OHIO MATTERS
JANUARY - MARCH 2024
CONTENTS
Solar Eclipse to Bring Economic Boom to Ohio
Embrace the Beauty of Hocking Hills
Ohio Chamber PAC Endorsed Candidates Shine on Election Night
Optimization and Cybersecurity: Antidotes to 2024 Uncertainty
Ohio Needs to Address Housing Crisis
Ohio Chamber of Commerce Files Amicus Brief in Ohio Supreme Court Opioid Case
Introducing the Man Therapy Ohio Campaign
UnitedHealthcare: Recognizing Burnout
Upcoming Ohio Chamber Events & Webinars
AROUND OHIO SOLAR ECLIPSE TO BRING ECONOMIC BOOM TO OHIO
This April 8, Ohio will be one of the few states to experience a total solar eclipse. With a 124-mile-wide path of totality, Ohio is expecting an influx of tourism as people travel from all over the country to come witness this rare phenomenon. A solar eclipse is a celestial event that occurs when the moon casts its shadow across the Earth as it tra- vels between the Earth and the Sun. A total solar eclipse occurs when the moon appears to totally obs- cure the Sun, blanketing the sky in complete dark- ness. The last appearance of a total solar eclipse in Ohio was in 1806, and the next total solar eclipse is not expected to visit the state until 2099. This year, the total solar eclipse will be visible in Ohio from 3:08 p.m. to 3:19 p.m., with a partial so- lar eclipse beginning at 1:59 p.m. Much of the state is expected to witness totality, with many cities pre- paring for a major tourism boom. Cleveland, Dayton, Toledo, Bowling Green and Akron are just a few cities inside the path of totality that have already began to witness the economic impacts of the total solar eclip- se. According to a Columbus Dispatch article from last June, experts say this eclipse’s economic impact on Ohio could exceed $100 million. When it was in the path of totality in 2017, South Carolina saw millions of new visitors, resulting in an estimated impact of $269 million. With travelers expected to spend money on hotels, food and dining, transportation, retail services and more, many businesses across northwest Ohio are preparing for a surplus of new customers. The state is anticipating a boom in tourism that will have subs- tantial economic impacts across Ohio. This spectacular event is a once-in-a-generation experience, so it is crucial to find the most optimal viewing location for this remarkable sensation. Many places within the path of totality are expecting large crowds, so make time to enjoy all that Ohio has to of- fer before, during and after the eclipse. As cities prepare for the new tourists traveling to witness the total solar eclipse, many businesses are hosting events to allow for their customers to have the best viewing experience. See the list below to learn more some of the exciting events happening throughout the state for the eclipse.
Toledo The Toledo Zoo is hosting a “Total Eclipse at the Zoo” from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. where guests can enjoy fun activities and learn about animal beha- viors during an eclipse. Sandusky Cedar Point is opening for the earliest time ever for their “Total Eclipse of The Point” from 12 p.m. to 6 p.m. Cleveland The Cleveland Museum of Art will be showca- sing the new exhibit “Barba Bosworth: Sun Light Moon Shadow.” Rock and Roll Hall of Fame “Solar Fest” from April 5 to 8 will include live music and activities for all visitors to enjoy. Akron The “Total Eclipse of the Zoo” at the Akron Zoo welcomes guests to visit the animals while en- joying fun crafts and learning about the eclipse. Dayton The National Museum of the United States Air Force will have food trucks and educational activi- ties for visitors to enjoy the day of the eclipse. Cincinnati IKEA in West Chester is hosting a “Solarbration Pre-eclipse party” with limited-edition IKEA Solar eclipse glasses available each day while supplies last. Columbus The Solar Eclipse Solar-Bration at the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium will provide eclipse viewing glasses and invites guests to enjoy the eclipse while learning about the science behind wildlife research.
