Leadership

Workforce development, energy affordability and manufacturing competitiveness were on the agenda this week as Ohio Manufacturers’ Association (OMA) President Ryan Augsburger, Executive Advisor for Workforce and MEP Jessica Borza and members of OMA’s public policy team met with senior federal officials in Washington, D.C.

At the U.S. Department of Labor, the delegation met with Marek Laco, acting assistant secretary for the Employment and Training Administration, to discuss expanding apprenticeships, the administration’s Make America Skilled Again initiative and employer-led workforce solutions. The discussion drew on OMA’s experience helping manufacturers build talent pipelines, expand earn-and-learn opportunities and connect workforce training with actual hiring needs.

At the U.S. Department of Energy, OMA met with Deputy Secretary James Danly to exchange perspectives on energy affordability, grid reliability and the importance of competitively priced electricity to Ohio’s manufacturing economy. The delegation also met with the National Energy Dominance Council, discussing the relationship between energy availability, industrial investment and long-term manufacturing competitiveness.

“Ohio manufacturers know what it takes to build a skilled workforce, invest in new technology and compete in a demanding energy environment,” Augsburger said. “We have valuable experience to share, and just as much to gain from understanding where federal initiatives are headed. Building these relationships helps us connect Ohio manufacturers with opportunities and resources that can make a difference back home.” 10/15/2026

Ohio’s future legislative professionals stepped outside the Statehouse last week for a firsthand look at the people, technology and investment driving the state’s manufacturing economy.

The Ohio Manufacturers’ Association (OMA) joined Honda in welcoming Legislative Service Commission Fellows to the company’s Marysville Auto Plant and Heritage Center. The visit began with a discussion led by James Lee, OMA’s managing director of public policy services, and Honda’s Jeff Reed, connecting the industry’s economic impact and policy priorities with the decisions made at the Statehouse.

Fellows then toured Honda’s Marysville Auto Plant, gaining an up-close look at advanced production processes, skilled workers and the scale of modern automotive manufacturing. A visit to the Honda Heritage Center highlighted the company’s more than four decades of investment, innovation and job creation in Ohio.

“It’s one thing to discuss manufacturing policy at the Statehouse. It’s another to see the operations, workforce and investments those decisions affect,” Lee said. “We want these fellows to leave with a better understanding of what’s at stake and why a competitive manufacturing environment matters to Ohio’s future.”

The annual visit gives emerging legislative professionals valuable exposure to one of Ohio’s largest industries while strengthening connections between the manufacturing community and the people who will help shape state policy. 10/12/2026

Federal permitting delays can stall major manufacturing investments, increase project costs and slow the infrastructure upgrades needed to keep Ohio competitive.

Ohio Manufacturers’ Association (OMA) President Ryan Augsburger and Lindsey Short, managing director of advocacy and energy services, joined U.S. Sens. Jon Husted and John Barrasso in Columbus this week for a roundtable focused on removing regulatory barriers to investment, accelerating critical infrastructure projects and protecting electricity customers from rising costs.

The discussion included the bipartisan American Affordability and Jobs Act, which would establish clearer environmental review timelines, reduce permitting uncertainty and preserve environmental safeguards. The proposal also includes ratepayer protections similar to those in Husted’s Ratepayer Protection Act, which seeks to ensure large new data centers pay the electricity and infrastructure costs associated with their demand rather than shifting those expenses onto existing customers.

“Ohio manufacturers cannot afford to have major investments tied up in years of permitting uncertainty,” said Augsburger. “Senators Husted and Barrasso understand that regulatory delays have real consequences for jobs, infrastructure and competitiveness. We appreciate their leadership in advancing practical reforms that can help Ohio manufacturers invest, modernize and grow.”

