Spring Quarterly Gathering and Tour
Attendees were welcomed with a tour of the AOMC Manufacturing Support Center.
Approximately 60 attendees gathered for the Appalachian Ohio Manufacturers’ Coalition (AOMC) Spring Quarterly Gathering on Thursday, March 20. The event commenced at 4:00 PM with an insightful tour of AOMC’s state-of-the-art manufacturing support center, a premier training facility dedicated to advancing regional workforce development. Following the tour, attendees convened for a networking dinner at the Broughton Community Building, catered by Da Vinci’s.
AOMC Director Adam Barr welcomed guests before the evening’s presentations. The event featured two distinguished speakers:
Drew Cooper, Director of Government Affairs & External Engagement, JobsOhio
Drew Cooper leads engagement, outreach, and collaboration with government officials and key economic development stakeholders across Ohio. He plays a vital role in strategic development and policy education, ensuring JobsOhio’s visibility and impact statewide.
During his presentation, Cooper emphasized JobsOhio’s commitment to supporting businesses, attracting new investments, and strengthening communities. He highlighted Ohio’s economic transformation since 2011, stating, “The rankings we were at the bottom in back then, we’re leading now.” Cooper also identified three key factors influencing investment decisions: energy, workforce talent, and available sites.
He introduced JobsOhio’s “Find Your Ohio” initiative, an innovative online platform designed to connect job seekers with Ohio-based employers. Additionally, Cooper outlined how advancements in automation technology, near-shoring efforts, and a skilled workforce position Ohio’s advanced manufacturing sector for sustained growth.
Matt Abbott, President & CEO, Ohio Southeast Economic Development (OhioSE)
Matt Abbott, a recognized leader in regional economic development, detailed OhioSE’s efforts in supporting business retention, expansion, and attraction across 25 counties in Southeast Ohio. Since 2011, the region has added more than 12,600 jobs, leveraging resources from JobsOhio to enhance downtown projects, housing, and healthcare initiatives that contribute to overall economic vitality.
Abbott underscored the region’s workforce potential, noting that over 148,000 Southeast Ohio residents—more than one in three—commute outside the region for work. He remarked, “We have a workforce that’s here—but they’re driving somewhere else to work.” By addressing local opportunities and improving infrastructure, OhioSE aims to retain and attract top talent while fostering sustainable economic growth.
AOMC incorporated their FANUC Robot to serve drinks.
Attendees that checked out all of the AOMC equipment during the tour were entered to win one of these prizes.
