On Wednesday, May 22, OMA board member and Brilex Industries President Brian Benyo testified at the Ohio Statehouse in support of House Bill 2, priority legislation aimed at enhancing and growing the state’s skilled workforce. HB 2 would complement the OMA’s workforce development strategy. Click here to see Benyo’s full testimony. Benyo, founder of the Mahoning Valley Manufacturers Coalition (MVMC) — a sector partnership in Trumbull, Mahoning, and Columbiana counties — told the House Economic and Workforce Development Committee that “workforce development is the single most important issue facing Ohio businesses today.” The MVMC has enabled Youngstown-area manufacturers to work with educators and other partners to meet “an aligned set of priorities and needs,” Benyo said. Also appearing in support of the bill were:

• Jessica Borza, executive director, Mahoning Valley Manufacturers Coalition;
• Jenny Stupica, director of manufacturing engagement, ConxusNEO;
• Carla Fitzpatrick, business strategy coordinator and HR Manager, Anderson International Corp.; and
• Amy Meyer, director of manufacturing engagement, Rhinestahl Corp.

As introduced, HB 2 would provide $2.5 million in FY 2020 and FY 2021 for industry sector partnerships, which are used to coordinate industry-led strategies to meet current and future workforce demands. HB 2 would also provide $15 million a year to reimburse employers for training current or prospective employees who receive an industry-recognized certificate. 5/22/2019 Appearing at this week’s hearing in support of HB 2 were (from left): Carla Fitzpatrick of Anderson International Corp.; Amy Meyer of Rhinestahl Corp.; Jenny Stupica of ConxusNEO; Jessica Borza of Mahoning Valley Manufacturers Coalition; and Brian Benyo of Brilex Industries.