A new feature: SVF weekly reports
First, an introduction: As part of our ongoing commitment to support our business community during times of transition, we're excited to announce our new weekly Scioto Valley Forward report. We've created this resource to provide our investors and community partners with regular, actionable updates on workforce and economic development initiatives throughout Ross County.
Each week, our team will compile valuable metrics showing how many community members have utilized the Hub's services, highlight upcoming networking events and job opportunities, and share the latest developments related to the paper mill closure. We believe that by keeping our business community informed and connected, we can transform challenges into opportunities for growth.
Our goal with this weekly report isn't just to share information—it's to strengthen our collective resilience and demonstrate that when we work together, Ross County businesses and residents alike can navigate change successfully. We invite you to share this resource widely among your networks as we unite to build a stronger economic future for our community.
If you would like to see information included on this report, send us an email at contact@sciotovalleyforward.com.
Here’s the report for the week ending Friday, Aug. 15:
At the Workforce Hub:
From Monday to Thursday, the Hub received 197 visits from people seeking help with job searches, enhancing interview skills, and resume building. Seventy-three of those visits (37%) came on Monday, Aug. 11. This does not count visits at the Pike, Vinton, or Jackson OMJ centers. Displaced workers in those counties may choose to visit their local OMJ center rather than go to the Hub.
During the week, we had five staffers from the South Central Ohio Job and Family Services, 2 from Ohio Means Jobs Rapid Response, 3 from the state Ohio Means Jobs office, and two from unemployment servics, for a total of 12.
The Hub will remain open Monday to Thursday, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. through the end of August to help those seeking workforce-related assistance.
SVF saw an 20% increase in visits and unique visitors from Aug. 11 to 15.
New events:
Stay tuned for more about a new job fair opportunity. We’re still in the planning stages, but a Job Fair is being planned for Thursday, Sept. 25 at Ohio University Chillicothe. We’ll have more soon.
Homeland Credit Union is planning a series of Coffee Chats for displaced mill workers. Read more here.
If you’re looking to start your own business or need financial adviser assistance, there are three opportunities next week that could help. Check them out here.
New job opportunities:
Austin Powder from McArthur will be at the Workforce Hub from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Monday doing open interviews. Read more here.
The Ohio State Highway Patrol is looking for folks willing to take civilian positions with the patrol. They’ve scheduled and information session for Tuesday, Sept. 23. Read more here.
Any word on a buyer for the mill?
Despite a myriad of rumors, there is no official word on a new buyer for the paper mill property. Local and state officials remain at work on creating plans on a variety of fronts, but the mill’s owner, H.I.G. Capital, continues to do due diligence on the offers they received in July.