AGP Executive Report

Workforce & Training: Owens Community College is rolling out an “Earn and Learn” advanced manufacturing pathway this fall, placing students in partner facilities on a paid schedule to build real shop-floor experience before graduation. Industrial Growth: RMH Systems acquired Columbus-based Top Shelf Integrated Solutions, expanding its Ohio material-handling and automation capabilities. Local Cleanup & Environmental Risk: Flatrock Township crews are mitigating contamination in Huston Creek after an “unknown product” was found; roads near the site are closed while Ohio EPA and partners monitor water conditions. Construction & Infrastructure: Green Township crews began a $2.34 million roundabout project aimed at improving safety and traffic flow at a busy intersection. Economic Development: New Richmond is moving to redevelop its former bus garage into a public parking lot after petroleum contamination was found during tank removals; the project includes demolition and groundwater work. Ohio Policy & Tech: Ohio is using generative AI to streamline unemployment adjudication and improve call review in its contact center. Public Health: CDC is tracking an expanding cyclosporiasis outbreak (145 cases in 17 states) and is urging health care workers to watch for the food- or water-borne illness. Energy & Industry: A new report warns Ohio may face a shortage of 600 to 1,000 veterinarians by the early 2030s, with rural areas hit hardest.

Energy Storage Manufacturing: L-H Battery has begun mass production of energy storage system (ESS) lithium-ion batteries at its Jeffersonville, Ohio plant, shifting from earlier EV-focused output as Honda scaled back its North American EV program. Data Centers & Water Use: A Columbus public-records review found data centers in the region used about 1.26 billion gallons of city water in a year, raising fresh questions as opponents push back on new data center builds. Construction Pipeline: Mahoning Valley builders report a busy season, with major projects including Kimberly-Clark’s $800M plant and a new Mercy Health facility, plus expansion work at the Trumbull Career and Technical Center. Retail Deal Watch: Kroger announced plans to buy Giant Eagle for $1.65B, with limited divestitures expected as regulators review the grocery consolidation. Workforce & Trades: In Youngstown, ironworkers say outreach is bringing in more right-out-of-high-school applicants, helped by year-round hiring and a probationary pathway. Public Safety/Infrastructure: Trumbull County’s water tank maintenance plan is moving toward approval after a quorum issue delayed recommendations, with costs pegged around $3.2M to $3.6M over the decade. Fraud Prevention: Ohio’s Medicaid fraud reforms are under scrutiny, with economists split on whether added verification and penalties will outweigh administrative costs. Crypto Enforcement: Ohio BCI topped $500K in recoveries for crypto scam victims, highlighting its electronic financial investigations unit’s growing role.

Ohio Infrastructure: ODOT flagged two Vinton County highway projects—US 50 resurfacing (flaggers; weather permitting) and SR 160 tree trimming with a daily closure window—aimed at keeping traffic moving while work gets done. Housing Supply: A new federal “ROAD to Housing” bill cleared Congress to boost affordable home supply and cut construction barriers, with Ohio Sen. Jon Husted calling out potential benefits for working families. Ag Weather Watch: Corn and soybeans are pushing through key growth stages, but farmers say timely rainfall is still the make-or-break factor after a wet spring delayed planting. Livestock Operations: United Producers, Inc. promoted Jamie Graham to Senior Director, Livestock Operations, expanding oversight across UPI markets. Fertilizer Costs: Trump temporarily suspended phosphate fertilizer countervailing duties on imports from Morocco, a move farm groups say could lower input costs and improve supply. Energy Storage in Ohio: Honda began making batteries for stationary energy storage, redirecting cells originally planned for canceled U.S. EV models toward data centers. Local Power & Storms: Severe storms knocked out power across the region, with crews from multiple states brought in to restore service. Manufacturing & Jobs: Cleveland’s “Midline” redevelopment is set to land MMY US, converting a former ore-unloader site into a modular home construction facility.

