Capital budget discussions are currently underway between Governor Kasich's administration and the legislature, and we expect the measure to be introduced shortly after the March 15 primary. The capital budget will include community projects in addition to capital improvements for parks, schools, and other infrastructure needs throughout the state. The legislature will pass the capital budget by June.

 

Since 2012, the Kasich Administration has proposed a policy-packed mini-budget bill during the even years. This mid-biennium review "MBR" bill is then separated by the House into several smaller measures arranged by subject matter, which then move through the legislative process at their own pace in respective committees.

In a departure from past practice, the Administration is working on multiple, less comprehensive measures that will focus on agency-specific subject matters. The legislature may also "re-brand" the MBR to another name as legislators have grown fatigued by the frequent controversial MBR policy overhauls proposed by the Governor in recent years. The Administration is expected to introduce bills in the House impacting the Ohio Department of Higher Education and Department of Developmental Disabilities, while the Senate will focus on Department of Natural Resources and EPA measures. It remains to be seen how many bills will ultimately be introduced and the level of controversy surrounding some of the proposals.

 

Governor Kasich has traditionally held his State of the State Address in late February, but as a presidential candidate with a complicated schedule, the address has been set for April 6. As has become the tradition the Governor will deliver the State of the State Address outside the capital city in Marietta this year. Items almost assuredly to be discussed will include addiction/mental health treatment, education, job growth, and the economy.

If you have any questions about issues before the legislature or if Hicks Partners can assist with your legislative needs, please contact Tony Brigano or Erik Mikkelson.

The Commission also awarded $60 million in the Pre-Seed/Seed Plus Fund Capitalization Program last year. This program's goal is to increase the number of professionally managed pre-seed funds investing in Ohio as a means to encourage more early stage capital invested in the state. The angel groups and earlier stage funds that received these awards match the funding and then invest in Ohio startups.

OTF starts 2016 with approximately $292 million available to support companies. The Commission hopes to increase the use of the Commercial Acceleration Loan Fund (CALF) and to increase the award amount in 2016 to $25 million. Last year only approximately $7 million in this early-stage funding was awarded to support the commercialization of "next generation" products and services. Round 2 CALF application opened February 22, with Letters of Intent due on March 15. Round 3 applications will be available by summer 2016.

The Commission budgeted $5 million for the Technology Validation & Start-Up Fund in 2016. This program can award up to $150,000 in grant assistance to support commercialization of new technology coming out of Ohio's colleges, universities and nonprofit research institutions. Proposal deadline was January 28, 2016 with awards expected in April 2016. The next round is expected to be released late spring or early summer.

Finally $1 million is set aside to fund interns through the Ohio Tech Internship Program for spring and summer 2016. Eligible Ohio companies can receive up to $10,000. There is a 1:2 cost share, therefore for every 50 cents the state invests, the company must invest $1.

For more information about the Ohio Third Frontier or to learn how Hicks Partners can help your organization win Third Frontier funding, please contact Keith Conroy.

 

Ohio Air Quality Development Authority (OAQDA) has been providing low-cost financing to encourage Ohio companies to purchase pollution control or prevention equipment for years. This financing may be federally tax-exempt and is exempt from real property taxes as well as sales and use taxes for the term of the financing.

In addition to its financing programs, OAQDA is now offering grants up to $30,000 for eligible small businesses. These grants can serve as a principal payment on the equipment after it has been installed and operational for at least six months. OAQDA is often able to cover reasonable closing costs and legal fees. Qualifying businesses must have fewer than 100 employees, emit less than 75 tons per year of all regulated air pollutants and emit 50 or less tons of any regulated pollutant. OAQDA also offers competitive financing programs for larger companies purchasing pollution control or prevention equipment as well.

For more information or eligibility questions on OAQDA programs, please contact Keith Conroy.

Hicks Partners international practice has continued to grow in recent years. Through our subsidiary company, MidAmerican Global Ventures, we help foreign investors find eligible investment opportunities in Ohio via the federal EB-5 Program. With a majority of this funding coming from China, we have greatly expanded our presence in the China market. We are happy to announce that Bonnie Hou, who leads Hicks Partners' Asia practice, will now also offer services to assist Ohio companies looking to expand their business presence with Asia.

