Strong Ohio Nominations Due - Skilled Trade Award

BACKGROUND: Ohio Treasurer Josh Mandel has launched a new effort called Ohio Strong to 
help recognize men and women in manufacturing and the skilled trades, and raise public 
awareness to encourage more people to pursue careers in these fields. Treasurer Mandel has 
been meeting with small businesses, family manufacturing companies, vocational training 
providers, job creators, and workers throughout Ohio. They all reinforce the need for a 
renewed focus on preparing Ohio’s workforce for jobs in modern manufacturing and the skilled 
trades. 
OHIO STRONG AWARD: As part of the Ohio Strong effort, Treasurer Mandel seeks to recognize 
men and women throughout our state who are excelling in careers in manufacturing and the 
skilled trades with an Ohio Strong Award. Treasurer Mandel receives nominations from 
business owners, floor managers, co-workers, or others who submit nomination forms through 
the Treasurer’s office, and then recognizes individuals with an Ohio Strong Award. 
WHY HIGHLIGHT SKILLED TRADES? As Treasurer, Josh Mandel is focused on Ohio having 
healthy finances and a strong economy. Treasurer Mandel recognizes that as the baby 
boomers are retiring, there is a quiet crisis upon us that is resulting in a shortage of welders, 
pipe-fitters, electricians, carpenters, machinists and other skilled trades. He hears this in every 
corner of the state. Promoting growth in modern manufacturing and workforce development 
for in-demand careers is good for Ohio’s economy, and for our state’s finances.
WHO IS ELIGIBLE FOR AN OHIO STRONG AWARD? The Treasurer’s office accepts Ohio Strong 
nominations from individuals throughout Ohio, with a focus on awarding men and women 
working in manufacturing and skilled trades or promoting these career fields. Award recipients
typically demonstrate exemplary work ethic and heightened excellence in these fields.
WHAT IS THE ULTIMATE GOAL OF OHIO STRONG? The goal of Ohio Strong is to recognize 
Ohioans excelling in manufacturing and the skilled trades and to encourage more young people 
to pursue careers in these industries. Employers across the state are saying that in order to 
expand in Ohio, they need a workforce that is experienced in the skilled trades. Through Ohio 
Strong the Treasurer’s office supports policies like putting shop class back in high schools, and 
increasing access to vocational and technical education programs. The ultimate goal is to help 
inspire the kids and grandkids of Ohio to enter these fields, as did so many in previous 
generations. 
HOW DO I GET MORE INFORMATION ON OHIO STRONG? For more information or to 
nominate a recipient in the skilled trades who is deserving of recognition, visit: 
www.OhioTreasurer.gov/OhioStrong.
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