HOUSE DISTRICT 33 (Nov. 6, 2025) – State Rep. J.D. Prescott (R-Union City) recently toured several businesses and facilities across Jay County to learn more about local workforce needs and economic development efforts. He was joined by Jennifer Gasiorek Skene, vice chancellor of workforce partnerships and strategic communications at Ivy Tech Community College, to discuss opportunities for collaboration.
Prescott said these visits strengthen communication between business owners, community leaders and constituents in House District 33. The tour also highlighted the importance of local industries and education partners working together to prepare Hoosiers for in-demand jobs.
"By connecting our local employers with education leaders, we're helping ensure students have access to the right training and skills that match what businesses in our area need," Prescott said. "I appreciate Ivy Tech's commitment to strengthening partnerships and our community."
The visit began at Joyce Dayton, where Prescott and Skene met with Vice President of Human Resources Julie Teeters and Plant Manager Kyle Roe. Prescott highlighted recent state efforts to eliminate taxes on new equipment purchases, encourage youth to pursue local careers and help businesses reduce utility costs through updated energy policies.
At the POET Bioprocessing facility, Prescott and Skene learned about Indiana's ethanol production industry and how the company is practicing sustainable energy efforts. Prescott said the group talked about Indiana’s geological advantages that allow for the safe storage of carbon dioxide underground, making local ethanol plants more competitive and sustainable.
Additionally, Prescott visited Tyson Foods, meeting with Production Engineer Craig Clark and other staff members. He toured the facility and learned more about their operations and workforce needs. The day concluded at the Jay County Security Center, where Prescott met with Sheriff Larry Ray Newton to discuss department needs and public safety priorities.
"These visits give me a chance to hear directly from employers and community leaders about what's working and where the state can help," Prescott said. "It's important to continue these conversations so I can better serve House District 33."
To learn more about Ivy Tech’s workforce programs, click here or contact Skene at jgasiorek@ivytech.edu or call 574-397-4508.
To contact Prescott, visit in.gov/h33 or call 317-232-9751. House District 33 includes all of Blackford and Randolph counties, and portions of Delaware, Henry and Jay counties.
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State Rep. J.D. Prescott (R-Union City) represents House District 33,
which includes all of Blackford and Randolph counties,
and portions of Delaware, Henry and Jay counties.
Click here to download a high-resolution photo.
PHOTO CAPTION 1: State Rep. J.D. Prescott (R-Union City) (left) and Stacie Paxson, human resources manager at FCC (right), review a clutch produced at the company’s Portland facility on Friday, Oct. 31, 2025. Prescott toured the factory to learn more about local manufacturing and workforce needs.
PHOTO CAPTION 2: State Rep. J.D. Prescott (R-Union City) (front right) and Jennifer Gasiorek Skene (back right), visit with Joyce Dayton Plant Manager Kyle Roe (back left) and human resources executive Julie Teeters (front left) during a visit to their office in Portland on Friday, Oct. 31, 2025.
PHOTO CAPTION 3: State Rep. J.D. Prescott (R-Union City) (left), Jennifer Gasiorek Skene (center) and a POET employee tour the company’s ethanol production facility in Jay County on Friday, Oct. 31, 2025. The visit focused on workforce development and Indiana’s role in sustainable fuel production.
