Fremont, OH – The Paulding County Business Advisory Council (BAC) proudly announces its recent recognition for excellence, attaining a 2-star rating during a ceremony held on Friday at Terra State by Ohio College TechPrep.
In compliance with state regulation, all Ohio school districts and Educational Service Centers (ESC) are required to establish a Business Advisory Council. Ohio has over 110 councils, among which is the Paulding County Western Buckeye ESC BAC.
Members Tiffany Rockhold (OhioMeansJobs), Kim Wannemacher (Paulding County Hospital), Fahyth Griner (Haviland Drainage Company), and Kristen Schilt (Paulding County Economic Development) accepted the excellence award on behalf of the council. Their unwavering dedication has played a great role in shaping the BAC’s success.
Additionally, at the award ceremony, Paulding County Economic Development (PCED) Director Tim Copsey was honored with the 2024 Economic Development Partner of the Year Award for his exceptional collaboration contributions to the educational and business partners, the BAC and the overall community.
Established in 2021, the Paulding County BAC is committed to enhancing educational opportunities and fostering relationships between education and local businesses. Through quarterly meetings, the council facilitates collaboration between leaders in these sectors, creating learning experiences and preparing a skilled workforce. The council consists of businesses from different industries, including: manufacturing, agriculture, healthcare, service sectors, as well as representatives from our three local school districts, Vantage Career Center, and regional colleges.
“Our BAC is dedicated to continually improving to benefit our students and local businesses,” shared Kristen Schilt Office Manager for PCED. “We are glad to be recognized as a ranked business advisory council this year. We know there are still workforce needs that need addressed in our community and our BAC will continue to work together to understand how collectively we can narrow those gaps.”
Partnerships between local schools and industries have resulted in initiatives such as: enhancing the annual spring career expo, teacher boot camp, Paulding HS welding program, Paulding HS construction program, Panthers for Career partnerships, Archer Advantage program, Antwerp Innovation and Aquaponics Center and the new Wayne Trace STEAM center. These initiatives not only enrich the learning experience for students but also help establish a skilled workforce tailored to the needs of the local economy.
As the Paulding County BAC looks to the future, it remains committed to fostering innovation, collaboration, and excellence in education and workforce development.
For more information about the Paulding County Business Advisory Council and its initiatives or to join an upcoming meeting, please contact Paulding County Economic Development at 419-399-8295.
BAC Members Pictured Left to Right:
Tiffany Rockhold, OhioMeansJobs Defiance/Paulding Counties, Kim Wannemacher, Paulding County Hospital, Kristen Schilt, Paulding County Economic Development, Fahyth Griner, Haviland Companies
