News

The Clinton County Workforce Collaborative recently held a highly engaging and productive meeting focused on the healthcare industry, marking the launch of a new, intentional meeting structure designed to strengthen connections between educators, employers, and workforce partners.

The healthcare-focused discussion brought together local healthcare employers, educators, and service providers to share insights on workforce needs, student engagement, and realistic opportunities for collaboration. The meeting emphasized open dialogue, mutual understanding, and—most importantly—identifying actionable next steps to strengthen Clinton County’s workforce pipeline.

"The Workforce Collaborative's new, industry-specific format opened the door to deeper conversations about healthcare as a future pathway for Wilmington High School students," explained Tim Dettwiller, superintendent of Wilmington City Schools, who was in attendance during the meeting. "Industry leaders and key support agencies shared their workforce needs and position requirements, and I left the meeting with several valuable contacts," stated Dettwiller. "Since then, I've used those connections to leverage opportunities for our high school career readiness team to set up meetings and continue exploring the creation of a healthcare pathway at Wilmington High School."

Participants who did not work directly in healthcare were encouraged to listen, learn, and contribute insights from their own industries. This cross-sector perspective sparked meaningful discussion and allowed best practices and shared challenges to surface across different workforce environments.

This healthcare meeting is the first in a series of Workforce Collaborative meetings that will each focus on a specific industry or group of related industries, aligned with OhioMeansJobs industry clusters. The new structure is intended to provide consistency, encourage deeper conversation, and ensure each meeting results in clear takeaways and forward momentum.

The Clinton County Workforce Collaborative will continue these industry-focused discussions throughout the year, using the feedback and ideas generated to inform future programming, partnerships, and workforce initiatives that benefit both students and employers across the county.

The next industry-focused meeting is scheduled for March 11, 2026, with a focus on Manufacturing and Architecture & Construction. The meeting will be held from 9 to 10:30 a.m. at the Southern Ohio Educational Service Center, 3321 Airborne Road, Wilmington.

The Clinton County Workforce Collaborative is an initiative of the Clinton County Port Authority, OhioMeansJobs-Clinton County, the Southern Ohio Educational Service Center, and the Wilmington-Clinton County Chamber of Commerce. The Workforce Collaborative operates as an extension of the Clinton County Business Advisory Council, under the umbrella of the Southern Ohio Educational Service Center's Business Advisory Council.

For more information about the Workforce Collaborative or upcoming meetings, please visit www.ccwcohio.org or contact Dessie Rogers at the Chamber of Commerce at info@wccchamber.com or (937) 382-2737. 

The Clinton County Human Resources Roundtable is excited to announce its first event of 2026, “HR in the World of AI” with Nicole Armstrong of Ellequate at 7:30 a.m. on Tuesday, February 3.

“We knew there was a need for locally based HR conversations in our community,” said Dessie Rogers, Executive Director of the Wilmington-Clinton County Chamber of Commerce, “That is why we worked with the Clinton County Port Authority last year to establish the Clinton County Human Resources Roundtable.” The group is designed specifically for HR professionals working in Clinton County, providing a welcoming space to connect with peers who understand the unique challenges and opportunities in the local community. 

“At our very first meeting, we asked our members what they wanted to learn about, and the impact of AI on HR was at the top of the list,” said Ruth Brindle, Workforce & Data Specialist with the Clinton County Port Authority. “In response, we are thrilled to bring Nicole Armstrong as our first guest speaker this year, not only as an HR professional, but as a member of the Cincinnati AI Catalyst.” The Cincinnati AI Catalyst is a consortium focused on improving the lives of people in the Cincinnati region through the inclusive, human-centered, responsible AI.

Conversation at the event will cover a range of HR topics related to the usage of AI, including bias, practical implementation and usage, risk, efficiencies, ethics, policy considerations, and the effect on processes. Registration for the event, which will be hosted by Air Transport Services Group, is free but required by 12 noon on Friday, January 30. To register, visit bit.ly/FebHRRoundtable or email info@wccchamber.com. Full event details will be shared with individuals upon registration.

