Leadership

The OMA continued the celebration of Manufacturing Month this week, kicking things off with a tour of Schaeffler Group USA in Wooster with State Senator Al Landis. Schaeffler manufactures high-precision components and systems for engines, transmissions, and chassis.

On Wednesday, OMA President Ryan Augsburger and Managing Director of Workforce Services Jessica Borza spoke to the Ohio Association of Community Colleges Presidents Meeting, sharing the strength of Ohio’s manufacturing industry, budget priorities, and OMA’s workforce initiatives.

Thursday, Augsburger joined National Association of Manufacturers (NAM) President Jay Timmons at the Circleville Pumpkin Show as part of the unveiling of the Route 250 Diner, an initiative to reignite American patriotism and renew belief in the American dream ahead of America’s 250th anniversary. 10/16/2024

The National Association of Manufacturers (NAM) recently released a study outlining the economic and energy benefits of exporting liquefied natural gas (LNG) and emphasizing the dangers of pausing exports of LNG.

The study projects that LNG export activities would grow to more than 900,000 jobs in 2044, contribute up to $216 billion to U.S. GDP, and generate $46 billion in tax revenue in that year. 10/16/2024

Last Friday, in celebration of Manufacturing Day, Cleveland.com published an op-ed by OMA President Ryan Augsburger highlighting Ohio as a powerhouse in manufacturing.

Augsburger focuses on Ohio’s rich manufacturing roots and skilled workforce, pointing to the fact that only Texas and California, which have three times the number of people as Ohio, employ more in the manufacturing industry. 10/4/2024

The celebration of Manufacturing Month in Ohio continues!

Last Friday, OMA President Ryan Augsburger and Nate Mays, Director of Development & Member Services visited Sutphen Corporation in Urbana, Ohio. Sutphen is the oldest continuously owned and operated fire apparatus manufacturer in the U.S., making high-quality vehicles and apparatus for fighter fighters since 1890.

On Monday, OMA’s James Lee and Lindsey Short, along with Jeff Reed from Honda hosted the new class of Ohio Legislative Service Commission (LSC) fellows for a tour of the Honda Marysville Auto Plant.

The LSC Fellowship is a 13-month, full-time program that places recent college graduates in a variety of positions in the state legislature. Fellows are typically offered permanent employment with the General Assembly or the state of Ohio upon completion of the program. 10/9/2024

The Right to Equitable and Professional Auto Industry Repair (REPAIR) Act stalled in Congress this week after failing to move to the House floor.

The REPAIR Act would have prohibited automakers from impairing a non-OEM parts manufacturer from producing or selling compatible aftermarket parts.

The OMA has opposed similar legislation at the state level, including Senate Bill 73 that would have imposed similar requirements on the entire manufacturing sector. 10/8/2024

Earlier this week, OMA President Ryan Augsburger gave a “State of Manufacturing” update to the Licking County Chamber of Commerce at their annual Manufacturing Day Celebration.

Augsburger reported on the strength of Ohio’s manufacturing industry, which is third in the nation for manufacturing jobs and produces more than $134 billion in manufactured goods annually. 10/2/2024

Last week, OMA Managing Director for Public Policy Services James Lee was featured in a roundtable discussion in Lima, OH, focusing on inflation forecasts, population trends, job retention strategies, and the challenge of attracting talent to Ohio.

Lee covered a variety of topics but emphasized the need for a balanced approach to protecting the environment that does not stifle economic growth.

“We’re facing many regulations from the U.S. EPA that are unnecessary and are costing manufacturers billions of dollars,” Lee said. 9/27/2024

The most recent poll from the New York Times has incumbent Senator Sherrod Brown holding a four-point edge over challenger Bernie Moreno with just over a month until election day.

The race is currently labeled as a “tossup” by The Cook Political Report, as both Brown and Moreno campaigns flood the airwaves with record-breaking spending. As of last week, more than $266 million worth of TV air time had been reserved in Ohio for the U.S. Senate, not including audio spots, mailers, or online advertising. 10/1/2024

As the dockworker strike on the East Coast and Gulf Coast ports enters its fifth day, concern is mounting over the costs to the U.S. economy and to the strategically important manufacturing supply chain.

Governor DeWine told reporters on Wednesday that Ohio stands to be disproportionately affected as a top manufacturing state in the nation. The OMA has joined with other state manufacturing organizations in calling on the Biden administration to invoke the Taft-Hartley Act to intervene and force resolution to the strike.

The National Association of Manufacturers President Jay Timmons told Fox News why intervention is necessary. 9/28/2024

Nick Miller has been promoted to Managing Director, Member Services and Policy Engagement. In his new role, Nick will lead the association’s membership and development team, working increasingly closely with public policy advocacy and energy issues.

“Nick joined the OMA team in 2021 and has already earned the respect of his peers and so many members who have had the opportunity to work with him,” said OMA president Ryan Augsburger.

Send a note of congrats to Nick. 10/2/2024

Following careful review and debate by leading OMA members, the Association this week announced opposition to State Issue 1, a constitutional amendment to revise the way Ohio draws legislative districts.

