Leadership

Manufacturing Hours Slip in Ohio Leading Indicators Report

The latest Ohio Leading Indicators report, compiled by the Department of Job and Family Services, shows the state’s average weekly manufacturing hours fell to 40.8 in September, down from 41.4 in August.

Meanwhile, the seasonally adjusted total non-farm employment was up by 0.8%. If the September employment growth continues, Ohio’s employment is predicted to increase at a tepid annual rate of 1.66% for the next six months.

The following metropolitan statistical areas (MSAs) are predicted to see job growth over the next half year:

• Akron MSA at 0.19%;
• Cincinnati MSA at 1.83%;
• Columbus MSA at 2.17%;
• Cleveland-Elyria MSA at 4.45%; and
• Dayton MSA at 6.23%.

Negative jobs growth is predicted in the Toledo MSA (-1.51%), Youngstown-Warren-Boardman MSA (-1.19%), Canton-Massillon MSA at (-0.34%). 11/9/2020

Think Tank: Ohio Has Third Highest Number of Regulations

U.S. News and World Report reports that Ohio is the third-most heavily regulated state in the nation, according to a study by the Mercatus Center at George Mason University. At the state level, chemical manufacturing, paper manufacturing, and petroleum and coal products manufacturing are among the most regulated industries in the U.S., the study says. 11/11/2020

OMA ‘Food Day’ Set for Dec. 9

This year’s OMA Food and Beverage Manufacturers’ Policy Council is set for Dec. 9. This event offers a “one-stop shop” for legislative and regulatory news and updates for Ohio’s food and beverage manufacturers. There is no charge to attend, but this event is only open to food and beverage manufacturers. If you haven’t already, register here — or contact the OMA via email or at (800) 662-4463. 11/11/202

Nov. 16 Webinar Will Spotlight Assistance for Exporters

Learn about exporting funding, programs and services available to Ohio businesses in a free webinar set for 1 p.m. on Monday, Nov. 16. This virtual event will be conducted by the Ohio Development Services Agency (DSA) and is sponsored by the OMA.

Meanwhile, the DSA is still accepting applications for the International Market Access Grant for Exporters (IMAGE) program, which provides eligible companies a 50% reimbursement of up to $10,000 in grant funds to engage in activities that increase export sales. 11/5/2020

Ohio: Still a Red State

Ohioans went to the polls in record numbers, delivering 18 electoral votes to Donald J. Trump. While a record number of both Republicans and Democrats turned out, Republicans made more gains in the state legislature. See our Post-Election Report.

Republicans look to have picked up seats in the Ohio House to give them a record 65 R – 34 D votes.

Senate Republicans appear to have picked up one additional seat giving the upper chamber a 24 seat majority out of the 33 Ohio senate districts.

The distribution of votes throughout the Buckeye State is nearly identical as the result in 2016. Also similar to 2016, pre-election public polling suggested a dead heat or slight Democrat candidate advantage. In the end, Trump won by an 8% margin.

Join the OMA Government Affairs Committee on Tuesday, November 10, 9:30-11:30 a.m. to engage about the election and other public policy matters of importance to Ohio manufacturers. 11/5/2020

Gov. DeWine Adds to Ohio Dept. of Health Executive Team; Names New BWC Administrator

Yesterday, Gov. DeWine announced executive appointments to the Ohio Department of Health that are intended to strengthen and support the agency as it executes its ongoing work and continues to fight the COVID-19 pandemic.

Dr. Bruce Vanderhoff, MD, MBA, has been named chief medical officer, and Stephanie McCloud will lead the agency as its director. McCloud will vacate her position as the administrator of the Ohio Bureau of Workers’ Compensation (BWC). Dr. Vanderhoff comes from OhioHealth.

Replacing McCloud will be John Logue, the BWC’s Chief of Strategic Direction; he will become the administrator effective November 16. According to the BWC, Logue has worked in the industry for 26 years. Before returning to BWC in 2019, he served as vice president of client services for International Absence Management Company where he focused on Ohio workers’ compensation. 11/5/2020

Webinar: Complying With USMCA

On Thursday, Nov. 12 OMA Connections Partner Plante Moran will present a webinar titled “Don’t Underestimate USMCA’s Impact on Your Business.”

The United States Mexico Canada Agreement (USMCA) entered into force on July 1, 2020. The panel will cover major changes, challenges and opportunities for manufacturers, and actions companies will need to take in order to comply with the USMCA.

There’s no charge. Register here. 11/2/2020

Webinar: Ohio Resources to Start or Build Your Export Business

The Ohio Development Services Agency has programs, services, and funds available to help manufacturers start or increase their export programs.

Join this no-charge webinar at 1 p.m. Monday, November 16, 2020.

Key topics include: assessing your company’s readiness to enter your first market, expanding into additional markets, and exploring high-growth export markets. Learn about the multiple programs available to help and guide Ohio companies through the export process to achieve their global potential. 11/2/2020

What Would 5G Mean to Your Business?

The Manufacturing Institute, the nonprofit workforce development and education partner of the National Association of Manufacturers, is surveying manufacturers to learn how 5G technologies will affect their operations and workforce. Take the survey here. 11/2/2020

Ohio Launches New eProcurement Solution: Ohio|Buys

By increasing efficiency, modernizing procurement processes, and making opportunities to do business with the state more accessible, Ohio|Buys will become the primary platform for suppliers and bidders to conduct procurement activities with the State of Ohio.

Ohio|Buys provides an online shopping experience for state agencies to solicit quotes and purchase contract and off-contract items from suppliers.

Get the details here. 11/5/2020