We had an interesting 2016 with major policy challenges and opportunities for collaboration. We look forward to an exciting new year for sustainable business in Ohio.
Clean Energy:
OSBC was active on energy issues in 2016. Last January, as the controversy grew over power purchase agreements to guarantee profits to AEP and First Energy to operate outdated power plants. OSBC’s letter to the editor of Columbus Business First was published to argue against propping up dirty energy and moving to clean generation.
Near the end of the year, OSBC opposed HB 554, which a dozen of the legislature’s GOP members also opposed. The bill would effectively have extended Ohio’s freeze on the state’s timetable for alternative-energy and energy-efficiency standards. (The timetable was set in a bipartisan 2008 law.) Ohio had already suffered two years of stalled progress in developing and adopting new energy technologies and their related investment and jobs.
In December, OSBC delivered letters from business executives from across Ohio urging the Governor to veto the bill. Kasich vetoed the bill on December 28th. We applaud Governor Kasich for showing leadership in moving Ohio towards clean renewable energy.
In 2017, we will Spotlight the Business Benefits of Clean Energy throughout Ohio. OSBC will gather stories and data on how clean energy and efficiency is making Ohio business more competitive. We will present them to Ohio legislators in face-to-face meetings in 2017. Sponsor this project Contact us.
Do you have a story about clean job creation, energy efficiency savings or sustainable economic development? Share it with us via email.
Healthcare Insurance Reform:
In 2016, OSBC hosted two screenings of Fix It, a documentary, about how a public option or single payer would relieve the burden from domestic businesses and provide better care. The film generated some interest in the small business community, but more outreach is needed. In our panel discussions, the public option that would allow individuals to buy in to Medicare or Medicaid was a viable middle of the road solution. Video of the 30-minute panel discussion is online.
The current Congressional push to repeal the Affordable Care Act (ACA) and no clear plan for its replacement is likely to leave many Ohioans without health coverage. Sustainable businesses are concerned with the costs of providing healthcare coverage for their employees and are eager to find options. How has your business been impacted by the costs of navigating our current healthcare system? Email us your story.
Sustainable Business Policy & Practices:
In May, OSBC held our first Sustainable Business Networking event at Brothers Drake Meadery in Central Ohio. The successful event attracted over 20 local business leaders to connect and hear speakers, Mike Minnix of Good Land Consulting; Jenny Schienbach of Patty Cake Bakery; Suzanne Csejtey of Design Energy and David Dwyer of American Renewable Energy share experiences and opportunities for expanding sustainability in Ohio.
OSBC partnered with the American Sustainable Business Council in July for their Policy Forum on Conservative Thought and Sustainability at Cleveland-Marshall College of Law, Cleveland State University (CSU). OSBC was an organizing partner for this interactive policy forum — bringing together national and Cleveland-area business leaders, policy makers, the media and RNC delegates — to examine the financial benefits that companies large and small have achieved through environmental sustainability practices.
In July OSBC participated in fly-in visits to meet with legislative staff of Ohio Senators Sherrod Brown and Rob Portman to advocate for the economic benefits of stronger regulatory controls on methane leaks in the oil and gas industry. OSBC argued that several innovative businesses in Ohio provide control technology to prevent the powerful greenhouse gas from leaking into the environment and that stricter controls would create jobs.
In March 2017, OSBC will host two events. A webinar on March 8th on Job Satisfaction and Productivity to discuss how high-road workplace practices like living wages, family leave and transparency engage employees and lead to business success. Increasing Profits by Eliminating Food Waste at The Commissary, Columbus OH. Join OSBC, Abbe Turner of Lucky Penny Creamery and others for a presentation and discussion of ways to identify and reduce food waste in your operations. March 20, 2017, 3:00 pm. See event sponsorship information.
Local Investment & Economic Development
In November 2016, OSBC co-sponsored a full day workshop on Local Investment presented by Michael H. Shuman economist, attorney, author, entrepreneur, and one of the world’s leading experts on community economics. The workshop focused on innovative, cost-effective ways to grow local businesses to create lasting community prosperity. The event was attended by economic development professionals, local bankers, entrepreneurs, policymakers and a state representative.
In 2017, OSBC will be pursuing next steps identified at the workshop that include advocacy for an Ohio Local Investment Tax Credit and a Local Investment CD program with local institutions. Sponsor this project Contact us.
Let’s Connect. We want to hear about sustainability issues in your industry. Email us.
Join OSBC and support our work towards a sustainable Ohio economy. See membership information.
Be a catalyst. Host an OSBC event on topics from policy to energy efficiency or be an event sponsor and be a change-maker for Ohio’s sustainable economy. See event sponsorship information.
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