EMBRACE THE BEAUTY OF HOCKING HILLS
trict. Now festival goers can enjoy their favorite adult beverage while attending one of a kind festivals. Historic downtown Logan hosts UrbanAir/Wake Up Downtown Airstream campout in May, the Washboard Music Festival in June and Big Foot Festival in August. Stay in the heart of the action at the newest boutique hotel in Hocking Hills, The Worthington of Logan. The quintessential Hocking Hills experience must include a stay in one of hundreds of cabins. These are not rustic cabins. They vary from elegantly appointed cabins for two to luxury lodges large enou- gh to accommodate a group. Most come with hot tubs and many also feature game rooms, fire places and in-ground swimming pools. For a truly unique experience, rent a treehouse, yurt or geodo- me. If camping is preferred, there are award-winning campgrounds offering full hook-ups as well as primitive camp sites. Ohio’s newest State Park Lodge opened in 2022. The Hocking Hills State Park Lodge & Conference Center is located just south of Old Man’s Cave and fea- tures lodge rooms with balconies overlooking the dramatic landsca- pe, fine dining, indoor and outdoor pools and breathtaking outdoor spaces to gather with friends. As the days grow longer and the temperatures become more invi- ting, spring in Hocking Hills invites everyone to embrace the outdoors and appreciate the beauty that surrounds them. Whether it’s a lei- surely stroll through a wildflower- -filled meadow, an exhilarating hike along a waterfall-laden trail, or a peaceful moment spent bir- dwatching, spring in Hocking Hills offers an unparalleled connection to nature’s wonders. It’s a season of renewal, growth, and awe-inspiring beauty that captivates the senses and leaves a lasting impression on all who have the privilege of expe- riencing it. Begin your adventure at ExploreHockingHills.com.
As Ohio awakens from winter’s slumber the Hocking Hills trans- form into a kaleidoscope of vibrant flora and fauna. As temperatures rise, the barren trees of winter begin to sprout fresh green leaves, creating a vibrant canopy that dances in the gentle breeze. The forest floor, once covered in a blanket of snow, now comes alive with a carpet of dozens of wildflowers, including Trilliums, Violets, Yellow Lady Slippers, Star of Bethlehem, Blue-eyed Mary and Showy Orchids. The waterfalls of Hocking Hills undergo a remarkable transforma- tion during the spring season. The increased rainfall and melting snow contribute to higher water levels, causing the waterfalls to cascade with renewed vigor. Old Man’s Cave, Ash Cave, and Cedar Falls are just a few of the iconic waterfalls that become even more mesmerizing during this time of the year. The echoes of rushing water and the spray from the falls create a sensory experience that immerses visitors in the beauty and power of nature. Spring also marks the return of migratory birds to Hocking Hills, adding an audible dimension to the landscape. The songs of warblers, thrushes, and vireos fill the air, creating a symphony that comple- ments the visual feast of blooming wildflowers. Birdwatchers flock to the region to catch glimpses of these
feathered travelers as they make their way through the hills and valleys. The diversity of bird species in Hocking Hills makes it a paradise for both seasoned birdwatchers and casual enthusiasts. Mother Nature may be the star of the show but don’t discount the man-made attractions. From the Midwest’s original zipline adventure to the last remaining washboard manufacturer in the US, there are plenty of activities to keep everyone entertained. Try the ancient Japa- nese process of relaxation shinnin- -yoko, also known as forest bathing. Take a guided hike in search of mushrooms and other edibles found in the forest. Visit historic downtown Logan, a testament to what a group of dedica- ted citizens and entrepreneurs can accomplish. As little as ten years ago Main Street’s empty buildings outnumbered occupied storefronts. Today visitors will find an assort- ment of boutiques, eateries and entertainment. The Logan Theater & Community Arts Center is near- ly completely renovated and will host movies and live performances beginning this summer. The new Hocking Hills Children’s Museum opened in January offering hands- -on experiences for the child in all. Last year the City of Logan adop- ted a DORA, Downtown Outdoor Recreation Area, in the historic dis-
OHIO CHAMBER PAC ENDORSED CAND
