Speaker of the Ohio House William G. Batchelder (R-Medina) recently appointed State Representative Tim Derickson (R-Oxford) to serve as chairman of the Workforce Development Study Committee, a bipartisan committee that will solicit feedback from Ohioans to make Ohio a national leader in developing a well-trained and educated workforce.

“There is nothing more critical to Ohio’s economy than a well prepared and educated workforce,” Derickson said.

Rep. Derickson will be joined by Representatives Nan Baker (R-Westlake), Richard Adams (R-Troy), Andy Thompson (R-Marietta), Sandra Williams (D-Cleveland), Nancy Garland (D-New Albany), Lou Gentile (D-Steubenville), and Roland Winburn (D-Dayton) in serving on this committee, which will meet throughout the summer and early autumn at various locations throughout the state.

The committee is scheduled to meet at the following times and locations:

• August 31st at 10 a.m. in Columbus (Ohio Statehouse, room 116)

• September 14th at 4 p.m. in Elyria (Lorain County Community College, Stocker Center Cinema Hall)

• September 15th at 10 a.m. in Bowling Green (Bowling Green State University, Bowen Student Union)

• September 28th at 4 p.m. in Middletown (University of Miami – Middletown, Miriam G. Knoll Community Center, room 142, Johnston Hall)

• September 29th at 10 a.m. in Athens (Ohio University, Amanda J. Cunningham University Center)

The Workforce Development Committee will allow the people of Ohio to have a chance to speak to the Ohio House of Representatives on the state’s efforts to create a competitive workforce. Interested parties may notify the committee of their intent to attend a particular hearing or submit comments by emailing ohhouseworkforcedevelopment@gmail.com.

Upon completing the necessary research, the committee intends to put forth an executive summary and possible recommendations for the Legislature.