Leadership

Ohio Led U.S. in New Manufacturing Jobs Last Month

Ohio’s unemployment rate dropped to a pandemic low last month as the state reported a record monthly expansion in household employment. The unemployment rate was 5.6% in October, an improvement from 8.3% in September and 17.3% in April, according to state data.

See the latest unemployment rankings by county, as well as the current unemployment rates for Ohio’s metro areas.

National Association of Manufacturers’ chief economist Chad Moutray pointed out that Ohio created the most net new manufacturing jobs last month, adding 8,100 workers. 11/24/2020

Celebrating Thanksgiving Safely During COVID-19

In a year that has been unlike any other, we can expect our holidays to be unique as well. Due to COVID-19, health experts are warning against travel and traditional Thanksgiving gatherings with family and friends who are not part of your household.

The Ohio Department of Health has published this guide to help safely celebrate the holiday season. The CDC has issued this guidance for Thanksgiving. You’re encouraged to share both with your employees. 11/24/2020

Are Weak Manufacturing Productivity Numbers an Accurate Reflection of Reality?

Data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics show an astonishing collapse in long-term productivity growth in the U.S. manufacturing sector, starting with the financial crisis of 2008-2009. Even before COVID-19, output per hour in manufacturing grew at only a 0.5% annual rate during the decade from 2009 to 2019.

Do these numbers paint an accurate picture of the state of American manufacturing? The Progressive Policy Institute, a Democratic think tank, has produced this analysis published by Indiana University. 11/23/2020

House Democrats Select Leadership for Upcoming General Assembly

Last week, Ohio House Republicans selected their leadership team for the upcoming 134th General Assembly. This week, it was the Democrats’ turn.

House Minority Leader Emilia Sykes (D-Akron) was re-elected to her position, as were Assistant Minority Leader Kristin Boggs (D-Columbus), Minority Whip Paula Hicks-Hudson (D-Toledo) and Assistant Minority Whip Richard Brown (D-Canal Winchester). Joining the leadership team as caucus chair is Rep. Phil Robinson (D-Solon).

After gaining a net three seats earlier this month, House Republicans will hold a 64-35 seat advantage when the new session begins Jan. 4. 11/24/2020

Are You Registered for OMA ‘Food Day’?

This year’s OMA Food and Beverage Manufacturers’ Policy Council is set for Wednesday, Dec. 9. This event will provide key legislative and regulatory updates for Ohio’s food and beverage manufacturers. There is no charge to attend, but the event is open to food and beverage manufacturers only. If you haven’t already, register here — or contact the OMA via email or at (800) 662-4463. 11/23/2020

Manufacturing Sees Gains in Activity, Jobs

Last month, U.S. manufacturing activity reached its best mark in more than two years. October was the sixth consecutive month of manufacturing growth, according to the Institute for Supply Management (ISM), as new orders surged to a 16-year high.

The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that Ohio had approximately 662,800 manufacturing jobs as of September. That’s a 5.3% drop compared to September 2019 when Ohio had more than 700,000 manufacturing positions, but it’s an increase of nearly 60,000 jobs from April 2020. 11/18/2020

House GOP Votes to Retain Cupp as Speaker

An informal vote this week by incoming Ohio House Republicans has ensured that Speaker Bob Cupp (R-Lima) will retain the chamber’s top leadership position. House Republicans also voted to on the majority leadership team, which will be as follows:

• Rep. Tim Ginter (R-Salem), speaker pro tempore;
• Rep. Bill Seitz (R-Cincinnati), majority floor leader;
• Rep. Rick Carfagna (R-Genoa Twp.), assistant majority floor leader;
• Rep. Don Jones (R-Freeport), majority whip; and
• Rep. Cindy Abrams (R-Harrison), assistant majority whip.

Gongwer News Service reported that the speaker has said he wants to empower committee chairs in driving the chamber’s agenda, while continuing to work to restore public trust in the institution in the wake of the ongoing House Bill 6 scandal.

A formal vote on House leadership will take place on Jan. 4, the opening day of the 134th General Assembly. House Democrats have yet to schedule their leadership vote. 11/18/2020

On-Demand Webinar: Complying With the USMCA

The United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA) has been in effect since last July, but enforcement activity is expected to increase next year. Is your business ready? OMA Connections Partner Plante Moran offers this free, on-demand webinar to address USMCA compliance and how it differs from NAFTA. It features Jeanna Adams of OMA member Chromaflo Technologies Corp., Ashtabula, who provides a manufacturer’s perspective of managing the transition. 11/16/2020

Nationally, GOP Maintains Advantage in State Government

While Republicans have apparently lost the federal government’s executive branch — and control of the U.S. Senate is up in the air for now — the GOP continues to hold a strong majority of state government positions across the country. Prior to Nov. 3, Republicans held 59 of the 98 chambers (more than 60%), including the Ohio Senate and House. Republicans largely maintained or increased their advantage in this month’s election.

Come January, the GOP will claim trifectas (controlling both legislative chambers and the governor’s office) in 22 states — including in Ohio — compared to 15 for Democrats, according to the National Conference of State Legislatures. This is especially noteworthy since legislative district lines for state and federal races will be redrawn in 2021 following this year’s census. 11/18/2020

OMA Marks 110 Years of Protecting Ohio Manufacturing

This week, on Nov. 10, the OMA celebrated 110 years of protecting and growing Ohio’s manufacturing sector.

It all started at 2 p.m. on Nov. 10, 1910, at the Chittenden Hotel in Columbus. That’s when 17 prominent entrepreneurs — responding to an invitation from Colonel J.G. Battelle — gathered to form an association of Ohio manufacturers. These visionaries adopted a constitution “to promote the general welfare of productive industries” and to “keep prominently before the public the importance of such industries for the general prosperity of the State.”

Here’s to all OMA members and supporters for driving the mission through the years and boosting Ohio’s industrial strength. 11/10/2020