Outside Erie

The choice for Erie’s 2008 Business of the Year is not an easy one.
After all, 2008 was far from a good year for many companies. The economic meltdown might not be quite as severe in Erie as it is in some other parts of the country. But it is nonetheless putting the squeeze on […]

Boy, it’s been a good week for Waldameer and its new roller coaster, the Ravine Flyer 2.
I mentioned earlier how the new coaster was rated the fourth-best ride in the world by CoasterFanatics.com.
Today, the coaster is getting big play in the New York Times in a story about old-fashioned roller coasters.
It includes a great video […]

The new Ravine Flyer 2 roller coaster at Waldameer is getting a lot of love from roller coaster enthusiasts.
The Web site CoasterFanatics.com lists the new ride as its fourth-best roller coaster, a pretty lofty ranking for a venue that doesn’t have the marketing power or scale of the Six Flags chain, Disney, or the like.
The […]

You can find lists of the boards of directors of most of Erie’s authorities, trade groups, and nonprofit organizations online.
VisitErie, however, doesn’t list its board online.
Chris Pennsy, who oversees communications for the tourism agency, said that will change soon.
But, in the meantime, here’s a list of who is on board.
Chairwoman — Char Mashyna (Arts Council […]

Nice work by Erie Times-News photographer Rob Engelhardt, who captured a point-of-view video of the new Ravine Flyer II at Waldameer.
Of course, you can’t ride the coaster just yet. But the GoErie video gives a virtual preview of what it’s like. The views look fantastic.
Here it is:

Jack Tirak at Erie Media Go Round gives props to Waldameer owner Paul Nelson for investing in the Ravine Flyer II without taxpayer money.
It is indeed worth highlighting Erie entrepreneurs who are putting money into their businesses and investing in the community — especially after the taxpayer-funded fiascoes such as the failed IFP juice plant […]

The comment by former Erie County Executive Judy Lynch has sparked a great debate about whether government money should be used to front the costs of projects such as the bayfront convention center.
There is a strong sentiment that Erie will never get the bang for its buck for investing in this project.
And there are many […]

Not many of us are thinking about heading to Presque Isle these days — with bitter wind chills and winter weather putting the freeze on Erieites and ex-Erieites near and far.
But GlobalErie reader Little Cee is.
And Little Cee has a big question — Why aren’t there more signs pointing the way to Erie’s signature destination:
I […]

Erie has certainly lost its share of major employers during the past couple of decades.
Manufacturing heavyweights such as International Paper, Steris, EMI, American Meter and the like have all left town or significantly scaled back their local operations.
Others such as Lord Corp. maintain a presence in Erie, but have moved their headquarters elsewhere.
But there are […]

George Vietze is a true believer in Erie. He moved here last year from San Diego because he believes Erie is a community worth investing in.
He sees Erie as a place with tremendous potential — a place where he can make money.
If more people are willing to take that risk, Erie has a strong chance […]