COLUMBUS — Revitalization efforts in downtown Bellefontaine and the public-private partnership behind the redevelopment were recognized Wednesday during the Mid-Ohio Regional Planning Commission’s annual State of the Region event at the Greater Columbus Convention Center.
The City of Bellefontaine and Small Nation were presented with the William C. Habig Collaborative Achievement Award, which honors individuals or organizations that have achieved an effective effort or innovative collaborative project in Central Ohio.
“It’s very rewarding to be recognized at this level. We celebrate the investment that so many of our entrepreneurs have made in our community,” Bellefontaine Mayor Ben Stahler said. “We’re always happy to share our story with other communities, as well,”
“This recognition is an honor and it celebrates the creativity, hard work and partnerships cemented in downtown Bellefontaine. Small towns around the state admire the unique businesses, collaborations and accomplishments of Bellefontaine,” said Jason Duff, Small Nation founder and CEO. “We set out to become Ohio’s Most Lovable Downtown and we’re well on our way to accomplish that goal.”
Mayor Stahler and Duff were joined by other city, county and Small Nation representatives at the luncheon, which was attended by more than 800 of Central Ohio’s top political, business, and civic leaders. Also in attendance were City Service-Safety Director Wes Dodds, Logan County Commissioners Paul Benedetti and Joe Antram, Logan County Administrator David Henry, Logan County Economic Development Director Ben Vollrath, and Small Nation representatives Nick Davis, Ann Hamilton and Keyne Strickland.
MORPC is Central Ohio’s regional council for more than 70 members from a 15-county area. Bellefontaine and Logan County are two of those member communities.
“Logan County is proud of the entrepreneurial spirit demonstrated by so many young men and women,” Commissioner Antram said. “Our county’s services are further enhanced by sales tax revenues produced by these businesses.”
Across the country, many small towns with once flourishing economies have experienced a decline. Small Nation is a passionate believer in a community’s ability to revitalize its downtown.
“Most notable among their success stories is the restoration of the City of Bellefontaine,” representatives said.
This public-private partnership between Small Nation and City of Bellefontaine led to the repurposing of abandoned spaces through city-led enforcement of zoning/property management codes, the installation of extraordinary and inspirational workspaces to attract the creative class of innovative entrepreneurs, and a wide range of unique support services to help these young businesses thrive.
The city welcomed private investment and augmented these efforts by expanding designated outside restaurant areas in public spaces, adding benches and picnic areas, and improving the pedestrian experience.
“These efforts demonstrated that small towns could reinvent themselves through their collective efforts to help each other thrive,” officials said in a release.
MORPC takes pride in bringing communities of all sizes and interests together to collaborate on best practices and plan for the future of the growing region. This year’s theme, “From Possibility to Reality,” showcased MORPC’s vision for the region’s future, highlighted the endless possibilities that could be, and the exciting realities that are approaching.
This was the first in-person State of the Region since 2019. The event brought many leaders, collaborators and friends together for the first time in two years. The event highlighted key community’s accomplishments and celebrated leaders across the region and focused on creating a path forward for the future.