The Village of East Palestine continues efforts to rebuild following last year’s devastating train derailment and fire by collaborating with small-town revitalization firm Small Nation, aiming to breathe new life into the village's downtown core.

A news release published on Wednesday says the partnership was made possible by the state's economic development agency JobsOhio, and will leverage Small Nation's expertise in revitalizing Ohio's small downtowns. The goal is to empower local business owners, property stakeholders, and entrepreneurs with a strategic plan for East Palestine's future.

"This partnership is the first step in driving new economic development opportunities for our close-knit downtown community," said J.P. Nauseef, President and CEO of JobsOhio.

Small Nation's team will visit East Palestine on November 22nd. Their visit includes a comprehensive downtown tour to assess local assets and growth potential, followed by a real estate and business strategy session tailored specifically to the village's needs.  

Jason Duff, Founder and CEO of Small Nation, emphasized the importance of listening and understanding the character of East Palestine. "Our process begins with learning the town's history, its existing businesses, and beloved places," he said. "This includes identifying what residents value most and what gaps might exist, presenting opportunities for growth."

Duff will also share techniques for downtown property and business development during the visit.

The initiative's success hinges on the involvement of the village's business community, property owners, and entrepreneurs.

Small Nation’s mission is to revitalize small towns through its Small Town Success Formula, which the organization says transformed Bellefontaine, Ohio, into a vibrant community with new businesses, renovated historic buildings, and over $30 million in private investments.