News and Analysis
Small Business Relief Grant Application Opens Nov. 2
October 30, 2020Gov. Mike DeWine, Lt. Gov. Jon Husted, and legislative leaders recently announced the creation of the Ohio Small Business Relief Grant program — part of a $420 million plan to distribute CARES Act funding. The small business grants will provide up to $10,000 to employers with 25 or fewer employees (as of Jan. 1, 2020) to help cover COVID-19-related expenses such as PPE and other safety measures, mortgage/rent, utilities, and wages.
OMA Connections Partner GBQ Partners has produced this summary of the grant’s eligibility requirements and allowed expenses.
Applications can be submitted beginning 10 a.m. Monday, Nov. 2. (To access the application, individuals will be required to use an existing OH|ID or create a new OH|ID.) Learn more here or email the Ohio Development Services Agency with questions.10/26/2020
Get OMA’s Election Insight at Nov. 10 Government Affairs Meeting
October 30, 2020Election 2020 will mean a new political landscape in 2021. That’s why next week the OMA team will produce a post-election report, summarizing the results from Ohio’s key races. Members that are part of the OMA Government of Affairs Committee (GAC) should be on the lookout for this document.
In addition, further election analysis and insight will be provided at the upcoming GAC meeting, which will be conducted virtually Tuesday, Nov. 10 at 9:30 a.m. To participate, register here. 10/29/2020
OMA Members Can Receive Significant UPS Shipping Discounts
October 30, 2020One of the benefits of OMA membership is discounted shipping prices, due to the OMA’s partnership with UPS. Members can save 50% on Domestic Next-Day/Deferred, 30% on Ground Commercial/Residential, 10% on Domestic Next-Day Air® Early, 75% or more on less-than-truckload freight shipments over 150 lbs., and up to 50% on additional services.
Take advantage of UPS Smart Pickup® — a free service that uses innovative technology to automatically arrange a pickup only when you have a package to ship. To enroll, click here or call 1-800-MEMBERS. 10/27/2020
At a Glance: Status of COVID-19 Vaccine, Treatment Trials
October 30, 2020OMA Connections Partner PhRMA recently produced this activity tracker to provide a snapshot of the status of COVID-19 vaccines and treatments. At last check, there were 1,534 active clinical trials, 547 unique therapy trials, and 43 unique vaccines in trial.
According to the tracker, it took 197 years to isolate measles characteristics, 158 years to isolate polio characteristics, and just two weeks to produce full genome sequencing of the novel coronavirus. 10/28/2020
Manufacturing Issues Summit Set for Nov. 12
October 30, 2020OMA Connections Partner MCM CPAs & Advisors will host a free manufacturing summit on Thursday, Nov. 12, from 8:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. This online event will feature presentations on key issues tied to workforce, supply chains, and data analytics. 10/27/2020
Nov. 10 Event Will Provide Update on Industry 4.0
October 30, 2020At 9 a.m. Tuesday, Nov. 10, OMA Connections Partner GBQ Partners will host a free online discussion to explore how Industry 4.0 and the Internet of Things (IoT) is changing manufacturing strategies. Topics will include incorporation of smart devices and embedded intelligence into operations, as well as leadership innovation while managing cybersecurity and other risks. 10/28/2020
What the Presidential Election Means for Manufacturers
October 30, 2020OMA Connections Partner RSM has published its perspectives on what the 2020 presidential election could mean for manufacturers. The analysis includes “if Trump wins” and “if Biden wins” scenarios.
RSM writes that regardless of who wins, manufacturers can prepare for the effects of either election outcome by evaluating supply chains — with special emphasis on simplifying complex supply chains and reducing reliance on any one particular country or region. 10/28/2020
Study: Ohio Has Third-Most Influential Voters in This Year’s Presidential Election
October 30, 2020Election Day is almost here. While all Americans votes are counted equally, the choices of swing-state citizens are more influential. Personal finance website WalletHub this week compared the relative influence of voters in the 2020 presidential race. Ohio voters were ranked third-most influential, according to the study.
If you haven’t already voted — or even if you have — visit the OMA’s Election 2020 site for important voter resources. 10/29/2020
Ohio’s Smaller Cities Shine in National Comparisons
October 23, 2020Several Ohio communities received positive publicity this week thanks to two national studies that compare smaller cities across America.
Heartland Forward — a non-partisan institute for economic renewal — released its “Most Dynamic Micropolitan Regions” report, which ranks 515 micropolitan regions by economic performance. Top 150 cities include Wapakoneta, Wilmington, Celina, Findlay, Port Clinton, and Van Wert. Marietta and Wooster also had strong showings.
WalletHub.com published its “Best Small Cities in America” report, which compares more than 1,200 smaller cities by examining 43 factors, including local economy, affordability, and school quality. Mason and Dublin made the study’s 99th percentile, representing the top 1% of smaller cities. Other Ohio cities in the top 20% were Hilliard, Beavercreek, Upper Arlington, Mentor, Strongsville, North Royalton, North Ridgeville, Delaware, Medina, Westerville, Stow, and Westlake. 10/21/2020
Up-to-Speed on the USMCA?
October 23, 2020On Nov. 12, experts from OMA Connections Partner Plante Moran will discuss the major changes brought about by the U.S. Mexico Canada Agreement (USMCA), as well as the resulting challenges and opportunities for manufacturers. Also covered will be the actions that companies must take to be fully compliant with the USMCA, which took effect on July 1, 2020. Register here. 10/20/2020