Nutrien’s Lima Nitrogen facility has been named one of Crain’s Cleveland Business’ 2024 Best Employers in Ohio. Ranking #12 in the large employer category, Nutrien was recognized for unique employee benefits including a charitable donation matching program that offers up to $5,000 per employee, per year; the opportunity to volunteer during work hours; as well as a program where employees can volunteer outside of work hours to earn reward dollars that they can donate to eligible charities or non-profits.

Chamber members had a chance to learn how statewide leaders are working to staff construction for a manufacturing site coming to Ohio.

Schools all across the country are faced with staffing shortages right now. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, there are over 500,000 fewer educators in public schools than there were before the pandemic. Burnout continues to be a driving force as more than half of educators say they are ready to leave their profession sooner than planned. We checked in with lima city schools to see what the staffing situation looks like for educators. Superintendent Jill Ackerman says they've been fortunate to have many long-term staff members who stayed put through the pandemic but are now seeing increased staffing needs.

Superintendent Tim Roth sent out a letter saying the school district would be closed Friday and Tuesday, January 18th because of the absenteeism and the staffing shortages they are seeing in all areas. The school district already had Monday off for Martin Luther King Jr. Day, but all extracurricular activities will continue as scheduled.