Leadership

A new report from the Ohio Manufacturers’ Association (OMA) finds that unverified electricity demand forecasts are inflating projected power needs and driving higher electric bills across the PJM region.

The report was released alongside a preview of proposed legislation that would require independent verification and public review of large-load forecasts before they can be used to justify major power infrastructure spending.

“Customers are being asked to pay for a future that may never arrive,” OMA President Ryan Augsburger said. “Speculative forecasts are being treated like guaranteed demand, and paper demand is driving real costs.”

The report cites findings from PJM’s Independent Market Monitor showing speculative load forecasts increased regional electricity capacity costs by $21.3 billion over three years, compared with $1.8 billion tied to actual realized load growth during the same period. Those assumptions are being incorporated into long-term planning models as guaranteed growth, pushing up capacity prices and triggering unnecessary transmission and generation projects, the report says.

Because utilities and transmission owners earn returns on approved infrastructure, overstated forecasts can encourage building even when projected load never materializes, shifting the cost to customers.

At a news conference hosted by OMA, State Sen. Mark Romanchuk, R-Ontario, discussed the proposed Electricity Forecast Integrity Act, which would require large-load projections to be independently verified before being incorporated into regional planning and pricing models.

“This proposed bill draws a clear line between real demand and hypothetical demand,” Romanchuk said. “Ohioans deserve a power system built on evidence, not assumptions.”

Click here to read the OMA’s executive summary of the analysis. 2/5/2026

Angela Phillips, an Ohio Manufacturers’ Association (OMA) board member and CEO of Phillips Tube Group, is featured in a Spectrum News 1 report examining how the so-called “benefits cliff” can discourage workers from accepting raises or advancing in their careers. Phillips said manufacturers frequently see situations where modest wage increases trigger the loss of public assistance benefits, leaving workers financially worse off despite earning more.

The story also highlights federal legislation supported by Ohio Sen. Jon Husted that would allow public benefits to phase down gradually as income rises, rather than dropping off abruptly. Supporters say the approach would encourage upward mobility while strengthening workforce participation.

Phillips said addressing the benefits cliff is critical for manufacturers working to recruit, retain and advance talent, particularly as employers invest in workforce development and long-term economic growth.

“Angela brings an invaluable, real-world perspective to workforce policy conversations,” said OMA President Ryan Augsburger. “As the leader of Phillips Tube Group, she sees firsthand how the benefits cliff affects workers and employers alike. We appreciate Sen. Husted for shining a light on this issue and for his focus on solutions that help people keep moving forward while supporting Ohio’s manufacturing economy.” 2/5/2026

Ohio Manufacturers’ Association President Ryan Augsburger joined education, workforce and local leaders this week at the ribbon cutting for the new Advanced Manufacturing Workforce and Innovation Hub in Hamilton. The facility is a partnership among Miami University, Butler Tech Career Technical Center, OhioMeansJobs Butler County, the city of Hamilton and Butler County. It is designed to strengthen regional talent pipelines by connecting hands-on training with employer needs.

The hub brings together high school, career-technical and collegiate programs in one location and provides students with access to manufacturing career pathways ranging from industry-recognized credentials and associate degrees to advanced engineering technology programs in robotics, electro-mechanical engineering and related fields. Leaders said the employer-aligned model reflects the goals of the Ohio Manufacturing Workforce Blueprint by linking learners to in-demand careers and expanding opportunities for hands-on, work-based learning.

“This is what workforce development should look like,” Augsburger said. “When education and industry work side by side, students get real skills and manufacturers get the talent they need to grow.” 2/3/2026

A federal judge on Monday blocked the scheduled termination of Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for Haitian nationals, pausing the Trump administration’s effort to end the humanitarian program as a legal challenge proceeds. U.S. District Judge Ana Reyes ruled that the planned Feb. 3 expiration was “null, void and of no legal effect,” preserving work authorization and protection from deportation for Haitian TPS holders while the case moves forward. Reyes was appointed to the federal bench by President Joe Biden and confirmed by the U.S. Senate in 2023.