• House District 29 – In Hamilton County, former member of House leadership and the Chair of Criminal Justice Committee State Rep. Cindy Abrams again took the GOP nomination with 58.89%. • House District 32 – Running in Summit County for what was formerly State Rep. Bob Young’s seat, New Franklin Councilman and accomplished entrepreneur Jack Daniels won handily with 72.16%. • House District 34 – Candidate Derrick Hall, President of the Akron Public School Board, won a three-way race with 38.40% for the seat which is soon to be vacated by Rep. Casey Weinstein. • H ouse District 46 – In Butler County, the Chair of the Technology and Innovation Committee, sophomore State Representative Thomas Hall, prevailed overwhelmingly with 83.71%. • House District 54 – Kellie Deeter, a familiar face to many at the Statehouse as Government Relations Director for the Ohio State Association of Nurse Anesthetists, won in Huron County in the effort to replace term- limited Rep. Dick Stein by 73.17%. • House District 55 – In Warren County, small business owner Michelle Teska will look to replace term-limited State Rep. Scott Lipps this fall, winning with 64.84% of the primary vote. • House District 56 – Freshman member State Rep. Adam Mathews, also the Chair of the Pensions Committee and the Vice Chair of the Civil Justice Committee, succeeded in his three-way primary by a vote of 44.44%. • House District 61 – In Delaware County, freshman State Rep. Beth Lear, the Vice Chair of the Energy and Natural Resources Committee, won decisively with 73.26% of the vote. • House District 65 – Ashtabula County Auditor David Thomas captured 71.71% of the primary
Last Tuesday’s Primary Election brought many outcomes that were expected, others that were surprising, and others still yet to be determined. For Ohio Chamber PAC (OCCPAC) endorsed can- didates for the Ohio General Assembly, the results were far and away successful. OCCPAC ultimately endorsed 33 total bipartisan and bicameral candidates: 29 candida- tes in the Ohio House and 4 in the Ohio Senate. Of those 33 candidates, 23 emerged victorious Tuesday night, with a win rate of 70% for our Ohio Chamber PAC. Our thanks go out to our PAC Board Chair Steve Tugend, all of the OCCPAC Board members, OCC VP of Political Engagement Adam Rapien, and the entire OCC Government Affairs team for their combined hours of reviewing candidate surveys, interviewing candidates, and their deliberation over endorsements. Congratulations to the following OCCPAC endorsed candidates and incumbents who prevai- led in Tuesday’s Primary Election: • House District 1 – State Rep. Dontavius Jarrells from Franklin County, the Assistant Minority Leader of the Ohio House, captured 100% of the vote following the withdrawal of his primary opponent after our endorsement. • House District 10 – In this Democratic primary in Franklin County, OCCPAC candidate and Grove City Councilman Mark Sigrist holds a 24-vote lead (50.26%) for the open seat being vacated by State Rep. Dave Dobos. The race is still processing outstanding votes and is heading for a recount. • House District 12 – Incumbent State Representative Brian Stewart from Pickaway County, Vice Chair of the Public Health Policy Committee, prevailed with 57.18% of the vote.
DIDATES SHINE ON ELECTION NIGHT
vote and hopes to take the seat this fall being vacated by outgoing State Rep. Mike Loychik. • House District 66 – In Medina County, incumbent State Representative Sharon Ray, who is also the Assistant Majority Whip, held off a primary challenge with 57.45% of the vote. • House District 69 – Licking County State Representative Kevin Miller, also the Chair of the Finance Subcommittee on Public Safety, triumphed in a hard-fought primary with a vote of 60.29%. • House District 71 – Looking to fill his father’s shoes in Greene County, Levi Dean, the co- owner of Dean’s Plumbing and Xenia City Councilman, won in a four-way primary with 45.62%. • House District 73 – The Vice Chair of the House Finance Committee, State Rep. Jeff LaRe, fought off his primary challenger in Fairfield County with 55.17% of the vote. • House District 77 – In the race to replace term-limited State Rep. Scott Wiggam in Wayne County, the Ohio Chamber of Commerce’s own Director of Healthcare Policy Meredith Craig won a tough five-way race in what was the largest field in the state for a House GOP race. With 35.11% of the vote, Craig leads the second-place finisher by 100 votes. After processing all outstanding ballots, the race will head to recount. • House District 86 – From Union County, another incumbent who faced a tough challenger but prevailed was State Rep. Tracy Richardson, the Chair of the Finance Subcommittee on Primary and Secondary Education. Rep. Richardson captured 59.81% on Tuesday. • House District 94 – Hailing from Washington County, where he serves as County Commissioner and looks to replace the
