State Representative Ty Matthews Gives An Update On His First Months In Office

Episode Summary:

Welcome to Chamber Amplified from the Findlay-Hancock County Chamber of Commerce, where host Doug Jenkins examines  issues affecting local businesses. In this episode, Doug connects with State Representative Ty Matthews to explore legislative matters influencing the business environment in Findlay and beyond. Representative Matthews shares insights from his early months in office, discussing his focus on workforce development, small business advocacy, and innovative policy initiatives.

Throughout their conversation, Doug and Ty dive into regional business needs. Matthews introduces the Ohio Defense Initiative, aimed at attracting emerging tech industries to the state. By fostering collaboration among businesses, educational institutions, and government entities, this initiative aims to bolster Ohio’s defense sector and overall economic development.

Key Takeaways:

• Early Legislative Experiences: Matthews reflects on his initial months in office, describing the challenges and learning curve faced by new political representatives.
• Ohio Defense Initiative: Ty Matthews details his policy proposal to attract defense industry companies to Ohio, focusing on emerging technologies and small business advantages.
• Workforce Development Focus: Emphasis on workforce development through addressing housing, transportation, and child care challenges in Findlay and Hancock County.
• Community Engagement: Matthews stresses the significance of local insights and expertise in crafting effective legislative solutions, highlighting the necessity for government-citizen collaboration.
• Collaborative Opportunities: Potential opportunities for Ohio to harness existing manufacturing strengths and defense sector connections in advancing economic growth.

