AGP Executive Report

Gas Tax Relief: Gov. Mike DeWine signed House Bill 519 to suspend Ohio’s 38.5-cent gas tax and 47-cent diesel tax for 90 days, though lawmakers and drivers are still debating how quickly savings will show up at the pump. Utility Hardship Help: Dollar Energy Fund opened its 2026–2027 hardship program for Ohio households facing utility shutoffs, with grants applied directly to accounts; the program also expanded funding tied to Ohio Power Company and data center partners. Springfield Manufacturing Uncertainty: Springfield still has no confirmed update on Roshel’s plans after International Motors closed its local plants, leaving workers and city officials waiting for details. Local Business & Consumer Watch: The Better Business Bureau and Container One CEO Glenn Taylor warned buyers nationwide about shipping container scams that copy established dealers’ sites and pricing. Agritourism Resource: Farm Credit Mid-America released an updated free “Farm and Fun” agritourism directory covering Ohio and four other states. Ohio Workforce & Cost Pressure: Ohio’s minimum wage is set to rise 3.5% in 2027, adding to the affordability squeeze facing employers and households.

Minimum Wage Update: Ohio’s minimum wage rises 3.5% on Jan. 1, 2027 to $11.40 for non-tipped workers and $5.70 for tipped workers, and the business applicability threshold increases to $420,000 in annual gross receipts. Healthcare Refunds: The Trump administration has started sending $500 Affordable Care Act refund checks to nearly 1 million Americans in 30 states, including Ohio, for people who paid full premiums without federal assistance. Energy & Jobs: Gov. Mike DeWine and state officials approved five JobsOhio-backed projects totaling more than $431 million in investment and 1,173 jobs, including a Neptune North data/AI services expansion in central Ohio. Data Centers & Power Costs: Ohio’s Senate remains a battleground over bills aimed at limiting data center electricity costs, with Democrats blocking Husted-linked ratepayer protection efforts. Prediction Markets: Kalshi lost another appeal after the 6th Circuit ruled Ohio and Tennessee can regulate its sports event contracts under state gambling laws. Local Economy: Athens County accepted a bid to sell the Athens County Community Cares Resource Center after repeated auction attempts.

AI Data Centers & Community Investment: OpenAI and SoftBank’s SB Energy met with southeastern Ohio officials and businesses tied to the planned Ports-Pike AI data center near Piketon, announcing a $6 million childcare investment as part of broader community spending. Workforce & Transit Funding: ODOT awarded $13.5 million through the Ohio Workforce Mobility Partnership Program to transit agencies in 13 counties for 19 projects aimed at getting workers to jobs. Ports & Logistics Boost: The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers begins dredging Toledo Harbor’s federal channels under an $11.1 million, two-year contract—supporting more than $1B in annual economic impact. Manufacturing Pipeline for Appalachia: Eureka Energy and GAP Grup announced a North American partnership to represent GAP’s aluminum and solar infrastructure products in the U.S., with a long-term goal of U.S. manufacturing in Appalachia. Cybersecurity Accountability: Michigan AG announced a $2.3 million multi-state settlement with Labcorp over the 2019 AMCA data breach, highlighting vendor risk. Food Safety: FDA assigned the highest risk recall level to Salata Salad Kitchen Jalapeño Avocado Dressing after possible Salmonella contamination. Energy Costs Watch: GasBuddy reported diesel price snapshots across Ohio counties, underscoring continued volatility heading into fall.

