Last updated on April 18th, 2025 at 09:55 am
Northwest Ohio recently kicked off its annual State of the Region conference with Georgia AIM co-director Donna Ennis as its featured keynote speaker.
Ennis spoke on workforce development efforts through Georgia AIM and the changing landscape of manufacturing needs thanks to AI and other new technologies. The 23rd annual event brought together elected officials, economic developers, business leaders, and regional stakeholders working toward a collaborative regional ecosystem and an inclusive economy.
Hosted by the Bowling Green State University Center for Regional Development, the event explored innovative ways to further strengthen northwestern Ohio’s economy. Georgia AIM’s innovative approach to community-based programs and support for AI innovations aligned with this vision.
“What makes Georgia AIM a unique regional ecosystem is a key element that extends beyond the supply chain and connects all components of our work: The workforce,” said Ennis. “The integration of AI and other technologies in the supply chain isn’t a distant prediction but rather an ongoing reality. As more companies incorporate more AI and technology tools, job roles change, requiring upskilling across all sectors.”
This means companies need a skilled, trained workforce that can adapt to new challenges brought by AI. Georgia AIM’s projects across the state work to develop the workforce of the future by expanding access to AI and other smart technology. Thes programs meet communities where they are, working alongside residents to develop educational pathways for K-12 students, those new to the workforce, and others firmly in their careers. Georgia AIM programs also work with manufacturers to assist with implementing new technology that increases efficiency and employee satisfaction.
“This looks different in different communities, but the goal is to build a workforce that is agile and flexible,” added Ennis. “We want to ensure we are building a workforce that not only responds to the AI we have today, but whatever the ‘AI’ may be in another two decades. It may be AI today, but it will be something else five, 10, 15 years from now.”
Watch Ennis’s keynote address.
Her keynote aligned with Bowling Green State University’s commitment to supporting and strengthening the regional economy through meaningful collaboration, partnerships and innovation.
“With the rapidly changing landscape in advanced technologies, we must not lose sight of how significant a role education plays in our economy and certainly in our state, not only in lifelong learning but in driving innovation,” said university president Rodney K. Rogers.
Other experts at the conference noted regional and state job growth, particularly in manufacturing (15%) and professional services (74%). The region’s unemployment rate remains low, with many residents finding opportunities in construction, manufacturing, and healthcare.
In addition to her role with Georgia AIM, Ennis is associate vice president, community engagement, for Georgia Tech’s Enterprise Innovation Institute. The organization is the oldest and largest university-based economic development research organization in the country. Other featured speakers included Keith Instone, director of community experience for OhioX trade association; Roger Smith, president and regional innovation officer for the Northwest Ohio Innovation Consortium; and Sara Swisher, vice president of talent and workforce, Toledo Regional Chamber of Commerce.
To view a recording of the conference, visit BGSU.edu/2025StateoftheRegion