Summit And Medina Workforce Area Council Of Governments

What Summit And Medina Workforce Area Council Of Governments does

The Summit and Medina Workforce Area Council of Governments (SAMWA COG) is a political subdivision of the State of Ohio formed in 2015 under Ohio Revised Code Chapter 167 to serve as the designated governance body for Ohio's Local Workforce Area 2, covering Summit and Medina Counties. It administers federal Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) programming through two OhioMeansJobs American Job Centers — one in Akron (Summit County, ~37,820 sq ft) and one in Medina (Medina County, ~3,175 sq ft) — providing free career services, training, and employer recruitment support to job seekers, employers, and youth. Service delivery is operationalized through contracted providers: KRA Corporation operates as the One-Stop Operator and Career Services provider (SFY2027 contracts up to $2,349,000 combined), and Tri-County Jobs for Ohio's Graduates delivers youth CCMEP services ($600,000 Summit; $260,000 Medina). The organization also coordinates a statutory partner network including ODJFS, OOD, MCJFS, SCDJFS, Goodwill Industries of Akron, MCC, BVR/BSVI, and multiple local chambers of commerce.

The core technology layer is the statewide OhioMeansJobs.com platform — owned and operated by the State of Ohio rather than SAMWA COG — which serves as the digital job-matching and career-resource gateway for job seekers and employers across Area 2. SAMWA COG supplements this with a local website (summitmedinaomj.org), a scripted Virtual Assistant, virtual orientations and workshops, virtual recruitment events, and a social media presence (Facebook, YouTube, LinkedIn). Funding is exclusively public: WIOA federal formula grants flow through the Ohio Department of Job and Family Services (CY2025: $7,775,000; CY2026: $7,825,000), supplemented by TANF co-funding for CCMEP, with OJT/IWT employer reimbursements acting as pass-throughs rather than retained revenue. All services to job seekers and employers are provided at no charge; the organization does not engage in commercial pricing, has no funding rounds, no M&A activity, and no equity ownership, consistent with its status as a public intergovernmental entity.

Name

Summit And Medina Workforce Area Council Of Governments

Legal name

Summit and Medina Workforce Area Council of Governments

Website

https://summitmedinaomj.org

Company type

Public

Founded year

2015

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

1–10 employees

Short description

SAMWA COG is the Ohio public intergovernmental body governing WIOA Local Workforce Area 2, operating OhioMeansJobs centers in Summit and Medina Counties to deliver free workforce development, training, and employer recruitment services to job seekers, employers, and youth.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Workforce Development Services

NAICS

Administration of Human Resource Programs (except Education, Public Health, and Veterans' Affairs Programs) (92313), Administration of Human Resource Programs (923), Vocational Rehabilitation Services (6243)

SIC

Services-Employment Agencies (7361), Services-Social Services (8300)

akta.pro primary industry

Public Workforce Development Programs (WIOA/One-Stop Career Centers) (EDAAAOAA)

akta.pro secondary industries

Employment & Job Readiness Support Services (BPAGAEAJ), Workforce & Job-Seeker Services (Community-Based) (EDAAAFAM), State/Provincial Labor, Employment Standards & Workforce Development Administration (BPAIABAN)

Keywords

• Workforce development services
• WIOA programs
• Job placement services
• Employer recruiting
• Youth employment programs

Headquarters

HQ city

Akron

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices3 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2B and B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Infrastructure, Technology or R&D, Marketing or Sales, Supply Chain

Revenue model

1. WIOA Federal Formula Grants: Primary funding comes from Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) federal formula allocations received through the Ohio Department of Job and Family Services (ODJFS). These funds support career services, training services, youth programs, and administrative operations for Ohio Local Workforce Area 2. Budget appropriations cited include $7,825,000 for CY2026 and $7,775,000 for CY2025.
2. TANF (Temporary Assistance for Needy Families) Co-Funding: CCMEP (Comprehensive Case Management Employment Program) services are jointly funded through WIOA and TANF funds, providing employment and training services to youth and adults with dependent children. Funding amounts for youth CCMEP services range from $260,000 (Medina) to $600,000 (Summit) per year.
3. On-the-Job Training Employer Reimbursements: OJT program reimburses employers up to 50% of wages (maximum $10,000) for hiring and training eligible job seekers. This is a pass-through of WIOA funds to private employers, not a revenue stream for SAMWA COG.