The Biden administration last extended and redesignated Haiti for TPS in June 2024, citing ongoing political instability and humanitarian conditions, setting the current expiration date in 2026. TPS was first granted after Haiti’s 2010 earthquake and has been repeatedly renewed due to continuing crises. An analysis by Bricker Graydon Wyatt said the ruling maintains current protections while the court considers the underlying challenge. Homeland Security officials are expected to appeal.

The ruling provides short-term workforce stability by allowing Haitian TPS holders to continue working legally while the case moves forward. Employers avoid the sudden loss of trained workers and the costs of turnover and retraining in an already tight labor market. Industry groups said the decision offers temporary certainty for staffing and compliance planning, though longer-term impacts will depend on the outcome of the court challenge and any future action by federal officials. 2/6/2026

As subzero temperatures settled across Ohio this week, grid officials again described extreme cold as a “special challenge” for the power system. The Ohio Manufacturers’ Association (OMA) pushed back, saying winter weather should not be framed as an emergency surprise for infrastructure that customers pay to be reliable year-round.

Manufacturers rely on continuous electricity to operate safely and protect equipment, and they already fund that reliability through their monthly power bills. OMA said treating predictable cold snaps as extraordinary events shifts attention away from whether the system is actually built to perform when demand spikes.

“Cold weather isn’t a curveball,” OMA President Ryan Augsburger said. “It’s in the calendar every year. If the system can’t handle winter, then customers are paying for promises instead of performance.”

OMA said the latest cold snap underscores the need for stronger planning and accountability so customers are not left footing the bill for a grid that struggles under conditions it is supposed to handle. 1/28/2026

Ohio manufacturers are continuing to press state lawmakers to restore funding for the state’s Manufacturing Extension Partnership (MEP) network, saying recent layoffs and office closures are already weakening support for small and mid-sized companies.

Ohio Manufacturers’ Association (OMA) President Ryan Augsburger told FreshWater Cleveland that MEP centers such as MAGNET are critical to helping manufacturers adopt advanced technologies and boost productivity.

“Abrupt funding cuts put jobs, competitiveness and local supply chains at risk,” Augsburger said. “Like Ohio’s agricultural extension network, MEPs provide trusted, on-the-ground expertise where it matters most.”

Augsburger said MEPs help position Ohio to reshore more production by connecting companies with innovation and process improvements they could not develop on their own, a role that is especially important for smaller manufacturers without large engineering teams.

Officials have tied the funding suspension to financial reporting concerns, though industry leaders say they were not given an opportunity to resolve them. Augsburger said manufacturers should document lost projects and delayed investments, warning that every month the system sits idle makes it harder for Ohio to compete for new production and jobs. 1/28/2026

Winter storm Fern disrupted normal business at the Statehouse this week, with heavy snow and bitter cold forcing travel restrictions and widespread cancellations. Gov. Mike DeWine declared a state of emergency ahead of the system, which brought dangerous conditions across much of Ohio. Ohio Senate committee hearings were canceled for the entire week, effectively pausing legislative activity as lawmakers and staff stayed off the roads. The Ohio Senate is next scheduled to meet on Wednesday, Feb. 11 and the Ohio House is scheduled to convene for the first time this year on Wednesday, Feb. 18.

The disruption means several policy discussions of interest to Ohio Manufacturers’ Association (OMA) members will shift into early February. OMA staff will remain in contact with legislative offices as the weather moves through and will resume engagement once committees return to the schedule. 1/30/2026

A Trump administration energy announcement last week renewed attention on pressures affecting electricity markets and power costs across the PJM region. The plan calls for steps to strengthen grid reliability and address capacity pricing pressures across the nation’s largest power grid.

