MVMC plays role in workforce summit

Staff report

YOUNGSTOWN

The Mahoning Valley Manufacturers Coalition played a prominent role in the Ohio Manufacturers’ Workforce Summit in Columbus on Wednesday.

Brian Benyo, MVMC president and CEO of Brilex Industries Inc., spoke during the opening session about his experience in organizing the MVMC and how it has allowed regional manufacturers to align in common challenges and the results achieved.

Jessica Borza, MVMC executive director, also spoke at the summit that was organized by the Ohio Manufacturers’ Association. Borza shared MVMC’s experiences and keys to success. She also served as a moderator for a panel discussion.

The summit brought together more than 400 manufacturers and workforce partners to share information about successful regional workforce partnerships – specifically, industry-driven sector partnerships.

MVMC has been at the forefront of manufacturing workforce issues since its inception in 2011. The coalition is a grass-roots effort led by industry to address manufacturing workforce needs by creating and strengthening educational pathways. The group also includes representation from public institutions of higher education.

The MVMC model has been used throughout the state to help end the manufacturing workforce shortage.

“We are thrilled to be a part of such an important undertaking throughout the state,” Borza said in a statement. “The idea of manufacturers taking a leadership role to rally their communities around common strategies is resonating in other places, and we’re pleased to help carry the message and tell the MVMC story.”

At the summit, the “Making Ohio: Ohio Manufacturing” campaign was unveiled. The campaign includes a website, www.makingohio.com, which contains resources that students, parents, educators, displaced workers, veterans and under-employed workers can use to access information about manufacturing careers and the training needed for them.