Earlier this month, Ohio claimed the number one spot on CNBC's 2026 list of the Top States for Business. This is an outstanding accomplishment for our state and reflects the dedicated work of economic development organizations, community-based partners, employers, and public leaders working together to drive regional business growth. 

We also know that there is still work to do to make our workforce outlook more competitive, including expanding our skilled workforce and increasing educational attainment to meet employers' talent needs. The Workforce Innovation Center exists to support employers in finding and retaining their talent as well as enabling regional collaboration for better workforce outcomes. 

Innovative partnerships across the region are already closing critical workforce gaps. The Future of Manufacturing Fund, established by the GE Aerospace Foundation and United Way of Greater Cincinnati, helps workforce development partners improve career readiness and job placement outcomes in advanced manufacturing, one of our region's largest industries. Relationships with higher education also play a role. Tomorrow, the Cincinnati Regional Chamber will host the annual University Business Summit, strengthening connections between higher education and industry to boost enrollment and degree attainment while helping employers meet evolving workforce demands.

We congratulate the many partners across Ohio whose leadership and dedication helped earn this national recognition, and we remain committed to advancing projects that help the Cincinnati region's workforce meet the needs of our growing business community.

Explore the sections below for updates from our network and beyond including an exclusive WorkOhio interview with Lieutenant Governor Jim Tressel, an exciting Education and Workforce Policy Fellowship Opportunity with Ohio Excels, upcoming events, and more. 

WORKOHIO

Last month, Lieutenant Governor Jim Tressel visited Cincinnati as part of the WorkOhio Job Connector Tour. During the visit, he sat down with WCPO 9 News Host Michelle Hopkins for an interview on Cincy Lifestyle.

In the interview, Lieutenant Governor Tressel discussed the creation of WorkOhio and the program's goal of bringing a personalized approach to the job search process. He also highlighted how the Southwest Regional Hub's network is collaborating to grow opportunities across the region.

We look forward to sharing more stories about WorkOhio and the impactful work our community-based partners are doing to connect job seekers with resources and real opportunities. Visit the WorkOhio News and Events page on our website to watch the full interview with Lieutenant Governor Tressel and discover how WorkOhio is helping job seekers reach their full potential in Southwest Ohio.

WORKFORCE PARTNER SPOTLIGHT

Ohio Excels has officially launched the second cohort of its Education & Workforce Policy Fellowship—a unique, statewide leadership experience designed to equip business and workforce leaders with the education-related knowledge, tools, and relationships needed to drive meaningful, measurable outcomes at the local, regional, and state levels.

Ideal candidates should have an interest in improving educational outcomes for Ohio’s students and include:

·        Business executives and corporate leaders

·        Economic development professionals

·        Government affairs representatives

·        Business association leaders

·        Employers actively engaged in Business Advisory Councils

Fellows will participate in a series of in-person and virtual sessions from September 2026 through May 2027. The experience includes immersive learning, high-impact speakers and guests, and strategic networking opportunities, and participation in the 2026 Aim Hire Conference.

​Learn more and access the application: 

FEATURED EVENT

The Talent Collaborative of Greater Cincinnati is pleased to share the return of the Annual Workforce & Talent Summit on September 16, 2026 at Fueled Collective in Rookwood.

This year's theme, Building and Investing in Your Future Workforce, brings together employers, educators, and workforce professionals from across the region for a day of shared learning and practical connection.The day will include a keynote address, breakout sessions, and interactive activities designed to spark conversation and collaboration. Additional details on speakers, and sessions will be announced soon.

Register today to join the conversation and explore how investments in your future workforce can strengthen your talent strategy.

FROM THE CHAMBER

The Fifth Third Regional Business Summit brings together business leaders, executives, and stakeholders from across the Cincinnati region for a day of conversation, insight, and connection focused on the future of our economy. 

Designed to foster collaboration across industries, the Summit will explore the opportunities and challenges shaping regional growth, with discussions centered on successful mergers and acquisitions, approaches to scaling your business, strategies around artificial intelligence, and trends in workforce development. 

Participants will gain new perspectives and actionable strategies to help strengthen competitiveness, support innovation, and advance long-term, inclusive economic growth across the region. 

Learn more and secure your spot today.

NEWS OF INTEREST

Why recruiters can't find workers and new grads can't find jobs (it's not AI) - The Washington Post

This factory was severely short on workers. Then it offered flexible work - NPR

Ohio Gov. DeWine awards $3.2 million to expand career tech manufacturing programs - WLWT 5

Exclusive: Stanford and ADP have new payroll data on Gen Z women losing ground to men in the job market—and AI isn’t the main culprit - Yahoo Finance

United States’ $39 trillion national debt will mean fewer jobs at lower wages for Gen Z, according to think tank - Fortune

It's no Great Resignation, but here's why turnover risks are back on the rise - Cincinnati Business Courier

Big Companies Are Starting to Hire Again, Defying Predictions of AI Wipeout - The Wall Street Journal

What can employers ask about their workers' side hustles? - Cincinnati Business Courier

Workforce Pell Opens New Doors, But Employers Will Shape Its Success - Society of Human Resource Management

A $100K salary is no longer the standard it once was. Here's the new number. - Cincinnati Business Courier

Department of Labor Puts Millions Toward Apprenticeships - Inside Higher Ed

Americans rewire their grocery shopping routines while digesting the biggest price jump in 50 years - Associated Press