Jim Bero, site manager for BASF, said the community's workers are the key reason why the company does business in Greenville.

"The work force tops my list," he said. "We've been able to assemble a very competent work force that works extremely well together. People from this area seem to possess positive values and a sound work ethic that are inherent in their personal makeup. We give our associates a lot of responsibility and authority in an effort to maximize our productivity. Our people have adjusted very well to these challenges."

Likewise, three years ago when Whirlpool plans called for an expansion, the company decided to stay put. Its KitchenAid division had operated five facilities in Greenville. And even though the production and assembly process had to occur between five different facilities, the division still managed to be one of the most productive Whirlpool sites in the country.

Jim Hill, economic developer for Darke County, said Whirlpool's decision to stay in Greenville and consolidate the existing facilities was almost entirely based on the work force and work ethic of the area.

Business partnering with education
As in much of the state, Darke County community officials are partnering with education and industry professionals to turn out the best possible work force.

Joel Sink of the Miami Valley Career Technology Center is on special assignment to coordinate business and industrial training in Darke County. Sink also works to promote kindergarten through adult educational development.

Programs help teach students work ethics and skills and provide experience in vocations.

"We also have an employability externship program for teachers. This summer 34 teachers will spend time in various industries working. The ultimate goal is to help teachers prepare students for what is truly going on in the (industrial) world."

The technology center is also promoting school-to-work programs and the Diploma Pledge, where employers sign a pledge that they will strive to hire workers with high school diplomas or GEDs.

"We are trying to send a message to students that studying and attendance is important," said Sink.

In the school-to-work program, the concept of employability is the focal point. Students learn basic work fundamentals such as attendance, teamwork, appearance and attitude.

"Darke County Schools understand that while only 20 percent of the jobs today require a four-year college degree, most jobs demand some sort of post secondary training or education," said John Haller, local manager for the Dayton Power & Light Company. "We're fortunate to have local schools which actively seek out partnerships with local industry," continued Haller, who serves as chairman of the Darke County School to Work Advisory Committee.

"In the past we focused on the start of the race, but not the finish," added Sink.

The program hinges on the idea that students should be taught early on that the ultimate purpose of school is to provide them a means of learning how to eventually earn a living.

Another example of community cooperation is the NationJob Network, a national Internet job bank sponsored locally by Dayton Power and Light and the Darke County Chamber of Commerce.

"We are impacting the community with education and business partnerships," Hill said. "We have a lot of hands joined in the effort."