The first Center for Appalachian Innovation symposium will be held on February 26, 2026 on the Marietta College Campus.
The Future of Appalachian Ohio’s Timber Industry
Featuring Keynote Speaker, Jenna Reese
Executive Director of the Ohio Forestry Association
REGISTER TO ATTEND
SYMPOSIUM PROGRAM
9:00-9:45 a.m. Registration/Continental Breakfast | McKinney Building
10:00-10:45 a.m. Welcome, Michelle Jeitler and Jack Haessly | McDonough Auditorium
11:00-11:45 a.m. Keynote Speaker, Jenna Reese, Executive Director of the Ohio Forestry Association | McDonough Auditorium
12:00-12:45 p.m. Lunch | Andrews Hall, Great Room
1:00-1:45 p.m. Session 1: Emerging Markets for Timber | McDonough Auditorium
2:00-2:45 p.m. Session 2: Defining and Executing on Development Opportunities | McDonough Auditorium
3:00-3:45 p.m. Session 3: Public-Private Partnerships | McDonough Auditorium
4:00-4:30 p.m. Recap/Closing Remarks | McDonough Auditorium
The Center for Appalachian Innovation at Marietta College will support our region through research, opportunities for engagement, and outreach. It will establish Marietta College as a thought leader in the region, a partner in innovation, and a driver of economic growth.
RESEARCH
The Center will sponsor faculty and student research in collaboration with industry and local government to investigate and identify solutions to systemic regional challenges.
Economic Impact of Healthcare Access in Appalachian Ohio
This research examines how changes in access to healthcare specialists affect residents and local economies in the 32 Appalachian counties of Ohio. Many rural communities report losing specialists and traveling farther for care; this study evaluates whether data support those concerns and assesses the broader economic effects.
The project has two main goals: (1) determine whether Appalachian Ohio has experienced a statistically significant decline in healthcare specialists, and (2) measure the economic impact on counties where residents travel to urban areas for specialized care, including effects on local spending, workforce productivity, and community stability.
Using public workforce, economic, and travel-to-care data, the team compares trends across counties that retain specialists and those that do not. The goal is not only to identify disparities, but to clearly communicate how healthcare access intersects with economic health in rural Appalachian communities.
The interdisciplinary, student-centered project involves four students in economics, actuarial science, and mathematics, led by Dr. Greg Delemeester and Professor Michelle Jeitler. The primary outcome will be a series of white papers for the Ohio General Assembly to inform healthcare and economic development policy in Appalachian Ohio.
Opportunity Zones in Appalachian Ohio: Data-Driven Strategies for Community Investment
This experiential research project examines Opportunity Zones as a strategy for economic growth in the 32 Appalachian counties of Ohio. Conducted through the Data 410 course, it engages students in applied research that integrates data analysis, economic modeling, and community-focused planning.
Students identify potential new Opportunity Zones and evaluate how targeted investment could support sustainable development. Using GIS mapping, demographic and economic analysis, and business activity modeling, they evaluate where investments could have the greatest impact.
The project emphasizes actionable outcomes: students develop data-driven plans to attract businesses, create jobs, and strengthen local economies while respecting community needs. Eight mathematics and actuarial science majors gain hands-on experience working with real data, building interactive maps, and translating technical findings into policy-ready recommendations for non-technical audiences. Faculty mentorship emphasizes both technical rigor and community engagement.
Deliverables include interactive GIS tools, economic scenario analyses, and practical guidance for policymakers, community leaders, and regional partners seeking to leverage Opportunity Zones in Appalachian Ohio.
CONVENE
The Center will bring together leaders from business and government for symposia to focus innovative solutions and highlight opportunities available to the region.
SYMPOSIA:
February 26, 2026
The Furture of Appalachian Ohio's Timber Industry
Featuring Keynote Speaker, Jenna Reese , Executive Director of the Ohio Forestry Association
Appalachian Ohio holds one of the most productive and under-leveraged hardwood forest resources in the eastern United States. Traditional logging and sawmilling have shaped the region for generations, yet rapid changes in markets, policy, and technology signal a new and opportunity: to shift from commodity extraction toward value-added manufacturing, innovation, and regional resilience.
With markets consolidating and new markets emerging, including engineered wood products, pellets, biomass energy, animal bedding, and advanced carbon and bioproduct applications. The next decade will determine whether Ohio captures value locally or exports it elsewhere.
The symposium brings together the people positioned to shape the future of the region’s forest and wood economy, and to ensure that value creation, job growth, and innovation occur here in Appalachian Ohio. Sessions include the state of the Appalachian Ohio timber economy, emerging markets for timber, defining and executing on development opportunities, and public-private partnerships.
SUPPORT
The Center will provide capacity building support to local and regional governments and small business to help them better serve their constituents and seek opportunities for growth and funding.
Together, we grow and thrive.
Join us in the heart of Appalachian Ohio as we develop and grow a Center designed to collaboratively promote and develop the region.
READ ABOUT THE LAUNCH OF THE CENTER
Contact the Center for Appalachian Innovation: Appalachian.Innovation@marietta.edu
Remain updated on Center events and initiatives