AGP Executive Report

Trademark Fight: Buc-ee’s, fresh off opening its Huber Heights mega store, has sued Beavercreek’s Beaver’s Mini Mart over a beaver logo it says is too similar—another example of the chain’s aggressive brand litigation. Food Safety: A jalapeño-linked salmonella outbreak has sickened 345 people across 27 states; Chipotle and Qdoba pulled the peppers after FDA tracing to a common grower. Infrastructure & Water: Wilton’s nearly $8M public water project is on track to finish ahead of schedule, with major raw-water line work and testing/disinfection already completed. Transportation/Engineering: A 14-foot replica of the new Ohio-Kentucky companion bridge to the Brent Spence is on display at Cincinnati Museum Center, highlighting a design meant to handle I-71/75 traffic. Energy & Industry: Data center growth is drawing more public pushback, with new site-selection and permitting battles increasingly tied to power costs and local land-use rules. Ohio Retail/Tax: Ohio’s back-to-school sales tax holiday runs Aug. 7–9, exempting qualifying clothing and school supplies under set price caps. Local Business & Community: Canfield Township will dedicate new pickleball courts at Community Park, with more improvements planned via future grants.

Data Centers & Power Costs: Ohio’s data-center debate keeps heating up as Gov. Mike DeWine says a major sales tax break for new construction will stay frozen until after he leaves office, while candidates like Vivek Ramaswamy push plans that would shift electricity costs to data centers and protect nearby residents. Utilities & Infrastructure Delays: Toledo Edison is facing scrutiny after Lucas County said roundabout work fell behind schedule due to utility relocation delays, raising concerns about school traffic and funding. Energy Policy Clash: Indiana officials are pressing to keep coal plants running longer, arguing data-center demand requires it, while opponents warn of higher costs and health impacts. Agriculture & Water: A proposed wetland mitigation bank would convert nearly 300 acres of farmland into protected wetland habitat, using “credits” to offset future development impacts. Food Safety: Salmonella linked to jalapeños continues to spread across states, with major restaurant chains removing the ingredient as investigations expand. Local Business & Growth: The Cincinnati Open returns with a bigger fan experience, including new community-focused events in Mason. Legal & Courts: An Ohio judge tossed DSW’s suit against Sony in a copyright fight, while an ACLU attack on Trump birthright citizenship orders says they’re doomed in court.

B2B Commerce & Tech: Bridgeline Digital says an Ohio-based plumbing/HVAC/electrical distributor went live with HawkSearch in just 90 days, connecting the platform to Unilog PIM and JD Edwards to support complex B2B pricing and product rules. Food Safety: Qdoba is removing jalapeños as a salmonella outbreak linked to imported peppers expands to 27 states, with CDC reporting no deaths and dozens of hospitalizations. Retail Fuel Perks: Giant Eagle and GetGo are teaming up for the Ohio sales tax holiday weekend—$100+ grocery buys Aug. 8-9 can earn up to 50 cents off per gallon on a future GetGo fill-up. Solar & Construction: Ipsun Solar and Green Rack Solar earned spots on Solar Power World’s 2026 Top Solar Contractors list, highlighting continued Ohio-area momentum in residential solar. Agriculture & Community: The Ohio State Fair opened a new agriculture center aimed at connecting producers with consumers, with a 177,000-square-foot facility showcasing major livestock and food sectors. Water Quality: The Ohio Lake Erie Commission is seeking public comment on removing a recreational beach impairment for the Maumee Area of Concern, citing years of improving monitoring data. Nuclear Supply Chain: X-energy and Centrus announced a HALEU enrichment supply agreement tied to Xe-100 fuel needs, with HALEU enriched at Centrus’ Piketon, Ohio site.

Food Safety: A salmonella outbreak tied to jalapeños has sickened at least 345 people across 27 states, with 36 hospitalizations reported; Chipotle and Qdoba pulled jalapeños nationwide while FDA and CDC continue tracing distribution from a Mexico grower via Coast Citrus Distributors. Ohio Manufacturing & Jobs: 80 Acres Farms, a Cincinnati-area vertical farming company, says it’s closing after acquisition talks fell apart, with about 145 Ohio-area jobs expected to end by Aug. 17. Healthcare & Policy: HHS has initiated decertification of Network for Hope, the OPO covering Kentucky and parts of Ohio, after federal findings of serious deficiencies in organ procurement practices. Housing Development: NRP Group broke ground on OSU East, a 336-unit upscale rental community in northwest Columbus, with additional townhomes planned. Energy & Industry: Virginia orders large data center users to pay for dedicated transmission infrastructure, aiming to prevent ratepayer bill hikes. Agriculture: NCBA named Coshocton’s LB Porteus Farms a 2026 Environmental Stewardship Award regional winner.

Manufacturing & Precision: WARDJET rolled out the APEX-90, a new 5-axis waterjet cutting head built to give Ohio manufacturers more cutting angles and reach for complex parts. Healthcare & Biotech: Modular Medical will demo its Pivot tubeless insulin patch pump at the ADCES conference in Columbus, ahead of an October launch. Food Supply Chain: Sysco says it will halt Mexican iceberg lettuce purchases as the FDA/CDC investigate a cyclosporiasis outbreak tied to Taylor Farms; meanwhile, FDA is probing multiple foodborne outbreaks. Local Business & Community: Cleveland Clinic pledged $1 million to build a teaching kitchen at the West Side Market, aiming to expand nutrition education and food access. Real Estate & Tech Adoption: Delta Media reports AI use is now nearly universal among real estate brokerages, with “no plans” adoption down to about 2% in 2026. Energy & Rates: PUCO is set to consider rehearing Aqua Ohio’s recent rate hike as utilities and regulators continue to wrestle with rising power costs. Civic Life: Parma and Parma Heights opened their first joint dog park, a 1-acre, leash-free spot funded by county grants and a long community push.

