AGP Executive Report

AI Data Centers in Ohio: Nvidia says it will invest $1.5B in SoftBank-backed SB Energy and secure land, power and “shell” capacity at the PORTS-Pike Technology Campus in Pike County for OpenAI workloads, with initial capacity of 4.25 gigawatts and a path toward up to 8 gigawatts, while SB Energy plans major power buildout to support the AI boom. Power & Cooling Efficiency: Trane Technologies and Eaton unveiled an AI-factory reference design aimed at speeding data-center deployment and cutting installation and copper use, targeting efficiency gains for next-gen facilities. Local Energy & Costs: GasBuddy reports Geauga County’s lowest premium gas price at $4.79 for the week ending Aug. 8, with Ohio premium averaging $5.08. Consumer Protection: BBB Scam Tracker shows Oberlin tied for 141st in Ohio for July with one reported scam, as fraud losses keep climbing nationwide. Ohio Business & Jobs: Barfresh is pushing toward commissioning a new 44,000 sq. ft. Defiance manufacturing facility, supported by a $2.4M grant, as it works through a tougher ramp at its current dairy operation. Higher Ed for Workforce Pipelines: Ohio University and OHIO Online earned a spot on the 2026 Phi Theta Kappa Transfer Honor Roll, and Ohio University’s Scripps College of Communication is launching a sports photography and communication certificate this fall. Storm Watch: Severe storms are returning to the Midwest and Plains with renewed threats of damaging winds, hail, and flash flooding.

AI Data Centers & Finance: Nvidia is reportedly in talks to invest up to $3B in SoftBank’s SB Energy for an OpenAI-linked Ohio data center push, while separate coverage says Nvidia has dialed down its OpenAI Ohio financial guarantee to about $120B—part of a broader shift toward buyer financing platforms. Trade & Tariffs: The U.S. and Canada are edging toward a deal to avert Trump’s proposed 50% tariffs on select Canadian goods, with possible swaps involving energy, defense, and critical minerals plus relief on steel and aluminum. Safety on Ohio Roads: The Ohio State Highway Patrol is urging commercial drivers to secure loads after a rise in debris incidents during construction season. Local Business & Growth: Fort Worth’s Marine Central redevelopment has landed its first retail tenants, including a hat bar, specialty market, and Mexican ice cream/paleteria spot. Community & Education: Ohio State Lima’s “STEAM on the Quad” returns for its 10th year, and Ohio University earned a national PTK Transfer Honor Roll recognition. Scams Watch: BBB Scam Tracker shows multiple Ohio cities with reported fraud, with Cincinnati and Columbus leading the state list.

Data Centers & Power: Nvidia is reportedly in talks to invest up to $3 billion in SoftBank’s SB Energy to support an Ohio OpenAI data-center campus, with the deal split between funding at signing and more tied to SB Energy’s IPO. Local Governance: Ohio’s Supreme Court ruled Ashville can’t block a referendum over a proposed EdgeConneX data center and natural-gas plant, keeping the fight alive for residents. Manufacturing Jobs: GM is again shifting its EV plans, including planned 2027 layoffs tied to retooling at its Lansing battery-cell operations, while preserving capacity for a changing market. Industrial Expansion: Superior Plastics plans a more than $5 million expansion in Bellefontaine, Ohio, creating 25 jobs for automotive, medical, infant care and construction customers. Public Safety: Ohio’s pedestrian deaths are rising as cities push “Vision Zero” road redesigns like speed cushions and safer crossings. Infrastructure Updates: ODOT listed this week’s Pike County traffic impacts, including SR 220 culvert work and SR 32 intersection improvements. Business & Community: Buc-ee’s sued a Beavercreek-area convenience store over a similar beaver logo, escalating a trademark fight into a local backlash. Health: CDC says a Cyclospora outbreak has reached 740 hospitalizations nationwide, with most confirmed cases linked to recalled iceberg lettuce.