Ohio Manufacturers’ Association (OMA) President Ryan Augsburger said the announcement underscores long-standing concerns with pricing failures inside PJM Interconnection, where inflated demand assumptions and record-high capacity prices have increased costs and uncertainty across the region. He noted that the states and businesses served by PJM account for the largest share of U.S. economic output, making competitive and transparent electricity markets essential to national competitiveness.

The debate highlights growing tension between data center development, grid planning and market design. OMA continues to press for reforms that restore accountability, improve forecasting accuracy, and ensure electricity markets deliver affordable and reliable outcomes as demand continues to evolve. 1/20/2026

Snow and bitterly cold temperatures put the spotlight on three things manufacturers cannot compromise on: worker safety, operational reliability and grid reliability. As winter weather moves across Ohio this weekend, manufacturers are reinforcing safety protocols, adjusting shifts and communicating clearly with employees to manage travel challenges, exposure risks and on-site conditions.

Reliable operations also depend on a dependable electric grid. PJM has issued a Cold Weather Alert through Tuesday, Jan. 27, a step that requires utilities to review scheduled maintenance and defer or cancel work on generation or transmission assets to ensure maximum availability during extreme conditions. Manufacturers expect this level of preparedness because it is exactly what they pay for through their electric bills. When reliability slips, the consequences show up immediately in safety incidents, downtime and higher workers’ compensation costs.

“Bitter cold and snow do not lower expectations,” said Ohio Manufacturers’ Association President Ryan Augsburger. “They raise them, especially when workers, operations and the power grid are most exposed.” 1/23/2026

New hiring activity tied to Intel’s Ohio One project is signaling renewed momentum at the massive semiconductor manufacturing site under construction near New Albany. Recent job postings from Bechtel, the project’s lead contractor, point to expanding on-site work as construction advances on what is expected to become one of the nation’s largest chip manufacturing campuses. While Intel has adjusted the project’s timeline, with production now expected later in the decade, the uptick in hiring underscores that the investment remains active and moving forward.

The project represents more than a single facility for Ohio’s manufacturing economy. Intel’s presence is expected to anchor a broader advanced manufacturing ecosystem, driving long-term demand for skilled labor, suppliers, construction trades and supporting infrastructure across central Ohio and beyond. In parallel, the Ohio Manufacturers’ Association and NIMS have partnered to launch new semiconductor technician credentials, helping ensure Ohio’s workforce is prepared to support domestic chip production as these investments come online. Continued progress at the site reinforces Ohio’s position in U.S. semiconductor manufacturing at a time when supply chain resilience, workforce readiness and global competitiveness remain top priorities. 1/21/2026

Recent federal data show modest gains in manufacturing output and capacity utilization in December, signaling steadier production conditions heading into 2026. National factory output rose slightly and operating rates edged higher, offering signs of stabilization after a period of uneven performance.

Those trends matter in Ohio, where manufacturing remains the backbone of the state’s economy. Ohio manufacturers generate nearly $140 billion in annual output, account for more than 16% of private-sector GDP, and support hundreds of thousands of jobs statewide. Even incremental improvements in utilization and production can translate into meaningful economic impact across the state’s supply chains.

While capacity use remains below long-term historical averages, the latest data point to continued resilience and adaptation. Ongoing investments in workforce development, advanced equipment, and operational efficiency position Ohio manufacturers to build on these early signs of momentum as demand conditions evolve in 2026. 1/20/2026

Jacob Sargent has joined the Ohio Manufacturers’ Association (OMA) staff as director of public policy services. In this role, he will help advance OMA’s public policy priorities and will serve as the government affairs point person for the Tax and Finance Committee and the Safety and Workers’ Compensation Committee.

A native of Dayton and a graduate of The Ohio State University, Jacob holds a B.S. in Neuroscience and brings a wide range of experience in Ohio policy and politics. He has worked in state government with both the Ohio House of Representatives and the Ohio Attorney General’s Office, focusing on policy and legislation. Jacob also brings extensive campaign experience, having served as political director for Attorney General Dave Yost’s statewide efforts — taking him to all 88 counties in Ohio.

