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cr C O M M U N I T Y REINVESTMENT forum SUMMER EXPLORING APPALACHIA: 2002 Burgeoning Region Uses PUBLISHED BY T H E F E D E R A L R E S E R V E B A N K O F C L E V E L A N D Eco-Heritage Tourism as a Tool for Economic Development Photo courtesy of Foothills School of American Crafts Travel and tourism is big business globally, in the United States, and in Ohio. According to the Travel Industry Association of America, tourism is America’s largest services export, one of the largest U.S. employers, and the nation’s third-largest retail sales industry.1 In 2000, tourism employed more than 900,000 Ohioans, generated $ 25.7 billion in direct sales to tourists, and raised $ 2.1 billion and $1.9 billion, respectively, in state and local taxes. C O N T I N U E D O N N E X T PA G E AN EXCHANGE OF COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT ISSUES AND IDEAS 10 In My Opinion Come Visit My Home: Ohio’s Appalachian Country 12 4th District Profile Tourism Efforts Spotlight Heritage of the Fourth District 16 Compliance Corner HMDA Amendments Postponed to 2004 > COMMUNITY REINVESTMENT FORUM 2 The Federal Reserve Bank of Cleveland has had the pleasure of investigating firsthand the use of eco-heritage tourism as a tool for community economic development in southeast Ohio. This spring, our staff toured a number of sites in the area and interviewed approximately 25 individuals who are working to develop this region and the eco-heritage tourism industry. We would like to thank those who participated in our study for the wealth of information, insights, and time they graciously contributed to the effort. This issue of CR Forum explores the principles of eco-heritage tourism and applies them to an area of the Fourth Federal Reserve District—Ohio’s Appalachian region—that is full of potential and in need of indigenous economic development. In addition to elaborating on the industry’s best practices, we discuss some of the challenges and limitations that lie ahead for southeast Ohio. The Community Affairs Office at the Federal Reserve Bank of Cleveland hopes that southeast Ohio and all communities investigating the development of ecoheritage tourism will benefit from our experiences, observations, and the generous expertise of the individuals and organizations we consulted. Please refer to the Resources list on page 9 for their contact information. The views expressed in these articles represent those of the authors and not necessarily those of the Federal Reserve Bank of Cleveland or the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System. We welcome your comments regarding this edition of CR Forum ; please e-mail them to virginia.l.hopley @ clev.frb.org > CONTINUED F R O M PA G E 1 and activities that authentically Although the onset of the represent the people and stories economic slowdown sparked of the past,” according to the a slight decline in tourism National Heritage Tourism in Ohio during 1999–2000, Research Forum. The relatively the industry’s growth potential new concept of eco-heritage in the state and nationwide tourism takes this idea one 2 step further, “to experience remains substantial. As an industry, travel and the nature, ecology, and scenic tourism is unique: It is a “clean” beauty indigenous to a place,” industry, devoid of smokestacks and it relies on the attraction of and harmful environmental historical, cultural, and natural effects; it is people- and service- resources. The eco-heritage oriented; if authentic, its tourist may visit, for instance, attractions are unique to each museums, architecturally site and not easily replicable; significant buildings, historic and its product — the travel communities, artisans, and experience—is largely intan- national and state parks. Eco-heritage travel and gible and different for each consumer. Tourism cannot be tourism, too, is a large and overlooked as a tool for business growing business: According and community economic to a Travel Industry Association development: It creates new survey, nearly half of the jobs, businesses, and entrepre- 199.8 million U.S. adult Ruth Clevenger Virginia Hopley neurial opportunities; it can travelers included a cultural, Community Affairs Officer Research Analyst and Managing Editor improve the quality of life arts, heritage, or historic activity in a locale; and it creates an while on a trip of more than awareness of community pride 50 miles. The heritage traveler if there is a sense of local tends to stay longer in one The renovated Stockport Mill, Stockport, Ohio. 3 4 ownership and participation. place (extending their trips by The travel industry com- almost one-third) and spends prises many types of tourism: more while traveling ($615 per adventure, destination, nature, trip compared to $425 for all cultural, and historical, to name U.S. travelers). In addition, a few. Heritage tourism, another these travelers tend to be more subset, refers to “traveling educated and have higher-than- to experience the places 5 average household incomes. Randall B. Marx EDITOR’S NOTE Perhaps most important, the a hilly landscape, sharp ridges, eco-heritage traveler is looking and steep ravines. Rich in Hocking, Scioto, Muskingum, important to southeast Ohio’s for an educational, unique, and natural resources and dense and Ohio—have been crucial culture and economy: The genuine experience that cannot forests but largely unsuitable to the area’s development, state’s top coal-mining counties be obtained just anywhere. for agriculture, the region providing a means of transpor- were located in this 29-county developed an industrial base in tation for people and a channel region, and, between 1880 the eighteenth and nineteenth for exporting resources. The and 1910, it was the largest centuries that centered on the Ohio & Erie Canal, built as coal-producing region in the extractive industries—gas, Ohio’s first major public works world. Nelsonville became the oil, coal, stone, gravel, iron ore, project in 1833, created an commercial, financial, and salt, and clay. inland route from New York transportation hub for the coal City to the Mississippi River. mining industry in the early N “ ot just anywhere” is one way of capturing the history, Coal was particularly untouched natural beauty, and Marietta was home to the distinctive culture of southeast first white settlement outside With improved access to other twentieth century for parts Ohio. Known as Ohio’s Hill the 13 colonies