USMCA Trade: The U.S. won’t extend the Canada-Mexico pact by the July 1 deadline, starting a process that could mean a refreshed deal—or a decade of annual reviews that could raise costs for Ohio manufacturers and exporters. AI Data Centers & Workforce: Meta, Google, and Compass are rolling out very different training models for the AI buildout, with Ohio showing up in Meta’s construction hiring pipeline. Energy Grid Pressure: Heat and storms are forcing evacuations and conservation steps as power demand strains the eastern grid, a reminder for Ohio utilities and industrial users to plan for outages. Ohio Community & Local History: Marion’s WMRN Radio History Archive is preserving local broadcasting records before they’re lost, while Dayton opens applications for mayoral advisory committees. Ohio Weather & Safety: Firefly season is peaking in Ohio after wet, humid conditions, and local storm impacts are still disrupting travel and power. Supreme Court Watch: The Court’s 2026–27 term is set with major fights over guns, religion, parental rights, and elections.

Energy & Fuel Prices: GasBuddy reports diesel at $4.39/gal in Pickaway County (week ending June 27) and E15 as low as $3.12 in Clark County, underscoring how volatile 2026 fuel costs remain as global oil and refinery disruptions ripple into Ohio. Manufacturing & Industry Sales: Cincinnati’s Technical Equipment Sales Company joined the YCM Alliance, expanding CNC machining sales and service across Ohio and neighboring states. Chemicals & Environment: Chemours agreed to a $450M PFAS settlement with the federal government, including major mitigation spending and pollution controls affecting communities in West Virginia, North Carolina, and New Jersey. Cybersecurity & Public Sector Risk: A U.S. government entity paid about $1M to data-extortion group Kairos, with the case highlighting how attackers may pressure victims without traditional ransomware. Ohio Infrastructure & Water Quality: Metroparks Toledo is winding down restoration on Audubon Island State Nature Preserve using $3.9M in Great Lakes Restoration Initiative and Ohio EPA grants to stabilize shorelines and improve habitat. Heat & Grid Strain: Extreme heat disrupted July 4 plans nationwide and prompted emergency cooling at Adams County electrical substations, a reminder that power reliability is a frontline issue during summer peaks.

Heat & Grid Strain: A major U.S. heat wave has pushed about 238 million people—roughly 70% of the population—under dangerous heat alerts, with Ohio among the hardest-hit states; officials warn outages are already happening and grid stress may worsen through the Fourth of July weekend. Nuclear Fuel Supply: The U.S. Department of Energy signed a more than $1 billion commercial HALEU enrichment deal with Centrus Energy, aiming to end reliance on Russian and Chinese sources—an important step for next-gen reactors and the data-center buildout. Data Centers & Logistics: Chinese logistics firms are expanding downstream in the e-commerce supply chain, building U.S. warehousing and delivery networks as de minimis rules changed; separately, Nebius reportedly secured an 18MW lease for a Spain data center. Ohio Industry & Energy Policy: Ohio State President Ravi V. Bellamkonda outlined plans to grow research spending and strengthen academics and affordability, while Ohio’s grid operator is seeking emergency powers as extreme heat looms. Workforce & Training: A push for skilled trades is gaining attention as AI-proof, six-figure job paths—welders, plumbers, and carpenters—are highlighted amid ongoing labor shortages. Public Safety: Fireworks injuries are already surfacing, and health officials are urging safer practices and noting some consumer fireworks restrictions in Ohio cities.

Power & Utilities: Lakewood’s second-day outage left about 1,200 customers without electricity, forcing cash-only sales at local businesses and creating a scramble for a diabetic resident to keep insulin cool. Workforce & Manufacturing: Cenovus Energy is offering free process-operations training in Lima, aiming to funnel GED- and diploma-holders into petrochemical and manufacturing jobs via a Process Operations Certificate. Transportation Safety: Batavia and ODOT will start permanent upgrades to a State Route 32 intersection after a deadly 2024 crash, including concrete islands, a median curb, and a widened left-turn lane. Environment & Water: University of Toledo researchers are testing algae-busting buoys for Lake Erie that meter algaecide over time to stop harmful blooms earlier. Energy & Grid Pressure: Heat is stressing the power system nationwide, with reports warning of record demand as Independence Day events ramp up. Policy & Courts: DOJ says opponents of marijuana rescheduling are driven by financial interests, a fight with major implications for Ohio’s cannabis market. Ag & Food Prices: Ohio AG Anthony Brown and partners secured a settlement tied to egg price manipulation, including millions of eggs for consumers and food banks. Local Industry Cleanup: Chesterland’s Buck Stop Bar & Grille is finally being demolished after years of deterioration and alleged illegal activity.

