January 12, 2026
Contact: xxx
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Two-Day Virtual Event to Focus on Investment, Policy Priorities, and Regional Resilience for Appalachia
APPALACHIA – ReImagine Appalachia will convene its most important annual gathering, bringing together coalition partners, stakeholders, and community leaders to develop the organization’s 2026 work plan and address critical issues facing the Appalachian region.
Day 1 will focus on “Why Appalachia Matters,” exploring investment opportunities and strategies for responsible development in the region. Day 2 will address “Appalachian Response, Adaptation and Resilience,” examining manufacturing action plans, disaster resilience, and policy priorities.
The summit will feature panel discussions, facilitated breakout workshops, and interactive sessions covering topics including:
- Financing strategies and capital investment
- Worker reconnection and workforce development
- The Appalachian Manufacturing Action Plan
- Federal policy priorities for 2026
- Disaster resilience and climate adaptation
- Arts, culture, and community storytelling
WHAT: ReImagine Appalachia’s Sixth Annual Virtual Strategy Summit
WHEN: Tuesday, January 13 and Wednesday, January 14, 2026
11:00 AM – 3:00 PM ET each day
WHERE: Virtual event via Zoom
REGISTRATION: https://reimagineappalachia.org/reimagine-appalachias-6th-annual-virtual-strategy-summit/
WHO: Regional and national leaders including:
- Sara Innamorato, Allegheny County Executive
- Jessica Arriens, National Wildlife Federation
- Katelyn Walker Mooney, Laborers’ International Union of North America
- Katie Loudin, WV Community Development Hub
- Heidi Binko, CEO, Just Transition Fund
- Nikhil Kalathil, Carnegie Mellon University
- And many more leaders from across the region
ABOUT REIMAGINE APPALACHIA:
ReImagine Appalachia is a coalition working to build a more prosperous, sustainable, and equitable future for the Appalachian region through strategic investment, responsible development, and community-centered policy solutions.