in 1788, and markets, this area flourished of Athens, Hocking, and Perry Country Heritage Area, this the region quickly became and Ohio became a national counties. Nicknamed the “Little area is one of six designated a destination for European economic power. Extensive rail- Cities of Black Diamonds,” heritage areas in the state immigrants from western road development followed in today the area covers 50 com- and comprises the state’s Virginia, Pennsylvania, and the second half of the nineteenth munities that once were part 29 Appalachian counties New England. African American century, allowing Appalachia’s of the Hocking Valley Coalfield. immigration to southeast Ohio mineral wealth to be shipped Company towns supported by increased during 1860–70, to the northeast, fueling the the coal industry developed Hill Country is exceptional. and Ohio’s Hill Country boasts Industrial Revolution. throughout Ohio’s Hill Country Topographically, the area was of many important sites on the and became vital communities mostly unglaciated, creating Underground Railroad. for families, merchants, crafts- 6 (see map below). The history of Ohio’s 7 people, and social activities. Profile of Ohio’s Appalachian Counties Population (2000): 1,455,313 Unemployment rate (2000): 5.7 percent Per capita income (1999): $20,516 High school graduation rate (2000): 84.1 percent Distressed counties (2002): 20 The Ohio Department of Development considers an area distressed if it meets two of three criteria: Unemployment is more than 125 percent of the most recent five-year average U.S. unemployment rate; per capita income is at or below 80 percent of the U.S. per capita income; and poverty is at least 20 percent. Situationally distressed counties (2002): 1 Appalachian Regional Commission Counties Cities or counties whose major employers close or downsize, thereby adversely affecting the local economy, may petition the director of the Department of Development to be declared a situational distress area for up to 36 months. Active businesses (2000): 27,064 Distressed Counties Business starts (2000): 3,018 Situationally Distressed Counties Business terminations (2000): 2,908 Source: Ohio Department of Development, Office of Strategic Research (January 2002). FDIC-insured financial institutions (2000): 87, $16.5 billion in assets COMMUNITY REINVESTMENT FORUM Southeast Ohio: An Excursion into History Several major rivers—the 3 Today, the Little Cities COMMUNITY REINVESTMENT FORUM 4 and self-sufficiency that can Marietta and Nelsonville, Rather than forgetting the of Black Diamonds resemble foster a new form of economic for example, have become past, there is renewed interest reforested ghost towns, with development. There is recent destinations for their historic in appreciating the region’s minimal evidence of the eco- and increasing evidence that downtown areas with many vast industrial heritage by nomic and social boomtowns tourism has great potential in significant landmarks. Athens renovating sites throughout they once were. When the eco- southeast Ohio: In 1999, the is home to Ohio University, the the Little Cities of Black nomic engine of the extractive industry supported 71,000 jobs state’s oldest public university, Diamonds and the Hocking industries was exhausted, the in Appalachian Ohio and and to Hocking College in Valley Scenic Railway, while communities were left without generated $2.8 billion in travel Nelsonville, recognized interna- also promoting ecology through indigenous economic activity, expenditures. The Ohio tionally for its tourism and reforestation, watershed restora- expertise, and wealth to spawn Department of Development park ranger training programs. tion, and wildlife habitat a recovery. While their resources reports that in 2000, travelers Hocking Hills attracts up to development. Sites along the once had stimulated the growth took 13.4 million day trips two million visitors annually, Underground Railroad and of industry and supported and 2.7 million overnight trips and Wayne National Forest, Native American burial mounds wealth outside the region, by to southeast Ohio—the only which covers 12 counties depict other important aspects the 1900s southeast Ohio was region in the state where travel in this area, draws 700,000 of Ohio history. left with unstable economies, a grew between 1999 and 2000. annual visitors. The Eclipse 9 This is just a scratch on Mine company town is under the surface of the area’s leadership, and natural resources wealth of eco-heritage activities redevelopment to become an opportunities: Southeast Ohio’s that no longer had value. available to travelers, leaders artisan community; artists also unusual geography, heritage, in the area have identified six flourish in juried exhibits at the and culture make it ripe for Heritage Area and Appalachia, experiences that the Appalachian Dairy Barn and at the Foothills eco-heritage tourism to reinvig- both predominantly rural areas, region has to offer travelers: School of American Crafts, orate the economy while rekin- suffer from high unemployment handmade and homegrown where studios and classes are dling pride in its diverse assets. and poverty rates, low educa- products, cultural heritage, accessible to novices and experi- The key to such development tional attainment, and popula- industrial and labor history, Civil enced artists. For the musician, lies in linking the attractions to tion loss associated with the War history, the Underground Fur Peace Ranch guitar camp meaningful travel experiences. decline of the extractive indus- Railroad, and natural beauty. dearth of civic and managerial Much of Ohio’s Hill Country In order to capture the 10 is recognized internationally tries. However, this region also for its immersion training in possesses a culture “roots guitar,” another rich of resilience Appalachian tradition. 