Gov. Mike DeWine welcomed new members of the the Governor’s Executive Workforce Board in June, including chairman Pat Tiberi, and Ohio ACTE's Executive Director Christine Gardner, who were appointed on June 10, 2019.
In his remarks, Gov. DeWine said The national spotlight will soon focus on the Midwest, , and Ohio should be in the lead when that happens.
Lt. Gov. Jon Husted, giving opening remarks, discussed how he sees the economy moving from a reliance on various types of resources to being knowledge-based. Strong relationships between educational institutions and businesses will benefit both, he said, as businesses grow when they have the talent they need and that creates more opportunities and better quality of life.
DeWine said that children need more information about pathways to higher education and employment beyond traditional four-year colleges, saying that as leaders they need to show all the possibilities. Citing his personal experience, DeWine also noted that while they can make suggestions, the children will ultimately make their own decisions. The board also heard from several young people who have benefited from those alternate pathways and the Choose Ohio First scholarship.
"It is incredibly exciting to heave a seat at the table on the Governor's Executive Workforce Board," said Ohio ACTE's Christine Gardner. "Ohio ACTE is in a position to tout the dedicated, hard work of our members, bring information and ideas from the Board to our members, and help further strengthen workforce development throughout our participation in the Board."
DeWine further told reporters that the past eight years have seen creation of a good tax environment in Ohio, and that now is the time to invest in the state’s future and workers and address infrastructure challenges. That, along with workforce issues, are very important to companies coming to Ohio or expanding existing operations. He also said the differences between his proposed operating budget and the House and Senate versions are “not monumental.”