Events for the Clinton County HR Roundtable throughout 2026 will include a joint program with the Highland-Fayette-Clinton Safety Council, a Summer Social Mixer, and a Legal Forecast for 2027. To receive announcements of upcoming events, email info@wccchamber.com.

The Wilmington-Clinton County Chamber of Commerce and the Clinton County Port Authority will host the next Clinton County Human Resources Roundtable on Tuesday, December 2, from 7:30 to 9:00 a.m. at ATSG, located at 1113 Airport Road in the Wilmington Air Park.
 
The roundtable is open exclusively to human resources professionals working in Clinton County, providing a forum for HR leaders to connect, collaborate, and share ideas on current challenges and opportunities in the workplace.
 
This session, titled “HR in the World of AI,” will feature Nicole Armstrong, Founder and CEO of Ellequate and member of the Cincinnati AI Catalyst, who will explore the evolving role of artificial intelligence in HR. Armstrong, a frequent national speaker for organizations such as SHRM, WELCOA, and DisruptHR, will discuss the implications of AI on workforce management, ethical considerations, and how HR professionals can effectively adapt to emerging technologies.
 
“AI is transforming every aspect of the workplace, and HR professionals are uniquely positioned to lead that change,” said Dessie Rogers, Executive Director of the Chamber of Commerce. “We’re thrilled to welcome Nicole Armstrong, whose expertise will help local leaders navigate this new landscape with confidence.”
 
A light breakfast will be provided courtesy of ATSG. While there is no fee to attend, participants are asked to RSVP by Wednesday, November 26, at https://bit.ly/CCHRDec2.
 
The Clinton County Human Resources Roundtable is a joint initiative of the Wilmington-Clinton County Chamber of Commerce and the Clinton County Port Authority, created to foster collaboration among HR professionals and provide relevant resources to support the county’s workforce. For more information, contact info@wccchamber.com or 937-382-2737.

The fourth annual Clinton County Career Exploration Fair, hosted by the Clinton County Workforce Collaborative, brought together students and local employers on Wednesday, October 22, 2025, at Laurel Oaks Career Campus. The event featured 31 local employers and career training organizations and welcomed approximately 500 students from districts throughout the county.

The Fair provides students in 10th and 12th grades with hands-on, interactive experiences to explore workforce opportunities right here in Clinton County. By engaging with local businesses and training organizations, students gain insight into different industries, spark interest in career paths, and begin building a local talent pipeline for the future.

“The Career Exploration Fair is an invaluable opportunity for students to see what careers are available in our community and for employers to connect with the workforce of tomorrow,” said Curt Bradshaw, Superintendent, Southern Ohio Educational Service Center.

Following the Fair, a teacher from Blanchester Local School District remarked, "Several students shared they couldn't believe they could work the field they wish in Clinton County."

The Clinton County Workforce Collaborative extends sincere thanks to Laurel Oaks Career Campus for hosting the event, as well as to our sponsors for supporting this important initiative: the Clinton County Port Authority, Sams Meats & Deli, and Nutrien Ag Solutions.

For more information about future Career Exploration Fairs or to learn how to participate, contact the Clinton County Workforce Collaborative at (937) 382-2737 or visit ccwcohio.org.

The Clinton County Port Authority Board of Directors introduced new Board Members Janet Dixon and Jack Powell at its most recent meeting.

Dixon is replacing Brian Smith, who served three full terms, as well as two years of the unexpired term of John Limbert. Powell was appointed to fill the remainder of the unexpired term of Walt Rowsey.  Rowsey has served as the Board Chair for the past 10 years. 

“We wish the best to both of our retiring members and look forward to the new members on the Board,” said Clinton County Port Authority Executive Director, T. Alex Beres. “I have said it before, and I truly mean it when I say this is absolutely the best board I’ve ever worked for or with.”

At the previous meeting new officers were presented for review. Beth Ellis was elected as the Chair, Jack Powell as Vice Chair, and Bill Ferguson as Treasurer/Secretary.  Chair Ellis presented proposed committee assignments for review by the Board members for the 2025-2026 Board year.   

