Milestone marks a decade of data-driven insights and leadership in advancing Northeast Ohio’s talent strategies
This morning, Team NEO released the tenth edition of its Aligning Opportunities report, a resource to aid in addressing the demand and supply imbalance in the region’s workforce. The report is produced in partnership with Delta Dental and with the generous support from Deaconess Foundation, Goodwill Industries of Greater Cleveland & East Central Ohio, PNC, Sherwin-Williams, and Swagelok.
This year’s report, unveiled at an event attended by more than 300 people at The John. A. Spitzer Conference Center at Lorain County Community College, highlights a decade of workforce insights, progress and opportunities for the future.
“For the past decade, Aligning Opportunities has provided a critical foundation for understanding Northeast Ohio’s talent needs and identifying the demand and supply imbalance in the region’s workforce,” stated Jacob Duritsky, Team NEO’s Vice President of Strategy, Research, and Talent. “While we’ve made meaningful progress over the years, the next decade must shift from insights to impact, turning what we know into meaningful action by strengthening the ecosystem, connecting career pathways, and leveraging data into outcomes to improve regional competitiveness.
Keynote speaker Heidi Petz, Chair, President and CEO of The Sherwin-Williams Company, highlighted the company’s decision to keep investing in Northeast Ohio as a sign of confidence in the region. She stressed that employers must move beyond recruiting talent to developing it, by reaching students earlier and helping them discover careers they may never have imagined. Petz also called on more employers to get involved, describing talent development as a shared responsibility across the region.
These themes reinforce many of the insights gained through a decade of Aligning Opportunities reporting. Reflecting on 10 years of data-driven research, Team NEO identified 10 key takeaways:
- Talent is the Defining Issue. Industry growth depends on the availability of skilled workers and their increased population
- Growth and Talent Go Together. Business growth and workforce strength reinforce one another
- The Talent Challenge Is Structural. Demographics and participation demand sustained solutions.
- Pathways are Diversifying. Degrees, certificates, technical education, and apprenticeships matter.
- Earlier Engagement Matters. Career awareness and pathways start well before high school.
- Data Changed the Conversation. Shared evidence makes talent gaps and options clearer.
- Collaboration is Stronger. Educators, employers, and workforce partners connect more intentionally.
- Employers Must Be Engaged. Business input shapes training, internships, and career pathways.
- Intermediaries Are Essential. Trusted organizations and connectors help partnerships work at scale.
- The Next Decade is About Action. Focus on growth, outcomes, and measurable progress
And there’s more to come. Tomorrow, Team NEO will release Vibrant Economy Indicators (VEI) 2.0, a regional economic intelligence and benchmarking platform designed to help business leaders and site selectors evaluate Northeast Ohio for investment and expansion, while guiding regional strategies to strengthen competitiveness, expand economic opportunity, and drive long-term prosperity.
About Team NEO
Team NEO is a private, nonprofit economic development organization that ignites economic vibrancy, fosters sustainable growth, and champions equitable prosperity. As a designated JobsOhio Network Partner, we collaborate across all 14 counties in the Northeast Ohio Region to create strategies to attract and retain companies, drive innovation, cultivate a skilled workforce, advance market-ready sites, and promote and engage the region. To learn how Team NEO helps make Northeast Ohio more competitive, visit teamneo.org
About JobsOhio
JobsOhio, Ohio’s private nonprofit economic development corporation, enhances company growth and personnel development through business attraction, retention, and expansion across 10 competitive industry sectors. With a team of seasoned professionals, JobsOhio utilizes a comprehensive network to foster talent production in targeted industries and attract talent through Find Your Ohio. Collaborating with seven regional partners, including Dayton Development Coalition, Lake to River Economic Development, Ohio Southeast Economic Development, One Columbus, REDI Cincinnati, Regional Growth Partnership, and Team NEO. JobsOhio delivers world-class customer service to provide companies with a competitive advantage. In 2026, Ohio was named CNBC’s Top State for Business. Learn more at www.jobsohio.com. Follow us on LinkedIn, X , Instagram, and Facebook.