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  2. Rio receives $1.4M with ARC Project Power

Rio receives $1.4M with ARC Project Power

POMEROY, OH- The Rio Grande Bernard V. Fultz Meigs Center will undergo some exciting changes in the next three years. Those changes include renovation and an expansion for a training center to provide additional education programs, workforce training, licensures, and certification opportunities for unemployed and underemployed adults.  On Friday, May 13th, Ohio Director of Development, Lydia Mihalik and Director of the Governor’s Office of Appalachia, John Carey announced Rio as a $1.4M award recipient of the Appalachian Regional Commission (ARC) POWER (Partnerships for Opportunity and Workforce and Economic Revitalization) grant.

Pictured at the May 13th Announcement of the $1.4M award: Rio Grande President, Ryan Smith, Ohio Director of Development Lydia Mihalik, URG Trustees Robin Fowler and Tom Karr, RGCC Trustees Paul Reed and Mick Davenport, VP Rebecca Long, and Director of the Governor’s Office of Appalachia John Carey.

“We are so excited for the opportunities this grant will give to the residents of our region.” Chief Operating Officer Rebecca Long said.  “The community has been so supportive of the Meigs Center for the past 14 years, this is our chance to give back with new programs that will lead to well-paying jobs for our students.”

Rio was one of 21 projects awarded throughout Appalachia. The POWER initiative targets federal resources to communities affected by job losses in coal mining, coal power plant operations, and coal-related supply chain industries. The Meigs Center will continue to give residents in Meigs and surrounding counties a pathway to education, training, and a way to better job opportunities. With local business partnerships, the Meigs project will create new degrees, certifications, and training to aid in the region's high- growth and high-demand jobs in medical and manufacturing.

“We are in the business of Changing Tomorrows at Rio.” President Ryan Smith stated.  “The POWER grant and partnerships with local businesses will pave the way for many in our region. With access to more education and training opportunities, we are inevitably making a stronger workforce.”

Director of the Meigs Center, Michelle Kennedy added, “As a resident of Meigs County, I am thrilled to know the Rio Grande Meigs Center was awarded the ARC Power Grant. Our region has a need for a local Workforce Training Center. We are paving the way for a stronger workforce right here in Meigs County and beyond.”