What They’re Saying: Lt. Governor Tressel Launches WorkOhio
(COLUMBUS, Ohio)—Ohio Lt. Governor Jim Tressel yesterday announced the launch of WorkOhio. The new program aims to connect Ohioans with in-demand jobs in their area through personalized support from teams of regional job experts.
One-on-one support and additional resources for job seekers are now available through the program website: WorkOhio.gov.
Today, leaders from several associations and other organizations representing Ohio's business, industry, and education communities shared their support for the WorkOhio program.
Pat Tiberi
President & CEO, Ohio Business Roundtable
Chair, Governor's Executive Workforce Board
“WorkOhio is exactly the kind of practical, hands-on approach Ohio needs to connect people with meaningful job opportunities and employers with talent. By simplifying access to resources and personalized support, this program will fuel economic growth and make Ohio an even better place to live and work. I applaud Governor DeWine and Lt. Governor Tressel on a program that meets Ohioans where they are and helps build clear pathways to in-demand careers.”
Steve Stivers
President & CEO, Ohio Chamber of Commerce
“Across Ohio, businesses of every size and in every industry are struggling to attract and retain workforce talent. Meanwhile, there are nearly three open job openings for every person receiving unemployment. That’s why WorkOhio is so critical, and we commend Lt. Governor Jim Tressel’s leadership in creating this platform to connect Ohioans to both Ohio-based employment and upskilling opportunities. The Ohio Chamber of Commerce stands ready to aid in WorkOhio’s success, and we look forward to building upon this important initiative with additional solutions to address Ohio’s workforce development needs.”
Gordon Gough
President & CEO, Ohio Council of Retail Merchants
“Ohio’s retail industry depends on a strong, adaptable workforce, and initiatives like WorkOhio are exactly what our employers and job seekers need right now. By serving as a simple front door to career resources and providing personalized, local support, WorkOhio helps connect Ohioans with meaningful jobs, while giving businesses access to the talent they need to grow. We applaud Lt. Governor Tressel and the DeWine Administration for making workforce development more accessible, practical, and responsive to the needs of today’s economy.”
Ryan Augsburger
President, Ohio Manufacturers’ Association
“These announcements are about placing people in jobs, not publishing strategies. WorkOhio reflects Lt. Governor Jim Tressel’s vision and leadership, building on what worked during the pandemic by establishing a statewide network of job coaches through seven regional grantees. The selection of MAGNET, the Northwest Ohio Manufacturing Alliance, and the Mahoning Valley Manufacturers Coalition underscores that employer-led partnerships deliver results. JobsOhio’s Experiential Learning Initiative reinforces the same point: earn-and-learn programs close skills gaps faster and put workers where Ohio manufacturers need them.”
Christopher Runyan, P.E.
President, Ohio Contractors Association
“Ohio needs talented men and women to help build our state’s infrastructure — we always have, and we always will. A career in civil construction creates a sense of accomplishment, allowing tradespeople to see the tangible benefit that the projects they work on bring to others. Construction careers provide a stable, rewarding profession where good wages and benefits are offered. Your future does not need to include postsecondary education debt. You can earn-and-learn immediately upon joining a skilled trade apprenticeship. Check out a construction career to set yourself up for your tomorrow’s successes.”
J.P. Nauseef
President & CEO, JobsOhio
“As companies continue investing in Ohio, Ohioans have more chances to grow their careers where they live. WorkOhio makes it easier for people to build new skills and advance their livelihoods by quickly connecting them to the right resources in their local communities.”
WorkOhio is coordinated locally by seven Regional Job Hubs across the state. These are trusted local organizations that are already working in Ohio’s workforce ecosystem and understand their region’s top industries, employers, and unique workforce needs.
Leaders from each of WorkOhio’s Regional Job Hubs also shared their support and excitement for the program’s launch.
NORTHEAST OHIO REGIONAL JOB HUB: MAGNET
Tom McGraw
Sector Partnership Director, MAGNET
“WorkOhio represents an incredible opportunity for both us at MAGNET and the workforce development ecosystem here in Northeast Ohio to continue building on the impactful work that is already being done to connect Ohio residents to good jobs and careers. We commend Lt. Governor Tressel for his leadership on this initiative, and for really taking the time to talk to the partners who are on the ground at the local level to see what they need. This type of flexible program is exactly what our manufacturers and other represented industries around Northeast Ohio need. We’re excited to get started and help many Northeast Ohioans connect to the help they need to launch a meaningful career.”