Grocery Deal: Kroger is buying Giant Eagle for $1.65B, expanding its Midwest and Mid-Atlantic footprint and aiming to pressure prices as consumers stay cost-conscious. Energy Storage Manufacturing: LG Energy Solution and Honda’s Ohio joint venture, L-H Battery in Fayette County, has started mass production of lithium iron phosphate battery cells for grid and commercial energy storage, shifting focus as EV incentives changed. Semiconductor Policy: A U.S. memory-chip industry group warns that government moves to steer pricing or capacity could worsen the AI-driven supply squeeze, urging support for long-term supply deals and tax breaks instead. Public Works & Utilities: Washington County says the long-running Devola Sanitary Sewer Improvements Project is fully complete, with residents now responsible for yard upkeep. Local Infrastructure Bids: Youngstown’s Exal Court sewer pump station project drew a low bid of $1.19M, below both the engineer’s estimate and earlier city spending targets. Healthcare Recognition: Prime Healthcare earned top marks in the Lown Hospitals Index for social responsibility, including multiple “A” grades and an honor roll designation. Ohio Safety & Weather: Heat stress coverage highlights risks like heat exhaustion and heat stroke, with practical first-aid steps for hot-weather emergencies.

PFAS Settlement: DOJ, EPA and West Virginia DEP reached a multi-state Clean Water Act deal with Chemours over “forever chemical” pollution, including alleged PFAS discharges into the Ohio River, with a fight ahead over future permit limits. Nuclear Fuel Contract: Centrus Energy locked in a $900M DOE task order to move its HALEU enrichment cascade in Piketon, Ohio, from demonstration to commercial production, targeting 1 metric ton by 2032. Data Centers & Power: A new report warns gas plants built to feed data centers could drive major emissions growth, while a separate heat-grid story says extreme temperatures are straining PJM and raising electricity costs. Extreme Heat: Heat wave coverage highlights emergency grid pressure and cooling-center guidance across the Ohio Valley and beyond. Ohio Beach Health: Ohio issued red-flag advisories at multiple beaches, including Grand Lake St. Marys, warning people and pets to avoid water contact due to toxic algal blooms. Holiday Safety: Cincinnati reminded residents of stricter local fireworks rules ahead of July 4, and a separate risk ranking put Ohio among the highest states for backyard fireworks mishaps. Workforce & Business: Redwood Living in Northeast Ohio earned multiple Top Workplaces honors, including real estate and compensation/benefits awards. Retail Deal Watch: Kroger’s Giant Eagle acquisition continues to reshape Midwest grocery competition and retail media strategy.

Retail & Dealmaking: Kroger plans to buy Giant Eagle for $1.65B, keeping the Giant Eagle name as it expands across northern Ohio and beyond—another big consolidation move in the grocery and pharmacy business. Food & Antitrust: Egg producers tied to a DOJ price-fixing scheme will pay $3.3M and donate tens of millions of eggs after multistate action, with Ohio included in the coalition. Energy Reliability: The U.S. DOE declared an energy emergency as a heat wave strains the PJM grid, with directives to conserve power and limit load on data centers where possible. Nuclear Preparedness: Duke Energy will run Brunswick Nuclear Plant siren tests July 1 (no action needed during scheduled testing). Manufacturing & Defense: Beehive Industries acquired Ohio machine shops to scale 3D-printed jet engine production for defense. Policy & Workflows: SoftBank will rent AI computing resources to U.S. companies next fiscal year as it ramps data center capacity. Local Business Transition: A “silver tsunami” theme highlights younger buyers taking over retiring small businesses.

