Lake to River Partners with Flying High to Support Workforce Needs

YOUNGSTOWN, Ohio – Lake to River Economic Development is partnering with Flying High Inc. to support workforce needs throughout Mahoning, Trumbull, Columbiana and Ashtabula counties. 

The two organizations will work to implement workforce development initiatives to provide employment support services, vocational or professional training and job placement.

Flying High, a nonprofit organization that provides integrated workforce development programs to help individuals achieve economic self-sufficiency, will recruit job candidates, help them to become prepared and qualified and present them to employers. 

Flying High will offer a variety of programs, including vocational training and job placement services tailored to the specific needs of the region. These initiatives will focus on key industries, such as manufacturing and health care, ensuring that residents are equipped with the skills required by employers.

“We are well-positioned within the four-county region to offer employers the types of qualified, vetted and trained job candidates they’re looking for, and we appreciate Lake to River for recognizing the unique role we’re able to play in our region’s economic development,” said Jeff Magada, executive director of Flying High.

Staff members at Lake to River, the newly established JobsOhio region, will work to engage regional companies in targeted industries such as manufacturing, logistics and distribution, food and agribusiness and health care. This will be done through direct outreach, one-on-one engagement, industry roundtables and more.

“An available workforce is critical to economic development work, and we’re fortunate to have strong partners in our region like Flying High and others who we can connect with existing employers and new companies looking to expand here,” said Alexa Sweeney Blackann, interim CEO of Lake to River.

Flying High’s Professional Development Center operates Job Placement Welcome Centers in Youngstown and Warren where local residents can access job opportunities, accelerated vocational training and other customized employment training and services.

Pictured at top: Mike Fisher, job developer at Flying High; Matt Falter, director, talent engagement for Lake to River; Jeff Magada, executive director of Flying High; Jason Neal, director of site strategies for Lake to River; David Wilaj, director of project management for Lake to River; and Michelle Phillips, director of research for Lake to River.

Published by The Business Journal, Youngstown, Ohio.