June 8, 2026 – Small Nation is proud to co-host the National Rural Economic Developers Association (NREDA) Regional Event on June 16-17, 2026, welcoming rural economic development professionals from across the country to Union and Logan counties for two days of learning, collaboration, and firsthand exploration of rural revitalization strategies. The biennial regional event, titled Making Regional Impact through Rural Routes: Rural Strategies for Destination Development, will bring together economic developers, community leaders, and rural development practitioners to explore successful approaches to destination development, entrepreneurship, placemaking, workforce attraction, and community investment.

As part of the event, attendees will experience both Marysville and Bellefontaine through a series of educational sessions, networking opportunities, and guided tours showcasing the region’s growth and transformation.

Jason Duff, Founder and CEO of Small Nation, will lead two featured sessions during the conference. On June 16, Duff will join Ben Vollrath, President of the Logan County Chamber of Commerce, for Driving Change in Rural America, a discussion focused on community leadership, economic development partnerships, and strategies for creating lasting impact in rural communities. On June 17, Duff will present Turning Ideas into Reality, sharing lessons learned from decades of entrepreneurship, redevelopment, and community-building projects throughout rural Ohio.

One of the event’s highlights will be a guided tour of Downtown Bellefontaine, where members of the Small Nation team will showcase redevelopment projects, destination businesses, public spaces, housing initiatives, and placemaking efforts that have helped transform the historic downtown into a nationally recognized model for rural revitalization. The tour will provide attendees with an up-close look at how strategic investment, entrepreneurship, and community partnerships have fueled growth and created a thriving destination for residents and visitors alike.

In addition to the Downtown Bellefontaine experience, attendees will tour Honda’s Marysville operations and participate in sessions covering destination development, rural economic growth, workforce initiatives, community partnerships, and innovative approaches to strengthening local economies.

Leading up to the event, Duff recently joined the NREDA Podcast alongside Brad Ebersole of Consolidated Cooperate to discuss the upcoming conference, preview featured sessions, and share insights into the stories and strategies that attendees will experience throughout the region. Listeners can click here to hear more about the event.

“We are excited to welcome rural economic developers from across the nation to our communities,” said Duff. “The work happening in Marysville, Bellefontaine, and throughout the region demonstrates what is possible when local leaders, businesses, and organizations work together around a shared vision. We look forward to sharing both our successes and lessons learned with communities looking to create similar momentum in their hometowns.”

The National Rural Economic Developers Association serves professionals dedicated to advancing economic prosperity in rural communities throughout the United States. The regional event offers attendees opportunities to learn from successful projects, exchange ideas with peers, and build relationships that support rural economic growth.

For more information about the event, visit NREDA.org. 

About Small Nation:

Small Nation develops places, spaces, and dreams for small towns and entrepreneurs across the country. Based in Bellefontaine, Ohio, the team invests in real estate, creates business solutions, and provides resources for small-town success. Small Nation has been recognized nationally for its work in downtown revitalization, business incubation, and rural economic development.

To learn more about Small Nation, visit www.smallnation.com or follow them on social media at @smallnationstrong.