Retail Deal: Kroger agreed to buy Giant Eagle for $1.65B cash, expanding its Midwest and Mid-Atlantic footprint; the deal adds about 197 supermarkets and 11 pharmacies across Ohio, Pennsylvania, West Virginia, Maryland and Indiana, with closing expected in 2027 and potential store divestitures as regulators review competition. Food & Antitrust: DOJ and 17 states reached settlements with major egg producers over alleged price-fixing, requiring $3.3M in payments and 53 million donated eggs to food banks—an effort aimed at restoring trust after claims of artificially inflated prices. Energy & Industry: A report says “behind-the-meter” gas plants built to power U.S. data centers could drive greenhouse emissions comparable to major countries, raising health and permitting concerns as off-grid projects move faster. Ohio Agriculture: Ohio State Extension warns extreme heat could cut cattle gains and feed intake; producers are urged to boost shade, water access, and avoid handling during peak temperatures. Ohio Tech/Manufacturing: Honda has started making energy storage batteries at its Ohio plant, redirecting capacity from a cancelled EV program toward data-center power needs. Public Health: Michigan’s cyclosporiasis outbreak is growing, and Ohio health officials are investigating a similar uptick.

Energy & Grid: Ohio’s grid operator is seeking emergency powers as a historic heatwave threatens record electricity demand, while communities across the region activate cooling centers and adjust operations to protect workers. Manufacturing & Jobs: PersonalHour (Dublin) expanded manufacturing and fulfillment for its home Pilates reformers, and Vertiv (Westerville) opened a Malaysia plant to build AI data-center power and cooling equipment—showing how Ohio-linked supply chains keep scaling. Engineering Education: IMEG awarded scholarships to 30 engineering students, backing the next wave of Ohio-area talent. Local Infrastructure: Rocky River advanced the Beachcliff-Cornwall sewer improvement plan, and Ohio officials announced $15.5M in brownfield remediation grants to clean up contaminated sites for redevelopment. Legal/Consumer Impact: DOJ and states reached a settlement with major egg producers over alleged price-fixing, with $3.3M and 53 million eggs headed to donations. Community Safety: A reminder on Ohio fireworks rules and neighbor impacts comes as summer celebrations ramp up. Healthcare/Industry: AustinPx will install its KinetiSol technology at Thermo Fisher sites in Cincinnati and Bend, Oregon, extending manufacturing capability for poorly soluble drug formulations.

Egg Price-Fixing Settlement: Ohio Attorney General Brenna Bird joined a multistate and DOJ deal requiring major egg producers to stop illegal coordination, pay $3.3M, and donate 53M eggs to food banks after claims they manipulated a key egg price index. Heat & Road-Work Safety: ODOT crews are warning drivers that extreme heat raises risks for road crews, from dehydration to heat stroke, while distracted driving keeps work zones dangerous. Grid Emergency Powers: PJM asked the federal government for emergency authority to bypass some environmental rules and let major users, including data centers, switch to backup power during a forecasted heatwave. Agriculture Trade & Policy: Ohio Corn & Wheat says USMCA is essential for U.S. wheat demand as negotiations begin with Mexico and Canada. Workforce for Dairy: Edge Dairy Farmer Cooperative praised a bill that would expand H-2A visa access for year-round dairy work. Local Construction Contract: Fayette County commissioners awarded a bid for roof improvements at the Fayette water treatment plant. Veterans Housing Build: Clermont County broke ground on a $10.6M Veterans Village with 19 furnished units, targeting move-in in early 2028. Carbon Capture Pathway: Ohio Corn & Wheat celebrated DeWine signing HB 170, setting a clearer route for carbon capture and sequestration projects. Data Center Backlash Watch: A report highlights growing state and local efforts to pause or limit data center growth amid power and water concerns.

