is why we implemented the Trail Town Program®, to make it a reality.

So, fast forward to today…it is fantastic to see the economic impact generated by the GAP, which at one time far fewer people thought was possible.  I am proud of The Progress Fund’s early commitment to building the towns along the GAP.  Our investment is obvious by the many pictures of Trail Town businesses that are showcased in the report.

Again, I am extremely impressed by what the Conservancy and Fourth Economy captured and have reported.  Well done!

Our Trail Towns Stories About Us

Previous Story 2021 GAP Annual Economic Impact Report
Next Story 2021 Preservationist of the Year

Share:

Primary Sidebar

Do you have a dream we can help you achieve?

Apply for a loan today

Signup for our eNewsletter

See the latest news on our borrowers, stay up to date on events and more.

Privacy Policy

Footer

  • Home
  • Small Business Loans
    • Ask about a loan
    • Application Forms
    • Resources for Entrepreneurs
  • FAQ
  • Our Borrowers
    • Browse Borrowers
  • The Progress Fund Stories
  • About Us
    • Staff
    • Impacts
    • Praise by Others
    • Board of Directors
    • History and Awards
    • Our Supporters
    • Community Development
    • The West Newton Story
    • Employment
  • Contact Us
The Progress Fund

Main Office

724-216-9160
425 W Pittsburgh St
Greensburg, PA 15601-2211

Connect With Us!

  • Follow us on Facebook
  • Follow us on Linkedin
  • Follow us on Instagram

Footer

Copyright © 2025 The Progress Fund. All Rights Reserved.
Equal opportunity provider and employer.
|
  • Sitemap
  • Privacy Policy
  • Non-Discrimination Statement
|
Website by FWE
Scroll Top of Page