Revitalization Series Workshop: Driving Community-Wide Growth in Downtown
About this Event
Hotel Options
Garner Hotel
Agenda
🕑: 08:30 AM
Registration
🕑: 09:15 AM
Welcome and Introductions
Info: Welcome & Introductions – Mayor Robin Laubaugh &
Adam Barton | Lead Pastor of Mosaic Church & Main Street Wadsworth Board Member
🕑: 09:30 AM - 10:30 AM
The Power of Place: How Downtowns Create Value and Connection
Host: Melinda Huntley, Ohio Travel Association
Info: What makes people choose to visit, explore, spend time, and return to a downtown? This session will connect visitor data with the everyday work of downtown development, historic preservation, small business support, and placemaking. Participants will explore how buildings, public spaces, local businesses, events, stories, and community character work together to create a place people value. The session will also demonstrate how attracting visitors can support local businesses, strengthen resident pride, and contribute to a more active and economically resilient downtown.
🕑: 10:45 AM - 12:00 PM
Leading the Story: Using Leadership and Voice to Create Change
Host: Melinda Huntley, Ohio Travel Association
Info: Now that we better understand the value and messaging, what else is needed? Downtown revitalization also requires leaders who are willing to speak with confidence, challenge outdated perceptions, and help others see what is possible. This motivational session will explore how downtown leaders can stand up for the value of their work and share the stories that build support. Participants will leave better prepared to use their voice, make the case for change, and help others believe in the future their downtown is working to create.
🕑: 12:00 PM - 01:30 PM
Lunch on Your Own in Downtown Wadsworth
🕑: 01:30 PM - 02:00 PM
Suzie Graham Moore – City of Akron, Economic Development Director
Host: Suzie Graham Moore, City of Akron
Info: Suzie Graham Moore will speak about how her early professional experience with the Downtown Akron Partnership, prepared her for her role as the City of Akron Economic Development Director. Learn how placemaking initiatives, housing and the many other downtown initiatives impacted community-wide efforts.
🕑: 02:00 PM - 03:00 PM
Main Street’s Role as a Community Economic Driver
Host: David Zak, OEDA
Info: This session will explore how to build a strong Business Retention and Expansion program, conduct effective business visits, and use local incentives to encourage investment and cultivate future developers. Participants will also learn how to leverage media, celebrate successes, and strengthen teamwork and communication to advance not only downtown revitalization efforts but also contribute to community-wide advancement.
🕑: 03:00 PM - 03:30 PM
Panel Discussion (with Q & A) featuring Suzie Graham Moore and David Zak
Host: Suzie Graham Moore, City of Akron
Info: A facilitator led conversation about downtown economic development and its impact on community-wide development. How does a healthy downtown impact the rest of the community? Why are downtowns increasingly important in talent attraction and retention? What role does downtown redevelopment play in long-term economic resilience?
🕑: 03:30 PM
Walking Tours of St. Mark’s Event Center
🕑: 04:30 PM - 06:30 PM
Happy Hour – The Vue, 102 High Street
Where is it happening?
Event Location & Nearby Stays:
USD 25.00 to USD 55.20