term-limited Jay Edwards, Kevin Ritter easily won with 62.80%. • House District 98 – In Knox County, the effort to replace term-limited State Rep. Darrell Kick yielded political newcomer Mark Hiner, the president of Columbus Broadcasting Corporation, who took 54.91% in a three-way race. • Senate District 4 – The Ohio Chamber’s 2023 Senate Majority Legislator of the Year and founder of the legislature’s Business First Caucus, State Senator George Lang, convincingly held off two primary challengers in Butler County with 60.19%. • Senate District 10 – Another longtime ally to the business community and familiar face having served four terms in the House, manufacturer Kyle Koehler from Clark County defeated his opponent with 63.74% of the vote for what will be an open seat. • Senate District 32 – From Ashtabula County, former county auditor and Vice Chair of the Senate Education Committee Senator Sandra O’Brien held off her challenger with 63.90%. The Ohio Chamber of Commerce congratulates all of the Ohio Chamber PAC endorsed candidates, as well as everyone else who prevailed in last Tuesday’s election. The Chamber is committed to identifying and promoting public leaders who will enhance our sta- te’s business climate and quality of life, and we turn to our membership and the OCCPAC for any input or guidance on who best can bring about that type of culture in the legislature. The OCCPAC will now look to conduct another involved endorsement process for the legislative races in this fall’s General Election. Please feel free to contact Rick Carfagna, Ohio Chamber SVP of Go- vernment Affairs, with any questions, comments or concerns at rcarfagna@ohiochamber.com.
We’ve seen a rapid growth of business formation during 2023, with more than 5.5 million new business applications processed. Starting a business involves basic needs such as connectivity and collaboration. Additionally the ability to ea- sily embrace and deploy cloud applications opens up a host of options for businesses of all sizes, typically once reserved for large enterprises. However, this embracing of technology also brings on concerns related to protecting consumer and business data. For these reasons, the investment in digital infrastructure and cybersecurity is paramount. Consumer behavior and workplace dynamics have changed. Online purchasing, especially in certain segments, like grocery delivery, has penetrated even previously reluctant consumer demographics. The remote/hybrid work model, once the domain of freelancers and temporary work, has become the norm. To meet the demands of increased online ac- tivity, small and midsize businesses have adjusted, increasingly investing in internet bandwidth. According to last year’s State of Small Business Survey, a little more than a quarter (27%) of small businesses upgraded their internet bandwidth in 2020. By the following year, that percentage nearly doubled (52%). That proportion held steady in 2022 (51%) and 2023 (53%). In 2024, small businesses, especially those businesses that are particularly reliant on online transactions, must ensure their internet bandwidth is up to snuff. An e-commerce business with insufficient bandwidth, for instance, may frustrate their customers with slow website loading times and delayed checkout. This could result in abandoned carts and a drop in customer satisfaction. Bandwidth also affects productivity. If your business depends on collaboration and data sha- ring, insufficient bandwidth could reduce productivity. It’s not just that it’s good for your operations and your business – other small businesses like yours, potentially your competitors, have upgraded their bandwidth in recent years. Another way to boost operational efficiency is to invest in AI solutions, which is not exclusively for large enterprises. In fact, according to the State of Small Business Survey, almost half (45%) of small and midsize businesses that use AI see “significant time efficiencies in their day-to-day operations,” which allows them to focus their efforts on core business processes. AI solutions can automate repetitive tasks such as invoicing or data entry. Smart chatbots can be an effective way to handle customer service queries. AI can quickly comb through large amounts of data to identify patterns and ano- malies. As such, it can detect fraud and malicious activity. AI can even be used to optimize supply chain management by using historical data to predict demand. This knowledge enables companies to adjust their production cycles, inventory management and even their marketing. Many small and midsize businesses already see the value in AI. In the same survey, more than a third (35%) of business owners felt that AI could help them offset pain points caused by a reduced workforce. Another 43% believed AI could help them unlock new revenue streams. Still, I’d be remiss if I didn’t point out that many small businesses are skeptical of AI. Forty-five percent were concerned about integrating AI solutions. Many of those concerns were related to cyberse- curity, with 43% of survey respondents saying they thought AI solutions would open them up to cyberattacks. The reality, however, is that small businesses’ biggest cybersecurity threat is their lack of investment in cybersecurity solutions. Only one in three have invested in new security solutions. Almost half (45%) of small businesses don’t even train their employees on cybersecurity—a worrying