Key among questions at the meeting regarded tax reform legislation that was passed this week by the House and Senate. Regarding the legislation’s plan to reduce the federal corporate tax rate from 35 to 21 percent, he said, employers will “plow that extra 14 percent back into their businesses … That is a good thing for all of us and a good thing for our country.”
Jordan also spoke about his desire for a second special counsel to be appointed to investigate the FBI’s activity in the Clinton investigation. Last month, in another meeting organized by the CEP, Jordan spoke with representatives of local manufacturing companies.
0 Comments
![]() By Dr. Christopher Washington, Executive Vice President of Urbana University A 2017 economic impact study by the Southwestern Ohio Council for Higher Education (SOCHE) reports that Urbana University, a branch campus of Franklin University, increased the economy of Champaign and Logan Counties by $60.4 million over the course of the 2015-2016 academic year. The estimate, which is nearly double the $31.3 million estimated from the 2010-2011 fiscal year, includes the impact of operations, student spending and capital investment. The nearly twofold growth in economic impact signals the important engine of growth that Urbana University has become for the region, through money spent in their local areas and through the education and employment of local workers. As a private, four-year institution located in Urbana, Ohio, Urbana University enrolled nearly 4,000 students and directly employed 150 full- and part-time workers during the 2015-2016 academic year. The institution benefits Champaign and Clark Counties in a number of ways, principally by increasing the training and knowledge base of the area, but also through its expenditures, its employees, and its students. The local economy receives benefits from Urbana University in three ways: through its operations, student spending, and capital expenditures. The direct spending for its operations affects the local economy as the institution and its employees purchase local goods and services. In turn, those local businesses and associated employees increase spending and buy local goods and services. The total economic impact from Urbana University’s operations falls into two categories. The first category is the net economic impact of new money from outside of the two-county region that is spent within the local economy because of Urbana University. The second economic impact category is the retained economic impact, which results from spending of local students that may have moved elsewhere for education if it were not for Urbana University. In addition to the economic impact it provides through salaries, Urbana University has helped raise the skills of the area’s workforce by educating potential workers. This elevated skillset in turn increases the supply of human capital in the region. In addition, by raising the region’s demand for human capital, Urbana University has helped local businesses create jobs for skilled workers. This contribution is significant because regions with higher levels of human capital tend to be more innovative, have greater amounts of economic activity, and enjoy faster economic growth, and workers in these regions tend to be more productive and earn higher wages. The 2017 SOCHE report displays the economic impact of Urbana University on the two-county Champaign and Clark County areas. The University increased economic output in the two-county region by nearly $60.4 million in fiscal year 2016 and led to approximately 5.6 million in total tax revenues, of which more than $757,000 accrued to local municipal and county governments. SOCHE’s impact study illustrates the impact of Urbana University as an economic stimulant for the region. Through changing times and economic climates, Urbana University has continued to provide the quality training and education needed for individuals to better themselves, their careers and their lives. Through internships and other immersive work experiences, our students are connecting with in-demand industries and employers to advance our regional economy. During fiscal year 2016, Urbana University spent $14.0 million on operations. Of this, approximately $6.7 million is attributable directly to the new money coming into the area due to Urbana University’s presence and $7.4 million is considered retained. This direct spending by the University from outside money generated a further $2.3 million in additional economic activity in Champaign and Clark Counties. During the fiscal year 2016, Urbana University made capital expenditures. Urbana University made approximately $1.3 million in capital expenditures, of which $251,801 remained in the Champaign and Clark County economy, as many of the goods and services necessary for the capital purchases existed outside of the regional economy. This spending led to further local sales of $97,003, for a total impact on the two-county economy of approximately $349,000. “Urbana University is an invaluable economic development partner in our county,” said Marcia Bailey, Champaign Economic Partnership, Economic Development Director “Their aggressive approach to developing collaborations has been a true differentiator in driving