Two local educational service centers have been recognized by the state of Ohio as having "Four Star Business Advisory Councils." The Columbiana County Educational Service Center in Lisbon and the Educational Service Center of Eastern Ohio in Canfield both made it onto Ohio's Top Business Advisory Councils list.

Each Ohio school district and Educational Service Center is required to house a Business Advisory Council. The councils are locally focused partnerships that build bridges between education and business leaders. The goal, according to the Ohio Department of Education and Workforce is to build a collaborative experience for students as they learn about local industry and the opportunities available after graduation. 

"The on-going, intentional collaboration can result in a more responsive education system based on regional economic drivers and needs, more relevant learning experiences for students

Four-star councils are described by the Department of Education and Workforce as partnerships that implement quality practices throughout the year and create "career-focused opportunities." The councils must also provide data of these efforts to the department over the course of the year.

The Department of Education and Workforce stated in a Thursday release that "the annual Business-Education Leader awards honor Business Advisory Councils that stand out for their efforts to create and sustain career-connected learning opportunities for students."