Press Room >> 2009 Press Releases FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE BARBASH ANNOUNCES APPOINTMENT OF SPOHR AS SOUTHWEST OHIO REGIONAL WORKFORCE DIRECTOR COLUMBUS – Interim Director of the Ohio Department of Development Mark Barbash announced the appointment of Jennifer Spohr as the Regional Workforce Director of the Department’s Southwest Ohio Office. Spohr is responsible for directing workforce development efforts for Butler, Clermont, Hamilton, and Warren Counties. She works in partnership with Quinten Harris, Regional Economic Development Director, and serves as a liaison to state government, local business leaders, elected officials, and economic and workforce development entities to meet the training and talent development needs of businesses throughout the region. # # # Media contacts: Eileen Turner at (614) 728-6674
March 5, 2009
“Jennifer has the skills to build effective, productive working relationships, as well as a strong commitment to Southwest Ohio,” said Barbash. “Her experience will be beneficial in supporting the Department’s priorities as we work to ensure our businesses have access to a highly skilled and competitive 21st century workforce.”
Spohr joined the Ohio Department of Development in 2005 as an Ohio Investment in Training Program Coordinator, where she developed customized training plans and grant proposals for businesses to obtain funding. Prior to her appointment, Spohr was Director of Operations at the Tri- State Travel School. In that capacity, Spohr was responsible for the school’s day-to-day activities ranging from project management, instruction, career development, and student placement.
Currently, Spohr is on the Greater Cincinnati Workforce Network’s Hard-2-Hire Workforce subcommittee. The Hard-2-Hire initiative strives to improve and coordinate services that help ex-offenders succeed in today’s competitive workforce. Recently, Spohr received the 2009 Super Award from the Workforce One Investment Board of Southwest Ohio, which was presented to her by Cincinnati Mayor Mark Mallory. She was recognized in the Super Partner category for her work with the Super Job Center on Incumbent Worker Grants.
The Workforce and Talent Division provides financial assistance and technical resources for customized training involving employees of new and expanding Ohio businesses. The Division also supports community economic development efforts through job creation and retention. The result is increased employee productivity, improved labor/management relations, and a highly skilled labor pool.
Working with our partners across business, state and local governments, academia, and the non-profit sector, the Ohio Department of Development works to attract, create, grow, and retain businesses through competitive incentives and targeted investments. Engaged every day in marketing, innovating, investing, and collaborating, the Ohio Department of Development works at the speed of business to accelerate and support the teamwork that is absolutely necessary for success by providing financial, informational, and technical assistance to those making an investment in Ohio’s future.
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