the regional economy.” About SOCHE Celebrating its 50th anniversary, SOCHE is the trusted and recognized regional leader for higher collaboration, working with more than 20 colleges and universities to transform their communities and economies through the education, employment and engagement of nearly 150,000 students in southwest Ohio. For more information about SOCHE, visit http://www.soche.org/. About Urbana University – A Branch Campus of Franklin University Urbana University, a branch campus of Franklin University, prepares students for successful and professional careers within a caring and supportive environment. Regionally well known for education and teacher preparation programs, Urbana was founded in 1850 and acquired by Franklin in 2014. Urbana’s 128-acre, residential campus nestled in heart of Ohio provides a background for students actively engaged in campus activities through 20 student-led academic, professional, performing arts, social and service organizations. Blue Knights athletics includes 17 NCAA Division II sports and three intercollegiate club sports. Urbana University is a division of Franklin University, which is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission. ![]() by Matt Sanctis, Springfield News-Sun A proposed tax reform package that could be before the Senate as early as this week has a good chance of passing, U.S. Rep. Jim Jordan told a group of Champaign County business leaders on Monday. Republicans have argued the tax plan would benefit families and businesses by increasing the standard deduction and child tax credit and cutting corporate tax rates. Democrats have criticized the proposed tax legislation as a giveaway to the rich. “I do feel cautiously optimistic we’ll get tax reform legislation done before the end of the year,” Jordan, R-Urbana, said. A recent report released by the nonpartisan Congressional Budget Office says the tax bill would add about $1.4 trillion to the federal deficit over the next decade. U.S. Sen. Sherrod Brown, D-Ohio, said during testimony on the bill that the beneficiaries are the same corporations that have been rewarded for sending American jobs overseas. “If you want to cut taxes for the middle class, why don’t you cut taxes for the middle class?” Brown said. Jordan countered it would lead to economic growth to make up for some of those losses, although he argued spending cuts and welfare reform also should be required in subsequent legislation. “We’ve got to get to 4 or 4.5 (percent) to be able to grow at a rate that can allow us to deal with a $20 trillion debt,” Jordan said of economic growth. “If you get growth moving in the right direction, then you’ve got to cut spending.” Several business officials who attended the meeting asked about various issues, including raising concerns about a lack of available workforce. Jordan also pushed for welfare reform, which he argued should include work requirements for able-bodied adults. Last year, Jordan proposed legislationthat would require able-bodied adults without dependents to work at least 80 hours per month, or take part in vocational training to continue to receive benefits. It included more lenient requirements for families with children. “When you require something for the benefit, what happens is a lot of people will forego the benefit and just get a job,” Jordan said. The Senate version of the tax reform bill includes a provision that would eliminate the requirement that most Americans purchase health insurance, which Jordan said should have been included in the House version of the bill. He argued Republicans made a mistake by trying to repeal and replace the Affordable Care Act, known as Obamacare, at the same time. Instead, he argued a simple repeal would have forced Democrats to the bargaining table. “It was just poor strategy,” Jordan said of Republican efforts to repeal the ACA. “That’s why we advocated a two-bill strategy.” Brown has argued including a repeal of the individual mandate in the tax reform package would cause millions of Americans to lose health insurance. “Tax reform should be about cutting taxes for working families, not raising the cost of their health insurance,” Brown said. “It’s outrageous that senators, whose own health care is paid for by American taxpayers, would try to take health care away from working families in order to cut taxes on corporations that send jobs overseas.” Some local business officials who attended the meeting said in general, the tax reform bill would provide some benefits to local manufacturing firms. Mark Hunter, controller at Weidmann Electrical Technology in Urbana, said the corporate tax cuts might not translate directly into higher wages for employers. But he said cutting the corporate tax rate would allow the company to increase its capital spending, and likely expand and hire more employees. “The wages are going to go up because competition is driving it up,” Hunter said. “We try to do whatever we can to maintain our current workforce.”
Read more about the Simon Kenton Trail at www.railstotrails.org/trailblog/2017/october/13/ohio-s-simon-kenton-trail/.
“The B-17 is obviously one of the most iconic World War II aircraft that there (is),” Champaign Aviation Museum Executive Director Dave Shiffer said.