Go-to-market motion2 records

Distribution channels4 records

Marketing channels7 records

Core offering

Summit and Medina Workforce Area Council of Governments (SAMWA COG) operates OhioMeansJobs American Job Centers in Summit and Medina Counties, providing free workforce development services to job seekers and employers under the federal Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA). Core offerings include career counseling, job matching, employer recruitment, on-the-job training reimbursements, incumbent worker training subsidies, individual training accounts, youth employment programs (CCMEP, BOSS, JOG), and specialized services for veterans and individuals with disabilities.

Product overview

Summit and Medina Workforce Area Council Of Governments operates OhioMeansJobs centers in Summit and Medina Counties as Ohio's Local Workforce Area 2. The organization provides a unified portfolio of workforce development services including OhioMeansJobs Centers (physical resource centers), workshops, training programs (OJT, IWT, ITA, Registered Apprenticeships), youth services (CCMEP, BOSS), business services (recruitment, hiring events), and specialized programs for veterans and individuals with disabilities. These services work together to connect job seekers with employment and training opportunities while helping employers find qualified workers.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• OhioMeansJobs: Ohio's workforce brand providing job seekers and employers with employment services, job search tools, and career resources
• RESEA

Products and services

• OhioMeansJobs Summit County
• OhioMeansJobs Medina County
• On-the-Job Training (OJT)
• Incumbent Worker Training (IWT)
• Individual Training Accounts (ITA)
• CCMEP Youth Services
• BOSS Youth Program
• Business Services
• Services for Veterans
• Disability Services
• Registered Apprenticeships

Quantifiable outcome

• OJT program reimburses up to 50% of employee wages, maximum $10,000 per hire, for positions paying a minimum of $17.50/hour.
• +2 more outcomes

Named customers4 records

Segments5 records

Ideal customer profiles5 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Partnerships

22 partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.

