This episode of WHIO Reports deals with jobs and the economy in the Miami Valley and how to get ready for all the job changes coming to the area. Opening with a video of the groundbreaking in Brookville for a new Payless Show Source Distribution Center which is scheduled to open in April, 2008 and will bring approximately 300 jobs to the area. This is just one example of future economic developments coming to the area. There will be at least 1,200 jobs alone coming here in conjunction with Wright Patterson Air Force Base. The guests discuss how the infrastructure of the Maimi Valley is set for more development. Community colleges need to offer training to students and start them on a career ladder of their own. The average job-seeker can now easily find programs to help them get started in a career. Jim's guests each discuss their background and what they do in their jobs. Gary Williamson, says in his job he is working to form a new coalition to produce a new supply side and a new strategy for workforce development. All three explain how easy it is to do business in this area. They mention that the surrounding states are competitive about jobs, and that a strategy for our egion is being developed. Job seekers are urged to visit The Job Center and click on the job links to find careers targeted to grow. There is also a workforce recruitment DVD that is being produced to help community college students start out in the workforce. The guests all agree that the best thing for job seekers to do is to be hands-on in finding a job and visit their websites for help.

Guests: Deborah Lieberman, President Montgomery County Commission Gary Williamson, Director Montgomery County Job Center Lucious Plant, Coordinator Workforce Development