Husted’s broader agenda also includes the New Source Review Permitting Act, which would clarify Clean Air Act requirements for facility upgrades and pollution control projects. With bipartisan permitting legislation under consideration in Washington, OMA is advocating reforms that make industrial investment more predictable while ensuring new electricity demand pays for new electricity demand. 10/13/2026

What happens to a customer relationship when a key employee leaves, a quote gets buried or a promising lead never gets a follow-up? Ohio Manufacturers’ Association member Ben Brugler from Akhia explores five ways manufacturers can protect customer knowledge, keep sales and marketing connected, and turn hard-earned relationships into lasting business value. 10/15/2026

A new statewide manufacturing resource is taking shape at the Ohio Manufacturers’ Association (OMA) as the organization builds out the Ohio Manufacturing Extension Partnership (MEP) Center through the Ohio Manufacturers’ Association Educational and Industrial Development Institute.

The MEP Center will help small and medium-sized Ohio manufacturers adopt and scale advanced manufacturing technologies to improve productivity and strengthen their ability to compete and grow. Its work will connect technology adoption with customer and supply chain requirements, while building on OMA’s established Workforce Services work to help companies develop the skills needed to put those technologies to work.

“Technology is changing how manufacturers compete, but adopting it successfully takes more than buying new equipment,” said Ryan Augsburger, president of the OMA. “The MEP Center will help small and medium-sized manufacturers put advanced technologies to work, improve productivity and build the skills they need to get the most from those investments.”

OMA is also building the team that will lead the new center and support its coordination with Workforce Services. Geoff Lipnevicius joins OMA as founding MEP Center director and will lead development of the center’s team and statewide delivery network.

Jessica Borza moves into the role of executive advisor, workforce and MEP, helping guide strategy, partner engagement and coordination across both areas. Lauren Massie has been promoted to managing director of workforce services and will lead OMA’s statewide workforce strategy and initiatives.

Beth Hahn becomes managing director of operations, with responsibility for aligning teams, systems and implementation across OMA. Natisha Griffin is expanding her responsibilities to lead MEP compliance and financial management, helping establish the financial, reporting and audit infrastructure for the new center.

Tessa Ireton also joins Workforce Services as director of project management, coordinating complex initiatives and supporting implementation of statewide workforce projects.

The changes pair OMA’s established workforce network with a new statewide MEP capability focused on advanced manufacturing technology adoption, productivity and competitiveness. 10/8/2026

Ohio’s defense manufacturing industry is vital to America’s national security and economic strength, a connection highlighted Thursday as U.S. Sens. Jon Husted and John Kennedy visited T.J. Clark International in Delaware.

Joined by company founder and CEO Eric Jenkusky, the senators emphasized the importance of Ohio’s defense industrial base to military readiness, domestic production and the state’s economy. From specialized components to advanced manufacturing capabilities, Ohio companies help equip America’s armed forces while supporting skilled jobs and investment across the state.

The visit also highlighted an important policy challenge. Smaller defense suppliers need access to capital to expand production, modernize equipment and compete for military contracts. The Ohio Manufacturers’ Association (OMA) has supported efforts to address those barriers, including House Bill 332, legislation aimed at improving financing opportunities for smaller defense manufacturers. Jenkusky previously testified in support of the measure.

“Washington can talk about rebuilding America’s defense industrial base, but that work happens on factory floors across Ohio,” said James Lee, OMA managing director of public policy services. “If we’re serious about strengthening national security, we need to make sure the smaller manufacturers supplying our military have the capital and capacity to deliver. Ohio has an enormous opportunity to lead, but those companies need the tools to grow.” 10/8/2026

Ohio is well positioned to win new manufacturing investment, but landing the next big project is only part of the equation.

In a sit down last week with New Albany Business, Ohio Manufacturers’ Association (OMA) President Ryan Augsburger said companies are rethinking supply chains and resilience, creating an opportunity for states that already have the people, infrastructure, suppliers and manufacturing base needed to compete.

“You don’t reshore manufacturing with slogans. You reshore it by making America a place where manufacturers can win,” Augsburger said.

That means making sure the manufacturers already operating here can keep growing too. Augsburger said the real test of economic development is whether a company that has employed 200 people in an Ohio community for 50 years still believes its next investment belongs here.

That is the member takeaway. Ohio can celebrate new investment while staying focused on the companies already building, hiring and investing here every day. 10/5/2026

The Ohio Manufacturers’ Association (OMA) has joined manufacturers across the country in urging the U.S. Senate to move quickly on a bipartisan permitting reform package aimed at making it easier to build and expand in the United States.

