On January 21 2026, Cincinnati was the first stop on Ohio Lt. Governor Jim Tressel’s statewide WorkOhio Kickoff Tour, underscoring Southwest Ohio’s leadership role in advancing innovative workforce solutions across the state.
Lt. Governor Tressel joined workforce development leaders from across the region to formally launch WorkOhio, a new statewide initiative designed to connect Ohioans with in-demand jobs through personalized, locally driven support. The program was announced earlier this month and brings together regional expertise to help job seekers navigate career pathways, training opportunities, and employment resources.
“There are great opportunities opening up in every corner of Ohio, and Southwest Ohio is no exception,” said Lt. Governor Tressel. “With WorkOhio, we are making it easier for people to start a job search and find great opportunities close to home by connecting them with local experts who understand the employers, industries, and resources in their communities.”
The kickoff event was hosted by the Cincinnati Regional Chamber’s Workforce Innovation Center, which has been selected as one of seven Regional Job Hubs statewide to lead WorkOhio efforts. As the Southwest Ohio Job Hub, the Workforce Innovation Center will coordinate regional partners and ensure job seekers are connected to the support and opportunities best aligned with their goals.
“We’re proud that the Workforce Innovation Center was selected as the WorkOhio Job Hub for Southwest Ohio,” said Brendon Cull, President & CEO of the Cincinnati Regional Chamber. “This initiative builds on the strong collaboration already taking place across our workforce ecosystem and reinforces our shared commitment to connecting people with meaningful careers that fuel regional growth.”
Through WorkOhio, Regional Job Hubs will work closely with a network of Community Connectors — trusted local organizations that are already embedded in Ohio’s workforce ecosystem. Together, these partners will provide coordinated, one-on-one support to help Ohioans access job opportunities, training programs, and wraparound services.
Initial Community Connectors in the Southwest Ohio region include:
- Care Center
- Easterseals Redwood
- OhioMeansJobs Butler County
- OhioMeansJobs Hamilton County
- OhioMeansJobs Warren County
- United Way of Greater Cincinnati
- Urban League of Greater Southwestern Ohio
Additional workforce organizations, educational institutions, and community service providers across the region are invited to join the WorkOhio effort as Community Connectors, with several already committed to participating.
The WorkOhio Kickoff Tour will continue with additional stops across the state in the coming weeks.
The WorkOhio Southwest Ohio Region includes Brown, Butler, Clermont, Hamilton, and Warren counties.
To learn more about how WorkOhio will support workforce growth across the Cincinnati region and the State of Ohio, visit WorkOhio.gov.
