The 2020 U.S. Census is underway with planning and hiring and it is vitally important to Ohio’s economic future. The results form the basis of every population-driven decision that affects Ohioans, including where to build factories, hospitals, roads and schools. The Census determines the distribution of more than $675 billion in federal funding to local communities and Ohio’s representation in Congress. If projections continue their downward trend, Ohio will lose one seat in Congress.

Community awareness of the 2020 Census is important. An under count means fewer resources for everyone. For every one person not counted, Hamilton County loses $1,814 of federal funding annually for 10 years. Due to an under count in the 2010 Census, it has been estimated that a total of $34 billion in federal funding was lost in the last decade in Cincinnati ($16.4 billion) and Hamilton County ($17.6 billion). 

Mayor Cranley and Commissioner Driehaus have convened a Greater Cincinnati Complete Count Committee (known as the CCC) to encourage households to fill out the 2020 Census and contribute to a full count of Cincinnati and Hamilton County and our surrounding region.

The 2020 Census is easy, safe and important for everyone to be counted. For 2020, this is the first time that individuals will be able to complete the Census survey online. Each household will receive a card in the mail with a password for submitting information. Please encourage those without internet access to use a computer at their nearest library or come to the OhioMeansJobs Center at 1916 Central Parkway to complete your census entry on-line.

There are posters, brochures and other materials to help you and others you talk to understand the importance of the 2020 Census. Visit Census.ohio.gov . Also visit Census.ohio.gov to learn about Census jobs that are available. The U.S. Census Bureau is hiring for a variety of temporary positions throughout the state. The jobs include Census takers, recruiters, office staff and more, with pay ranging from $14 to $32 per hour. Finally, be sure to visit Census.ohio.gov and connect with members of your local Complete Count Committee. These local volunteer groups serve as “Census ambassadors” that help motivate all of our fellow citizens to complete their form. 

We need all of our leaders and citizens to complete and contribute their own census form and help ensure that everyone in their family, neighborhood, religious and community groups complete their forms so our region is fully counted. 

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“OneAmerica is a statewide community organizing, advocacy, and civic engagement organization in Washington State that improves economic opportunities for immigrant and refugee communities encountering significant barriers due to immigration statuses, language ability, and recent arrival to the United States. As part of their economic justice work, OneAmerica is working closely with the Seattle-King County Workforce Development Council (WDC) to track its advancement of racial, gender, immigration, and language equity. As a part of this effort, Innovation Network is conducting interviews with sectoral experts to gather their perspectives to design a metrics and data development agenda for OneAmerica and the Seattle-King County WDC. This will help to insure that the WDC is adopting a robust set of measures that enables it to better understand how its efforts advance equity.” 

Sherry Kelley Marshall, President&CEO of SWORWIB/Southwest Ohio Region Workforce Investment Board, was recommended by workforce leaders advancing this research agenda. She participated in a lively question, answer and discussion on January 10, 2020, kicking off the New Year with sharing about SWORWIB’s successful efforts in Cincinnati and Hamilton County.

EG American Utilizes Rapid Responses Services

EG America acquired Kroger’s convenience store portfolio in April 2018 and the company grew to 1,000+ stores with locations across the United States. EG America established its headquarters in Cincinnati. EG America’s parent company is EG Group, located in Blackburn, England. EG Group is the world’s leading independent fuel station and convenience retailer, with a diversified portfolio of sites across eight countries in Europe and North America. As part of its strategy to deliver profitable growth, EG Group partnered with premium brands across its product and service offerings. On November 1, 2019, EG America filed notification to the State of Ohio of the permanent closing of its Cincinnati Headquarters impacting approximately 200 employees with permanent termination and closure of operations on December 31, 2019. 

The Rapid Response Team, led by Leah Winkler of the State of Ohio Rapid Response group conducted three “re-employment" orientation sessions on Thursday, November 21, 2019 to the entire staff at EG America. A hiring event was also organized and held at the EG America offices during the second week of December, 2019.

