“Changing the Narrative: Using Rural Wealth Creation to Transform the Region,” is the title of this year’s State of the Region Conference, 
in it’s seventh year. Taking place between 8:30a and 2p on Tuesday, May 22nd at Ohio University’s Baker Center, the conference will gather regional economic development professionals, public officials and other representatives from organizations and businesses to discuss rural wealth creation in SE Ohio.
“We are excited that this year’s State of the Region conference is focusing on how organizations and businesses in the region are successfully using the “Wealth Creation” model of rural development. This new model helps ensure that more wealth created by local people and extracted from local resources remains in the community and builds local prosperity,” John Molinaro, President and CEO of Appalachian Partnership Inc.
Gilbert Michaud, conference planning committee member and an assistant professor of practice at OHIO’s Voinovich School of Leadership and Public Affairs, said this year’s theme is of vital importance to the ongoing development of the region. “Rural wealth creation is an important and timely subject,” Michaud said. “Strategies such as hiring local labor, purchasing locally and establishing local supply chain relationships are fundamental to developing regional assets, promoting local ownership and building local wealth. Pursuing these strategies can also contribute to improved talent, higher-paying jobs and the enhanced overall well-being of individuals in Appalachian Ohio.” Source: Voinovich School of Leadership and Public Affairs
Nearly twenty speakers will discuss topics such as the Rural Wealth Creation Model, Wealth Creation in the Private Sector, and Wealth Creation with Private, Public or Non-profit Partners. A State of the Region Address will conclude the day’s activities.
Sponsored by Appalachian Partnership for Economic Growth (APEG), the Voinovich School and OHIO’s Economic Development Administration, in cooperation with OMEGA, Buckeye Hills Regional Council, Eastgate and Ohio Valley Regional Development Commission, the event is free and includes registration, parking and lunch, but space is limited. View the agenda and click here to register.
