Galion Ohio and Statewide Trends for People Moving Out

In 2018, United Van Lines (UVL) surveyed 110,000 families the company helped move - to learn about people moving out. According to the survey results, one of the interesting trends presented in the State of Ohio - with 56.2% - or 6,684 families - moving out of the state. (I'm not sure the math is right on that, but those are the numbers cited by Forbes.)

People moving out image courtesy of Pixabay

Ohio Ranked Seventh Place for People Moving Out

In fact, UVL found Ohio to be 7th in the rankings of states with people moving out in droves. This could be considered bad news for the state and small towns like Galion, or it could be used as an incredible opportunity by those who choose to stay. (I prefer to think of it as an opportunity.)

Job Growth in Ohio

In 2018, Ohio experienced a job growth rate of 1.4%. Now, if the state's population were increasing, that could be troublesome. However, Ohio's population as of the last census was 11,658,600, and with an outward migration of 56%, according to UVL's study, that means there are a few more jobs than there were before and a significantly smaller number of people to fill jobs.

I've actually heard these types of comments from Galion business leaders, that there aren't enough qualified people to fill the jobs so the companies can meet the demand for Galion-produced products. Based on the state's outward migration trend, that isn't likely to get better any time soon - however - it's a huge opportunity, too. Here's why.

Average Household Incomes for Ohio vs Galion

First, using the latest available census data, the median Ohio household income is $54,106 - however - in Galion, the median household income is $20,291. That's a huge gap, but the opportunity part is still coming. What's the difference that's causing that gap?

It would be oversimplistic to say it's just one thing. But, there's one big thing that stands out. Education levels - and that ties back to the comments from local business leaders about not being able to find qualified workers.

• Galion is a touch over the state average for high school graduates, with 90.1% graduating compared to the state average of 89.8%. 
• But, a high school diploma doesn't bring a lot of opportunities for jobs that pay well in 2019. 
• The number of Galionites with Bachelor's degrees or higher is where the city really sees a disparity that's linked to the lower average incomes in the city. 
• At the state level, 27.2% of Ohioans have a Bachelor's degree or higher. 
• At the city level, only 14.0% of residents have a Bachelor's degree or higher. 

Lost Potential Can Equal Increased Opportunity

That translates to a lot of lost income potential for Galion residents. It also creates a lot of opportunity with so many people leaving the state. Galionites have the option to get educated in viable fields where the earnings are MUCH higher.

Companies that need qualified people could also expand on their job training programs or partner with a local nonprofit to help people get the needed training.

Galionites also have the option to seek out jobs in other cities that match their current levels of education. A third option would be to embrace entrepreneurship and start a business based on something already learned and familiar.

The gross state product of Ohio is $684 billion, and it's based heavily on two key sectors: 

1. Manufacturing
2. Financial services

What's more, out of the 1,000 biggest public and private companies in the US, 49 are based in Ohio. Will you get a job with these major companies without higher education? Probably not, though you can try. What you can do, is learn about the skills these major companies all over the state and consider commuting, or find out what skills local companies need in their workers and then get an education in those fields.

While the outrush of people from the state and current income numbers for Galionites seem kind of bleak at first glance, these things really are great opportunities if properly acted upon. 

What Galionites Need to Know About the Upcoming 2020 Census

The census is critical for the proper functioning of government. It is the basis for much of how government policies get implemented. This covers things from roads to voting representation. It is especially for small communities like Galion to take part. 

Image for Galionites and the 2020 Census courtesy of Pixabay

Things Info From the 2020 Census Will Be Used to Do

Here is a small sample of what the results are used for:

• Apportioning seats for Congress
• Drawing lines for congressional districts
• Funding for roads and schools
• Health funding
• Community improvements
• Locate job training centers
• And more...

How Private Companies Use Census Data

That’s just for government functions, many private companies make their decisions based on the 2020 census information as well. From demographics research to deciding what new products could be useful or popular. The reach of this information is often underestimated.

Potential Drawbacks of Census Participation and How You're Protected 

However, this does bring some questions. Some are worried that this can be used against them. From being targeted by landlords for having too many tenets, to being hassled by police. However, these worries aren’t new. 

The many potential problems around the census have long been found out, and it has many safeguards to prevent abuses. 

• The government is restricted from using this information for any reason other than statistics. 
• The police aren’t even allowed to use if for law enforcement, for example. 
• The individual information collected must remain in the Census Bureau, there is no exception to this.

The Bureau has several ways to collect this information. They send agents out door to door, but also offer phone interviews and even a new online site. 

There are no real downsides to taking the 2020 census. 

From funding to representation, it will help your community to be properly accounted for. It’s also easier than ever for residents to take, with the new online submissions. 

Make sure to do your part.

Commercial Plumbing Basics: Galion Edition

Up to a point, plumbing is plumbing whether you're looking at a house, a trailer, an apartment building, a restaurant or a factory... but...

Commercial Plumbing specifically looks at plumbing processes on a larger scale, that larger scale may include multiple floors of a building or far more sinks and toilets than a residential plumber would need to install or repair.

Commercial plumbing Image by F. Muhammad from Pixabay

Commercial Plumbers Are Needed for Big Projects

The size of the plumbing project you need to get done is one indicator of the need to bring in a commercial plumbing service.

The size may refer to the size of the structure, such as a multilevel building, or it may refer the number of water outlets, such as toilets and faucets you need to have installed or maintained.

(In Galion, of course, there aren't a lot of especially tall buildings, at least not yet, but there are a few, and there are also some commercial buildings that have multiple water outlets to maintain.)

Commercial Plumbers Need to Know Building Codes

While all plumbers should be familiar with proper installation of plumbing systems, there are sometimes laws called codes that are specific to commercial buildings.

Bringing in a professional to install or to repair the plumbing in a commercial setting ensures you remain in compliance of local building codes.

If you have questions about these codes in Galion, you could visit the city building and track down the building inspector, or you could hire a professional commercial plumber and let them handle that part.

Installation of Commercial Plumbing Systems

The best time to get it right with plumbing in a commercial building is during installation, if possible.

Some common tasks handled by commercial plumbers include:

• Diagnosing plumbing system issues
• Repairing damaged plumbing
• Water main replacement

Taking the time to make sure everything is properly installed and up to code from the very beginning helps you cut costs in the long run and can simplify the maintenance process for a building's plumbing system.

Maintaining and Repairing Commercial Plumbing Systems

Sewer mains and water heaters are two other key parts of commercial water systems. When you have complications with these types of plumbing components that require leak detection or other types of repair, bringing in a professional plumber or team of plumbers who are skilled in commercial plumbing work can save you time and get everything working properly.