State News:
New Loan Programs for Minority & Women-owned Businesses: ODOD has added to its portfolio two loan programs to support minority- and women-owned businesses: the (i) Women’s Business Enterprise Loan Program and (ii) Ohio Micro-Enterprise Loan Program. Included within the state budget bill (HB110, whose other elements are described in detail, below), the new program offerings are as follows:
Federal News:
Um, excuse me, is now an okay time to talk about inflation? We have been reporting here during 2021 that consumer price index increases seen in year-over-year measures each month were not of concern to the Federal Reserve and most economists. Um, that view may be changing as the Consumer Price Index rose 5.4% in September from one year ago.
Those same officials are worried as rapid price increases, seen each month for several months this year, has consumers paying more for meat, eggs, gasoline, furniture, and rent. The latter cost – housing rent – has officials worried the most, as it is an important indicator of inflation and once rents increase, they tend to stay high for lengthy periods.
The Ohio Mid-Eastern Governments Association (OMEGA) has an immediate opening for a Transportation Director. A Bachelor’s degree in City & Regional Planning, Geography, Civil Engineering with a focus in transportation, or other related field and a minimum of five years of demonstrated transportation planning experience is required. Graduate degrees may count towards years of relevant experience.
The Clinton County Port Authority won a Silver Award for its “#EDW2021 in Clinton County” project from the from the International Economic Development Council (IEDC). The recognition was awarded in the category of “Innovation in Economic Development Week.”