Leadership

Here’s Fresh Ohio Manufacturing Economic Data

Ohio is powered by manufacturing.  This is not just something we say; we’re backed up by data!

At almost 17%, manufacturing’s contribution to Ohio’s GDP is greater than that of any other industry sector.

Ohio manufacturing has a payroll of $39 billion, the highest total annual wages of any Ohio industry sector.

OMA prepared 2016 Ohio Manufacturing Counts – 20 pages of data about Ohio manufacturing – to provide Ohioans with an understanding of the importance of manufacturing to the state’s economy.

391 Events and Counting …

Manufacturing Day℠ is a celebration of modern manufacturing meant to inspire the next generation of manufacturers.  Although Manufacturing Day officially occurs on the first Friday in October—this year is Oct 7, 2016—any day can be a Manufacturing Day.

All events should be registered on this site no matter what date they are scheduled.  Registered event hosts have access to all of the free event planning and execution resources created by the national co-producers.

It’s Finally Here … RNC Convention in Cleveland

Tens of thousands of party faithful, media, and others will descend on Cleveland beginning this weekend.  Many statewide officeholders will host events for Ohio delegates and supporters.  Regarding action inside the convention hall, the RNC has announced this list of speakers.   WSJ.com commentator Jerry Seib notes that host state governor, John Kasich, has not accepted or declined any speaking roles.

About getting around town:  The Secret Service has authority to close or restrict traffic routes based on security needs; however, ODOT has prepared this handy resource of planned closures and restrictions.  Please note guidance for special overweight permitting.

Clinton-Trump Dead Heat Continues in Ohio

In its July 13, 2016 swing state poll, Quinnipiac University finds that in Ohio, Clinton and Trump are tied 41 – 41 percent, compared to a 40 – 40 percent tie June 21.

According to the poll, gender and racial gaps continue to divide Ohio voters.  Men back Trump 47 – 33 percent, while women go to Clinton 48 – 35 percent.  White voters go Republican 46 – 35 percent, while non-white voters go Democratic 69 – 15 percent.

The Swing State Poll focuses on Florida, Ohio and Pennsylvania because since 1960 no candidate has won the presidential race without taking at least two of these three states.  Needless to say: more to come.

Portman Takes Lead in Senate Race

A Quinnipiac poll released this week shows Senator Rob Portman leading former Governor Ted Strickland, 47-40 percent, in Ohio’s U.S. Senate race.

The poll, covering swing state Senate races in Ohio, Florida, and Pennsylvania, noted:  “The numbers seem to be breaking the Republican way in the battle for control of the U.S. Senate, at least when it comes to the critical swing states of Florida, Ohio and Pennsylvania.”

Uniform Food Labeling Bill Passes

This week, by a vote of 316-117, the U.S. House of Representatives approved SR 764 requiring manufacturers to label products made with genetically engineered ingredients.  Late last week the U.S. Senate voted the measure 63-30, sending the bill to the House.  The president is expected to sign the bill into law as soon as this weekend.

OMA members support the bill that will prevent an inconsistent patchwork of state laws from governing food and beverage labeling.  Vermont had passed such a law that went into effect on July 1.

Both Ohio Senators voted for the measure and Senator Brown has been credited with aiding in negotiations.  Most of Ohio’s congressional representatives voted yes; click to view a complete list.

A leader of the effort, OMA member, Derek Crawford, Corporate & Government Affairs, The KraftHeinz Company, said that thanks are in order for our elected representatives who voted to approve the measure.  Congratulations to members who provided leadership on this important issue!

700,000 Ohioans Work in Manufacturing – Let’s Make Sure They Vote

Anyone can register to vote at ManufacturingVoters, a non-partisan website created by OMA with assistance from the National Association of Manufacturers.

To help get the word out in your facility, here’s a good “manufacturing voter” poster you can print and reproduce.  It’s just one of many non-partisan GOTV tools for manufacturers at the OMA 2016 Election Center.

Government Price Control Measure Fails to Make Ballot

The deadline for issues to be included on the 2016 General Election ballot has come and gone.  Proponents of the “Drug Price Relief Act,” as well as the numerous other ballot issues, have now missed the deadline to get their issues on the 2016 ballot.

Thus, no statewide ballot issues are expected to be on the 2016 ballot, unusual in a presidential election year in Ohio.

In the case of the drug-pricing constitutional amendment, the OMA played a leading role in contesting the validity of certain signatures collected by paid petition circulators.  The Cleveland Plain Dealer reported proponents on drug-pricing plan to pursue the 2017 ballot.

Republican Convention Poses Transport Interruptions

The Akron Beacon Journal reported on Secret Service security plans to require private planes to be diverted to Akron and Youngstown during the Republican convention in Cleveland (July 17 through July 22).  Less well-documented are anticipated interruptions of road closures which could interfere with shipping needs.

Manufacturers located near downtown Cleveland may be at particular risk of permitted truck movement limitations during the convention.  A list of planned closures and restrictions was released by the convention host committee, but additional closures can be made by the Secret Service and others at any time.  Plan accordingly.

House Adds August Session Date

Last week House Speaker Cliff Rosenberger (R-Clarksville) added a session date for Tuesday, Aug. 2, to take care of some legislative housekeeping.  The session will include filling the vacancies for the 3rd and 47th House districts after Reps. Barbara Sears (R-Maumee) and Tim Brown (R-Bowling Green) resigned.

The Speaker also announced a screening panel will be formed to fill Brown’s seat.  More details will be released regarding logistics for the screening panel.