statistic given that, according to the Data Breach Investigations Re- port, an authoritative annual report on cybersecurity, social engineering is responsible for the vast majority of security incidents and 74% of full breaches. Overlooking cybersecurity could be catastrophic for small and midsize businesses, especially considering the rate of their digitalization. Small businesses can’t afford to be locked out of their systems or to have their customers’ credit card information stolen. Ransomware attacks, for instance, haven’t just gotten more costly, they’re more widespread. The median cost of a ransomware attack has more than doubled over the last two years. The number of ransomware attacks was greater in the last two years than in the previous five years. Cybersecurity is intrinsically bound to digital infrastructure. If you invest in digital infrastructure, you must invest in cybersecurity solutions, or else you may face debilitating financial and reputational damage. Cyber threats are real, but AI is not the greatest culprit. Failing to invest in adequate cybersecurity solutions is. In a time of uncertainty, optimiza- tion is key, but to reap the long-term benefits of optimization, security must be prioritized in tandem. Optimization and Cybersecurity: Antidotes to 2024 Uncertainty Mike Caralis, Vice President of Verizon Business Markets
OHIO NEEDS TO ADDRESS HOUSING CRISIS Dave Robinson, Principal, Montrose Group, LLC
Housing is a major policy issue in 2024 as rising interest rates impact the development of housing that has struggled to keep pace with increasing economic investment. Recently, the Montrose Group developed an Ohio Housing Policy White Paper on behalf of the Business & Industry Association (BIA) of Central Ohio to define the challenges and opportunities for how state government can spur housing investments and hosted a housing roundtable discussion at the Ohio Chamber of Commerce on January 31, 2024. Ohio, like many other states suffers from a lack of housing supply that is driving up costs for residents across the state. Growing markets like Cen- tral Ohio need 18,000 new houses but are only creating 13,000 new homes annually, driving up housing costs with listing price increases higher than Austin, Nashville, and Charlotte. Rural Ohio counties are experiencing a -2.4% population decline creating challenges in recruiting housing even though they lead the state in manu- facturing jobs. Central Ohio is driving Ohio’s economic growth with a 17% population growth rate but is not keeping up with Southern competi- tors and their population growth has slowed in recent years due to a lack of housing supply. Ohio’s GDP grow- th over the last decade is over 10% behind Tennessee, North Carolina, and Texas. From a demographic and economic standpoint, Ohio is growing but battling Southern states for econo- mic supremacy. Ohio lacks a strong regulatory fra- mework to encourage housing invest- ment. Ohio’s property tax rates are almost double the rates of Indiana, North Carolina, and Tennessee, and Columbus’s effective property tax rate is higher than in Indianapolis, Nash- ville, and Charlotte. Ohio is among a minority of states to have townships and permit them to regulate zoning and permit zoning referendums. Ohio has local economic development in- centives for housing and created new housing programs to spur housing development.
As part of a BIA of Central Ohio Foundation study, the Montrose Group created a recommended state of Ohio public policy agenda. Ohio needs to continue to engage state leadership in the housing de- bate. Ohio should establish the Go- vernor’s Housing Council consisting of housing developers, local govern- ment, business, and community lea- ders to advise the Governor on how Ohio can meet the current housing crisis, establish housing is a matter of statewide concern, adopt a com- prehensive strategy for the develop- ment of housing in rural, suburban and urban communities, and host an annual Governor’s Housing Summit. Continued state funding is a part of the solution for the development of additional housing. Money is not the total answer to spur more housing development, but it cannot hurt. • Ohio should renew the Transfor- mational Mixed Use District Program and increase the tax credit spending cap to $400 M annually. • Ohio should expand the Ohio New Markets Tax Credit Program to $50 M and focus it on residential develop- ment to compete with Indiana which has a $100 M NMTC program. • Ohio should expand the Ohio His- toric Preservation Tax Credit Program to $50 M and focus the benefits of this program on residential development. • Ohio should create a $50M Ohio Rural Residential Development Loan program to provide forgivable loans to developers creating housing deve- lopment in rural Ohio counties. Local housing tax incentive reform is needed to spur housing growth. Ohio should create a 100%, 15-year property residential tax abatement program without requiring local school board approval as done in Indiana, expand the authority of local Tax Increment Financing programs to directly fund housing development, and not require school board appro- val as done in Indiana. Reforming local land use regula- tions is essential for growing the Ohio