GM Battery Shuffle: GM is backing out of its Indiana EV battery-cell joint venture with Samsung SDI, while restarting Ohio production after a seven-month shutdown—moves aimed at right-sizing inventory as EV demand runs cooler than expected. AI Data Centers, Ohio Finance: Nvidia is reportedly in talks to invest up to $3B in SoftBank’s SB Energy for an OpenAI data center project in Ohio, with credit support discussions around $100B; separate reporting says Nvidia’s initial guarantee may be cut to under $120B. Workforce & Manufacturing: Sen. Jon Husted toured Anduril and Path Robotics in Central Ohio, highlighting defense production and AI-driven welding systems that help manufacturers boost productivity. Aviation Policy: NBAA praised the FAA and Ohio senators for opposing closure of Burke Lakefront Airport, arguing the airport is “valuable real estate.” Food Safety Recall: Walmart-linked Marketside tomato bisque soup kits were recalled over possible Listeria contamination, with no confirmed illnesses reported. Consumer Enforcement: Muskingum County and the Ohio AG are looking into potential hotel and gas “price gouging” concerns. Trucking Spotlight: UPS driver Miguel Corral won grand champion honors at NTDC 2026, underscoring safety and skill in Ohio’s logistics ranks. Energy Buildout Trend: A new U.S. grid snapshot shows solar and battery storage dominating new power plant additions in 2026, with Ohio seeing at least one methane-fueled biomass project.

Data Centers & Power: Ohio regulators are moving toward tighter planning for data-center energy demand, including a new rule giving utilities 180 days to prepare for grid impacts, as local communities weigh economic upside against environmental and infrastructure strain. Public Safety & Environment: Ohio EPA announced $2 million for public airports to replace aging diesel equipment, while separate coverage highlights how state permitting decisions can inflame local concerns over industrial pollution. Consumer Fraud Watch: BBB Scam Tracker ranked Ohio cities tied for July scam reports; Hudson, Wadsworth and others show how fraud remains a steady problem, with counterfeit products among common schemes. Transportation & Construction: ODOT outlined Jefferson County traffic impacts from SR 7 slide repairs and resurfacing, plus other route closures and detours. Workforce & Education: Ohio University and OHIO Online earned national recognition for transfer-student support, and the university is launching a sports photography/strategic communication certificate aimed at growing sports-industry roles. Manufacturing & Industry Ecosystem: America Makes elected new executive committee members to guide additive manufacturing adoption, workforce, and policy—another sign Ohio’s broader push to strengthen advanced manufacturing pipelines.

AI & Safety Training: A free Sept. 10 webinar spotlights practical AI uses for workplace safety, plus privacy, ethics, and human oversight. Higher Ed & Workforce: Ohio University earned a 2026 PTK Transfer Honor Roll nod for transfer support, and its Scripps College is launching a Sports Photography for Communication certificate this fall. Legal/Regulatory: Hemp manufacturers asked the 6th Circuit to keep an Ohio law pause in place after a lower-court ruling. AI Data Centers: Nvidia is reportedly cutting its OpenAI Ohio data-center financial guarantee to under $120B from about $250B, easing investor risk concerns. Food Safety: Kettle Cuisine recalled Walmart Marketside Tomato Bisque Soup Kits in Ohio and 28 other states over possible listeria contamination. Local Housing/Reuse: A Williams County land bank is weighing options for the former Kunkle school site, including possible purchase and redevelopment. Manufacturing & Jobs: A former Sebring manufacturing plant is being demolished after a partial collapse, with hopes for new light industrial use. Public Works: DeWine and ODOT announced $8.8M in Safe Routes to School grants for 17 projects across 14 Ohio counties.

