Ohio Chamber of Commerce CEO discusses workforce retention and growth

Chamber Amplified

Ohio's economy is at an intriguing crossroads, where the potential for expansion meets the challenges of adaptation. In the 100th edition of Chamber Amplified from the Findlay-Hancock County Chamber of Commerce, we're joined by Steve Stivers, President and CEO of the Ohio Chamber of Commerce, to talk about responsive strategies and evolving trends within the state's business environment.
Key Takeaways:

• Retaining college graduates, specifically from out-of-state, is crucial for workforce growth in Ohio.
• Automation and Artificial Intelligence (AI) are twin forces propelling productivity, yet call for careful workforce transition strategies.
• A considered approach to immigration, alongside intra-state recruitment, can bolster Ohio's economy.

Chapters:
0:02:05 | Concerns about employee retention and growth in Ohio
0:03:29 | Strategies to bring back Ohioans who left the state
0:03:59 | Retaining out-of-state college students after graduation
0:04:28 | Creating an internship pairing program to keep college students in Ohio
0:05:07 | Nationwide Insurance's efforts to employ underrepresented communities
0:06:40 | Tapping into the talent pool of retired individuals
0:07:26 | Dividing jobs to accommodate retirees and part-time workers
0:09:36 | Encouraging high school students to join the local workforce
0:11:14 | Expanding internship opportunities for non-college-bound high school students.
0:12:14 | Discussion on attracting young professionals to smaller cities and municipalities in Ohio.
0:13:25 | Steve Stivers highlights the attractions and marketing potential of cities like Findlay, Ohio for young professionals.
0:14:01 | Steve Stivers discusses Jobs Ohio's strategy to recruit people from outside Ohio to move and work in the state.
0:16:13 | Conversation about the current use cases of automation and AI in businesses and the productivity benefits.
0:17:54 | Steve Stivers expresses concerns about AI potentially automating certain jobs in the next few years.
0:18:49 | Discussion on the impact of automation on the workforce and the need for workforce development programs.
0:19:18 | Steve Stivers talks about the opportunities for reshoring jobs and increased competitiveness through automation.
0:20:45 | Conversation on the importance of immigration for economic growth and the need for immigration reform.
0:23:21 | Steve Stivers emphasizes the need for international immigration to fill job gaps in certain sectors.
0:24:07 | Steve Stivers expresses excitement about Ohio's economic trajectory, including big company investments and small business innovation.
0:24:45 | Small business as the driver of the economy, challenges with workforce, regulation, and taxation.

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