Music and sound effects obtained from https://www.zapsplat.com

Transcript

0:00:02 - (Doug Jenkins): Welcome to the show. I'm Doug Jenkins from the Findlay Hancock County Chamber of Commerce. On each episode of Chamber Amplified, we're examining issues impacting the local business community. Whether it's employee recruitment and retention, marketing, it issues can really be anything that impacts your business. One of those things that can impact your business. What's happening at the Statehouse, that's what we're getting into today.
0:00:21 - (Doug Jenkins): Our goal is to give our members tips each week on at least one way they can improve operations and thrive in the current business environment. So each quarter, we like to check in with elected officials on issues that are impacting the area business community or have the potential to impact the local business community. Last quarter, we had Findlay Mayor Christina Muryn on to talk with us. Today we'll be joined by State Representative Ty Matthews and just talk about the things he sees going on in the district, his thoughts on workforce development, and ways to attract different industries to the region.
0:00:53 - (Doug Jenkins): We also want to check in, just see how the first couple of months in office are going for him. This is his first, first time in elected office. So we'll see how that's going and get an update on what it's like to just be sort of the new person on the block there. Thanks again for tuning in. Remember, if you're listening on Apple podcasts or Spotify, you can rate and review the show. It really does help spread the word.
0:01:12 - (Doug Jenkins): Now, let's get into it.
0:01:15 - (B): Let's talk about the first couple of months.
0:01:17 - (Doug Jenkins): I imagine it has to feel like.
0:01:18 - (B): Drinking from a fire hose at times. For you, what have you found most interesting? What have been some of the challenges?
0:01:25 - (Ty Matthews): Yeah, you know, I think typically it is drinking out of a fire hose, Doug. But, you know, this legislature, we're very, very active and, I believe, efficient and addressing the tough issues along with the budget. So during the budget, you know, it's already a crazy time. That's the fire hose. But, you know, with these other issues that we're talking about with energy. Right. And property taxes, it's like drinking out of the fire hydrant directly, you know, so it's a. It's been pretty hectic.
0:01:52 - (Ty Matthews): Learning a lot know, and it's. It's just been a really great experience and blessing to have this opportunity to serve in a house where we have such, in my opinion, great leadership that's giving us this clear vision on or what our goals are this General Assembly.
0:02:12 - (B): I'm curious just what the onboarding process is like. Does it feel like there's some mentorship for, for someone coming into it for their first. For their first. The first time.
0:02:22 - (Ty Matthews): Yeah, I, I think there is, you know, I think you kind of have to take that upon yourself, too. Right. I mean, everyone here is here to serve their own district. They've got their own priorities. And if you're just going to keep to yourself, I don't think you're going to really find a. A mentor, come out and seek. Seek you out. But I, I have done that. I, I always. Maybe it's the military that has instilled that in me where always seek mentorship. Right.
0:02:48 - (Ty Matthews): You may think you know a lot, but, you know, there's a lot to learn and you never should stop learning, so. Absolutely. I do have a few mentors here and, you know, very, very lucky to have them pointing me into a direction and also just helping me find, you know, the bathroom down the hall. Because the State House is a big place. So that's a. That's been a help.
0:03:08 - (Doug Jenkins): It's.
0:03:09 - (B): It's not just all the legislation that takes place. There are important things logistically, too, like where the bathroom is. So one of the things that we're.
0:03:19 - (Doug Jenkins): Tasked with as a Chamber of Commerce.
0:03:20 - (B): And one of the things we want to do through our podcast is. And it's great that we have elected officials that are willing to come on and talk about the things that are impacting businesses in the Findlay and Hancock county area. And, and you've probably talked with some people at the Ohio Chamber of Commerce as well. The things that they've identified and that we've really focused on are, of course, housing.
0:03:42 - (B): When it comes to workforce development, anyway, housing, transportation and child care. So let's start there. When you look at some of the things that come across your desk or some of the things that are being discussed around the State House, what stands out to you as areas that can help in workforce development?
0:04:00 - (Ty Matthews): Yeah, you know, and maybe it's not attacking those three right away, but I've got a policy initiative that I'm really excited about that I think will really impact our district and, you know, Findlay, Ohio, specifically, when we're looking at workforce and economic development. You know, I think I come about this in a different type of lens. You know, my background is small business with my father's shop, Northwestern Main street here in town. Right.
0:04:27 - (Ty Matthews): So seeing the struggles of small business kind of stuck with me throughout my life. But also, you know, I've got a background in the military. And, you know, during that time I was in Iraq in 22. I was tasked with Looking at the counter drone issue, that's where some of my background, and I wouldn't say expertise at this point because it's such a fast moving area. Right. Is how are we attracting those type of jobs here in Ohio, Emerging tech jobs, the jobs that are going to not only benefit our community, but it's truly going to help not only our state, but our country solve these in the world, our allies too, in solving these really tough issues.
0:05:08 - (Ty Matthews): So what I'm introducing is the Ohio Defense Initiative. Under the initiative, there's a couple bills that I hope would attract defense companies to Ohio. Obviously, being the representative of the 83rd district, you know, I'm a little selfish and I hope more come to Hancock, Hardin and Logan counties. But looking at economic development in a different lens, I don't think has traditionally been looked at.
