Leadership

House Cuts Budget and Tax Shifting

The House Finance Committee produced an omnibus amendment this week that cut state spending and eliminated the tax shifting proposed by the Kasich administration.

The governor had proposed paying for reductions in the personal income tax rate by increasing other taxes, most notably the sales tax. The OMA and other business groups advocated against this tax shifting.

The House also tightens the belt of state spending. Its plan would spend $133.2 billion over two years, $2.5 billion less than the governor’s proposal.

Here is an excellent overview by the Cleveland Plain Dealer of the changes made by the finance committee. The full House will act on the bill next week.  4/27/2017

High Court Favorable to Asbestos Defense

Manufacturers achieved a victory on an asbestos defense case recently.

The Supreme Court of Ohio accepted the discretionary appeal in Schwartz v. Honeywell International, Inc. on a proposition of law recommended in an OMA amicus brief: “A theory of causation based only upon cumulative exposure to various asbestos-containing products is insufficient to demonstrate that a particular defendant’s product was a ‘substantial factor’ under R.C. 2307.96.”

The ruling will be discussed by counsel at the June 7 meeting of the OMA Government Affairs Committee. Register for the committee meeting.  4/27/2017

It’s Almost Here!

Don’t miss the only event in North America totally focused on the latest trends in advanced manufacturing technology and strategies.

At the three-day Manufacturing & Technology Conference & Expo, May 8-10 in Cleveland, industry leaders will share proven methods for achieving operational excellence, recruiting top talent, seamlessly integrating new technologies, and identifying new revenue streams.

As an OMA member, you can receive an exclusive 50% off OMA member discount to attend! Simply click here to register and enter code OMA. Enter our prize drawing at booth #904 on the exhibit floor!  4/24/2017

Important Manufacturing Event in Ohio Taking Place Soon!

The don’t-miss three-day Manufacturing & Technology Conference & Expo this May 8-10 in Cleveland. This unique event features industry thought leaders and practitioners sharing insights and best practices on key topics, including: technology integration, leadership, operational excellence, and talent development.

Personalize your experience by choosing among 48 educational sessions, deep dive workshops, plant tours and networking events.

Plus, as an OMA member, you can receive an exclusive 50% off OMA member discount to attend! Simply click here to register and enter code OMA. Visit OMA at booth #904 on the exhibit floor!  4/17/2017

How are Manufacturers Addressing the “Internet of Things”?

The Internet of Things (IoT) is catalyzing the next manufacturing revolution.

The MPI Internet of Things Study, sponsored by BDO, finds that “manufacturers are making headway toward embracing the IoT and improving their readiness—more than half (51 percent), in fact, characterize themselves as IoT-competitive companies, and another 14 percent say they’re IoT leaders.

“Seventy-two percent of manufacturers report the application of the IoT to their plants and processes resulted in an increase in productivity in the last year, while 69 percent report seeing an increase in profitability, with 12 percent reporting increases of more than 10 percent. Looking forward, 60 percent of manufacturers have a strategy in place to apply the IoT to their processes—and 36 percent are already implementing it.”

However, manufacturers are overlooking two critical pieces that could de-rail their IoT progress: cybersecurity and R&D tax credits.

The Internet of Things introduces a host of new cyber threats and attack vectors for bad actors, and manufacturers may be leaving money on the table by failing to seek research tax credits.

Read more in the MPI Internet of Things Study sponsored by OMA Connections Partner BDO.  4/18/2017

USAFacts: A Powerful New Database on U.S. Governments’ Finance

Retired Microsoft CEO Steve Ballmer this week launched a new non-profit initiative called USAFacts — releasing a series of detailed statistical reports on local, state and federal governments to show how the country is being run.

The USAFacts report is organized around a four-pronged mission statement — derived from the preamble to the U.S. Constitution: establish justice and ensure domestic tranquility; provide for the common defense; promote the general welfare; and secure the blessings of liberty to ourselves and our posterity.

Ballmer is said to have spent $10 million on the initiative.  4/18/2017

General Assembly Home for Spring Break

State legislators are on a two-week spring break and enjoying themselves away from the capital. Thus, the state has a respite from the hazards, and opportunities, of law making. Session resumes the week of April 24, when the House will complete its work on the biennial budget and pass the fiscal drama on to the Senate.

Meanwhile, manufacturers are using the break to prepare to engage returning legislators on manufacturing-friendly policies in workers’ comp, unemployment comp, taxation, workforce development, transportation, energy and environment.  4/13/2017

Industry Week Manufacturing & Technology Conference – As Close as Cleveland!

Don’t wait to check out the most important manufacturing event in Ohio taking place this May 8-10 in Cleveland.

The don’t-miss three-day Manufacturing & Technology Conference & Expo features industry thought leaders and practitioners sharing insights and best practices on key topics, including: technology integration, leadership, operational excellence, and talent development.

Personalize your experience by choosing among 48 educational sessions, deep dive workshops, plant tours and networking events.

Plus, as an OMA member, you can receive an exclusive 50% off OMA member discount to attend! Simply click here to register and enter code OMA. Visit OMA at booth #904 on the exhibit floor!  4/13/2017

NAM Event to Honor Rep. Pat Tiberi is April 24

The National Association of Manufacturers (NAM) is spending a lot of time in Ohio this month thanking our Congressional leaders for manufacturing support!

On Monday, April 24, Owens-Illinois, Inc. and the NAM will honor Rep. Pat Tiberi (R-OH-12), a recipient of the NAM Award for Manufacturing Legislative Excellence. The event will take place at the Owens-Illinois, Inc. facility, 1700 State Street, Zanesville, OH 43701-3116. The program will begin at 11:00 a.m. and conclude at noon.

The NAM Award for Manufacturing Legislative Excellence recognizes Representative Tiberi’s exemplary voting record in the 114th Congress.

Register here to attend.  4/7/2017

NAM Award Events for Sen. Portman and Rep. Johnson Next Week

On Thursday, April 20, The Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company and the National Association of Manufacturers (NAM) will honor Senator Rob Portman (R-OH) and present the NAM Award for Manufacturing Legislative Excellence.

The event will take place at The Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company, 200 Innovation Way, Akron, OH 44316-0001. The program will begin at 9:15 a.m. and conclude at 10:30 a.m.

The NAM Award for Manufacturing Legislative Excellence recognizes Senator Portman’s outstanding voting record in the 114th Congress and his solid support for a strong manufacturing economy and a forward-thinking manufacturing agenda.

Please register here to attend the  Sen. Portman event.

Also on Thursday, April 20, Thermo Fisher Scientific and the NAM will honor Rep. Bill Johnson (R-OH-06) with the NAM Award for Manufacturing Legislative Excellence. The event will take place at the Thermo Fisher Scientific facility located at 401 Mill Creek Rd., Marietta, OH 45750. The program will begin at 9:30 a.m. and conclude at 10:45 a.m.

Register here to attend the Rep. Johnson event.  4/13/2017