 

While China's economic growth is slowing and there is some uncertainty in the Chinese stock markets, the steady rise in China's middle class and a shift to more of a consumer market is creating tremendous opportunities for Ohio companies looking to expand their presence abroad. At the same time China's "Going Abroad" Strategy is encouraging more and more Chinese companies and investors to look for overseas opportunities where they can allocate their capital and make strategic investments.

Since relationships are key, it takes a well-planned strategy, high cultural awareness, strong commitment and the right partner to succeed in doing business with China. If your company is looking to create a foothold in China, expand a market presence, explore partnership opportunities, needs to improve its working relationship with current Chinese counterpart or simply want advice on receiving a Chinese delegation, we are happy to support your business.

 

Our services include:

• Business Development Assistance: Developing and exploring growth opportunities in China as well as support for organizations or companies that are partaking in business and trade missions, leading delegations to Asian markets or receiving visiting business guests.
• Business-to-Business Support: Arranging meetings, complete schedule planning as well as negotiations and follow-up support.
• Chinese Market Research: Data-driven high-level market research on different tier cities and various industrial sectors in China.
• Customized Cultural Training: Pre-departure business training as well as business etiquette training and effective relationship building and networking. In addition we can provide targeted cultural consulting, coaching and training.
• Communication Solution Development: Customized and localized business and marketing materials and support with professional writing and communication, plus assistance with social media and web solutions in China.

Any large scale project can face threats to critical deadlines, determined opponents fighting change and unexpected obstacles. Many organizations are under-prepared, if prepared at all, to manage a situation that has the potential to cause irreparable harm to their project.

Hicks Partners is equipped with the skills and experience to navigate vulnerable public situations. We can help avoid or mitigate negative outcomes and minimize damage. Our experience makes us uniquely qualified to assist in strategic stakeholder outreach and effective communications to avert and diffuse negative press and build positive relationships with valued stakeholders.

In addition to standard media relations services, Hicks Partners offers stakeholder outreach; crisis communications planning and training; image and reputation enhancement and repair; and litigation and regulatory action support. All projects are susceptible to crises. Being prepared and having the right message and communications team in place can enhance community relationships and create valued partnerships that help your project succeed.

For more information about our Stakeholder Outreach, Public Relations and Crisis Communications services, please contact Ian Nickey.

The State of Ohio will host the Republican National Convention in Cleveland July 18-21, 2016. This is the fourth time the GOP has held its convention in the Buckeye State with Cincinnati serving as host in 1876, and Cleveland in 1924 and 1936.

The Convention will be an exciting time for Ohio and the nation as Republicans officially nominate their candidates for President and Vice President. As proud Buckeyes, Hicks Partners will participate in various events throughout the week, and are making plans to help several clients navigate the convention as well as help them make new connections nationwide!

Hicks Partners will also be hosting our very own event on Tuesday, July 19th during the RNC.   Mark your calendars and look for more details in the coming weeks.

We look forward to seeing you all at the Convention and remember.... "As goes Ohio, so goes the nation!"

The Columbus Chinese Chamber has experienced considerable growth under the guidance of Hicks Partners' Bonnie Hou, who serves as its Executive Director, and Keith Conroy, who serves on the board. Hicks Partners is a founding member of the organization which has more than 25 member companies, including many recognized names like Huntington National Bank, Big Lots, Columbus 2020 and Commercial Vehicle Group. The Chinese Chamber has hosted eights events in the past year, averaging 65+ attendees at each.

 

We hope you will join us in 2016! Details for all upcoming Chamber events can be found online at http://www.columbuschinesechamber.org/.

 

Throughout her career, Kristen has continued to volunteer her time on numerous local, legislative, and statewide campaigns. She has continued her dedication to community engagement, politics, and service and is a graduate of the 2015 Jo Ann Davidson Ohio Leadership Institute. Kristen holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in political science from Ohio University.

Erik A. Mikkelson has joined Hicks Partners, LLC as Government Relations Manager. In this role, Erik will develop government relations strategies for public and private-sector clients and represent matters before the Governor's office, state and local agencies, the Ohio General Assembly, and members of Congress.