Without a strong, well-developed workforce, our businesses simply cannot remain viable and competitive in the global market. One of the most important factors in sustaining the region's long-term economic strength will be the quality of the region's labor market.

The Mahoning Valley needs to take advantage of the economic opportunities of the next century by continuously improving the skills and educational level of our current workforce, while simultaneously preparing to meet employers' future needs.

To that end, the YWRC will work:

• To create a seamless one stop employment and training system to better meet the needs of employers and job seekers.
• To partner with other local agencies in the design and implementation of workforce development initiatives to serve both job seekers and employers.
• To support public and private initiatives that will improve the employability of the chronically unemployed and under-employed.
• To increase the amount of state funding for worker training programs such as the Ohio Industrial Training Program, and to promote policies that would allow for greater flexibility in implementing those programs.
• To develop tax policies that will create an equitable and adequate school funding system for all Ohio students, from early childhood programs and collaboratives through university levels, without placing an unfair burden on Ohio's businesses.