October 14, 2026

Area 10 Workforce Development Board

Full Membership Meeting Minutes

October 14, 2026 | 11:30 AM – 1:00 PM

 Welcome and Lunch — 11:30 AM

The meeting opened with lunch provided by UR Worthy Catering. The Board thanked the Richland County Commissioners for providing the meeting location.

Call to Order and Roll Call — 11:45 AM

Chairperson Steve Wolford called the meeting to order. Roll call was conducted, and a quorum of voting members was confirmed.

Approval of Previous Meeting Minutes: A motion to approve June 17, 2026, meeting minutes was made by Makenna Laser and seconded by Sonja Pluck. The motion carried.

Membership Updates — 11:50 AM

The Board welcomed new members Chris McKeon of Weiss Industries and Jeremiah Holland of BAC Local 23.

 Official Business — 12:00 PM

Finance Committee: The committee continues to expand its participation. Beth Delaney volunteered to serve as Finance Committee Chair. A motion to approve her appointment was made by Aaron Rasmus and seconded by Dr. Diab. The motion carried without opposition.

Program and Policy Updates:

• Career Launch: The Comprehensive Case Management and Employment Program (CCMEP) was renamed Career Launch, effective October 1, 2026.

• Veterans Priority of Service: WIOA Policy Letter 15-20.4, Priority of Service for Veterans and Eligible Spouses, was reviewed for compliance. The updated posting is available on the Area 10 website.

Employer Incentive Programs:

• TechPath: Applications opened August 31, 2026. The program provides employer-matched incentives tied to employee training milestones and supports training within 46 approved Classification of Instructional Programs (CIP) codes.

• TechCred: The application period runs October 1–30, 2026. The program provides up to $1,000 per employee, per credential, for eligible technology-related training.

Presentation: Mid-Ohio Educational Service Center / Ohio Aspire — 12:15 PM

Andie Karpiak, Director of Adult Education for Mid-Ohio Educational Service Center (MOESC), presented an overview of Ohio Aspire adult education services available in Ashland, Crawford, and Richland counties.

Ohio Aspire provides free adult education services and maintains partnerships with Madison Adult Career Center, Major Metals, the Ohio Army National Guard, Richland Correctional Institution, and OSU Mansfield.

Andie reported significant funding reductions affecting program services. Despite these challenges, Ohio Aspire achieved a measurable skill gain rate of 39%, exceeding the state rate of 28%.

The Board discussed potential alternative funding opportunities. Clint Knight and Andie will continue communication regarding possible options.

Agency Report-Outs — 12:30 PM

Agency representatives provided updates on services and outcomes for Program Year 2026, Quarter 1 (July 1–September 30, 2026).

Crawford County JFS / OhioMeansJobs — Suzy

Suzy reported eight new youth enrollments and 12 new Adult/Dislocated Worker enrollments. The Summer Youth Program served 44 youths through approximately 20 local employers. More than $80,000 was spent, with one final invoice pending. OJT, IWT, and Public Works CDL training programs continued to produce positive outcomes.

Richland County JFS / OhioMeansJobs — Heather

Heather reported that 33 individuals received WIOA services, with expenditures totaling approximately $54,000. The OhioMeansJobs Center hosted two employer recruitment events serving 19 job seekers and recorded 3,043 Resource Room visits. Employers continued to utilize Incumbent Worker Training (IWT) funding.

Richland County Catalyst Youth Services — Mitch

Mitch reported that a business appreciation luncheon was held for approximately 60 work experience employers. The program currently has 115 youth enrolled, with 63 participating in work experience, 24 receiving post-secondary services, and 80 in follow-up services.

Fiscal Report — Toby Borders

Toby reported that all Area 10 funds scheduled to expire June 30, 2026, had been fully expended. Some first-half funding scheduled to expire in 2027 is expected to carry over. Final figures will be available following completion of the annual cost closeout.

Crawford County Partnership — Crystal Dean

Crystal reported that Crawford County businesses were recognized during the Manufacturing Breakfast held October 14, 2026. The Wage Tour engaged 438 eighth-grade students and approximately 15 area businesses representing industry sectors.

 Director’s Report — Clint Knight

Aviation Career Day: Held September 16, 2026, the event hosted 142 junior and senior students representing 10 high schools.

Manufacturing Day: Events held October 1–2, 2026, engaged approximately 1,500 students across Crawford and Richland counties.

Ohio Workforce Association Conference: Held September 17–18, 2026, the conference included a presentation by Clint on customer service in workforce development.

Area 10 Website: New Development continues for the job board, workforce resource catalog, and Board member webpage.

 Adjournment

The meeting was adjourned