Editor’s Note: This article was updated March 20, 2023, at 5 pm to reflect a more accurate description of the SNAP education and training program.
MOUNT VERNON — From first-time visits to GED diplomas achieved, numbers were up in virtually all categories last year at Ohio Means Job, Knox County’s workforce development center on Coshocton Avenue.
Brandy Booth, workforce administrator, told the county commissioners on Thursday that center visits were up by 1,169 in 2022 compared to 2021. She attributes the increase to the massive advertising campaign OMJ launched covering billboards, sponsored content on social media, radio, and other avenues.
The upward trend continues with 569 visitors in February 2023 compared to about 300 in February 2022.
2022 highlights include creating business services and case management support positions, expanding outreach services, receiving One-Stop recertification, and completing a workforce needs assessment.
The SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program) employment and training program continues with the goal of helping SNAP participants gain skills and move toward self-sufficiency. Booth said the program is morphing into a more intensive, person-centered job readiness program.
New initiatives for 2023 include partnering with CES Credit Union on an online financial literacy program and implementing an on-site Career Virtual Reality Lab. Other plans on tap include an industry-focused summer youth employment program.
Mount Vernon Arts Consortium
The Mount Vernon Arts Consortium had a busy 2022, producing or supporting 67 productions and community events. Events included First Fridays and park concerts; theater, dance, and youth productions; and headline artists such as Amy Grant and Clint Black.
Ticket sales grossed more than $424,000. Of those attending events, more than two-thirds were Knox County residents.
MVAC Executive Director Martin Booker had named 2022 as “The Year of Interest.” MVAC focused on fine-tuning its operations and generating interest in its three pillar venues: Woodward Opera House, Ariel-Foundation Park, and Knox Memorial Theater.
Booker has named 2023 as “The Year of Growth.” MVAC will focus on promoting itself and its partners (MTVarts, Mount Vernon Music and Arts Festival, Community Concert Association, CVB, and Experience Mount Vernon), its pillar venues, and Mount Vernon as a destination.
Partner organizations will come together under the banner “Mount Vernon Presents.” The goal is to elevate visitors’ experience in Knox County, drive economic development, provide top-notch entertainment, and maximize resources such as shared marketing, communication, production calendar.
Legislative
Below are the highlights of the legislative actions the Knox County commissioners took between March 7 and March 16:
•Supported the application of Christopher Fletcher and Althea Dye to put nearly 160 acres into the state’s agricultural easement program
•Honored outgoing Knox County Auditor Jonette Curry on her retirement after 38 years of service
•Approved a $2.198 million contract with Workman Industrial Services Inc. for improvements at the Pleasant View Acres wastewater treatment plant. The engineer’s estimate is $2 million.
