Leadership

Manufacturing Index Continues Positive Momentum

The U.S. manufacturing sector grew for the 18th consecutive month, according to a the Institute for Supply Management’s new survey of purchasing managers. OMA Connections Partner RSM reports that overall, the sentiments in the survey were optimistic — but the new COVID-19 variant poses a significant threat.

Meanwhile, orders for durable goods in the U.S. unexpectedly fell 0.5% in October, down for the second consecutive month, according to the U.S. Commerce Department, fueled by labor and material shortages.

Federal data show improvement in the U.S. jobless situation and trade deficit. But the University of Michigan’s most recent U.S. Consumer Sentiment Index report shows consumer confidence is lingering near a 10-year low amid inflation fears. 12/1/2021

Ohio Receives Grade of C- for Infrastructure

Ohio receives a grade of C- for its infrastructure, according to an annual report card from the American Society of Engineers. The report card, which examines 16 categories of infrastructure, notes that Ohio’s roadways and bridges carry the third-highest freight volume in the U.S. 11/30/2021

Ohio Sets Record for New Business Filings

Even with another month remaining in 2021, Ohio has broken the record for new filings in a calendar year. As of Nov. 21, 181,586 new businesses had been created, according to Secretary of State Frank LaRose. The previous high was 171,073 in 2020. 11/30/2021

At a Glance: All the Metals Mined in One Year

Visual Capitalist has published this infographic to illustrate all the metals and metal ores mined globally in 2019 (the latest year of data available). Despite that 3.2 billion metric tons of metals were produced in 2019, trends such as urbanization and electrification are significantly expanding global demand for metals, experts say. 12/2/2021

Reminder: Take the OMA’s Year-End Outlook Survey

Here’s a reminder: The OMA and its Connections Partner Schneider Downs are conducting a five-minute survey to examine Ohio manufacturers’ biggest challenges, their responses to those challenges, and their outlook for business.

Strong participation will ensure an accurate representation of our manufacturing community. Members are strongly encouraged to participate no later than Dec. 1. Findings will be published in a future Leadership Briefing. 11/18/2021

Ohio House OKs Bill Restricting Employer Options During COVID-19

In an 11th-hour move, the Ohio House this week voted 58-32 to pass legislation (House Bill 218) that would expand COVID-19 vaccine exemptions and prohibit businesses from requiring proof of vaccination for customers or employees.

The OMA opposed the measure, calling it “an unnecessary invasion of employer rights” and a repeat of House Bill 435, which was considered by House lawmakers earlier this fall. Like its predecessor, HB 218 would allow gaping exemptions from any COVID-19 vaccine requirement that a private employer may implement. These exemptions would make any such decision by an employer meaningless.

The OMA has continuously voiced support for the right of employers to determine their own workplace policies with respect to COVID-19 vaccines.

The bill now heads to the Senate, where Senate President Matt Huffman (R-Lima) has cast doubts on the bill’s prospects. Huffman told The Columbus Dispatch (subscription) that “most of the Senate Republican caucus eschew the suggestion that we need to go and tell businesses how to run their businesses.” 11/18/2021

House Passes Bill to Create Ohio Electric Vehicle Commission

In an effort to maintain the Buckeye State’s dominant role in the auto industry, the Ohio House this week passed OMA-supported House Bill 292.

If approved by the Senate and signed by the governor, the bill would establish the Electric Vehicle Commission, which would examine critical issues like workforce, production capacity, and industry constraints in the EV space. The commission would also help lawmakers diagnose industry needs and adopt policies to complement Ohio’s existing strengths in the EV market. 11/18/2021

OMA ‘Food Day’ Set for Dec. 9

This year’s OMA Food and Beverage Manufacturers’ Policy Council is set for Thursday, Dec. 9. This event will provide important legislative and regulatory updates for Ohio’s food and beverage manufacturers. There is no charge to attend, but the event is reserved for OMA members that are food and beverage manufacturers. If you haven’t already, register by calling (800) 662-4463 or emailing the OMA’s Rob Brundrett. 11/17/2021

Business Fairness Act Sent to Governor

This week, the Ohio Senate voted 31-0 to pass House Bill 215, which will allow any business to remain open during future pandemics. The bill has been sent to Gov. Mike DeWine for his signature or veto.

The “Business Fairness Act” would permit any business that would otherwise be ordered to close under a statewide health order to remain open as long as the business can demonstrate it is following the same safety protocols that are required of “essential businesses.” Due in large part to the work of the OMA, most Ohio manufacturers and their suppliers were deemed essential during the early stages of the COVID-19 outbreak in spring 2020. 11/17/2021

Congressional Redistricting Map Finally Sent to Governor

This week, the Ohio House voted 55-36 to approve of the state’s new congressional redistricting map. Critics say the map will unfairly lock in GOP control, while Republicans say the map is compact, competitive, and constitutional.

Because no Democrat supported the new map, it will only be in effect for four years instead of the typical 10 years. The bill — already approved by the Ohio Senate — now goes to Gov. Mike DeWine for his consideration. 11/18/2021