The museum would like to double its current space. That expansion would cost $2.3 million. The museum has been talking about expansion for the past year and a half, Shiffer said. “People want to donate aircraft to the museum, and it’s because we are a flying museum they want to see the aircraft that they know and love to continue to fly,” he said. The project’s need became more evident in the spring, when two donors wanted to give planes to the museum, but space was an issue. The extra space of an expansion would allow the museum to work on more projects. “We are looking for private donations. We are asking people for money. We are applying for grants,” Shiffer said. That money will be used to expand the existing hangar. When restoration is completed on the current B-17 project, space will be needed to maintain it and other World War II aircraft. The added space will allow the aircraft to be displayed and protected. That will cost $1.4 million. The funds will also be used for an educational space, which will teach the public about history, including the people who served and the planes that flew. That extra space will cost $400,000, and an endowment of $500,000 is part of the plan. Most volunteers who work in the museum have some connection to World War II, including many through fathers or uncles. One volunteer, Mike Pfarr, fits that profile. His father was an airman in World War II. “My father was a B-17 tail gunner in World War II,” Pfarr said. Pfarr’s father was stationed in Lavenham, England, was a member of the 487th Bomb Crew and flew 28 missions. “I couldn’t get a lot of information from my dad,” he said. “So, whenever I could, it was golden. I held it in my heart and now I am doing this as a memory to my father.” He heard more stories when his family had to take his father to the Veterans Affairs Medical Center in Dayton in the 1960s. He still had metal fragments, called flak, in his body. “I feel like I’m closer to my dad, and I really believe that he knows what is going on here. I feel that strongly,” Pfarr said. The new facility is planned to be operational by 2020. If you would like to donate to the campaign, contact the Champaign Aviation Museum at 937-652-4710. ![]() Starting or expanding a business requires hard work, attention to detail and numerous points of contact, to turn plans into reality. The Champaign Economic Partnership (CEP) simplifies the process as the starting point for anyone wanting to establish or expand business in Champaign County. And the CEP recently added to its website a helpful guide – the CEP Business Playbook. The Playbook outlines key elements involved in starting or growing a business and the appropriate agencies to call on for help. The Playbook covers details such as writing a business plan, registering a business, finding available property with the appropriate zoning, acquiring necessary licenses and permits, business loans, marketing, utilities, and finding and retaining employees. “The Playbook is a good resource to review before contacting us at the CEP to discuss your plans and develop a strategy for achieving your goals,” Marcia Bailey, director of the CEP, said. “As Champaign County’s designated economic development agency, the CEP serves as the place for business developers to start. We can connect you with all the resources needed to start or grow a business, through our partnerships with local governments, state and regional economic development agencies, real estate agencies, utilities, lenders, workforce development and others,” Bailey said. The Business Playbook can be accessed from the “CEP Business Playbook” tab on the top navigation bar of the CEP website. The Playbook was developed with the help of the Small Business Development Center in Springfield, which serves Champaign County, Wittenberg University business students and Hannah Tukesbrey Kilbride, CEP administrative assistant. For information on starting or expanding a business in Champaign County, contact the CEP at (937) 653-7200 or [email protected].
The CEP hosted a breakfast and awards ceremony last week to review recent successes and recognize manufacturing firms for their efforts in Champaign County. So far this year, local firms have invested more than $80 million and added more than 100 new jobs, mostly through expansions, said Marcia Bailey, economic development director for the CEP.
Much of that success is the result of local companies working together to resolve common challenges, like training and worker retention, she said. “For the manufacturing partnership we’ve created, we’re seeing the results of that,” Bailey said. Several Champaign County companies announced expansions earlier this year. Most recently, Weidmann Electrical Technology Inc. said last month it will add about 2,600 square feet to its facility at 700 W. Court St. in Urbana. The company, which produces specialty insulation for transformers, will also add 20 new jobs and spend at least $500,000 in new equipment as part of an expansion valued at around $2.7 million. Navistar also broke ground on a roughly $12 million project to build a new distribution center and add 40 new jobs in Champaign County. Auto parts manufacturers like KTH Parts Industries in St. Paris and Parker Trutec also announced significant investments and expansions in the past 12 months. Area companies and the CEP have developed several programs to boost the county’s workforce, Bailey said, and there is some evidence