Manufacturing Workforce: A Mahoning Valley coalition argues the next step for Ohio’s manufacturing talent pipeline is not just recruiting into modern/additive roles, but building “honeycomb” career paths with visible advancement and educator partnerships. Industrial Real Estate: Youngstown broke ground on the 200,000-square-foot Youngstown Technology Park, with phase one targeting light and advanced manufacturing and distribution space by May. Energy & Transportation Costs: Ohio lawmakers advanced a 90-day gas tax holiday proposal as prices stay high; separate reporting shows localized E15 and diesel price lows across multiple counties. School Finance Pressure: Cincinnati Public Schools faces a projected $44.5M deficit and was placed in fiscal caution, with a Nov. levy vote looming. AI/Capital Markets: Miamisburg-based Accelevation priced a $540M IPO for AI data-center infrastructure, signaling investor selectivity as IPO conditions tighten. Data Centers & Policy: Ohio’s gas-tax and data-center politics continue to collide, while regulators and courts weigh rules affecting development. Trade & Jobs: Canada’s PM Mark Carney criticized Stelco layoffs tied to U.S. tariffs, with Cleveland-Cliffs ownership drawing scrutiny. Health & Consumer Watch: A Jackson dispensary reopened after state testing found no contamination; a lawsuit alleges a wrong-leg amputation at a Marietta hospital. Business Risk: A mobile bartending company drew complaints from Michigan/Ohio couples over canceled events and refund issues.

AI & Government Tech: President Trump unveiled a new AI tool aimed at making federal government information easier to access, while again dismissing calls for AI “guardrails.” Ohio Cannabis Insurance: A bipartisan federal CLAIM Act would block insurers from facing penalties just for covering state-legal marijuana businesses; Ohio Rep. Warren Davidson is backing it as industry groups endorse. Trade & Supply Chain: Gene Mack International earned Customs Trade Partnership Against Terrorism (CTPAT) certification, highlighting tighter trade security expectations. Local Business & Real Estate: Dayton Mall’s new owner, Hull Property Group, is rolling out a multi-phase facelift through 2027, including interior upgrades and planned murals. Energy & Cost Pressures: Ohioans can apply for the Miami Valley Community Action Partnership’s Summer Crisis Program by Sept. 30 for help with electric bills and cooling needs. Ohio Economy Watch: A new Suffolk/USA TODAY Ohio Network poll shows Democrat Amy Acton leading in the governor’s race, adding uncertainty to Ohio’s political and economic outlook heading into midterms. Logistics: A CoStar ranking puts Cleveland among the top big-box logistics markets, while bulk carrier capacity remains tight and lead times are stretching. Ohio Public Safety Funding: Cleveland is seeking up to $1.031M in federal funds to replace some public-safety mobile radios.

College Sports Policy: The U.S. Senate passed the Protect College Sports Act, setting up a national framework for athlete pay and eligibility while granting the NCAA and related groups antitrust protections—now headed to a tight House timeline. Passenger Rail: Toledo will host RailNation Toledo (Oct. 2-4) to push a Midwest passenger rail future, tying the city’s corridor role to jobs, tourism, and regional economic growth. Local Economic Development: Ohio approved a tax credit for Polyethics Industries’ first U.S. plant in Antwerp, targeting 250 jobs and $12M in annual payroll by 2030. Data Centers & Power Costs: Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine says he’ll hold Kalshi accountable after a federal appeals ruling that Ohio can enforce its sports betting laws against prediction markets. Energy & Transportation Policy: Lawmakers are lining up votes on a 90-day Ohio gas tax suspension, with the bills shifting funding to general revenue and requiring gas stations to pass savings to customers. Housing: Bowling Green received a $1M grant for 117 workforce housing lots tied to major local investment. Public Safety/Infrastructure: Defiance commissioners opened bids for a Sherwood downtown demolition and discussed wastewater fixes near the airport. Health/Business: Sun Pharma and LIB Therapeutics announced a global licensing and manufacturing deal for lerodalcibep (Lyrokaul), expanding Sun’s PCSK9 pipeline.

