The Skill Set

January 2026

Dispatch from the CEO

New Year's Resolution

I'm a fan of resolutions and I like the fresh perspective a new year can bring. Our new year's resolution at Greater Cleveland Works aligns with the first pillar of our strategic plan: relentlessly pursue operational excellence. That means putting the customer experience first, whether the customer is a job seeker walking into the OhioMeansJobs center, an employer using our services for the first or 40th time, or a partner who shares our commitment to innovation. We resolve to listen, learn, adapt, track progress, and maintain accountability.

Thanks for reading and for engaging in this pursuit of excellence with us!

Michelle Rose

Chief Executive Officer

Greater Cleveland Works

The Built Strong Business Success Program—created by Greater Cleveland Partnership through the Built Environment Collaborative—graduated its first cohort of 21 business owners in October. During the seven-month training and coaching program for early and growth-stage entrepreneurs in the construction and skilled trades, participants “shifted from being the worker bee to thinking and operating the business like a true CEO,” as one cohort member put it. Led by Aria Johnson and Cheryl Perez, training modules focused on business foundations, profitability analysis, marketing and sales opportunities, human resources basics, and the creation of a customized growth plan. Participating entrepreneurs demonstrated a 60% increase in strategic planning and financial system implementation and secured $400,000 in contracts during the program. 

News You Can Use

SNAP Update

You surely heard a lot this past fall about the impact of the government shutdown on SNAP food benefits. Additionally, as of January 1, SNAP eligibility is being reassessed for many recipients. Do you work for an organization serving those who may be navigating these changes? Or are you or someone you know impacted? Here's what SNAP recipients should do to stay informed and prevent disruption:

• Make timely updates to contact information.
• Use the Ohio Benefits Self-Service Portal to apply online and manage your case.
• Submit verifications requested on time.
• Use the document upload on the Ohio Benefits Self-Service Portal.
• Use the document upload feature on the Eligibility Contact Center.
• Don’t miss your interview appointments and submit complete applications.
• Sign up for text alerts.

Working With ...

Nicole Rosenbaum, Cleveland Foundation

In this month's Working With video, we sit down with Nicole Rosenbaum, Cleveland Foundation program officer for workforce development and talent cultivation. She offers a glimpse into her day-to-day work and shares what inspires her.

Around Town

Oakwood Job Fair

Thank you to Oakwood Village Mayor Erika Nikolic for hosting Greater Cleveland Works at its recent job fair. And thanks to the employer partners who joined us: CO-AX Technology Inc., Federal Metal, Keystone Threaded Products, King Nut, Locus Fermentation Solutions, Marc's Grocery Stores, Interstate-McBee, US Cotton, and Thermo Fisher.