8 The Dairy Barn Cultural Arts Center, Athens, Ohio. Getting Started: How to Succeed in Heritage Tourism Coal mining town of Shawnee, Ohio. Forging a Path for Eco-heritage Tourism Randall B. Marx approach to tourism that is Building from there, leaders likely to fail, building civic must retain expert technical capacity and local leadership assistance to conduct feasibility outheast Ohio is at a at the grassroots level is the best and environmental impact crossroads in its development way to draw in local residents. studies that will determine the of eco-heritage tourism: Many Engaging stakeholders in a reality and requirements of of the elements for takeoff community visioning process implementing the plan. are in place, and a number is one approach to local partic- Interorganizational of organizations are dedicated ipation in developing the initia- collaboration and regional to fostering its growth and tive (see “Grassroots Efforts partnerships will enhance momentum. But without a for Developing Eco-heritage eco-heritage tourism concerted effort to integrate Tourism” on page 6). efforts. The organizations, S the region’s economic, social, From this community vision, 2. Preserve and protect resources— safeguard the future by protecting the buildings or special places and qualities that attract visitors. 3. Make sites come alive— interpreting sites is important, and so is making the message creative and exciting. 4. Find the fit between your community and tourism—programs that succeed have widespread local acceptance and meet recognized needs. individuals, and businesses and cultural goals, eco-heritage leaders will create an action involved in promoting the tourism may not realize its plan that includes a candid industry must think of potential. How can organiza- analysis of the area’s strengths, themselves as a network tions dedicated to eco-heritage weaknesses, opportunities, and rather than as competitors. tourism in southeast Ohio assets. Like any industry, eco- Coordinating local action create synergy among the heritage tourism leaders need plans to develop compre- industry’s elements and to understand their product, hensive, high-quality tour sustain the energy behind it customers, competition, demand guides and maps that integrate so that it becomes a tool for for products and services, and sites and promote them region- a robust economy? suppliers, and they must deter- ally will produce a critical mine how they will prioritize mass of tourist activities that eco-heritage tourism program their actions and capitalize embrace the broad appeal of must benefit the area’s residents, on their competitive advantages. the area’s assets. giving them a sense of local In addition, the plan should Groups that succeed in heritage tourism pay close attention to each part of an integrated process. These organizations take four key steps: ownership and civic participa- address the construction of 1. Assess the potential. tion from the outset. Rather amenities and facilities, growth 2. Plan and organize. than imposing a top-down management, and the ongoing 3. Prepare, protect and manage. First and foremost, any preservation of the area’s assets. Randall B. Marx 1. Focus on authenticity and quality— what makes this area unique and what is appealing to the tourist. Photo courtesy of Rivers of Steel Archives 5. Collaborate—building partnerships is essential, not just because they foster local support, but also because tourism demands resources that no single organization can supply. 4. Market for success. COMMUNITY REINVESTMENT FORUM The National Trust for Historic Preservation identifies five principles and four key steps for making the most of heritage tourism opportunities.11 5 GRASSROOTS EFFORTS FOR DEVELOPING ECO-HERITAGE TOURISM COMMUNITY REINVESTMENT FORUM 6 Successful eco-heritage tourism programs involve the communities they target, giving residents a sense of ownership and pride in their region. Two groups in southeast Ohio are committed to doing just that. Project Good START Project Good START has been a major component in the community revitalization of Ohio’s rural areas. The project’s overall goal is to introduce a survey and planning tool to communities with populations under 5,000 that have few local resources. The process helps them to identify, assess, and focus on their economic and community development priorities. Project Good START begins by forming a stakeholder committee that works with outside facilitators to serve their community’s needs; in southeast Ohio, facilitation is provided by the Corporation for Ohio Appalachian Development (COAD). Citizen attitude surveys give residents the opportunity to comment on local businesses, community services, downtown development, development goals, and their perceptions of strengths, weaknesses, and desires for the future. Business and community leaders are also interviewed, as one of the project’s aims is to make communities more competitive as business locations. Finally, the survey information is reviewed during a community forum, when participants prioritize their issues and visions. Citizens form single-issue action planning groups that lead the projects toward implementation. Many southeast Ohio communities have targeted eco-heritage tourism development as their goal, and COAD has worked with them to identify their opportunities and resources to do so successfully. Thirty-one communities in southern Ohio have completed the Good START process. In most cases, the historical and natural assets of the area emerge during the community discussions, and eco-heritage tourism is viewed as an economic tool for capitalizing on that strength. The greatest obstacle has been finding the resources and funds to organize and promote that heritage— through museums, festivals, and tours—in a meaningful way for tourists and residents. Russ Tippett Little Cities of Black Diamonds Sunday Creek Associates is a small, not-for-profit community development corporation that has served the four southernmost townships of Perry County since 1990 —a region of rugged hills commonly referred to as Ohio’s Little Cities of Black Diamonds. The organization provides a rich example of grassroots organizing, helping citizen groups to address their local needs rather than acting as a bureaucracy. Through this work, Sunday Creek has identified priorities for this microregion, which is one of the poorest in the state: ◆ Understanding and sharing local history and culture in order to educate residents and develop a low-impact tourism industry ◆ Creating community recreation and arts opportunities for youth ◆ Supporting existing and emerging citizen groups ◆ Saving and rehabilitating commercial and residential properties ◆ Gaining access to the technology that is available in more affluent areas. Sunday Creek Associates believes these needs are important to set the stage for rebuilding the local economy. Currently, it is supporting the formation of the Southern Perry Incubation Center for Entrepreneurs, a community business incubator in the village of Corning. After more than 10 years of addressing community