AGP Executive Report

Energy & Trade Disruption: The U.S. says it has destroyed multiple Iranian crude tankers in the Gulf of Oman and Strait of Hormuz, with Brent back above $100 and U.S. diesel hitting record highs—another reminder that Ohio’s fuel costs are tied to global shipping risk. Healthcare Policy: The White House says nearly 1 million Americans in 30 states, including Ohio, will get $500 Obamacare refunds starting in October, after claims that federal “user fees” overcharged consumers. Ohio Workforce & Industry: JobsOhio launched the Technician Path incentive, offering up to $10,000 per employee to help employers build earn-and-learn pipelines for advanced manufacturing, life sciences, and aerospace/defense. Local Housing: Ohio University and Habitat for Humanity of Southeast Ohio are teaming up on the Bobcat Build, constructing a home on campus for a family in Chillicothe. Consumer & Retail: JM Smucker is rolling out functional Folgers instant coffee blends (protein, focus, boost, prebiotic), signaling continued demand for “better-for-you” convenience. Food Supply Chain: Vertical farming operator 80 Acres Farms’ Netherlands unit has been declared bankrupt, following the U.S. parent’s wind-down—another hit to the ag-tech rollout story. Fuel Prices Watch: GasBuddy reports show Ohio regular averaging $3.88 in the week ending Sept. 5, with diesel and E85 pricing still volatile across counties.

Health Policy & Housing: The White House says nearly 1 million Americans in 30 states, including Ohio, will get $500 Obamacare refunds tied to alleged federal exchange “user fee” overcharges. Community Building: Ohio University and Habitat for Humanity of Southeast Ohio are launching the “Bobcat Build,” constructing a home on campus that will move to Chillicothe for a local family. Medical Research: A new study suggests adding a DNA-based fracture score to FRAX modestly improves major fracture prediction for postmenopausal women. Retail & Foodservice: Duncan Oil’s RoadDog Convenience Stores is testing a made-to-order barbecue program at a Dayton-area location, using Blues Hog sauces. Ohio Business & Tech: Estone Technology is buying Toledo’s One SeaGate building and plans upgrades to turn it into a “smart” headquarters. Energy & Costs: GasBuddy reports show E85 and diesel prices easing in parts of Ohio, with multiple counties posting low-week figures for drivers. Local Infrastructure: Hamilton’s North Hamilton Crossing project is moving through an environmental assessment process, with potential relocations and noise impacts flagged.

Solar & Manufacturing Supply Chain: Silicon Ranch says it’s developing two new solar projects—Wrens in Jefferson County and Norwood III in Warren County—to feed Georgia Power’s CARES program, with modules and components sourced from U.S. manufacturers including First Solar (Alabama/Ohio/Louisiana) and Nextpower. PUCO Rate Case: The Public Utilities Commission of Ohio canceled a rehearing on SOBE Thermal Energy Solutions’ rate hikes, shifting the dispute to legal briefs instead of testimony. Industrial Deal (Aerospace): GE Aerospace will buy Cleveland-based castings maker Consolidated Precision Products (CPP) for $11.75B to expand casting capacity for commercial and defense engines. Construction & Public Safety: A crash in South Euclid severed a gas line, triggering temporary evacuations and traffic shutdowns before reopening later that day. Local Development: Celina approved $7.5M in downtown upgrades, including a new two-story commercial building and redevelopment of the historic Mayer Building. Workforce Shortage: Ohio schools report a bus driver shortage tied to pay competition and training requirements, forcing route delays and other stopgaps. Energy/Environment Context: A new look at U.S. air policy history revisits how tall smokestacks spread pollution far downwind, helping drive acid rain.