Workforce & Training: Paulding County’s Business Advisory Council added a new workforce navigator, funded by a $100,000 Ohio Department of Education and Workforce grant, to connect schools and employers with job-shadowing and career-connected programs. Energy Assistance: Northwestern Ohio Community Action Commission and Ohio’s Job and Family Services keep HEAP Summer Crisis Program help open through Sept. 30 for eligible households needing electric-bill support, air conditioners/fans, or central air repairs. Manufacturing & Jobs: International Motors plans to cut 1,341 Springfield jobs by October 2026 after a facility sale to Canadian defense firm Roshel, one of Ohio’s biggest WARN-driven layoffs in five years. Water Treatment M&A: MFG Chemical acquired West Chester-based AP Tech, expanding solid and liquid water treatment chemistry offerings. Food Safety: Walmart’s Marketside refrigerated soup kit recall covers 29 states due to possible Listeria risk, with use-by dates still ahead. Utilities & Rates: PUCO will consider rehearing requests over Youngstown’s SOBE Thermal Energy Solutions emergency steam rate hikes that could rise up to 163% during the heating season. Agriculture Disease Watch: Michigan Soybean Assn warns growers to scout for red crown rot, a soil-borne fungal disease spreading north into states including Ohio. Local Infrastructure: Lorain County’s SR 18/SR 511 roundabout opening slips to Sept. 11 after drainage and plan-marking issues. Business Growth: Dayton-area Firstep Business Solutions highlights how small operators juggle compliance and paperwork after getting good at the craft. Higher Ed: Ohio University earned another national Phi Theta Kappa Transfer Honor Roll spot, and its Scripps College launched a sports photography and communication certificate.

EV Manufacturing: GM and LG Energy Solution are restarting battery cell production at their Ohio plant after a seven-month pause, bringing about 1,400 workers back as EV demand stabilizes. Energy & Infrastructure: A transformer fell into water at a Springfield construction site, trapping a worker until Ohio Edison shut off power and crews got him out. Food Safety: A Taylor Farms-linked jalapeño recall is pushing at least one chef to drop popular menu items rather than keep sourcing the product. Legal/Workplace Safety: The Ohio Supreme Court revived a $1.9M farmworker injury verdict, saying an appeals court wrongly raised the bar for proving employer safety-guard failures. Cyber Policy: Trump signed a memo allowing vetted private firms to conduct offensive cyber operations against foreign criminal networks under federal oversight. Local Business/Community: Ohio University earned a national PTK Transfer Honor Roll spot again, and it’s also launching a new sports photography and strategic communication certificate. Consumer Watch: GasBuddy reports show Ohio fuel prices remain volatile, with multiple counties posting “lowest” midgrade and diesel deals for the week ending Aug. 8. Public Safety/Health: Officials are investigating a major cyclosporiasis outbreak tied to shredded iceberg lettuce, with Ohio among states reporting additional cases. Governance: The Kennedy Center board voted to restore Trump’s name and rename the site “Trump Plaza,” setting up more court scrutiny. Fraud Watch: BBB Scam Tracker data shows Cuyahoga Falls among Ohio cities with multiple scam reports in July.

Energy & Fuel Prices: GasBuddy data shows Washington County’s lowest midgrade price at $4.05/gal in the week ending Aug. 8, while Medina County hit a diesel low of $4.85/gal; Ohio’s diesel average rose to $5.25/gal. Local Public Safety: Jefferson Township cleared a construction site after a bomb threat, with nine explosive-detection K-9 units and multiple agencies searching before no devices were found. Infrastructure Updates: Muskingum County extended the Ridge Road/Ridge Avenue closure through Aug. 18 for railroad crossing repairs. Manufacturing & Jobs: GM and LG Energy Solution’s Ohio battery cell plant is set to restart next week after a seven-month shutdown, bringing back about 1,400 workers. Food Industry: Taylor Farms expanded a jalapeño-related recall tied to salmonella, affecting products sold across 26 states. Community & Inclusion: Columbus became the first U.S. city to offer free period products at all major sports venues, with Huntington Park joining the network. Workforce & Logistics: EASE Logistics named Abbi Failla the 2026 Women in Supply Chain Forum Award winner for Workforce Innovator.

