The Lawrence Mercer Manufacturers Coalition (LMMC) kicked off its inaugural membership meeting with a packed room, a shared mission and a clear message: collaboration is essential to building a stronger manufacturing workforce in Lawrence and Mercer counties.
Regional Leaders Gather to Strengthen Manufacturing Careers
Held at the Lawrence County Career and Technical Center, the event brought together manufacturers, educators, workforce development professionals and community leaders to address one of the region’s most pressing issues—filling critical jobs in manufacturing.
“Manufacturing in the U.S. is growing,” said Anna Barensfeld, vice president at ELLWOOD and president of LMMC’s board, “but in our region, we’re facing headwinds—population decline, an aging workforce and young people who simply aren’t seeing manufacturing careers as viable options.”
Bridging the Gap Between Industry and Talent
Barensfeld pointed to a visibility gap in the community. Kids can picture themselves in jobs they see every day like retail, food service and hairdressing. But manufacturing? It’s invisible to them, she said.
That’s where LMMC steps in. With support from West Central Job Partnership, the Mahoning Valley Manufacturers Coalition and a $1 million grant from the U.S. Department of Labor, the coalition is advancing efforts that connect students to high-demand careers, strengthen training pipelines and help employers upskill current workers.
Programs Already Making an Impact
Julie Michael Smith, coalition manager, shared updates on several early successes. LMMC member companies participated in Manufacturing Day events across multiple local schools to raise career awareness. The organization also launched a regional video contest, “What’s So Cool About Manufacturing?”, to help students see the industry in a new light. In addition, the coalition’s pre-apprenticeship program for high school students is expanding, offering a direct entry point into skilled trades and technical training.
These programs aim to shift perceptions, build skills and spark interest in the diverse and rewarding opportunities available in today’s manufacturing environment.
A Call to Collaborate Across Boundaries
Brian Benyo, co-founder of the Mahoning Valley Manufacturers Coalition and keynote speaker for the event, encouraged attendees to stay the course and stay united. Everyone in this room wants to solve the same problem, he said, but it’s only by working across boundaries—between employers, schools and support organizations—that we’re going to move the needle.
Looking Ahead: October Membership Meeting
LMMC’s next membership meeting is scheduled for October, offering members and partners another opportunity to connect, share progress and keep building momentum for a sustainable, skilled workforce in the region.
