The Mahoning Valley Manufacturers Coalition heads into 2026 with record membership and expanded statewide recognition for its workforce leadership, reports its executive director, Alex Hertzer.
MVMC is the newly named East Regional hub leader for WorkOhio, a statewide platform designed to make it easier for job seekers to explore in-demand careers and connect with resources. This designation positions MVMC as a central connector for employers, job seekers and workforce partners across the region, helping align talent development efforts across multiple industries.
“Our manufacturers continue to tell us the hardest roles to fill aren’t just entry-level jobs – it’s those midskill, midcareer roles like technicians and supervisors,” Hertzer says. “MVMC is focused on connecting job seekers to real careers with growth potential and helping employers build the internal leadership they need to retain talent.”
This year, MVMC will continue to execute workforce strategies, such as the WorkAdvance program, Front Line Leadership Training, and peer engagement through Shop Talk forums.
Meanwhile, the organization continues to elevate manufacturing as a high-opportunity career path, while expanding its reach to support broader regional workforce needs and aligning with Ohio’s Manufacturing Workforce Blueprint.
Among the other key initiatives slated for this year include:
Employer Resource Network: In partnership with Youngstown Area Goodwill Industries, MVMC will place a success coach – a licensed social worker – inside participating workplaces to help employees manage barriers, like transportation, housing, and food insecurity, that can affect job stability. The goal is to reduce turnover and improve long-term employee retention.
MFG Ready launch: Juniors at Warren G. Harding High School are beginning a two-year program that includes career exploration and technical training, which will result in paid internships during their senior year. The initiative aims to prepare students for direct entry into local manufacturing careers after graduation.
BizTown USA and Finance Park: In collaboration with Junior Achievement, MVMC is helping introduce a manufacturing storefront at Eastwood Mall’s immersive career exploration centers. This will help build early awareness of manufacturing as a modern and rewarding career path.
MVMC will also celebrate its 15th anniversary in late 2026. The milestone highlights the years of leadership in shaping regional workforce strategy, strengthening employer collaboration, and creating lasting career pathways that fuel the Mahoning Valley’s manufacturing economy.
The organization also added 18 members in 2025 and today represents 76 manufacturers, 28 associate members, and 23 education, workforce, and community partners – its most diverse and engaged network yet, Hertzer says.
Also in 2025, MVMC reached over 11,300 students – more than half at the high school level – through career fairs, plant tours, classroom visits and other events that introduced young people to the wide range of careers available in modern manufacturing.