Energy & Permitting: Canada is scaling back environmental reviews for major energy projects as the U.S.-Canada trade fight escalates, while Ohio readers keep an eye on how faster approvals could affect regional power and construction timelines. Data Centers & Power Costs: The data-center backlash is heating up ahead of midterms, with new reporting and state moves showing communities pushing back over electricity, water, and local impacts—plus a fresh look at how housing markets don’t show a simple “data center effect.” Ohio Infrastructure: Parma’s Ridgewood Drive bridge reopened after a $2.6M replacement aimed at lasting decades and improving stormwater flow. Ohio Energy Prices: GasBuddy reports show Athens County premium gas at $4.99 (week ending Aug. 29) and Hancock County regular at $3.49, underscoring how uneven fuel costs remain across Ohio. Manufacturing & Jobs: Array Technologies opened a new $50M Albuquerque plant, a reminder that solar manufacturing is still tied to shifting policy and tariff swings. Local Business: O’Charley’s shut down remaining corporate locations, including in Ohio, as the casual dining chain ends a 55-year run. Workforce & Logistics: Trucking operators warn diesel near $6 is squeezing budgets and pushing costs downstream.

Trade War Impact: The U.S. moved to ban a wide range of Canadian imports—alcohol, motorcycles and dairy—effective Sept. 29, escalating retaliation after Canada’s countertariffs and raising fresh pressure on USMCA ties. Data Centers & Housing: A National Association of REALTORS® report says data center effects on housing vary by market, with high-concentration counties showing much higher home values and faster growth—while stressing correlation isn’t causation. Ohio Energy Costs: AAA reports Northeast Ohio gas is up to about $3.94/gal, with volatility tied to crude oil swings and Labor Day setting a new seasonal record. Aerospace Manufacturing: GE Aerospace agreed to buy Cleveland-based CPP for $11.75B, aiming to secure upstream casting capacity for commercial, defense and aftermarket demand. Local Business/Construction: NRP Group broke ground on Stone Ridge at High Street in Columbus, a 150-unit affordable project with Ohio Housing Finance Agency partnership. Public Safety/Health: Cleveland Clinic partnered with Luminai to automate complex administrative workflows, starting with external referrals that often arrive by fax. Food Recall: Walmart’s Great Value Organic Triple Berry Blend was added to an E. coli berry recall expanding beyond earlier GreenWise lots. Animal Welfare: An Ashland County dog breeder faces new charges, including alleged sexual conduct with an animal, after a large dog removal.

Trade War Watch: The U.S. escalated its Canada fight with new bans on some Canadian dairy, alcohol and motorcycles, plus moves to bar Canadian firms from U.S. government contractor sales—set to hit Sept. 29 and already raising cost fears for Ohio-area businesses. Energy & Transport: GasBuddy reported diesel at $5.29 in Geauga County and $5.18 in Coshocton County (week ending Aug. 29), while E15 hit $3.64 in Williams County—another reminder that fuel swings are still tied to global supply shocks. Manufacturing Tech: Bullen Ultrasonics won a $23,100 Ohio Smart Manufacturing grant to use AI/ML to improve process stability and efficiency. Workforce & Access: Ohio’s HEAP Summer Crisis Program is open through Sept. 30 for eligible households needing help paying electric bills, buying cooling gear, or repairing central A/C. Local Growth: Colerain Township highlighted $560M in development over three years, including new schools, retail openings, and a Garden Dispensary slated for Oct. 15. Data Center Politics: A national poll found 69% of Americans oppose nearby AI data centers, with Ohio Supreme Court action also keeping the issue in the spotlight.

