March 5, 2026
Last week’s GRIT Conference opened with energy, humor, and inspiration as Lt. Gov. Jim Tressel took the stage as a keynote speaker, entertaining the audience while spotlighting Ohio’s recent workforce development successes.
In a wideranging and engaging conversation, the Lieutenant Governor shared stories from his career in education, athletics, and public service, and connecting them to Ohio’s growing momentum in workforce development under the leadership of Gov. Mike DeWine. His message resonated strongly with educators, workforce professionals, and community leaders gathered for the event.
Throughout the keynote, Lt. Gov. Jim Tressel emphasized that Ohio’s workforce progress is no accident. He highlighted how Gov. Mike DeWine’s administration has made workforce readiness a statewide priority, one that reaches urban, suburban, and rural communities alike. According to Tressel, this focus has helped Ohio attract hundreds of new companies while also supporting the expansion of more than a thousand existing businesses, all drawn by the state’s commitment to talent development and opportunity.
The Lieutenant Governor explained that state leaders recognized early on that economic growth depends on having the right training infrastructure in place. Ohio has invested heavily in training facilities, careertechnical education, and workforce pathways to ensure employers can find skilled workers and Ohioans can access high-quality jobs. The Ohio General Assembly, he noted, has played a key role by funding career tech programs and workforce initiatives that align education with real-world labor market needs.
One of the most significant takeaways from the keynote was the sheer scale of Ohio’s workforce effort. Lt. Gov. Jim Tressel shared that the state is currently supporting approximately 150 workforce initiatives, ranging from training and credentialing programs to regional partnerships and career navigation services. Rather than creating more programs, he explained, the challenge has been helping people find and move through the system more easily.
That insight led directly to the creation of WorkOhio, a statewide effort designed to improve coordination across regions and provide a more human-centered entry point into workforce services. As Tressel described, WorkOhio focuses on connecting individuals, whether students, jobseekers, or career changers, to real people who can help them identify their interests, explore options, and take the next step toward employment or training.
Beyond policies and programs, the keynote was filled with humor and personal reflection. Drawing on his coaching background, Lt. Gov. Jim Tressel spoke about the importance of goalsetting, perseverance, and belief, qualities he sees as essential not only in athletics, but also in education and workforce success. He stressed that trusted adults, mentors, and community partners play a critical role in helping individuals believe in their potential and navigate pathways to success.
The GRIT Conference audience responded warmly to Tressel’s mix of storytelling and substance. His remarks reinforced the idea that Ohio’s workforce progress is built on collaboration, between state leadership, local workforce boards, schools, employers, and community organizations, all working toward a shared goal.
As the conference kicked off, Lt. Gov. Jim Tressel’s keynote set the tone for the days ahead: a reminder that with strong partnerships, clear pathways, and a belief in people, Ohio can continue building a workforce that supports opportunity for every community across the state.
