Joined by state and regional economic development leaders, State Sen. Theresa Gavarone, R-Bowling Green, met Monday with JobsOhio and RGP Northwest Ohio to address the economic development opportunities and challenges of businesses throughout the region.
“Our businesses are driving Ohio’s economic expansion, so it is imperative that we are listening to their concerns,” Gavarone said. “Working with JobsOhio, RGP Northwest Ohio and local economic development teams, I am confident we will meet their needs so that they can continue to bring employment and prosperity to our region.”
Gavarone, JobsOhio and RGP have advanced a number of programs and proposals that speak to the concerns of Northwest Ohio businesses including:
- The state budget, supported by Gavarone and signed by Gov. DeWine, includes a micro-credential program to enhance workforce development. Micro-credentials are low-cost industry credentials that will take a year or less to complete and will be available to more than 10,000 Ohioans each year.
- Gavarone has introduced Senate Bill 156, legislation that would prohibit the manufacture, sale or possession of synthetic urine. If approved, more workers will seek treatment rather than attempt to cheat drug tests, or abuse substances that severely impairs all their skills and abilities.
- The JobsOhio Workforce Grant provides funding to businesses for the improvement of worker skills based upon job creation, additional payroll, project return on investment and other factors.
- JobsOhio provides optimal locations to build in Ohio through SiteOhio, a unique site authentication program that guarantees construction-ready industrial sites are ready for immediate development. The JobsOhio Revitalization Program Loan and Grant Fund is also designed to support the acceleration of redeveloping sites in Ohio.
Businesses and local economic development officials from Erie, Fulton, Lucas, Ottawa and Wood counties met with Gavarone, JobsOhio and RPG in Perrysburg to discuss these and other issues.
