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Gov. Kasich visits Auto Show

DETROIT, MI (WTOL) - Ohio Governor John Kasich paid a visit on Thursday to the 2012 North American International Auto Show, being held at Cobo Hall in Detroit.

The governor says his visit is serious work, as he tries to build strong relationships with auto executives, to boost auto-related business in Ohio:

"Ford with a $6 billion investment, we're the number two state in terms of where they're going to put their money, that's really unbelievable. GM is thrilled with what's happening in Lordstown and Toledo. Chrysler's investing a half a billion dollars in Toledo and other places around the state. Honda just announced a super car. So when you look at manufacturing we're seeing the sun coming up in Ohio again."

Kasich says his goal is to win the confidence of auto companies by addressing their on-going needs:

"We're trying to drive deeper relationships based on workforce training. This is the biggest issue in the country. How do you get people trained to be able to fill the slots. What can we do to actually add value and I think they're happy about it and frankly I think they're surprised."

That focus for Kasich includes maintaining constant communications:

"We're now going to be receiving information specifically what they need, what we can help them on. That's real progress."

Kasich encourages people to visit the show, which is open to the public January 14-22.

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