Leadership

Members of the OMA Government Affairs Committee met Tuesday, Sept. 30 in Columbus to review public policy priorities of interest to manufacturers. More than 100 industry leaders were on hand to gain insights from Gov. Mike DeWine who engaged with members at length. The group also visited with members of the Governor’s cabinet and Speaker of the House Pro Tempore Gayle Manning (R-Avon).

A lively and entertaining debate followed to critique the political environment before the group adjourned for a legislative reception. The Committee will meet one final time in 2025 on Thursday, Dec. 4. “Manufacturing leaders are invited to attend. You won’t want to miss out,” said OMA managing director of public policy James Lee. 10/9/2025

Hundreds of manufacturers convened to kickoff Manufacturing Month together at the Ohio Manufacturers’ Leadership Forum on Wednesday, Oct. 1 in Columbus. The jampacked agenda featured numerous industry leaders and was hosted by OMA Chairman Scott Corbitt, Regional Vice President for Anheuser-Busch (pictured left).

The keynote address was delivered by Fox News personality and program host Laura Ingraham who spoke from personal experience about being from a manufacturing family where she learned to appreciate working class values and the opportunities for one to advance themselves through hard work and determination. 10/9/2025

Longtime OMA board member and past chairman David W. Johnson, of Summitville A Brand of General Shale Brick, was presented the Dan French Legacy Award for exemplary service to the Ohio community of manufacturers at the Ohio Manufacturers’ Leadership Forum on Wednesday, Oct. 1 in Columbus. Additionally, Julianne Kurdila of Cleveland-Cliffs (pictured left) was presented the William Babington, Jr. Award for her years of leadership on the OMA Environment Committee. 10/9/2025

Dave O’Neil has joined the OMA staff as director of communications and marketing. Dave will serve as the primary media contact and lead strategic efforts to amplify member success stories and highlight the vital role manufacturing plays in Ohio’s economy.

A native of Youngstown, he brings more than 16 years of experience in public service and communications from his time at the Ohio Attorney General’s Office and Franklin County Auditor’s Office. Dave also served as Deputy Press Secretary for the 2016 Republican National Convention in Cleveland. Earlier in his career, he worked as a journalist with reporting roles at the Ashland Times-Gazette, Key West Citizen and Columbus Dispatch. Dave earned his bachelor’s degree in Journalism from The Ohio State University. He lives in Bexley with his wife, Allie, and their four-month-old son, Collins. Dave is an avid runner and spends far too much time worrying about the Cleveland Guardians and Ohio State football. Email Dave to say hello. 10/9/2025

The first Friday of October marks Manufacturing Day! October is Manufacturing Month — a nationwide initiative that shines a spotlight on the incredible contributions of manufacturers across the country. In Ohio, where manufacturing remains the backbone of our economy, this day is more than symbolic — it’s a tribute to the innovation, resilience and craftsmanship that define our state’s industrial spirit.

The Ohio Manufacturers’ Association is proud to support this movement and encourages all members to participate in local events, share their stories and engage with their communities. Whether through plant tours, career fairs or classroom visits, every interaction helps build awareness and appreciation for the vital role manufacturing plays in our lives.

To explore resources, register events, or find inspiration for celebrating Manufacturing Month, visit the Manufacturing Institute. 10/1/2025

Hundreds of manufacturing leaders gathered in Columbus this week for The Ohio Manufacturers’ Leadership Forum as an industry “kickoff” to Manufacturing Month. Two OMA members were recognized with outstanding servant leadership awards and members heard insights from Fox News host Laura Ingraham at a luncheon forum hosted by OMA Chairman Scott Corbitt, Region Vice President of Anheuser-Busch.

Full coverage of the event, with pictures, will be included in next week’s edition. Click to view the welcome. 10/1/2025

The U.S. Commerce Department announced it will consider new tariffs on imported auto parts, citing national security concerns tied to emerging automotive technologies. According to Reuters, the development follows recent tariff hikes on more than 400 steel and aluminum products, including key EV and bus components. Some national industry groups are urging the administration to halt further expansions, warning of increased costs and uncertainty for manufacturers.

Make sure your business is engaged with national industry associations to stay abreast of federal government policies, including trade and tariffs. 9/25/2025

October is Manufacturing Month! Start planning today to join manufacturers across Ohio in showcasing the exciting careers and innovations in our industry.

Visit MFGDay.com for free toolkits, event-planning guides and promotional materials to help you host impactful events and inspire future talent. 9/25/2025

Centrus Energy announced a $1.58 billion expansion of its uranium enrichment facility in Pike County, creating 300 permanent jobs and up to 1,000 construction positions at peak. The project at the former Portsmouth Gaseous Diffusion Plant aims to strengthen U.S. nuclear fuel production, reducing reliance on foreign suppliers including China and Russia. Local property tax and workforce development agreements are part of the plan, with jobs paying at least $50,000 annually.

