October 21, 2025
The 2025 OEDA Annual Summit in Akron last week was more than just a gathering—it served as a catalyst for change. Kristy Amy, Executive Director of Digital Brand & Strategy, presented to over 500 economic development professionals, educators, and business leaders convened for three days of learning and connection, demonstrating Ohio’s commitment to building a brighter future for its residents.
One of Ohio’s most urgent challenges has been the widening gap between available jobs and the people ready to fill them. Across the state, businesses urgently seek skilled workers—from electricians and CDL drivers to nursing aides and carpenters—while thousands of jobs remain unfilled. The problem isn’t a lack of talent but a disconnect and misalignment between people’s skills and local workforce needs.
By participating in the OEDA Conference, Future Plans brought a proven, data-driven approach to workforce development, rooted in collaboration and community engagement. Their GRIT Ohio program showcases how intentional strategies can bridge the gap between potential and opportunity.
The Power of Collaboration
At the core of Future Plans’ philosophy is the belief that economic recovery begins with people. We often find that the talent communities need is often “hidden in plain sight.”
By uniting high schools, businesses, and economic development organizations, Future Plans fosters a collaborative model among agencies, educators, and economic development entities. This approach helps empower individuals and invigorates entire communities.
5-Step Journey to Career Success
Future Plans offers a comprehensive five-step program to speed up workforce pipelines and end poverty, one individual at a time:
Step 1 Assessment: We assess natural abilities, interests, values, and personality traits, which lay the foundation for informed career decisions.
Step 2 Coaching: Career coaches work one-on-one to help individuals interpret their self-discovery results, build confidence, and create a personalized plan.
Step 3 Discover: Experience-based career exploration through industry field trips, job shadowing, and other activities that connect individuals’ strengths to real opportunities.
Step 4 Prepare: Help individuals develop the skills and gain the experience they need through training, short-term credentials, internships, or post-secondary education.
Step 5 Placement: Taking action by securing a job, enrolling in education or training, and stepping into a career that aligns with their goals.
Future Plans’ 5-Step Journey to Career Success guarantees individuals the opportunity to thrive and grow in every community and serves as a blueprint for Ohio’s future. By investing in training programs as vital infrastructure, we are helping Ohio reinvent its workforce and build a resilient economy. The OEDA Conference provided an ideal platform for Future Plans and its peers to share their visions, collaborate, and plan future actions.
Key Outcomes from the 2025 OEDA Conference
The conference delivered several significant outcomes:
Strengthened Partnerships: Economic development professionals, educators, and business leaders forged new connections, laying the groundwork for ongoing collaboration across the state.
Best Practices: Participants exchanged proven strategies for bridging the gap between workforce needs and available talent, focusing on data-driven solutions and community engagement.
Accelerate Workforce Initiatives: Empowered communities need to identify hidden talent, offer targeted coaching, and fast-track individuals into meaningful employment.
Inspire Action: The conference motivated attendees to invest in training programs as essential infrastructure, ensuring Ohio’s workforce remains resilient and adaptable.
Together, these outcomes mark a vital step forward in closing Ohio’s workforce gap and creating a future where every resident has the opportunity to succeed.
