State Rep. J.D. Prescott (R-Union City) is hitting the ground in his district, taking tours of local hotspots for commerce and education. He's eyeing partnerships that could prime Jay County's workforce for upcoming economic challenges. Prescott teamed up with Jennifer Gasiorek Skene, vice chancellor of workforce partnerships at Ivy Tech Community College, with both parties bearing witness to a slice of what keeps the district ticking, according to a report by Indiana House Republicans.
These tours are not just meet-and-greets. They're a chance for Prescott to suss out local industry needs firsthand. There'd been a stop at Joyce Dayton, where workforce development headliners included tax breaks on new machinery and youth career initiatives. "By connecting our local employers with education leaders, we're helping ensure students have access to the right training and skills that match what businesses in our area need," Prescott told Indiana House Republicans.
It's not all about labor, though. At POET Bioprocessing, conversations dipped into the role Indiana's geology plays in sustainable ethanol production - imagine, CO2 tucked safely underground. And at Tyson Foods, the dialogue was grounded in the nitty-gritty of operations and staffing. The tour wrapped with a sit-down at the Jay County Security Center to talk through public safety jobs with Sheriff Larry Ray Newton.
These aren't just flying visits. They represent Prescott's commitment to continuous dialogue with those who forge the local economy - whether they're running the lines at Tyson or calling the shots in a classroom. "These visits give me a chance to hear directly from employers and community leaders about what's working and where the state can help," Prescott said in a chat with Indiana House Republicans. For folks looking to delve into Ivy Tech’s workforce programs, they're pointing them to Skene's email at [email protected] or ringing her up at 574-397-4508.
When it comes to reaching out to Prescott himself, his digital door is wide open at in.gov/h33, or a traditional call to 317-232-9751 should get you through. House District 33 stretches over Blackford and Randolph counties, not to mention bits of Delaware, Henry, and Jay.