Also introduced at the meeting was Brad Buckner, joining the Port Authority staff in the last month as Program Manager, supporting economic development projects as well as projects at the Wilmington Air Park. With Corey Francis, who was introduced earlier this year as the Chief Engineer, the Port Authority now has a staff of eight. 

“We are building capacity and engaging professionals who continue to add to our ability to provide a breadth of services to the Port Authority and the Community,” said Beres. “As they continue to work through projects, you will be hearing more from them.”

Also at the meeting, the Board approved an amendment to the Lease for Building 2050 and 2055. The full lease was renewed previously, and this amendment allows the tenant use of more areas on the Air Park to accommodate growth and seasonal fluctuations.

“Last month we shared that the lease with Amazon was executed that extends through June of 2029, with two extensions of five years each part of that agreement,” said Beres. “Amazon Air is a committed partner to the Air Park and to Clinton County. They have or will have operations on the airport for 14 of the last 15 years. If they exercise the additional next two five-year renewals, they will be the longest cargo operator in the history of the Air Park.”

The staff continues to explore options for Building 2052 as a potential tenant space and engaged a consultant to work with Francis to accommodate renovations to the building. It was purpose-built as a sort building in 1991, and this will explore the possibility of creating a manufacturing space in the building.

The board approved another contract for work to continue on a project it is working on with the Board of County Commissioners, approved an economic development incentive agreement, and approved updates to the Personnel Manual. 

The next meeting is scheduled for November 13, 2025, at 9 a.m. at the Wilmington Air Park Board Room. 

Pictured, left to right: Jim West, Board Member; John Settlemyre, Board Member; Jack Powell, Vice Chair; Beth Ellis, Chair; Bill Ferguson, Treasurer/Secretary; Janet Dixon, Board Member; and Kyle Rudduck, Board Member.

The Clinton County Port Authority and the Clinton County Regional Planning Commission (CCRPC) are seeking property owners interested in participating in the next rounds of funding through both the Ohio Brownfield Remediation and the Ohio Building Demolition and Site Revitalization Programs.

Ohio’s Fiscal Year 2026-2027 Operating Budget, signed into law by Governor Mike DeWine on July 1, 2025, includes $200 million in new funding for brownfield remediation and $43 million in new funding for building demolition programs for the next two years. The bill also included a variety of changes to the program structures meant to make the funding more competitive. While the Ohio Department of Development is not anticipated to release Program Policies and Procedures until later this fall, the Port Authority and CCRPC want to begin preparing competitive applications early.

“These Brownfield and Demolition dollars from the State give us a rare chance to put long-stalled properties back to productive use, potentially as new job sites or homes,” said Josh Roth, Economic Development Director. “If you’ve ever wondered ‘will this property ever get cleaned up?’, the answer may be yes. Interested property owners are encouraged to reach out. The Port Authority will help you sort out eligibility, build a competitive application, and move good projects forward for Clinton County.”

Brownfields are properties that have been previously developed and may be contaminated with materials such as asbestos or petroleum. Both Assessment and Clean-up grants are available. Properties eligible for demolition funding include residential, commercial, or industrial and, in the past, have included interior demolitions or foundation removals.

Interested property owners are encouraged to indicate their interest by filling out a pre-application that can be online at https://bit.ly/PropertyOwnerInterest. Alternatively, property owners can contact Roth directly at (937) 566-1188 or jroth@ccportauthority.com.

The Clinton County Workforce Collaborative held its monthly meeting on Thursday, September 18, at the Southern Ohio Educational Service Center, gathering employers, educators, and community partners to discuss new initiatives aimed at building and sustaining a strong workforce for the county.

A key highlight of the meeting was the announcement of the Collaborative’s new internship program, launched in partnership with OhioMeansJobs Clinton County and designed to provide local youth and young adults with hands-on career experience while supporting the talent needs of area employers.