Power & Storm Recovery: After multiple rounds of severe storms, thousands of Ohioans were still without electricity Wednesday, with AES Ohio reporting 1,137 outages as of mid-afternoon and county totals led by Clark (868) and Champaign (136). Utility Accountability: Lakewood pressed PUCO for action against FirstEnergy after a second notice of probable noncompliance, citing aging equipment failures tied to more than 18,000 outages and proposing over $3 million in penalties and corrective steps. Energy Transition in Ohio: Lima switched on a 4-acre, 3,120-panel floating solar array at its Twin Lakes reservoirs to power the water treatment plant, targeting about 976 metric tons of annual carbon reduction. EV Supply Chain: GM and LG Energy Solution’s Ultium Cells plant in northeast Ohio is set to restart battery-cell production next week after a seven-month shutdown, bringing back about 1,400 workers. Food Safety: Whole Foods recalled jalapeño products sold in Ohio and many other states due to potential Salmonella contamination tied to a supplier recall. Local Business & Fraud Watch: BBB warned homeowners to slow down and vet contractors after storms, while Ohio scam reports continue to show persistent online purchase fraud in cities like Batavia and Ravenna. Health Tech: Case Western Reserve University won an NIH academic–industrial partnership grant to develop a rapid, chairside oral cancer test with an industry partner.

Energy & Shipping: New attacks on commercial shipping tied to the Iran-Houthi conflict are again rattling global oil routes, with Bab el-Mandeb and the Gulf of Oman in focus as oil prices climb. Ohio Utilities & Storm Recovery: Severe storms left hundreds of thousands without power across the Midwest, with Ohio still seeing major outages as crews work through widespread damage. Data Center Power Buildout: Babcock & Wilcox and Siemens Energy are teaming on 1GW of steam turbine-generator sets for data center customers, signaling continued Ohio-area demand for reliable generation. Aviation/Defense Expansion: Joby Aviation is buying Beavercreek defense contractor Resonant Sciences in a ~$500M deal, expanding Joby’s Dayton-area defense footprint. Local Construction & Infrastructure: Bluffton is weighing a zoning change to allow senior duplex development, while Defiance is moving ahead with Jefferson Avenue repaving and bridge deck repairs. Consumer/Health & Safety: Henkel issued a nationwide recall of Schwarzkopf Osis Grip hair cans due to a packaging pressure issue; Ohio also keeps a summer cooling assistance program open through Sept. 30. Business & Retail: Root and TheZebra.com are partnering to speed up auto insurance quotes and policy purchases for consumers and agents.

Severe Weather & Power Reliability: Storms and flooding battered Greater Cincinnati and the Tri-State, with tens of thousands left without power as crews battled downed lines and trees across Ohio. Food Safety & Manufacturing: Taylor Farms expanded jalapeño-related recalls tied to salmonella, adding more products and retailers as health officials trace the outbreak across multiple states. Energy Infrastructure & Excavation Safety: Enbridge Gas announced a $25,000 grant to Ohio811 to boost safe digging training, including a new hands-on simulation trailer for excavators. Fraud & Consumer Risk: BBB Scam Tracker data put Ohio among the top states for reported scams in July, with online purchase fraud the most common type. AI Finance & Ohio’s Data-Center Push: Nvidia’s $500B AI financing partnership with Wall Street is raising “circular deal” concerns as Ohio regulators continue tightening how data centers connect to the grid. Local Governance & Data Centers: Stowe Township residents questioned a possible Ohio River data center plan, but township officials said no proposal is before them, highlighting confusion driven by social media. Workforce & Agriculture: 80 Acres Farms said it will close its Ohio indoor farming operation and lay off 166 workers after a potential acquisition fell through. Public Health & Plastics: A new Ohio State University study found bottled water contains about three times more nanoplastic particles than treated tap water, pointing to container shedding as a key source.

Data Centers & Power Costs: PUCO ordered AEP Ohio to require 180 days’ notice from data center firms before grid connection, aiming to prevent ratepayer cost spikes and keep power planning on track. Defense Aviation Deal: Joby Aviation will buy Dayton-based Resonant Sciences for about $500 million, folding its profitable RF and mission systems into a dedicated defense unit. Manufacturing & Logistics Growth: Bluegrass Supply Chain says it merged two very different operations in 30 days and then hit a 223% jump in orders—now holding steady as a new baseline. Food Safety & Retail Impact: Multiple recalls tied to salmonella risk from jalapeño products continue to ripple across major retailers, including Kroger and Walmart. Agriculture Training in Ohio: Humane Handling Institute brought hands-on humane livestock handling training to McCarty Family Farms, using AR “cattle vision” goggles to improve facility design and reduce hesitation points. Weather Disruptions: Severe thunderstorm warnings and watches are active across parts of Ohio’s Miami Valley, with damaging winds and flooding rains the main threats. Workforce & HR Services: OPOC.us plans to add up to 375 jobs in Worthington, expanding HR and benefits services as employers seek healthcare cost control. Retail Expansion: Chicken Salad Chick announced a new Cleveland-area opening in Fairview Park, continuing its Ohio footprint growth.