EASTERN OHIO REGIONAL JOB HUB: Mahoning Valley Manufacturers Coalition
Alex Hertzer
Executive Director, MVMC
“We’re incredibly excited to get started with WorkOhio and to be part of a statewide effort that’s truly focused on connecting people to opportunity. This program aligns perfectly with the work we do every day — meeting individuals where they are, partnering closely with employers, and building pathways to good, sustainable jobs. We commend Lt. Governor Tressel for his leadership and vision in advancing WorkOhio, and we’re especially excited to collaborate with our community connectors to make a real, measurable impact across our region.”
SOUTHEAST OHIO REGIONAL JOB HUB: Ohio Valley Employment Resource
Janell Comstock
Executive Director, OVER
“As the Executive Director for Ohio Valley Employment Resource, I am truly excited to begin this Southeast Regional WorkOhio Job Hub and serve the community across all counties in our region, helping connect individuals to valuable resources and meaningful employment opportunities. WorkOhio is a powerful, forward-thinking initiative that will open doors for individuals seeking sustainable career pathways, and I commend the Lt. Governor for his leadership in championing this effort. At OVER, we are committed to meeting people where they are, providing support that honors each person’s potential, and helping our communities thrive. We’re especially grateful for our community connectors, whose local insight and dedication make this work possible. Together, we’re ready to make a real and lasting impact.”
CENTRAL OHIO REGIONAL JOB HUB: Central Ohio Workforce Development Network, powered by Aspyr
Scott Johnson
Director, Central Ohio Workforce Development Network
“We’re excited to launch WorkOhio in Central Ohio and connect more residents to training, support, and in-demand careers. Paired with our OhioMeansJobs Centers and our Community Connector Network — and under the Lt. Governor’s leadership — this initiative will help more people get to work.”
NORTHWEST OHIO REGIONAL JOB HUB: Toledo Regional Chamber of Commerce
Wendy R. Gramza
President & CEO, Toledo Regional Chamber of Commerce
“Northwest Ohio has a strong workforce network, and WorkOhio gives us a powerful way to connect those partners around the people we serve. The Toledo Regional Chamber of Commerce is pleased to serve as the regional hub and work alongside our existing workforce, education, and community partners to guide Ohioans toward opportunity. We commend Lt. Governor Jim Tressel for leading a collaborative, regionally driven approach that recognizes local strengths and helps more Ohioans find meaningful, in-demand careers.”
WESTERN OHIO REGIONAL JOB HUB: Strategic Ohio Council for Higher Education
Cassie Barlow
President, SOCHE
“The Strategic Ohio Council for Higher Education is honored to lead a regional coalition of educational institutions, community-based organizations, trade organizations, and government agencies to help job seekers find the employment front door. This front door through WorkOhio will help our regional hub coalition to connect on a personal basis with every job seeker and assist with their placement in livable wage jobs. Thanks to the State of Ohio for this incredible opportunity to serve the people of Ohio who are working to reach their potential!”
SOUTHWEST OHIO REGIONAL JOB HUB: Cincinnati Regional Chamber of Commerce’s Workforce Innovation Center
Brendon Cull
President & CEO, Cincinnati Regional Chamber of Commerce
“On behalf of the Cincinnati Regional Chamber and all of our members and stakeholders, we're proud that the Workforce Innovation Center was selected to be the lead on Southwest Ohio’s regional hub through the State of Ohio’s innovative WorkOhio program. We applaud Lt. Governor Jim Tressel for listening to workforce professionals and business leaders across the state about the need to amplify, simplify, and enhance the existing collaborative work taking place in our regions. Our Cincinnati regional effort will leverage the strengths of our local partners including United Way of Greater Cincinnati, Easterseals Redwood, Urban League of Southwestern Ohio, the OhioMeansJobs Centers, and education entities including Great Oaks Career Campuses and Cincinnati State, among others. We are ready to get to work, and ready to get Ohioans to work!”
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