The hiring event for EG America (on site, at their office building, see picture to the left) was well-attended by the laid off workers. There were 11 appropriately targeted employers attending and interviewing the workers. Western Southern, Kroger, 5th/3rd, US Bank, Robert Half, Mercy Health and Vaco among them. 73 job seekers from EG America attended and spoke with the participating employers. Interested employers were encouraged to put together a customized recruitment email that the EG America HR Team forwarded to the employees. One HR leader shared that two applications were received within minutes of the customized email being released to the EG America employees. Several HR leaders expressed interest in connecting to the Rapid Response opportunity where various employer teams could meet with people who were losing their jobs through no fault of their own and actively seeking their next employment opportunity. The SWORWIB, OMJ Team and Rapid Response Team gives thanks to those employers who participated fully in the December hiring event with their recruitment teams reviewing opportunities and arranging interviews with a variety of candidates. 

A Working Partnership for Workers and Families

Carol Sorenson-Williams, a Board member and Officer of the SWORWIB, recently joined the Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center (CCHMC) Human Resources Team. Carol wanted to inform CCHMC staff of programs available via SWORWIB, OhioMeansJobs, Hamilton County Job and Family and started the conversation with OMJ Center Director Kevin Holt about what is available and how to educate CCHMC departments, employees and prospective employees that could be served at or through the OMJ Center. After explorations and discussions, Holt and Sorenson-Williams began some first efforts that have been advantageous for CCHMC’s entry-level workers and their families and also for patient families. The communications about SWORWIB, OMJ Center and Hamilton County Job and Family Services resources for disadvantaged individuals offers an interesting opportunity for ways to help individuals who are working and still could benefit from specialized services.

Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center (CCHMC) is one of the top entities in the county suggesting and helping their possibly-eligible-employees to apply for additional resources to support their employment and family living. Particularly helpful to employees and families is a grant received by Hamilton County Department of Job and Family Services called the Prevention/Retention/Contingency (PRC) program.

OMJ Center Director Kevin Holt’s team has been terrific about educating CCHMC leaders on what is available. CCHMC Departments of: Diversity & Inclusion, Talent Acquisition, Education, Development & Growth for Employees (EDGE) program, School at Work (SAW), Urban League, Family Services, Dept of Financial Advocates, Susan Stiles, Dr. Victor Garcia, Cradle Cincinnati Connections (and more!) all have received OMJ materials, PRC application templates, along with other community contacts and programs to enable provision of resources to staff. Children’s Department of Diversity and Inclusion reached out and found additional materials for lower wage workers, crafted special coaching and education for Managers about the "CLIFF" effect and how to assist employees, especially with the 2020 $15 an hour minimum wage announcement by Children’s.

Although a total count of all Children’s employees or families that have been able to receive funding through the PRC grant is not yet determined, estimates are that 207 employees and their families have been supported with an average funding approval of $1686 and total PRC funding of $349,093 from June 1, 2019 through December 23, 2019.

HCJFS is aware that one partner at CCHMC, John Pramuk, Café Services Manager, has been tracking and notes that these funds have helped 30 café staff gain funds to pay for items needed to get to work or to support café employee children. Children’s Department of Financial Advocates believes four families that were receiving medical treatment at Children’s were also able to obtain PRC grant funding for their unique and critical needs. 

This depth of partnership in the furtherance of community assistance to support entry-level workers demonstrates that creativity, exploration and commitment make a big difference for the workforce and the employer. And it all started thanks to serving on the Southwest Ohio Region Workforce Investment Board and one meeting with the OMJ Center Director Kevin Holt.

SWORWIB and REDI Working Together

Pictured on the left: Leah Winkler , State Rapid Response Coordinator; Laurence F. Jones, III , SWORWIB Chairman of the Board; Tim Bachman , REDI Senior Manager, Project Management & Business Development; Kevin Donnelly , REDI Director, Project Management; Kim Harp , REDI Manager, Project Management; Brandon Simmons , REDI Vice President, Project Management; Hannah Taphorn , REDI Research Team Director;  Rosa Michaels , REDI Research Analyst;  Kevin Holt , OMJ Center Director; Matt Owens , ODJFS/Office of Workforce Development Southwest Ohio Program Delivery Manager. Participating but not photographed were Lynn Murphy , OMJ Team Member; Sherry Kelley Marshall , SWORWIB President & CEO and Charles Walters , Business Services Manager. 

