Representatives Dovilla and Celebrezze Announce Passage of Manufacturing Month Legislation

State Representative Mike Dovilla (R-Berea) and Nicholas Celebrezze (D-Parma) today announced the Ohio House of Representatives passed House Bill 77 by a vote of 94–2, which designates the month of October as “Manufacturing Month” in the state of Ohio.

“Manufacturing is vitally important for our state, and in particular for Northeast Ohio,” said Dovilla. “From family-owned businesses like Atlantic Tool and Die in Strongsville to Eaton’s facilities in Berea, we want people to know that Ohio’s advanced manufacturing is making a comeback.”

By dedicating October as Ohio’s Manufacturing Month, manufacturers will have an enhanced ability to highlight their Ohio success stories while informing our state’s residents of the critical skills needed to fill open jobs and pursue careers in this important economic sector.

“Designating October as Ohio Manufacturing Month highlights the important role that manufacturing contributed to Ohio’s economic resurgence and is a great step toward demonstrating our deep appreciation for our hardworking men and women in Ohio’s manufacturing sector,” said Celebrezze.

After convening a series of roundtables with the manufacturing community and trade representatives, throughout 2011 and 2012, a manufacturing roundtable sponsored by WIRE-Net provided the impetus for this legislation.

The manufacturing sector in Ohio accounts for more than 600,000 jobs and annually produces $80 billion worth of goods. Manufacturing advocates throughout Northeast Ohio applauded the passage of House Bill 77 and what it means to Northeast Ohio’s manufacturers.

“Northeast Ohio’s economic recovery is being driven by the manufacturing sector. The recognition of October as Manufacturing Month is another great stride in WIRE-Net’s never ending race to raise the profile of manufacturing careers and economic impact that helps build strong communities,” noted Mark Dawson, President, Cleveland Steel Tool and Chairman of the Board of WIRE-Net, a manufacturing based economic development organization headquartered in Cleveland.

Daniel Berry, President and CEO of the Manufacturing Advocacy & Growth Network, commented: “With the designation of October as Manufacturing Month, we’re delighted that the Ohio House of Representatives has highlighted the importance of manufacturing to our State. We are hopeful that the Ohio Senate will follow suit and we look forward to working with WIRE-Net and other organizations around Ohio to celebrate Manufacturing Month.”

House Bill 77 will now move to the Ohio Senate for further consideration.