News and Analysis
Resources for Cybersecurity Awareness Month
October 15, 2021The White House has proclaimed October as Cybersecurity Awareness Month. This comes as it’s predicted that cyberattacks originating in Russia, China, North Korea, and Iran will increase this month. Fortunately, several OMA Connections Partners offer cybersecurity services for manufacturers. These partners include:
Members with cybersecurity questions or concerns are encouraged to contact these OMA-member firms. 10/14/2021
A (Long Overdue) Tribute to Eric Burkland
October 8, 2021Late last year, longtime OMA President Eric Burkland announced his retirement after leading the association since 1989. Delayed by COVID-19, a ceremony to recognize Eric and his 31 years of service to Ohio manufacturers had finally been planned for last month — only to be cancelled due to the latest surge of the virus.
Despite the lack of a formal retirement event, Eric’s decades of work to protect and grow Ohio manufacturing are being recognized by policymakers and leaders of industry. This video tribute features well wishes and reflections from Gov. Mike DeWine, former Govs. Ted Strickland and Bob Taft, U.S. Sens. Rob Portman and Sherrod Brown, and National Association of Manufacturers (NAM) President and CEO Jay Timmons.
Timmons, an Ohio native who was in Columbus this week for a Creators Wanted event, presented Eric with an American flag that was flown over the U.S. Capitol in his honor, as well as an Ohio-made glass sculpture. Meanwhile, the OMA board has named a conference room at OMA’s Columbus headquarters in honor of Eric. Check out the Burkland Conference Room entrance and plaque.
A belated congratulations to Eric. On behalf of Ohio’s manufacturing community, job well done! 10/7/2021
Jay Timmons (left) of the National Association of Manufacturers this week recognized Eric Burkland for his 31 years of leadership at the OMA. Also pictured is current OMA President Ryan Augsburger.
Manufacturing and Distribution Update, Nov. 3
October 8, 2021The Manufacturing and Distribution Industry Update, hosted by OMA Connections Partner GBQ Partners, is set for Nov. 3 at 8:30 a.m. With options to attend in person or virtually, this event will provide key insights and leading practices to help your business navigate taxes, financial reporting, cybersecurity, and much more. Speakers include the OMA’s Rob Brundrett, managing director of public policy services. Additional details here. 10/4/2021
Virtual Tech Summit Set For Nov. 3-4
October 8, 2021More mid-market businesses are looking to increase capabilities by applying cost-effective technologies where possible. To help make this happen, OMA Connections Partner Plante Moran is offering a complimentary two-day virtual event on Nov. 3 and 4. Choose from a lineup of several one-hour sessions. 10/6/2021
This Week’s Economic Updates
October 1, 2021Several announcements were made this week relative to the near-term economy. Among them were the following:
- The U.S. manufacturing sector remains on an extraordinary run that began last year, according to OMA Connections Partner RSM and its U.S. Manufacturing Outlook Index.
- Supply constraints that are suppressing global economic growth could still get worse, keeping inflation elevated longer, according to the world’s top central bankers.
- U.S. consumer confidence hit a seven-month low in September due to the latest COVID-19 surge.
Meanwhile, National Association of Manufacturers Chief Economist Chad Moutray told members of Congress this week that supply chain and logistics issues are likely to extend into at least the first half of 2022. 9/30/2021
Oct. 12 Webinar: Product Liability and Manufacturing Updates
October 1, 2021Regulatory challenges and legal threats facing manufacturers change at rapid pace — especially during COVID-19. OMA General Counsel Bricker and Eckler will host a free webinar — in rapid-fire format — at noon Oct. 12 to provide valuable information on these topics. Manufacturing owners and executives, HR and risk management professionals, in-house counsel, and engineers will find value in this event. 9/30/2021
Democrats Fill Vacancy in Ohio House
October 1, 2021Ohio House Democrats have selected Latyna Humphrey, a bailiff who works at the Franklin County Common Pleas Court, to fill a vacancy in the 26th District — the southeast quadrant of Columbus. Humphrey will succeed former Rep. Erica Crawley, who resigned to become a Franklin County commissioner. 9/30/2021
Grant Resources for Ohio Exporters
October 1, 2021To help businesses build and diversify their customer base, Ohio has financial resources to start or expand export initiatives. Applications for the Ohio International Market Access Grant for Exporters (IMAGE) program are accepted through Nov. 9. Learn more. 9/29/2021
Tips for Cybersecurity Awareness Month
October 1, 2021October is Cybersecurity Awareness Month. OMA Connections Partner GBQ Partners reports that in response to recent ransomware attacks and business email hacks, many cyber liability insurance carriers are requiring that insureds utilize multi-factor authentication. The firm has published this list of tips to help secure online assets.
Meanwhile, OMA Connections Partner Schneider Downs has created a dedicated Cybersecurity Awareness Month webpage. 9/29/2021
Sixth GOP Candidate Enters Ohio’s U.S. Senate Race
September 24, 2021State Sen. Matt Dolan (R-Chagrin Falls) has officially entered Ohio’s 2022 U.S. Senate race, becoming the sixth Republican vying to replace retiring Sen. Rob Portman. Other GOP candidates include: Former Ohio treasurer Josh Mandel; author and venture capitalist J.D. Vance; former state GOP chair Jane Timken; car dealer Bernie Moreno; and investment banker Mike Gibbons. On the Democratic side, U.S. Rep. Tim Ryan and attorney Morgan Harper have filed.
According to FiveThirtyEight — a polling aggregation website — a late August survey of Ohio voters found Mandel was the only Republican who would beat Ryan in the general election. However, the poll was taken before Dolan’s entrance into the race. 9/20/2021