“Thirty percent of the US workforce are currently members of the creative class and an additional 10 million jobs will develop over the next 10 years,” Dr. Sean Creighton, executive director of Southern Ohio Council on Higher Education (SOCHE), told 150 regional seminar attendees last Thursday.

He added while these individuals are the most educated in the workplace, they are also the most demanding consumers.

“Southwest Ohio must be prepared to involve them and meet the needs of these young professionals if they are to stay in this area and meet our business workforce expectations.”

Creighton’s keynote address was based on the work of author Richard Florida who emphasizes the need for communities to focus on the Four T’s: Talent, Technology, Tolerance and Territorial Assets.

“Think Global; Act Regional” was the third annual Regional Leadership Day for Southwest Ohio. Packed with brainstorming regional issues, engaging guest speakers and networking opportunities for regional community stakeholders and 2008 community leadership program class members, the day was planned by the directors of LEAD Clermont, Leadership Clinton and Leadership Warren Counties.

Participants actively discussed current and future concerns of the southwest Ohio region under the guidance of facilitator Lisa Nack, whose company Lisa Nack International, has worked with various Fortune 500 companies.

The morning opened with Ron Vance, Leadership Clinton class of ’93 graduate, leading the group in reciting the Pledge of Allegiance and singing a capella the national anthem. Randy Riley, president of the Clinton County Commissioners, welcomed everyone with a brief history of the rich economic development history of the southwest Ohio region.

Dr. Creighton’s keynote presentation set the stage for the second phase: Focus Group Discussions. Participants engaged in one of seven discussions surrounding issues facing the southwest Ohio region including: education, local economic development, creative class initiative, regional initiatives, state level initiatives, attracting new business, and what the young profressionals want and need.

Regional experts on the various topics offered thought-provoking sessions on initiatives currently underway in each functional area within the region.

The guest speakers included Carrie Blonigen, Clermont County MRDD; Mark Brooker, Clintion County administrator; Dr. Linda Burrs, SOCHE; Kevin Carver, director, Regional Economic Development Greater Dayton Deptartment of Development; Jeremy Coffman, The Midland Company; Bob Craig, Warren County Regional Planning Commission; Dan DiBiasio, president, Wilmington College; Dr. Creighton; Cindy Hannah, MOSACO, Clinton County; Tom Harris, Warren County Career Center; Larry Jenkins, SOCHE; Steve Johns, executive director, Citizens for Civic Renewal; Andy Kuchta, Clermont County Economic Development; Mark Policinski, director, Ohio, Kentucky, Indiana Regional Council of Governments; Martin Russell, deputy, Warren County Economic Development; Bob Steinbach; director, Miami Valley Regional Planning Commission; Chris Schock, Clinton County Regional Planning Commission; Sherry Stout, president, and Southern State Community College.

During the noon hour, the Wilmington-Clinton County Chamber of Commerce hosted its 2008 annual meeting and recognition program which provided further networking opportunities for conference participants. Luncheon keynote speaker, Timothy McBride, senior vice president of U.S. Hub Operations for DHL Express, presented “Think Globally; Act Regionally: One Global Company’s Perspective,” tying into the theme of the day. McBride’s presentation focused on the global aspects of DHL and locally, the DHL workforce which draws employees from more than 24 counties in Ohio, Kentucky and Indiana.

Enlightening, interactive excercises rounded out the day by encouraging participants to brainstorm ideas and commit to action to address some of southwest Ohio’s most pressing issues. Projects adopted included increased leadership roles for nonprofits; Hometown Holidazzle, a multi-cultural celebration; SW Ohio workforce candidate survey of young professionals; Ensure Passage of Clean Ohio Fund; Improve Perception of Vocational/Career Centers.

Planners of the day-long seminar were Arla Tannehill, Area Progress Council of Warren County; Terri Thobaben, Clinton County Economic Alliance; Bill Thornton, Leadership Warren County; Wayne Baughman, Clermont 20/20; Kathleen Blake, and Virginia Purdy, co-directors of the Clinton County Leadership Institute.

For more information about the leadership programs, visit www.cclead.org for Clinton County; www.ohioinfo.org for Leadership Warren County and www.clermont2020.org for LEAD Clermont.

Founded in 1986 by Robert Lucas, then president of Wilmington College and 50 community leaders, the Clinton County Leadership Institute began its first Leadership Clinton class in spring 1987, and achieved its tax-exempt 501(c)(3) nonprofit corporation status shortly thereafter.

The green and gold logo colors represent the agricultural nature of Clinton County. Green stands for growth while gold represents the importance of future leadership to the quality of life in Clinton County. More than 100 companies have enrolled their employees in the adult Leadership Clinton program with over 400 graduates since 1987. The Leadership Clinton Youth Collaborative, begun as an LC Alumni project in 1994, has produced almost 300 graduates.