Ohio's Workforce Evolution and Opportunities Ahead

Looking Forward Our Way

99 Ohio's Workforce Evolution and Opportunities Ahead

In this episode of "Looking Forward Our Way," hosts Carol Ventresca and Brett Johnson welcome Kelly Fuller, Vice President of Talent and Workforce Development at the Columbus Chamber of Commerce. This insightful conversation delves into the innovative strategies employed by businesses in Central Ohio to tap into underutilized workforce pools, such as older adults and immigrant communities.

The discussion highlights the importance of multigenerational workplaces, the challenges faced by students and job seekers amidst the pandemic, and the abundance of opportunities in Central Ohio.

**Engaging Older Workers:**

The episode opens with the story of a third-generation owner of a small manufacturing company in Northwest Ohio, who faced challenges in hiring young workers for well-paying factory jobs. Responding to this dilemma, the owner devised a pioneering strategy of engaging retired workers from the company to work part-time, thereby facilitating the mentorship and training of young employees. This approach underscores the benefits of multigenerational workplaces in knowledge transfer and skill development.

The hosts and Kelly Fuller explore the data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics, which reflects a growing number of older adults seeking part-time work and flexibility, shedding light on the potential for businesses to integrate older workers into their staffing strategies.

**Empowering Immigrant Communities:**

The conversation continues with a focus on businesses in Central Ohio that have forged strong relationships with refugee and immigrant communities to address workforce challenges. The example of AmerisourceBergen in Lockbourne is highlighted, where deliberate efforts were made to appeal to diverse candidates through marketing materials, cultural accommodations, and community engagement.

The episode emphasizes the availability of resources, such as the HRACO (Human Resource Association of Central Ohio), Jewish Family Services, CRIS, and Riverview International Center, which support employers in connecting with and supporting refugee and immigrant communities.

**Training and Upskilling Programs:**

The episode explores the various low-cost or no-cost training programs available for job seekers in Central Ohio, offered by entities like Ohio Technical Centers, Columbus Metropolitan Library, and Jewish Family Services. Notably, the Columbus Metropolitan Library's provision of free access to LinkedIn learning courses and accommodations for starting a business or nonprofit is highlighted.

The Ohio Small Business Development Centers and programs like Accelerate in Columbus are also showcased as valuable resources for individuals interested in entrepreneurship.

**Employer Support and Local Opportunities:**

Insights are shared regarding the availability of programs and services offered by local resources such as ECDI and the Workforce Development Board of Central Ohio, which aid employers in recruiting, training, and expanding their businesses.

**Impact of Pandemic on Education and Workforce Readiness:**

The episode shifts to a discussion on the impact of the pandemic on K-12 education, focusing on the learning loss and lack of social skills faced by students. The closure of opportunities for part-time jobs, mentoring, and internships for high school juniors and seniors is explored, imparting an understanding of the challenges faced by students amidst the pandemic.

**Fostering Inclusive Hiring Practices:**

The conversation delves deep into the initiatives undertaken by businesses to recruit underrepresented talent pipelines, extending opportunities to refugees, immigrants, adults with varying abilities, and individuals with criminal backgrounds.

**Addressing Talent Shortages:**

The episode addresses the employment landscape in Central Ohio, where a shortage of skilled workers is observed, partly due to an aging population and declining birth rates. The impact of factors such as caregiving responsibilities, skill gaps, affordable housing, and transportation issues on unemployment is discussed.

**Positive Outlook and Resources:**

Kelly Fuller shares her optimism about the future and encourages listeners to remain engaged and look forward to positive developments in Ohio. The episode concludes with the hosts expressing gratitude to Kelly Fuller and encouraging listeners to visit their website for contacts and resources related to the discussion. Additionally, they express eagerness to receive feedback on the podcast episodes.

Top 5 Takeaways

1. Multigenerational workplaces offer valuable opportunities for knowledge transfer and skills development, contributing to a more diverse and skilled labor force.

2. Employers should consider adapting their recruitment and staffing strategies to engage older workers and support underrepresented talent pipelines, including refugees, immigrants, and individuals with criminal backgrounds.

3. Local organizations and resources, such as Tarako Human Resource Association, Jewish Family Services, and Ohio Small Business Development Centers, offer valuable support for job seekers, employers, and those interested in starting or growing a business.

4. Access to low-cost or no-cost training programs and resources, such as those provided by the Columbus Metropolitan Library and Ohio Technical Centers, can help individuals upskill and gain specific job-related skills.

5. Despite challenges, there is optimism about the future of Ohio, and individuals are encouraged to stay engaged and look forward to positive developments in the region.

Memorable Moments

00:00 Role as VP at Columbus Chamber helps businesses.

03:42 Aging population poses a workforce challenge by 2030.

07:55 Schools pivoted to virtual learning, impacting skills.

10:08 Revisiting underrepresented talent pipelines in the workplace.

16:15 Discussion focused on changing labor statistics and needs.

18:21 AmerisourceBergen partners with refugee communities for jobs.

21:18 SHRM operates locally, and focuses on HR professionals.

24:09 Utilize local resources for free training options.

28:49 Exciting opportunities in Central Ohio's business development.

Kelly Fuller is the Vice President of Talent And Workforce Development at the Columbus Chamber of Commerce. In this role, she serves as a resource for the chamber's 23,100 plus member businesses, helping them find and retain the talent they need to fill critical roles. When employers struggle to find qualified applicants for their open positions, Kelly steps in to connect them with agencies, organizations, and educational institutions to access talent pipelines. Her work is instrumental in supporting the growth and success of businesses in the Columbus area.

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Recorded in Studio C at 511 Studios. A production of Circle 270 Media® Podcast Consultants.

Copyright 2026 Carol Ventresca and Brett Johnson