Aerospace Supply Chain: GE Aerospace will buy Ohio-based castings maker Consolidated Precision Products (CPP) for about $12B, aiming to boost capacity and accelerate new engine airfoil technology; CPP’s mission-critical superalloy/titanium castings serve commercial and defense programs. Food & Agriculture: Barfresh Food Group won USDA re-approval for a $2.4M grant tied to its new 44,000-square-foot Defiance, Ohio manufacturing facility, clearing the way to access funds after updated design and equipment requirements. Packaging Quality: AeroFlexx, based in West Chester, earned an AA+ BRCGS rating at its manufacturing site via an unannounced audit—its sixth straight AA-level result. Real Estate & Healthcare Office Demand: Welltower signed a sublease for 37,412 sq. ft. at Frisco Station, adding to the healthcare-focused tenant mix at the Dallas-area mixed-use development. Local Infrastructure: Wintersville accepted a bid for the Cadiz Road improvement project and also created a perpetual fund for future village upgrades. Workforce Pipeline: Jefferson County Joint Vocational School launched a new Fire/EMT program to help fill a first-responder staffing gap. Trade Watch for Ohio: Canada’s retaliatory tariffs (15% to 50%) on U.S. goods take effect, with Ohio and other midterm battleground states targeted—raising pressure on manufacturers and farm-related supply chains.

Public Health Recall: Ohio-based American Regent is recalling three lots of Epinephrine Injection, USP 30 mg/30 mL multi-dose vials nationwide after complaints of leaking/cracked vials and possible particulate matter, raising sterility concerns. Local Safety & Governance: Ohio lawmakers weighed in after an armed man allegedly lunged at Democratic gubernatorial candidate Amy Acton at the Canfield Fair; Ohio law generally allows concealed carry at fairgrounds, limiting venue bans. Food Policy: Ohio is pausing its planned SNAP sugary drink ban after USDA/Food and Nutrition Administration asked for delay while it issues guidance and reviews public comments. Energy Prices: GasBuddy reports show midgrade prices easing in Ohio, with the lowest Summit County midgrade at $3.94/gal (week ending Aug. 29), while E85 and E15 pricing varied sharply by county. Manufacturing & Trade: Welspun Living says it’s positioning capacity across home textiles and advanced textiles to benefit from India-UK and India-EU trade deals, targeting ~15% revenue growth in FY27. Community & Workforce: The YWCA of Van Wert County says its capital campaign is nearing a new facility, citing federal/state and foundation funding milestones. Environmental Gardening: A Columbus-area garden guide highlights leaving dead plant stems over winter to support pollinators and beneficial insects.

Digital Health & Cancer Care: Ohio State researchers report that a fully online, patient-driven “Know Your Risk” genetic counseling program for higher-risk breast cancer patients performs as well as traditional counselor-led sessions in a randomized trial of 866 women, aiming to ease a nationwide bottleneck as demand for genetic testing outpaces available counselors. Workforce & Training: A new discussion on future training argues property management education should evolve with what employers value most—analytical thinking and tech literacy—while teaching people how to responsibly use AI-supported work and when to seek more context. Defense & Manufacturing: GE Aerospace is rolling out a liquid-fueled hypersonic testing approach under its HyCAT program, building an airborne test bed to collect real-world performance data for emerging hypersonic tech. Trucking Oversight: U.S. Rep. Shomari Figures (D-Ala.) and Rep. Dave Taylor (R-Ohio) introduced the REVOKE Act to crack down on “chameleon carriers” that evade FMCSA enforcement by rebranding and cycling USDOT numbers. Local Business & Skills: Ohio State Marion will host an Engineering Open House Sept. 29 with tours, demos, and a panel with an industry leader, sponsored by Cenovus Energy. Consumer Watch: A Labor Day fraud reminder highlights “ber” month scam tactics, including Medicare open-enrollment-related calls and romance scams likely to intensify as fall approaches. Energy & Grid: After storms, utilities reported power restoration progress across the region, with remaining outages concentrated in specific counties.