OMA signed onto a National Association of Manufacturers (NAM) letter supporting the Bipartisan American Affordability and Jobs Act of 2026, which would set clearer timelines for environmental reviews, narrow some projects subject to federal review and create more certainty around permitting decisions.

NAM estimates permitting delays cost manufacturers at least $8 billion every year. The coalition letter also notes that permitting a manufacturing facility in the United States takes 80% longer than in other free-market economies, tying up money that could otherwise support hiring, plant expansions and new investment.

“Manufacturers are competing for investment every day, and the permitting process cannot be a reason those investments go somewhere else,” said Ryan Augsburger, OMA president. “Ohio manufacturers need a system that protects our environment while giving companies the certainty and speed they need to build, expand and create jobs here.”

Manufacturers are ready to build. OMA is urging Congress to give them a permitting system that lets them get to work. 10/6/2026

Students from Russia Local School and Fort Loramie Local Schools got a firsthand look at modern manufacturing during a recent Manufacturing Day visit to Superior Aluminum.

Students toured the company’s Russia facility, saw manufacturing operations up close and learned about the range of careers available across the business. The visit gave students a chance to connect what they are learning in school with the people, skills and technology behind products made in their own community.

“Students cannot picture themselves in careers they have never seen,” said Ryan Augsburger, president of the Ohio Manufacturers’ Association (OMA). “When young people can meet the people doing the work, see the technology and understand the careers available close to home, manufacturing becomes a much more tangible option for their future.”

OMA is highlighting member Manufacturing Month activities throughout October. Members hosting plant tours, student events or other activities are encouraged to share them with OMA. 10/5/2026

NBC News Chief Data Analyst Steve Kornacki brought the big board to Columbus yesterday at the Ohio Manufacturers’ Annual Forum, giving Ohio manufacturers a fast-moving look at the numbers, voter shifts and races shaping the final stretch of the 2026 election.

His appearance also helped kick off Manufacturing Month, a time to highlight the people, companies and investments that make manufacturing central to Ohio’s economy.

Kornacki moved from national attitudes on the economy, inflation and immigration to the fight for control of Congress, then zeroed in on Ohio. His presentation examined the U.S. Senate race between Jon Husted and Sherrod Brown, along with several congressional contests across the state.

“Steve has a way of cutting through an enormous amount of political data and showing you very quickly where the pressure points are,” said Ryan Augsburger, president of the Ohio Manufacturers’ Association (OMA). “Our members got a close look at the races, counties and voter shifts that could matter most over the next month.”

Kornacki’s appearance followed Wednesday’s Government Affairs Committee meeting and election analysis from Kyle Kondik, giving OMA members two days of close-up perspective on the political landscape heading into November. 10/1/2026

Whirlpool Corporation Chairman and CEO Marc Bitzer put Ohio at the center of the company’s continued investment in American manufacturing during his remarks yesterday at the Ohio Manufacturers’ Annual Forum.

Bitzer highlighted Whirlpool’s recent $360 million investment in Ohio manufacturing and the combination of talent, infrastructure and industry partnership supporting the company’s long-term presence in the state.

“Whirlpool Corporation started in America, stayed in America and we’re continuing to build our future here. Our recent $360 million investment in Ohio manufacturing recognizes this state as a vital part of our U.S. operations. It also serves as a testament to our confidence in Ohio’s talent pool and the state’s commitment to manufacturing,” said Marc Bitzer, chairman and CEO of Whirlpool Corporation. “Working together with organizations across the state, like the Ohio Manufacturers Association, we can ensure Ohio and the U.S. remain a growing hub for American jobs, ingenuity and manufacturing for generations to come.”

His message to OMA members was straightforward. Whirlpool is continuing to invest in American manufacturing, and Ohio remains an important part of where the company sees its future. 10/1/2026

More than two decades of leadership and service to Ohio manufacturing earned William “Bill” Sopko the Ohio Manufacturers’ Association’s (OMA) Dan French Legacy Award, presented Thursday at the Ohio Manufacturers’ Annual Forum in Columbus.

