What is a Business Advisory Council?
All Ohio school districts and Educational Service Centers are required to have a Business Advisory Council. Ohio is proud to be home to over 120 Business Advisory Councils. These locally focused partnerships convene education and business leaders to engage in dialogue, build trust and identify strategies that transform the student learning experience. The on-going, intentional collaboration can result in a more responsive education system based on regional economic drivers and needs, more relevant learning experiences for students that include work-based learning opportunities and enduring partnerships between schools and local industries.
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A Joint Statement from the Columbiana County School Community Business Advisory Council
Vision Statement: Facilitating Strong Career Connections for All Students
Mission Statement: To inspire and empower our youth to reach their highest potential by supporting comprehensive career counseling and strong career connections.
Check out the BAC's March 2025 newsletter.
The BAC's February newsletter highlights this year's Vision Casting Forum.
2025 Vision Casting Forum
The Columbiana County Business Advisory Council (BAC) hosted this year's Vision Casting Forum, themed “The Power of Partnership: Mobilizing for Change.” This event focused on how schools, communities, businesses, and agencies can collaborate to create opportunities and build a stronger, more connected community for students and families.
Join us as we work together to strengthen connections and inspire positive change in Columbiana County.
For more information, please contact Marie Williams at mwilliams@ccesc.k12.oh.us
2024-2025 BAC Member Meeting Dates: | Time | Location |
Thursday, September 5, 2024 | 9:00 am | OSU Extension Office |
Thursday, November 7, 2024 | 9:00 am | Salem High School |
Thursday, February 6, 2025 | 9:00 am | Columbiana Arts Theater 5 N. Main St. Columbiana |
Thursday, May 1, 2025 | 9:00 am | Beaver Local Schools |
BAC Executive Committee: | |
Chair | Micki Egli, Superintendent, West Branch Local Schools |
Vice Chair | Audrey Dimmerling, 4-H Youth Development Educator, OSU Extension Office |
Secretary | Marie Williams, Superintendent, Columbiana County ESC |
BAC Committee Chairs: | |
Governance | Susie Wickline, Chief Operating Officer, MCTA |
Business/School Partnerships | Brittany Smith, Columbiana County Port Authority |
Post Secondary | Julie Michael Smith, MVMC |
BAC Student Representatives Coordinator | Ryan O'Donnell, CCESC and Leetonia Schools |
BAC Student Representatives: | |
Beaver Local | Luke Rettos |
Columbiana | Emma Gazzaniga |
Crestview/CCCTC | Cashton George |
East Liverpool | Kamryn Yanni |
East Palestine/CCCTC | Alyssa Dilling |
Leetonia | Kasey Williams |
Lisbon | Colt Tullis |
Salem | Elise Bender |
Southern Local | Logan Moore |
United | Kadin Schonauer |
West Branch | Allison Kanagy |
The Ohio Department of Education and Workforce announced that the Columbiana County Schools Business Advisory Council has been awarded Ohio’s 2025 3-Star Business Advisory Council award.
The Business Advisory Council Award is based on the following quality practices. During the recognition year, the Business Advisory Council should:
1. Develop Professional Skills for Future Careers – Work together to delineate key professional skills needed for the future job market. Develop a curriculum that instills these skills while advising on changes in the economy and job market.
2. Build Partnerships – Develop working relationships among businesses, labor and education personnel.
3. Coordinate Experiences – Create environments that allow students to demonstrate proficiency in critical professional and specialized skills that will aid in future employment.
During the 2024-2025 school year, the BAC will meet in different locations around the county.
The Columbiana County ESC Business Advisory Council is proud to sponsor and partner with the following events:
Kids STEAM University at Kent State Salem Campus
Manufacturing Your Future
Skilled Trades Expo (6 counties in Ohio and Western Pennsylvania)
Agricultural Expo (OSU Extension Office)
Career and College Fairs
Robotics competitions
Drone competitions
Vision Casting Forum
Career Exploration
Problem Based Learning Classroom Projects
Teacher Bootcamps (Partnership with Ashland University)
Drive To Succeed
Student Manufacturing Camp
Interested in being a part of the Columbiana County ESC Business Advisory Council?
Please contact Marie Williams at mwilliams@ccesc.k12.oh.us.