On behalf of the SWORWIB and in partnership with economic development for the City of Cincinnati, Hamilton County, REDI Cincinnati, as well as individual smaller cities, villages, and townships, President Marshall consults throughout the county on economic development efforts particularly when workforce development is a critical consideration for government, schools and individual employers. Marshall works with many economic development professionals and participates in business retention and expansion (BREs) to address workforce topics. Kim Harp, REDI Project Management and Marshall arranged a joint meeting on Wednesday, January 29, 2020 of REDI team members and OhioMeansJobs Center (OMJ) partners to tour the OMJ Center and become familiar with public workforce resources and approaches for addressing business development opportunities. 

Left to Right Front Row:   Leo Peyronnin , AmeriCorp Participant for the City of Cincinnati Workforce Plan joined us to observe the new workforce board member orientation. SWORWIB President Sherry Kelley Marshall ;  Jamie D’Agostino , VP Human Resources, Schaefer; Denisha Porter , Director, All-In Cincinnati Equity Coalition; Maureen Reilly , Assistant VP, Project Management Office, Great American Insurance; Nicholas Milazzo , Senior Talent Acquisition Leader, Fifth Third Bank; Clara Matonhodze Strode , Owner, Multicultural Solutions LLC; Uche Agomuo , Principal Consultant, Glovon & Clovon Engineering Consulting;

Left to Right Back Row :  Shawntay Mallory , HR Recruiter, The David J. Joseph Company; Stephanie Hall , Owner & President, D.A.G. Construction Co; Dr. Samuel Ross , Executive VP, Bon Secours Mercy Health; Heath Boucher , Central Ohio Market Manager, Manpower.

Unable to attend:   Kevin Powell , Finance Controller, Excel Composites. 

Each year in May, the SWORWIB leadership requests that all current Board members reflect on their service on the SWORWIB and their ongoing commitment to the Purpose-Vision-Mission of the SWORWIB to serve another term or complete their term. The SWORWIB issues requests for nominations from Veteran organizations, businesses, chambers of commerce, other business organizations, colleges/career technical schools/high schools, training organizations, elected officials, governmental leaders, apprenticeship programs, union organizations, nonprofit and other agencies serving individuals, 14-24 year old youth, people with disabilities, youth and adults who didn’t graduate with a high school diploma and community leaders. The Nominating Committee prepares for the effort required to recruit new Board members while also balancing at least a 51% business representation, all the other required partners while also being reflective of the industries in our service area, the multiple generations, gender and ethnicity.

Nominations to the SWORWIB are reviewed at the November Quarterly Board Meeting and reviewed with the City of Cincinnati Mayor in accordance with the Intergovernmental Service Agreement between the City and County and the Local Governance Agreement formally defining the role of the SWORWIB for Local Area #13/Cincinnati-Hamilton County. The approved slate is presented first to the SWORWIB Board of Directors at the November Quarterly Meeting and then forwarded to the Mayor and explored for the diversity and inclusion priority. The Mayor who appoints the nominees through presentation on the City Council Agenda and supporting adoption of the nominees who then are rostered on the City of Cincinnati Board Appointments website. President Marshall schedules and organizes the New Board Member Orientation Agenda, PowerPoint, OMJ Tour and Handbook. Nominating Committee Members greet the newly elected Board Members and at the Annual Meeting scheduled for February 13, 2020, the new Board Members are inducted onto the SWORWIB.

Welcome Newbies – we are glad to have you on the SWORWIB!

Lastly, we all now live in the digital world, for better or worse, or rarely or always. Below is the commentary from one of our new Board Members about the Orientation which got some attention by others in the “digital world community” so we give kudos to Clara Matonhodze Strode for taking the SWORWIB into the LinkedIn message sharing world!

