GALION, OH (CRAWFORD COUNTY NOW)—Galion Main Street, a new initiative to revitalize the historic uptown of Galion, Ohio, got some inspiration and education from the Ohio Main Street Conference last week.

The conference, hosted by Heritage Ohio, a statewide nonprofit organization dedicated to preserving and promoting Ohio’s heritage, brought together downtown advocates from across the state for two and a half days of sessions, workshops, tours, and networking opportunities.

The conference was held in the Dayton Arcade, a landmark complex of nine buildings that dates back to 1902 and features a stunning rotunda with a glass dome. The Arcade was recently restored after decades of neglect and decay, thanks to a $100 million investment that involved various sources of funding, including tax credits, grants, and private donations.

Galion Main Street board members attended the conference to learn from the success stories and best practices of other Ohio communities that have transformed their downtowns through historic preservation, economic development, arts and culture, and community engagement.

One of the sessions they attended focused on establishing regional corridors that connect communities based on physical or cultural similarities. Thomas Palmer, a board member of Galion Main Street, said that such corridors can help each community leverage their assets and attract more visitors and investors.

“These types of corridors can be based on physical or cultural connections between communities,” Palmer said. “The idea is that through cooperation and coordination, each location benefits much more than they would if going solely on their own.”

David Zak, another board member of Galion Main Street and the president and CEO of the Crawford Partnership, a local economic development organization, said that attending the conference was valuable for their initiative.

“The networking with other communities and insights gleaned from the sessions will help inform and inspire us as we continue our downtown revitalization efforts,” Zak said.

Galion Main Street is a volunteer-led organization that aims to enhance the quality of life in Galion by preserving its historic character, promoting its local businesses, and creating a vibrant and welcoming downtown. The organization received support from Heritage Ohio and the Crawford Partnership to attend the conference.

Galion Main Street board members will share what they learned with their fellow board members and invite anyone interested in joining their efforts to contact them.