Log in | Become a Member
Ohio CDC Association
  • Events & News
    • Events >
      • Share an Event
      • Partner Events
    • Annual Conference
    • Calendar
    • Regional Meetings
    • News
  • Programs & Training
    • Training and Technical Assistance
    • AmeriCorps VISTA
    • Ohio Microbusiness Development Program
    • Savings and Match Programs >
      • Home Repair and Ownership IDA
      • Refugee IDA Program
    • Empowering Communities
    • Peer-to-Peer
    • Leadership Exchange
    • Book Club
  • Membership
    • Fill Out the Membership Survey
    • Member Login
    • Membership Information and Benefits
    • Become a Member
    • Member Directory
    • Member Map
  • Resources
    • Members-Only Resources
    • Employment Opportunities
    • Toolkits
  • Policy & Advocacy
    • Why Community Development Matters
    • Policy Agenda
    • Get Involved
  • About Us
    • Who We Are >
      • What is Community Development?
      • What are Community Development Corporations?
      • Our Mission and Vision
      • Our History
    • Our Team
    • Board of Directors >
      • Board of Trustees Interest Form
    • Our Funders
    • Donate
    • Contact Us
  • Events & News
    • Events >
      • Share an Event
      • Partner Events
    • Annual Conference
    • Calendar
    • Regional Meetings
    • News
  • Programs & Training
    • Training and Technical Assistance
    • AmeriCorps VISTA
    • Ohio Microbusiness Development Program
    • Savings and Match Programs >
      • Home Repair and Ownership IDA
      • Refugee IDA Program
    • Empowering Communities
    • Peer-to-Peer
    • Leadership Exchange
    • Book Club
  • Membership
    • Fill Out the Membership Survey
    • Member Login
    • Membership Information and Benefits
    • Become a Member
    • Member Directory
    • Member Map
  • Resources
    • Members-Only Resources
    • Employment Opportunities
    • Toolkits
  • Policy & Advocacy
    • Why Community Development Matters
    • Policy Agenda
    • Get Involved
  • About Us
    • Who We Are >
      • What is Community Development?
      • What are Community Development Corporations?
      • Our Mission and Vision
      • Our History
    • Our Team
    • Board of Directors >
      • Board of Trustees Interest Form
    • Our Funders
    • Donate
    • Contact Us

Annual Conference

Picture

42nd Annual Conference

Rooted in Place: Growing Strong, Interconnected Community Ecosystems 

Athens, OH | September 15-17

Register with Early Bird Rate
*Members only through June 19*
Microbusiness Summit Information
Book Your Hotel Room

About

Picture
The community development field is deeply rooted in resilience, collaboration, and the power of place. As communities face evolving challenges, the strength of our work lies in the relationships, networks, and local knowledge that guide it. 

Our conference theme, Rooted in Place: Growing Strong, Interconnected Community Ecosystems, reflects the belief that thriving communities grow from a strong local base and meaningful partnerships. Like a forest ecosystem, community systems are interconnected—when housing, economic development, food access, and financial stability grow together, communities become more resilient. 
​
Through this conference, we aim to share ideas, tools, and stories that help strengthen those connections and support the long-term health of our communities.


2026 Host Committee

Sarah Arnold, Ohio SE Economic Development
​Chris Chmiel, Athens County Land Bank
Ellie Dudding, Ohio Mid-Eastern Governments Association
Adam Kody, Appalachian Center for Economic Networks (ACEnet)
Mackenzie Kucharsky, Stuart's Opera House & Nelsonville Music Festival
Ana Leon, Appalachian Center for Economic Networks (ACEnet)
Caitlyn McDaniel, 
Legal Aid of Southeast and Central Ohio
​
​Sam Miller 
​Fritzie Nitschke, Southern Perry Incubation Center for Entrepreneurs (SPICE)
​Ken Oehlers, Habitat for Humanity of Southeast Ohio
​​Emily Prince, Athens County Foundation
Tom Redfern, Rural Action
Amy Spoutz, Athens County Visitors Bureau

Sponsorship

In its 42nd year, the Ohio CDC Association (OCDCA) conference is the largest comprehensive community development event in Ohio, drawing over 300 practitioners, partners, and policymakers from around the state and region. Sponsorships provide flexible funds for us to support not just the event itself, but also our member capacity building and advocacy.

​Interested in contributing to Ohio's largest yearly gathering of community development professionals? Check out our sponsorship opportunities and benefits below.
View Our Sponsorship Opportunities

Thank You to Our Sponsors

Presenting Buckeye Sponsor
Picture

Maple Sponsors
Picture

Paw Paw Sponsors
Picture

Ginseng Sponsors
Picture
Picture
Picture

Morel Sponsors
Picture

​Humana
 Copyright Ohio CDC Association.  All Rights Reserved.
100 East Broad St, Suite 2350  |  Columbus, OH 43215
Phone: (614)-461-6392 | [email protected] | sitemap
Picture