One Year In…
My first unofficial day on the job at GROW was the Licking County Chamber’s Groundhog event in 2020. I remember being overwhelmed yet welcomed and I reveled in the fact that in a year, I may know most of the people in the room.
Six weeks later came the COVID lockdown. Imagine facing a global pandemic, all the uncertain effects on the economy and employers, while working from home within six weeks of starting a brand-new job. Here is what I’ve learned.
Agility
GROW is an agile organization that can pivot without losing momentum on the mission to generate economic growth in Licking County. When COVID hit, it was clear we needed to focus on existing businesses to tend to their immediate needs. We spent the early days having virtual conversations, sharing best practices, and acting as a clearinghouse for the ever-changing federal and local assistance programs. We were pleased to hear so many companies were weathering the storm, considering the uncertainty. For a short time, it was our sole focus, proving we could pivot and reprioritize and, in the process, uncover expansion opportunities, too.
Impossible to tire of this view right outside our office door.
Connectivity
It is possible to make connections over zoom, if you are intentional. In the last year I reached out and introduced myself to those I want to get to know in my new community with virtual coffees. We all miss the casual conversations that turn into big ideas between in-person meetings, so I also set up a recurring virtual coffee with other women in economic development. It’s helped us stay connected, learn best practices and support each other.
Partnerships
Licking County isn’t just lucky to have the local resources and partners it has. Licking County is a self-made success built by a truly dedicated community. This year I heard so many origin stories founded, intertwined and revolving around Licking County. It was no surprise that out of COVID new programs were formed and relief disseminated within this determined community.
The Heath-Newark-Licking County Port Authority has always had close ties to CTEC. Together, they modernized outdated training into free upskilling. CTEC EDGE incorporates modern manufacturing into a training to reskill workers displaced due to COVID, opening the door to a career in manufacturing. After the Port initially funded the training, County Commissioners were able to use CARES Act dollars to lengthen the life of the program. To date, there have been over 100 participants.
Partnering with area employer Facebook, the Licking County Chamber of Commerce was able to distribute over $100,000 in Facebook Data Center COVID Relief Fund grants. Additionally, Licking County’s largest employer, Amazon, donated $90,000 worth of PPE, and the Chamber distributed another $500,000 from Federal CARES Act funds for small businesses in 2020.
Ohio Means Jobs – Licking County (OMJ) continues to be heavily relied upon by employers in the county. OMJ, while getting high remarks and commendations from regional partners as being a stand-out office in the state, offers employers customized free workforce assistance, creating COVID-safe solutions and programming.
Until Next Year
This year the Groundhog event took place virtually and, while I am sad I couldn’t experience it in person, it was fulfilling to now know a lot of those stiffs in the audience!
It’s not easy to learn a new job virtually but with good leadership and communication, and a community with a strong and collaborative foundation, anything is possible.
I hope to see everyone next winter at the Groundhog event, in person!