6 Businesses Needed! Sign Up Now for High School Manufacturing Day — October 20

We are excited to share that eight local manufacturers have already signed up to host students during our Manufacturing Tour Day on Tuesday, October 20:

1. Hendrickson – Navarre
2. Ohio Gratings Inc.
3. The M. K. Morse Company
4. Winkle Industries
5. Knight Material Technologies
6. Solmet Technologies Inc.
7. The Timken Company
8. AmbaFlex Manufacturing, Inc.
9. Stark State College

However, we still need at least six more manufacturers to ensure we have enough locations to accommodate and provide opportunities for students from all of our participating school districts.

This tour is an important opportunity for students to experience modern manufacturing firsthand, learn about the careers and options available in our region.

If your company is willing to participate, please sign up as soon as possible so we can finalize our school district and tour schedules.

We need your help to make sure every participating district has the opportunity to connect with local manufacturing!

Interested in participating? Register here: 2026 Manufacturing Day Host Company Sponsorship and Requirements – Fill out form. Deadline is 9/10/2026.

Questions? Contact Stephanie Werren at www.starkmanufacturing.org.

Thank you for helping us inspire the future of manufacturing!

Celebrating Workforce Development Month

A strong manufacturing industry starts with a strong workforce.

This September, we’re celebrating Workforce Development Month by recognizing the employers, educators, workforce professionals and community partners who are working together to connect people with opportunities and help local businesses find the talent they need.

For the Stark Manufacturing Partnership, workforce development is at the heart of what we do every day. From introducing students to manufacturing careers to helping job seekers explore opportunities, providing training and supporting employers, we’re building stronger pathways to manufacturing careers across Stark County.

Thank you to everyone who continues to invest in our people, our businesses and the future of manufacturing in Stark County.

Manufacturers Needed for Educator Tour on October 12

We are looking for three area manufacturers to open their doors for an upcoming Educator Manufacturing Tour on Monday, October 12 in collaboration with Stark Educational Partnership.

This is a great opportunity to help local educators gain firsthand knowledge of today’s manufacturing environment, the careers available, and the skills students need to succeed. By experiencing your workplace firsthand, educators can bring valuable, real-world information back to their classrooms and help connect students with local career opportunities. The time commitment is minimal—just 1.5 hours.

If your company is interested in hosting a group of local educators and showcasing the exciting opportunities within your facility, please contact us at www.starkmanufacturing.org. We would love to have you involved!

Help us give educators a closer look at modern manufacturing and help them inspire the next generation of your workforce.

National Award Recognizes Ohio’s Career Tech Employment Innovation

COLUMBUS – The State of Ohio is receiving more national recognition for its work to broaden its talent pipeline and increase opportunities for individuals with non-traditional educational backgrounds. Ohio’s career technical education (CTE) initiative earned the state the National Association of State Personnel Executives (NASPE) 2026 Eugene H. Rooney, Jr. Award for Innovative State Human Resource Management Program.

“Ohio is proud to champion CTE education, training, and practical experience as pathways to public service careers,” said Ohio Department of Administrative Services (DAS) Director Kathleen C. Madden. “We are grateful for the ongoing commitment of the DeWine-Tressel administration to building a strong Ohio workforce, as well as Sen. Jon Husted, whose vision while Lt. Governor was the driving force behind establishment of the state’s successful CTE initiatives.”

Governor Mike DeWine signed an executive order in 2023 that established Ohio’s career technical employment initiatives and expanded Ohio’s role as a model employer in skills-based hiring. The order directed DAS to appoint a statewide liaison to connect CTE programs with state agency workforce needs. The statewide CTE liaison now works directly with instructors and administrators across Ohio, aligning CTE career fields with relevant state positions, responding to emerging workforce needs, and building strong community partnerships to address skill gaps.

Since the initiative’s launch, more than 265 CTE students and recent graduates have secured paid work-based learning experience or permanent employment with state agencies. CTE-trained employees are now serving in more than 20 job classifications, including high-demand fields such as agriculture, mechanics, and information technology.

The program’s reach and impact continue to grow rapidly. At launch, the CTE initiative engaged 22 of Ohio’s 88 counties and within nine months, participation more than doubled to over half of all counties. In just two years, the program has expanded to serve nearly 80% of Ohio counties.

NASPE aims to share information regarding best state human resource management practices and its Eugene H. Rooney, Jr. Award honors innovative state human resource management practices that ensure access and equity while enhancing productivity and service delivery.

Welcome New Members

1. Harrison Paint – 1329 Harrison Ave SW | Canton, OH 44706
2. Haiss Fabripart – 14771 Oyster Rd, Alliance, OH 44601
3. Project Rebuild – 406 Shorb Ave NW, Canton, OH 44703

ArtsImpact Grant Supports Our 2nd Grade Manufacturing Coloring Contest

We’re excited to participate in the ArtsImpact Grant through ArtsinStark, which supports creative projects that address community needs and bring positive impact to Stark County.

Our 2nd Grade Manufacturing Coloring Contest combines creativity and career awareness by introducing young students to the exciting world of manufacturing through art.

We’re thrilled to bring this project back in December 2026 and give even more Stark County students the opportunity to learn about manufacturing while letting their creativity shine!

We’re grateful to ArtsinStark for supporting projects that show how the arts can make a lasting impact in our community.

TechCred Applications Open October 1

New guidelines just released

The Ohio Department of Development has released updated guidelines for the next round of TechCred, the state program that reimburses employers up to $1,000 per employee, per credential (up to $30,000 per application) for technology-focused training. The updated framework sharpens the focus on tech-driven skills, with credentials now pulled from a new approved, industry-aligned list.

If you’re looking to upskill your team, this is worth a look before the October 1 application window opens.

How to apply: development.ohio.gov/business/workforce-development/tech-cred/apply

Learn more and see eligible credentials →

JobsOhio Relocation Incentive – $15,000

2026 All Member Meeting Schedule

Meeting times are typically 11:00 AM to 12:00 PM for the member meeting, program updates, and featured presentation, followed by 12:00 to 1:00 PM lunch, networking, and facility tour. Our monthly meetings are designed to provide valuable industry insights, meaningful collaboration opportunities, and firsthand exposure to local manufacturing operations.

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