Economic Innovation + Ingenuity During COVID - An Appalachian Perspective August 2020

Appalachia has exemplified extraordinary leadership, innovation, and ingenuity at the regional, state, and local level--especially during the COVID crisis. Many of these examples can be found across Ohio, and in partnership with Appalachian Leadership Fellows.

Summer Showcase Webinar Series

All sessions are free, although registration is required.

LESSONS LEARNED IN LEADERSHIP DURING THE COVID CRISIS

As the COVID-19 pandemic has unfolded, Ohio Governor Mike DeWine, ARC Federal Co-Chairman Tim Thomas, Coshocton Port Authority Executive Director and Appalachian Leadership Institute Fellow Tiffany Swigert, have responded with decisive and innovative strategies to keep people safe and our economies stable. During this conversation, moderated by Ohio Development Services Agency Director Lydia Mihalik, these leaders will discuss how their COVID-19 response plans were developed, implemented, and adjusted to build resilience throughout the Region.

Recorded Wednesday, August 19, 2020, 11 am (ET)

APPALACHIA’S DUAL PANDEMICS: SUBSTANCE ABUSE AND COVID-19

Before confirmed COVID cases appeared in Appalachia, the Region was already experiencing epidemic levels of substance abuse and overdose deaths in comparison to the rest of the country. This session, moderated by RecoveryOhio Director Alisha Nelson, will explore how Appalachia communities in Ohio, New York, and Pennsylvania are adapting substance abuse services in the time of COVID, from intervention and long-term recovery to workforce re-entry.

Panelists:

• Ray Barishansky, Deputy Secretary, Health Preparedness and Community Protection, Department of Health, Pennsylvania
• Julie Bolen, Executive Director, Ross County Community Action Commission, Ohio
• Jennifer Gregory, Executive Director, Southern Tier 8 Regional Board, New York

Recorded Wednesday, August 26, 2020, 11 am (ET)

HIGHWAYS TO CYBERWAYS: INNOVATIONS IN INFRASTRUCTURE

Investments in roads and water are the building blocks of infrastructure. The new infrastructure frontier includes broadband and smart technologies. In this session, moderated by Chief of the Ohio Office of Broadband Peter Voderberg, will focus on how public-private partnerships have continued creating economic opportunities in advanced infrastructure across the Region during the COVID crisis.

Panelists:

• Cheryl DeBerry, Natural Resources Business Specialist, Garrett County, Maryland
• Duane Miller, Executive Director, LENOWISCO Planning District Commission, Virginia
• Patrick Smith, Executive Director, DriveOhio, Ohio

Recorded Wednesday, September 2, 2020, 11 am (ET)

ATTRACTING THE SOCIALLY DISTANT TOURIST

Many Appalachian communities have invested in their natural and cultural assets to build sustainable economic development plans. With social distancing and travel restrictions in place, the COVID crisis has forced a rethinking of these strategies. This discussion, moderated by Ohio Development Services Agency Director Lydia Mihalik, will ask how Appalachia’s tourist economy has pivoted to continue economic progress.

Panelists:

• Katy Brown, Producing Artistic Director of Barter Theatre, Virginia
• Jeff Lusk, Executive Director, Hatfield McCoy Regional Recreation, West Virginia
• Matthew MacLaren, Director of TourismOhio, Ohio

Recorded Wednesday, September 9, 2020, 11 am (ET)