needs, citizens are now taking action to rebuild their economy, which was devastated by the collapse of the coal, oil, clay, and iron industries that utilized the area’s rich natural resources. The Little Cities of Black Diamonds Council, organized by Sunday Creek Associates, promotes the region’s heritage, cultural, and environmental resources through cultural events, guided tours, and the recording and sharing of the area’s rich history. Railway Station, Hocking Valley Scenic Railway Financing for eco-heritage The key to financing eco- The Ohio legislature funded A number of community heritage tourism lies in piecing the Heritage Area Grant development corporations, attractive to investors and together many sources of program through the Ohio grassroots agencies, and micro- lenders. Most eco-heritage funding. The Federal Historic Department of Development enterprise development organi- tourism sites are developed Preservation Tax Incentives as recently as 2001, helping zations in southeast Ohio are privately and often are seen program, for instance, offers a communities exploring tourism actively supporting eco-heritage as risky investments. Tradition- 20 percent tax credit to building development to fund feasibility tourism programs. Investment ally, government agencies do owners for the rehabilitation studies and obtain technical in microenterprises and small not allocate funds to support of certified historic structures assistance. While this type businesses is available through of expertise is much needed ACEnet Ventures, Enterprise to understand the tools and Development Corporation, the incentives necessary for eco- Ohio Valley Regional Develop- heritage tourism, the grant ment Commission, and the program is no longer funded. Buckeye Hills-Hocking Valley Other state government agen- Regional Development District, cies, however, continue to offer to name a few of the regional funding related to eco-heritage venture funds and revolving tourism: The Ohio Department loan funds. However, because of Natural Resources and the some loan funds cannot fund Ohio Department of Transpor- tourism-related business Canals in southeast Ohio Russ Tippett heritage tourism as an eco- and a 10 percent credit for tation, for instance, both offer (because of their speculative nomic development initiative, rehabbing nonhistoric, non- funds for trail building. These nature), there is a funding gap and financial institutions may residential buildings constructed public sources of funding may that could be filled by greater 14 be skeptical of investing in before 1936. This credit may help communities to leverage participation from financial such ventures. Foundation be combined with low-interest private funding. Combining institutions. Bank products and support, in particular, has loans funded by Community many funding sources and services (many of which would been lacking in southeast Ohio, Development Block Grant creating public–private partner- qualify for CRA credit) could partly because there is a dearth programs that are a part of ships are critical to financing make a significant impact on 15 eco-heritage tourism. community economic develop- of major corporations and Entitlement Communities foundations in the region: or the Ohio Department of ment efforts that are already Although these 29 counties Development’s Downtown under way. contain 13 percent of Ohio’s Revitalization Program. population and 16 percent Some banks are working with of its poverty, they represent communities to develop low- only 2 percent of the assets interest loan programs or to of the state’s grant-making form loan pools with lower 12 foundations. Most foundation interest rates. support targets urban areas or programs that demonstrate 13 a national impact. Wayne National Forest Randall B. Marx COMMUNITY REINVESTMENT FORUM tourism must be creative and 7 COMMUNITY REINVESTMENT FORUM 8 Hocking Valley Scenic Railway Russ Tippett Provisions for the Trail Ahead E co-heritage tourism, in such jobs may represent a new economy, we have learned this able to meet tourists’ standards employment opportunity, a is not always a promising in order to operate as profitable starting point for a better future, reality. Political support for enterprises. By creating an or a supplementary household eco-heritage tourism is required entrepreneurial climate, “new income. That could give to get critical seed monies to pioneers” from outside the residents an entree into the fund local feasibility studies and region—entrepreneurs, artists, formal workforce, access to to acquire technical assistance. and telecommuters—will want a higher-quality job, valuable Financial institutions and foun- to locate and work here. The skills training, or a stepping dations, too, must realize that fact that population is growing stone toward starting a eco-heritage tourism is not in southeast Ohio demonstrates business. Additionally, lower about nostalgia—it is a legiti- this is already occurring. unemployment rates translate mate industry that can create into a higher tax base for a jobs and encourage entrepre- involved in eco-heritage tourism region that needs more revenue neurial activity. efforts—government agencies, and services. Political leaders, financial Microbusinesses and entre- 16 Many players must be financial institutions, commu- preneurs must be prepared nity development and grass- and of itself, is not a panacea leaders, and investors must to participate in eco-heritage roots organizations, businesses, for economic development. be convinced of eco-heritage tourism. Although the industry foundations, educational In the case of southeast Ohio tourism’s potential. Traditionally, offers a wealth of opportunities institutions, convention and and Appalachia, one industry industrial recruitment of manu- to develop distinctive, locally visitors bureaus, and citizens. cannot single-handedly reverse facturers and branch plants owned businesses that support Overcoming turf conflicts, the intense poverty and severe was considered the best— tourist sites—restaurants, bed fostering partnership efforts, economic and educational and perhaps only—tool for and breakfasts, amenities, gift and thinking regionally to disparities that exist. Rather, economic development in rural shops, transportation, tour devise a cooperative marketing eco-heritage tourism is one and economically depressed guides—the caliber of those strategy is a surefire way to component of an integrated areas. But in our shifting products and services must be draw a critical mass of tourists. economic development strategy that also fosters entrepreneurship, industrial recruitment, workforce development, and basic infrastructure. Some criticize that tourism creates jobs that are primarily part-time, seasonal, or entrylevel and offer low wages and no benefits. While this cannot be disputed, it is also true that in a region with many low- and moderate-income residents, NOTES 1. Travel Industry Association of America, Tourism Works for America 2000, January 2000. 