CRAWFORD COUNTY, OH (CRAWFORD COUNTY NOW)—The Crawford CEO Program Board is announcing the program’s official launch after final steps in the development process have been completed. The CEO (Creating Entrepreneurial Opportunities) program is a new countywide opportunity teaching high school students about business through hands-on community experiences. Local leaders began developing the program in 2022, and this fall, the first class of students will finally jump into action.
On Wednesday, September 2, from 5:30–7:00 p.m., a “Community Kickoff” event at Bakers Pizza will be held to introduce the public to the program and celebrate its launch. Appetizers will be provided. Guests will hear from board members, investors, school representatives, local alumni students and more. Program sponsors will be recognized, and the inaugural class of students as well as the new Facilitator will be introduced. Business leaders as well as interested parents, students, school leaders and community members are encouraged to attend. RSVP can be found at crawfordcountyohceo.com/news and is not required but encouraged.
The program offers high school students the opportunity to immerse themselves in a dynamic and authentic learning environment tied to the challenges and opportunities in the local community. The model connects students to community leaders through business visits, guest speakers and mentorship. It challenges them to become great communicators, networkers, problem solvers, and creative thinkers. The discovery learning environment has two culminating experiences for program participants: a team-built class business and a real individual business which is showcased at a pitch competition and a trade show event.
The board has hired Dwayne Castle to be the program’s first Facilitator. “My high school self would have jumped at the opportunity to participate in a program like this. As an entrepreneur with multiple business ventures and a background in workforce and leadership development, I am excited to facilitate this first-ever class,” said Castle.
Some of the key stakeholders supporting the program’s launch include the Crawford Partnership, which is providing financial structure as the program’s fiscal sponsor; Marion Technical College, which is acting as the program’s administrative agent; and North Central Electric Cooperative, which provided financial support for the initial start-up costs along with United Way of North Central Ohio. There are also more than 35 “investor” businesses and local entities that are providing financial support for the program.
The Crawford CEO program is supported by a strong board of local leaders. Board members include: Lisa Marcum of Forge Fire & Company, Doug Foght of Watts House of Insurance, Mark Pfeifer of Mark’s Homemade Ice Cream, Audrey Naegele of North Central Electric Cooperative, Nate Harvey of the Crawford Success Center, Jim Saxer of Crestline Exempted Village Schools, Todd Boyer of Ohio Mutual Insurance Group, Mike Martin of Plymouth Local Schools, Nancy Clutter of the Crawford Partnership, Jessica Cleland of Center Street Meats and Fred Fischer of J3 Point-of-Sale.
Board president Lisa Marcum said, “CEO isn’t just another class, it’s a proven model that’s helped launch thousands of young entrepreneurs across the country by putting them in front of real business owners and real challenges. Seeing what this program can do for our students and for the future of our community is exactly why I wanted to help bring it to Crawford County.”
The CEO program is a model created by the Midland Institute for Entrepreneurship, and there are more than 80 other programs operating in seven other states across the country. Seneca County launched the first program in the State of Ohio in 2021, and Crawford is set to join them as the second in 2026.
High school students of all skill sets and backgrounds can be successful in this transformational, life-changing experience that inspires entrepreneurial thinking and develops the workforce of tomorrow. The success of CEO is reflected in the development of essential skills and an expansive, long-lasting network of community members and business owners. Many students have continued to operate their businesses after graduating from the program, and alumni have also been more likely to stay in or return to their home communities. The program operates completely through community support; neither students nor schools pay to participate.
The program is currently accepting new students, investor businesses, speakers, mentors and committee members as it grows.
For more information on the Crawford CEO program, the upcoming Kickoff event, or to inquire about getting involved, contact Marketing Chair Jessica Cleland at 419-569-4982 or info@crawfordcountyohceo.com. Learn more at crawfordcountyohceo.com or on Facebook at facebook.com/crawfordcountyohceo.