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Why the Workforce Innovation Center

We want to make people’s lives better and create a community that is better for us all. That starts with helping employers build systems, organizations, and cultures that holistically address the wellbeing of their employees as part of their business strategy.

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Moving Businesses Forward and Transforming Lives

Envisioned by local business and government leaders, the Workforce Innovation Center became a reality in November 2018 as part of the Cincinnati USA Regional Chamber efforts. Then, our focus was to connect more employers directly to the various innovative initiatives that exist to mitigate barriers to employment and to grow businesses through an inclusive capitalism approach. The result of this work would be a win-win, with employers filling job openings with supported and skilled individuals, and individuals connecting to rewarding jobs and forging a path to financial self-sufficiency.

Fast forward one year and we knew there was a real need for the work we were doing. So, in November 2019, we launched our consulting services to better support businesses that were looking for innovative ways to solve talent retention and attraction issues, proactively engage with their employees, and create growth opportunities for their companies. During this time, our pilot companies were critical resources for us in refining our offerings and seeing the benefits of our team and consultants’ expertise.

We’ve come a long way in just a few years as our consultancy continues to grow with more clients, expanded product and service offerings, and greater impact on the region. Now and in the future, our goal remains to support companies through evidence-based practices that fuel growth and improve the lives of employees.

Learn more on the Cincinnati Chamber website
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Our Mission

We drive companies to adopt inclusive practices that empower employees and fuel businesses, enabling communities to thrive.

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Our Vision

The Cincinnati region is a beacon of inclusion and engagement for employees resulting in long-term financial success, innovation and sustainability for its employers, and thereby, the community.

Support our Mission

The Workforce Innovation Center drives companies to adopt practices that empower employees, the community, and their businesses to thrive. We aim to lead an inclusive capitalism approach to growing businesses by mitigating barriers to employment.

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Support our Mission

The Workforce Innovation Center drives companies to adopt practices that empower employees, the community, and their businesses to thrive. We aim to lead an inclusive capitalism approach to growing businesses by mitigating barriers to employment.

Get Started
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JOSEPH LIGON
WorkOhio Southwest Hub Coordinator
Workforce Innovation Center
Cincinnati Regional Chamber
Linkedin

Joseph is our WorkOhio Southwest Regional Hub Coordinator. He oversees the intake, triage, and management of state-level job seeker referrals. Joseph coordinates closely with key partner organizations, including the Urban League and OhioMeansJobs, to ensure the seamless delivery of career coaching, training, and job placement services. Additionally, he assists with state-approved outreach and marketing efforts while actively supporting a regional network of employers and service providers throughout Greater Cincinnati and beyond.

Joseph graduated from Tuskegee University with a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration, concentrating in Sales and Marketing.  He brings a strong blend of operations, marketing, and client service experience to the team, backed by a proven track record in project management, collaborative problem-solving, consumer research, and brand strategy.

Prior to this current role, he served as an Account Coordinator at PEP, LLC, where he managed purchase order workflows, coordinated brand approvals, and partnered with account executives and suppliers to keep projects on schedule. His background also includes valuable experience at Best Buy and as an Ad Campaign Manager Intern at TripleLift, where he collaborated with high-profile clients such as Avis, Norwegian Cruise Line, and Hershey.

A Cincinnati native, born and raised in College Hill. He is an avid movie fan who enjoys collecting figurines and die-cast cars, trying new restaurants, traveling, reading, and playing video games. He is a die-hard Bengals fan and enjoy spending quality time with his family.