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MARIETTA - Marietta College will host a summit focused on rural development and the challenges facing Appalachian Ohio from 8 a.m. to 3:45 p.m. Sept. 24 on campus.
The Center for Appalachian Innovation Summit, titled “Rural Development - The Start of It All” will explore ways to strengthen communities and expand opportunities throughout the region.
Topics will include population decline, workforce shortages, aging infrastructure and barrier to attracting investment.
Participants will discuss approaches to education, entrepreneurship, workforce development, economic 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,” said Michelle Jeitler, director of the Center for Appalachian Innovation.
The center brings together faculty members, students and community partners to examine systemic challenges and to identify opportunities and support long-term economic growth.
“The more conversations we have and the more we can learn from each other, the better chance we have of finding real solutions to some of the systemtic challenges facing our region,” Jeitler said.”There are a lot of great things happening across Appalchian Ohio, and communities are already finding creative ways to address some of these challenges.”
Featured speakers will include Brandon Dennison, vice president of workforce and economic development at Marshall University and founder and CEO of Coalfield Development. Jason Duff, founder and CEO of Small Nation will also be featured.
Dennison’s presentation, “Unlocking Appalachia’s Full Potential, Power and Purpose” will examine innovation and entrepreneurship in Central Appalachia, economic diversification, workforce development and approaches to community development.
Duff will discuss his work with Small Nation, which has worked to revitalize downtown Bellefontaine, OH, through entrepreneurship, historic preservation and economic development projects.
The summit will also include a panel discussion with local experts about workforce development and employee retention, community success sotries and rountable discussions addressing housing, community engagement and workforce development. Student fellows from the Center for Appalachian Innovation will also participate.
The summit is free and open to the public, but registration is required. REgistration closes at 11:59 p.m. Sept. 18.
Registration is available at marietta.givepulse.com/event/899354. More information about the center is available at marietta.edu/center-appalachian-innovation.