Only 30.5 million workers quit their jobs in 2023 (as of August that year), according to the U.S. Chamber of Commerce. That sounds like a lot, and it is, but it’s down from the more than 50 million workers who quit jobs in 2022, and the 47.8 million who moved on in 2021, the height of the “Great Resignation.” Labor force participation is rebounding somewhat, but in the Dayton area, that’s happening more slowly. The Dayton Foundation and some likeminded allies want to do something about that. Wanted: Workers. Thousands of them. Right now and for years. What’s happening: The Dayton Foundation is funding a new local coalition to help organize efforts to grow the local population, retain college graduates and bring former (and retired) workers off the sidelines. Who’s involved: This is a who’s-who of community leaders and entrepreneurs. Former AFRL Executive Director Joe Sciabica. Sinclair President Steve Johnson. Former Montgomery County Commissioner Dan Foley. The Dayton Development Coalition. The Greater Dayton Area Hospital Association. And others. Why this matters: Good things happen when people land good jobs. “Workforce is important for a few different reasons,” Ohio Lt. Gov. Jon Husted told me. “But when you think about it, when you get it right, everybody wins.” Former Wright-Patt commander to stand trial for sex, fraternization charges Firing: Lt. Gen. Donna Shipton, commander of the Air Force Life Cycle Management Center, fired Col. Christopher Meeker from his job as commander of the 88th Air Base Wing at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base nearly a year ago. At the time, the only explanation given was standard military language expressing a loss of confidence in his ability to lead. Now, we have a better understanding of the reason why he was removed from command. Court-martial: Meeker is scheduled to be court-martialed at Scott Air Force Base near St. Louis in June. The referred military charges include one charge and one specification under Article 90, willfully disobeying a superior commissioned officer; and one charge and two specifications under Article 134, extramarital sexual conduct and fraternization. Wright State, Premier Health appoint Florida doctor to dual leadership role As part of Wright State University and Premier Health’s ongoing partnership, the organizations appointed a Florida doctor and professor to a new dual position. Bottom line: Dr. Raj Mitra has been named dean of the Wright State Boonshoft School of Medicine and chief academic officer at Premier Health. What they’re saying: “Dr. Mitra’s appointment will advance the region’s medical, clinical and nursing workforce and enhance our research culture, creating a more robust learning environment for our students and providing patients with better access to vital, highly specialized medical care closer to home,” said Sue Edwards, Wright State president. REX reports 2nd best quarter ever in terms of net income per share What happened: REX American Resources, a Washington Twp. publicly traded energy company, has reported third quarter net income of $1.38 per share, which the company said is its second-best quarterly result ever. What it means: The company — a former Harrison Twp. electronics and appliances retailer, now a very different ethanol production investor — says it is doing well. Said Zafar Rizvi, REX chief executive: “Quarter after quarter, the REX team consistently demonstrates our ability to produce industry-leading results — and the third quarter was no exception.” Dayton Dragons plan stadium upgrades, events as they hit milestone year It has been (or soon will be) a quarter century for the Dayton Dragons, and the team may have a few stadium upgrades in mind for its downtown Dayton home. The plan: Stadium updates could include the replacement of stadium seating and the creation of a second batting tunnel. Expect more announcements in the coming months. “We’re going to be celebrating our 25th season all year with our fans,” said Dayton Dragons President Bob Murphy. “We’re continuing to try to make this everything that everyone wants it to be.” Contact me: Thank you for reading this newsletter, wherever you are. You can reach me via email (tom.gnau@coxinc.com), on LinkedIn and on X. While you’re online, please check out our Dayton Business page. The ‘Doomsday’ plane is leaving Dayton. And heading for Kansas. J.D. Vance’s mom to Middletown: Remember my son? | 
