Leadership

OMA Publishes ‘2024 Ohio Manufacturing Counts’

The OMA just released its “Ohio Manufacturing Counts” publication for 2024. With updated data, this document highlights the economic impact of the No. 1 industry in the nation’s third-largest manufacturing state. This publication is another way the OMA is protecting and growing Ohio manufacturing. 1/24/2024

Ohio Gets Solid Marks in Competitiveness Comparison

Site Selection magazine has published its “State of the States” report, comparing business-related data for all 50 states. As this infographic illustrates, Ohio has the nation’s seventh-largest GDP and is ranked among the best five states for workers’ compensation costs. Ohio also earned good marks for higher education R&D expenditures and growth in career readiness certificates. 1/24/2024

First Debate Held for U.S. Senate Race

The first debate between the three Ohio Republicans running for U.S. Senate was held this week in Cleveland.

Watch a recorded version of the debate, which featured state Sen. Matt Dolan (Chagrin Falls), Ohio Secretary of State Frank LaRose, and businessman Bernie Moreno, who has been endorsed by former President Donald Trump. The winner of the GOP primary will face U.S. Sen. Sherrod Brown (D) in November. 1/23/2024

March 19 Primary Could Determine House Leadership

Ohio’s 2024 primary election is less than two months away. (The deadline to register to vote is Feb. 20.) A key focus of this year’s primary will be the intra-party challenges facing several supporters of House Speaker Jason Stephens (R-Kitts Hill), who won the leadership position last year after 22 Republicans alligned with House Democrats.

Gongwer News Service published this look at the 11 House Republicans facing primary challengers. The outcome of these races could determine whether Stephens can retain the gavel in 2025 against a potential challenge from term-limited Senate President Matt Huffman (R-Lima), who’s running for the House. 1/23/2024

Webinar: Addressing Supply Chain Disruptions

On Feb. 15, OMA Connections Partner CliftonLarsonAllen will host a complimentary webinar for manufacturers to share insights on supply chain disruption trends.

Register for this learning event to learn about using modern software automation to increase supply chain visibility, improve inventory management, and enhance communication with suppliers. 1/25/2024

Tom Evans Named OMA’s Communications Director

Tom Evans has joined the OMA staff as director of communications and marketing. Tom will be a key contact for members of the news media, while helping oversee information services for OMA members.

An Ohio native, Tom is the former Ohio Senate deputy press secretary and digital media manager. He earned his bachelor’s degree in journalism from Abilene Christian University and Master of Public Administration from Ohio University. Tom is also an Army veteran. Read more in this OMA press release.

Tom and his wife live in Columbus with their two-year old son and Theo, their golden retriever. Tom keeps his competitive streak alive via powerlifting and golf. Email Tom to say hello. 1/23/2024

Ohio Claims 3 of 10 Housing Hot Spots

Cincinnati, Columbus, and Cleveland metro areas are predicted to be among the hottest housing markets in 2024, according to Zillow’s annual list.

Meanwhile, manufacturers can tell employees about Ohio Homebuyer Plus, a new state-administered savings program to encourage homeownership. Authorized under the state budget (House Bill 33), the program allows eligible residents to open enhanced-interest savings accounts. 1/16/2024

Map Your Supply Chains to Identify Risks

IndustryWeek has published this look at a supply chain mapping process developed by Iowa State University, which is part of the Manufacturing Extension Partnership (MEP) national network. In Ohio, your regional MEP Center can help you map your key supply chains to identify risks and opportunities. 1/18/2024

Food Manufacturing Trends for 2024

Manufacturing Dive has published this article examining the key trends facing food manufacturers in 2024. Continued supply disruptions, tight labor markets, and price-sensitive consumers are factors that will impact the industry, experts say. 1/16/2024

Ohio Cities in Top 20 for STEM Careers

Two Ohio cities — Cincinnati and Columbus — have made WalletHub’s top 20 metro areas for STEM careers. The study compared the nation’s largest metro areas across 21 key metrics, from per-capita job openings for STEM graduates to median wage growth for STEM jobs. 1/18/2024