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Fueling the Future of Manufacturing: Kicking Off Manufacturing Month with Impact

Lorain County JVS1Lorain County JVS kicked off Manufacturing Month with an impactful summit featuring industry leaders, educators, and innovators who gathered to celebrate manufacturing and explore its future in Northeast Ohio.

Speakers for the morning included Tina Pelto and Dr. Glenn Faircloth from Lorain County JVS, and a special message from Lt. Governor Jon Husted opened the event, underscoring the state’s commitment to the manufacturing industry. The keynote from John Sherwood, Director of Talent Strategy at JobsOhio, entitled “Get Inspired by the Region’s Future” inspired attendees to join the movement of making Northeast Ohio the smart manufacturing hub.

A panel discussion about the critical role of workforce development and the partnerships needed to bridge the skills gap in manufacturing included leaders from across Northeast Ohio: Sophia Long, Manager of Industry and Innovation at Team NEO; Scott Buchanan, VP of Environmental, Health and Safety at Avient; Jessica Borza, Managing Director of Workforce Services at The Ohio Manufacturers’ Association and MAGNET President and CEO, Dr. Ethan Karp.

Attendees had the chance to participate in lab tours, including demonstrations by Skylift, Kenworth of Cleveland, and Wellington Implements, showcasing the latest technology and partnerships in action.

Lorain County JVS provided an inspiring backdrop for these discussions, with its state-of-the-art facilities and focus on preparing students for in-demand careers. As leaders like Dr. Karp highlighted, education and industry collaboration will be key to sustaining the future of manufacturing.

As we celebrate Manufacturing Month, Northeast Ohio continues to strengthen its position as a hub for innovation and growth in the manufacturing sector, supported by collaborative efforts between industry leaders, educators, and government initiatives.

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