The Development District Association of Appalachia (DDAA) kicked off the day with its Breakfast and Annual Business Meeting at the Crystal Gateway Marriott in Arlington, bringing together over 150 members and partners from across the Appalachian region. The session opened with remarks from DDAA President Dennis Stripling, who welcomed attendees and previewed a program featuring updates from key partners at the Appalachian Regional Commission (ARC), along with important association business including financial reports, program updates, and the introduction of DDAA’s new 2026–2030 Strategic Plan.
Participants heard directly from several ARC leaders about federal and state initiatives impacting Appalachian communities. ARC Federal Co-Chair Gayle Manchin provided an overview of ARC’s current priorities and the agency’s continued collaboration with governors, local development districts, and regional partners to strengthen economic growth and community capacity across Appalachia. Congressional Liaison Olivia Leonard followed with an update on ARC-related legislation, while ARC States’ Washington Representative Jim Hyland shared insights on federal policy developments and state-level program activities affecting the region.
The meeting also highlighted DDAA’s accomplishments over the past year and the association’s plans for the future. Reports from Treasurer Steve Pelissier and Training Committee Chair Michelle Jordan provided updates on DDAA’s finances and professional development programs, including upcoming training opportunities and peer learning initiatives. Immediate Past President Chris Chiles then presented the outcomes of the new 2026–2030 Strategic Plan and led the election of the 2026–2027 DDAA Board of Directors. The morning concluded with a look ahead to the day’s programming, as attendees prepared to continue the conference with the opening plenary session on federal initiatives, funding, and strategic priorities shaping the future of the Appalachian region.