2. Rovelstad and Associates and Longwoods International for the Ohio Division of Travel and Tourism, The Economic Impact, Performance and Profile of the Ohio Travel and Tourism Industry, 1999 – 2000, August 2001. 3. Ohio Conference of Community Development, “Heritage Tourism: An Economic Development Tool,” April 24, 2002. 4. Travel Industry Association of America, National Travel Survey, 1998. 5. Travel Industry Association of America, Tourism Works for America 2000, January 2000. 6. Other designated Heritage Areas in Ohio are the Ohio & Erie Canal, Maumee Valley, Miami & Erie Canal Corridor, Ohio’s Historic West, and Lake Erie Heritage Area. According to the National Coalition of Heritage Areas, heritage areas are regions with a distinctive sense of place, usually involving more than one jurisdiction. They are guided by regional management, combine publicand private-sector leadership, and provide economic, social, and environmental benefits to the region. Typically, regional heritage areas foster a balanced commitment to protect environmental and cultural resources while encouraging tourism and other economic opportunities. Heritage development begins by informing residents and visitors about community history, traditions, and environment, while providing infrastructure-development opportunities for outdoor recreation, tourism, and the expansion and promotion of cultural resources. 7. See Ohio’s Hill Country Heritage Area Strategic Plan (1998) and Little Cities of Black Diamonds Heritage Tourism Plan (draft), both prepared by Benjamin D. Rickey & Co. 8. Between 1990 and 2000, 24 of Ohio’s 29 Appalachian counties grew in population, reversing this trend; aggregate growth in the region was 6 percent during the same period. 9. Rovelstad and Associates and Longwoods International for the Appalachian Region and the Ohio Division of Travel and Tourism, The Economic Impact, Performance and Profile of the Appalachian Region Travel and Tourism Industry, 1999, October 2000. 10. Provided by John Winnenberg, Sunday Creek Associates. 11. Excerpted from the National Trust for Historic Preservation, Getting Started: How to Succeed in Heritage Tourism, 1999. Used with permission. 12. Information provided by The Foundation for Appalachian Ohio. 13. To help close the philanthropic gap, the Governor’s Office of Appalachia has contributed to the creation of The Foundation for Appalachian Ohio, a regional community foundation with the purpose of building permanent assets for the region. The foundation made its first round of grants in 2001, with some funding targeted to promoting heritage tourism in Appalachian Ohio. 14. See U.S. Department of the Interior, “Preservation Tax Incentives for Historic Buildings,” or call 202/343-9578 for a referral to your state’s Historic Preservation Office. 15. Financing information graciously provided by Nancy Recchie, Benjamin D. Rickey & Co, Historic Preservation Specialists. 16. A number of organizations are supporting the growth and success of businesses in southeast Ohio, including the Appalachian Regional Entrepreneurship Initiative at Ohio University, ACEnet, Adena Ventures, Buckeye Hills– Hocking Valley Regional Development District, Ohio Valley Regional Development Commission, and the Ohio Small Business Development Center at Ohio University. The economic benefits of Finally, the development of eco-heritage tourism as a enhanced and shared by all, viable industry in southeast creating a greater chance for Ohio (and elsewhere) will occur obtaining funding and attracting incrementally, community by more tourists. community. Many don’t realize Balancing preservation the potential of eco-heritage Appalachian Center for Economic Networks (ACEnet) June Holley President 740/592-3854 www.acenetworks.org Adena Ventures Paul Benedict Associate 740/597-1470 with development is one of tourism, while others see the the greatest challenges of immediate need for economic eco-heritage tourism. Basic development to replace coal Appalachian Regional Entrepreneurship Initiative amenities should be developed mining and other extinct indus- to accommodate tourists and tries. Different communities Jeff Doose Associate Managing Director 740/597-1689 residents alike, particularly in will come to that realization very rustic areas. The greatest at different times. Although attractions for eco-heritage it is a challenge, a grassroots Bob Eichenberg Planning Director tourists are the landscape, approach to eco-heritage Benjamin D. Rickey & Co. small towns, and the heritage, tourism will give residents an which must be protected and incentive to think about their cannot be overcommercialized. community’s past and future Much of the area outside and how they can participate Southeast Ohio’s cities has no in and protect it. This involve- zoning code, which works to ment can develop local leader- the region’s and the industry’s ship, which is often lacking in long-term disadvantage. Having small communities where a vision and a plan that includes assets have been stripped away protective zoning, historic for several generations. preservation, and low-impact Eco-heritage tourism holds and environmentally sensitive promise to be a part of south- development will help to ensure east Ohio’s proud history of that tourism does not ultimately struggle and survival. If such destroy the attractions. tourism is approached with sound business practices and extensive community involvement, the coal patches of southeast Ohio may soon re-emerge as vital, productive economies. www.adenaventures.com Governor’s Office of Appalachia, Ohio Department of Development Joy Padgett Director 614/644-9228 www.odod.state.oh.us/GOA.htm Heritage Ohio/ Downtown Ohio, Inc. Kevin Kuchenbecker Executive Director 614/258-6200 www.heritageohio.org Hocking College Russell Tippett Dean, School of Natural Resources Paul Harper Director of Development Judy Sinnott Public Information Director 740/753-3591 www.arei.org