Leadership

Report: U.S. MFG Growth Now Leads Rest of the World

By the end of 2022, American manufacturing growth had started to outpace the rest of the world for the first time in recent memory, according to an Axios report. The surge in U.S. manufacturing was partly fueled by an increase in the production of renewable energy equipment, oil exports, medical equipment, and pharmaceuticals. 3/9/2023

James Lee Joins OMA Advocacy Staff

James Lee has joined the OMA staff as the newest director of public policy services. He joins Lindsey Short on the OMA’s advocacy team.

A Columbus native, James previously served in the DeWine-Husted administration as a legislative liaison at the Ohio Department of Development, specializing in economic development and workforce policy.

Prior to his time with the administration, James also worked at the Ohio House of Representatives, most recently for Rep. Sharon Ray (R-Wadsworth).

A graduate of the University of Dayton, James holds a Bachelor of Political Science. He’s an alum of the Ohio Legislative Service Commission Fellowship Program, where he got his start in public policy. Having family ties to a manufacturing business, James is eager to meet OMA members and advocate for Ohio’s No. 1 industry. Say hello to James. 3/9/2023

Speaker Stephens to Address OMA Members, March 8

On Wednesday, March 8, the OMA Government Affairs Committee will hold its initial meeting of 2023. You can register here for in-person and virtual attendance.

Speaker of the Ohio House Jason Stephens (R-Kitts Hill) will be among the guest speakers. In addition, the agenda will feature updates on the state budget, newly introduced legislation, and the Larry Householder trial. 3/2/2023

House Approves Transportation Budget

The House this week voted 74-21 to approve House Bill 23, the state’s two-year, $12.6 billion transportation budget. The measure includes $1 billion for rural highway projects, as well as railroad-related safety provisions. See this story by Gongwer News Service and this bill summary.

HB 23 now goes to the Senate for consideration.

Meanwhile, the House and Senate have unveiled plans to get the state’s main operating budget (HB 33) to Gov. Mike DeWine by the June 30 deadline, as reported by Gongwer. 3/1/2023

Rep. Kris Jordan Passes at 46

Rep. Kris Jordan (R-Ostrander) passed on Feb. 25 due to natural causes. The 46-year-old lawmaker had been recently appointed to chair the House Financial Institutions Committee, which he also chaired last session. Prior to his election to the House, he served two Senate terms. The OMA sends its condolences to the Jordan family. 2/27/2023

Ohio Manufacturers Spotlighted as CHIPS Act, IRA Are Implemented

Reuters has again highlighted Ohio manufacturing in this story on recent U.S. industrial policy, specifically last year’s federal CHIPS and Science Act and Inflation Reduction Act (IRA). The story spotlights OMA members Intel and Battle Motors.

As the CHIPS Act is implemented, the U.S. Department of Commerce is accepting applications for funding effort to revitalize the domestic semiconductor industry and its supply chain. Read more about the application process, or visit this site for details on CHIPS Act funding and tax credits. 3/1/2023

U.S. Manufacturing Index Slips Again

The downturn in manufacturing activity continued in February, according to the U.S. Manufacturing Outlook Index published by OMA Connections Partner RSM. The index shows a slowdown in employment growth and signs of excessive inventory.

The Institute for Supply Management’s manufacturing index also remained in negative territory for February. 3/1/2023

Publication Offers Keys to Operational Excellence

To help manufacturers manage disruption, drive efficiencies, and reduce costs, OMA Connections Partner Plante Moran has published this guidebook. It focuses on technology infrastructure; processes and the plant floor; supply chain management; and financial and tax considerations. 3/2/2023

Cosmetic Regulations Get a Facelift

OMA Connections Partner Dinsmore has published this list of requirements impacting cosmetic product manufacturers after enactment of the first federal cosmetics law since 1938. The law imposes several new mandates on cosmetic products and manufacturing facilities. 3/1/2023

Ohio Senate to Hold Hearings on Train Derailment

Ohio lawmakers plan to begin hearings next week on the Feb. 3 train derailment in Columbiana County. According to The Columbus Dispatch, Ohio Senate President Matt Huffman (R-Lima) wants to examine if any state laws need to be changed to enhance rail safety.

While interstate commerce is a federal issue, Huffman said “there are things the state controls like tort law, for example.” He said funding for East Palestine and the surrounding area could be added to the state budget.

Lawmakers are already proposing new rules for rail companies in Ohio’s next transportation budget. 2/23/2023