Leadership

ISM Survey: U.S. Manufacturing Expands in February

Despite headwinds, the U.S. manufacturing sector continued its expansion in February, according the Institute for Supply Management and this summary by Chad Moutray, chief economist for the National Association of Manufacturers.

Supply chains remain a top concern for manufacturing purchasing managers, according to Connections Partner RSM, which has published this look at inflation’s impact on middle market businesses. 3/2/2022

Ongoing Challenges in the Automotive Supply Chain

While the pandemic appears to be receding, long-term factors including geopolitics, will force a re-orientation of global supply chains. OMA Connections Partner Jones Day has published this brief insight into key issues automotive suppliers should consider as supply chains are re-evaluated. 3/1/2022

Global Steel Production Continued Downward Trend in January

Global raw-steel production continued to fall in early 2022, following the trend of the second half of 2021, according to the World Steel Association, which reports monthly raw-steel output. China, the world’s leading steelmaker, produced 11.2% less output than in January 2021; the U.S. steel industry — the fourth-largest in the world — produced 4.2% more than in January 2021. 2/28/2022

New Map Identifies Gaps in Ohio’s Broadband Coverage

Lt. Gov. Jon Husted recently announced BroadbandOhio has published a new mapping resource tool that provides a more detailed picture of Ohio’s broadband availability gaps. The statewide map, along with profiles on each of the 88 counties, can be found here. 3/1/2022

New Maps Unveiled (Again) for Legislative, U.S. House Districts

After failing to meet the Supreme Court of Ohio’s deadline for submitting state House and Senate district maps, the Ohio Redistricting Commission recently passed its third version of the district boundaries by a 4-3 vote. The new maps now go before the court for yet another review. See this summary by Bricker & Eckler, the OMA’s general counsel.

The redistricting commission also adopted its latest attempt to redraw Ohio’s 15 congressional districts. The new congressional map is comprised of 10 GOP districts, three Democratic districts, and two competitive districts that lean slightly in favor of Democrats. The filing deadline for congressional candidates is today (Friday, March 4). 3/4/2022

Poll: Gibbons, DeWine Hold Sizeable Leads; Cranley and Whaley Tied

Businessman Mike Gibbons leads the GOP race for Ohio’s 2022 U.S. Senate election, according to a new poll conducted by the Emerson College Polling and The Hill. Nearly 40% of respondents said they were still undecided.

The poll showed Gov. Mike DeWine comfortably leading in the Republican gubernatorial race, while on the Democratic side, former Cincinnati Mayor John Cranley and former Dayton Mayor Nan Whaley were tied. 3/1/2022

Report: Ohio’s Food and Beverage Industry Spends $114M on R&D

Ohio’s food, beverage, and agribusiness industries are well-positioned to continue their progress in R&D, according to insight published by JobsOhio and OMA Connections Partner Center for Innovative Food Technology (CIFT). The research notes Ohio’s food industry employs 125,842 Ohioans across all 88 counties, and invests $114 million in R&D. 2/23/2022

Ohio Officials: Too Late to Hold One May 3 Primary for All Races

While the tug of war continues over Ohio’s redistricting process, Secretary of State Frank LaRose and Attorney General Dave Yost have said state lawmakers should delay the May 3 primary for Statehouse and U.S. House races.

Meanwhile, on Feb. 24, the Ohio Redistricting Commission adopted its third version of new maps for state House and Senate districts. Because the maps again failed to attract bipartisan support, they’d only be in effect for four years even if approved by the Supreme Court of Ohio.

The commission will next turn its attention to drafting another version of a new congressional map. 2/24/2022

New Cybersecurity Resource Center Offers No-Cost Tools

The Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) has unveiled its new no-cost cybersecurity resource center. This summary from OMA Connections Partner Schneider Downs says these resources can help businesses and organizations reduce cyber risk. The summary includes steps companies can take immediately to reduce the likelihood of a damaging cyber incident. 2/23/2022

DOT Report Tackles Supply Chain Gaps

The U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) has just published this report that lays out vulnerabilities in the nation’s freight and logistics supply chain, while providing potential solutions. Meanwhile, the National Association of Manufacturers reports that the agency has made available $450 million in port grants to reduce bottlenecks. 2/24/2022