GPA: Virtual career fair set for Nov. 5

        As the economy recovers and Ohio businesses across the state work to stay open or in some cases reopen, JobsOhio’s Northwest Ohio Network Partner, the Regional Growth Partnership, is hosting OHZone, a virtual career fair, on Thursday, Nov. 5.
        The goal is to help Ohioans, especially those who have been impacted by COVID-19, find employment while helping regional employers build a qualified, motivated workforce.
        “The virtual career fair will help to connect with prospective employees and meet the workforce needs of local companies and industries,” said Jeff Sprague, Regional Talent Manager for the JobsOhio Northwest Ohio region.
        The fully virtual, online event will feature over a dozen regional Ohio companies that are hiring for open positions. Participating employers from throughout the 17-county region will have virtual booths featuring their open positions at varying experience levels.
        “Through the career fair, we hope to attract the attention of active jobseekers who seek employment or advancement, and/or who are ready to make a career change,” Sprague said.
        Job seekers are encouraged to register for the event early to upload their resume and qualifications, explore companies and open positions, and sign up to receive alerts and reminders leading up to and throughout the event.
        Register for the OHZone event online by visiting https://www.ohio.mgsgov.com/nwvcf/.
         For registration assistance and questions regarding the event, job seekers are encouraged to call Ohio Means Jobs – Sandusky County at 419-332-2169.
 
Vanguard Sentinel Aspire Program
        The Vanguard Sentinel Aspire Program is accepting new students for online virtual classes.
        The Aspire Program provides free adult education classes focused on helping students to improve reading, math, writing and basic skills. Aspire classes are available for adults interested in obtaining a GED or preparing for college, an apprenticeship, a certificate training program or additional workforce training.
        Virtual ESOL (English for Speakers of Other Languages) classes are also available for English language learners.
        Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, classes in Ottawa, Sandusky, and Seneca counties have temporarily moved to virtual platforms and registration, orientation and classes are offered online.
        Students are able to participate in virtual classes offered at varying times to fit different schedules. They also have access to an online learning platform where they can complete learning activities independently and work to improve their skills any time.  Individuals who are not able to participate in virtual learning can contact staff to learn more about possible in-person class opportunities or to be added to a call list and contacted when in-person services resume at a nearby location.
        For more info, call the Vanguard Sentinel Aspire Program at 419-334-6901, ext. 2700 or Aspire Coordinator Emily Woodland 419-334-6901, ext. 2703.
 
Terra State awarded grant for Imagination Library
        Terra State Community College has been awarded a $5,040 grant through the Sandusky County Communities Foundation, which will be used to purchase more than 400 books for children in Sandusky County as a part of Imagination Library.
        Imagination Library, started in 1995 by Dolly Parton with the goal of distributing books to children across the county. Children ages birth through 5 in Sandusky County are eligible to receive one book a month. Books are mailed to the children at no extra cost to their families. Interested parents, guardians or family members can visit imaginationlibrary.com/ and click “Check Availability” to sign a child up for the program.
        The grant was awarded to Terra State at Sandusky County Communities Foundation’s annual grants award program in October. Amy Kreilick, the College’s librarian, accepted the award on behalf of Terra State.
        “I’m so excited that the Terra State College Foundation has gotten involved with Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library.  As a mom, teacher, and librarian I know the importance of reading and acquiring this much-needed skill at an early age,” said Kreilick, “Especially in the time of COVID-19, it may be more difficult for families to travel to libraries or other programs due to reduced hours, so receiving books in the mail is perfect.”
 
Ringholz participating
in conservation course
        Millbury resident Brian Ringholz, a Global Field Program (GFP) student from Miami University's Project Dragonfly, is participating in a new course with conservationists from around the world to launch a conservation campaign for positive ecological and social change.
        Miami's Dragonfly team developed the course, titled “Earth Expeditions: Connected Conservation (EECC),” in response to the global health crisis and as an alternative to the summer Earth Expeditions travel field courses that take place in 15 countries throughout the world.
        Ringholz works as a teacher at Lake Local Schools.
 
Latta announces
grant funding to
protect Great Lakes
        The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s (NOAA) National Center for Coastal Ocean will award funding to Bowling Green State University and the University of Toledo to conduct research projects related to harmful algal blooms (HABs) in freshwater systems, including the Great Lakes. HABs release toxins that can negatively impact the health of our freshwater ecosystems.
        “Since elected to serve in Congress, I take great pride in supporting efforts that work to protect the Great Lakes,” said Congressman Bob Latta (R-OH5). “Harmful algal blooms pose a significant threat to the health and safety of our environment, our communities, and our drinking water. I am encouraged that Bowling Green State University and the University of Toledo will be able to use funding from the NOAA to better understand, prevent, and respond to this environmental phenomenon.”
 
Owens’ Dana Center recognized
        Owens Community College’s Dana Advanced Manufacturing Training Center has been awarded the 2020 Annual Excellence in Workforce Development by the Ohio Economic Development Association (OEDA).
        The award recognizes unique approaches to any aspect of workforce development and acknowledges an organization that has developed innovative practices and programs.
        The Dana Center focuses on expanding and preparing new and incumbent skilled workers in Northwest Ohio and southeast Michigan. The 59,000 square-foot facility features six skilled technology labs, including computer-aided design (CAD); computer numerical control (CNC) and manual machining; electrical; heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) and alternative energy; mechanical and pneumatics; and robotics and programmable logic controller (PLC).
        “We are pleased to have been recognized by the OEDA for the College’s commitment to workforce development. The Dana Center represents the college’s latest significant investment to directly impact Northwest Ohio’s regional economy,” said Bill Balzer, interim president, Owens Community College. “A skilled workforce is critical to fill thousands of new and existing jobs in manufacturing and aligned careers throughout our region and the state. The Dana Center was specifically designed to meet these needs now and well into the future. We thank Dana Incorporated and other supporters for joining us in meeting the region’s training needs for the new and incumbent workers for decades to come.”
 
Terra State appointment
        Terra State named Garien Hudson as the new vice president of student affairs and enrollment services.
        Hudson, formerly of Fort Wayne, Indiana, served as director of admissions at Capital University since 2017. At Terra State, he hopes to continue the mindset of aiming to exceed enrollment objectives and position Terra State to have a conducive admissions model that becomes industry standard he said. He will also focus on building a strong foundation of trust to help create closer relationships with students and families.
        In his free time, Hudson is involved with his church. He also likes to stay active with his wife and three children at nearby parks and enjoys going on family hiking trips in Hocking Hills.