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Ronald Budzik Takes
the Reins
Loyal. How else would you describe a person who has been with the same
company since 1963?
That’s how you can describe Ronald F. Budzik, vice president of government
affairs for The Mead Corporation and the new chairman of the Ohio Chamber
of Commerce. Loyal to The Mead Corporation, a forest products company with
$4.4 billion in annual sales. He is also loyal to the work that he does
with the Ohio Chamber regarding public policy issues.
Budzik, an avid jogger who loves boating and fishing, was installed as
chairman of the Ohio Chamber of Commerce on Tuesday, April 3, during the
Chamber’s annual meeting and legislative conference. A native of Pittsburgh,
Ron came to Dayton, Ohio, on a football scholarship to play for the University
of Dayton Fliers and liked it so much, he stayed.
“At that time in my life, I really wouldn’t have gone to college
because my parents couldn’t afford to send me,” said Budzik.
“So, I got a full football scholarship and was able to play football
and go to school.”
His loyalty to the University of Dayton allowed him to receive his undergraduate
degree in accounting and then his MBA. He also attended the INSEAD International
Advanced Management Program in Fontainbleau, France, to expand his knowledge
in international public affairs.
Since joining The Mead Corporation in 1963, Budzik says he has had three
different careers while working for his only employer.
“I started out with an accounting degree doing financial work, auditing
and accounting services,” Budzik explained. “That transitioned
into helping establish a tax department with a staff, and I spent 14 years
in that position. That transitioned into what I do today - public and governmental
affairs work.”
“I’m very loyal to the people I work for. I’ve been fortunate
to work for folks who have been very flexible in allowing me to search
out my talents and what I can do the best. That allows me to bring value
to my employment situation and also to my company. I’ve been very
fortunate in that regard.”
Not only has he been a loyal employee, but he has also been a loyal Chamber
member. Budzik is a past member of the Ohio Chamber’s Tax Committee.
He got involved with that committee because he felt that understanding
legislative intent and why things were taxed the way they were would be
very helpful to him and his work. He was a member of a business group that
helped to write the first drafts of Ohio’s corporate income tax law.
Budzik has been on the Chamber’s board of directors since 1980.
As vice president of government affairs, he handles state, regional and
international public affairs for Mead and is responsible for the Mead Corporation
Foundation. Since Mead’s world headquarters are in Dayton and is one
of Dayton’s largest employers, Budzik pays attention to the state’s
legislative matters. According to Budzik, the two top governmental affairs
issues facing Mead today are Ohio’s school funding issue and energy
deregulation.
“Every business should be watching the school funding issue to see
how tax revenue is going to be allocated,” said Budzik. “If there
is a new tax burden, it should be an equitable tax burden.”
Regarding energy deregulation, Budzik, like many other Ohioans, is watching
what is happening in other parts of the country.
“What is happening in California and on the East Coast are really
causing significant spikes in energy prices, and energy is a big component
of our cost.”
When comparing Ohio’s business environment to other states in which
Mead has a presence, Budzik says Ohio is one of the higher taxing states
not only for personal property taxes, but also on the taxes that Mead’s
Ohio employees must pay. However, Budzik does point out that the administration
and regulatory agencies in Ohio are good to work with because they understand
the issues, are very professional and are responsive to businesses needs
and interests.
“While the tax side is high, the regulatory side is known and reasonable,”
explained Budzik. “We like Ohio.”
Ohio’s greatest asset according to Budzik, is its employees.
“The people here are well-educated and skilled. Ohio has the human
and natural resources we (Mead) need to operate.”
When asked what he would like to bring to Ohio that other states have,
Budzik was quick to answer “competitive school systems.”
“If I had a magic wand and could give Ohio something, I would develop
competitive school systems, particularly in our urban communities that
have children’s learning as their first priority.”
As chairman of the Ohio Chamber of Commerce, Budzik sees his biggest challenge
as upholding the tradition of the state’s best voice when it comes
to advocating for businesses.
“It’s a privilege to take over as a leader of an organization
that is perceived by all other associations as the best business advocacy
group in the state. That’s a high standard to uphold. My vision is
to continue to improve on the goods and services and the value the membership
brings to our members. I’d like to work at involving a greater number
of our members not only in public policy issues, but also in the business
challenges that they face.”
As Ronald Budzik serves his two years as chairman, the many issues he and
the Chamber will face are uncertain. However, Ohio Chamber
members can be certain that Budzik will serve with great leadership and
loyalty.
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