Barberton Wins EDA Grant to Strengthen Advanced Manufacturing Workforce

Barberton Wins EDA Grant to Strengthen Advanced Manufacturing Workforce

by | Sep 18, 2025 | Announcements, Economic Development

Barberton Community Foundation Receives Federal Grant to Study Advanced Manufacturing Workforce Training

EDA Planning Grant Funds Feasibility Study for Comprehensive Workforce Training Needs, Supporting Regional Economic Development

September 18, 2025 BARBERTON, OH – Barberton Community Foundation has been awarded a Planning and Local Technical Assistance grant from the U.S. Economic Development Administration (EDA) to conduct a comprehensive feasibility study for establishing advanced manufacturing workforce training opportunities in Barberton.

The study will examine the development of a multi-component training system designed to address critical skills gaps in advanced manufacturing while supporting local and regional economic revitalization. The results of the study will define the growing demand for skilled workers in polymer technology, defense and energy manufacturing, and other advanced manufacturing sectors.

Congresswoman Emilia Sykes praised the award, noting its importance for both local residents and the state’s economy.

“Ohio’s 13th Congressional District has a rich history of manufacturing, and this workforce development project will help ensure that legacy in Barberton for generations to come. It will make certain that those who grow up in Northeast Ohio have the education, skills, and job opportunities to build their career right here at home,” said Rep. Sykes. “I am proud to be a long-time supporter of the Barberton Community Foundation and other local businesses and organizations working to make this project a reality.”

U.S. Senator Jon Husted (R-OH) shared his support for the project. 

“Northeast Ohio is critical for the state’s manufacturing industry and is one of the most robust polymer manufacturing sectors in the nation. I am proud that my work as U.S. Senator, and formerly as Lt. Governor, continues to bring businesses, educators, and communities together to solve our greatest workforce challenges,” said Senator Jon Husted.

With strong federal support in place, Barberton Community Foundation Executive Director Josh Gordon highlighted what this grant means on the ground in Barberton, a city with a proud manufacturing history, and how it will guide workforce opportunities.

“Our community is proud of our history of hard work in manufacturing, and this grant for a workforce study will help us identify the right career opportunities that are in demand in the present and in the future, for our residents, and for anyone in the region seeking to elevate their career pathways,” said Josh Gordon.

The feasibility study will specifically explore three core areas of workforce development:

  • Advanced Manufacturing Training: Exploring a purpose-built facility providing specialized training for precision manufacturing, welding engineering, and advanced manufacturing processes.
  • Polymer Technology Careers: Training workers in advanced materials manufacturing and polymer science applications.
  • AI and Advanced Materials Innovation: Developing workforce capabilities in artificial intelligence applications for materials science, predictive manufacturing, and smart manufacturing systems.

“Strong partnerships between industry, education, and community organizations are essential for building the skilled workforce our manufacturing base and business community requires,” said Gordon. “The feasibility study will help us develop a comprehensive plan that addresses both immediate workforce needs while informing long-term community and economic development opportunities.”

Echoing the emphasis on collaboration, Dr. Hans Dorfi, Executive Director and Chief Innovation Officer of the Polymer Industry Cluster, noted how Barberton’s efforts complement regional innovation.

“The Barberton feasibility study aligns directly with the strategic priorities of the Polymer Industry Cluster,” Dorfi said. “As we work to scale innovation and growth in the industry, collaboration between education, government, and business leaders will be essential to advancing our regional goals and securing long-term economic success for Northeast Ohio.”

The study will analyze market demand (including national, regional, and local unmet workforce development needs), infrastructure requirements, financial sustainability, and implementation timelines. Upon completion, the findings will inform applications for construction and implementation funding to establish the facilities required to sustainably conduct comprehensive workforce training programs.

The long-term outcomes of this initial project are expected to create high quality jobs and invite as much as $50 million in private investment. The initiative aligns with federal priorities for strengthening manufacturing capabilities and supporting economic development in distressed communities.

Barberton, and surrounding Summit County, have experienced economic challenges following the decline of traditional manufacturing industries. The proposed workforce training center represents a strategic opportunity to further strengthen the local economy while addressing critical manufacturing workforce needs.

