Ohio's Business Climate is Improving

OHIO'S BUSINESS CLIMATE IMPROVES MORE THAN ANY OTHER STATE
Kasich Praises Tax Cuts and Sound Management for Steady Improvement

COLUMBUS – Ohio has the most improved business climate in the nation according to the annual survey of CEOs by Chief Executive Magazine. Ohio moved up 13 places this year to 22 from 35. Ohio continues to steadily improve, rising from 44 in 2010.

In response to the news, Gov. John R. Kasich issued the following statement:

“It’s great for Ohio workers when the nation’s CEOs see Ohio more and more as one of the best places in the country to do business.  It’s incredibly gratifying to see all of our hard work continue to pay off like that.  We’re achieving what we set out to do: get Ohio back on track by creating a jobs-friendly climate.  We’re not there yet and we’ve got a lot of work still to do, but we’re making real progress and it’s great news for Ohio’s families.”

Chief Executive Magazine's story and a copy of the survey can be read here.

Job Opening

The Licking County Chamber of Commerce is seeking an experienced, professional and highly motivated sales representative to help us grow our current membership. 

Compensation includes a competitive and lucrative uncapped commission and residual plan.

Candidate must have at least three years previous sales experience with proven results and the ability to build and deliver presentations.  Excellent interpersonal and communication skills are a must.

This position will require travel within Licking County.  Any candidate seeking this position must have a clean driving record, proof of insurance, and must provide his or her own vehicle for travel.

For consideration, submit a cover letter, resume, work history and references to the Licking County Chamber of Commerce, attention Cheri Hottinger, 50 West Locust Street, Newark, Ohio  43055. Electronic submittals will also be accepted.  For more information about this position, please contact Cheri Hottinger, President (740) 345-9757 ext. 5 or chottinger@lickingcountychamber.com  

What does HB59 Mean To You and Your Business?

I just participated in a conference call with the Ohio Chamber of Commerce regarding Governor Kasich's proposed Tax Reform in HB59.

There were several items that they covered, but I wanted to share two areas in this proposal that will have a major impact for individuals and businesses in Ohio.

The first one is in the area of Personal Income Tax.  Starting in 2013, the proposed bill will implement a 20% income tax reduction over a three-year period. This applies to all 9 of the different income tax brackets.  Here is the breakdown for the reduction:

2013 - 7.5% reduction
2014 - 7.5% reduction
2015 - 5% reduction

In addition to the above 20%, there will be an additional 4% reduction in 2013 which will be funded through the Income Tax Reduction Fund.  This is a one-time reduction.  So in essence, you will receive a 11.5% reduction to your personal income tax in 2013 only.

Now let's move on the the changes in the Sales Tax Expansion.  In the proposed bill, ALL services are automatically subject to the Ohio Sales & Use Tax unless an exemption is agreed upon.  So what is a service?  It is an act performed for another person/business for a fee.  Under the current draft of the bill, there are 11 exceptions to these services:

1. Medical/Health care services
2. Education & tutoring services
3. Real property construction services
4. Residential leases
5. Insurance transaction
6. Adult & child day care
7. Social services
8. Mining
9. Residential trash pick-up
10. Employee services (except 1099 is subject to the tax)
11. Funeral services

All other services will be subject to this tax like advertising, getting your hair cut, attending sporting events, etc.

This expansion also includes expanding sales tax to intangible services like trademarks, patents, licences, selling of mortgages, etc.  And it will also include a sales tax on all digital products like downloads (think of all apps purchased on Apple products).  In this bill, there is a proposed decrease in the current state rate of 5.5% to 5%.    These changes would take place September 1, 2013.

HB59 has many more items included that I didn't mention here including the Oil & Gas Severance Tax, the addition of a Small Claims Division under the Board of Tax Appeals and the reduction of income tax to be paid by businesses that are set up as pass-thru organizations (sole proprietorship, partners, LLC, Etc.)

The budget bill must be in place by July 1, 2013.  So between now and mid-April, this bill will be flushed out in the General Assembly. It is scheduled to be on the House floor on April 18. I urge you to contact your legislators if you have an opinion on this proposal and other issues.  For a map of House Districts in Ohio, go here.

If you have any questions about the above information, please feel free to contact me anytime - Cheri Hottinger 740.345.9757 x5 or chottinger@lickingcountychamber.com.

Looking for an Internship?

Portman Offers Internship Program for Ohio Students

Deadline for Applications is March 5, 2013

Washington, D.C. – U.S. Senator Rob Portman (R-Ohio) is accepting applications for internship opportunities in his Washington, D.C. and state offices.

“I began my career in public service as a Congressional intern and know firsthand the benefits of offering college-aged students an exciting introduction to Congress and the workings of a Senate office” said Portman.  “These young men and women will earn valuable experience as they assist me and my staff on our work to improve Ohio and address the fiscal challenges facing our nation.”

Internships are designed primarily for Ohio students who have completed at least one full year of collegiate undergraduate coursework. Interns are assigned to work alongside staff responsible for the Senator’s legislative, press, and administrative operations.

Students who wish to apply for a summer internship should visit Senator Portman’s website at portman.senate.gov to fill out an application and submit the following: 1) resume; 2) one page explanation of interest in the internship; and 3) two letters of recommendation.

The deadline for applications for summer internships is Tuesday, March 5, 2013. Please contact Senator Portman’s office at Portman_Internships@portman.senate.gov or 202-224-3353 for more information.

You Can't Win Without Ohio

Here is an interesting look at Ohio and presidential elections. This was originally posted on the Ohio Chamber's blog.

Posted by: CBailey on Monday, December 03, 2012

Ohio's electoral prowess defined

After another election cycle, Ohio again proves its prominence among presidential battleground states. Although Florida can claim the closest race (Obama +0.9), Ohio (Obama +2) was the only other state with an Obama margin of victory that was less than his national margin of victory (3.3 percent). In four years, we can still tout my favorite statistic, that Ohio has voted for the winner in every presidential election since 1960. That's now a 13 election win streak.

Dr. Eric Ostermeier, a professor at the University of Minnesota, has an article on the Smart Politics blog describing Ohio's role in presidential elections over the years and the findings are very interesting. According to Ostermeier, "A Smart Politics review of the 47 presidential election cycles since the birth of the modern two-party system in 1828 finds Ohio leads the nation in both the lowest average victory margin (8.8 points) as well as the largest number (23) and percentage (49 percent) of highly competitive contests decided by less than five points."

 

To put those findings in perspective, he goes on to say, "Only one other state has compiled victory margins of less than five points at least 40 percent of the time (New Jersey, 20 of 47, 42.6 percent) and only one other has tallied single-digit victory margins in at least 60 percent of presidential elections (Pennsylvania, 29 of 47, 61.7 percent)."

 

The conclusion: For 184 years, Ohio has consistently been a difference maker in national elections. No other state can make that claim.

The Entrepreneur Rollercoaster

Found this video at Life Out Of The Box.  If you have ever tried to start your own business, you will appreciate this.  For those who haven't but want to, it is good for you to watch as well.

Holiday After Hours & Exhibitors Fair

Holiday After Hours & Exhibitors Fair 

Tuesday, December 4

 

The  Chamber will host the Holiday After Hours at the new Metropolitan Hotel.  There will be tasty appetizers, cash bar featuring holiday themed drinks and music by Chris Gill.  You will enjoy networking with other members as you visit the table top displays.

 

There are still 5 exhibitor tables available for only $50.  Click here for more information.  Call 740/345-9757 to RSVP.  We hope to see you there!


Posted by:  Jennifer McDonald