Leadership

Ohio House, Senate Set First Legislative Day of 2022

The Ohio Senate and House this week released their tentative schedules for next year. The second year of the 134th General Assembly will begin Jan. 19 in both chambers. 11/17/2021

U.S. Sees Slight Expansion in Manufacturing Production

After pulling back in August and September due to supply chain disruptions, U.S. manufacturing production rebounded in October, rising by 1.2%. Durable and nondurable goods production were both up by 1.3% for the month, according to Chad Moutray, chief economist for the National Association of Manufacturers.

OMA Connections Partner RSM notes total U.S. industrial production rose 1.6% in October, rebounding from the 1.3% decline seen in September. 11/17/2021

Things to Do in Ohio During the Holidays

The holidays are a special time of year in Ohio, which is why TourismOhio has published a list of things to do in the Buckeye State. Whether you’re looking for a charming main street, Ohio-made products, trails of holiday lights, or a Christmas tree farm, this is an impressive list of attractions that you’ll want to share with co-workers and employees. 11/18/2021

Ohio Manufacturers Capture National Limelight During COVID-19 Vaccine Debates

As policymakers at both the federal and state levels attempt to impose their will on private employers’ COVID-19 policies, Ohio manufacturers are in the national spotlight for their visible role in the debate.

As previously reported, OMA member Phillips Manufacturing & Tower Company has partnered with the Buckeye Institute, a conservative think tank, in a lawsuit challenging the legality of OSHA’s emergency temporary standard (ETS). Phillips’ CEO Angela Phillips has penned this editorial at Real Clear Policy to explain her company’s rationale its legal action.

Meanwhile, an AP article published nationwide features a photo of Ross McGregor, president of OMA member Pentaflex Inc., as he testified at the Statehouse last month on behalf of the OMA against an Ohio House bill that would ban employers’ ability to require the vaccine. McGregor, a former Ohio lawmaker, told ABC News last week the federal ETS also concerns him because of its potential impact on the labor supply. 11/11/2021

Producer Prices Up 8.6% Over Past Year

OMA Connections Partner RSM reports the U.S. Labor Department’s producer price index (PPI) soared 8.6% in the 12 months through October. Here’s a look at the PPI for all manufacturing industries. (Meanwhile, the consumer price index surged 6.2%, the most since December 1990.)

Chad Moutray, chief economist for the National Association of Manufacturers, reports gasoline prices alone rose 6.7% last month. 11/10/2021

OMA Members: What Are Your Top Business Concerns?

What are your top business concerns? How has COVID-19, the supply chain disruption, labor shortages, and policy actions impacted your operations?

The OMA and its Connections Partner Schneider Downs are conducting a five-minute survey to determine Ohio manufacturers’ biggest challenges, their responses to those challenges, and their outlook. The survey feedback is anonymous. Members are strongly encouraged to participate. 11/10/2021

Ohio Business Groups Urge Federal Action to Address Chip Shortage

With reports that the global microchip shortage could linger until 2023, the OMA — along with other Ohio business groups and JobsOhio — have urged the state’s federal delegation and congressional leaders to help address the chip supply crisis.

The group is calling for expanded federal support to boost domestic semiconductor production — adding that Ohio offers a “premier location for future semiconductor investments.” Currently, the U.S. is responsible for just 12% of global chip production. 11/11/2021

Trucker Shortage a Key Driver of Supply Disruption

A key ingredient of the supply chain disruption appears to be the wave of retirements hitting the trucking industry. A recent report by the American Trucking Associations estimates the industry is short 80,000 drivers, a record number — and that figure could double by 2030. 11/11/2021

OMA Government Affairs Committee to Meet Nov. 18

The OMA Government Affairs Committee will hold its quarterly meeting Thursday, Nov. 18, from 10 a.m. to noon. Members may attend in person at the OMA’s Columbus office or via Zoom. Catch up on the latest legislative activities from the Statehouse while gaining insight into the OMA’s legislative priorities for 2022. Register online or call (800) 662-4463. 11/10/2021

What’s in the $1.2T Infrastructure Bill?

Late last week, Congress passed the $1.2 trillion bipartisan infrastructure spending plan, which will make historic investments in roads and bridges, rail, transit, ports, airports, the electric grid, and broadband. The National Association of Manufacturers lauded the bill’s passage.

U.S. Senator Rob Portman (R-OH), who was a champion of the measure, provided this summary of the measure, which includes a bridge investment program.

For a deeper dive, read this interview with Sen. Portman as published by OMA Connections Partner Roetzel. 11/10/2021