YOUNGSTOWN, Ohio (June 27, 2024) – Lake to River is partnering with Flying HIGH, Inc. to support regional workforce needs throughout Ashtabula, Trumbull, Mahoning and Columbiana counties. Together, the two organizations will work to effectively implement workforce development initiatives to provide employment support services, vocational or professional training, and job placement.
Flying HIGH Inc. will recruit job candidates, help them to become prepared and qualified, and present them to employers. They will offer a range of programs, including vocational training and job placement services tailored to the specific needs of the region. These initiatives will focus on key industries, such as manufacturing and healthcare, ensuring that residents are equipped with the skills required by today’s employers.
“We are well-positioned within the four-county region to offer employers the types of qualified, vetted and trained job candidates they’re looking for, and we appreciate Lake to River for recognizing the unique role we’re able to play in our region’s economic development,” said Jeff Magada, Flying HIGH executive director.
Lake to River staff will work to engage regional companies in targeted industries like manufacturing, logistics and distribution, food and agribusiness, and healthcare in this workforce initiative. It will be accomplished through direct outreach, one-on-one engagement, industry roundtables and more.
“An available workforce is critical to economic development work, and we’re fortunate to have strong partners in our region like Flying HIGH and others who we can connect with existing employers and new companies looking to expand here,” said Alexa Sweeney Blackann, interim executive director, Lake to River.
Flying HIGH’s Professional Development Center operates Job Placement Welcome Centers in Youngstown and Warren where local residents can access job opportunities, accelerated vocational training and other customized employment training and services. Flying High is a member of the Regional Workforce Coalition and the overall four-county ecosystem.
To learn more about this partnership and how it can support an organization’s workforce needs, please contact Matt Falter, Lake to River’s director of talent engagement at 234.529.1498 or matt@laketoriverohio.org.
About Lake to River
Lake to River is a private, nonprofit economic development organization and JobsOhio Network Partner accelerating business growth and job creation throughout Ashtabula, Trumbull, Mahoning and Columbiana counties. Visit laketoriverohio.org for more information.
About Flying High, Inc.
Flying HIGH Inc. is a nonprofit organization dedicated to providing integrated workforce development programs that empower individuals to achieve economic self-sufficiency. With a focus on education, training, and employment services, Flying HIGH Inc. works to build stronger communities by helping individuals reach their full potential. For more information, visit www.fhipdc.org.
Photo IDs (from left to right): Mike Fisher, Job Developer, Flying HIGH; Matt Falter, Director,
Talent Engagement, Lake to River; Jeff Magada, Executive Director, Flying HIGH; Jason Neal,
Director of Site Strategies, Lake to River; David Wilaj, Director of Project Management, Lake to
River; Michelle Phillips, Director of Research, Lake to River.