Leadership

OSU Economist Briefs OMA Board

This week, the OMA board of directors held its Q4 meeting in Columbus. In addition to approving the association’s 2020 operating budget, board members were presented an economic overview by Ohio State University economist Dr. Ned Hill, who cited ongoing trade disputes, the latest ISM report, tightening margins, and growing consumer debt as concerns for the manufacturing sector.

Chaired by Jane Neal, senior vice president of AMG Vanadium LLC, the OMA board will meet again in March 2020. 12/3/2019

OMA-PAC Endorses Romanchuk for Ohio Senate

The OMA Political Action Committee (OMA-PAC) board this week endorsed state Rep. Mark Romanchuk (R-Ontario) in his campaign for Ohio’s 22nd Senate District. The seat is currently held by Senate President Larry Obhof, who is term-limited in 2020. The district includes Richland, Ashland, Holmes, and Medina counties.

Mark and his wife Zoi own a manufacturing firm, PR Machine Works, in Mansfield. As a member of the Ohio House of Representatives, Mark has been a champion for the manufacturing community. Click here if you’d like to contribute to his campaign. 12/4/2019

GM Announces 1,100 Jobs Coming to Lordstown Area

Good news for Ohio this week as General Motors, in partnership with LG Chem, announced it plans to create more than 1,100 new jobs in the Lordstown-area to staff a new facility focused on the mass production of battery cells.

Earlier this fall, OMA President Eric Burkland wrote an editorial about the changes being spurred by the electrification of cars and trucks — and the opportunity Ohio has to power the next generation of automotive manufacturing. 12/5/2019

Dec. 18 is Deadline to File for General Assembly Races

If you or someone you know is interested in serving in the Ohio General Assembly, time is running short to file for next year’s election.

As noted in this guide from the Ohio Secretary of State’s office, those wanting to run for the House or Senate have until Dec. 18 to file as a candidate on either party’s primary election ballot. Individuals running as independents have until March 16 — the day before the primary election.

For more information, contact the Secretary of State’s office at (614) 466-2585. 12/2/2019

OMA Member in the Ex-Im Spotlight

The Export-Import Bank (Ex-Im) — along with OMA member U.S. Bridge — was recently spotlighted by the National Association of Manufacturers (NAM). In NAM’s news article, U.S. Bridge President Richard Rogovin is quoted as saying: “Ex-Im has played a critical role in helping us make foreign sales in tough markets, doing everything possible to promote U.S. sales that support our manufacturing here.”

More than 200 Ohio manufacturers — mostly smaller businesses — have utilized Ex-Im over the past five years. Often called the “lender of last resort” for U.S. businesses competing for overseas contracts, Ex-Im operations are currently threatened by a Dec. 20 funding deadline as federal lawmakers try to negotiate a long-term re-authorization. 12/3/2019

Join Us Next Week for a Look into the Future

On Dec. 12, at 10 a.m. (EST), the OMA will host a special webinar featuring leading economist George Mokrzan, the director of economics at Huntington National Bank, an OMA Connections Partner. Dr. Mokrzan will provide his economic forecast for 2020, as well as his outlook on global trade. He will also address important manufacturing-related issues such as auto sales, energy markets, and business capital spending. Registration is free for OMA members; $39 fee for non-members. 12/3/2019

Columbiana, Ohio in the National Spotlight — Again

Northeast Ohio has received more positive national press. After being named the “nicest place in America” by Reader’s Digest earlier this fall, Columbiana was spotlighted last weekend by national columnist Salena Zito. With a population of 6,200, Columbiana is prospering economically, growing in population, and expanding its charming Main Street, Zito writes. And its success has attracted the attention of nearby towns seeking to replicate its efforts.

Zito sums up Columbiana’s success this way: “It is about a city that understands the value of community and everyone taking the time to invest in it. It’s not uniquely Columbiana; it is uniquely American.” 12/2/2019

Thanksgiving by the Numbers

After nearly 400 years since the first Thanksgiving dinner, our annual tradition of counting our blessings continues to be one of America’s most cherished holidays. This year, 96% of Americans plan to celebrate Thanksgiving, and more than 53 million of us will be traveling to spend the day with friends and family.

To help get you in the Thanksgiving spirit, WalletHub.com has compiled this fact-filled infographic full of Thanksgiving-related tidbits. 11/25/2019

2020 Ohio House Schedule Released

Speaker Larry Householder (R-Glenford) has released the 2020 schedule for the Ohio House of Representatives. A copy of the schedule was published by Gongwer News Service.

Floor debate will get busy beginning in February. Committee hearings, meanwhile, are set to start Jan. 21. No session dates are currently slated for July and August, as well as October — the month before the 2020 general election. 11/25/2019

Reminder: Be Heard by Participating in Ohio’s Statewide Manufacturing Survey

Here’s a reminder that the Ohio Manufacturing Extension Partnership (Ohio MEP) is conducting its annual manufacturing survey. The OMA encourages members to participate by Dec. 15. By doing so, you’ll help shape the offerings and services of Ohio’s manufacturing support organizations. Responses are confidential; the survey cannot link responses to specific companies. 11/25/2019