Since September 2024, KRA has provided WIOA-funded Career, Business, and One-Stop Operator Services for Adult and Dislocated Workers through the OhioMeansJobs (OMJ) Career Center Network, with offices in Akron [Summit County] and Medina [Medina County].
Since January 2025, both County programs have organized more than 25 highly effective Job Fairs—not including 10 implemented during May 4-8. 2026—In-Demand Jobs Week (IDJW) the statewide celebration of the jobs, industries, and skills in-demand in Ohio.
Some employers have openings for very specific in-demand positions. These employer-specific Hiring Events included:
May 4 – Pleasant Valley Corporation. 12 jobseekers attended and two are anticipated for hire.
May 5 – Landmark Plastic. Eight jobseekers attended, with four anticipated hires.
May 6 – Carlisle Brake & Friction. Six jobseekers were approved for attendance, and at least two hires are anticipated, resulting from collaboration with the Medina County Economic Development Corporation (MCEDC). specifically the Manufacturing Partnership Subcommittee (MPS).
May 7 – Welser Profile North America anticipates one new hire, an Internship opportunity for a new On-The Job Training graduate, again resulting from collaboration with the MCEDC/MPS.
May 8 – Advance Bronze, Inc. One jobseeker attended virtually. Advance had prioritized the need for an HR Manager, and they are considering the candidate at this time.
May 8 – USPS. 48 jobseekers attended, anxious to interview for positions ranging from $21 to $28/hour.
In addition to these six Job Fairs organized for specific employers, four others were implemented for any KRA/OMJ employer-partner—with in-demand job hiring needs—to participate, including:
Summit County Job Fairs included May 4 – Barberton; May 6 – Twinsburg; and May 7 – Akron, with an aggregate attendance of 63 employers and 194 jobseekers. In Medina County a Job Fair was held on May 5 in Brunswick for 37 employers and 40 jobseekers.
Tom Thornton, KRA Business Services Manager, OMJ Summit & Medina Counties, concluded, “Hiring processes tend to be rather lengthy, considering the need for additional interviews, background checks, and other HR requirements. Our Teams are conducting regular follow-ups to confirm as many hires as possible.
“My sincere thanks to our Business and Career Services Teams for an outstanding job, getting the word out to our employer- and jobseeker-customers, organizing, and implementing these events.”