Baughman Tile Company recently hosted the final Paulding County Business Advisory Council (BAC) meeting for 2023. The quarterly meetings are open to all business professionals and educators, located in and around Paulding County, that are interested in developing communication between the two sectors. The goal is to make sure a pipeline of opportunities are available for students, and residents alike. The meeting continues to grow as a new record of 37 guests attended.
Eric Baughman, Vice President of Direct Sales with Baughman Tile, welcomed all guests to the facility and gave just a brief overview of the facility, now under its fifth generation of leadership. The Paulding County Economic Development team of Director Tim Copsey and Office Manager Kristen Schilt then shared the agenda and introduced James Ricker, Coordinator of Workforce Development and Community Partnerships with Rhodes State College, who discussed apprenticeship and other workforce opportunities with attendees.
The agenda for this fourth quarter meeting was education heavy as the BAC Steering Committee works to make stronger connections with business leaders and educators. Northwest State, Ohio Northern, Defiance College, Rhodes State and Indiana Tech were all in attendance. Rhodes State, Vantage Career Center, Western Buckeye Educational Service Center and all three county high schools updated the BAC on projects or plans they are working on or looking to initiate.
Copsey then shared that the Paulding County College, Business and Industry Expo has been scheduled at the Paulding County Fairgrounds for Thursday, April 4, 2024. This is a growing event that currently brings all Paulding County junior and senior students on site to meet with businesses, armed services and educational providers from the region. Copsey explained that this is not aimed at being a hiring event, but more so an event that allows students to learn about and understand all the great businesses and employment opportunities in the region for future employment. Great discussion followed in how the event might be improved with businesses offering hands-on opportunities and if there could be younger classes of students invited to participate.
The first quarter BAC Steering Committee meeting in will be hosted at the PCED office on February 7 from 1-2pm. The BAC meeting will then be held on Wednesday, March 6 at a time and site to be determined.