housing supply. Ohio should permit residential development as a matter of right that meets density, setback, parking, and other restrictions to be located with only an architectural review by local governments for sites that are currently zoned for commer- cial, office, retail, and industrial to transform dead strip malls into resi- dential development as done in Cali- fornia and Florida. Ohio should get non-Limited Home Rule townships out of the zoning business but regula- te zoning standards at the state go- vernment or county level for land in small townships and eliminate zoning referendums to build a predictable land use model as is done in Indiana, North Carolina, Texas, and twenty- -two total U.S. states. Ohio should create a state Zoning Density Bonus Infrastructure Program to fund public infrastructure for local governmen- ts for residential developments that meet zoning density and multi-family requirements. Continuing to build a predictable property tax appraisal process im- pacts housing investments. high rate of property tax and unpredictable property tax appraisal process need to be reformed. Ohio needs to conti- nue efforts to streamline the property value appraisal process to build a more predictable process to encoura- ge economic investment by limiting property tax appeals to only property owners, not disclosing the value of the land purchase, and exempting from property tax the value of unim- proved land subdivided for residen- tial development more than the fair market value of the property for up to eight years or until construction begins or the land is sold. Dave Robinson is a former member Ohio Chamber of Commerce Gene- ral Counsel, a member of the Ohio Chamber of Commerce Board of Di- rectors, and a former member of the Ohio House of Representatives, and, for fifteen years has led the Montrose Group, LLC, a Columbus, Ohio based economic development and public policy advocacy firm.
The Ohio Chamber of Commerce filed an amicus brief in support of petitioners in a case pending before the Ohio Supreme Court. The case comes to the Court after the justices accepted a request for certification of a state law question from the United States Court of Appeals for the Sixth Circuit. Specifically, the federal court asked for a determination of when Ohio’s Product Liability Act supersedes a party’s public nuisance claim. The Ohio Chamber’s amicus brief supports the pharmacies that are currently a party in the multi-district opioid liti- gation that originated from Ohio’s Northern District Court. In this case, two Ohio counties have alleged that the phar- macies created a public nuisance for their role in dispensing opioid prescriptions. The Ohio Chamber’s brief argues that state law requires the counties’ claim to proceed under Ohio’s Product Liability laws rather than relying on a public nuisance claim, which is traditionally reserved forlitigation based upon someone’s use of land. In its amicus brief, the Ohio Chamber urges the Ohio Supreme Court to determine that Ohio’s product liability sta- tutes invalidate the county’s public nuisance claims. The Chamber argues that Ohio’s tort reform laws, notably Senate Bill 80 and Senate Bill 117 from the early 2000s, expressed the legislature’s intent to prohibit plaintiffs from disguising product liability lawsuits as public nuisance claims. “Reining in the abuse of public nuisance lawsuits was one of Senate Bill 80’s primary objectives,” said Ohio Chamber President & CEO Steve Stivers, who was the primary sponsor of the bill during his time in the Ohio Senate. “We accomplished this by requiring an alleged public nuisance arising from a pro- duct to follow Ohio’s product liability laws. The Ohio Chamber filed the amicus brief in the pending case to reiterate that original intent and to stop the misapplication of our statutes from harming Ohio businesses and our state’s legal clima- te.” The law firm Dickinson Wright authored this brief on behalf of the Ohio Chamber. The brief was joined by the Ohio Alliance for Civil Justice. You can read it in full here. Ohio Chamber of Commerce Files Amicus Brief in Ohio Supreme Court Opioid Case
