News and Analysis
Webinar to Enhance Cybersecurity, Aug. 26
August 6, 2021OMA Connections Partner GBQ Partners reports that roughly 90% of cyberattacks are caused by human error or behavior. To discuss the need for ongoing security testing — as well as the cybersecurity options available to businesses — the firm will host a complimentary webinar Aug. 26. Learn more and register. 8/3/2021
RSM Manufacturing Index Shows Continued Optimism
July 30, 2021According to OMA Connections Partner RSM and its U.S. Manufacturing Outlook Index, July marks the twelfth consecutive month of strong confidence in the manufacturing sector, with sentiment now reaching more than two standard deviations above what would be considered normal.
RSM writes: “Should vaccinations overcome the latest surge in COVID-19 cases, we expect these high levels of manufacturing confidence to be sustained, with the potential that stimulus spending and technology investment will provide the basis for further manufacturing gains.” 7/28/2021
Ohio’s Special Election Primaries Are Aug. 3
July 30, 2021Tuesday, Aug. 3, marks the special election primary for Ohio’s 11th and 15th congressional districts. For voters in these districts, early in-person voting continues through Monday, Aug. 2.
In the heavily Democratic 11th Congressional District, 13 Democrats and two Republicans running to replace former U.S. Rep. Marcia Fudge, who’s now secretary of the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development. Bernie Sanders surrogate and former state Sen. Nina Turner, along with Cuyahoga County Councilwoman Shontel Brown — endorsed by the Congressional Black Caucus PAC and former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton — have raised the most campaign funds, according to reports.
In the GOP-leaning 15th Congressional District, 11 Republicans and two Democrats are vying to replace former U.S. Rep. Steve Stivers, who resigned to lead the Ohio Chamber. According to reports, energy lobbyist Mike Carey — endorsed by former President Donald Trump — and state Sen. Bob Peterson (R-Washington Court House) have raised the most money in this race.
The general election for both districts will be Nov. 2. 7/28/2021
Rep. Plummer Says He Will Run for Speaker in 2023
July 30, 2021While Ohio’s current legislative session still has 17 months remaining, the next General Assembly already has its first candidate for House Speaker. Rep. Phil Plummer (R-Dayton) has announced he will seek the House’s top leadership role if he’s re-elected in November 2022. Current Speaker Bob Cupp (R-Lima) is term limited. 7/28/2021
Sens. Portman, Brown: China Trying to Undermine Ohio Manufacturers
July 30, 2021This week, Ohio’s U.S Sens. Rob Portman (R-OH) and Sherrod Brown (D-OH), along with U.S. Reps. Joyce Beatty (D-OH) and Tim Ryan (D-OH), wrote to Department of Commerce Secretary Gina Raimondo, urging her to look into the anti-dumping and countervailing duty orders on steel trailer wheels from China.
According to a news release, the lawmakers are concerned China is attempting to work around these orders by nominally moving production to a third country, undermining U.S. trade laws and hurting Ohio manufacturers. 7/29/2021
NAM: Infrastructure Legislation Is History in the Making
July 30, 2021This week, the U.S. Senate voted 67-32 to take the first procedural step toward debating a $1.2 trillion bipartisan infrastructure bill, which includes funding for roads, bridges, broadband, and other physical infrastructure. Ohio’s U.S. Sen. Rob Portman has served as the GOP’s chief negotiator on the bill.
National Association of Manufacturers President and CEO Jay Timmons called the vote “history in the making” and he urged both parties to get a final bill passed.
The bipartisan bill is the first of a pair of proposals. The other is a sweeping $3.5 trillion “human infrastructure” package that faces strong opposition from Republicans and dissent among moderate Democrats, Reuters reports. 7/29/2021
Preparing for Industry 4.0: What’s Next in Manufacturing
July 23, 2021Join the OMA Aug. 19 for a webinar that will examine ways to use the Industry 4.0 framework as a tool to address disruptors and improve performance and profitability. Experts from OMA Connections Partner Plante Moran will share case studies and show participants why having a structured approach to assess risks, prioritize improvement, and make progress is important to long-term success.
The webinar will also explain how cybersecurity plays a key role in the implementation of Industry 4.0. Learn more and register. 7/22/2021
RSM’s Latest ‘Manufacturing Insights’
July 23, 2021In its most recent “Manufacturing Insights” newsletter, OMA Connections Partner RSM spotlights global automotive supply chains, America’s industrial trade deficit, and the energy industry under the Biden administration. Read the full issue. 7/20/2021
Butler Co. Sees 23% Growth in Manufacturing Jobs Since 2010
July 23, 2021Good news from southwest Ohio. According to a Journal-News story, Butler County, Ohio experienced 23% growth in manufacturing jobs from 2010 to 2019, the latest data available. In comparison, manufacturing jobs increased 5.6% nationwide over the same period.
The article notes that one reason Butler County now has approximately 24,000 manufacturing jobs is the current diversity of manufacturing companies, several of which have recently expanded. 7/20/2021
CNBC: Ohio a Top 10 State for Business
July 16, 2021The Buckeye State is once again a top 10 state for business, according to the 2021 edition of CNBC’s annual ranking. Ohio’s No. 10 ranking is unchanged from 2019 — the last time the network published its comparison. Ohio’s neighbors were ranked as follows: Michigan, 11th; Indiana, 19th; Pennsylvania, 23rd; Kentucky, 41st; and West Virginia, 47th.
After scoring all 50 states on 85 metrics in 10 broad categories of competitiveness, CNBC determined Ohio was No. 2 in Cost of Doing Business, the most heavily weighted category. Ohio also performed well in the categories of Access to Capital (7th), Infrastructure (11th), and Economy (15th). 7/13/2021