AI Policy: Sen. Bernie Sanders is pushing a plan to give the public direct ownership stakes in the biggest AI companies, funded by a one-time 50% tax on their stock—aimed at creating a massive sovereign wealth fund for direct payments and major public programs. Local Infrastructure: Marietta’s mayor says crews are in the final push on the Ohio River levee renovation, alongside paving, sewer work, and a new water treatment plant, targeting festival timing with punch-list work continuing afterward. Heat & Public Safety: Northeast Ohio is bracing for a multi-day heat wave with excessive heat warnings; officials urge hydration and caution as overnight lows won’t cool much. Severe Weather Watch: Forecasters are tracking a “ridge runner” storm setup across the Upper Midwest into early Friday, with damaging wind, large hail, and tornado risk. Defense Manufacturing: The U.S. Army ordered more than $40M in next-gen combat helmets from Avon Technologies’ Team Wendy Ceradyne. Energy & Industry: Columbiana County’s Utica/Point Pleasant shale wells hit a new quarterly oil production record in Q1 2026, driven by new well output. Ohio Business Incentives: DeWine and JobsOhio-backed projects cleared Ohio’s Tax Credit Authority, including a Lucas County drone manufacturing expansion. Water Systems Oversight: Buckeye Water District trustees shared an Ohio auditor’s review showing no citations or control issues, while lead-line and waterline engineering moves ahead. Community & Tourism: Warren County reported record tourism impact in 2025—$1.74B and 14.19M visitors—fueling tax and tourism strategy discussions.

Heat Safety for Outdoor Workers: Ohio emergency officials are urging residents to watch for dehydration, heat exhaustion and heat stroke signs as 90-degree temperatures hit, especially construction and landscaping crews; firefighters recommend frequent breaks, hydration with electrolytes, and staying in conditioned air, with 9-1-1 for severe symptoms. Home Cooling Tips: Quality Mechanical Services says to limit indoor foot traffic, use curtains/drapes, avoid opening windows during humid nights, and keep AC running overnight to chase humidity out and reduce next-day strain. Ohio Manufacturing Jobs: Ukrainian Defense Drones’ U.S. assembly push lands in Holland (Lucas County), with a planned $18.4M investment and at least 300 jobs by Dec. 31, 2029, producing first-person-view drones for allied customers. Energy & Industry Policy: Trump signed an order aimed at letting consumers repair cars using aftermarket or third-party parts, with EPA guidance to clarify emissions-system fixes and speed access to parts. Agriculture Watch: USDA crop condition updates show corn ratings slightly down in some areas while winter wheat is 48% harvested; Ohio’s corn condition index ticked up despite mixed weekly ratings. Local Food & Community: A youth-led food donation push tied to Indiana county fairs is expanding, with participants collecting nonperishables for local food banks.

Holiday Travel & Costs: AAA expects 72.2 million Americans to travel June 27–July 5, including about 3.48 million Ohioans, with most trips by car as gas and rental prices stay high. Trade & Manufacturing Jobs: A Reuters report says Whirlpool’s Iowa refrigerator plant has cut more than half its workforce despite Trump-era tariffs, with another 288 jobs set to go in July. Data Centers vs. Communities: Akron may require conditional-use approval for new data centers, while Cleveland-area building trades leaders push back on county guidelines as residents question energy impacts. Emergency Communications Resilience: INDIGITAL’s MEVO platform earned disaster-recovery recognition for keeping 911 call handling running when other systems failed during major storms. Local Industry & Defense-Aerospace: Youngstown’s Innovation Hub for Aerospace and Defense is moving faster with $750,000 for renovations to create manufacturing-ready space. Wastewater Upgrade Glitches: Salem wastewater plant phase-three work continues, but sludge flow-meter issues remain unresolved as power problems appear to be improving. Ohio Agriculture: Southern Ohio wheat yields are down about 50% from frost damage, while soybeans show partial recovery but face slug infestations and some replanting. Manufacturing Jobs Return: Premium Guard plans to reopen the former Champion Labs facility in Albion, initially restoring nearly 200 jobs.