4CG = 4 County Group for Collaborative Growth

Andrea Gibson
Sandusky County Economic Development Corporation

Economic development and workforce development organizations in Huron, Ottawa, Sandusky and Seneca Counties are partnering together under the 4CG initiative. 4CG represents the 4 County Group 4 Collaborative Growth.  The group began working together six years ago to collectively address the region’s workforce challenges.

Initially, 4CG focused its efforts on Manufacturing Month (October) with manufacturing bus tours for educators, speaker events, and manufacturing/career showcases.  These showcase events provide the opportunity for 9^th grade students and school leaders to experience today’s work environment and skill sets through interactive stations designed by local manufacturers, businesses, and skilled trade organizations. 

Recently, Huron, Sandusky and Seneca Counties came together to support Ottawa County in the development a Rapid Response Plan to address the potential closure of the Davis-Besse Nuclear Power Plant. Out of this plan, the counties will begin a comprehensive workforce analysis, with wage and benefit information and strategic priorities developed to assist potential impacted employees and local employers within this labor shed. 

This analysis and plan project has received support from the Area 7 Workforce Development Board and the Ohio Department of Job & Family Services.  Phase I of the project (the workforce analysis and wage and benefit survey) is fully funded and was awarded to consulting firm, Poggemeyer Design Groups with subcontracted services through Bowling Green State University Center for Regional Development.  

4CG’s consultant, Poggemeyer, will provide assistance in obtaining funding for Phase II of the project implementation, thereby minimizing the need for financial assistance from the economic development organizations, counties, communities, and businesses. 

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