Leadership

New Poll: State Issue 1 Too Close to Call

A poll commissioned by Ohio Northern University says Ohio voters are evenly divided about State Issue 1, which would make it more difficult to amend the state constitution by requiring a 60% voter-approval threshold instead of a simple majority (50% plus one). The poll found 42% of respondents favored Issue 1 while 41% opposed it, and about 17% were undecided, according to media reports.

Unlike an earlier USA TODAY Network/Suffolk University poll that found 57% of voters oppose Issue 1, the new poll attempted to confirm if respondents were registered and gauged their enthusiasm for voting in the Aug. 8 special election. “Predicting exactly who will show up and how they will vote in such a unique election is incredibly difficult and we do not pretend to know that answer,” wrote the professors who oversaw the ONU survey.

Polls will be open Tuesday from 6:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. Voting locations in all 88 counties can be found here. Early votes can be cast until 5 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 6. 8/3/2023

Affected by Yellow Freight’s Bankruptcy?

Through its freight and shipping program, the OMA can help reduce disruption to your business operations.

TForce Freight — formerly UPS Freight — is a leading less-than-truckload (LTL) carrier that offers a range of shipping services for complex logistics challenges. Member savings start at 75% when you enroll in a new account.

Use this online form or call 1-800-MEMBERS (636-2377), ext. 2426 to learn more and create a TForce Freight account. 8/1/2023

Report: Nationwide TikTok Ban Could Be Coming

The public comment period is now closed for the federal rulemaking to ban TikTok and other social media applications from federal contractors’ devices. OMA Connections Partner Dinsmore reports that more than half of all states have banned TikTok on state government devices, and that the new federal rule could be the next step towards a national TikTok ban. 8/2/2023

3D Printing Report Now Available

OMA Connections Partner Benesch has published its 3D Printing Report for the first half of 2023. The report explores developments in additive manufacturing across several sectors and categories. 8/1/2023

Does ‘Made in America’ Matter to Consumers?

The overwhelming majority (70%) of Americans have a favorable view of U.S.-manufactured products, especially when compared to products produced with Chinese labor and parts, according to a Morning Consult survey.

As illustrated by this infographic, about two-thirds of respondents said they look for products that are “Made in America,” and nearly half said they’re willing to pay more for American-made products. However, responses differed substantially by generation. 7/24/2023

Ohio Designates Hubs to Expand Broadband Access

Six regional hubs have been selected to expand Ohioans’ access to broadband and 5G technology. The regional hubs will be placed across JobsOhio’s six regions with the goal of boosting the state’s broadband workforce. Learn more.

Funding for this effort is being provided via the Good Jobs Challenge grant secured last year by the OMA and the State of Ohio.7/25/2023

Ohio Announces Transportation Study

A $10 million study by the Ohio Department of Transportation aims to establish a plan for the state’s long-term transportation needs. ODOT recently announced the selection of a Chicago-based consulting team that will conduct the study, which is expected to be completed late next year. 7/25/2023

U.S. Manufacturing Construction Booms

U.S. manufacturing construction posted a 74% annual growth rate during the first six months of this year.

In this insight, OMA Connections Partner RSM notes that much of this construction boom has been fueled by the semiconductor industry, but that other manufacturing sectors — including transportation, chemicals, and food and beverage — are holding their own. 7/25/2023

Forum Spotlights Ohio Manufacturing’s Supercycle

On July 19, the Columbus Metropolitan Club hosted a panel discussion titled “Made in Ohio: The Coming Manufacturing Supercycle.” Speakers were Ryan Augsburger, OMA president; economist Bill LaFayette; Damon Richardson, senior vice president of Grove City-based American Nitrile; and Daniela Villaca, HR director for Delaware-based Acoust-A-Fiber. Watch this recording of the discussion.

The forum featured insights on Ohio’s manufacturing growth in jobs and GDP since 2010, as well as a look at the state’s advantages and challenges when it comes to future growth. In his remarks, the OMA’s Augsburger shared these slides, highlighting Ohio’s manufacturing leadership and the state’s “secret sauce.” 7/19/2023

LaRose Enters Ohio’s U.S. Senate Race

Secretary of State Frank LaRose has officially entered the GOP primary for Ohio’s 2024 U.S. Senate race. He joins businessman Bernie Moreno and state Sen. Matt Dolan (R-Chagrin Falls) as the Republicans in the contest.

The winner of the GOP primary will face incumbent U.S. Sen. Sherrod Brown (D), who enjoys a sizeable campaign cash advantage early on, according to reports. A new USA Today poll shows Brown and LaRose tied in a head-to-head matchup. See the latest polls for all U.S. Senate races at RealClearPolitics. 7/17/2023