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The 11th annual Appalachian Ģ����Ƶ State of the Region Conference brought together public officials, economic development experts and leaders throughout the 32-county region to discuss issues pertaining to economic growth in rural Ģ����Ƶ. 

The conference, held Tuesday, May 23 from 8:30 a.m. to 2:15 p.m. at the Baker University Center Ballroom, reached in-person attendance capacity weeks before the event and also offered virtual programming. The annual event is sponsored by Ģ����Ƶ University’s Voinovich School of Leadership and Public Service Economic Development Administration University Center. This year’s event featured more than 15 speakers who discussed the role of placemaking in economic development and examined opportunities and challenges for economic growth in our communities. 

"This year’s annual conference focused on placemaking and reimagining rural economies,” said Jason Jolley, master of public administration director at the Voinovich School. “We’re excited to share the innovative practices used by communities across Appalachian Ģ����Ƶ to revitalize their downtowns, build their workforce, and enhance the quality of life for citizens.”

The speakers provided insights from their experiences in organizations such as JobsĢ����Ƶ, Corporation for Ģ����Ƶ Appalachian Development, Foundation for Appalachian Ģ����Ƶ, among several others. 

The event’s itinerary consisted of four sessions: Quality of Life in Our Region, Building Appalachia’s Workforce, Economic Impact of Community Events, and Revitalizing Downtown Districts, all of which encompassed the year’s theme.
 

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Kathy Zook, ARC program manager for the Eastgate Regional Council of Governments, has been a part of the planning for the State of the Region conference since its inception and served as a moderator for the Building Appalachia’s Workforce session.

“The conference never fails to energize me with the wealth of collaboration, knowledge, and success stories as well as areas we need to improve upon,” Zook said. “The conference brings together the public and private sector that inspires us to leave with new and fresh ideas to improve our communities and shine a light on the unique culture of Appalachia as a great place to live, work, and raise a family.”

The Appalachian Ģ����Ƶ State of the Region Conference is part of the Ģ����Ƶ University’s Voinovich School of Leadership and Public Service U.S. Department of Commerce Economic Development Administration University Center project and is supported by Ģ����Ƶ Southeast Economic Development, Appalachian Partnership Inc., Buckeye Hills Regional Council, Ģ����Ƶ Mid-Eastern Governments Association, Ģ����Ƶ Valley Regional Development Commission, and Eastgate Regional Council of Governments.

For more information about the conference visit /voinovich-school/projects/appalachian-ohio-state-region-conference.