Ohio Manufacturers’ Association President Ryan Augsburger told a sold-out audience of more than 600 business leaders Thursday morning that Ohio’s ability to compete will depend in part on getting energy policy right.

Speaking at the Youngstown/Warren Regional Chamber’s Salute to Business alongside OMA Board member Mark Lamoncha, Augsburger highlighted manufacturing’s $138 billion contribution to Ohio’s economy and the opportunities ahead in reshoring, defense, automation and advanced manufacturing.

Energy was a major part of that discussion. Augsburger walked through how generation, distribution and transmission costs show up on customer bills, while making the case that Ohio needs both affordable and reliable power to support future growth.

He also emphasized the need for greater accountability in electricity demand forecasting, including safeguards against counting the same proposed load multiple times and assumptions that fail to keep pace with rapid advances in technology and energy efficiency.

“We appreciate the Youngstown/Warren Regional Chamber bringing together such a strong group of business leaders for this conversation,” Augsburger said. “Ohio has tremendous opportunity in front of it. We need an energy system that supports that growth with affordable, reliable power, better forecasting and more room for innovation and competition.” 9/3/2026