All Member March Meeting: RG Drage Career Technical Center

Great to see such strong engagement at our March member meeting hosted at RG Drage Career Technical Center, with over 32 members in attendance. We were treated to a fantastic lunch prepared by the talented culinary students, an impressive showcase of their skills and professionalism.

Following the meeting, attendees toured the facility with a focus on several high-demand training areas, including the new HVAC program, welding, precision machinery, and mechanics. It was a powerful reminder of the critical role career and technical education plays in developing the next generation of skilled talent for our region.

A sincere thank you to Dan Murphy and his team for their hospitality, partnership, and continued commitment to workforce development.

If your organization is interested in hosting a future meeting or providing a facility tour, we would love to hear from you.

Hoover High School Career Fair Showcases Stark County Opportunities for Students

The SCMWDP was proud to participate in the recent Hoover High School Career Fair, which brought together students from over 12 schools across the region and over 538 students. This event highlighted the strength of the Stark County Career Compact and the collaborative effort to connect students with meaningful career pathways.

Students had the opportunity to engage directly with a wide range of employers, gaining insight into the world-class companies that call Stark County home. From advanced manufacturing to skilled trades and technical careers, the event showcased the breadth of opportunities available right here in our community.

Career fairs like this play a critical role in helping students explore future pathways, understand in-demand careers, and see firsthand the possibilities that exist without leaving Stark County. We are grateful to all partners, educators, and employers who continue to invest in building strong connections between education and industry, and in shaping the future workforce of our region.

Our booth once again featured a hands-on “Build the Tallest Tower” LEGO Challenge, in 30 seconds, which quickly became a favorite activity. Students eagerly jumped in to design, build, and test their towers, sparking creativity, friendly competition, and plenty of conversation. “There were a lot of real conversations happening. Students were asking thoughtful questions, exploring different career paths and starting to picture what their futures could look like,” said Barb Bennett.

Events like Career Day play an important role in helping young people see the possibilities that exist in our local economy and understand how their interests and talents can translate into meaningful careers.

SCMWDP Members participating in the Hoover High School Career Fair included:

1. Ohio Gratings, Inc.
2. Powell
3. Gregory Industries
4. Stark Industrial LLC
5. The M.K. Morse Company
6. Stark Truss
7. Metallus

Thank you for promoting manufacturing in Stark County!

SCMWDP Board President Shaun Eller Featured in The American Executive Magazine

Did you catch the latest issue of The American Executive magazine? Chief Business Officer Shaun Eller shares about his remarkable 30-year journey with Ohio Gratings.

Read their feature, “God, Grit & Gratings” HERE. Please note his article begins on page 22.

Board Meeting & Strategic Plan Update

At the upcoming board meeting in April, board members will review and vote on the organization’s new strategic plan, which outlines our mission, vision, key goals, and measurable outcomes for the coming years.

This plan was developed through a thoughtful and collaborative process, incorporating valuable input from member surveys as well as benchmarking with peer workforce and manufacturing partnerships across the state. These insights helped ensure the plan reflects both local priorities and proven practices.

We look forward to officially rolling out the strategic plan at the May 28 member meeting hosted at Diebold, where we will share key focus areas and next steps with the full partnership.

MentorStark Walk & Talk: Mega Mentoring Event

MentorStark is hosting a Walk & Talk “flash mentoring” event on Sunday, April 19 from 1:00 to 4:00 PM at the Bulldog Activity Center in Canton.

This event will bring together youth from across Stark County for high-energy, career-focused conversations with professionals representing a variety of industries. It’s a great opportunity to connect, share experiences, and help students explore future pathways.

Mentors are currently being recruited. If you’re interested, or know someone who would be a great fit, please complete the interest form HERE. Feel free to also share the flyer to help spread the word.

Additional details, including a short overview of the event format, will be shared soon.

K-12 Ambassador Program Coming Soon

Upskilling Funding Opportunity

The Stark County Manufacturing Workforce Development Partnership (SCMWDP) is excited to share that upskilling funding opportunities may be available through the Workforce Initiative Association. These funds are designed to support employers in strengthening their workforce through targeted training, skill development, and advancement opportunities.

While full details are still being finalized, this opportunity could provide valuable support for companies looking to invest in both technical and non-technical training for their teams. Whether you are focused on developing new skills, enhancing current capabilities, or preparing your workforce for future demands, this funding may help offset costs and accelerate your efforts.

If you are interested in learning more or would like to begin exploring how this opportunity could support your organization, please don’t hesitate to reach out to me or the individuals listed on the flyer. I would be happy to help facilitate the conversation and ensure you are well-positioned when details are released.

2026 All Member Meeting Schedule

Meeting times are typically 11:00-noon meeting/presentation and noon-1:00 lunch/networking and tour.

If you want calendar invites as placeholders for all meetings, click here and we will send invites for ease of adding to your calendars.