The George Voinovich School (GVS) recently won two of the three 2024 Impact Awards given in Ohio by the National Association of Development Organizations (NADO).
Clara Bone, a senior project manager at GVS, led the Resilience Initiative for Southeastern and Eastern (RISE) Ohio project in partnership with the Buckeye Hills Regional Council and OMEGA (Ohio Mid-Eastern Governments Association) to bring new development projects to 18 counties in Appalachia. The RISE Ohio project was recognized with one of the Impact Awards.
Bone points to Coshocton County, where the groups provided research and technical assistance to county officials to help with reconstruction efforts after the local coal-fired power plant closed.
“We have combined these two focuses in one project to support growth and the economic transition away from coal,” says Bone.
GVS faculty member Dr. Natalie Kruse Daniels led a partnership with local health departments, Virginia Tech University, and West Virginia University that significantly improved Appalachia’s preparedness for climate change through flooding and extreme weather. This partnership received the second Impact Award.
The project’s focus on strengthening regional relationships, supporting resilience projects and publicising the most effective local community initiatives has had a profound impact on local communities.
“Our team from multiple universities in Central Appalachia reached out to local health departments and emergency management agencies and learned about the challenges of extreme weather events in the region,” says Kruse Daniels. “We learned about the needs and innovative practices in the region. Given Appalachia’s long history of extractive industries and resource scarcity, we examined the vulnerabilities and local practices that can be successful in the region. In doing so, we demonstrated our commitment to understanding and addressing the region’s unique challenges.”
The annual Impact Awards program recognizes the efforts of NADO members to advance regional planning, economic development, resilience and more. These projects have significantly impacted their regions and showcase the diversity of services and programs provided by regional development organizations across the country.
The Impact Awards are named after Aliceann Wohlbruck, NADO’s first executive director. For 24 years, she was a tireless advocate for regional approaches to economic development in rural communities and small towns.
The awards will be presented to the winners this October at the annual NADO conference in New Orleans.
