Skip to content
There's still time to register for OhioNet's Student Success Summit on June 9! This in-person event will explore the ways libraries can support students at various stages, encourage information literacy, utilize affordable resources, and more. Visit the link to reserve your seat! Read More
Back to Training List

Boom and Bust: Libraries Navigating Economic Change in Their Communities

  • Member Events
  • In-Person Workshop
  • 5 CE Hours

Description

In collaboration with the Chillicothe & Ross County Public Library, we invite you to join us for a free event, “Boom and Bust: Libraries Navigating Economic Change in Their Communities.” This full-day, in-person event will take place on March 4, 2026 at the Chillicothe & Ross County Public Library Annex. 

“Boom and Bust” will provide an opportunity for all Ohio libraries to discuss ways they are thriving, surviving, and supporting their communities during both good and challenging economic times. Attendees will hear from featured speaker Michael Throne, President & CEO of the Chillicothe Ross Chamber of Commerce, as well as presentations from speakers across all library types.   

“Boom and Bust” will feature a day of sessions including highlighted speakers, roundtable discussions, lightning round presentations and more.

Event Agenda: 

9-9:05 a.m. — Opening Remarks 

9:05-9:45 a.m. — Featured Speaker: Michael Throne, President & CEO, Chillicothe and Ross Chamber of Commerce

9:45-10 a.m. — Break 

10-10:30 a.m. — Grants for Libraries – LSTA and Beyond: Jeff Regensburger, Library Consultant/LSTA Coordinator, State Library of Ohio

10:30-11:15 a.m. — Community Partners – Map Your Assets: Liz Gibbons-Camp, Enrichment Services Manager, Chillicothe and Ross County Public Library; Katy Hite, Adult Services Consultant, State Library of Ohio

11:15 a.m.-12:45 p.m. — Lunch on your own — explore local eateries! 

12:45-1:15 p.m. — Demonstrating the Library’s Economic Impact on the Local Community: Katy B. Mathuews, PhD, Executive Director & CEO, OhioNet

1:15-1:45 p.m. — Converting Demographic Challenge into Community Strength: Melanie Torok, Fiscal Officer, Clark County Public Library

1:45 -2 p.m. — Break 

2-2:30 p.m. — Share: Developing Community Partnerships to Expand Library Services and Multiply Resources: James Hill, Executive Director, Chillicothe and Ross County Public Library

2:30-3:15 p.m. — Finding Your Why in Boom and Bust: Liz Gibbons-Camp, Enrichment Services Manager, Chillicothe and Ross County Public Library; Katy Hite, Adult Services Consultant, State Library of Ohio

Event Logistics: 

The Chillicothe & Ross County Public Library Annex is located at 140 S. Paint St., Chillicothe, OH 45601. There is both off-street and on-street parking available to registrants.  

Lunch is not provided: registrants will have time to leave the library and purchase lunch on their own at local restaurants located near the annex.  

Please note that this is a live event and will not be recorded.  

Who Should Attend

Anyone interested in or responsible for navigating library operations through economic changes in their community. Individuals from all library types and experience levels are welcome!

Presenters

Michael Throne President & CEO, Chillicothe Ross Chamber of Commerce

Mike Throne has always been a storyteller. After graduating from Bowling Green State University, he embarked on a nearly 25-year career in journalism. He began as a rural reporter and later became the editor of two newspapers, earning numerous local, state, and national awards for himself and his staff. 

He found his passion in Chillicothe, a small town in southern Ohio, and yearned to be part of the renaissance of Ohio’s first capital. In 2018, he became president and CEO of the Chillicothe Ross Chamber of Commerce and started sharing the story of the resurgence of the place he calls “Ohio’s Best Small Town.”