Conceding the current redistricting process is ripe for improvement, the current system is one rooted in accountability, expertise, and inclusivity. These essential elements would stripped under Issue 1. The proposed ballot initiative is a step backward that exacerbates the shortcomings of the status quo. 9/25/2024

Earlier this week, America celebrated National Voter Registration Day, a campaign designed to get Americans registered to vote ahead of the 2024 November election.

Ohio’s manufacturing industry is strongest when Ohio manufacturers vote! Make sure to register to vote before the Oct. 7 deadline, or check your registration status if you are not sure.

Be sure to check out the Election Services page on the OMA website for the Voter Toolkit and the Election Guide to stay informed and up to date with candidates, issues, and deadlines. 9/17/2024

Nearly 200 manufacturing leaders gathered last week in Columbus at the OMA’s Ohio Manufacturers Leadership Forum, featuring keynote speakers Jim Tressel and Jonah Goldberg.

Photos are now available from the 2024 Ohio Manufacturers’ Leadership Forum. Click the button below to view the gallery and download.

Thank you again to all who attended and made this a great event! 9/18/2024

On Wednesday, industry leaders from across the state met in Columbus for the Ohio Manufacturers’ Leadership Forum to network, learn, and discuss the strength of Ohio’s manufacturing industry.

Former Youngstown State University President and Ohio State football Head Coach Jim Tressel and renowned political commentator Jonah Goldberg keynoted the forum.

“As you think about the long-standing tradition of Ohio manufacturing, the question you all are asking is ,’How do we protect it?’,” said Tressel. “With tradition comes the responsibility to protect it, and the only way we protect that legacy is to know that it’s going to take all of us. We are going to have to learn and rely on each other.”

Goldberg offered a detailed analysis of the 2024 election cycle, with an in-depth discussion of America’s political landscape, key swing states, and commentary on Tuesday’s debate between presidential candidates Donald Trump and Kamala Harris. 9/11/2024

During the Ohio Manufacturers’ Leadership Forum, OMA members and staff recognized two outstanding members for their leadership, advocacy, and service to Ohio’s manufacturing industry.

Tim Ling from Plaskolite was awarded the William A. Babington, Jr. Memorial Award in recognition of outstanding volunteer service on behalf of Ohio manufacturers, particularly in the energy and environment committees.

Frank Mehwald, owner of Atlantic Tool and Die, was awarded the Dan French Legacy Award in recognition of his 32 years of service as an OMA Board Member.

Congratulations to Tim and Frank, and thank you for your leadership and advocacy for Ohio manufacturing! 9/11/2024

Honda is undergoing a major transformation, dubbed its “Second Founding,” to adapt to the shift toward electric and hybrid vehicles.

The company is retooling three Ohio plants, known as the Honda EV Hub, to simultaneously produce internal combustion, hybrid, and electric vehicles, enhancing production flexibility and sustainability. By investing $700 million in these facilities and a $3.5 billion joint battery venture with LG, Honda aims to meet its goal of 100% electric and fuel cell vehicle sales by 2040. 9/5/2024

A recent article from NPR explored the complexities behind grocery inflation and whether corporate greed is to blame.

While food prices have surged over 25% since 2020, higher than general inflation, data paints a nuanced picture. Companies have passed on increased costs from supply chain disruptions, labor shortages, and global events like the pandemic and the war in Ukraine. Although some profit margins have grown, they explain only a small part of rising prices. Economists suggest other factors, such as consumer spending habits and the shift toward more profitable private-label goods, may also be at play. Manufacturers, particularly those producing private-label products, may benefit from these shifts as they command higher profitability compared to brand-name items. 9/5/2024

The latest three polls of the Ohio Senate race have incumbent Senator Sherrod Brown leading by five points over Republican challenger Bernie Moreno.

Polls from Rasmussen, Fabrizio, and Remington Research all show Brown at +5, +4, and +6, respectively. However, both Rasmussen and Fabrizio have former President Donald Trump with a +8.5 lead over Vice President Kamala Harris, revealing a potential “red wave” that may boost Moreno.

The Ohio Senate race is currently the most expensive in terms of advertising spending in the country, clocking in at $200 million of ad bookings as of June.

If the total spending were divided by the roughly 6 million Ohioans who voted in the 2020 presidential election, the cost per voter would be $33. 9/4/2024

In an unprecedented move, President Biden’s administration has signaled it would block Nippon Steel’s $15 billion acquisition of U.S. Steel, citing national security concerns, even though Japan is one of the U.S. government’s closest allies.

Reuters News has reported, “Nippon’s planned acquisition of the U.S. steelmaker faces opposition from Democrats and Republicans, with Vice President and Democratic presidential candidate Kamala Harris saying on Monday she wants U.S. Steel to remain American owned and operated. Her Republican rival Donald Trump has pledged to block the deal if elected.” 9/5/2024

A federal judge last week blocked Ohio’s ban on foreign nationals and green card holders contributing to ballot campaigns.

The District Court ruled that the Ohio law, which was set to take effect last Sunday, violated the First Amendment rights of non-U.S. citizens living here legally.

Attorney General Dave Yost this week signaled that he disagreed with the ruling and has requested a stay. 9/4/2024