Clearly Ahead Development: Creating growth and opportunities in Clearfield County

Clearfield County | I-80 Frontier Landscape of the PA Wilds

Economic opportunities can happen no matter where you are, and Clearly Ahead Development (Clearly Ahead) has made sure that they are available for all small businesses and start-ups in Clearfield County, from small website design companies to international vegan leather corporations. Located in the I-80 Frontier landscape of the PA Wilds region, Clearly Ahead spearheads efforts to improve the workforce in Clearfield County and within the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.

Formerly the Clearfield County Economic Development Corporation, Clearly Ahead Development goes above and beyond for its clientele. One of their more notable clientele is Paris Cleaners, which started from humble beginnings as a dry cleaning business in Jefferson County. It is now the largest independently owned industrial healthcare and uniform cleaner. Clearly Ahead helped with resources for capital investment and operations expansion numerous times.

Clearly Ahead also facilitates low-interest loans for companies to continue to grow and they own an industrial park for start-ups to rent and expand their business practices. Another notable service they provide is economic expansion planning and environmentally sustainable business practices.

Another shining achievement of Clearly Ahead is the River’s Landing building, opened in October 2022, located along the banks of the West Branch of the Susquehanna River in Downtown Clearfield. River’s Landing Event Center received the 2023 PA Wilds Champion Award for Great Design, with Rob Swales (CEO of Clearly Ahead Development) accepting the award. River’s Landing is a two-story, 11,500-square-foot multi-occupancy facility, which currently is home to the Dented Keg restaurant, a real estate office, and other rentable spaces.

River’s Landing not only provides an economic impact to the community, but it does so in a way that honors the surrounding landscape. The building incorporates several themes of the PA Wilds Design Guide, such as inclusion of water, glass, stone, metal, signage, lighting, and locally sourced materials. Attention to placement of windows and outdoor seating was considered to take advantage of optimal shade and sun times. Lighting was directed downward, so as not to impact our dark skies.

The River’s Landing building connects directly to another one of Clearly Ahead’s previous developments, the Clearfield Riverwalk. Once a failing project, Clearly Ahead took the lead in 2015 to begin developing a mile-long walkway that provided a new outdoor recreation opportunity for residents and visitors alike, enhancing and revitalizing Downtown Clearfield. The scenic Riverwalk winds beside the West Branch of the Susquehanna River, connecting Market Street Bridge and Nichols Street Bridge in an easily walkable loop. Its tranquil walkway is lined with benches, perfect for spending some time enjoying the peaceful view of the river. Just steps from Downtown Clearfield, it offers convenient access to local shops, dining, and parks.

Such a big punch comes in a small package. The Clearly Ahead team is comprised of three people, each passionate about their community and mission. All are PA Wilds natives, so they understand the challenges and know how to use the resources available to further the development within Clearfield County. The commitment and passion of the Clearly Ahead staff is an ongoing testament of dedicated people being able to bring big opportunities to rural places.

Clearly Ahead Development is a Resource Partner within the Wilds Cooperative of Pennsylvania. Learn more about Clearly Ahead Development by visiting their Wilds Cooperative of PA profile or by searching the directory at members.pawildscenter.org.