"America Is Stronger When Every One of Our Communities Is Better": Lt. Gov. Jon Husted Speaks on the Strength of Manufacturing in OH at AMIP Event

CINCINNATI, OH- Whether you woke up today feeling like a lion or a gazelle, you have to be the fastest to survive. Lt. Governor Jon Husted taught us that in his keynote address at the January 8th AMIP Cincy Member Event. Our members gathered at CBT Company this morning to learn what's in store for Southwest Ohio manufacturers in 2025. As Ohio's 66th Lt. Governor, Husted has boldly supported workforce development initiatives throughout his service to the state. For example, the TechCred program has allowed Ohioans to obtain more than 100,000 industry-recognized credentials since the program's creation in 2019.

Husted shared that dedication to the manufacturing industry and career education is what makes Ohio excel. He urged AMIP Cincy members: "You gotta be hungry. You gotta want it. You gotta be proud of your state." Husted's sentiment was familiar to the audience, as each member of AMIP Cincy has shown their passion and pride for the industry by joining our organization and supporting our efforts. "America is stronger when every one of our states and every one of our communities is better," stated the Lt. Governor.

AMIP Cincy members listen to Lt. Gov. Jon Husted's keynote address

An exciting panel of local change-makers look the lead after the Lt. Governor's keynote address. Panelists included Melissa Johnson, Senior Vice President of Real Estate Strategy at The Port, Brian Beaudry, Project Manager at REDI Cincinnati, and Jeremy Varner, Deputy Director of the Division of CTE and Workforce at the Ohio Department of Education. Moderating the panel was Brandon Rudd, who serves as Director of the Center for Research and Data at the Cincinnati USA Regional Chamber.

From left to right: Brandon Rudd, Melissa Johnson, Brian Beaudry, and Jeremy Varner

Each of our panelists' organizations stand as pillars in the local manufacturing industry, and each panelist shared a positive outlook for the future of the industry in Southwest Ohio. "It's incumbent on us to take our needs in this region seriously," shared Melissa Johnson. Among The Port's many responsibilities, the organization and Johnson in particular have been instrumental in securing the necessary real estate for several AMIP member companies. And it's no surprise that manufacturers need more real estate. According to Brian Beaudry, the aerospace, chemical, and food and beverage flavoring industries have been on the rise. "Over the last five years, we've seen an eleven percent growth and investment increase in [the food and beverage flavoring industry]," Beaudry shared. According to Jeremy Varner, the upcoming workforce is going to be well-prepared to fill these growing roles. "Not every state is doing the things that Ohio is doing," said Varner. With an expanded focus on career exploration in K-12 and the development of the Ohio Manufacturing Competency Model, we can have confidence that the new workforce is ready for fast-paced STEM careers in manufacturing.

AMIP Members enjoy a tour of CBT Company

With growing industries, a highly-educated workforce, and the space we need to grow, the future is certainly looking bright for Southwest Ohio manufacturers.

AMIP Cincy would like to thank Lt. Governor Jon Husted, Melissa Johnson, Brian Beaudry, Jeremy Varner, and Brandon Rudd for participating as speakers in today's event. Our heartfelt thanks also goes out to Elise Ring and the team at CBT Company who hosted us so graciously.

All photos by Andrew Nascimento at CBT Company.

To learn more about AMIP Cincy and manufacturing workforce initiatives in the greater Cincinnati region, visit amipcincy.org. For media releases and questions, contact AMIP Education Manager Rachel Farnsworth: rachel.farnsworth@amipcincy.org.