OhioMeansJobs K-12

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Jobs for Cincinnati Graduates (JCG)

JCG Participate in Martin Luther King Jr. Day

To commemorate Martin Luther King Jr. Day, students from across JCG programs and AmeriCorps College Guides and staff braved the cold and joined people from around Cincinnati to participate in the annual March from Freedom Center to Music Hall. In addition, AmeriCorps and JCG students and staff met at the Public Library for lunch and a two-hour discussion on civics and justice. As a group, students and staff listened to Martin Luther King Jr’s, “I have a Dream” speech and then worked as a team to align his efforts, goals and challenges with modern day problems. Students made testimonials and commitments to begin with one small act, pay it forward in an effort to create a lasting impact in their community.

JCG continues partnership with

Citi Financial Future Focus

JCG and Citi Financial - Future Focus continue to partner to provide interactive lessons in all JCG classrooms. This is the fourth year for this partnership. Team members present interactive weekly (10 week) classroom workshops focused on seven topics, Credit Education, Financial Planning, Soft Skills, Resume Development, Interviewing, Work Professionalism and Citi Benefits in each JCG classroom.  The objective of this program is to promote both personal and professional development, by providing services that increase financial independence and economic progress.

This week, Jazmine Dennard and Bradley Moore from Citi Future Focus presented to JCG students at Shroder High School on Pathways to Higher Education, Post-Secondary Education and workforce development. The presentation was informative and sparked interest and discussions with JCG students and reinforced daily curriculum facilitated in the JCG class.

 

At the end of the 10-week workshop series, all the JCG classes will participate in Citi’s Diversity Event with an on-site tour, panel discussions, activities and lunch in February.

Winton Woods JCG "Fish Bowl" discussion with Forest Park Police Department

Each year The JCG Chapter at Winton Woods H.S. conducts a fish bowl discussion with the Forest Park Police Department. In preparation for the event, the class watches the Movie "The Hate U Give", depicting topical issues surrounding the relationship with law enforcement.

 

After students had watched the movie, representatives from the Forest Park Police Department came into the JCG classroom and broke down the traffic stop, scene by scene, as well as other aspects of the movie to give the students the perspective of law enforcement.

The floor was then opened to students who were able to ask questions about the movie and/or any anything pertaining to law enforcement. Questions started out about traffic stops and going to court, but once the police officers assured the students that the discussion was open and everything stayed in the classroom, they began to ask deeper questions about police brutality, civilian shootings, how to act when pulled over and how law enforcement is perceived. Students were very engaged in the discussion and gained new perspective and appreciation for the challenges police officers face in today’s environment. 

Oyler JCG Students Learning Life-Long Lessons

Students in JCG at Oyler have been busy with activities. The Junior Class worked on building teams through the Spaghetti Tower activity. The goal was to construct the tallest freestanding tower in 30 minutes. Students discussed the barriers they faced in constructing the tower, things that worked well and how they can become a better team player to support other students, family members and

co-workers. 

 

The Senior class students met with members of Kemba Credit Union to establish savings accounts. Many of the students at Oyler work multiple jobs and often keep their earnings on them or somewhere in their house. Establishing accounts with Kemba Credit Union will allow JCG students to save, control their finances better and begin to assist them with planning for their future financial goals!

Out-of-School Youth

Pictured left to right: Ethan Arguello - ResCare - Talent Development Specialist; Danielle Lackey – ResCare Participant; Aimee Watkins , Director of Human Resources and Mark Oaks Executive Director, The Christian Village of Mt. Healthy.  

Watching and assisting her mother care for Danielle’s disabled grandmother as a Home Health Aide, Danielle became inspired by her mother’s passion and dedication. The heart-warming experiences prompted her to obtain training in the healthcare industry. In 2019, Danielle contacted ResCare with a dream of achieving credentials and steady employment. She began working with her Talent Development Specialist for assistance towards taking steps to achieve her expressed goals. Now in 2020, Danielle Lackey has achieved her goal of successfully completing her STNA training through Great Oaks and gained employment in her desired career path of healthcare. Congratulations to Danielle who is now employed full-time at The Christian Village at Mt Healthy , a long-standing faith-based lifestyle community. Danielle demonstrates how a young person can “follow your heart” and work towards goals that deliver the desired opportunities that can bring joy and growth. Congratulations, Danielle. 

