An Ohio legislative task force looking for answers as to how to grow manufacturing again got an earful from manufacturers in hearings across the state last year. State Representative Christina Hagan of Stark County was a task force member and tells AkronNewsNow company owners made it clear what it will take to rekindle manufacturing in Ohio.

" The talent pool is key. I would say also that they're looking for incentives always. We need to provide proper tax incentives for business to find Ohio as an attractive place to do business," says Hagan.

Hagan says the state must work to train the type of workforce that manufacturers need for the future. " We can do that by promoting educational opportunities such as expanding our internship, co-op, and our apprenticeship programs in the state of Ohio to help students learn and understand how they can make a good living."

Christine Hagan says emphasis on research and development is also key. " In order for manufacturing to grow we need to also invest in our research and development and that can be done by developing our talent pool which is our students and our youth and also by partnering with higher education.

The results of the task force study will be looked at b y state lawmakers and the governor as they explore ways to grow manufacturing at a time when many other states are also trying to attract manufacturers.