The internship program connects high school students with businesses across Clinton County, giving them the opportunity to explore career pathways, gain valuable skills, and receive mentorship from industry professionals. In addition to on-the-job training, interns will have access to career readiness workshops, job search support, developing soft skills, and resources through OhioMeansJobs.

“This initiative is about more than just internships—it’s about building bridges between our youth and the businesses that need their skills and talent,” said Conner Wyatt, Clinton County Workforce Development Director. “By investing in our young people today, we’re strengthening the workforce pipeline for the future of Clinton County.”

Attendees also heard firsthand from a local Wilmington High School student, Makenna Dorsch, who participated in a summer internship through the program. She shared how the experience helped her build confidence and gain practical skills: “The internship experience was amazing. I really recommend it to other fellow students and hope to work with them again in the future. They are here to help students in any way they can and always say that the ‘sky’s the limit’ with the program, and it really is,” she told the group.

The program is open to eligible Clinton County high school students through OhioMeansJobs’ Comprehensive Case Management and Employment Program, as well as through partnerships with local schools and community organizations. Interns will receive opportunities while contributing to businesses that play a vital role in the county’s economic growth.

For more information about the internship program, contact Conner Wyatt (cwyatt@soesc.org or 513/316-2176) or Amanda Haggerty with OhioMeansJobs Clinton County (amanda@wsu-inc.org or 937/382-7762 x 1153).

The meeting also included planning updates for the upcoming Clinton County Career Exploration Fair, scheduled for Wednesday, October 22, at Laurel Oaks Career Campus. Wilmington-Clinton County Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Dessie Rogers shared important deadlines for businesses to register, emphasizing the fair’s role in exposing students to a broad range of industries and career options across the region.

Additional updates included ongoing promotion of the Collaborative’s new website, ccwcohio.org, which serves as a central hub for workforce resources, event announcements, and connections between employers, educators, and job seekers.

The Clinton County Port Authority Board and Staff extend its congratulations to Ms. Jennifer Klus on her acceptance of the Director of Economic Development position for the City of Dublin, Ohio.  

“We wholeheartedly wish her the best on this next step in her career,” said Walt Rowsey, Chair of the Clinton County Port Authority Board. “She has been a great help in growing our county-wide Economic Development Program, and her influence on it will be missed.”

Ms. Klus will begin with the City of Dublin later this month, continuing her long career in Economic Development. She started with the Port Authority in January of 2020 and has been involved in several projects including county-wide COVID communication and small business grant efforts, a county-wide Housing Study, the Clinton County Workforce Collaborative initiative, and the recent Polaris, Inc. expansion.  Of particular note, Ms. Klus initiated efforts to bring SBDC services to Clinton County, which have been widely utilized.

“I have enjoyed the work and environment here,” said Klus, “and greatly enjoyed working with Port Authority Staff and Board. This is wonderful opportunity for me professionally and will allow me to continue to do Economic Development on a larger scale.”

“Jennifer is a consummate professional, an exceptional colleague, and driver of economic development activity. She has had a significant impact on our organization and community, and her shoes will be hard to fill,” offered Dan Evers, Executive Director of the Clinton County Port Authority.

 The countywide collaboration will continue with the current Port Authority Staff as an evaluation is made for next steps. Economic Development questions, projects and concerns should be directed to Daniel Evers, Executive Director for the Clinton County Port Authority.

About the Clinton County Port Authority

The Clinton County Port Authority is a special purpose government formed to operate transportation infrastructure and lead economic development efforts. Designated by the County, City of Wilmington, and the Wilmington CIC as the lead Economic Development agency for the County, it coordinates with the Dayton Development Coalition and JobsOhio to attract jobs to the area. It twice has been recognized as a Best Workplace. The Port Authority owns and operates the Wilmington Air Park, an integrated aviation and logistics business park located on 1,900 acres with nearly three million square feet of industrial, office, and hangar space. It is the highest volume cargo airport in Ohio and ranked 25th in the U.S. It was named Best Airport in Ohio in 2020 and 2021. Learn more at www.ChooseClintonCountyOH.org, and www.WilmintonAirPark.com.

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