Sometimes It Takes Multiple Steps

to Obtain Your Goal

Generally earning a college degree is the pinnacle of a young person's life. However, for Ohio State University alum Hydia Barry, it was the rough beginning of the next life chapter - finding work to validate the degree she had obtained. Hydia came to ResCare looking for employment. A psychology major, Hydia was hoping for the right, first career opportunity. Through ResCare partnerships, she was able to obtain a subsidized employment position in a local counseling office. For eight weeks she worked as an administrative assistant, and then was provided a chance for some pointers in the actual field of counseling.  Today, we're happy to report that Ms. Barry is now fully employed at The Family Nurturing Center where she administers care to clients in need of support. Ms. Barry is now pursuing the after-employment next life chapter for her - looking for an apartment and planning to continue working towards her master’s degree. Congratulations to Ms. Barry for her journey of multiple steps and her persistence to travel her journey. 

Childcare and Early Childhood Development are two of the most sought-after career pathways of youth in Santa Maria Community Services’ CCMEP program. In November of 2019, Santa Maria partnered with Corban Learning Center making it a Work Experience Program work site and giving youth the opportunity to gain experience in childcare. With the help of Director Ary Underwood-Green, Corban Learning Center and Santa Maria successfully placed two youth at the work site within the first week of the partnership. Since then, Corban Learning Center has invested in work experience youth just as much as they do their own employees. With the help of Director Underwood-Green, work experience participant Crystal Carter is already taking steps towards earning her Child Development Associate Credential (CDA). The pride that Mrs. Underwood-Green takes in her employees has encouraged and lifted our youth, giving them the confidence to take strides towards their goal of a career in childcare. Having the opportunity to work in a 5-star daycare with such great leadership fully achieves the goal of the Work Experience Program, which is to provide youth with work experience in a motivating, rewarding, and challenging workplace. Santa Maria and Corban Learning Center look forward to continuing their partnership and offering this great opportunity to as many youths as possible. 

SWORWIB's Nominating Process

 

Nominating is critical to the health and vitality of workforce boards. This episode features an interview with Sherry Kelley Marshall, President of SWORWIB and Scott Conklin, Board Member and Chief HR Officer at it elligence as they discuss nominating committee requirements, political considerations of the nominating process as well as recruitment tips. Sherry Kelley Marshall also shares her thoughts about the changes to the nominating process over the past 15 years.

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Join us for the State of the Library

Thursday, February 6 at 8 a.m.

at the Downtown Main Library Tower Room

800 Vine St., Cincinnati, OH, 45202

 

The Library's Eva Jane Romaine Coombe Director Paula Brehm-Heeger will share information about the Library's plans for 2020 including new details of the Facility Master Plan .

Light continental breakfast served from 8:00 - 8:30 a.m.

2020 Chinese Chamber

Luna New Year Gala

Thursday, February 6, 2020

5:30 pm - 8 pm

99 Restaurant in Sharonville

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How to get involved

Partner with us

JA Inspire is made possible due to support from corporate and community organizations that believe in the importance of inspiring young people to own their economic success. Sponsors will benefit from association with this important mission through recognition in our advance promotional materials and signage throughout the event. Sponsors that wish to exhibit as employers will have prime visibility at the expo. Several sponsorship levels will be available

ranging from $1,200 to $20,000.

Exhibit at our event

We are looking for at least 50 employers excited to bring an interactive example of their work to our expo and engage with their future workforce. Exhibitors will have access to 4,000 young people who are actively planning their futures. Exhibitor fees can be found by clicking on the registration button below. Special pricing will be available for small companies and nonprofit organizations.

BOOTH REGISTRATION

FOR MORE INFORMATION, PLEASE CONTACT:

Laura Randall-Tepe | VP of Strategic Partnerships

513.346.7100 x 103 | [email protected]

Contact: Sherry Kelley Marshall

President & CEO

[email protected]