Ohio Manufacturing & Talent Pipeline: Ohio State President’s opinion argues the “Foundry School” model and university-industry partnerships can power an American manufacturing renaissance and fill hundreds of thousands of vacant jobs. Data Centers & Power Grid: The Ohio Power Siting Board moved a Oct. 27 hearing for AEP Ohio’s 765-kV Baku-Gavin transmission line to Jackson Middle School, tying the project to a planned data center campus in Piketon. Packaging Deal: Adherex Group said it’s acquiring North Canton’s Polymer Packaging to broaden flexible, bakery and protective packaging capabilities. Defense Manufacturing: Metallus landed a five-year Defense Logistics Agency contract worth up to $995M for HF-1 steel used in 155mm artillery ammunition bodies, supporting production in Canton. Local Business & Community: Fricker’s in Huber Heights temporarily closed after a small Sunday fire; Columbus ranked No. 3 for disability-friendliness in a WalletHub study; and the YMCA of Van Wert County received grant funding to expand free water safety and swim lessons. Energy Prices Watch: GasBuddy reported Athens County’s lowest diesel at $5.64 (week ending Sept. 19) as Ohio averages rose.

Data Centers & Power Costs: Ohio lawmakers face fresh pressure as a bipartisan push would ban NDAs in big tech data center deals, aiming to make projects public and protect ratepayers. Energy & Consumer Impact: GasBuddy reports show diesel and midgrade prices still swinging across Ohio counties, with several “lowest” weekly deals landing in the $4s for midgrade and high $5s for diesel. Jobs & Manufacturing: U.S. Paper Mill plans to restart paper production in Chillicothe by December, hiring up to 350 as it brings back “The Chief” paper machine. Aerospace & Education: NASA Administrator Jared Isaacman says Ohio has a “good shot” to host a new U.S. Space Academy, with states submitting proposals by Oct. 26. Local Business & Workforce: Mansfield’s Aviation Career Day drew nearly 150 students to explore aviation jobs, from mechanics to other trades. Policy & Health: Ohio’s right to appeal denied insurance claims is getting more attention as lawmakers consider stronger federal penalties for insurers. Transportation: ODOT says northbound I-75 in Cincinnati reopened ahead of schedule after bridge work.

Ag & Food Investment: McCarty Family Farms and Cargill-backed efforts are expanding dairy education with new interactive nutrition exhibits at McCarty’s Kansas learning center and MVP Dairy’s Celina, Ohio site. AI & Energy Pressure: Bill Gates warns AI cooperation is harder than nuclear deals, while new reporting highlights how AI data centers are reshaping U.S. electricity demand—an issue that’s landing in Ohio politics. Data Privacy/Surveillance: Columbus has blinded Flock Safety cameras during an officer-misuse probe, but the broader network across central Ohio remains a flashpoint for residents and policymakers. Local Housing Snapshot: Zillow data shows Gallia County’s typical home value rose 8.1% year over year to $175,571 in August 2026. Fuel Costs Watch: GasBuddy reports the lowest Ashland County regular price at $3.95 (week ending Sept. 19), with Ohio’s statewide regular average at $4.36. Workforce Impact: Two Southwest Ohio companies announced layoffs affecting more than 200 workers, including Ardor Delivery Services’ Centerville closure and Sodexo’s contract termination in West Chester. Sports & Business Tie-In: Browns’ home opener vs. Panthers spotlights local fan economics and attention, while Ohio-area prediction-market promo codes keep drawing mainstream interest.

Ohio Energy & Utilities: AEP Ohio is rebranding as Ohio Power Company and rolling out a redesigned monthly bill starting Oct. 1, aiming to make generation, transmission, and distribution charges easier to understand for its 1.5 million customers. Ohio Tech & Policy: Ohio’s Senate race is heating up around data centers, with lawmakers debating secrecy and oversight as development pressures residents and local infrastructure. Defense & Manufacturing: The U.S. Air Force more than doubled a contract with DZYNE Technologies (Ondas) for long-endurance surveillance drones, with Dayton listed as the contracting activity—an Ohio-linked signal for ISR spending. Auto & Trade: Trump says he approved new fuel economy standards ending the Biden-era EV mandate, promising lower prices and more auto manufacturing in states including Ohio, while Canada’s tariff cuts are blamed for shifting Canadian buyers away from U.S.-assembled cars. Local Business/Community: SOCCo awarded $1,000 to Oak Hill School System for hands-on STEM equipment, supporting lab and field-style learning for about 120 students. Courts & Gambling Markets: A federal appeals decision says Ohio and Tennessee can regulate Kalshi under gambling laws, tightening the rules for prediction markets.

