Leadership

Ohio Supreme Court Dismisses Challenges to New Congressional Districts

The Supreme Court of Ohio has dismissed lawsuits disputing the 2022 map of the state’s 15 congressional districts, meaning the map will remain in use until after the 2024 general election. Read The Plain Dealer’s story on this development.

Meanwhile, the Ohio Redistricting Commission will meet Sept. 13 to begin drawing new Ohio House and Senate maps for next year following last year’s legal challenges. 9/7/2023

Columbus Files PFAS-Related Lawsuit

The City of Columbus has filed a PFAS-related lawsuit in South Carolina against several major chemical companies, according to reports. The lawsuit is one of many filed by cities across the U.S. seeking monetary damages.

As a longtime supporter of tort reform, the OMA takes a dim view junk lawsuits. OMA staff is closely monitoring this development — and is consulting with its general counsel, Bricker Graydon. 9/7/2023

Ohio’s Legislative Maps to Be Redrawn (Again)

On Sept. 13, the Ohio Redistricting Commission is expected to re-convene to redraw the state’s legislative maps. As reported by Hannah News Service, members of the panel must get their work done before the Dec. 20 filing deadline for all candidates — state, federal and local — so candidates’ names can appear on the March 2024 primary ballot.

New Ohio House and Senate district maps must be redrawn since the Supreme Court of Ohio last year struck down the commission’s new maps. The maps currently being used are among those that were struck down, but a federal court ordered their use for the 2022 election only.

The commission’s new maps might have better odds at surviving a legal challenge since the current Supreme Court of Ohio is thought to be more friendly to the Republican majority following the departure of former Chief Justice Maureen O’Connor. Meanwhile, the court has begun to consider the challenge to the 2022 congressional map. 8/29/2023

Ohio Counties Recognized for Economic Development

In its look at economic development outside of major metropolitan areas, Site Selection magazine has spotlighted the Buckeye State. Two Ohio counties — Hancock (No. 1) and Shelby (No. 8) — are in the top 10 counties for projects per capita. Hancock County recruited 32 projects between January 2022 and March 2023; Shelby County landed 11. The manufacturing sector accounts for multiple projects in both counties. 8/29/2023

Ohio House Not Expected to Reconvene Until October

Ohio House Speaker Jason Stephens (R-Kitts Hill) recently announced updates to the House’s session schedule. Instead of returning to Columbus in mid-September — as previously planned — it’s likely representatives won’t reconvene until mid-October. House committees may still meet during the recess. 8/23/2023

Ted Carter to Lead Ohio State

The Ohio State University Board of Trustees this week unanimously appointed Walter “Ted” Carter Jr. as OSU’s next president. He will begin his tenure on Jan. 1 as the university’s 17th president. 

Carter currently serves as president of the University of Nebraska system. Prior to his time in Nebraska, Carter led the U.S. Naval Academy. A retired vice admiral with 38 years of service, he flew 125 combat missions and holds the record for carrier-arrested landings with more than 2,000. 8/22/2023

Modern Manufacturing: Embracing the Digital Future

OMA Connections Partner RSM recently published this insight on why digital transformation is crucial for manufacturers that want to boost revenue, reduce costs, and thrive. RSM notes that to successfully undergo the transformation, companies must improve their global supply chain with advanced technologies, data-driven decision-making, and IT infrastructure enhancements. Read more. 8/24/2023

Business Emails Must Comply With CAN-SPAM Act

Businesses that send marketing emails should note this reminder from the FTC: Marketing emails must clearly tell consumers they can opt out and include an unsubscribe link. A proposed $650,000 settlement with Experian Consumer Services underscores the seriousness of this requirement. 8/24/2023

Manufacturing Job Creation Since COVID-19

In terms of raw numbers, Ohio is a national leader in creating and regaining manufacturing jobs since the pandemic, adding nearly 30,000 positions since January 2021. According to Axios’ analysis, the Buckeye State is No. 4 for manufacturing jobs added over the last two-and-a-half years.

But when comparing manufacturing job growth rates, Ohio and other Midwestern states trail some southern states. Ned Hill, an economic development professor at The Ohio State University, says the lagging rates can be linked to slower population growth and a shortage of semi-skilled workers.

Some experts note that southern states have been more aggressive in preparing industrial sites, while offering right-to-work protections. (Ohio’s new biennial budget includes $750 million for industrial site development.) 8/15/2023

Senator Vance to U.S. Steel: Refuse Foreign Buyout Bids

In the interest of national security, Ohio’s U.S. Sen. J.D. Vance (R) is urging United States Steel Corp. to reject buyout offers from foreign entities. This follows news that U.S. Steel appears be on the cusp of being absorbed.

In his news release, Sen. Vance says he sent a letter asking the Pittsburgh-based manufacturer to consider the interests of America’s industrial base as U.S. Steel weighs multiple bids, including from Ohio-based Cleveland-Cliffs.

Cleveland-Cliffs says its proposal would create a company that would be among the 10 biggest steelmakers in the world — and one of the top four outside of China, which dominates global steel production. Cleveland-Cliffs CEO Lourenco Goncalves — a keynote speaker at the OMA’s Sept. 13 energy conference — said the proposal would ensure a “lower-cost, more innovative and stronger domestic supplier” for customers. 8/17/2023