The Board of Lucas County Commissioners is excited to announce that the region’s one-stop employment center, The Source Northwest Ohio, received the State of Ohio’s prestigious Silver Certification for one-stop operations.
The Silver Certification is the second highest ranking and only two other one-stop systems managed to achieve that level state-wide. No systems received the highest Gold level.
Board President Pete Gerken remarked, "I am very proud of the work that The Source has accomplished over the past year. With our struggling economy, this agency has stepped up and served the people of our community responsibly and to the best of its abilities. I commend the staff and leadership for this much deserved honor."
The ranking are based on overall service to job seekers and businesses utilizing the one-stop and includes data on the number of individuals attending workshops and seminars, businesses actively recruiting at the one-stop and customer service surveys.
"In one of the toughest economies in our lifetime, The Source and its employees have made a positive difference in the lives of so many looking for work. It's very fitting that they've been honored with Silver Certification, since their passion for this work shines through everyday," said Commissioner Tina Skeldon Wozniak.
Funded by the US Department of Labor though the Workforce Investment Act, the one-stop is managed by NetWORK, a division of the Zepf Center. NetWORK, who submitted the application for the certification conducts a majority of the job search workshops at The Source as well as manages the Resource Room where job seekers have access to computers, printers, copiers and faxes as well as high speed Internet.
“The number of people coming to us for help is a sign of the times in regard to the local economic situation,” said Eric Walker, Director of the County’s Workforce Development Agency (LCWDA) that administers funding for the center. “The fact that we have reached the Silver level speaks volumes about the hard work and dedication our staff put into helping people and businesses every day.”
LCWDA’s Business Service Team works with businesses looking to hire workers and provides basic human resources and recruiting assistance regardless of the size of the company.
LCWDA also works with economic development groups, he added, stressing that many companies interested in locating in the area often place the question about the availability of workers high on their list of priorities. Strengthening that bond with economic development will move the one-stop closer to state’s Gold Standard certification.