KANE — For the last 100 Days, Kate Kennedy, director of Kane Area Development Center, has given the community, its residents, alumni and the world a special gift — Kane stories.
Using social media, a blog and video, she has chronicled over 100 people who have helped shape Kane into what Brandy Schimp, the first female mayor of Kane, calls a “unique Renaissance.”
On Saturday, the 100 Days of Kane wrapped-up with a final interview conducted by McKean County Senior Judge John Cleland and a celebration ceremony that included a special thank-you and time capsule collection. The time capsule contained each of the 100 Days of Kane participants’ photos and notes from residents about why they love the town.
“Kane has survived through the years because of our resilience. We are a town that has welcomed people from all over the globe,” Kennedy said. “I saw 100 days as a way to showcase not only the people of Kane but the rich resources of this region. We want to bring opportunities here that build the next generation.”
Using the Kane Area Development Center Facebook page Livestream, Kennedy conducted interviews with over 100 people who shared their stories of the past, present and vision for the future. Interviews were filmed and broadcasted live and are archived on Kane’s YouTube and website at www.kanepa.com.
“Initially I didn’t think I would video every person, but their stories were so moving, and everyone really appreciated the authenticity of the Livestream,” said Kennedy. “I’ve had so many people from out of town telling me how homesick they are for Kane after watching the videos. It’s been an honor to share these stories.”
The social media sites and blog have seen more than 70,000 views from all over the world, including India and Asia and Vietnam.
100 days of Kane won’t completely disappear. Kennedy said she will continue with Kane history nights on some Wednesdays and will still feature stories on social media and the blog throughout the year.
Project organizers said Kane is going through a bit of a boom.
Shouldered by more than a dozen companies with 40-plus years in business, it has seen 10 businesses open in the last 18 months. Kane’s entrepreneurial outlook is driving the transformation and people from outside of Kane are taking note.
The West Penn Power Sustainable Energy Fund (WPPSEF) recently announced its purchase of a three-story building on the main street of Kane and has already invested nearly $150,000 in other Kane energy-efficiency projects, including support of the PA Wilds Media Lab and the Kane Area Community Center. Last month, The Wilds Sonshine Factory received the Pennsylvania State Redevelopment Assistance Program grant totaling $489,200 to build its distillery that will craft spirits made from the sunflowers grown in the region.
Over the last 11 years, The Collins Companies Foundation has given grant money to support numerous Kane area projects, including an amphitheater on the main street.
“Growth and development are exciting signs that small towns in our region are on the rise,” said U.S. Congressman Glenn “GT” Thompson, R-Pa. “Recent investments, community development, and new storefronts have made Kane a great place to start a business and an even better place to raise a family.”