• Ohio Department of Job and Family Services (ODJFS)coreOthersODJFS is the state agency that provides WIOA allocations and oversight for Ohio's Local Workforce Area 2. SAMWA COG receives federal WIOA formula funds through ODJFS and implements state workforce policies. ODJFS staff are present at OMJ centers and provide access to unemployment services, Wagner-Peyser job placement, veterans' programs, UI reemployment services, and Trade Adjustment Assistance. Direct phone: (330) 441-5343.
• Ohio Department of Job and Family Services (ODJFS)coreOthersODJFS provides access to unemployment services, labor market information, Wagner-Peyser job placement assistance, veterans' employment programs, Unemployment Compensation re-employment services, and Trade Adjustment Assistance. Phone: (330) 441-5343.
• Medina County Job and Family Services (MCJFS)coreOthersMCJFS offers public assistance programs including Child Care Assistance, SNAP Benefits, Medicaid, TANF, Child Support Services, Children Services, and Adult Protective Services. Serves as the local point for CCMEP referrals and public assistance for Medina County residents. MCJFS phone: (330) 722-9300; Child Support: (330) 722-9398.
• Opportunities for Ohioans with Disabilities (OOD)coreOthersOOD is a state agency that empowers Ohioans with disabilities through employment, disability determinations, and independence. OOD counselors are onsite at OhioMeansJobs Centers to provide vocational rehabilitation, employment goal setting, counseling, and job placement support for individuals with disabilities. Akron office: (330) 643-3080.
• Medina County Career Center (MCC)coreOthersMedina County Career Center is an Ohio Center for Training Excellence (CTX) that provides workforce development technical programs, customized training, contract training, and business consultation services. Serves as a training provider for ITA-funded programs and employer upskilling. Phone: (330) 725-8461.
• Goodwill Industries of AkroncoreOthersGoodwill serves Summit, Portage, Medina, Ashland, and Richland Counties with programs to help people prepare for, find, and retain employment. Services include career exploration, resume/interview preparation, employer recruitment support, assessments for individuals with visual impairments, job coaching, and youth programs. Toll-free: (800) 989-8428.
• KRA CorporationcoreOthersKRA Corporation is the contracted One-Stop Operator and Career Services provider for OhioMeansJobs Medina and Summit County centers. SFY2027 contracts: One-Stop Operator not to exceed $190,000; Career Services not to exceed $2,159,000.
• Tri-County Jobs for Ohio's Graduates (JOG)coreOthersTri-County JOG provides youth employment and education services through Ohio's CCMEP program in both Summit and Medina Counties. SFY2027 funding: $600,000 (Summit) and $260,000 (Medina) for youth CCMEP services.
• Project Learn of Summit CountyminorOthersProject Learn of Summit County conducts the Test of Adult Basic Education (TABE) and other assessments for job seekers at the OhioMeansJobs Summit County center. SFY2027 contract not to exceed $70,000 of WIOA funds.
• Nesco Resource, LLCminorOthersNesco Resource provides payroll services for youth and young adults participating in work experience under CCMEP. SFY2027 contract not to exceed $500,000 of WIOA funds.
• OhioGuidestoneminorOthersOhioGuidestone provides youth education and employment services under CCMEP in Summit County, funded through WIOA/TANF allocations. Included as an 'Additional Partner' under WIOA Section 121(b)(2) per Resolution 2025-12.
• Summit County Land Reutilization Corporation (Land Bank)coreOthersSummit County Land Bank is the landlord for the OhioMeansJobs Summit County facility. 2026 resolution authorizes a five-year lease renewal (July 1, 2026–June 30, 2031) for approximately 37,820 square feet at 1040 East Tallmadge Avenue, Akron, at $484,353.18 for the first year with 1% annual increase.
• County of Medina, OhiocoreOthersCounty of Medina is the landlord for the OhioMeansJobs Medina County facility. 2026 resolution authorizes a lease for approximately 3,175 square feet at 72 Public Square, Medina, for August 1, 2026–June 30, 2027, at $2,910.41 per month.
• Summit County Department of Job and Family Services (SCDJFS)coreOthersSCDJFS is the joint contracting partner for CCMEP payroll services (Nesco Resource), cost allocation reimbursements, and health care programs for SAMWA COG employees. Intergovernmental agreements govern these relationships. Annual cost allocation reimbursement up to $225,000.
• Employment Rehabilitation Services (OOD — Bureau of Vocational Rehabilitation / Bureau of Services for the Visually Impaired)coreOthersBVR and BSVI provide employment rehabilitation services to persons with physical, mental, and emotional disabilities. Onsite at OMJ centers to serve job seekers with disabilities. Phone: (330) 441-5347.
• Greater Akron ChamberminorOthersOMJ Medina County has partnered with or maintains membership in the Greater Akron Chamber (serving Akron area) to better meet the needs of area employers. 388 S. Main Street, Suite 205, Akron, OH 44311. Phone: (330) 376-5550.
• Greater Medina Chamber of CommerceminorOthersOMJ Medina County partnered with Greater Medina Chamber of Commerce. 211 S. Court Street, Medina, OH 44256. Phone: (330) 723-8773.
• Northern Medina County Chamber AllianceminorOthersOMJ Medina County partnered with Northern Medina County Chamber Alliance. 2947 Interstate Parkway, Brunswick, OH 44212. Phone: (330) 225-8411.
• Seville Area Chamber of CommerceminorOthersOMJ Medina County partnered with Seville Area Chamber of Commerce. PO Box 471, Seville, OH 44273. Phone: (330) 350-6434.
• Wadsworth Area Chamber of CommerceminorOthersOMJ Medina County partnered with Wadsworth Area Chamber of Commerce. 132-A Main Street, Wadsworth, OH 44281. Phone: (330) 336-6150.
• Summit County (Political Subdivision)coreOthersSummit County provides health care program sponsorship for SAMWA COG employees per Resolution 2025-18, and serves as the fiscal agent/component unit for the organization's WIOA budget appropriations.
• Goodwill Industries of Akron, Summit County Developmental Disabilities Board, Volunteers of America: Ohio and Indiana, Portage Lakes Career Center, Jobs for Ohio's Graduates, OhioGuidestoneminorOthersAdditional WIOA partners added to the Local Workforce Area One-Stop Partner MOU per Resolution 2025-12 for State Fiscal Years 2026 and 2027, expanding the ecosystem of workforce service providers in the region.

