COLUMBUS, OH – U.S. Senator Sherrod Brown (D-OH) today announced that new federal resources were awarded to Columbus 2020! to develop a strategic plan for economic development in 11 counties in central Ohio. The U.S. Department of Commerce’s Economic Development Administration awarded $74,329 for Columbus 2020! – a public-private partnership – to attract new business developments and create new jobs­.

“Central Ohio already has the tools needed to attract new economic developments: our workers and educational institutions are second to none. These resources will help to maximize Ohio’s ability to bring emerging businesses to the region,” Brown said.  “The Economic Development Administration has helped create hundreds of jobs while leveraging federal funds into millions of dollars worth of private investment in Ohio. This investment in Central Ohio will be no different.”

Last month, Brown held a news conference call touting the EDA investments that have helped Ohio communities as well as his effort to strengthen EDA’s ability to revitalize hard-hit regions of Ohio and the country.

Brown is also the author of the Strengthening Employment Clusters to Organize Regional Success (SECTORS) Act, which would address the disparity between the high unemployment and unfilled vacancies for jobs by tailoring workforce development efforts to meet the needs of high-growth, regional industries. The SECTORS Act addresses the disparity between high unemployment rates and a shortage of skilled workers for many emerging industries by providing grants for sector partnerships among institutions of higher education, industry, organized labor, and workforce boards. These partnerships would create customized solutions for specific industries at the regional level. A sector approach can focus on the dual goals of promoting the long-term competitiveness of industries and advancing employment opportunities for workers.

The SECTORS Act would organize stakeholders connected to a regional industry – multiple firms, unions, education and training providers, and local workforce and education system administrators – to develop plans for growing that industry. Eligible entities would be able to apply for a one year planning grant of up to $250,000 and a three year implementation grant of up to $2.5 million.

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