Lorain County JVS

Northeast Ohio’s Mega Site: A Landmark Opportunity 

Spanning more than 1,000 acres in Huntington and Wellington townships, the newly announced Northeast Ohio Mega Site is a game-changing development opportunity for Northeast Ohio. Certified and development-ready, the site is strategically designed to attract investment from advanced manufacturers, high-tech firms, and electric vehicle suppliers looking for shovel-ready space and access to a skilled workforce. 

Backed by JobsOhio and Team NEO, the mega site represents more than just land—it represents a bold commitment to economic growth, job creation, and industrial innovation in the region. 

“This mega site will be a gamechanger for our region,” said Dr. Glenn Faircloth, Superintendent of Lorain County JVS. “At JVS, we don’t just prepare students for jobs—we prepare them to lead and adapt in an evolving economy. We’re proud to be the workforce engine driving Lorain County into its next era of prosperity.” 

Ohio’s Economic Momentum: A Top-Five State 

At the same time, Ohio has reached a historic milestone: For the first time ever, it ranks among the Top 5 U.S. states for business attraction and job creation in Site Selection Magazine’s Governor’s Cup—solidifying its place as a national leader in economic development. 

According to JobsOhio: 

• Ohio saw record-setting capital investment in 2023 

• Project volume rose by more than 30% year-over-year 

• The state is now #3 in the U.S. for economic projects per capita 

• It created more new jobs than any year on record 

This surge in growth means one thing: demand for talent is at an all-time high. And career-technical institutions like Lorain County JVS are key to meeting it. 

“Our work is about collaboration. We are a convener—connecting educators, employers, and economic leaders to ensure Lorain County is talent-ready,” said Cory Thompson, Chief Financial Officer of Lorain County JVS. “This isn’t just about students. It’s about adult learners, displaced workers, and creating an ecosystem where opportunity is accessible to all.” 

Career-Tech Education as a Workforce Strategy 

Lorain County JVS stands as a model for how career-tech education can directly fuel economic development. Through deep partnerships with industry, higher education, and government, JVS delivers job-ready talent that meets the demands of today's most critical sectors. 

“We believe education is economic development,” said Board President Rex Engle. “Our role as a board is to ensure our schools are equipped to meet the future—not just react to it. The mega site affirms everything we’ve been building toward.” 

Vice President Kathy Quintiliano added: “We’re not waiting for change—we’re creating it. This is our moment to leverage education, innovation, and industry partnerships to drive sustainable growth in Lorain County.” 

State leaders in career-tech education echo that sentiment: 

“Lorain County JVS is a shining example of how Ohio’s career-technical schools directly support the state’s economic success,” said Dee Smith, Executive Director of Ohio ACTE. “When workforce and education are aligned, communities thrive—and Lorain County is proving that every day.” 

“As Ohio welcomes historic investment and industrial growth, career-technical centers like Lorain County JVS are doing the vital work of preparing our next generation of highly skilled professionals,” said Margaret A. Hess, Executive Director of the Ohio Association of Career Technical Superintendents (OACTS). “Their leadership and programs are absolutely essential to the state’s long-term prosperity.” 

Regional Collaboration: Public-Private Partnerships in Action 

The success of the mega site—and the economic ecosystem around it—relies on strong cross-sector collaboration. Organizations like One Lorain County are working alongside JVS and other regional partners to ensure that talent development, business attraction, and community prosperity move forward together. 

“The mega site is a transformational opportunity for Lorain County—and it's partnerships like the one with Lorain County JVS that make it possible,” said Lisa Hutson, Executive Director of One Lorain County. “JVS is not only preparing the workforce we need—they’re helping define what economic success looks like for our communities.” 

Strategic Talent Alignment with Team NEO 

Organizations like Team NEO are also shaping the region’s talent strategy to support large-scale development, and Lorain County JVS is one of their most aligned education partners. 

“The success of any mega site depends on the readiness of the workforce behind it,” said Julie Szeltner, Director of Talent Engagement at Team NEO. “Lorain County JVS is a strategic partner of that readiness—actively aligning education and training with the needs of employers across Northeast Ohio. Their commitment to workforce development is a model for how talent, education, and economic development intersect to drive growth.” 

Programs That Match the Moment 

Lorain County JVS is strategically positioned to meet the workforce needs tied to the mega site and beyond. Current high-demand program areas include: 

• Advanced Manufacturing & Robotics 

• Engineering, Automation & Design 

• Construction Trades & Welding 

• Health Sciences & Nursing 

• Transportation & CDL 

• Customized Training through the Adult Career Center 

These programs are designed not only to respond to employer demand—but to anticipate it. With real-world labs, industry certifications, and work-based learning opportunities, JVS students graduate with the skills and credentials Ohio’s employers need today and tomorrow. 

The Mega Site Is Ready. Lorain County Is Ready. JVS Is Leading. 

The economic future of Ohio is being built now—and Lorain County JVS is ensuring that the people who will build it are prepared, empowered, and ready to lead. 

Whether you’re a student looking to enter a high-demand career, a worker seeking a new path, or a company in need of a skilled workforce—JVS is your partner in progress. 

The future isn’t coming. It’s here. And Lorain County is rising to meet it.