Workforce Development
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Appalachian Ohio has a ready, trained labor force that, coupled with the region’s strong workforce development system, can help your business thrive.

One of the greatest draws for businesses moving to or expanding in Appalachian Ohio is the state's and region's commitment to supporting a dynamic workforce. Ohio spends almost $1 billion in employee education, training and certification each year. Additionally, the state and region links with local governments, businesses, schools and organizations in a variety of innovative ways to keep the workforce competitive through customized job training, apprenticeship and vocational programs.

Ohio’s commitment to creating a strong, skilled workforce starts in public schools and continues through the state’s premier higher education system. More than 90 percent of Ohio's schools have been wired through the School Net program; currently, seven out of 10 schools have every classroom connected to the Internet. Statewide, talent continues to pour out of Ohio's 132 colleges and universities, which graduate 51,000 people into the workforce each year. Appalachian Ohio’s higher education institutions, in particular, place a strong emphasis on enhancing the region’s community and economic development. This is evident through unique programs such as the EnterpriseOhio Network program, which includes Rio Grande Community College’s Berry Center for Economic Development and Washington State Community College’s Center for Business and Technology.

Appalachian Ohio offers businesses an environment for success, bolstered by the state’s pro-business policies, ranging from phasing out taxes on inventory to allocating nearly $500 million to biomedical research and technology transfer. In addition, businesses in Ohio can draw from more than 90 different incentive programs to access resources that meet their unique needs. These include:
  • Ohio Job Creation Tax Credit, which provides tax credit for businesses that expand or locate in Ohio;

  • Ohio Job Retention Tax Credit, which provides tax credit for businesses that commit to retain a significant number of full-time jobs;
Under the state’s Workforce Investment system, employers and jobseekers in Appalachian Ohio have easy access to a full menu of workforce development services and information through the region’s comprehensive One-Stop Career system. The region has taken aggressive and creative approaches to readying unemployed and underemployed workers for today’s workforce through such programs as the acclaimed Work Station, one of Ohio’s One-Stop programs. Additionally, employers in Appalachian Ohio play a vital role on local, business-led Workforce Investment Boards to help ensure that the local community’s workforce development investments are responsive to businesses needs.
 
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Building and Site Search
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Small Business Development Centers
Related Links
Ohio Department of Development
IT Alliance of Appalachian Ohio (ITAAO)
The Progress Fund
Ohio Mid-Eastern Governments Association (OMEGA)
Buckeye Hills-Hocking Valley Regional Development District (BH-HVRDD)
Ohio Valley Regional Development Commission (OVRDC)
Eastern Ohio Development Alliance (EODA)
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