KANE — Three members of Gov. Tom Wolf’s cabinet were among the governmental officials who attended a progress reception Friday at the site of the Wilds Sonshine Factory, on U.S. Route 6 west of Kane.
Department of Conservation and Natural Resources Secretary Cindy Dunn, Department of Community and Economic Development Secretary Dennis Davin and Secretary of Agriculture Russell Redding, along with Kane Mayor Brandy Schimp and Wetmore Township Supervisor Chairman Steve Dyne visited the location, where construction has just begun. They met with Dave Conklin and Dan Shields, co-owners of Greendale Farms, and employees.
Greendale Farms’ vision is to rejuvenate agriculture along Route 6.
In her brief remarks, Schimp cited encouraging developments in Kane’s business community, saying, “We’re thrilled with this project. In the past two years, 16 new businesses have opened, 13 have undergone partial or complete storefront facades, while five new businesses are to open within a year.”
Meanwhile, in a cooperative effort, an informal group meets to keep local organizations up-to-date about economic development issues.
Dyne was equally upbeat about this business locating in the Wetmore Township. “We’re extremely pleased to see progression in the township.”
According to Conklin, “Sonshine” is a noun meaning a distilled product made from the sunflower plant exclusively grown and produced in the PA Wilds. It will be the only distillery where the product is made 100 percent from the sunflower plant. The glass bottles will bear labels with the Pennsylvania state colors.
The PA Wilds, a ten-county area including Cameron, Clarion, Clearfield Elk, Forest, Jefferson, McKean, Potter, Tioga and Warren, is one of the largest green areas between New York and Chicago, with 2.1 million acres, two national rivers and an abundance of wildlife and recreational opportunities.
The factory’s mission statement is “to establish a commercial supply and distribution of sunflower spirits and other agriculture products while supporting the education and development of agriculture, manufacturing and tourism in the PA Wilds.”
“This will not be a craft distillery,” Conklin emphasized. “It will be a manufacturing facility producing Sonshine and processing agricultural products and serve as an educational center. It represents an awesome opportunity for education, families and will not just be for the over-21 age group.”
Greendale Farms will supply the grains to the Wilds Sonshine Distillery. Many acres have already been cultivated.
The grains, harvested in McKean and Elk counties, will be stored in the four towers that are already placed on the property.
Footers for the base building were being poured Friday. The facility will also house a dryer and cleaner, with bins to be added in the future.
“Construction should be completed by this winter or early spring,” Conklin told The Era.
Conklin lauded the Department of Environmental Protection for their assistance in the project. “Their water quality specialist helped us find an aquifer and crystal clear water, as well as advising us on casing the well.”
Factory Manager Dale Wehler, citing the time involved for receiving the necessary licensing, said, “It could be the first quarter of next year until we have samples.”
Following Conklin’s remarks, Redding said, “Thank you for sharing this project with us. It’s refreshing to see local community projects that can help to boost the PA Wilds.”