Introducing the Man Therapy Ohio Campaign The Ohio Suicide Prevention Foundation is excited to introduce Chamber members to a new program launching across the state, Man Therapy Ohio! What is Man Therapy? Man Therapy™ (mantherapy.org) is a national effort to get men to come out of their work sheds and admit that, yes, they might be anxious, angry, depressed, and even thinking about suicide. But, as a man, many feel hesitant to seek help. We hope Man Therapy Ohio will make it easy, safe, and stigma-free to come out of the darkness and get the support that men need. Man Therapy Ohio provides men, and the people who care about them, a place to go and learn more about men’s mental health, examine their well-being, and consider a wide array of actions that can put them on the path to seeking help, recovery, and resilience. All of this is done within an easy-to-access free, online website at www.mantherapy.org. Introducing Man Therapy to Ohio The 2024-2026 State Suicide Prevention Plan for Ohio was introduced by Governor Mike DeWine in January and Governor DeWine has highlighted mental health and suicide pre- vention as a priority of his administration. The plan was designed to create a collaborative approach to prevent suicides and identifying key strategies to reduce suicides in Ohio. One key priority is to reduce suicides in adult men; in 2021, more than 80% of those who died by suicide in Ohio were male. Man Therapy will be used to elevate outreach towards men, with the intended outcome of taking the Head Inspection, or self-assessment. Man Therapy has been proven to reduce stigma for men around mental health and encourage men to seek un- To be successful, we need all Ohioans, including employers, on board to help us share this important resource. We have made sharing Man Therapy Ohio as easy as possible with our Google Drive that includes all things Man Therapy: posters, social media posts, wallet cards, and yes, bathroom ads. These materials are free and downloadable, ready for you to print, share online, and use in your suicide prevention efforts. Please also follow us, Man Thera- py Ohio (@ManTherapyOhio), on Facebook and Twitter/X for resources, partner events, and more. We hope you will spend time exploring the www.mantherapy.org website and con- tact the Man Therapy Ohio team to learn ways that you can integrate Man Therapy Ohio with your program and bring resources to your community. Contact the team at: ManTherapyOhio@gmail.com. derstanding and possible care for mental health issues. How can you spread the word about Man Therapy Ohio?
Recognizing Burnout
Originally used to describe the consequences of severe stress and high ideals in “helping” professions, burnout may affect individuals in several career fields, from career-driven people to overworked employees, homemakers, and students. According to the International Classification of Diseases (ICD-11), burnout is an occupational phenomenon characterized by three dimensions. These dimensions include feelings of ener- gy depletion or exhaustion, reduced professional efficacy, and increased mental distance from one’s job, or feelings of negativism related to one’s job. Signs and symptoms of burnout There are three main groups of symptoms that are signs of burnout: 1. Exhaustion: Those affected feel drained and emotionally exhausted, unable to cope, tired and down, and don’t have enough energy. Physical symptoms include things such as pain and gastrointestinal problems. 2. Alienation from work-related activities: People who have burnout find their jobs to be increasingly stressful and frustrating. They may start to be cynical about their working conditions and colleagues while also distancing themselves emotionally. 3. Reduced performance: Burnout typically affects everyday tasks at work, at home or when caring for family members. Those impacted are very negative about their tasks, find it hard to concentrate and lack creativity. It is important not to confuse the signs and symptoms of burnout with those for stress or depression. Signs and symptoms that occur in both burnout and depression include feeling down, extremely exhausted and experiencing reduced performance. When seeking help, it is recommended to speak with a medical professional as self-diagnosing may lead to the wrong treatment. In contrast, burnout may be the result of unrelenting stress, but it is not the same thing as too much stress. While stress involves too much, burnout is about not enough. Being burnt out means lack of control, lack of clear job expectations, or work-life im- balance. Most people may feel stress, but burnout develops gradually over time. Causes and consequences of burnout There are several possible causes and consequences of burnout. Specifically, job burnout may result from various factors including: 1. Lack of control: An inability to influence decisions that affect your job — such as your schedule, assignments, or workload —as well as a lack of the resources you need to do your work, could lead to job burnout. 2. Unclear job expectations: If you’re unclear about the degree of authority you have or what your supervisor or others expect from you, then you’re not likely to feel comfortable at work. 3. Dysfunctional workplace dynamics: Perhaps you work with an office bully, feel undermined by colleagues, or your boss micromanages your work. This may contribute to job stress.
