If your company has ever dealt with government agency relations, regulatory or permitting issues, you know firsthand how much time and effort it can take to resolve them. When problems like these arise, you don’t have to go it alone. OABA can help. We invite members who run into difficulties with state agencies and processes to let OABA know; we will gladly join the discussion and advocate on your behalf.
Recently OABA was able to assist Latty Grain with a permitting issue the company was having with the state of Ohio. In March, Latty Grain had applied for a permit to expand its fertilizer facility, with a goal of having the facility operational September 1; however, the permit had been delayed for 6 months and by August, Latty Grain was getting nowhere. “We were to the point that we were exhausting all resources and contacts to get the process moving,” said George Suvar, general manager of Latty Grain. “We were frustrated and running out of options. That’s when we wondered if OABA could help.”
On behalf of Latty Grain, OABA reached out to the Department of Agriculture regarding the permit hold up, and ODA worked with the Department of Commerce to resolve the issue. As a result, Latty Grain was able to pour the footers for the facility at the end of September. “Things are happening here now, and OABA’s been a big help,” Suvar said. “We often think of OABA from a legislative side, but they can help with reaching out to state agencies as well. They’re here to help us. I probably should have called them sooner.”
To reach out to OABA for assistance or information, please contact the OABA office at (614) 326-7520 or info@OABA.net.