​Possibilities of an Ohio Manufacturing Valley in Mansfield?

Mansfield Economic Director, Tim Bowerstock, believes Mansfield is beginning a new era in manufacturing opportunities. On Tuesday, City Council received an Economic Development briefing and learned of the acquisition of several new operations in the Industrial Park area, which will eventually mean more jobs for Mansfielders.
 
“This is great news,” stated Councilman Bryant.
 
“We are now moving past the transitional era and it is beyond time to figure out what we want in terms of economic development. Sure, we all want jobs; but what types of jobs do we want and are most hungry for, and then the question is how can we bring these opportunities to Mansfield? Nevertheless, I appreciate all of the new companies opening shop in our city.”
 
The Councilman says that the Administration and Council has been working in partnership with the business community to attract new economic opportunities to Mansfield, but many challenges remain.
 
“I am a super-believer in being ambitious, competitive and energetically hopeful about the future. If we don’t put-in work, think big and embrace diversity in hiring practices; then we severely limit our chances to grow. But, I believe this Administration and current group on City Council is focusing on the bigger picture and working towards better opportunities for our city.  
 
Councilman Bryant did caution however, that improvements in our education system are needed.
 
“Parents and families must begin having conversations with their children about taking school more seriously. The education system is much more than just teachers and administrators; parents and families are part of this system as well. It is important for parents to feel involved and wanted. It is more important for parents to stay involved and engaged in their children’s educational progress beyond elementary and middle school years.”
 
Bryant stated that when businesses look into locating operations in Mansfield, one of the main indicators they look at are our education systems and neighborhood safety. 

"I applaud the hard work people are doing in our schools and at home. But now it's time to raise the bar and work even harder to achieve our goals."