Center for Appalachian Innovation

10/02/2026

Thank you to everyone who joined us on September 24 for Rural Development: The Start of It All.

The day opened with student research presentations and moved into conversations about workforce, housing, and small business across Appalachian Ohio. Jason Duff of Small Nation shared how Bellefontaine rebuilt its downtown by investing in local businesses, and Dr. Brandon Dennison of Marshall University and Coalfield Development spoke about the region's entrepreneurial potential. In the afternoon, attendees broke into small groups to talk about creating more opportunities close to home.

The summit also welcomed David Pepper, Ohio's Democratic nominee for lieutenant governor, and State Rep. Brian Stewart, representing Republican nominee Rob McColley. Both joined President Kathleen Poorman Dougherty for a conversation on the issues facing rural Ohio.

This is the start of a lot more work together. Read the full recap:

Marietta College’s Center for Appalachian Innovation brought together community leaders, educators, business representatives, policymakers and students on Thursday, Sept. 24, for Rural Development — The Start of It All, a summit focused on strengthening communities across Appalachian Ohio.

10/01/2026

It takes an entire team of people to put on a great event! Thank you to the Center's team of outstanding supporters; Tara, Paula, Branden, and Ann for putting in the hard work with me to make the Rural Development Summit a success!

09/30/2026

The Rural Development Summit was an outstanding success! It takes a village to put on an event like this, and without the help of Ann Foraker Nicely this event would not have been possible. Thank you Ann for all you do for the Center!

photo credit: Hansons Enhancements

09/29/2026

Not only was our Rural Development Summit a success, we had one of our own interns there writing the story about it. Huge shout out to Denise Woofter for an amazing article and photos.

Written by: Denise Woofter ([email protected]) Regional leaders, economic development experts, educators, and Ohio political candidates gathered at Marietta College Thursday to discuss workforce …

09/24/2026

First panel is under way here at our Rural Development Summit!

09/18/2026

Registration for our Rural Development Summit closes tonight at 11:59 p.m.

Don't miss your chance to join leaders from government, business, higher education and economic development on Thursday, September 24, 8 a.m. to 3:45 p.m. on Marietta College's campus. Free and open to the public.

Register now: https://marietta.givepulse.com/event/899354-Rural-Development-Summit

09/17/2026

Last call. Registration for the Rural Development Summit closes tomorrow, 11:59 p.m. Friday, September 18.

Join us Thursday, September 24, 8 a.m. to 3:45 p.m. on Marietta College's campus, for a free daylong event with featured speakers Dr. Brandon Dennison of Coalfield Development and Marshall University, and Jason Duff of Small Nation. Panel discussions, roundtable conversations and a chance to be part of what's next for rural Appalachian Ohio.

Register now: https://marietta.givepulse.com/event/899354-Rural-Development-Summit

09/16/2026

Our Rural Development Summit is built around real conversation: a panel discussion with local experts on workforce and retention, and roundtable conversations exploring housing, community engagement, economic development and workforce development.

Our student fellows kick things off during the continental breakfast, sharing the work they're doing and the role emerging leaders can play in Appalachian Ohio's future.

Join us Thursday, September 24, 8 a.m. to 3:45 p.m. on Marietta College's campus. Free and open to the public, but registration is required and closes 11:59 p.m. Friday, September 18. Save your seat:
https://marietta.givepulse.com/event/899354-Rural-Development-Summit

09/14/2026

What does revitalizing a downtown actually take? Jason Duff has an answer. As founder and CEO of Small Nation, he's helped reimagine and rebuild downtown Bellefontaine, Ohio, through entrepreneurship, historic preservation and placemaking.

He'll bring that experience to our Rural Development Summit on Thursday, September 24.

Free and open to the public. Registration closes 11:59 p.m. Friday, September 18. https://marietta.givepulse.com/event/899354-Rural-Development-Summit

09/11/2026

Meet one of our featured speakers: Dr. Brandon Dennison.

Dr. Brandon Dennison built Coalfield Development from the ground up. Now he's vice president of Workforce and Economic Development at Marshall University, and he's bringing that experience to our Rural Development Summit on Thursday, September 24.

His session, "Unlocking Appalachia's Full Potential, Power, and Purpose," digs into innovation and entrepreneurship in Central Appalachia, economic diversification and what holistic workforce development actually looks like on the ground.

Free and open to the public. Registration closes 11:59 p.m. Friday, September 18. https://marietta.givepulse.com/event/899354-Rural-Development-Summit