Explore our work to transform and grow the region’s economy ↓
REDEVELOPMENT
RESILIENCE
FUNDING
MANUFACTURING
DATE:APRIL 13TH FROM 10am-4pm [ lunch provided ]
LOCATION: Marshall University’s 2W22 Room (Campus Student Center 2nd Floor) – 1 John Marshall Dr. Huntington, WV 25755
APRIL 13TH FROM 10am-4pm – This is a strategy session to discuss the local and regional future of the circular economy in Central Appalachia. This session will include presentations of several topic points followed by discussions and group collaboration. We invite stakeholders to learn and work together to share their unique expertise, align their work with broader regional goals, and collaborate on strategies to scale and grow a sustainable and equitable economy.
What We’ll Explore:
– How the Central Appalachian Network (CAN) works to build a 21st-century economy that benefits workers, communities, and the environment. We will specifically discuss the ReUse Corridor Working Group.
-ReImagine Appalachia- Appalachian Manufacturing Action Plan: An overview of the waypoints for transforming Appalachia into a hub for sustainable manufacturing, including discussion for the ‘Reuse, Recycle, Repurpose It’ and ‘Redevelop It’ sections of the plan.
–ReUse Jam Insights: Reviewing the innovative solutions to sustainable waste management and reuse challenges—generated by regional partners and participants during the 2025 Reuse Design Jam series.
–Policy & Advocacy: Collaborating on a federal policy platform to address systemic barriers to scaling circular and sustainable systems in Appalachia.
–Funding for Food & Infrastructure: Discuss recent state allocated $50 million for healthy food production, to end food deserts through sustainable manufacturing, composting, and biofeedstock processing.
–A site visit to the local Marshall University compost facility, the first commercial compost facility in the state, to see how material recovery functions as an anchor for regional resilience and how waste can be transformed into new economic value.