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The Center for Appalachian Innovation at Marietta College will host a summit to focus on strengthening communities and expanding opportunities in Appalachian Ohio.
The Summit on Rural Development-The Start of It All will be held from 8 a.m. to 3:45 p.m. Sept. 24 in the McDonough Auditorium at the college. Registration, free and open to the public, is required and closes at 11:59 p.m. Sept. 18 at marietta.givepulse.com/event/899354.
Among challenges faced by rural communities in Appalachian Ohio are a population decline, workforce shortages, aging infrastructure and barriers to attracting new investment, according to Michelle Jeitler, director of the Center for Appalachian Innovation. The event brings attendees together to learn from regional and nationally recognized leaders and successful models from across Appalachia who will explore innovative approaches to education, entrepreneurship, workforce development, economic development and community development.
"The summit is a chance for community members, developers, legislators and educators to come together and discuss the issues facing Appalachian Ohio and, more importantly, what we can do about them," Jeitler said.
The Center for Appalachian Innovation was established to bring together faculty and student research, regional leaders and community partners to explore solutions to systemic challenges, identify new possibilities and support long-term economic growth.
"The more conversations we have and the more we learn from each other, the better chance we have of finding real solutions to some of the systemic challenges facing our region," Jeitler said. "There are a lot of great things happening across Appalachian Ohio, and communities are already finding creative ways to address some of these challenges."
Featured speakers include Dr. Brandon Dennison, vice president of Workforce and Economic Development at Marshall University and founder and CEO of Coalfield Development, and Jason Duff, founder and CEO of Small Nation.
Dennison's presentation, "Unlocking Appalachia's Full Potential, Power, and Purpose," will explore innovation and entrepreneurship in Central Appalachia, social entrepreneurship, economic diversification, holistic workforce development and new approaches to community development.
Duff will speak about his work leading Small Nation where he has helped reimagine and revitalize downtown Bellefontaine, Ohio, through entrepreneurship, historic preservation, placemaking and economic development.
The summit also will feature other speakers, a panel of local experts focused on workforce and retention, community success stories and roundtable discussions on housing, community involvement, economic development and workforce development. Student fellows from the center will discuss the role students and emerging leaders can play in the future of the region.
For more information about the Center for Appalachian Innovation, visit marietta.edu/center-appalachian-innovation.