Board of Commissioners

The Warren County Board of Commissioners chose to establish Workforce One in Lebanon,Ohio in 1996, just after the demise of the former Employment & Training Program and in anticipation of the Workforce Investment Act authorization by Congress.

The underlying philosophy of this new structure is that effective workforce development is critical to the county's ability to attract new, high tech industry and enhance existing businesses' ability to compete regionally and globally. A driving vision in the establishment of Workforce One was to make job training, education and job search services available to the public in a central location and control costs through a reduction in the often duplicated services by various local agencies. Their vision led to the establishment of one of the first co-location model Workforce One system in the State of Ohio.

Workforce One is located in the old Warren County Court House at the corner of East and East Silver Streets in Lebanon. A major renovation of this building, funded entirely by the Board of Commissioners, was completed in April of 1999. This renovation provided adequate wiring for today's technology needs and ample space for the many business and employment partners who strive to meet all needs of job seekers and employers.

Commissioner Pat South serves as the Warren County's Chief Elected Official on the Workforce One Investment Board. Commissioner South has made several presentations to the State and State Associations on the processes involved in setting up Workforce One and is recognized and respected statewide for her involvement with the Workforce One system.