Leadership

Ohio’s U.S. Senate Race Garners National Press

The Hill newspaper this week published its list of the five U.S. Senate seats most likely to flip in 2024. On the list is the Ohio seat held by U.S. Sen. Sherrod Brown (D), who is running for his fourth term.

Other respected political publications, like the Cook Political Report and Sabato’s Crystal Ball, consider Ohio’s U.S. Senate contest a toss-up. The race is getting national attention because the large number of seats (23) Democrats must defend next year to preserve their majority.

Meanwhile, polling conducted earlier this month showed Ohio Secretary of State Frank LaRose leading the pack of GOP candidates running to challenge Brown. The same polling found all three Republicans trailing Brown in one-on-one matchups. 11/27/2023

Top 10 Lists: How to Grow Ohio Manufacturing

To help expand Ohio’s largest industry, MAGNET — Northeast Ohio’s MEP and an OMA Connections Partner — has published these top 10 lists. The lists provide guidance for manufacturers that are focused on talent, technology, innovation, and leadership. 11/30/2023

Lincoln Electric Launches EV Fast Charger

In Cleveland this week, OMA-member Lincoln Electric launched its Velion DC fast charger for electric vehicles. This is the first and only American-designed and made EV charger that not only meets but exceeds the requirements of the federal National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure Formula Program (NEVI). Read the press release and related news stories.

During this week’s ribbon cutting, CEO Chris Mapes recognized the OMA, among other partners, for its support for Ohio’s EV strategy. Lt. Gov. Jon Husted spoke at the event, noting there could be a need for 25,000 new workers in Ohio’s EV sector during the next five years.11/30/2023

‘Tis the Season: Holiday Lights Trail, Made-in-Ohio Page

TourismOhio has announced its selections for Ohio’s Holiday Lights Trail. The statewide showcase of holiday displays, train rides, and charming communities will dazzle visitors. See this guide to 70 magical displays.

Also, check out this “Made in Ohio” page, featuring hundreds of favorite products that are manufactured in the Buckeye State. If your business would like its products added to the list, you can make a request via this email address. 11/21/2023

Tort Reform Bill Advances in Ohio Senate

Last week, the Ohio Senate Insurance Committee approved Senate Bill 63, OMA-supported legislation that would improve the state’s legal climate.

Specifically, SB 63 would prevent businesses, including manufacturers, from being over-named in asbestos litigation. The practice of over-naming currently hurts Ohio’s competitiveness because companies improperly named in these lawsuits face higher operating costs or must pay fees to be removed from litigation.

SB 63 awaits a Senate floor vote before it can be sent to the House. More details will be discussed at the OMA’s Nov. 29 Government Affairs Committee meeting. Register now. 11/20/2023

Ohio Aims to Become Semiconductor Cluster

The DeWine-Husted administration has announced that Ohio will partner with Intel and JobsOhio to formalize a supply chain network for the state’s semiconductor industry.

By forming the Silicon Heartland Supplier Consortium, Ohio will boost its odds at becoming one of two new semiconductor clusters in the U.S. At the same time, Ohio suppliers will be able to more successfully compete for new federal grant funding for semiconductor materials and manufacturing equipment. Click here for information on becoming an Intel supplier. 11/21/2023

$3 Million Tax Credit Program for CDL Training

Ohio is offering a new $3 million tax credit program to help companies offset costs for providing commercial driver license training to their employees. Applications are due Dec. 1. For details, read this press release. 11/20/2023

Battery Cell R&D Center Coming to Ohio

Backed by a $15 million investment from Honda, The Ohio State University has announced it will establish an R&D center to advance the domestic production of battery cell materials and manufacturing technologies. Manufacturer Schaeffler Americas is also playing a key role.

Located in the university’s innovation district, the 25,000-square-foot facility will also serve as a training hub. It’s scheduled to open in April 2025.

In a press release, former OMA board member Bob Nelson, executive vice president of American Honda Motor Co., said the facility will be a great resource to train the next-generation workforce. In this release, OMA president Ryan Augsburger said the center will help ensure that Ohio remains the center of automobile innovation. 11/13/2023

Opposition Grows to Union Hiring Mandate

Criticism continues to mount against House Bill 205, which would force certain manufacturers to hire union workers.

This week, the bill received its third hearing before the Senate Energy and Public Utilities Committee, with scores of opponents — including the OMA — pushing back on the proposal. Individual manufacturing companies, including Cenovus, Marathon, and Nutrien, also testified against the bill, which was approved by the House last summer.

Meanwhile, the OMA is helping lead a coalition of more than 20 organizations in opposition to HB 205. This coalition letter warns senators the bill would target the hiring practices of private businesses with excessive reporting requirements that border on “state-sanctioned harassment.” 11/16/2023

Senate President Set to Visit OMA, Nov. 29

Ohio Senate President Matt Huffman (R-Lima) will be a guest presenter at the OMA Government Affairs Committee meeting on Nov. 29. Register here. Among the topics Sen. Huffman is expected to address is the effort to modify Ohio’s recreational marijuana initiated statute prior to the law taking effect Dec. 7. 11/16/2023