A Local Development Summit for Southeast Ohio

Small Communities, Big Impact brings together local leaders, elected officials, practitioners, and others to explore transformational projects in Southeast Ohio. Session topics will include Buckeye Hills Forward, ODNR’s AMLER program, grant reviewer bootcamp, and more!

The 2026 Development Summit will be held on August 5, 2026, from 9:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. at the Skyline Events Center, 55819 Skyline Drive, Senecaville, OH 43780.

Registration is $30 and includes lunch. Members of the BHRC General Policy Council and Regional Advisory Council will receive complimentary registration in recognition of their service to our organization. Members of the GPC and RAC may contact Jenny Simmons to receive the complimentary registration code.

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Agenda

Buckeye Hills Forward: Turning Strategy into Action

Buckeye Hills Forward is the region’s Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy (CEDS), but its success depends on the partnerships and people driving it forward. This panel brings together leaders serving on Buckeye Hills Forward committees to discuss how they’re transforming regional priorities into meaningful action. Panelists will share how committee members are collaborating across sectors to advance initiatives, overcome challenges, and identify new opportunities that strengthen communities throughout Southeast Ohio. Whether you’re interested in economic development, workforce, housing, infrastructure, outdoor recreation, or entrepreneurship, you’ll gain insight into how regional collaboration is creating lasting impact and how you can be part of it.

Reclaiming Land, Building Futures: Unlocking Opportunity with AMLER

Learn how the Amandoned Mine Land Economic Revitalization (AMLER) Program is helping communities transform former mine sites into spaces for recreation, business development, tourism, housing, and more. You’ll gain insight into what makes a successful project and how AMLER can support local revitalization efforts.

Fund It or Pass?: An Interactive Grant Review Challenge

Step into the role of a grant reviewer and experience the difficult decisions that happen behind closed doors. Working in teams, you’ll evaluate fictional project proposals, score applications, and determine which projects deserve limited funding. Along the way, you’ll discover what separates a competitive application from one that gets left behind.

From the Hills to the River: Advancing Ohio’s Appalachian Future

Join state and regional leaders for a conversation about the opportunities shaping southeastern Ohio, from economic development and workforce initiatives to river commerce and regional collaboration. Explore how partnerships across organizations are creating momentum for the future.

Sponsors

Interested in sponsoring this year’s summit? View our Sponsorship Opportunities and contact Michelle Hyer.