Leadership

Ohio House Not Expected to Reconvene Until October

Ohio House Speaker Jason Stephens (R-Kitts Hill) recently announced updates to the House’s session schedule. Instead of returning to Columbus in mid-September — as previously planned — it’s likely representatives won’t reconvene until mid-October. House committees may still meet during the recess. 8/23/2023

Ted Carter to Lead Ohio State

The Ohio State University Board of Trustees this week unanimously appointed Walter “Ted” Carter Jr. as OSU’s next president. He will begin his tenure on Jan. 1 as the university’s 17th president. 

Carter currently serves as president of the University of Nebraska system. Prior to his time in Nebraska, Carter led the U.S. Naval Academy. A retired vice admiral with 38 years of service, he flew 125 combat missions and holds the record for carrier-arrested landings with more than 2,000. 8/22/2023

Modern Manufacturing: Embracing the Digital Future

OMA Connections Partner RSM recently published this insight on why digital transformation is crucial for manufacturers that want to boost revenue, reduce costs, and thrive. RSM notes that to successfully undergo the transformation, companies must improve their global supply chain with advanced technologies, data-driven decision-making, and IT infrastructure enhancements. Read more. 8/24/2023

Business Emails Must Comply With CAN-SPAM Act

Businesses that send marketing emails should note this reminder from the FTC: Marketing emails must clearly tell consumers they can opt out and include an unsubscribe link. A proposed $650,000 settlement with Experian Consumer Services underscores the seriousness of this requirement. 8/24/2023

Manufacturing Job Creation Since COVID-19

In terms of raw numbers, Ohio is a national leader in creating and regaining manufacturing jobs since the pandemic, adding nearly 30,000 positions since January 2021. According to Axios’ analysis, the Buckeye State is No. 4 for manufacturing jobs added over the last two-and-a-half years.

But when comparing manufacturing job growth rates, Ohio and other Midwestern states trail some southern states. Ned Hill, an economic development professor at The Ohio State University, says the lagging rates can be linked to slower population growth and a shortage of semi-skilled workers.

Some experts note that southern states have been more aggressive in preparing industrial sites, while offering right-to-work protections. (Ohio’s new biennial budget includes $750 million for industrial site development.) 8/15/2023

Senator Vance to U.S. Steel: Refuse Foreign Buyout Bids

In the interest of national security, Ohio’s U.S. Sen. J.D. Vance (R) is urging United States Steel Corp. to reject buyout offers from foreign entities. This follows news that U.S. Steel appears be on the cusp of being absorbed.

In his news release, Sen. Vance says he sent a letter asking the Pittsburgh-based manufacturer to consider the interests of America’s industrial base as U.S. Steel weighs multiple bids, including from Ohio-based Cleveland-Cliffs.

Cleveland-Cliffs says its proposal would create a company that would be among the 10 biggest steelmakers in the world — and one of the top four outside of China, which dominates global steel production. Cleveland-Cliffs CEO Lourenco Goncalves — a keynote speaker at the OMA’s Sept. 13 energy conference — said the proposal would ensure a “lower-cost, more innovative and stronger domestic supplier” for customers. 8/17/2023

Plan Unveiled to Revamp Ohio’s Redistricting Process

A proposed constitutional amendment to establish a 15-member, citizen-appointed panel to redraw Ohio’s legislative and Congressional districts has been filed. Read this report by the Statehouse News Bureau.

The effort is supported by liberal-leaning organizations as well as Maureen O’Connor, the former Republican chief justice of the Supreme Court of Ohio. O’Connor was the key swing vote in invalidating legislative and congressional maps during the 2020 mapmaking cycle.

If supporters gather a sufficient number of signatures, the issue will appear on the November 2024 ballot. If approved by voters, redistricting power would shift from the Ohio Redistricting Commission, currently controlled by the GOP, to the newly created Citizens Redistricting Commission, comprised of five Democrats, five Republicans, and five independents. Current and former elected officials and lobbyists would be prohibited from serving on the new panel. 8/15/2023

At a Glance: Right-to-Repair Across the U.S.

Earlier this year, the OMA testified against Senate Bill 73, pending legislation that would mandate the so-called “right to repair,” thereby potentially exposing trade secrets and intellectual property.

The National Conference of State Legislatures has updated this state-by-state summary of right-to-repair legislation and laws. Of Ohio’s neighboring states, only Michigan is currently considering right-to-repair legislation. 8/14/2023

Questions to Answer Before Pulling Back From China

Through the first five months of this year, U.S. imports from China were down 24% from the same period a year ago as more manufacturers seek to reduce their exposure to China.

OMA Connections Partner RSM has published this insight, which poses three key questions to help manufacturers determine if moving away from operations or suppliers in China is best for their business.

Also, OMA Connections Partner Squire Patton Boggs will host an Aug. 22 webinar on President Joe Biden’s executive order banning investment in China for certain sectors due to national security concerns. Register here. 8/17/2023

Nate Mays Joins OMA Staff as Development Director

Nate Mays has joined the OMA staff as director of development and member services.

An Urbana native, Nate previously worked for commercial real estate developer Cafaro Company, where he was the sponsorship director and digital channel manager.

During his college years, Nate was a student athlete on the Youngstown State University football team. A starting quarterback for the Penguins, Nate played under Coach Bo Pelini and received mentoring from YSU President Jim Tressel. He graduated with a bachelor’s in marketing and a master’s in communications.

Nate recently returned to central Ohio. He and his wife have a 10-month-old daughter. In his spare time, Nate likes to stay active and is an avid golfer.

Email Nate to say hello. 8/16/2023