www.hocking.edu Athens County Regional Planning Commission National Trust for Historic Preservation, Heritage Tourism Program 740/594-6069 Historic Preservation Specialists Nancy Recchie 614/221-0358 Buckeye Hills – Hocking Valley Regional Development District C. Boyer Simcox Executive Director 740/374-9436 www.buckeyehills.org Corporation for Ohio Appalachian Development Melody Sands Community Development Specialist 740/594-8499 www.coadinc.org Enterprise Development Corporation Lisa Latham Senior Loan Officer 800/822-6096 www.ccdcorp.org/enterprise.htm Foothills School of American Crafts Kari Gunter-Seymour President, Board of Trustees Aaron Smith Executive Director 740/753-4189 www.foothillsartworks.com The Foundation for Appalachian Ohio Leslie Lilly President and CEO 740/753-1111 Amy Jordan Webb Heritage Tourism Program Director 303/413-1986 www.nationaltrust.org/ heritage_tourism/index.html Ohio Department of Development Mike Jacoby Governor’s Economic Regional Representative, Region 11 740/373-5150 www.odod.state.oh.us Ohio Department of Development, Division of Travel and Tourism Dr. Colleen May Research and Heritage Tourism Manager 614/466-8844 www.ohiotourism.com/industry Ohio Historical Center Vicky Tabor Branson Associate Marketing Manager 614/297-2319 www.ohiohistory.org Ohio Valley Regional Development Commission Jeff Spencer Executive Director Jason Gillow Research and Planning Specialist 740/947-2853 www.ovrdc.org Ohio’s Appalachian Country Linda Basye President 740/947-9650 www.appalachianohio.org Ohio’s Hill Country Heritage Area Fur Peace Ranch Tim Traxler Chairman 740/594-1661 Vanessa Kaukonen Manager and CEO 740/992-2498 www.furpeaceranch.com www.ohiohillcountry.org Sunday Creek Associates John Winnenberg Associate 740/394-2852 COMMUNITY REINVESTMENT FORUM a regional approach will be RESOURCES 9 in my COMMUNITY REINVESTMENT FORUM opi Come Visit My Home: Ohio’s Appalachian Country 10 Joy Padgett is the director of the Ohio Governor’s Office of Appalachia, which serves as an advocate for the region’s needs to state government by acting as the communication and coordination link among state agencies, local governments, and the Ohio General Joy Padgett Director Governor’s Office of Appalachia, Ohio Department of Development Assembly. She is also the governor’s alternate to the Appalachian Regional Commission, a federal – state partnership that addresses economic and social development needs in the 13 federally designated Appalachian states. Before assuming her current position in 1999, Ms. Padgett was the state representative for the 95th District, which comprises Holmes, Coshocton, and Muskingum counties. A s a child, it is difficult to appreciate the things around you because you don’t have an marveled at their Appalachian experiences. Ohio’s Appalachian country adequate point of reference by reveals a wealth of exciting which to judge what’s special. activities, special events, and As a child reared in southeast attractions that are ideal for Ohio, I considered the region family vacations and weekend simply as “home.” getaways. The region’s hills, It wasn’t until I became an adult that I had an opportunity to come into contact with people outside the region who lakes, and rivers feature a variety of outdoor adventures. Beautiful state parks and People who have visited my As a first-generation Ohio’s Appalachian country national forests offer swimming, “home” have given me a new American, I notice the diversity is a region where America’s canoeing, fishing, horseback perspective. I now notice the of this region’s people. Even historic and cultural heritage riding, and camping. Nature unforgettable fall colors of the though they are generations flourishes in the midst of trails provide the best in hiking forested hillsides. I awake to removed from their immigrant spectacular scenic beauty. and biking for novices and the rolling meadows and misty ancestry, they’ve taken great experts alike. Quaint shops valleys sculpted by glaciers, attention to preserve their Come visit my “home”— Ohio’s Appalachian country. and galleries show the works of Appalachia’s renowned traditional artisans, while malls and factory outlets provide other shopping pleasures. From prehistoric Indians to the Industrial Age, history “From prehistoric Indians to the Industrial Age, history comes alive in the region’s cities and villages, fairs and festivals, living history centers, and Amish country.” comes alive in the region’s cities and villages, fairs and festivals, floods, and early settlers. I’ve timeless enchantment and I’m sure that if seen from living history centers, and come to appreciate the prickly homespun hospitality. I recall a fresh perspective, each Amish country. Scenic railways, pear cactus that grows wild in stories of the Amish who farm member of your family will sternwheeler riverboats, canal Adams County, the opportunity Holmes County, the Irish find something to appreciate boats, and covered bridges to savor the indigenous pawpaw settlers who cut the Ohio & in southeast Ohio. provide a glimpse of how early plant as a local delicacy, and Erie Canal; life among German settlers once traveled. the distinctive styles of pottery and Italian pioneers; the the region, visit the Ohio sprinkled throughout the region. wide-eyed entrepreneurs from Appalachian Country Web site story comes from a city dweller Few things are more peaceful the colonies looking to make at www.ohioappalachian.com. who took his son to a farm in than to sit anywhere along the their fortunes in the western southeast Ohio specifically to 450 miles of Appalachia’s Ohio frontier of their day. These introduce the boy to the sounds River shoreline and watch the early pioneers left as their of a babbling brook, the smell lights of barges float by silently inheritance generations with of clean air, and the sight of on the majestic river at night. a strong work ethic and One particularly striking stars unobstructed by an urban an evident pride in their dome of light. communities. To learn more about COMMUNITY REINVESTMENT FORUM nion 11 4th district COMMUNITY REINVESTMENT FORUM prof Tourism Efforts E very destination has its own sense of place, 12 local history, and distinctive regional culture— producing more steel, armor, and armaments in a this is the foundation of any eco-heritage tourism single year than entire countries. Many of the region’s program. There are many examples of heritage legendary mills are now dismantled, and it