Leadership

Zoom Registration for OMA’s Government Affairs Committee Next Week Still Open

The OMA is hosting its Government Affairs Committee next Wednesday, May 22nd. While the meeting is scheduled to take place in Washington, D.C., OMA members who cannot attend in person are encouraged to register via the Zoom option.

The OMA will have a packed agenda for this meeting, featuring the following:

• Special guest Jay Timmons, President of the National Association of Manufacturers (NAM).
• An update on labor issues, including the finalized OSHA walkaround rule.
• Guest presentations on federal regulatory updates impacting manufacturers from NAM staff.
• Ohio policy updates from OMA staff.

5/15/2024

Key Ohio Manufacturers Featured in Columbus Business First

Columbus Business First recently featured the panel of manufacturers that took part in the annual Columbus Opportunity Summit last month.

The panel included representatives of OMA members Intel, Honda, American Nitrile, and Amgen discussing the growing regional investment in manufacturing, the resurgence of manufacturing in Ohio, and how Central Ohio is preparing for the next several decades of growth. 5/15/2024

Still Time to Support Manufacturing Grant Program

There is still time to signal your support for House Bill 435, which would create the Manufacturing Technology Assistance Program (MTAP). This key OMA bill, which would provide up to $150,000 in one-to-one match funding for manufacturers to purchase and implement Industry 4.0 technologies, is still being considered by the Ohio Legislature.

To support this legislation, complete this form to add your company’s name on this OMA letter. There will also be opportunities to testify before members of the Ohio legislature coming soon. 5/16/2024

Lt. Governor Husted Visits Goyal Industries

Last week was In-Demand Jobs Week in Ohio. Lt. Governor Jon Husted stopped by OMA member Goyal Industries in Mansfield to learn about their operations from Jay Goyal, who serves on the OMA’s Board of Directors. Goyal Industries has been operating in Ohio for 36 years. State Senator Mark Romanchuk (R-Ontario) and State Representative Marilyn John (R-Richland County) also attended the visit.

In addition to a tour of the facility featuring many Goyal Industries employees, Lt. Governor Husted also engaged in a roundtable with local industry leaders to discuss manufacturing and workforce issues. 5/16/2024

DeWine Signs Bill Allowing Administrators to Limit Cell Phone Use in Schools

Governor Mike DeWine this week signed House Bill 150 into law, which allows boards of education in Ohio to set standards for limiting cell phone use during school hours. Students would still be able to access their phones to manage health issues.

Several districts have already implemented cell phone restrictions and bans, but the Ohio Department of Education and Workforce would create a model policy for districts that do not draft their own. 5/16/2024

OhioNet Launches Resource Cooperative Supporting Business Development

OhioNet, a non-profit library membership organization in Ohio, recently announced the launch of the Ohio Industrial Resource Cooperative (OIRC) aimed at supporting business development by granting access to vital research and resources.

Originally spearheaded by Jim Clark, Knowledge Manager at the Goodyear Tire and Rubber Company, the OIRC completed a successful pilot project in the fall of 2023 with one of the top five scientific research publishers in the world.

For more information, contact Hannah Rosen, Director of Member Programs, at hannahr@ohionet.org. 5/15/2024

Biden Administration Announces $285 Million in Funding for CHIPS Manufacturing Institute

The Biden-Harris Administration has announced a $285 million funding opportunity through the CHIPS for America Program to establish a CHIPS Manufacturing USA institute focused on digital twins for the semiconductor industry. Digital twins are virtual models mirroring physical counterparts, allowing collaborative design and process development, potentially speeding up innovation and reducing costs.

This initiative aims to propel U.S. semiconductor manufacturing forward by leveraging digital twin technology to enhance research, development, and production processes while fostering workforce training and collaboration. 5/6/2024

OMA Seeks Changes to Civil Justice Bill

As a member of the Ohio Alliance for Civil Justice, the OMA provided testimony this week to the Senate Judiciary Committee on House Bill 179, which touches on key principles addressing Ohio’s civil justice system. Among other things, HB 179 seeks to clarify vicarious liability — when an employer is liable for an employee’s actions that cause personal injury to another employee. Because the bill’s language is unclear, HB 179 could potentially result in the over-naming of defendants, therefore increasing a business’ litigation costs.

OMA Director of Public Policy Services, Lindsey Short, serves as Chair of the Ohio Alliance for Civil Justice. 5/7/2024

Manufacturers Go to Washington, DC

The OMA government affairs committee will meet in our nation’s capital on May 22. In addition to the usual report on state public policy issues, members will hear from Jay Timmons, president of the National Association of Manufacturers (NAM). Meetings with Ohio’s U.S. senators and federal officials have been arranged. Members can learn more and register today to be part of this special event.

OMA’s Manufacturing Grant Program Receives First Hearing

OMA priority legislation creating the Manufacturing Technology Assistance Program (MTAP) received its first hearing in House Finance Committee this week. House Bill 435, sponsored by Representatives Santucci (R-Sylvania) and Demetriou (R-Washington Township), will benefit small to mid-sized manufacturers by creating a grant program that will provide up to $150,000 in one-to-one match funding for manufacturers to purchase and implement Industry 4.0 technologies.

The bill will provide direct financial support to manufacturers for technological upgrades customized to fit their operations, while enhancing Ohio’s supply chain efficiency and addressing workforce challenges through increased automation.

To support this legislation, complete this form to add your company’s name on this OMA letter. This form also provides an option to express your company’s interest in providing testimony before members of the Ohio legislature. 5/7/2024