Barberton Community Foundation will partner with regional educational institutions, local government, and industry partners to conduct the feasibility study and develop implementation plans.

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About the Economic Development Administration

The U.S. Economic Development Administration (EDA) is an agency within the U.S. Department of Commerce that promotes innovation and competitiveness, preparing American regions for growth and success in the worldwide economy.

About Barberton Community Foundation

Established in 1996, Barberton Community Foundation has awarded over 8,500 grants and scholarships totaling more than $110 million since its inception. The Foundation strives to improve the quality of life for Barberton residents by providing leadership on vital issues, fostering collaboration, and creating a legacy of giving to do good. The Foundation strengthens the community for current and future generations by proactively directing its grant dollars to the community’s greatest needs.

To learn more about Barberton Community Foundation visit www.barbertoncf.org or follow us on Facebook at facebook.com/barbertoncommunityfoundation.

Economic development programs provide funding to businesses

Economic development programs provide funding to businesses

by | Aug 17, 2022 | Economic Development

Photos: A Scissor Lift at Big Mike’s Automotive & Collision (L-R) Michael and Felicia Cowans, with their daughters Lydia and Alexis, and VP John Prouty

Chad Morrison, and his son, Chad Jr. are co-owners of Pregame Tavern

Foundation awards 16 recipients in first economic development initiative

Big Mike’s Automotive & Collision and Pregame Tavern are among 16 recipients to be awarded funding from two of Barberton Community Foundation’s newest economic development initiatives.

Big Mike’s received funding through the new Economic Development Assistance Program, which awarded a total of $99,714 to eight different Barberton businesses for expansion or job creation.

Michael Cowans, aka Big Mike, says, “Barberton is such a strong community. The people – they embraced us. It’s been wonderful to have the community behind us, and now with the Foundation’s support, we can reach our goals even faster.”

Mike will put funding toward the purchase of four additional scissor lifts for the company’s mechanical and repair building. “These lifts get the car up and make it easier for technicians to work on them,” said Mike. “It makes a huge difference for our staff, who will have better access to the car for repair.” In addition to the lifts, Mike is hoping to hire four more employees to support his growing business.

Pregame Tavern was a recipient of the assistance from the Downtown Building Rehab Program, which awarded $146,609 to eight different projects for brick-and-mortar updates to buildings located within Barberton’s Downtown Historic District.

Chad and Amanda Morrison purchased the properties at 105 and 107 2nd St. NW in downtown Barberton. Chad opened the Pregame Tavern with his son, Chad Jr.

“I’d say our food sets us apart,” said Chad Jr. “The meatballs and sauce in our meatball sub are homemade from my great-grandma Rose’s recipe.”

Chad said they heard about the Foundation’s program during their grand opening. Amanda also owns and operates a beauty salon in Barberton, along with the Pale Petal, an online boutique that she recently expanded as a location at 107 2nd St. “We had been talking about expanding and it was perfect timing.” Chad intends to use funding from the Foundation to update the restrooms and add a patio space.

About the programs:

With the final payment on Barberton High School completed, the Foundation has turned its attention to economic development with a focus on supporting entrepreneurs, business expansion, job creation and building improvements downtown.

The Foundation partnered with Barberton Community Development Corporation (BCDC) to facilitate the programs. Applications opened in May and were reviewed by a committee of both BCDC and Foundation board members. By June, the Foundation had received more than $500,000 in requests, double the budgeted amount for the programs. Both the Economic Development Assistance Program and the Downtown Building Rehab Program are coordinated by Barberton Community Foundation, with funding provided through a grant to BCDC, which distributes this reimbursement-based funding to businesses.

Executive Director Suzanne Allen, Ph.D. said that the community has been greatly receptive to these programs. “We were very pleased with the number of applicants. We want to thank BCDC for promoting these new programs and for partnering with us.”

Ted Herncane, director of economic development, said that the project review committee chose to partially fund most projects, in an effort to support as many applicants as possible. “This is a pilot project, one that we believe will be very successful. It’s our hope that we can continue the project next year.”