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Business, innovation groups back creation of Ohio International Trade Commission
Summary
Proponents of House Bill 291 told the House Development Committee the Ohio International Trade Commission would help small and medium-sized Ohio firms enter global markets, foster public–private partnerships and support advanced-manufacturing trade and research collaborations; witnesses urged consideration of staff funding and highlighted export restrictions ('blue tape').
Entrepreneurs and industry groups told the House Development Committee that House Bill 291 would provide an institutional platform to help Ohio companies expand internationally and to coordinate state support for trade and technology partnerships.
Steve Flaherty, founder and CEO of NekoTech, said the bill would give Ohio entrepreneurs better access to trade opportunities and investment pathways. “By establishing the Ohio International Trade Commission, this bill gives us the structure and institutional support to compete more effectively on the global stage,” he said, describing work to commercialize recycled-asphalt technology and partnerships with Ohio Wesleyan University.
Howie Bingoven of the Ohio Jewish Communities supported the bill, citing Ohio’s history of foreign investment and the value of relationships with nations such as Japan and Israel. Kimberly Gibson, industrial base integration director at America Makes, described America Makes’ national role in additive manufacturing and urged inclusion of additional partner countries such as South Korea. Gibson also warned of federal export and defense restrictions she called “blue tape,” which can slow collaboration on advanced technology, and she recommended that at some point the commission receive staff funding to carry out day-to-day work.
Committee members asked about how many countries local entrepreneurs work with and about resourcing for the commission. Witnesses said the commission would not be effective without staff support and suggested funding could come later in the budget process. The committee received written proponent testimony and concluded the second hearing on HB 291 with no vote taken.
