Apollo Career Center has announced its Apollo Levy Steering Committee for the Nov. 6 election. The group of business, education and economic development leaders from across the district will guide Apollo's "Change the Future" campaign. Bluffton school district is in the Apollo system.
Several persons with Bluffton connections are on the committee.
The school is seeking approval of a 1-mill levy to upgrade its aging infrastructure, equipment and classroom space. If approved, it would cost the average homeowner about $2.50 a month or just over $30 a year.
The Apollo Levy Steering Committee:
o Keith Deters; plant manager General Dynamics Land Systems Division, campaign co-chairperson
o Gene Heitmeyer; general manager Colonial Surface Solutions, campaign co-chairperson and Lima-Allen County Chamber of Commerce Manufacturing Council president
o Dave Keinitz; campaign treasurer, Lentol, Violet, Kienitz & Co., LLP Certified Public Accountants
o Judy Wells; Apollo superintendent
o Joe Kitchen; Bath Township fire chief
o Russ Holly; Shawnee Township trustee
o Fran Weigt; Apollo Foundation and former Apollo and Shawnee School board member
o Don Witter; partner at Cory, Meredith, Witter, Anderson & Smith, L.P.A. Attorneys
o Jeff Sprague; Vice President Allen Economic Development Group
o Jed Metzger; Lima-Allen County Chamber of Commerce president
"Each of these dedicated volunteers has a strong and long standing relationship with Apollo Career Center," says Judy Wells, Apollo Superintendent. "They passionately support career technical education and the critical role it plays in jobs training and economic development."

"Across the United States, good jobs are going unfilled because workers lack needed technical skills. The best way to grow our local economy is to provide area employers with workers having the most up-to-date skills.
Apollo is one of the best investments we have, and with community support this November, Apollo will be able to provide students with the latest skills training to meet the needs of employers," says Keith Deters, levy co-chair.
"For decades, companies have relied upon Apollo graduates to meet their hiring needs. Our economy is stronger because of community partners like Apollo," says Gene Heitmeyer, levy co-chair. "We need to keep Apollo up-to-date to ensure we have a strong and qualified workforce."

Levy committee members and Apollo Board of Education members are available to speak with service clubs and organizations within Apollo's 11 school districts covering 600 square miles.
Member schools include: Ada, Allen East, Bath, Bluffton, Columbus Grove, Elida, Hardin Northern, Perry, Shawnee, Spencerville and Wapakoneta.