Meeting Challenges & Brainstorming Solutions Together
On Thursday, September 4, 2025, Building Bridges to Careers (BB2C) hosted its quarterly Community and Business Advisory Council (CBAC) meeting in Marietta, Ohio. This special edition, Meet the Supers, brought together educators, business leaders, and community members for a unique opportunity to engage directly with local school superintendents, many of whom are new to their roles.
Superintendents from across the region, including Warren Local, Washington County Career Center, Ohio Valley ESC, Caldwell Exempted Village, Wolf Creek Local, Marietta City, Belpre City Schools, and the Washington County Board of Developmental Disabilities, joined the panel discussion. Together, they tackled pressing workforce challenges facing southeastern Ohio, guided by BB2C’s “Workforce 30” data. The numbers are stark: with over 277,000 residents aged 50–64 nearing retirement and only 154,000 young people ages 0–15 in the pipeline, the region must work together to address looming labor shortages.
The evening included small group discussions where participants rolled up their sleeves to brainstorm actionable solutions. Conversations centered on supporting the upcoming workforce reduction, countering misconceptions about “brain drain,” and identifying community factors, including housing, childcare, and newcomer support, that influence recruitment and retention. One especially energizing topic was piloting elementary career nights to bring local businesses into schools to spark curiosity and career awareness for both students and families at an early age.
By the close of the meeting, attendees left not just with data and discussion points, but with a renewed sense of shared responsibility. The superintendents emphasized that collaboration between schools, businesses, and community partners is vital to preparing today’s students for tomorrow’s opportunities.
BB2C’s Community and Business Advisory Council meetings continue to be a cornerstone of this effort, building connections that lead to successful students, prosperous businesses, and thriving communities.
To view the agenda and notes from the meeting, visit https://www.bb2careers.org/bac.