By Art Auth |
Partnering for Progress, an organization dedicated to fostering economic development and growth in the region, recently hosted its annual investor meeting on Friday, May 10th, at Radiant Lighthouse. This event served as a platform to not only discuss progress and updates but also to celebrate the achievements of outstanding individuals and businesses contributing to the community’s prosperity.
The gathering commenced with a warm welcome from Jeff Subler, President of the Darke County Community Improvement Corporation (CIC), setting the tone for an evening of recognition and collaboration. Jared Ebbing, representing the Mercer County Community & Economic Development, provided valuable insights into the Hometown Opportunity Website and its pivotal role in connecting local talent with employment opportunities.
Mike Bowers, Director of Darke County Economic Development, followed with an informative update on the economic landscape, highlighting key developments and initiatives driving growth. Todd Shilling then delved into the crucial aspect of career development, emphasizing the importance of nurturing talent and fostering pathways for professional advancement. Denise Elsas further underscored this point by shedding light on workforce development strategies essential for sustaining economic momentum.
A highlight of the evening was the announcement of the winners of this year’s IGNITE (Inspiring Growth in Networking and Innovation Through Employment) award, an initiative celebrating high school juniors and seniors engaged in work-based learning programs. These awards highlight their application of classroom knowledge in practical work environments. Additionally, the Darke County I.G.N.I.T.E Awards recognize the vital collaboration among students, schools, and business partners in meeting our region’s future workforce demands.
During the annual Economic Development Forum on Friday, May 10th, Darke County Economic Development honored 9 students with an I.G.N.I.T.E Award. These exceptional students hail from 6 different schools and have collaborated with 8 distinct businesses. Todd Shilling, Career Connections Coordinator, emphasized, “Empowering the emerging workforce starts with recognizing the untapped potential of high school students. The I.G.N.I.T.E Award is an opportunity to celebrate these students who were nominated because of their strong work-ethics, determination and grit. Not only are we celebrating the students, but we are also recognizing the school districts and companies that have helped create these opportunities for the students.”
The 2024 Darke County IGNITE Award Winners are as follows:
- Alex Rader (Arcanum High School and Miami Valley Career Technology Center, employed by Family Health Services of Darke County)
- Callee Moore (Greenville High School, employed by Final Bow, Center for Children’s Performing Arts)
- Carter Finkbine (Tri-Village High School and Miami Valley Career Technology Center, employed by Boone Restoration)
- Dominic Barga (Versailles High School, employed by Classic Carriers)
- Hailey Finlay (Greenville High School, employed by The Brethren Retirement Community)
- Kathy Meade (Greenville High School, employed by Beauty Systems Group)
- Rhiannon Wilken (Franklin Monroe High School and Miami Valley Career Technology Center, employed by Premier Health)
- Trenten Hissong (Arcanum High School, employed by Dave Knapp Ford, Inc.) and
- Tristen Gross (Greenville High School, employed by The Brethren Retirement Community)
These students exemplify dedication and initiative, embodying the essence of the I.G.N.I.T.E Awards’ mission to foster a skilled and empowered workforce for the future.
Furthermore, the prestigious title of Darke County Community Improvement Corporation Business of the Year was awarded to Classic Carriers of Versailles. This family-owned enterprise has demonstrated excellence in the transportation sector, offering a comprehensive range of services including carrier, logistics, and warehousing. Their commitment to expansion and innovation, exemplified by recent investments in cold warehousing facilities, reflects their dedication to driving economic progress and prosperity.
The annual investor meeting served as a testament to the power of collaboration and shared vision in propelling communities forward. As Partnering for Progress continues to champion growth and opportunity, these collective efforts promise a brighter future for all stakeholders involved.
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