0:05:34 - (Ty Matthews): And I say that because the defense industrial base is what we call our ability to produce not just weapons, but our capability for supply chains. And I think it was around the 1990s, you saw this grand consolidation of all these defense companies. And the one bad word tied to this a lot of times is the defense military industrial complex, which that's not what I'm trying to build upon. I've got to clear up clarify that with the Doge, you know, caucus and doge committee in D.C.
0:06:10 - (Ty Matthews): i think this is actually an opportunity for us here in Findlay, Ohio and the 83rd district to pull down from that. And what I mean by that is the current administration and the Department of Defense, even before Trump started shifting their focus to instead of giving all these contracts to those big five companies, let's start looking at small companies and startups and giving those contracts, contracts to them because they're more efficient, they're going to get, we'll provide a better product and they're probably going to be on time.
0:06:37 - (Ty Matthews): So how are we focusing that in, into our area? And there's some really cool things that we are working on specifically in Hancock and Harding county that I believe will show results with that. But the Defense Initiative is looking at how do we help financing, how do we help with, you know, potential matching dollars to bringing in installations and facilities and emerging tech curriculum. Right. And with that, and I'll end it with this, unless you have questions on that, it it's going to also bring in, I think, attract foreign companies into our area that want to be a part of these partnerships and research and development.
0:07:12 - (B): Well, you know me well enough to know I always have follow up questions or, or thoughts, things like that. The good news for People who are in businesses that want to operate in that space is one. There are some resources available already through like Road State College. We've had them present at the chamber a couple of times on how people can just bid on government contracts. Because a lot of times when it comes to defense or whatever it might be, you don't necessarily need to be a defense contractor to provide something that the military needs or that the government needs. So there are those, those resources available there. And I think we've seen some local businesses be able to utilize those to expand their customer base like that.
0:07:53 - (B): I am curious when you talk to about defense contractors and people working in that space, what types of individuals do they need or the types of people that make a good employee base for them?
0:08:06 - (Ty Matthews): Yeah, you know, that's, it's, it's kind of hard to describe that because it's somewhat kind of broad. And that's why I like it where when I talk about defense, what comes to someone's mind, you know, listening to this may be completely different what I'm necessarily thinking. Right. And you kind of alluded to that. Right. It doesn't necessarily have to be a bullet, it doesn't necessarily have to be a gun. Right.
0:08:27 - (Ty Matthews): A lot of times with expense, it's manufacturing, you know, it's, it's emerging tech. There's a wide base of this. Right. So the, the workforce we look at, truly, it spans from a two year degree all the way to someone that's graduating from mit. You know, it's, it's kind of this broad base. But also if you're coming out of the military, unless they were enlisted or an officer and you have a skill base, we can just maybe plug you into one of these companies and you can utilize your, your licenses that you've earned in the military way. So I think it's a really broad base and that's why I'm excited about it. Because I think in Ohio we've longed for, you know, bringing back manufacturing.
0:09:08 - (Ty Matthews): And you know, to me this is a great way to do that. You know, a lot of the companies that I've talked to across the state of Ohio and Also within that 83rd district, you have some that are manufacturing bolts, you know, little pieces that go on the, the tanks and the planes. Right. So you have that to companies like Airborne Outfitters that are really creating emerging tech. Here in Findlay, the Navy want.
0:09:36 - (Ty Matthews): Right, right. So if they have a broad needs just in that company. But you know, I think of a conversation I had earlier this, this month with a defense Manufacturer in Xenia, Ohio, who makes like the muffler for them when Abrams, you know, they're heavily on manufacturing and just the different financing mechanisms we can change. And it's not even money we're giving them. We're just providing education to financial institutions on what it means to give to defense. Right.
0:10:06 - (Ty Matthews): Is extremely helpful for them. And it's really a game changer. And that's where I think some of this robust revitalization in the manufacturing industry can really come from.
0:10:16 - (B): I'm curious. Obviously we're adjacent to a pretty large manufacturer. Your district is adjacent to it anyway, with the General Dynamics plant in Lima, does that help perhaps focus some attention on this area as a whole or this region as a whole? Or can it be a detriment because there's already a pretty big manufacturer there or is it a little bit of both?
0:10:38 - (Ty Matthews): I think it's actually all of it is a net positive. When we look at a General Dynamics of Andrill coming in, you know, into Columbus area, there's a network in Ohio that really builds upon each other. And that's where I'm really trying to sell Ohio as is, hey, you know the vehicles that are fighting in Iraq right now, those are made in Lima, you know. And there's other ways that we can attract companies here in Hancock and Harding county by tapping into those resources. Like they need supply chain, right. They, they want to co locate where you know, we see this kind of moving back to America and building medium made in the US and with defense, I think we're seeing a resurgence of that. And what I mean is truly General Dynamics and I spoke with Andrew even earlier today, they want to see even their competitors move to Ohio because what that does is it creates this workforce that they can hire from. It creates a better community for their workers to come to. So I think it's all a net positive. And right now I feel like we're in the stages just breaking down these silos of, you know, hey, we're working with tanks over here.
