Program to Focus on Talent Retention and Workplace Culture
Ashland, OH—The North Central Workforce Alliance of Ohio (NCWA) 2024 Workforce Summit is scheduled for Wednesday, October 30th at Mount Vernon Estate. This year’s program will feature keynote speaker Lisa Ryan and guest panelists Ben Maibach, President of The Wooster Brush Company, and Karen Alsop, Human Resources Director for Centerra Co-Op.
Erv Howard, NCWA’s Executive Director, says this year’s summit isn’t one you’ll want to miss, “We’ve created an agenda with powerful, relevant content for North Central Ohio’s industry leaders. Every attendee will leave with invaluable insights on today’s workforce.”
The keynote address, titled “Unlocking the Power of Workforce Culture for Talent Retention,” will be presented by inspirational speaker and employee engagement expert Lisa Ryan, who will share proven strategies to engage, inspire, and retain your current workforce and client base. Early registrants will receive a personalized copy of Ryan’s newest book Thank You Very Much: Gratitude Strategies to Create a Workplace Culture that ROCKS!
“Engagement and retention are universal challenges for employers,” said Karen Alsop, incoming NCWA President. “We’re excited to welcome an award-winning speaker with real-world insight on the topic, this will be a great opportunity for everyone to learn more about the importance of sincere gratitude and building relationships.”
Registration is open through October 21st and tickets for this event will be on a first come, first serve basis as the event is expected to sell out. Tickets are $25 for NCWA members and $35 for other guests. Attendees can register on the Ashland Area Chamber of Commerce’s website.
About the North Central Workforce Alliance of Ohio
NCWA is a business-driven partnership consisting of employers from North Central Ohio whose focus is to share resources and ideas to solve common problems in attracting, training, and retaining the qualified and dedicated employees needed to grow area businesses. The organization focuses on the following business sectors: agriculture and animal science, construction, heavy equipment, information technology, manufacturing, medical and bio-technology, service and retail, and welding. More information can be found at ncwaofohio.org.
Ashland County, OH – A morning collision between a car and an Amish buggy on State Route 89 has left two individuals injured and a horse deceased. The incident occurred around 7:47 AM this morning, just north of County Road 700.
According to the Ohio Highway Patrol, both the car and the buggy were traveling southbound when the car, a 2023 Bronco Sport, struck the rear of the buggy. The force of the impact ejected a 17-year-old Amish male and a 58-year-old Amish male from the buggy. Both were transported to Ohio-Health Mansfield Hospital with non-life-threatening injuries.
The driver of the Bronco was cited for Assured Clear Distance Ahead (ACDA).
The Ohio Highway Patrol requested assistance from Tri County Animal Clinic Inc. out of West Salem, Ohio, to care for the horse. Due to the serious injuries the horse was euthanized at the scene.
The Ohio Highway Patrol remind drivers to remain vigilant and maintain safe distances, especially in areas where horse-drawn vehicles may be present. The investigation into the incident is ongoing.
The Ashland Police Division is pleased to announce the promotions of two officers to leadership positions. In September, Mayor Matt Miller promoted Sergeant Curt Dorsey to Lieutenant and Officer Mason Birkbeck to Sergeant. These promotions are a testament to their commitment to public service and dedication to the Ashland community.
Dorsey, 42, brings a wealth of experience to his new position as Detective Lieutenant. With eighteen years of service in the Division, including five years as a Sergeant in the Detective Bureau, he is well-prepared to lead our investigators and coordinate case follow-up in both the patrol and investigative bureaus.
Birkbeck, 29, is a six-year veteran of the Division, spending all those years in the Patrol Bureau and most recently serving as a Field Training Officer. As Sergeant, Mason will help lead the officers of C Squad in their daily duties.
“Lieutenant Dorsey has shown exceptional leadership ability and is committed to furthering our community engagement efforts,” said David Lay, Chief of Police. “Sergeant Birkbeck’s experience as a Field Training Officer has helped prepare him for greater responsibility as he transitions into a formal supervisory role,” Lay added.
Both officers have officially assumed their new roles, and the Division is excited about the positive impact their leadership will have on the community.
Presently, the Ashland Police Division staffs thirty full-time and one part-time police officer. The Division is authorized to employ thirty-two full-time sworn personnel.
Local Women Showcase Skill in Annual Skillet Throw Competition
This year’s Women’s Skillet Throw demonstrated impressive talent and dedication among participants, with winners showcasing exceptional skill in the event.
In the 18-60 age group, Brittany Poling clinched first place with an impressive toss of 35.5 feet, leading the competition by an average of 8 feet. Sandy Burkholder followed closely in second place with a throw of 35 feet, while Shanon Craft secured third place with a distance of 33 feet.
In the 60-and-over category, Diana Dunn took home the first-place title with a remarkable throw of 27 feet. Patty Fliger earned second place with a toss of 19.6 feet, and Ruby Murphy rounded out the top three with a throw measuring 18 feet.
Congratulations to all the participants for their outstanding performances! Special thanks to event sponsors Armstrong Cable Services and Puglisi Pizza for their support.
Joe Lyons •
October 2, 2024