Sopko, president of Cleveland-area Wm. Sopko & Sons Co., Inc., and a longtime leader at Stamco Industries, has served on the OMA board since 2004, including a tenure as chairman. Throughout his service, he has brought the perspective of a family-owned manufacturer to the association, helping guide its leadership and champion the interests of Ohio’s manufacturing community.

“Bill Sopko has never been afraid to challenge us, tell us what we need to hear or roll up his sleeves and get to work,” said Ryan Augsburger, OMA president. “He understands what it takes to run a manufacturing business, and he’s spent more than 20 years making sure that perspective shapes this association. Bill has given us his time, his judgment and, when we needed it, a piece of his mind. That’s leadership, and OMA is better because of it.”

Established in 2023, the Dan French Legacy Award recognizes exemplary service and leadership on behalf of Ohio’s manufacturing community. It honors the late Daniel P. French, who served on the OMA board for 19 years and helped shape the association’s leadership and governance. Sopko’s decades of service reflect the same commitment to strengthening OMA and the industry it represents. 10/1/2026

Luke Harms, director of government relations at Whirlpool Corporation, received the Ohio Manufacturers’ Association’s (OMA) William Babington, Jr. Award during Thursday’s Ohio Manufacturers’ Annual Forum in Columbus, recognizing his volunteer leadership and commitment to Ohio manufacturing.

Harms, who has chaired OMA’s Government Affairs Committee since 2024, brings firsthand experience navigating the legislative and regulatory issues facing one of Ohio’s largest manufacturing employers. His work with OMA has helped shape the association’s policy priorities, build consensus among members and strengthen manufacturers’ engagement with state policymakers.

“Luke knows his stuff, and he knows how to get things done,” said Ryan Augsburger, OMA president. “He can walk into a room full of manufacturers with different priorities, find the common ground and turn it into a policy position that actually moves the needle. That’s not easy, and it’s one of the reasons OMA has been so effective with Luke leading our Government Affairs Committee.”

Presented on select occasions, the William Babington, Jr. Award recognizes outstanding volunteer leadership in advancing OMA’s mission and strengthening the association. It honors the late William Babington Jr. of Stone Container, whose dedication, high expectations and good humor left a lasting impression on the organization. 10/1/2026

Ohio manufacturers helped build America. Now they’re helping shape its next chapter. A new video debuted Thursday at the Ohio Manufacturers’ Annual Forum, bringing together industry leaders to reflect on the state’s manufacturing legacy, the people behind its success and the opportunities ahead as America celebrates its 250th anniversary.

From producing the equipment that helped win World War II to creating generations of middle-class opportunity, manufacturing has helped define Ohio’s economic history. In the video, manufacturers reflect on that legacy while making clear that the industry’s continued success depends on the same willingness to invest, innovate and adapt that shaped its past.

At the heart of that effort are people.

“Nothing is done without your people,” said Jack Schron, president and CEO at Jergens, Inc. “You’ve got to invest in their energy, their time, and their desire even to be in this sector.”

Manufacturers described opening their facilities to students, helping employees build lasting careers and expanding opportunities through second-chance employment and programs serving people with disabilities. Manufacturing’s continued success depends on making sure more Ohioans can see themselves as part of it.

The video also offers a look inside modern manufacturing, where lasers, 3D printing, advanced machinery and highly skilled employees are changing what happens on the factory floor. Beyond production, manufacturers highlighted careers in engineering, purchasing, human resources and other fields, challenging outdated perceptions of an industry that offers opportunities to learn, advance and lead.

That same commitment to progress extends beyond individual companies.

“We manufacturers have a responsibility to speak up for all manufacturers,” said Dale Foerster, owner and vice president at Starr Manufacturing Inc. “We are so interconnected and interdependent.”

Participants credited the Ohio Manufacturers’ Association with uniting the industry around shared priorities and providing expertise across advocacy, energy and workforce development. Foerster added, “When we all band together, our voice becomes so big and legislators listen.”