has been tourism that are flourishing in the Fourth Federal decades since the mills belched fire and smoke over Reserve District. Here we profile just a few of them. Pittsburgh’s skyline. Nevertheless, the magnitude of the region’s steelmaking contributions demand that 1 Preserving the Legacy of Big Steel From the late-nineteenth century until 1980, southwestern Pennsylvania was the steelmaking capital of the world, producing the steel used to build American landmarks such as the Brooklyn Bridge and the Empire State Building. During the first and second world wars, Pennsylvania’s steelworkers carried the nation’s defense on their backs, School tour of Rivers of Steel Heritage Area COMMUNITY REINVESTMENT FORUM ile Spotlight Heritage of the Fourth District its history be preserved. In 1996, Congress created The Heritage Area is a strong part of southwestern the Rivers of Steel National Heritage Area, located in Pennsylvania’s economic development strategy to Homestead, Pennsylvania, to preserve, interpret, and make this region a leading tourist destination. With manage the historic, cultural, and natural resources the construction of the new park, Rivers of Steel is of Big Steel and its related industries. expected to draw some 840,000 visitors and generate Covering 3,000 square miles across more than $60 million in revenues annually. seven counties, Rivers of Steel builds on the area’s remarkable transition from heavy industry to high technology and diversified services, and helps to bolster the new regional economy by promoting tourism and economic development. A multifaceted program, the Heritage Area’s mission includes historic preservation, cultural conservation, education, recreation, and resource development. Currently, the Heritage Area has bills in Congress to build the Homestead Works National Park on 38 acres surrounding the Carrie Furnaces, the last of the giant blast furnaces from the Homestead Works, and the Pump House, site of the bloody 1892 Homestead Photo courtesy of Rivers of Steel Archives Steel Strike. 2 Kentucky Crafts Are Big Business The Kentucky Craft Marketing Program is a state agency designed to support craftspeople in the state who want to expand their business to retail shops and galleries in Kentucky, the United States, and abroad. Its mission is to develop the state’s craft industry; to support and empower Kentucky artisans and craftspeople; to create an economically viable environment for craft entrepreneurs; to preserve the state’s craft traditions; to stimulate and support product development; and to generate public awareness, public support, and public–private partnerships. C O N T I N U E D O N N E X T PA G E > 13 The program, a collaborative effort of the Kentucky Arts Council, has been heralded for its pioneering efforts in marketing the state’s crafts, and Kentucky is one of the few states to support its craft industry in this way. The program’s activities and goals are COMMUNITY REINVESTMENT FORUM 14 set through the council’s planning process, in which citizens provide input at public forums. The program assists Kentucky’s craft professionals by providing economic opportunities and training, access to other outside entities (craft retailers, craft and art organizations, community and government Exhibitors at The Market agencies), and exhibits to the general public. “Made in Wheeling” Exhibit The recent twentieth anniversary of “The Market” was held at the Kentucky Fair and Exposition Center in Louisville and featured more than 270 exhibitors of contemporary and traditional crafts and cultural entertainment. Kentucky is exceptional in sponsoring such a show for its craft businesses, and The Market 3 generates $2 million–$3 million in sales annually. Kentucky Crafted: The Market 2002 Photos courtesy of the Kentucky Craft Marketing Program Other statewide initiatives that promote and strengthen Kentucky’s artisan heritage include the Kentucky Artisan Center at Berea, the Kentucky Artisans Heritage Trails, the Kentucky Appalachian Artisan Center, and the Kentucky School of Craft. City Highlights Commercial, 4 Historical Contributions Wheeling is a historic city of approximately 34,000 residents, located on the Ohio River in the northern panhandle of West Virginia. Authorized in 2000 as a National Heritage Area by the National Park Service, the area focuses its development on downtown revitalization and the historical importance of the waterfront. The region’s unique combination of attractions—including Oglebay Park, the Capital Music Hall, and Wheeling Downs—brings in thousands of visitors annually. The Wheeling National Heritage Area Corporation is responsible for managing the Heritage Area, one of the first in the country to complete a management plan and to receive ongoing technical assistance from the National Park Service. Like other designated national heritage areas, Wheeling is a place where natural, cultural, historic, and scenic resources combine to form a cohesive, distinctive landscape. By developing and maintaining industries that have been crucial to the nation’s expansion—iron and steel, textile manufacturing, boat building, glass manufacturing, and tobacco manufacturing—Wheeling has played an important role in our nation’s industrial and commercial heritage. Today, the city’s mix of nationally, regionally, and locally significant sites illustrates an important chapter in U.S. history. The Wheeling National Heritage Area Corporation set out in its action plan: ■ Renovation of a historic warehouse into a restaurant/museum/retail area ■ Construction of a five-story intermodal transportation center that includes a visitor center with interpretive exhibits ■ Design and implementation of the first phase of the Wheeling Heritage Port, a focal point for the city and an attempt to reestablish river traffic in downtown Wheeling Photo courtesy of the Wheeling National Heritage Area Corporation Steel Industry Heritage Corporation Bost Building 623 East 8th Avenue Homestead, PA 15120 412/464-4020 www.riversofsteel.com ■ Renovation and lighting of the Wheeling Suspension bridge, a national historic landmark ■ Development of interpretive exhibits in West Virginia Independence Hall, another a national historic landmark ■ Organization, with the City of Wheeling and the local arts community, of the first Arts and Heritage Celebration to host visiting international artists. Wheeling is fortunate to have many of the necessary ingredients to sustain a successful heritage tourism program: local leadership, community support, and ongoing technical assistance. In addition, the funds appropriated by Congress have encouraged privatesector investment and matching funds from the city and the state. In a relatively short period of time, this work—the result of having a national heritage area plan and a commission to implement it—has had a great impact on the city’s ability to preserve its cultural and historical resources. Kentucky Craft Marketing Program Old Capitol Annex, 2nd Floor 300 West Broadway Frankfort, KY 40601 502/564-3757 www.kycraft.org Wheeling National Heritage Area Corporation 1400 Main Street Wheeling, WV 26003 304/232-3087 NOTES 1. Excerpted from www.riversofsteel.com/aboutus.asp with permission. 