Scale indicators4 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights5 records

Broad incumbents

• Chicago Cook Workforce Partnership (Chicago Cook Workforce Development Board): Larger urban WIOA workforce development board serving the Chicago/Cook County region with a much broader portfolio of workforce programs and American Job Centers. Demonstrates the scaled version of the same one-stop WIOA model.
• NYC Department of Small Business Services - Workforce1: New York City's publicly operated workforce services (Workforce1 Career Centers) offering job placement, sector-focused training, and employer hiring services — analogous public-sector workforce intermediary with a much larger urban footprint.
• CareerSource Florida Network: Statewide network of Florida's WIOA local workforce development boards operating American Job Centers and business services; a scaled, networked version of SAMWA COG's local WIOA model.

Direct peers

• Mahoning and Columbiana Training Association / Workforce Development Board Area 17: Mahoning-Columbiana regional workforce development board governing a similar two-county OhioMeansJobs area with parallel WIOA-funded Adult, Youth, and Dislocated Worker services and shared statewide platform.
• Franklin County Office of Workforce Development (Workforce Development Board of Central Ohio): Columbus-area WIOA workforce development board operating OhioMeansJobs centers, OJT, ITA, and CCMEP programs in the same statewide Ohio system; comparable governance structure and funding mix.
• Workforce Solutions of West Central Texas: Texas regional WIOA Workforce Development Board operating 19 counties with one-stop centers, employer services, and OJT/IWT programs; comparable multi-county governance and federal funding model.
• Worksystems Inc. (Portland Metro Workforce Development Board): Portland-metro WIOA workforce development board operating one-stop WorkSource centers, sector-based employer partnerships, and youth programs with the same federal funding architecture.
• Cuyahoga County Workforce Development Board (OhioMeansJobs Cleveland-Cuyahoga): Neighboring Ohio WIOA Local Workforce Development Board serving Cleveland/Cuyahoga County with the same OhioMeansJobs one-stop model, WIOA Adult/Dislocated Worker/Youth funding streams, and KRA-style service contracting structure. Most direct functional peer in the same state system.
• EmployIndy (Indianapolis/Marion County Workforce Development Board): WIOA-funded workforce development intermediary in Indianapolis running one-stop career centers, employer hiring solutions, OJT, and youth programs — directly analogous operating model to SAMWA COG but in a single urban county.

Emerging players

• Goodwill Industries of Akron (Workforce Programs): WIOA-mandated one-stop partner organization operating in the same Summit/Medina/Portage counties. Provides employment readiness, vocational rehabilitation support, and youth services that overlap with SAMWA COG's programming; partner in the local MOU rather than a pure competitor.

Market position

Strengths4 records

Weaknesses4 records

Competitive moat3 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights6 records

Customer concentration

• Xtwitter.com/OhioMeansJobs
• YouTubeyoutube.com/user/OhioMeansJobs
• Facebookfacebook.com/OhioMeansJobsOMJ
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/samwa

Compliance8 records

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Subsidiaries2 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

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M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Summit And Medina Workforce Area Council Of Governments