OTTAWA COUNTY BUSINESS ADVISORY COUNCIL

BAC Logo (transparent)

The mission of the Ottawa County Business Advisory Council is to engage the business and education
communities to understand and support the educational and employment needs within Ottawa County.

OUR STORY

The Ottawa County Business Advisory Council (BAC) was established in the summer of 2014 as a means for business leaders and K-12 educational leaders to partner together to understand and support employment needs within Ottawa County. In addition, the BAC has a goal to engage our youth in better understanding the career opportunities available in their community. Members of the BAC consist of representatives from education (superintendents, principals and career coaches) and business leaders of Ottawa County’s leading industry sectors. The BAC would not be where it is today without the support of its community partners.

The BAC was established based on the efforts of the OCIC and our partners to build a stronger relationship between education and business in an effort to develop a pipeline for our future workforce. Through OCIC Retention & Expansion business visits, businesses in the industrial, manufacturing and professional sectors continuously express their growing concerns for meeting current and future employment needs. Regular business outreach through the OCIC’s BR&E Program has proven that more needs to be done to promote skilled trades and professional careers within Ottawa County.

Since 2014, the BAC has seen over 3,500 students participate in the annual career showcase event, 60 students complete the CEO Internship Program, 26 students graduate from the Skilled Trades Academy, hosted several skilled trades bus tours, held two successful teacher boot camp events, and collaborated with other activities that have allowed students to gain real world experience and prepare them for life after high school.

The BAC believes that 100% of Ottawa County students should graduate from high school with a plan for their future. While Ottawa County school graduation rates are above the state average, the BAC believes that every student should graduate from high school with a solid foundation and plan for future career, college, military and/or vocational employment. The BAC aims to educate and expose Ottawa County students to the skills and continuing education needed to fill in-demand jobs in Ohio, with an emphasis on Ottawa County.

OUR BRAND

The Ottawa County BAC’s tagline “think | learn | work | succeed” represents our overall goals and initiatives.

◽️ THINK: The lightbulb represents ideas that come out of our BAC, and what we can do when schools and businesses work together to assist our youth and enhance our local workforce.

◽️ LEARN: The books represent information the BAC takes away during discussion on workforce initiatives and programs.

◽️ WORK: The wrench in hand represents collaboration and working together as a whole, as well as preparing students to enter the workforce.

◽️ SUCCEED: The checkmark represents success; as workforce initiatives and programs succeed, our students succeed, and when our students succeed, our BAC succeeds.

The colors of our logo do not associate with a specific Ottawa County school, but rather represent a major asset here in Ottawa County – Lake Erie.

4 STAR BUSINESS ADVISORY COUNCIL

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North Point Educational Service Center’s BAC (includes business advisory councils of Huron, Erie, Ottawa and Sandusky Counties) was recognized as a four-star council (one of five in Ohio). 

PROGRAMS & INITIATIVES

UNDER CONSTRUCTION WEEK OF 9/9

Students who enjoy hands-on learning and are interested in pursuing a trade will find the Skilled Trades Academy (STA) to be a great option. The STA provides a variety of practical experiences, including hands-on lab activities, earning certifications, exposure to different industries, and more. Students will also have the opportunity to compete in SkillsUSA. Available in the 12th grade.

UNDER CONSTRUCTION WEEK OF 9/9

Students can kick-start their careers in healthcare through the Ottawa County Healthcare Careers Academy (HCA), which is accredited by the Ohio Department of Education and Workforce. This program offers students both the education and hands-on experience necessary to enter the healthcare field immediately upon completion. Available in 12th grade.

COMING FALL 2025

The CHOOSE Program provides students with a pathway between school and work. Students develop entry level skills in a specific occupation, practice career management, and prepare for employment all while earning high school credit. CHOOSE stands for Career, Hosting, Opportunities, Outreach, Shadowing and Experience.

Students connect with local companies to explore career opportunities within their own communities where they live, play, and learn. They are encouraged to participate in interactive activities with exhibitors, helping them discover various career paths. This event is designed for 10th grade students in Ottawa County. 2024 celebrates our 10TH YEAR!

Ottawa County teachers learn about the in-demand skills businesses are looking for by participating in business tours and completing related coursework. Teachers are exposed to new industries and jobs so they can better prepare students to be career-ready upon graduation. Ottawa County’s Teacher Boot Camp is each year in June through the NPESC Business Advisory Council.

ANNUAL REPORTS

To learn more about the Ottawa County Business Advisory Council, please contact us: