June 2026 – Rural economic development professionals from across the country gathered in Marysville and Bellefontaine on June 16-17 for the National Rural Economic Developers Association (NREDA) Regional Event, Making Regional Impact Through Rural Routes: Rural Strategies for Destination Development. 

The event welcomed approximately 40 attendees from Oklahoma to Pennsylvania, including economic developers, utility cooperatives, and community leaders interested in exploring innovative approaches to rural growth and revitalization. 

The conference began in Marysville, the county seat of Union County and Ohio’s fastest growing county. Located about 30 minutes west of Columbus, and supported by strong economic development activity, continued business investment, and its proximity to major employers such as Honda & Memorial Health, Union County has experienced significant population growth and has become a model for communities seeking to balance growth while maintaining a strong quality of life.  

A central theme throughout the event was collaboration. During a fireside chat discussion including Deborah Schere, Executive Vice President of Global Development at One Columbus, Matt Waldo, Director of Strategy & Research at JobsOhio and Union County Economic Development Director, Eric Phillips, attendees learned how partnerships between local governments, private businesses, nonprofits, and community organizations can help communities attract investment, support workforce development, and create long-term momentum. 

That message continued during Driving Change in Rural America, presented by Jason Duff, Founder and CEO of Small Nation, and Ben Vollrath, President of the Logan County Chamber of Commerce. Their discussion highlighted how housing, entrepreneurship, placemaking, and public-private partnerships can work together to strengthen rural communities and improve quality of life. 

 

On the second day of the event, attendees toured Downtown Bellefontaine with Duff and the Small Nation Team, visiting Always Brewin Coffee Bar, Anytime Fitness and LoCo Depot, BUILD Cowork + Space, and The Marketplace. Throughout the tour, participants explored redevelopment projects, entrepreneurial spaces, and placemaking initiatives that have contributed to the city’s transformation. 

Many attendees noted how practical and replicable the ideas were, identifying projects and strategies they could adapt in their own communities. Features such as Bellefontaine’s downtown streeteries generated particular interest and discussion among participants. 

The group also visited Honda’s Marysville Auto Plant, where Jeff Reed, Government Relations Director for Honda’s Midwest Region, shared the company’s history in Ohio and its lasting impact on the region. Attendees learned about the company’s growth from a motorcycle manufacturer to one of the nation’s leading automakers, including the recent 50th anniversary of Accord production in Marysville. The tour highlighted the company’s continued investment in manufacturing, innovation, and the thousands of jobs supported throughout its operations and supplier network.

Later in the day, Chip Hubbs, President and CEO of Memorial Health, discussed the important role healthcare institutions play in rural communities. He emphasized the value of community investment, regional partnerships, and workforce development in maintaining strong local healthcare systems and supporting long-term economic vitality. 

The event concluded with Duff’s keynote presentation, Turning Ideas Into Reality, which challenged attendees to focus on practical action, build momentum through small wins, and identify opportunities they can bring back to their own communities. 

Brad Ebersole, Executive Director of the NREDA, stated, “Jason Duff brings a rare combination of entrepreneurial success, community development expertise, and contagious enthusiasm to every stage he steps onto. At the NREDA Regional Summit, he fully engaged a room of economic and rural development professionals with powerful stories, practical insights, and a compelling message: strong communities are built by people who turn ideas into action. 

His session stood out as one of the most memorable of the summit—challenging attendees to think bigger, act boldly, and lean into the opportunities present in rural America. Jason’s authenticity and humor make him immediately relatable, while his proven track record of revitalizing communities lends significant credibility to his message. 

Any organization seeking a speaker who can energize an audience, inspire fresh thinking, and deliver actionable takeaways would be well served to put Jason Duff at the top of their list.” 

While the event featured a variety of speakers, projects, and perspectives, one message remained consistent: meaningful rural development happens when communities work together around a shared vision. Through collaboration, investment, and local leadership, rural communities can continue creating opportunities for residents, businesses, and future generations. 

Small Nation was honored to help welcome attendees to Logan and Union counties and share the partnerships, projects, and ideas helping shape the future of rural Ohio. 

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.  

 

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