As the industry looks ahead, the video returns to a conviction shared by the manufacturers who helped tell its story. Ohio’s next chapter will be written by the people developing new technologies, preparing the next generation of workers and investing in the state’s manufacturing future.

“Ohio will lead the next 250 years of manufacturing because of the tenacity of the people here in the state of Ohio,” said Billy Vickers, president and CEO at Modular Assembly Innovations. 10/1/2026

The Ohio Manufacturers’ Association (OMA) Board of Directors met Thursday in Columbus ahead of the Annual Forum, with plenty to discuss after a consequential few months for the association and its members. From rising electricity costs to new opportunities to help manufacturers grow, the conversation focused on turning OMA’s recent progress into tangible benefits for Ohio’s manufacturing community.

Among the biggest developments was OMA’s selection to lead Ohio’s Manufacturing Extension Partnership, which will bring new resources and technical expertise to small and medium-sized manufacturers across the state. Directors also reviewed efforts to expand technician training and strengthen the pipeline of skilled workers that Ohio companies need to compete.

“We’ve taken on some big challenges this year, and our board has been right there with us,” said OMA President Ryan Augsburger. “Whether we’re fighting to keep electricity costs in check or building an entirely new statewide network to help manufacturers grow, the expectation is the same. Our members should see real results from the work we’re doing.”

With 2027 approaching, OMA’s work on energy affordability, workforce development and manufacturing competitiveness remains a central focus. The board’s guidance will help shape the association’s efforts to address those challenges while ensuring members have access to the expertise, advocacy and services they need. 10/1/2026

Kyle Kondik, one of the nation’s leading election analysts, gave more than 140 members of the Ohio Manufacturers’ Association (OMA) a look at the political landscape Wednesday, from the battle for control of Congress to Ohio’s closely watched races for governor and U.S. Senate.

Kondik, managing editor of Sabato’s Crystal Ball at the University of Virginia Center for Politics, examined President Donald Trump’s standing, the national political environment and the dramatic changes in Ohio’s electoral map. He also identified Mahoning, Delaware and Wood counties as places to watch in the governor’s race. He said both the U.S. Senate and gubernatorial races were “on a knife’s edge.”

“Everyone in Columbus thinks they know what’s going to happen in November. That’s why we brought in someone who actually studies the numbers,” said James Lee, managing director of public policy services for OMA. “Our job is to make sure manufacturers are prepared for what comes after the votes are counted.”

Political strategists Bob Clegg and Sandy Theis rounded out the Government Affairs Committee meeting with a discussion of Ohio’s elections, the upcoming gubernatorial transition and the legislative battles awaiting lawmakers after November. 9/30/2026

Manufacturing Day is Friday, Oct. 2, kicking off a month of activities celebrating an industry that drives Ohio’s economy, supports hundreds of thousands of jobs and creates opportunities in communities across the state. The Ohio Manufacturers’ Association (OMA) wants to showcase how our members are marking the occasion.

From plant tours and student visits to employee celebrations and community partnerships, manufacturers are opening their doors, recognizing their people and introducing the next generation to modern manufacturing. These activities offer a firsthand look at the innovation, technology and career opportunities that define today’s industry.

Throughout October, OMA will spotlight member celebrations across our communications channels, highlighting the people, facilities and partnerships that make Ohio a manufacturing powerhouse.

We want to hear from you. Email Dave O’Neil your event details, photos and highlights so we can help share your story. 10/2/2026

Today is the final day to register for the Ohio Manufacturers’ Annual Forum, and space is getting tight.

We know. We’ve sent you a few emails about this one. Consider this the last one.

“We’ve emailed you about the Forum enough that you probably know the lineup by heart,” said Ohio Manufacturers’ Association (OMA) Director of Public Policy Services James Lee. “So here’s our final pitch. We’re almost out of seats, registration closes today, and we’d really like to see you there.”

On Oct. 1, Whirlpool CEO Marc Bitzer will dig into the forces reshaping American manufacturing, while NBC’s Steve Kornacki brings his data-driven look at the political landscape ahead. It’s a strong lineup, a nearly full room and your last chance to be part of it. 9/25/2026