Fuel Watch: GasBuddy data shows Fulton County’s lowest regular price at $3.34/gal (week ending Aug. 29), with Ohio’s average regular down to $3.93; E15, diesel, and premium prices also varied by county, including Ashtabula’s lowest E15 at $4.48 and Madison County’s lowest diesel at $5.29. Political Safety: An armed man, Patrick Havas, 38, was arrested after lunging toward Democratic Ohio governor candidate Amy Acton at the Canfield Fair, injuring several people; authorities say he had multiple weapons but they weren’t brandished. AI & Retail Trust: “AI slop” storefront food images are showing up on menus and delivery listings, confusing customers when the pictured items aren’t real. Defense & Workforce: Sen. Jon Husted highlighted Ohio’s defense industry and workforce inclusion, pointing to Dayton-area defense leaders and Springfield’s Abilities Connection Industries supporting U.S. Air Force cargo net work. Local Fraud Signals: BBB Scam Tracker ranked Ironton among 135 Ohio cities tied for 141st in July, with one reported scam and a $24.95 loss. Education Pipeline: BGSU says it’s a statewide leader in College Credit Plus, with 3,000+ students earning 9,000+ courses and nearly 27,000 total credits across its campuses. Storm Aftermath: AES Ohio reported thousands still without power after storms, with Montgomery County hardest hit at 1,568 outages.

Data Center Backlash in Ohio Politics: A new wave of political pressure is building around AI data centers, with national strategists warning the issue could swing voters and complicate the buildout—while Ohio lawmakers and candidates weigh how to balance jobs and grid strain. Consumer & Energy Costs: Ohio’s gas prices eased in the week ending Aug. 29, with Washington County’s regular hitting $3.75 and E15 deals also showing small drops—fueling the broader cost-of-living debate. Storm Impacts: Strong storms left thousands without power across the region, with AES Ohio reporting about 6,500 customers still out as of Sunday morning, led by Montgomery County. State Consumer Protection: Ohio Attorney General D. Andrew Wilson sued Blue Ash’s J. Peterman Company, alleging repeated failures to deliver goods or issue refunds tied to the Seinfeld-inspired brand. Fraud Watch: Mount Orab ranked among Ohio cities with BBB Scam Tracker reports in July 2026, underscoring ongoing fraud losses. Agriculture & Biosecurity: Ohio Department of Agriculture announced grants to fight spotted lanternfly and tree of heaven, targeting local control efforts. Education Fraud Case: Federal prosecutors accused two men of diverting millions meant for students into luxury spending, including a high-end Miami rental.

Power & Storm Response: After Friday and Saturday storms, thousands of Ohioans were still without electricity, with AES Ohio reporting about 6,100 customers out in the Miami Valley as of 7:50 p.m., led by Montgomery County (5,990), plus outages across Butler, Greene and Warren; crews are working to restore service after downed trees and high winds. Data Centers & Automation: Meta is testing dual-armed robots to swap network cables inside server racks at its Altoona, Iowa data center, a shift toward more hands-on automation for hyperscale facilities—while Ohio’s own data-center debate keeps heating up. Manufacturing/Workforce Tech: Ohio’s STEM pipeline gets a boost as Beavercreek’s ARCTOS lands a $60M Air Force deal aimed at expanding Ohio’s STEM workforce. Energy Infrastructure Planning: Indiana Michigan Power is asking for public input on proposed 765-kV transmission upgrades across Indiana to improve grid reliability, with multiple projects tied to PJM and MISO. Local Business & Transportation: Pronto’s new 24-hour-style shuttle rollout for Lincoln’s Memorial Stadium crowds saw early hiccups for Omaha riders after pickup instructions changed close to departure. Fuel Prices Watch: GasBuddy data shows Ohio drivers saw lower prices in the week ending Aug. 29, including regular gas averaging about $3.93 statewide and diesel averaging about $5.69.