Sports & Local Economy: Cleveland Cavaliers president Koby Altman says the team won’t hinge its future on LeBron James’ decision after James signed with the 76ers, pointing to roster depth and organizational “infrastructure” as training camp nears. Fundraising & Health: A Springboro couple, Jon and Amber Kozesky, dedicated their Sept. 19 wedding to The Littlest Heroes, a Northeast Ohio pediatric cancer foundation, and have raised about $50,000 toward a $100,000 goal. Nonprofits & Public Funding: Springboro’s Community Improvement Corporation topped local 2024 nonprofit rankings by government-grant share (100% of revenue), while Greenville’s Darke County Association of Fire Chiefs led at 93.9% and South Euclid’s Im In Transition Ministries hit 100%. Energy Costs (Gas Prices): GasBuddy’s week ending Sept. 19 showed standout lows including E15 at $3.89 in Cuyahoga County, regular at $3.78 in Miami County, and diesel at $5.57 in Medina County. Education Finance: Amherst School District is seeking a 5.97-mill operating levy on Nov. 3 after cutting $13.2 million and shifting from an income tax proposal to a property tax. Policy Watch: AEP Ohio plans to rebrand as Ohio Power Company starting Oct. 1, and Ohio lawmakers are weighing daylight saving time changes as Nov. 1 approaches.

Prediction Markets: A federal appeals court in Cincinnati ruled against Kalshi, saying Ohio and Tennessee can regulate its event contracts under state gambling laws—raising the odds of a U.S. Supreme Court showdown. EV & Manufacturing: Reuters coverage highlights how the end of the $7,500 EV tax credit is reshaping investment plans, with GM’s Lordstown battery JV idling and other automakers scaling back. Semiconductors & Data Centers: SK hynix’s Solidigm is weighing a U.S. NAND plant to reduce China exposure and support AI-driven memory demand, while Ohio’s data-center boom keeps fueling political and community pushback. Healthcare & Consumer Protection: Ohio AG actions include a settlement that lets consumers file for money back on certain overpriced generic drugs, plus reports of Medicaid fraud indictments. Local Economy & Jobs: Marcy Kaptur secured $5.1M for a Northwestern Ohio Head Start renovation, and Huntington named a new chief marketing and digital products officer to drive growth. Public Safety: Mahoning County plans two OVI checkpoints in Youngstown, and a body was found on a conveyor belt at a Rumpke recycling plant in St. Bernard.

Ohio Local Government & Jobs: Defiance County commissioners appointed Torrence Smith as the new maintenance supervisor, effective Oct. 5, replacing Ron Cereghin, and also set up a new fund for a $50,000 land use planning grant. Energy & Consumer Costs: GasBuddy data shows premium prices hitting $4.25 in Hamilton County (week ending Sept. 19) while diesel and midgrade prices varied across Ohio counties, underscoring ongoing fuel volatility. State Politics & Policy: Gov. Mike DeWine called a proposed 90-day Ohio gas tax suspension a “very, very bad idea,” as the plan moves through the legislature. AI/Data Centers & Finance: Oracle’s force majeure notice tied to its New Mexico “Project Jupiter” triggered market jitters and raised questions about AI infrastructure delivery timelines, while Reuters reports data center IPO plans still face tighter scrutiny. Business & Growth: DataGroomr won a Salesforce Partner of the Year award for improving Salesforce data reliability, and JobsOhio backed a $750,000 grant to revitalize Niles’ historic Masonic Lodge into a behavioral health HQ. Legal/Regulatory: Attorney General Jeff Jackson urged eligible North Carolinians to claim restitution from a $96.5M generic drug antitrust settlement.

