News and Analysis
DeWine Husted Administration Moves to Streamline Ohio’s Building Code
March 1, 2024Governor DeWine and Lt. Governor Husted have announced that Ohio’s updated 2024 Building, Mechanical, and Plumbing Codes will go into effect on March 1, 2024.
With a substantial reduction of over 610,000 words and regulatory restrictions, this initiative streamlines processes and facilitates compliance for Ohio businesses. This new development will provide manufacturers with simplified building codes that will benefit the industry by enhancing state efficiency and reducing regulatory hurdles. 2/27/2024
OMA Testifies in Support of Bill Lowering Barriers to Employment
March 1, 2024Earlier this week, the OMA provided testimony in support of Senate Bill 198 to the Senate Small Business and Economic Opportunity Committee. SB 198 would provide returning citizens with state ID cards and a copy of vocational training records and/or work records.
As manufacturers continue to cite talent availability as one of their most significant workforce challenges, this bill would help returning citizens in their pursuit of employment opportunities. 2/29/2024
Alabama Embryo Ruling Significantly Expands Lawsuit Exposure
March 1, 2024The recent Alabama high court ruling that a destroyed embryo can be considered a deceased child could significantly expand the wrongful death statute.
A closer review of its impact by counsel finds that the ruling opens the door to plaintiffs’ actions against healthcare companies, potentially driving more civil litigation and corresponding liability insurance premiums. 2/29/2024
The Rundown: Steel Demand Slides, Ohio Thrives
March 1, 2024Man of Steel? Move over for the State of Steel, which Ohio is preparing to become. Featured in this week’s Rundown:
- Global steel production rose more than 8% between Dec. and Jan., despite falling demand over the last year.
- Ohio however, is poised for a steel renaissance, as featured in this documentary:
OMA’s Lindsey Short Elected Chair of Ohio Alliance for Civil Justice
February 23, 2024Last week, the Ohio Alliance for Civil Justice (OACJ) elected Lindsey Short, one of OMA’s public policy directors, to serve as Chair of the organization.
The OACJ is a broad-based coalition that supports a common-sense civil justice system and promotes a healthy economic climate in Ohio by stopping lawsuit abuse. OACJ’s primary objective is to promote judicial candidates who believe in the principle of judicial restraint and oppose the unhealthy practice of legislating from the bench. 2/22/2024
Ohio Rolls Out AI Toolkit Prepping Students for the Future Workforce
February 23, 2024InnovateOhio, under the leadership of LT. Governor Jon Husted, rolled out its AI Toolkit for students, parents, teachers, and school administrators last week.
The toolkit aims to advance knowledge and AI literacy as AI technology and tools continue to advance and become more practical.
This article from the Foundry details why manufacturers should take the advancement of AI seriously and the advantages AI can offer. 02/19/2024
CliftonLarsonAllen, LLP Publishes 2024 Manufacturing Outlook
February 23, 2024OMA connections partner CliftonLarsonAllen, LLP recently published their 2024 Manufacturing Outlook.
The report details key opportunities and areas of interest that manufacturing leadership should consider this year. 2/21/2024
Bipartisan Group Warns Against Expanded ‘March-in Rights’
February 23, 2024Earlier this month, formerly high-ranking officials from both Democrat and Republican administrations signed onto a letter urging against the Biden administration’s expanded ‘March-in rights’.
This featured op-ed from both directors of the US Patent and Trademark Office under Presidents Obama and Trump details the potentially disastrous consequences of the rule change to manufacturers’ intellectual property.
The OMA is on record with concerns about ‘March-in Rights’ and will continue to monitor these developments. 2/20/2024
The Rundown: All About AI
February 23, 2024AI in the workforce dominated the headlines this week. There was too much not to cover, so here is this week’s Rundown:
- Gen Z reports that being skilled in AI tools is a top priority for them heading into the job market.
- Manufacturing is already emerging as a leader in using AI, from predictive maintenance, to supply chain improvement, and energy efficiency.
- OMA connections partner RSM has developed an AI playbook designed to help leverage the potential of AI. 2/22/2024
Jessica Borza Joins the OMA as Managing Director of Workforce Services
February 16, 2024The Ohio Manufacturers Association has named Jessica Borza as managing director of Workforce Services.
As part of the OMA Workforce Services leadership team restructuring, Beth Hahn was also promoted to senior director, Workforce Services. This restructuring will further excel the OMA’s talent strategies. 02/01/2024