Press Room >> 2009 Press Releases FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT RESOURCES AVAILABLE FOR OHIO’S NORTHEAST AREA BUSINESSES Under the Ohio Workforce Guarantee Program, funds are made available to companies to train incumbent workers, avert layoffs through business assistance, and collaborate with public education and training institutions statewide to offer credit and certification training for workers. The Division’s Northeast Central regional training programs are coordinated by Regional Workforce Director Jerald B. Kipp. Kipp is responsible for directing workforce development efforts for Medina, Portage, Stark, Summit, and Wayne Counties. He works in partnership with Leah Anglin-Walsh, 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. “In today’s challenging economic times, it is imperative that local businesses have tools that will help equip their workers in the globally competitive 21st century,” said Interim Director of the Department Mark Barbash. “These training grants offered under the umbrella of the Ohio Workforce Guarantee Program encourage local businesses to take advantage of these excellent resources. Under Jerry’s leadership in collaboration with Leah, workforce development and training initiatives in Ohio’s Northeast area are being greatly enhanced.” Prior to his appointment, Kipp served for 11 years as Regional Coordinator for the Ohio Department of Development’s Ohio Investment in Training Program. In that capacity, Kipp secured $13.5 million in training funds for heavy/light manufacturing, information technology, commercial service providers, and wholesale entities within Northeast and Northwest Ohio. He has also managed a family-owned business that distributed automotive, lawn, and garden equipment throughout Ohio. 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. # # # Media contacts: Eileen Turner at (614) 728-6674
March 31, 2009
COLUMBUS – The Ohio Department of Development’s Workforce and Talent Division is providing local businesses in Ohio’s Northeast area with a variety of customized training grant programs and resources aimed at creating and retaining jobs through the improvement of workers’ skills and abilities. The Ohio Workforce Guarantee Program provides training grants of up to $750,000 to companies that are relocating to Ohio or expanding operations within the state.
Kipp holds a bachelor’s degree in History from Kent State University and a juris doctorate from Cleveland State University’s Cleveland-Marshall College of Law.
For more information about workforce development training programs, call the Northeast Central Ohio Regional Office at (330) 643-1780 .
or the Communications & Marketing Office at (614) 466-2609