May 2026

The Fairfield 33 Development Alliance connects government entities and local businesses to encourage investment and 
development in Fairfield County.

We do this through advocacy, business attraction and retention, and workforce development initiatives.

On Track 
with Director Szabrak

It’s graduation season, and I could not be more proud to share that the Fairfield County Workforce Center recently celebrated its largest graduating class to date.

On Friday, May 8, 2026, 101 Fairfield County high school seniors walked across the stage during the Workforce Center’s 5th Annual Pre-Apprenticeship Graduation Ceremony. These students earned certificates in HVAC, water and wastewater management, carpentry, electrical, phlebotomy, industrial technology, and plumbing.

The celebration brought together local business owners, educators, elected officials, community partners, and proud family members to recognize these graduates and the bright futures ahead of them.

Fairfield County Commissioner Steve Davis praised the students’ determination and highlighted the importance of workforce development programs in building opportunities for residents and supporting the county’s future growth.

What makes this program especially exciting is that many graduates are already stepping directly into careers. Several students have jobs lined up in their chosen fields, while others are actively interviewing. Their success reflects both their hard work and the Workforce Center’s mission to connect students with meaningful career opportunities right here in Fairfield County.

That investment in people is one reason Fairfield County continues to grow and succeed. Earlier this year, Moody’s Investors Service upgraded Fairfield County’s bond rating to “Aa1,” recognizing the county’s strong financial position and positive outlook for the future. While financial ratings measure fiscal strength, the true strength of Fairfield County can be seen in students like these graduates who are helping build the future of our community.

I continue to be inspired by these students and moved by their stories of success.

The Workforce Center’s pre-apprenticeship and industry-recognized credential programs are offered at no cost to seniors attending Fairfield County high schools. Students entering their senior year can enroll this fall, and a student and parent information meeting will be held in August.

To learn more, visit FairfieldCountyWorkforce.com.



Congratulations to all of our graduates!


Rick Szabrak

Director of Economic and Workforce Development

News Along the Corridor

Moody’s Ratings Upgrades Fairfield County Bond Rating to “Aa1”

In February, Moody’s Investors Services notified the Fairfield County Commissioners of an upgrade to its bond ratings to “Aa1”, citing the healthy financial structure, excellent ability to meet its obligations, and a robust general fund to meet citizens’ needs. [Continue]

New Retail Coming to Pickerington

DSW, also known as Designer Shoe Warehouse, will open at 10701 Blacklick-Eastern Road NW, located in the former Party City space. A ribbon-cutting ceremony took place on May 21. [Continue]


MFR Gives Tour

MFR had a grand opening at their new location at the Rock Mill Industrial Park.  [Continue]

Velocity Offers Opportunities

Velocity Hill Road, located in Canal Winchester, offers an exceptional 20-acre industrial development opportunity within the city’s Planned Industrial District (PID). The site features plans for a 200,200 SF speculative industrial building and an additional build-to-suit opportunity, providing flexibility for a variety of users. [Continue]

Workforce Center News

Ribbon Cutting Ceremony Celebrates the Future

The Fairfield County Board of Commissioners officially celebrated the newly renovated Workforce Center on April 2 with a ribbon cutting ceremony at its facility on Coonpath Road. [Continue] 

Summer Camps for Youth are Ready to Launch!

The Fairfield County Workforce Center has big plans for the youth in Fairfield County this summer! They will be offering the popular Explore Camps again for students in grades 6, 7, and 8 and, new this year, they are inviting students entering high school to take advantage of Level Up! devoted to two exciting fields. [Continue] 

SAVE THE DATE

The Fairfield County Workforce Center will host Parents’ Information Night for Fairfield County high school juniors and their families to learn about the pre-apprenticeship programs offered at no cost to seniors in high school. The event will take place on August 27 from 6 to 8 p.m. at the Workforce Center, 4465 Coonpath Road NW in Carroll, Ohio. Learn more by visiting www.fairfieldcountyohioworkforcecenter.gov.