“Jacob will be a valuable resource for our members and a strong advocate for manufacturers at the Statehouse,” said James Lee, OMA managing director of public policy services.

Jacob recently moved to Westerville with his wife, Anastasia, and their dog, Chanel. He is an avid swimmer, an Ohio State football fan and a Dayton Flyers basketball fan. Email Jacob to say hello. 1/23/2026

Ohio’s 2026 gubernatorial tickets took shape last week, but attention is now shifting to what the race could mean for manufacturers as both campaigns begin outlining policy priorities. Rob McColley, the Republican nominee for lieutenant governor, serves as Ohio Senate president and has been involved in a range of policy areas, including tax, energy and workforce committees. David Pepper joins the Democratic ticket after serving as a county commissioner and party leader with experience in state and local government.

The race is gaining relevance as the General Assembly ramps up its 2026 work and manufacturers continue to face pressure from rising energy costs, regulatory uncertainty and persistent workforce shortages. With campaigns moving beyond announcements and into policy substance, manufacturers are watching closely for signals on how each ticket would approach reliability, affordability and long-term investment. The Ohio Manufacturers’ Association will continue engaging both campaigns to ensure manufacturing priorities remain central as the race unfolds. 1/13/2026

After the headlines fade, the work continues. For Ohio Manufacturers’ Association (OMA) members, that work happens through the OMA’s policy committees, where manufacturers compare notes, surface real-world obstacles and help shape the agenda that guides OMA’s advocacy with lawmakers, regulators and workforce partners.

These committees are where issues move from theory to strategy. Members don’t just hear updates, they help define priorities, test ideas and connect directly with the decision-makers whose actions affect costs, competitiveness and growth.

Participation is flexible. While committee meetings offer valuable face-to-face time and candid discussion, members can also stay engaged by subscribing to committee materials and updates on their own schedule. Meetings are typically two-hour morning sessions with an optional networking lunch, and attendance is available both in person and virtually.

Chaired by manufacturing leaders and joined by subject-matter experts and public officials, OMA’s six standing policy committees remain one of the most practical ways for members to turn insight into impact. The full 2026 meeting calendar and registration details are available online, and there is no additional cost to participate. 1/16/2026

Pressure is intensifying on the U.S. Department of Commerce to reverse a decision that abruptly cut off manufacturing support across Ohio. Federal officials froze funding for Ohio’s Manufacturing Extension Partnership (MEP) network in December over audit-related reporting issues, triggering layoffs and halting projects already underway. Ohio leaders warn manufacturers are bearing the cost of an unresolved federal review. U.S. Sen. Jon Husted called for accountability, but stressed due process must come first. “If there was a single penny that was misspent or implemented wrongly, then I want that to be corrected,” Husted said. “There’s not a public official who has talked to more manufacturing businesses in Ohio than me.” The Ohio Manufacturers’ Association is working with Ohio’s MEP centers and state partners to press for answers and a swift resolution that restores certainty and keeps manufacturers focused on production, not paperwork. 1/14/2026

Frank Mehwald, a longtime leader within the Ohio Manufacturers’ Association (OMA) and its longest-serving board member, passed away peacefully at home Jan. 11, 2026. He was 87.

Frank joined the OMA Board of Directors in 1993 and served the association with distinction for more than three decades, including terms on the Executive Committee as vice chair. In September 2024, OMA recognized Frank’s extraordinary service with the Dan French Legacy Award, honoring his 32 years of commitment to Ohio manufacturing and the association’s mission.

OMA will be represented at a memorial service planned later this month and extends its deepest sympathies to Frank’s wife, Mary, and his family. Frank’s leadership, dedication and steady presence will be deeply missed.