In a recent statement, OMA President Ryan Augsburger celebrated the announcement, saying, “We welcome the investment of a supplier of fuel resources for nuclear power generation. As part of Ohio’s fair and competitive generation marketplace, it will be a boon to have a source of enriched uranium right here in the Buckeye state.” 9/25/2025

Lt. Gov. Jim Tressel announced late last week that he will not run for governor, clearing the way for businessman Vivek Ramaswamy to emerge as the frontrunner in the Republican primary. Tressel’s decision could also influence the Democratic field, where Tim Ryan and Dr. Amy Acton are weighing or pursuing bids.

Adding to the momentum, Ramaswamy and U.S. Sen. Jon Husted formally endorsed each other this week, cementing GOP alliances at the top of the ticket ahead of Ohio’s high stakes 2026 races for governor and U.S. Senate. 9/25/2025

ODNR has launched a new digital state parks passport challenge to better help Ohioans explore all 76 state parks, earn badges and track their adventures. It’s a fun way to celebrate Ohio’s recent national recognition for park excellence. 9/25/2025

Time is running out to register for the Ohio Manufacturers’ Leadership Forum on Wednesday, Oct. 1, celebrating Manufacturing Month and bringing together industry leaders statewide with special guest Laura Ingraham.

On Tuesday, Sept. 30, the Forum kicks off with the OMA Government Affairs Committee meeting, where Governor Mike DeWine will outline key policy initiatives and Speaker Pro-Tempore Gayle Manning will discuss the legislature’s fall priorities and redistricting.

Don’t miss out on this premier annual gathering for Ohio’s manufacturing leaders. 9/17/2025

The Ohio Department of Education and Workforce this week released the Ohio School Report Cards highlighting student progress in preparing for their futures. Among the bright points, statewide math achievement is rising, and more graduates are earning college credits and industry credentials.

The department attributed the increase in industry credentials to Ohio’s strategic investments in career-technical education and its focus on preparing students for in-demand careers and lifelong success. A multitude of data resources, including building-by-building rankings, are available in the department’s informational press release. 9/16/2025

The National Association of Manufacturers this week expressed concerns with the policy direction of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. In its statement, the NAM noted how MAHA guiding principles are out of step with and would undermine the Trump regulatory agenda without improving health and safety.

The NAM has issued a national ad campaign showcasing the vital role manufacturers throughout the food, beverage, pharmaceutical and chemistry supply chains play in strengthening families, building communities and driving the nation forward. 9/10/2025

OMA Board member Steve Staub of Staub Manufacturing Solutions played host this week to a roundtable and plant visit with entrepreneur Vivek Ramaswamy. The Republican candidate for governor in the 2026 election contest engaged with manufacturers extensively on the subject of workforce development and education.

“It’s important that manufacturers communicate directly with candidates for Ohio elected office to convey our industry’s policy priorities,” said OMA Managing Director of Public Policy James Lee. 9/4/2025

House Speaker Matt Huffman and Senate President Rob McColley have launched a website allowing the public to submit proposed congressional district maps in Ohio, the only state required to redraw its congressional map this cycle due to a constitutional provision. Submissions will be made public and lawmakers have not yet announced when the official redistricting process will begin.

State political leaders are encouraging interested Ohioans to review the site and submit proposals, helping ensure transparency and public engagement in the redistricting process. 9/3/2025

Members of the Ohio Legislature are scheduled to return from their summer recess, with Senate committees expected to resume activities as early as Sept. 16. While committee work will begin in mid-September, the General Assembly is likely to focus on congressional redistricting, with broader legislative business returning in October.

The full fall legislative calendar is available on the Ohio Legislature’s website. 9/3/2025

The OMA bids a fond farewell to outgoing Director of Communications Tom Evans. Tom has joined the office of U.S. Senator Jon Husted as Deputy State Director.

Tom (right) is pictured here with U.S. Senator Bernie Moreno at an OMA government affairs event earlier this year. 9/2/2025

A new Emerson College Poll shows incumbent Senator Jon Husted (R) holding a six-point lead over former Senator Sherrod Brown (D) in the race for the remainder of the U.S. Senate term in Ohio: 50% to 44%, with 7% undecided.

Brown, though trailing, benefits from stronger name recognition—44% view him favorably versus just 33% for Husted.

Husted’s edge is particularly pronounced among male voters, those without a college degree, and older voters, while Brown performs better with women and independents.

In the gubernatorial contest, Republican Vivek Ramaswamy is ahead of Democrat Amy Acton by 10 points: 49% to 39%, with 12% undecided, according to the same Emerson College poll.

Overall, these early polls indicate Republicans currently hold a solid advantage in Ohio’s high-profile statewide contests slated for the November 3, 2026, general election. 8/26/2025

Two Ohio appellate courts have now ruled the state’s cap on noneconomic damages in medical malpractice cases unconstitutional, citing violations of due process and equal protection. Noneconomic damage caps are a key tort reform measure that has leveled the playing field in Ohio by reining in purely subjective, unpredictable, and unlimited noneconomic damages.

The cap, in place since 2003 to stabilize insurance costs and healthcare access, now faces a potential overturn by the Ohio Supreme Court. If struck down, this could lead to increased litigation risks and higher liability insurance premiums for healthcare providers statewide.

Read more on these rulings from Bricker Graydon. 8/26/2025