DAYTON — Tourism and its power both economically and socially will headline the 10th annual River Summit, Friday, March 24, at the University of Dayton River Campus, 1700 S. Patterson Blvd., Dayton.

The River Summit and the Ohio’s Great Corridor Association have worked for 10 years to create a place, an identity for the region. After showcasing the successes of other states’ and cities’ riverfront development and tourism, this year’s River Summit is dedicated to the state of Ohio and the goal of making the Great Miami Riverway one of the top 10 places to visit in Ohio.

Tourism Ohio’s Mary Cusick and the Ohio Travel Association’s Melinda Huntley will highlight statewide initiatives and feature support opportunities for communities to grow tourism and enhance visitor experience.

“Mary and Melinda will explain how tourism plays a major role in the economic growth of Ohio and will present the numbers to back it up,” said Katie Frank, Miamisburg Downtown Development coordinator. “They will also dive into the recent Ohio branding process that encourages Ohioans to explore their home state while attracting people from out-of-state to visit. Everyone who attends the 2017 River Summit will hear fresh ideas about partnerships and promotion to help create an exceptional tourism experience.”

Cusick is the director of TourismOhio. She leads the state’s efforts to create a marketing plan promoting Ohio as a premier travel destination.

Huntley is the executive director of Ohio Travel Association.

The River Summit will bring together hundreds of local leaders to share ideas about leveraging the economic power of the Great Miami River corridor to grow the region. The summit will run from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. It is hosted by the Ohio’s Great Corridor Association and the University of Dayton Fitz Center for Leadership in Community.

Registration is $25. Register at http://ow.ly/550z309R83D.