Leadership

Food Exporters Event Set for July 27 in Columbus

Food Export-Midwest is conducting its annual Midwest Buyers Mission in Columbus on July 27. The Ohio Department of Development (DoD) says processed food and beverage company representatives who attend this event can position themselves and their products in front of pre-qualified international buyers. Early registration deadline is Friday, May 13. Here’s more information, or call Wendi Howell at DoD at (614) 466-6811. 5/2/2022

Bill Aims to Encourage More U.S. Pharmaceutical Manufacturing

U.S. Rep. Brad Wenstrup (R, OH-2) has introduced legislation that aims to secure U.S. medical supply chains, reduce reliance on China and India for pharma products, and create jobs in the pharmaceutical sector. Wenstrup says the country is at a disadvantage by its overreliance on other countries for pharmaceuticals, medical devices, personal protective equipment, and other health-related essentials. 5/4/2022

Stage Is Set for Ohio’s Primary Election

Ohio is set for its May 3 primary, which will include all races other than those for state House and Senate seats due to the ongoing redistricting dispute. Here are some election-related updates for OMA members:

• Gov. Mike DeWine continues to hold a sizeable lead over his GOP challengers, according to the latest polling average from Real Clear Politics and a new Fox News poll. No recent public polling has been conducted for the Democratic primary race.
• In Ohio’s U.S. Senate race, J.D. Vance has taken the lead in the GOP primary, according to the new Fox News poll, but 25% of likely voters are still undecided. U.S. Rep. Tim Ryan (OH-13) held a strong advantage in the Democratic primary, according to a poll conducted in February.

As Election Day approaches, remember that no matter where in Ohio you reside, registered voters can check out a sample ballot before they vote. Also, you can share this Ohio “Voter Toolkit” with your employees. 4/27/2022

CEO Survey Finds Ohio Is a Top 10 State for Business

Ohio has again been ranked as one of the top states for business, according to this year’s annual ranking by Chief Executive magazine. The survey of nearly 700 CEOs, company presidents, and business owners puts the Buckeye State at No. 7, unchanged from its position in 2021. Texas and Florida captured the survey’s top two spots, while California was ranked 50th. 4/28/2022

In the Spotlight: Shelby County Manufacturing

Despite having fewer than 50,000 residents, Shelby County boasts more manufacturing jobs per capita than any other Ohio county. The county’s manufacturing sector and its 12,200 jobs were recently spotlighted by the Dayton Daily News. Read the full story.

The county is home to major manufacturing employers, including Honda, Emerson, Cargill, and Airstream. Local leaders say Shelby County’s transportation infrastructure and strong work ethic have made the area a manufacturing powerhouse. 4/26/2022

U.S. Census Bureau Conducting Manufacturers Survey

The Annual Survey of Manufacturers, conducted by the U.S. Census Bureau, is underway. If your company was selected to participate in the survey, you’ll receive a letter providing an authentication code and directing you to a portal to sign-in or register. More information is available here. 4/26/2022

Ohio’s U.S. Senators Among Semiconductor Bill Negotiators

Ohio’s U.S. Sens. Sherrod Brown (D) and Rob Portman (R), along with U.S. Rep. Steve Chabot (R-Cincinnati), will help shape the final version of federal legislation aimed at fortifying the domestic computer chip industry and supply chain.

As reported by Gongwer News Service, the conference committee tasked with striking a compromise between the House’s America COMPETES Act and the Senate’s U.S. Innovation and Competition Act has not yet begun negotiations. Negotiations could last several weeks due to major differences between the two versions of the legislation. 4/27/2022

Satellite Maps: China’s Supply Chain Standstill

China’s COVID-19 lockdowns in major cities like Shenzhen and Shanghai have had far-reaching effects on supply chains. VisualCapitalist.com has published these satellite maps showing the backup in Shanghai’s ports, which handle about 20% of China’s export containers.

The number of container vessels waiting outside of Chinese ports today is 195% higher than it was in February, experts say. (For real-time updates on marine traffic worldwide, click here.) 4/26/202

Welcome to Indiana, a Right-to-Work State

OMA member Phillips Tube Group was spotlighted in a recent Wall Street Journal column describing Ohio’s competitive disadvantage due to neighboring states with right-to-work laws.

The column describes how Indiana passed right-to-work law a decade ago and has gained jobs from Ohio due to the Buckeye State’s comparative union friendliness.

The authors, a pair of researchers, empirically substantiate how states including Ohio are harming themselves by not enacting right-to-work law, especially in the critical manufacturing sector.

The OMA stands ready to work with policymakers to level the playing field. Unfortunately, the Republican-controlled Ohio House of Representatives is advancing House Bill 235 that will expand union rights, forcing certain manufacturers to hire union employees. Manufacturers are urged to contact their state legislators and ask them to vote “no” on HB 235 and instead enact needed right-to-work reforms. 4/21/2022

HB 616 Would Ban Teaching Specified Topics

Recently introduced, Ohio House Bill 616 would ban “divisive or inherently racist concepts” from being taught in Ohio schools, including critical race theory and diversity, equity, and inclusion learning outcomes. The bill would also prohibit schools from using curricula on sexual orientation and gender identity for students between kindergarten and third grade.

HB 616 mirrors similar legislation recently enacted in Florida.

OMA’s contact on this bill is Managing Director, Public Policy Services, Rachael Carl. 4/21/2022