The purpose of the Mahoning Valley Manufacturers Coalition (MVMC) is to identify common challenges and opportunities, share ideas and collectively champion solutions to address the priority needs of the industry, particularly as it relates to a skilled workforce. Goals of the MVMC are to: * Provide a network for Mahoning Valley manufacturers to share ideas and resources to promote development of a skilled workforce; * Consolidate the skills needs of employer members identifying the skill needs for current employees and the future workforce; *Engage local educators beginning at K-12 through 4-year universities to develop and strengthen curriculum that will meet the needs identified by the MVMC; and *Identify and build awareness of manufacturers in the Mahoning Valley and the career pathways to enter and succeed in skilled, high-wage occupations. WHY WE FORMED... Local manufacturers are all facing a common problem that will likely be the largest single issue in our ability to service our customers and maintain or grow our businesses. This common and pressing issue is the recruitment of qualified, new employees into the various skilled trades occupations required to operate our businesses. This issue will be further exasperated by an upcoming wave of retirements and a rapidly aging workforce. Without a qualified workforce to support area manufacturers, the Mahoning Valley economy is at risk.