Erika takes a deep dive into the state of manufacturing in northwest Ohio with Tim Mayle of the Center To Advance Manufacturing at Bowling Green State University. They talk about how the Innovation Hub connects higher education with major industries, and look at apprentice programs, evolving supply chain practices, working with multinational workforces, improved databases, and challenges being addressed by The Center For Automotive Research…All with the goal of making our local economy even better!

Defiance Mayor Mike McCann is back in the “Working It” guest chair. He and Erika talk about the recent huge announcements from MetalX and Keller Logistics, Defiance’s diverse manufacturing history, downtown pedestrian safety initiatives, and the continued challenges in building new housing for a growing workforce. What does Defiance want to accomplish in 2024 and beyond? Listen and find out! Thanks to OhioMeansJobs for sponsoring this program!

Hicksville’s new Mayor, Mike Barth, joins Erika on this episode of “Working It”. He talks about spending part of his childhood in Hicksville, his experience on Village Council, and everything Hicksville has to offer including a diverse downtown shopping district, robust manufacturing community, and some great available industrial sites. Hicksville’s slogan is “A Proud Past, A Bright Future”…Listen and you’ll understand why!

Defiance College has been part of our education landscape for over a century and a half. DC President Dr. Richanne Mankey and Vice President For Enrollment Management Dr. Jeremy Taylor talk about how Defiance College is “ReDEFIning The Future” through improved affordability and accessibility, athletic scholarships, the Jacket Journey program, DC’s new engineering program, and an incredible story about the McMaster School. They also offer thoughts on how to make our community more aware and involved concerning everything Defiance College.

Workforce Trends. It’s the phrase of 2023, where if you hear, your eyes glaze over. That’s because we’ve heard it so much! BUT…we’re talking about it in a different way!   With Erika, Paige, and Dave, all being from different generations, they talk about

How employees shouldn’t be judged by their age, but rather their own merit. Also, it turns out when you have different generations you can learn from one another!

Get to know the Defiance County Economic Development Team and the various initiatives they are working on, in an effort to make a difference in the Defiance County Community. Erika Willitzer, Paige Johnson, and our new Marketing & Office Coordinator Dave Hire talk all things Defiance County. Dave Hire is only three months on the job, and Paige and Erika are throwing him onto a podcast.  If you know anything about Dave’s work history…he’ll survive! 😉

Northwest State Community College – Northwest Ohio:  President and CEO of Northwest State, Todd Hernandez talks Workforce Shortages, Skill Gaps, and how Northwest State is working toward solutions to help employers & students every day. Learning about Todd’s unique background and how he became the President of a Community College is quite fascinating. Let’s just say his career includes military, IT, and more. Bottom line: You can do and be whoever you want in this life. Hear about his inspiring story, plus find out how Northwest State can help you realize your dream.

Patriot Rail  – Defiance County, Ohio: Many are fascinated by Trains, and we can see why! They truly are what moves most of the goods around America. Erika talks rail, economy, and so much more with James Kornas of Patriot Rail. Fun Fact: Did you know rail roads transport even animal lard? True Story!  Also, did you know Defiance County sits in a unique location when it comes to rail  – so unique –  it has companies from all over the world looking at Defiance County to site their new Headquarters. Thanks to OhioMeansJobs of Defiance County for sponsoring this program!

Balchem – Defiance, Ohio:  Erika interviews Kenyotta Stantz and Joe Wendell from Defiance’s Balchem Plant. If you have ever smelled the aroma of sweet blueberries or cocoa powder in Downtown Defiance. There’s a good chance it is coming from Balchem. Learn about the amazing products being produced in Defiance. Also, learn about how you can land a Food Scientist position right here in Defiance County, Ohio.

Sabre Industries – Hicksville, Ohio   Tom Jagielski and Tiffany Vollmer with Sabre take a deep dive into how they support the power grid by making transmission power poles. They also talk about the amazing opportunities awaiting job seekers at their plant. If you want an innovative career. This is it!

Listen in to find out how this Hicksville Company is having a national impact from the small town of Hicksville.