Better Vision for the Valley - 2024 Conference

Ohio Valley Environmental Advocates and FreshWater Accountability Project sponsored the second Better Vision for the Valley Conference hosted by Blue Stream Farms in Weirton, WV on October 21, 2023. The day-long conference built upon the first conference held in Wheeling, WV in 2019 to continue the important work of envisioning and realizing an economy that will better preserve the natural resources of the region while also fulfilling residents’ desires for good jobs that provide a living wage.

Our region has a history dominated by heavily polluting and extractive industries that take advantage of rich natural resources, and these operations have been found to lessen long-term economic prosperity and worsen public health. We work to create opportunities for a much better future in our region by promoting a transition into emerging sustainable industries, such as regenerative agriculture, hemp, renewable energy and aquaponics/hydroponics. The ideas and campaigns discussed during the conference are boosted by individual efforts and group collaboration supported by government initiatives to address historical cumulative air and water pollution and environmental injustices. Better Vision efforts will continue with fellow advocacy organizations as we share opportunities with community members, local elected officials, and civic organizations to realize a cleaner and more robust economy in the Ohio Valley. 

 Here is a summary of the presentations for the 2023 Better Vision Conference, along with links to videos of the presentations made:

 Appalachia has long suffered from what economists call “the natural resource curse”. While rich in fossil fuel resources, an over-reliance on extraction industries—where much of the final production value flows out of the region— can lead to volatile cycles of booms and busts as global conditions change. New research shows that some energy communities have successfully begun to reverse their economic struggles by diversifying their economy with comparatively low cost investments in quality of life improvements, piloting clean technology, and energy efficiency programs. These policies promote shared prosperity by using local labor, growing small businesses, and keeping a larger share of income circulating locally to multiply their impact.

About the presenter: Nick Messenger focuses on applying data science and economic modeling to local economic development policy, energy economics, and clean energy transition issues. He also researches and writes about housing and education economic policy issues. Nick is a PhD Candidate in Agricultural, Environmental, and Development Economics at the Ohio State University where he also earned his M.S in the field. Prior to research, Nick taught high school chemistry and physics across three states in the Midwest and Gulf regions.

Endurance and determination are the heart of the Reimagine Beaver County project. Hear the story that began with residents reimagining the future for their region, and then what their strategy has been to move visions into action. This ongoing “case study” will describe the work of mobilizing industrial development in new directions that are economically viable and good for people and planet.

About the presenter: Joanne Martin is the Executive Director of Reimagine Beaver County (RBC), a grassroots initiative that is working to catalyze the growth of an innovative economic development path in SW PA and the surrounding region. The RBC Team works to advocate and educate about businesses that minimize harm to people and the environment while enhancing economic performance. Joanne’s financial and entrepreneurial skills come from earlier careers as a commercial banker and then cofounder/President of an international metals company supplying the steel and industrial tool industries. Her more recent work as an executive coach, group facilitator and conflict resolution consultant round out needed skills for mobilizing community change efforts. She lives in rural PA treasuring her dogs, donkeys, and wildlife.

This presentation will showcase of the work of ReImagine Appalachia, sharing federal opportunity resources with grant tracking along with capacity building resources for local governments, highlighting grant programs that are of special interest to the region. Click here to learn more through ReImagine Appalachia's website.

About the presenter: Molly Updegrove is the Deputy Program Director and Director of Outreach for ReImagine Appalachia and also a public policy consultant. Molly has a Masters in Social Work with a concentration in Community Organization and Social Action and years of experience organizing and implementing public policy plans. Much of her passion surrounding environmental activism stems from her love for the outdoors - Molly enjoys camping, hiking, kayaking, stargazing, and especially birding.

“Community benefit agreement” (“CBA”) is a term used to describe a range of community-driven agreements and plans that specify the tangible, measurable benefits that a developer promises will be delivered to the community should it support a proposed development.  This presentation will cover the different types of CBAs, the types of terms commonly found in CBAs, the process typically involved in CBA negotiation, negotiation tips, when to use CBAs and who is typically involved, best practices, and general benefits of using CBAs. Click here to explore Fair Shake Environmental Legal Services' website and to learn more about their work.

 About the presenter: Michael Parker is the Executive Director and Managing Attorney for Fair Shake Environmental Legal Services, a nonprofit environmental law firm with the mission of providing access to environmental justice, educating public interest attorneys, and empowering local environmental and economic decision-making.  Michael has been with Fair Shake since March 2021.  At Fair Shake, Michael manages the organization, practices community lawyering and environmental law, and advises numerous community organizations.  He has a JD from the University of Pittsburgh School of Law (2003), and a BA in History from the University of Pittsburgh (1999).  He was born and raised in Johnstown, PA, and currently resides in Pittsburgh.  He is also a veteran of the US Army and served in Baghdad, Iraq in 2004.