0:11:45 - (Ty Matthews): We have NASA up in Cleveland, we have now these drones and you know, central Ohio. But what I realized, there's sometimes not enough collaboration going on of just knowing what else is in Ohio because we have a really awesome, not just history of our state, but manufacturing and you know, emerging tech, you know, being developed right here in Ohio.
0:12:07 - (B): I'll change gears a little bit. And just in terms of getting used to, to your new position and everything when you're representing a wide area. And we've Talked to Rob McCauley a little bit about this, too. Certainly he has a huge area in west Ohio for his Senate seat, but representing Findlay, Hancock County, Canton and Harden county, and then the northern part of Logan County. Not that we have all that dissimilar needs, but they're all three different communities.
0:12:35 - (B): And how do you balance trying to represent, like, maybe Findlay needs something that's a little bit different than what's needed in northern Logan County.
0:12:45 - (Ty Matthews): You're absolutely right. You know, we have a lot of common here in northwest Ohio, you know, a lot of shared values, but each county has their own problems. Right. And unique problems, too, where how I tried to address those is not trying to quarterback it here. My office in Columbus, where I'm in right now, it's really talking to the people in the district that are seeing the issues. One of the things that I've always believed is government doesn't drive innovation.
0:13:15 - (Ty Matthews): And I also take that as, you know. You know, Ronald Reagan said something along the lines of, you know, kind of the worst news is actually the government knocking at your door and saying, I'm here to help. Right. I think what that is truly speaking to is I'm here in Columbus absorbing all this information from all these different policy issues. Right. That's just the reality. It's really easy, I believe, for people here in Columbus to lose and, you know, lose that.
0:13:41 - (Ty Matthews): That link back to the district of what's truly happening on the ground. And what I hope is said about me during my time and when, whatever, how long I'm in this seat for is that always reached out and listened to the people on the ground, the experts on the ground, the people that are actually living these issues to develop solutions. Not that I'm hearing an issue from one person and pulling out my pen and looking at my wall and trying to find solutions.
0:14:08 - (Ty Matthews): That's not how this should work. This should be coming back and listening to the issues in the area. So that's. That's how I hope to address those. And, you know, we are very, very blessed in our three counties, the three counties that I represent, to have people that are engaged and I think understand the importance of being engaged in Columbus.
0:14:30 - (B): What do you look forward to the rest of this year, as you're. Obviously, we talked at the beginning, it's like drinking from a fire hose. But when you look down the. The path, what are the. The big things that you look forward to in your new role?
0:14:42 - (Ty Matthews): Yeah. You know, the end of budget is in June, so I cannot wait for the end of the budget because it is. It is a lot. So just waiting for that break in a way because I don't know this because I'm new, right? But after June, I imagine that it's going to be a little more focused on these individual pieces of legislation, that we have a little more time to set forth our priorities. Right. Really focusing on maybe some of these bigger issues where the budget's behind us.
0:15:11 - (Ty Matthews): You know, what could we have done better? Kind of the after action review and just looking forward of now that I kind of know the ropes, what legislation can we get pushed forward and in the next budget, what can we do better? So really looking forward to kind of getting budget season done with, not just because it's super busy, but also just being able to have that experience and you know, moving forward after that opportunity to work on all these issues.
0:15:39 - (B): Well, Ty, we appreciate your time and.
0:15:41 - (Doug Jenkins): Joining us here on the podcast.
0:15:42 - (B): Great to have you as a next door neighbor, by the way, here at the Chamber. Enjoy running India in the parking lot every once in a while there. If people want to contact you, if they have questions about things happening at the State House or they have an issue that they'd like to get in front of you, what's the best way to do that?
0:15:59 - (Ty Matthews): Yeah, I've got two social medias. One is my official state page. I believe that's just Ty Matthews. And then you have Ty Matthews for State Representative. And if you want to email my office, the email is rep83@ohiohouse.gov all right.
0:16:14 - (Doug Jenkins): Ty, thanks for joining us today.
0:16:16 - (Ty Matthews): Thank you very much.
0:16:18 - (Doug Jenkins): Again, one of the most important things we can do as a Chamber of Commerce is to continue conversations with elected officials and make sure that the voice of the business community is represented in places like City Council, State House, even in Congress. When we talk to some of our elected officials from all across the area, and we continue to do this on the podcast each quarter. That's something we started last year, but it's something we've done for a long time at our quarterly legislative roundtables here at the Chamber of Commerce. We'll have more of those coming up this year.
0:16:47 - (Doug Jenkins): Chamber Amplified is a free podcast for the community thanks to the investment of members from the Findlay Hancock County Chamber of Commerce. Because of our robust membership, we're able to focus on providing timely information to the Findlay and Hancock county business community, run leadership programs for adults and teenagers, and be an advocate for the area while also providing tools to help local businesses succeed.
0:17:08 - (Doug Jenkins): If that sounds like something you'd like to be a part of, just let me know. We can talk about how an investment in the Chamber not only helps your business, but the community as a whole. And that'll do it for this week's episode. If you have ideas on topics you'd like to hear covered in the future, just send me an email. Djenkinsindleyhancockchamber.com thanks again for listening, and we'll see you next time on Chamber Amplified from the Findlay Hancock County Chamber of Commerce.