4. Extremes of activity: When a job is monotonous or chaotic you need constant energy to remain focused which may lead to fatigue and job burnout. 5. Lack of social support: If you feel isolated at work and in your personal life you might feel more stressed. 6. Work-life imbalance: If your work takes up so much of your time and effort that you don’t have the energy to spend time with your family and friends, you might burn out quickly. Should burnout be unaddressed, significant consequences may occur. These consequences range from excessive stress, fatigue, and insomnia to alcohol or substance misuse, heart disease, and high blood pres- sure. Coping with burnout Whether you recognize the warning signs of impending burnout or you’re already past the breaking point trying to push through the exhaustion and continuing as you have been may only cause further emo- tional and physical damage. Now is the time to pause and change direction by learning how you may help yourself overcome burnout and feel healthier and more positive. Dealing with burnout requires the “Three R” approach: 1. Recognize: Watch for the warning signs of burnout. 2. Reverse: Undo the damage by seeking support and managing stress. 3. Resilience: Build your resilience to stress by taking care of your physical and emotional health. The following tips for preventing or dealing with burnout may help you cope with symptoms and regain your energy, focus, and sense of well-being. • Evaluate your options: Discuss specific concerns with your supervisor. Work together to change expectations or reach solutions. Set goals for what must get done and what may wait. • Seek support: Whether you reach out to co-workers, friends or loved ones, support and collaboration might help you cope. If you have access to an employee assistance program, take advantage of relevant services. • Try a relaxing activity: Explore programs that may help with stress such as yoga, meditation, or tai chi. • Get some exercise: Regular physical activity may help you to better deal with stress. It may also take your mind off work. • Get some sleep: Sleep restores well-being and helps protect your health. • Mindfulness: Mindfulness is the act of focusing on your breath flow and being intensely aware of what you’re sensing and feeling at every moment, without interpretation or judgment. In a job setting, this practice involves facing situations with openness and patience, and without judgment. Employee Assistance Program If you have the Ohio Chamber’s Health Benefit Program, an Employee Assistance Program or EAP is a free, voluntary, and confidential service offered through your employer to help you and your family with your well-being. Some of the services your EAP may provide include mental health, financial, legal, elder- care, and childcare support. Speak with your UnitedHealthcare representative or health engagement nurse to obtain more information. Visit www.myuhc.com to learn about programs that may be available to you through your health plan. If you would like to reach out to the Health Engagement Nurse, Michele Adams, please contact her at 614-632-4172 or michele.adams@uhc.com.
Upcoming Ohio Chamber Events
ACCESS AND AFFORDABILITY TO CHILDCARE SUMMIT April 16, 2024 | Ohio Chamber of Commerce An event designed to highlight progress and future developments on solutions to the Challenges of attainable childcare. Hear from experts like Kara Wente, Director of the Ohio Department of Children and Youth, and other knowledgable panelists. Let’s find solutions to childcare challenges in Ohio!
REGISTER HERE
STATE OF BUSINESS
Please join us at the 2024 State of Business Summit. This discussion with Dee and Jimmy Haslam will focus on the state of business and how current world events are impacting businesses right here in Ohio. Don’t miss a fireside chat with Dee and Jimmy Haslam, Managing and Principal Partners of the Cleveland Browns and the Columbus Crew. May 7, 2024 | Columbus Museum of Art
REGISTER HERE
Upcoming Ohio Chamber Webinars CAPITAL BUDGET
April 15, 2024 | 12PM – 1PM
Join the Ohio Chamber and Brian Perera, Senior Policy Advisor from ZHF Consulting, as he pulls back the curtain on the Ohio Capital Budget. What is in it, who does it benefit and how does it get paid. Brian will also deliver historical facts and possibly a few trivia questions during the hour. Come listen to how Ohio repairs state college buildings, pay for park improvements and other community projects .
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ECONOMIC FORECAST
May 7, 2024 | Columbus Museum of Art As we approach the mid-point of the calendar year, the Ohio Chamber Research Foundation Economic Advisors will update the economic forecast for the last half of 2024. This is an update from the excellent January Economic Forum held in January. This hour will help you better prepare business budgets and forecasts from news out of Washington and Columbus. May 13, 2024 | 12PM – 1PM REGISTER HERE
EMPATHY IN LEADERSHIP: A STRATEGIC IMPERATIVE
May 7, 2024 | Columbus Museum of Art Uncover the transformative potential of empathy as a core leadership strategy. This webinar will delve into the ways empathetic leaders inspire teams, navigate challenges, and build belonging. Featuring the Chamber’s DEI Strategist, Patrice Borders, JD (Founder and Principal of AmplifyEI). June 10, 2024 | 12PM – 1PM REGISTER HERE
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