Federal Energy & Land: The Bureau of Land Management leased 2,777 acres beneath Wayne National Forest for $11.1M in Ohio’s first federal mineral lease sale, with Apex Energy taking 25 parcels—another step for Utica shale drilling in southeast Ohio. Grid Investment: Ohio won a $273M DOE grant to upgrade electric transmission capacity under the SPARK initiative, with $137M routed to PUCO and transmission utilities. Utility Rebrand: AEP Ohio will operate as the Ohio Power Company starting Oct. 1, with a redesigned, clearer monthly bill but no rate or service changes. Gas Tax Politics: Lawmakers weighing a 90-day gas tax suspension could cost about $700M, raising the question of how to replace road funding. Energy Costs: Propane prices in northwest Ohio are up about 10% over the past year, driven by insurance, diesel transport costs, and higher operating expenses. National Security & Trade: Ohio Sen. Bernie Moreno and Sen. Elissa Slotkin pushed for a permanent ban on Chinese connected vehicles and components as Trump meets Xi. Local Governance: Tim Meyers was sworn in as Fairfield mayor after Steve Miller resigned. Social Security Debate: Sen. Elizabeth Warren renewed calls to change the payroll tax cap to protect Social Security financing.

Space & Economic Development: Gov. Mike DeWine is pushing to make Ohio the home of the U.S. Space Academy, pointing to Wright-Patterson Air Force Base and NASA’s Glenn Research Center and forming an 11-person group to prepare the federal application. Energy & Local Policy: Logan City Council heard from SOPEC about its “Charging Smart” program, aimed at easing zoning and permitting for solar and EV charging; an EV station is planned for Aqueduct Park, though some council members questioned whether it will draw customers downtown. Insurance & Consumer Protection: Florida regulators moved to revoke the license of Ohio-based ePremium Insurance Agency, alleging it sent more than 8,500 fake renters-insurance cancellation notices to active policyholders, including seniors. Healthcare Access: Christopher Rural Health Planning Corp is partnering with AndHealth to expand specialty care access in Southern Illinois, targeting long specialist wait times. AI & Youth Mental Health: A Dayton Daily News report highlights concerns about generative AI’s impact on children’s mental health and outlines steps companies and parents can take to reduce risk. Business & Operations: Trayd launched Trayd Accounting, bringing construction accounting into its job-based back-office platform. Energy Prices: GasBuddy data shows Montgomery County’s lowest regular midgrade and regular prices at $3.89 and $3.49 per gallon, respectively, for the week ending Sept. 19, with Ohio averages rising week over week. Nonprofit & Legal: Senior Justice Law Firm opened a Cleveland office to represent elder-abuse victims across Ohio.

Retail Expansion: Brinker International says Chili’s is in a growth mode, planning to add 20–30 restaurants a year through fiscal 2029, with up to 300 potential sites identified and sales at mature locations up sharply over the past five years. Healthcare Growth: AndHealth is expanding specialty care access into Illinois via partnerships with the Illinois Primary Health Care Association and Christopher Rural Health Planning Corporation, aiming to cut long specialist wait times. Housing & Development: Columbus State is partnering on a 166-unit affordable housing project, Opportunity Pointe, with supportive student housing for Columbus State Community Partners. Public Finance & Services: Cuyahoga County’s Board of Developmental Disabilities is kicking off a levy campaign, seeking voter approval for a 10-year funding boost to sustain services for people with disabilities. Energy & Cost Pressure: Ohio lawmakers are pushing a 90-day gas tax pause, but Republicans may need Democratic votes to fast-track it—highlighting how fuel prices are driving political urgency. Local Economy & Real Estate: Northwest Ohio home sales stayed strong in August, with median single-family prices up year over year. Manufacturing Investment: Nestlé Purina opened a new $550M pet food facility in Batavia, Ohio, designed to scale production with automation and robotics. Policy & Infrastructure: State broadband directors warn BEAD’s “true-up” round may leave some gaps unfilled, depending on mapping and eligibility rules.