Written by: Denise Woofter (dcw002@marietta.edu)
Regional leaders, economic development experts, educators, and Ohio political candidates gathered at Marietta College Thursday to discuss workforce development, infrastructure, energy, and other challenges facing Appalachian Ohio during the Center for Appalachian Innovation’s Rural Development Summit.
“Rural Development: The Start of It All,” held September 24, brought together community leaders to discuss ways to address population decline, workforce shortages, aging infrastructure, and barriers to investment throughout the region. The summit focused on collaboration among educators, businesses, government agencies, nonprofits, and residents to encourage job growth, innovation, and economic development.
The Center for Appalachian Innovation is a state-supported facility at Marietta College focused on research, collaboration, and capacity-building across Appalachian Ohio. Michelle Jeitler, the center’s academic program director, organized the summit to encourage collaboration among regional leaders.
“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 to The Marietta Times earlier this month.
Attendees began the summit with a continental breakfast and an opportunity to view posters presented by student researchers. The event then moved to McDonough Auditorium for a workforce development panel featuring education and workforce experts who discussed the relationship between education, employment, and economic development.
Jason Duff of Small Nation followed with a presentation on revitalizing small towns and supporting local businesses. Duff, who is from Bellefontaine, Ohio, discussed his work helping communities strengthen their downtowns and create opportunities for local businesses. Duff captured the attention of the crowd with an energy that demonstrated his excitement to talk about his work. He had people laughing and engaged throughout his presentation on how he has been part of helping small towns and businesses thrive in Ohio.
Energy, data centers, education, health care, and infrastructure became central topics during an interview with David Pepper, a Democratic candidate for lieutenant governor of Ohio. Marietta College President Kathleen Dougherty led the interview, while students asked Pepper questions about issues affecting the state.
Pepper said Ohio should play a larger role in the energy industry and described data centers as an opportunity for the state, while also calling for greater transparency surrounding their development. He also criticized Ohio’s education voucher system, called for additional safeguards surrounding private equity involvement in hospitals and argued that permitting reform could help accelerate infrastructure development.
Pepper summarized one of his central points by quoting his running mate, Amy Acton: “We’re open for business but we’re not up for sale.”
During lunch, attendees had the opportunity to network with other leaders from across the region. Brandon Dennison, vice president of workforce and economic development at Marshall University, spoke about Appalachian culture and its relationship to economic development.
Dennison said cynicism among Appalachians can contribute to a lack of hope for the region’s future. At the same time, he emphasized the resilience of Appalachian communities.
“Appalachians are resilient,” Dennison told the crowd.
The summit’s political discussions continued with an interview with State Rep. Brian Stewart, chairman of the Ohio House Finance Committee, who participated on behalf of Republican lieutenant governor candidate Rob McColley. Stewart was asked the same questions Pepper had answered earlier in the day.
Stewart said rising demand for electricity will require additional generation and argued that local officials should evaluate data center projects while negotiating community benefits and addressing water and environmental concerns. He also discussed the financial challenges facing rural hospitals and said state funding could help providers reach rural households where construction costs are higher.
“This is where it starts,” Jeitler said.
For future summits like this, check the Marietta College website at https://www.marietta.edu/center-appalachian-innovation or contact Michelle Jeitler at mej001@marietta.edu or 740.376.4983.
References
Staff Reports. (2026, September 11). Summit to focus on Appalachian Ohio development. The Marietta Times. https://www.mariettatimes.com/news/2026/09/summit-to-focus-on-appalachian-ohio-development/
Edited by: Rebecca Straits (rjs006@marietta.edu)
