In an effort to keep elected officials aware of the priorities and needs of the prosthetic and orthotic industry, Ohio Willow Wood, Mt. Sterling, Ohio, hosted a visit from U.S. Representative Steve Austria (R-OH) on May 27. Austria serves on the House Budget Committee and the House Homeland Security Committee, and represents Ohio’s seventh district, which includes Ohio Willow Wood’s home county. This was his first visit to Ohio Willow Wood since becoming elected to the House of Representatives.
While at the company, Austria met and visited with Bob Arbogast, Ohio Willow Wood owner and president, and members of the company’s executive team. Arbogast, the grandson of company founder, William E. Arbogast, gave the Congressman and his staff a tour of the plant and the opportunity to see how some of the prosthetic products are manufactured. During the tour, Austria talked with employees and met with two amputees and heard about their experiences as clinical-test patients for the company.
Following the tour, Austria spoke briefly to the assembled Ohio Willow Wood employees. After thanking them for their work in creating products that bring positive changes to the lives of amputees, he spoke briefly of his work to develop programs and methods to improve the nation’s economy and bring jobs to Ohio. He encouraged his audience to contact his office with ideas for job creation and to share their positions on issues facing Congress.
“We were pleased to have the opportunity to welcome Congressman Austria to Ohio Willow Wood and show him how we are thriving in our region as well as in the prosthetic industry,” stated Ben Elliott, Ohio Willow Wood’s general manager. “The orthotic and prosthetic industry is a small part of the entire healthcare environment but plays a critical role in helping people, including U.S. soldiers, who have become amputees due to trauma or disease regain their functionality, continue to work and support their families, and enjoy life.”
