Ohio Business Climate Improvement
Ohio’s implementation of sweeping business climate reform has eliminated any impediments to business location or expansion in the state. Due to 21st-century reform, Ohio is on track to offer the lowest taxes in the Midwest, after full implementation of tax reform in 2010.
Making a commitment to eliminate a burdensome tax system, Ohio in 2005 implemented full-scale, sweeping tax reform. Ohio’s new business taxation model will mean a reduction in tax burden of up to 63 percent by 2010, the first year reform is fully implemented. For more on Ohio’s Tax Reform or to download the Year One in Review brochure click here.
Legislation signed into law in 2004 has established Ohio as a state leader in tort reform limiting damages plaintiffs may collect in civil lawsuits, which if left unchecked can prove costly to business.
For more on Ohio’s Tort reform click here.
April 16th, 2008, No Comments
I've mentioned "green collar" jobs before, but it's worth bringing up again. The idea of an emerging green collar industry is more than just a few startup companies hoping to have an impact on the environment. It truly is a complete transformation from many traditional industry standards.
In order for the green collar industry to thrive, business leaders need more and more qualified workers to fill the jobs that are available today. Workers, even those who have spent decades in more traditional manufacturing jobs, are showing their desire to get hands-on, advanced training in emerging technologies like advanced, renewable energies.
A great example of an organization making huge strides to get this next generation of workers proper training is Hocking College in Southeast Ohio. Hocking College has just created a state-of-the-art Energy Institute where students have a choice of two associate degree programs in advanced energy. One program track focuses on fuel cells and alternative energy, such as solar and wind power, with students trained to construct, install, troubleshoot and test multiple types of alternative energy equipment. The other program concentrates on training technicians for alternative fuel and hybrid vehicles, including ones that use fuel cells in their electrical systems.
The 12,000-square-foot Energy Institute is being built across from the Logan-Hocking Industrial Park, about two miles from a key highway linking southeast Ohio to the center of the state. The hope is that an advanced energy training program nearby will draw alternative energy companies to the industrial park.
This program has already caught the attention of advanced energy companies. NexTech Materials Ltd., a Lewis Center-based developer and maker of components for fuel cells and sensors for fuel processing systems, has already hired eight graduates of Hocking College's advanced energy program.
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April 11th, 2008, No Comments
The term "green collar worker" has been getting a lot of attention lately.
The Washington Post has some great insight into the history and recent interest in the green collar industry.
It’s certainly top of mind for Ohioans. The state is staying well ahead of the game by improving its emerging advanced energy industry, and creating a new labor pool trained and qualified to meet the needs of the green collar industry.
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February 13th, 2008, No Comments
Public and private sector collaboration is becoming increasingly important in creating an environment where companies can succeed in the global market. In Ohio, this relationship is strong. For example, public and private sectors came together to create Ohio's recent tax reform. The tax reform includes provisions that encourage companies to conduct business globally.
I recently spoke with Eric Boltz, president of Marathon Sensors Inc., about how Ohio's business climate has helped his company compete worldwide.
Q: What role do you think Ohio's tax structure will play in helping your company become a strong global competitor? Please share your thoughts.
January 30th, 2008, No Comments
Chemical Abstracts Service (CAS), a division of the American Chemical Society and the global leader in chemical information, provides the most comprehensive databases of publicly disclosed research in chemistry and related sciences.
With more than 1,400 employees in Columbus, Ohio, CAS is a leading employer in the state. CAS employees are highly trained scientists who create and deliver the most complete and effective digital information environment for scientific research and discovery. CAS employees come from all corners of the world and speak more than 50 languages.
Recently, I spoke with Bob Massie, president of CAS, who shared with me his insights about recruiting top talent to Ohio.
Q: How important is positive work:life balance to your top talent recruiting efforts? Please share your thoughts.
