"Adam commended the local workforce development program in the county, as well as the CEO program in local high schools and certification program at Vantage Career Center, as innovative ways to increase job training and keep local students from leaving the county after graduation.
Also included in efforts to retain local students is the state-mandated local Business Advisory Council, which brings local business leaders and school administrators and staff together to share information whose aim is to allow businesses to share needs with educators so that schools can tailor programs that ensure students are better able to meet the needs of local companies and learn employment skills critical to business.
Adam also cited some economic development highlights from 2020, including the Van Wert County Land Reutilization Corporation (land bank), which has acquired 82 properties, demolished 79 blighted structures, and seen new construction completed, in progress, or planned for 10 of those lots, including a partnership between the VWAEDC and Vantage’s Carpentry Class that resulted in a new house being built on a lot at 148 Keplar St. in Van Wert. That house will be auctioned off at 6:30 p.m. July 22, with the proceeds used for other, similar building projects in the future.
Adam especially highlighted Vantage Career Center’s importance in training — and retraining — workers to fill local jobs.
“Vantage is a huge asset for the county,” she noted."