More information about Frank Mehwald’s life and legacy is available in his obituary, linked here. 1/16/2026

The 2026 Ohio governor’s race came into sharper focus this week as both major campaigns finalized their tickets, Gov. Mike DeWine issued a general election endorsement and the Ohio Manufacturers’ Association (OMA) laid out its expectations for the campaign year.

DeWine endorsed Republican front-runner Vivek Ramaswamy and his running mate, Ohio Senate President Rob McColley, citing Ohio’s economic momentum and McColley’s leadership experience.

On the Democratic side, presumptive nominee Dr. Amy Acton selected David Pepper, a former chair of the Ohio Democratic Party and Hamilton County commissioner who previously ran statewide for auditor in 2010 and attorney general in 2014.

As the race takes shape, OMA said manufacturers are defining the priorities they expect candidates to address, including affordable and reliable energy, workforce availability and tax competitiveness. With both tickets now set, manufacturers can expect increased attention on economic competitiveness, workforce policy and the broader business climate facing Ohio manufacturers.

“We welcome a robust debate on how best to achieve those outcomes and look forward to working with leaders who are prepared to advance them,” OMA president Ryan Augsburger said. 1/7/2026

Major policy decisions made at the Ohio Statehouse are set to shape the operating environment for manufacturers in 2026, as the General Assembly begins its work later this month. Gov. Mike DeWine has already signed significant property-tax reforms into law, with changes taking effect in 2026 that will influence how industrial and commercial property is assessed and taxed. Lawmakers are expected to monitor implementation and may consider targeted technical adjustments as the new framework rolls out.

Workforce policy remains front and center, including potential action on youth-employment rules and broader efforts to strengthen Ohio’s talent pipeline for in-demand manufacturing jobs. Energy policy will also be closely watched, with manufacturers increasingly concerned that some proposals could raise costs, limit reliability or delay needed investment rather than address the underlying drivers of high electric bills.

“The policies debated this session will directly affect manufacturers’ costs and competitiveness,” said Ryan Augsburger, president of the Ohio Manufacturers’ Association (OMA). “As the General Assembly gets to work, lawmakers should focus on practical solutions that strengthen Ohio’s manufacturing economy.”

The OMA is actively engaged on these issues, advocating for policies that protect competitiveness and cost certainty. Members are encouraged to stay involved through OMA’s policy committees as the legislative session unfolds. 1/8/2026

Manufacturers looking to play a direct role in shaping Ohio’s manufacturing policy now have a roadmap for the year ahead.

The Ohio Manufacturers’ Association (OMA) has published its 2026 policy committee calendar, outlining when members can engage with OMA staff and peers on the legislative, regulatory and economic issues driving costs and competitiveness.

OMA’s policy committees serve as the association’s primary forum for two-way dialogue, allowing manufacturers to weigh in on emerging proposals, hear timely briefings and help guide OMA’s advocacy priorities at the Statehouse.

“OMA is strongest when manufacturers are at the table,” OMA President Ryan Augsburger said. “These committees are how member insight turns into effective advocacy, and participation makes a real difference.”

Members are encouraged to review the 2026 schedule and plan involvement in the committees that align most closely with their business and policy priorities. 1/5/2026

U.S. Sen. Jon Husted, R-Ohio, has introduced the Upward Mobility Act, bipartisan legislation aimed at addressing the so-called “benefits cliff” that discourages workers from accepting additional hours, raises or permanent positions. Under current rules, modest income gains can trigger the sudden loss of public assistance, creating disincentives for career advancement. The bill would establish a pilot program allowing states to better align anti-poverty benefits so support phases out more gradually as earnings increase. Ohio Manufacturers’ Association President Ryan Augsburger said a benefits cliff “traps Ohio workers, stalls careers and guts manufacturing,” noting that employers often see workers turn down opportunities to avoid losing critical support. Proponents say allowing workers to earn more without losing benefits could strengthen workforce participation, improve retention and support Ohio’s economic competitiveness. 1/7/2026