that’s paying off. But she said it’s also clear there’s still more work to do. Attendance at a camp hosted by the Champaign Family YMCA has tripled its attendance since it started three years ago, Bailey said. The Inventor’s Camp enlists local manufacturing firms to teach students about skilled trades. Manufacturers also host a booth at the Champaign County Fair to make residents more aware of the products made in Champaign County. And the CEP worked with local companies to develop a website allowing local businesses to post jobs available within the county. Manufacturers have also increasingly sought to provide internships to area high school students to make them more aware of careers in the industry. Information provided by the CEP shows that the efforts appear to be attracting more young workers. In 2015, only about 5 percent of workers in the industry in Champaign County were between 19 and 24 years old, Bailey said. That number was about 9 percent this year. Still, attracting skilled workers remains a challenge, she said. “There’s not a competitions for products,” she said of local companies. “But we need the workforce to get those products out.” By the numbers: 3,832 — Manufacturing employees in Champaign County in 2015 3,725 — Manufacturing employees in Champaign County in 2016 4,029 — Manufacturing employees in Champaign County in 2017 $64,021 — Average earnings for manufacturing in 2017 By the numbers: 3,832 — Manufacturing employees in Champaign County in 2015 3,725 — Manufacturing employees in Champaign County in 2016 4,029 — Manufacturing employees in Champaign County in 2017 $64,021 — Average earnings for manufacturing in 2017 ![]() By Christopher Selmek, Urbana Daily Citizen Staff Writer A Fastlane survey of Champaign County manufacturing engineers and their employers reveal that more than 4,000 county residents are employed in manufacturing and that the average wage for county manufacturing employees is $64,000 a year. This information was presented to around 30 representatives of area manufacturing companies and their allies in education and government who attended a breakfast hosted by the Champaign Economic Partnership (CEP) at the County Community Center on Wednesday. According to the slideshow presented by county Economic Director Marcia Bailey, the purpose of the Manufacturing Human Resources Council is to provide education and awareness to the community and public schools regarding manufacturing opportunities in Champaign County. "Our HR council started about 6 years ago, and we said this is what our goal was going to be, and we've stayed at this goal, and we're starting to see how much change actually has happened in the perception of what manufacturing is about," Bailey said. "That's what this is all about, changing that perception." In the 3 years since we've joined the partnership, the excitement from the manufacturing industry in particular has been just overwhelming, and there's so much potential," said Todd Michael, president of the Champaign Economic Partnership. "It used to be that the goal was to bring in more manufacturing or more businesses, but it's just as important to have employees and to have educated employees. So it's chicken and the egg and we're trying to bring both simultaneously for good, steady, structured growth. Mostly Men in Local Manufacturing Jobs Bailey noted that the male-to-female ratio of employees is unbalanced, but that some area manufacturers like Sarica Manufacturing like to have female employees because of the intricate nature of the work and because female hands are smaller. "Ninety percent of our engineers are males so we keep telling the young females you have a great opportunity in Champaign County to become engineers in manufacturing," she said. "We need more females in manufacturing. It's also important that the students understand that this is the income you can make as an engineer in manufacturing in Champaign County, $37 to almost $41 an hour, which is not chump change. We're trying to get as much of this out as possible and really appreciate Fastlane for gathering this information." Within the last several years there has been an increase in workers ages 19-24 at county manufacturing companies, and Bailey said she hopes this number increases. Part of the CEP's outreach to area youth has included a YMCA camp called "Inventor's Workshop," in which area manufacturers lead children ages 6-12 in projects such as building Lego block towers and transistor radios. Other outreach efforts include a booth at the Champaign County Fair and the annual Manufacturing Day event, held last Friday, in which high school students toured local manufacturing companies. "Everything that's around as of today was made by someone, and it's just amazing to learn that," Bailey said. Near the end of the breakfast, the county commissioners presented proclamations to several of the company representatives, thanking them for their service to the community. "I just want to say thank you to all the companies and manufacturers and businesses that are represented here and those who might not have been able to make it," said Commissioner Steve Hess. "You guys are a big part of the engine that drives this county, so thank you for all your contributions to the community and all that you do. Keep up the good work."
The building Thursday’s presentation was held in is the third large building the company has added since the first building, Gummel said.
