News and Analysis
Before Super Bowl, Officials Call on Manufacturers to “Calm Down” Shrinkflation
February 16, 2024While the Chiefs were driving toward their third Super Bowl victory, officials in Washington drove the blame for so-called “shrinkflation” onto the food and beverage manufacturers keeping Americans fed during the game.
In the words of Taylor Swift, officials “need to calm down” before blaming industrious Americans for grocery prices.02/01/2024
OMA Opposes Biden’s Proposed March-In Rights
February 9, 2024The OMA submitted public comments opposing the National Institute of Standards and Technology’s proposed rule that would allow the federal government to seize patents from manufacturers for products it deems too expensive. The rule directly manufacturers’ intellectual property rights could significantly impact innovation in the United States, jeopardizing the nation’s leading innovation economy. 02/01/2024
DeWine, ODOT Announce Funding for Local Bridges
February 9, 2024Ohio Governor Mike DeWine and Ohio Department of Transportation (ODOT) Director Jack Marchbanks announced this week that more than a dozen major local bridge projects will receive funding to support rehabilitation and replacement work.
Nearly $59.5 million will be awarded to support 17 bridge projects in 12 counties as part of ODOT’s Local Major Bridge Program. Click here for a full list of the bridges. 2/7/2024
Manufacturing Productivity Trends Remain a Challenge
February 9, 2024The recent gains in American productivity, if sustained, are a potential game changer for the economy, writes OMA Connections Partner RSM. The firm notes that the 3.2 % increase in productivity during Q4 2023 (2.7% on a year-over-year basis) has “most likely been a catalyst for both robust economic growth and disinflation.”
But U.S. manufacturing continues to face long-term productivity challenges. This graph shows the manufacturing sector’s labor productivity (output per hour) has declined or been stagnant for the last dozen years. 2/7/2024
Findlay Spotlight for Beating ‘Brain Drain’
February 9, 2024Site Selection magazine has spotlighted Findlay for “winning the battle against Midwest brain drain by offering gainful employment at companies large and small.”
The community – which claims key manufacturing businesses like Marathon Petroleum, Cooper Tire, Whirlpool, and others – has been ranked as Site Selection’s No. 1 top performing micropolitan area in corporate facility investment projects for each of the past nine years. 2/7/2024
Election Resources for Ohio Manufacturers
February 2, 2024Fewer than 50 days remain until Ohio’s primary election. Early voting begins Feb. 21. To ensure that manufacturers’ voices are heard, the OMA has created this Ohio Manufacturers’ Voter Toolkit.
The tool kit contains helpful resources, including key dates, a polling-place locator, and information on how to register to vote. Share these resources with your employees and fellow manufacturers. 2/1/2024
New Transportation Infrastructure Projects Proposed
February 2, 2024Ohio’s Transportation Review Advisory Council has unveiled its 2024 draft list of statewide road projects to receive funding. The list includes $127.3 million in new funding commitments for 18 projects over the next four years. See the full list. 2/1/2024
Survey: Your Thoughts on Ohio’s Trade Missions
February 2, 2024The Ohio Department of Development is conducting a brief online survey to gauge interest in global trade missions. If you or another member of your company would like to take this survey, click here. 1/29/2024
Habits to Boost Health and Longevity
February 2, 2024How can you stay healthy, have the energy to lead your company, and be present for your family? OMA Connections Partner Vistage, a CEO coaching and peer advisory organization for small and mid-size businesses, has published this list of five habits to boost your health. 1/31/2024
Farewell to the OMA’s Jamie Karl
February 2, 2024Jamie Karl, the OMA’s managing director of communications since early 2019, has been named the next president of the Grand Island (Neb.) Area Chamber of Commerce. A Nebraska native, Jamie will conclude his OMA duties Feb. 7.
Jamie sends his sincere thanks to OMA members for allowing him to be part of America’s best manufacturing community. “Helping protect and grow Ohio manufacturing has been the honor of a lifetime,” he said.
In case you missed it, Tom Evans recently joined the OMA staff and will oversee the association’s communications and information services. 2/2/2024