MVMC Plays an Active Role in OMA Workforce Summit

YOUNGSTOWN, Ohio – The Mahoning Valley Manufacturers Coalition’s impact as a model industry sector partnership was on display at this year’s Ohio Manufacturers’ Workforce Summit.

More than 400 workforce professionals attended the event at the Greater Columbus Convention Center on Nov. 14, including representatives from manufacturers, educators, policymakers and workforce leaders.

The mission was focused on attracting, developing and retaining skilled workers for Ohio’s booming manufacturing sector.

Lt. Gov. Jon Husted set the stage for the summit during his keynote address, highlighting the transformative impact of partnerships between education, business and government.

“We have transformed Ohio from one of the worst states for business into one of the best,” Husted said. “The challenge now is creating a well-trained, available workforce to fully realize this prosperity.”

MVMC’s heaviest influence was felt during a breakout session on youth outreach and engagement strategies. Alex Hertzer, MVMC executive director, was a panelist, and Jim Houck, owner of Houck Agency, MVMC’s marketing partner, moderated the session.

Hertzer discussed new ways to connect young people to manufacturing through virtual reality tours and the MFG Ready program, which is a pilot program designed to prepare high school students for manufacturing careers.

“We’ve been able to build a portfolio of engagement strategies across all ages,” Hertzer said. “By creating multiple touchpoints, we’re building a connection between young people and our industry that grows stronger with every interaction.”

Hertzer also stressed overcoming misconceptions and making in-demand jobs more visible to students.

“Many students have no perception of manufacturing careers,” he said. “They see teachers, doctors and lawyers, but not the CNC machinists or maintenance technicians that drive our industry.”

Several MVMC-inspired youth activities are featured in a collection of OMA-endorsed outreach and engagement tools that are accessible through the Making Ohio website that was launched during the session.

Member manufacturers were represented at the OMA summit as well. Ryan Day, Hynes Industries CFO, was part of a final panel discussion about collaboration to address workforce challenges.

He specifically referenced implementation of the WorkAdvance program.

“Through collaboration, we’ve developed training programs that not only prepare employees but also provide ongoing coaching,” he said. “That’s how we retain talent and keep our pipeline strong. We have to invest in our employees and help them grow into future leaders.”

Other MVMC members in attendance were Mahoning County Career & Technical Center, Pantheon Innovative Builders, Starr Manufacturing and Humtown Products. Mark Lamoncha, CEO of Humtown, is also an OMA board member.

Jessica Borza, former MVMC executive director, served as host of the summit through her position as the Ohio Manufacturers’ Association’s managing director, workforce development. 

CREDIT: Mahoning Valley Manufacturers Coalition.

Published by The Business Journal, Youngstown, Ohio.