Storm Recovery: Heavy rain and winds left more than 14,000 Ohio-area residents without power Saturday, with Montgomery County hit hardest (11,401 outages as of 10:50 a.m.), and crews working to restore service after tree damage and a house fire in Oakwood. Retail Expansion: Sheetz is pursuing a 24-hour store and gas station near I-90 in Westlake, while L.L.Bean is building a new Briargate, Colorado Springs location and Paris Baguette is eyeing Greenville’s Woodruff Road for its next South Carolina cafe. Workforce & STEM: Beavercreek’s ARCTOS won up to a $60M Air Force contract to expand STEM outreach tied to Wright-Patterson, including internships, apprenticeships, and mentoring. Public Safety Tech: Hocking County commissioners approved a property-tax millage reduction and discussed Next Generation 911 rollout, including text-to-911 capability. Local Consumer Watch: BBB Scam Tracker shows Mount Victory logged three scam reports in July, with losses totaling $244.95. Energy & Costs: GasBuddy data finds the cheapest E85 in Butler County at $2.44/gallon for the week ending Aug. 29.

Workforce & Training: Fairfield County families toured the Fairfield County Workforce Center in Carroll to explore no-cost pre-apprenticeship programs; the center says 58 graduates from the 2026 class landed jobs in their fields. Manufacturing Workforce: The State Department’s Foundry School initiative is rolling out a manufacturing-focused lecture and training push, with Ohio State among the participating universities. Energy & Permitting: Sen. Jon Husted highlighted Ohio’s energy mix and urged permitting reform at an Energy Affordability Summit, including proposals aimed at data-center cost impacts. Public Health & Food Supply Chains: FDA expanded a frozen berry recall tied to E. coli, including Walmart Great Value triple berry blend sold in Ohio and 15 other states; no illnesses tied to the specific product yet. Healthcare Safety: Two separate recalls of IV saline products were issued after particles were found in sealed bags, including Baxter’s fiberglass-related lots. Grid Reliability: Storms left tens of thousands without power across Ohio’s Miami Valley area, with AES Ohio reporting 28,220 outages at one point. Local Business & Community: Elyria marked America’s 250th with a native oak planting at Ely Square followed by a Cleveland Pops concert.

Energy & Power Policy: Ohio’s Energy Affordability Summit put data centers front and center, with officials pushing faster permitting for air, water, stormwater, and other infrastructure rules as Ohio’s data-center growth collides with rising power bills and local opposition. Manufacturing & Industry: A zinc die casting conference in Montréal highlighted zinc’s growth outlook (4–7% annually) and new production tech like hot runner systems, while warning tariff uncertainty is slowing upgrades. Auto Supply Chain: GM is building EV batteries in Ohio and Tennessee, but only one plant is currently making batteries for electric cars—an important reality check for Ohio’s EV manufacturing ambitions. Workforce & Reindustrialization: The White House-backed Foundry School initiative aims to train millions for advanced manufacturing, with Ohio State joining federal efforts to boost the manufacturing workforce. Food & Safety: American Regent recalled specific lots of epinephrine injections after cracked vials and foreign particles were found; Walmart expanded a frozen berry recall in 16 states including Ohio over possible E. coli contamination. Agriculture: Soy Checkoff urged soybean growers to test for soybean cyst nematode after harvest using science-based management guides. Local Business/Community: SNAP recipients can use Ohio Direction Cards at farmers’ markets statewide, supporting local agriculture while improving access to fresh food.

FDA Recall: Ohio-based American Regent is issuing a nationwide recall of certain epinephrine injection multi-dose vials after reports of cracked/leaking containers plus sterility and particulate concerns. Food Safety: FDA expanded a Walmart Great Value organic triple berry blend recall to 16 states, including Ohio, over possible E. coli O145 contamination (no illnesses reported). Energy Prices (Ohio): GasBuddy data shows Montgomery County’s regular gas hit a week-low of $3.19/gal (Aug. 29), while Lucas County’s lowest regular was $3.48/gal; E15 lows included Franklin County at $3.34/gal and Lucas County at $3.38/gal. Local Business & Workforce: FirstEnergy named Jon Dormo VP of Generation Project Development to plan and develop new power generation as demand grows. Power/Industry Politics: Ohio’s data-center fight continues as a plan commission vote rejected a data-center moratorium push, setting up further local debate. Community & Health: Akribis Veins & Vitality promoted non-invasive red light therapy for chronic pain management.