Mission

Grow our region’s economy by connecting a stable skilled and supported labor force to meaningful and sustaining employment.

Vision

Drive economic growth through innovative regional workforce strategies.

What We Do:

Address immediate & future workforce needs of the Firelands region.

Build on existing economic & workforce development work.

Enable the region to develop strategies for a continuous talent pipeline.

Serving Erie, Huron & Ottawa Counties

Advisory Board

Andrew Kurtz                                  BGSU Firelands

Eric Muehlhauser                          Mylander Foundation

Sarah Ross                                      Norwalk Economic Development Corporation

Jeff Huber                                      Civista Bank

Jody Meisler-McKilips                  Firelands Health

Beth Maiden                              Erie County Community Foundation

Larry Fletcher
Shores & Islands Ohio

Chris Singerling                           Ottawa County Improvement Corporation

Mary Jane Hill
Dorn Foundation

Ted Kastor
Perkins School Board

Terry Boose
Huron County Commissioners

Andrea Smith                          North Point Educational Service Center

 

Makenna Laser

Operations Manager

Makenna joined the team in 2021 as the Manager of Communications and Business Services. In this role, she worked in business outreach in Erie, Huron, and Ottawa Counties. In May of 2023, she was promoted to Operations Manager. Her goal is to face workforce issues head-on, utilizing her skills in human resources, marketing, and communications.

Makenna is a graduate of Norwalk St. Paul High School. She worked for her family’s business, Dave’s Food Mart Norwalk & Avery, before taking this role. She lives in Norwalk with her husband Joshua, a concrete finisher. Together they have two dogs – June and May.

Luis Quezada

Wellness Coach, Employer

Resource Network (ERN®)

Luis joined the team in February of 2022 as the first Work Wellness Coach for our premier Employer Resource Network (ERN). His background includes two Bachelors of Arts in Psychology and Philosophy from the University of Texas at El Paso and a Master’s Degree in Emergency Management from Arizona State University. His experience has prepared him to provide case management, mental health crisis de-escalation, motivational interviewing, outreach and advocacy, and public speaking to businesses participating in the Employer Resource Network.

Susan Shickley

Wellness Coach, Employer

Resource Network (ERN®)

Susan joined the team in March of 2023 as the second Work Wellness Coach for our premier Employer Resource Network (ERN). Her background includes a BA in History and English Literature from the University of Toledo, MA in Historical Administration from Eastern Illinois University, and coursework toward a Master’s in Public Health from the University of Toledo. Her experience has prepared her for community resource referral by first meeting people “where they are at,” and instilling a sense of welcome and authentic belonging in her clients. 

Firelands Forward Strategic Plan

Covering a three year time horizon, 2023-2026, and developed with vast community input, the Firelands Forward Workforce Development Plan is designed to improve job skills, fulfillment, and retention. The Plan frames and builds coordination and collaboration across education, job training, and other supportive services to drive economic growth. It includes accountable and measurable solutions for improving the workforce.

Working to Solve Our Turnover Challenge

As a region – and a nation – we face the issue of high labor force turnover rates. Workers, especially those in lower-income professions, are leaving their jobs often, and this is causing instability for both employees and employers. What can we do about it?  Read our white paper on the causes and effects of turnover, and reach out to our team to discuss your insights and needs!

The Child Care Study

Childcare is a huge employment barrier. We partnered with the Child Care Resource Center to complete a Child Care Study throughout the Firelands Region. We invite you to read the study and join us in the conversation to solve this barrier in your workplace. As a region, we must collaborate to face these issues head-on.

Fiscal Agent

A private non-profit organization serving our

community through comprehensive economic

development programs. We’re here to help

individuals and businesses start, stay, and

grow in Erie County.

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247 Columbus Avenue, Sandusky, OH, United States, Ohio