AI Infrastructure Finance: Nvidia is partnering with major Wall Street investors to launch compute financing platforms aimed at raising $500B+ for AI data-center buildouts, treating AI hardware as an investable asset class. Ohio Workforce Training: Ashland University won a $499,650 Ohio grant to expand free training for telecom and broadband careers. Public Health & Costs: Doctors and lawmakers blasted a Trump order that would change childhood vaccine guidance, arguing it could raise costs and add scheduling burdens for families. Pharma Enforcement: Ohio AG Ford announced a $400M settlement in principle with Sandoz over alleged generic-drug price inflation and reduced competition. Recovery Housing Oversight: Gov. DeWine signed an emergency rule creating a statewide certification and enforcement pathway for Ohio addiction recovery houses, targeting fraud, waste, and unsafe operations. Industrial Safety Focus: Ohio experts highlighted new trends in hazard protection—engineering controls, stronger lockout/tagout, and better fall protection/PPE. Local Housing Development: Union Township zoning talks could allow 18 new homes on a 4.7-acre site. Energy & Fuel Watch: GasBuddy reports show midgrade and diesel prices fluctuating across Ohio counties in the week ending Aug. 1.

Food Safety: Taylor Farms recalled jalapeño products sold in 26 states, including Ohio, after a salmonella outbreak tied to fresh peppers from Sinaloa, Mexico; FDA and USDA alerts point to multiple prepared foods (salsas, dips, burritos, guacamole) with “Best If Used By” dates through Aug. 16. Healthcare Policy: Ohio is among GOP-led states tightening Medicaid work rules, rejecting a federal grace period and requiring earlier proof of medical frailty—raising concerns about more uninsured sick people. Energy & Infrastructure: Data center debate keeps heating up in Ohio and beyond, with communities and operators clashing over electricity, water, and local impacts; Texas-related commitments show how power and reporting demands are shaping project approvals. Local Governance: Piqua clarified a law director’s misstatement about an AES franchise ordinance timeline, correcting how long publication must occur before passage. Workforce & Business: Cintas earned a spot on U.S. News & World Report’s 2026-2027 Best Companies to Work For list, highlighting stability and employee benefits. Agriculture & Community: Ohio’s Battle for the Bacon at the State Fair spotlighted young swine exhibitors and hands-on handling skills for future pork leaders.

Workforce & Training Funding: Ohio’s URG is set to receive $7.5M under Senate Bill 450 to renovate science and career facilities and expand agriculture and technical training capacity. Food Safety: The Taylor Farms lettuce recall now totals 236,192 cases, with Walmart’s Marketside and major restaurant brands named in an FDA update tied to potential Cyclospora contamination. Energy & Infrastructure: A bridge-replacement project is underway on State Route 327 in Jackson County, with a detour and mid-August completion target. Public Health & Retail: FSIS issued a salmonella public health alert tied to recalled jalapeño-containing meat and poultry items, including specific wraps sold at Kroger/Dillons and Wawa in Ohio. Local Economy & Youth Agriculture: The 2026 Ohio State Fair’s Sale of Champions raised $396,500 to support youth livestock programs, including a new reserve grand champion turkey category. Scams Watch: Woodville, Ohio reported one scam for the week ending Aug. 1, according to BBB Scam Tracker. Energy Prices: GasBuddy data shows Huron County’s lowest premium gas hit $4.71 per gallon for the week ending Aug. 1. Business Finance (Crypto Mining): MARA secured $600M in new loans by pledging 18,750 BTC as collateral to fund energy and AI expansion. Ohio Community Events: Maumee High School unveiled a new stadium mural as part of a Toledo-area push for 100 public artworks.