2. Excerpted from www.kycraft.org/program/mission.html with permission. 3. Excerpted from Appalachian Regional Commission, “Building Creative Economies: The Arts, Entrepreneurship, and Sustainable Development in Appalachia,” April 2002. 4. Information provided by the Wheeling National Heritage Area Corporation. upcoming conferences Livable Communities: Linking Community Development and Smart Growth November 6–7, 2002 Cincinnati, Ohio Sponsored by the Federal Reserve Bank of Cleveland, Greater Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky LISC, and National Neighborhood Coalition, with support from the Federal Reserve Banks of St. Louis and Chicago, and regional LISC offices. Cities, Suburbs & Countryside National Preservation Conference 2002 October 8–13, 2002 Cleveland, Ohio Sponsored by the National Trust for Historic Preservation in partnership with the Cleveland Restoration Society www.nthpconference.org/ConUpdates/index.htm We’re Under Construction! We’re giving our Community Affairs Web site a fresh face. Check out our new look and get the latest information on the Cleveland Fed’s Community Affairs conferences, seminars, publications, and initiatives at www.clev.frb.org/CommAffairs/index.htm. Financial Literacy Survey Results Available This Fall The results of our financial literacy survey are coming in! To learn more about financial literacy programs for low- and moderateincome communities in the Fourth Federal Reserve District and about best practices in financial literacy, please check our Web site later this fall or contact Laura Kyzour at 216/579-2846. Appalachia on the Move… Interested in learning more about Appalachian Ohio and economic and workforce development initiatives there? Forbes magazine profiled the region in its July 22, 2002 edition. The issue contains a feature by the Ohio Governor’s Office of Appalachia (see “In My Opinion” on page 10). Get on the List Would you like to receive CR Forum and other Community Affairs mailings regularly? We’re updating our database and setting up an electronic list, so if you’re not already on our mailing list and would like to be, please contact Laura Kyzour in the Cleveland Office at 216/579-2846 or laura.l.kyzour@.clev.frb.org. You will receive notification of Community Affairs conferences, publications and other useful information. COMMUNITY REINVESTMENT FORUM has successfully completed a number of major projects of interest 15 CR FORUM ACKNOWLEDGMENTS Please contact the following members of the Community Affairs staff if you have questions or would like additional copies of this publication. CLEVELAND corner compliance Mark Sniderman Senior Vice President and Director of Research 216/579-2044 Ruth Clevenger Assistant Vice President and Community Affairs Officer 216/579-2392 Mark Batson Community Affairs Advisor 216/579-2903 Virginia Hopley Research Analyst 216/579-2891 Laura Kyzour Administrative Assistant Effective Date for HMDA Amendments Postponed to 2004 In early May, the Federal Reserve Board approved a final rule postponing the effective date of recent amendments to Regulation C (Home Mortgage Disclosure Act) from January 1, 2003, to January 1, 2004. In the February 15, 2002, Federal Register, the Board published the Regulation C amendments, which were to become effective for data collected after January 1, 2003, and solicited comment on several related issues. In response, financial institutions and their trade associations requested the effective date be pushed back a year, arguing the 2003 deadline does not afford institutions enough time to fully 216/579-2846 comply with the new rules. Consumer and community organizations generally opposed postponing the CINCINNATI effective date. Jeff Gatica Senior Advisor The Board has weighed the financial institutions’ claims and the underlying assumptions against 513/455-4281 the public policy benefits of collecting the new data as soon as possible. In its estimation, some Home Candis Smith Mortgage Disclosure Act (HMDA) reporters, particularly the largest ones, will not be able to fully Community Affairs Liaison 513/455-4350 PITTSBURGH Jacqueline King Community Affairs Manager 412/261-7947 Althea Worthy Community Affairs Liaison 412/261-7943 Visit us on the World Wide Web www.clev.frb.org We welcome your comments and suggestions. The views stated in Community Reinvestment Forum are those of the individual authors and are not necessarily those of the Federal Reserve Bank of Cleveland or of the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System. Materials may be reprinted provided that the source is credited. Please send copies of reprinted materials to Community Affairs, Federal Reserve Bank of Cleveland, P.O. Box 6387, Cleveland, Ohio 44101-1387. implement the new rules by January 1, 2003, without jeopardizing the quality and usefulness of the data and incurring substantial costs that could be avoided by postponing the effective date. The Board has, however, adopted an interim amendment to Regulation C (effective January 1, 2003) mandating the use of 2000 census data in HMDA reporting. In light of the many changes that have occurred since 1990, using the 2000 census tracts and demographics will produce more accurate and useful data in the HMDA disclosure statements and aggregate reports. To read the full text of the Board’s press release, visit www.federalreserve.gov/boarddocs/press/boardacts/2002/20020502/; for the Board of Governor’s notice, see www.federalreserve.gov/boarddocs/press/boardacts/2002/20020502/attachment.pdf. In addition, banking and consumer regulatory policy updates are posted regularly on the Board of Governor’s Web site at www.federalreserve.gov/boarddocs/press/bcreg/2002/.
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