The Eastern Ohio Leadership Council met Thursday night to talk about revitalization in the valley. Leaders say Ohio Valley towns need to use the existing buildings to attract young people to the area.

State Director Gene Krebs said the idea is to make communities like "eye candy" to attract young educated professionals. Krebs cited the restoration of the Clarendon Hotel in downtown St Clairsville saying local leaders need to use what's here to attract young people.

Krebs said, "Nobody ever moved to a community because they have big box stores, they always move someplace because of a sense of community, cute downtown, nice restaurants you can walk to."

Krebs said local residents have to realize this is important in order to make it work.

People from local government, education and residents came out for Thursday's meeting.