Gov. John Kasich recently reconvened Ohio's property and casualty insurance CEOs to recognize their leadership over the past six years in fostering a talent pipeline for careers in insurance - and to challenge them to do more.

The governor noted that the Insurance Industry Resource Council (IIRC) has forged a unique partnership of industry, education and government leaders that has led to the establishment of insurance degree and certificate programs at 10 Ohio colleges and universities; the piloting of certification programs targeting underemployed workers; and the involvement of industry leaders in numerous job fairs, internship programs and regional events.

Gov. Kasich urged industry leaders to reach out more broadly to attract young students and career seekers, noting that the talent shortfall in the insurance industry is expected to reach 29,000 jobs by 2024 as the sector continues to grow in Ohio.

New programs are underway - a statewide competition for insurance majors takes place in September, while Canal Winchester High School launches an insurance-focused career pathway program in partnership with Motorists Insurance Group and Ohio Dominican University this fall. The Institutes is building an accessible, online - anytime, anywhere - foundation of insurance course.

In reflecting on the 17 companies that have supported the IIRC over the past six years, IIRC Co-Chair and Motorists Insurance Group CEO Dave Kaufman said, "IIRC companies are investing not only because it's good for their businesses, but also because it's good for the insurance industry and it's good for Ohio."

IIRC Co-Chair and Ohio Mutual President and CEO Mark Russell added, "Both large companies and smaller ones have stepped up to invest in the Insuring Ohio Futures initiative, and we all are proud to serve as an example for other industries and other states."

According to Gov. Kasich, "We've got to put our foot on the gas. I know other states see our success, and they want it. So staying on the right track means keeping up the same energy that got us here and building on the ideas that we know work." (Gov. John Kasich's State of the State Address, April 2017)

The IIRC is funded by:

Celina Insurance Group

Central Mutual Insurance Company

The Cincinnati Insurance Company

Grange Insurance

Hylant Group

Liberty Mutual Insurance

Molina Healthcare of Ohio

Motorists Insurance Group

Nationwide Mutual Insurance Company

Ohio Insurance Agents Association, Inc.

Ohio Mutual Insurance Group

State Auto Insurance Company of Ohio

Wayne Insurance Group

Westfield Insurance Company