LIMA, Ohio — Ohio business leaders discussed ways Ohio can be a leading force across the nation at today's Big 6 Roundtable event. Some of the panelists included members of the Ohio Manufacturing Association, Ohio Chamber of Commerce,  Ohio Farm Bureau, Ohio Manufacturers' Association, Ohio Council of Retail Merchants and the National Federation of Independent Business. 

They discussed several topics including inflation, workforce development, the strike situation, jobs and what new companies are moving to Ohio.

 

What You Need To Know

  • The panelists gave feedback on our growing workforce sector, regulations, inflation, and much more

  • As Ohio businesses  face hiring challenges and inflation, a bright note came through as the panelists looked ahead to the positive impact the Intel Plant will have on the buckeye state

  • The Lima Chamber of Commerce invited some of the state's top business leaders to weigh in on the current business climate in Ohio

 

The Lima Chamber of Commerce invited some of the state's top leaders to weigh in on the current business climate in Ohio. All panelists provided feedback on workforce development, filling jobs and challenges each sector faces. However, the issue getting the most attention is inflation. Samantha Bluhm the organization director at the Ohio Farm Bureau listened in on the discussion and said  inflation is hitting family farms particularly hard.

"Typical farm equipment you see operating this time of year, new off the dealer lot is going to cost about $1.5 million," Bluhm said. "Whereas, our farmers are receiving only $4 for a bushel of their product. And so when you are fighting that uphill battle, it's difficult to really stay competitive. It's difficult to keep people on the farms and keep those farms in the hands of families." 

James Lee, the director of Public Policy at the Ohio Manufacturers Association, said inflation and the worker shortage can make it hard for companies to grow.

"It's hard enough to find someone to actually come in, build your facility," Lee said, "There's a late there's a contractor shortage. So it's a serious ripple effect and it makes it almost impossible to plan and build your company and expand." 

As these leaders note that inflation and bolstering the workforce is something the state has to deal with, they are excited about the future of Ohio's economy thanks to companies like Intel and Honda investing in the state.