“While we’ve been fortunate to be able to continue to expand over the years, our purpose remains steadfastly the same as it was in 1988 and reflects the purpose of (Nihon Parkerizing Co. founder) Mr. Yuji Satomi back in 1928,” Gummel said. “That purpose is to contribute to the advancement of society by applying our technology and skill to honor the customer with good product on time, to help raise the dignity of life by providing jobs for individuals so they can support themselves and their families, and to be a conscious corporate citizen in the community. “God willing with this building and this equipment we plan to do exactly that by applying our determination and our hard work in the coming years.” Urbana Mayor Bill Bean said the city has provided sewer service to Parker Trutec which is one of the larger users for the city’s new water reclamation facility. “ In turn, Parker Trutec has provided jobs for our citizens here in Urbana and the Champaign County area,” Bean said. “You are truly the lifeblood of our community by providing jobs and a tax base that makes our community one of the best – if not the best – community in Ohio. It’s this kind of partnership that makes living, working and doing business in Urbana and Champaign County a real pleasure. “I would like to thank Parker Trutec, Nihon Parkerizing Co., and Joseph Gummel for locating here in Champaign County almost 30 years ago. Thank you and may we look forward to another 30 years of your success here in Champaign County.” Jenny Gilger, Assistant Vice President of American Honda Motor Company, said Trutec has always been a great partner for American Honda. “We truly value and appreciate our almost 30 years of working together and we congratulate you on the expansion of your operations here in Urbana as you continue to be a valued member of the community providing stable employment,” Gilger said. Following a ribbon cutting, attendees were given a tour of the new e-coat line. WL-S donation During the dedication ceremony, representatives from West Liberty-Salem received a $25,000 check from Parker Trutec towards the Tiger Strong Fieldhouse. WL-S Athletic Director Jake Vitt said next to the school, Parker Trutec is the biggest employer in the West Liberty-Salem community. Vitt referenced the Jan. 20 shooting at West Liberty-Salem during which student Logan Cole was injured. Cole was in attendance for Thursday’s ceremony. Vitt said the school wanted a way to recognize the date and honor the first responders who responded to the school on that date. Vitt said through Cole’s wishes the school established a fund for a fieldhouse for students, athletes and the community. “The purpose of this was to give back to our community and honor those who acted in valor and courageous acts that particular day as we had many first responders, many community members all within the surrounding area that kicked in and helped that day,” Vitt said. Vitt said the main focus of the building will be a room recognizing Cole and other past community heroes. “We’re very excited to roll this plan out … we kind of kicked it off this spring and Parker Trutec is very generous and wanted to get on board with us and this project and we appreciate that very much,” Vitt said. Nick Walton can be reached at 937-652-1331 Ext. 1777 or on Twitter @UDCWalton.
And Tina Knotts, a former director of the Champaign County Chamber of Commerce, opened Let’s Eat Cake, a specialty bakery nearby at 117 Scioto St. The bakery also shares space with other local businesses for a separate business called Room 117 at that site, which provides space for catering and special events.
Both Oxner’s General Store and Let’s Eat Cake hosted grand opening celebrations earlier this month. Manoloff said the store presented him an opportunity to turn a hobby into a full-time business. A former government and history teacher at Springfield City School District, Manoloff also spent years tracking down unusual items and antiques as a vendor. Jewelry at the store is new but most other items available at the store’s two floors are vintage or antiques, he said. “The whole time, I never lost my desire for antiques,” he said of his time as an educator. Despite the competition from other antique stores downtown, he said he’s been welcomed in the short time his store has been open. “Everyone wants each other to succeed and that’s very cool,” Manoloff said. Knotts served as director of the Champaign County Chamber of Commerce for several years before taking a similar position in Union County. But she chose to open Let’s Eat Cake in downtown Urbana because of the connections she still has in Champaign County. The business started in her home about four years ago but grew to the point where she needed additional space. Along with running the bakery, she continues to work for the Union County chamber as well. “It is a balancing act, I’m not going to fib,” Knotts said. “But I love the baking. I spend my weekends in Urbana and Monday through Friday I’m coordinating and promoting events for Union County.” The bakery focuses on special orders and cakes for weddings, baby showers and similar events. It’s closed for retail most of the week, but typically opens on Saturdays to allow customers to place and pick up orders. The bakery also hosts Cupcake Staurdays each weekend where customers can buy cupcakes, cookies and other items from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Knotts’ business also shares space at Room 117 at that address with the Buckeye Pig Rig, a catering company and food truck, and Cafe Paradiso, a downtown Urbana restaurant. Along with providing room for Knotts to bake, the space can also be rented for events like wedding showers and rehearsal dinners. “We all recognized that small event space is hard to find for 25 to 35 people, so we took the cafe and converted it to private dining space,” she said. That allows the restaurant and catering service to use the space while Knotts can provide baked goods. “We’re kind of waiting for a response from the public to see what the demand is and then we can add hours or staff,” Knotts said. |
Archives
February 2024
Categories
All
|