Ohio Data & Power: Texas paused new data center connections to the grid while audits review power, water, infrastructure upgrades, tax impacts, and community effects—another sign the AI buildout is colliding with utility constraints. Ohio Industry & Logistics: Amazon Business is rolling out dedicated, branded delivery trucks in 13 states including Ohio, aiming for palletized, loading-dock-friendly drop-offs for business customers. Aviation Infrastructure: The FAA awarded $870M in airport infrastructure grants nationwide, including $9.1M for Akron-Canton Airport boarding-bridge and facility work. Construction Safety: I-80 work zones in Shenango Twp. are seeing a surge in crashes, with officials urging drivers to slow and follow changing traffic patterns. Food Supply Chain: Cyclosporiasis cases topped 10,000 nationwide, tied to Mexico-sourced iceberg lettuce distributed by Taylor Farms; Ohio is among affected areas. Local Development: Elyria is considering annexing Amherst Twp. farmland for housing, while a separate Garver Family Farm Market zoning fight heads to Butler County court over whether farm add-ons count as agriculture. Workforce/Local Government: Middletown hired Warren County administrator Martin Russell as assistant city manager, bringing economic development and port authority experience.

Energy & Utilities: Enbridge Gas Ohio filed for an increase in its base rate natural gas charges, seeking recovery of higher operating and maintenance costs and unrecovered infrastructure spending; if approved, a typical residential bill would rise about 8.8% ($7.60). Grid Storage: A federal-law provision helped drive a record surge in U.S. grid battery storage additions in 2024, reshaping how utilities plan for peak demand. Ohio Manufacturing & Food Supply: Scoular will add a soybean dehulling facility in Covington, Ohio, to expand food-grade supply and support identity-preserved, non-GMO and organic growers, targeting mid-2027 operations. Healthcare Logistics: Cleveland Clinic launched a long-term drone prescription delivery program with Zipline in Cleveland-area suburbs, with plans to expand to lab samples and medically tailored meals. Local Energy Siting & Wind: Apex Clean Energy held meetings in Ashtabula County townships about Station Wind, a proposed 300-MW wind farm with 50–70 turbines, and addressed concerns including eminent domain. Business & Labor: Payscale’s 2026-2027 salary budget survey finds 2027 pay increases edging up to 3.5% and employers moving away from “peanut butter” raises. Transportation & Retail: Goodyear opened a Detroit “Motor City Garage” retail concept tied to the Woodward Dream Cruise, blending tire sales with vehicle care services. Legal/Regulatory: Ohio’s Realty Building explosion case continues as Enbridge Gas Ohio filed a counterclaim and motion to dismiss, arguing jurisdiction and pointing to a third-party contractor’s alleged role.

Data Centers & Power Costs: A new report argues data-center growth is colliding with local trust and grid realities, and that who pays for power and transmission depends on utility rules and rate cases—an issue Ohio residents are already feeling as electricity bills rise. Local Energy Policy: Ohio lawmakers and officials are also pushing back and planning—Ohio is investing $20M to expand broadband fiber along the U.S. 30 corridor across 15 counties, aiming to keep communities competitive as major infrastructure projects reshape demand. Construction & Finance: Contractors have filed liens against SpaceXAI, including Ohio-based Darana Hybrid, alleging tens of millions in unpaid construction bills tied to Memphis-area supercomputing work. Manufacturing Education: Buckeye Career Center is set to launch a robotics and automation manufacturing program at Garaway High School with $320,000 in state funding, targeting technician training by 2028-29. Food & Agriculture: 80 Acres Farms, a Hamilton vertical-farming business, announced it’s closing due to not securing needed capital. Public Health: A multistate cyclosporiasis outbreak has reached first U.S. deaths, with investigations continuing into contaminated produce sources.

Antitrust/Pharma: Ohio’s AG coalition is pushing a $400M settlement in principle with Sandoz over alleged generic-drug price inflation and reduced competition, with trial expected in 2027 and total payments to state enforcers at about $469M. Labor/Manufacturing: Teamsters’ bid for a temporary restraining order in the Schwebel Baking shutdown fight was denied as the company moves through receivership and liquidation. Workforce/Auto Supply Chain: UAW Local 402 leaders say they’re hopeful Roshel will retain Springfield workers after International Motors’ planned layoffs, but talks haven’t started and headcount is unclear. Energy/Power Infrastructure: Ohio’s consumer watchdog is urging federal regulators to stop residential customers from footing PJM grid-upgrade costs driven by data center growth. Data Centers/Policy: A separate report warns states’ data-center tax breaks are costing far more than projected, pushing more states toward suspending or repealing exemptions. Industrial Tech/Packaging: AeroFlexx is partnering with PLAFILM to expand next-gen liquid packaging adoption across Colombia, Venezuela, and Central America. Corporate Moves/Ohio Industry: PPG named Justin Epler VP for Industrial Coatings Americas, a leadership change tied to regional strategy. Construction/Real Estate: Clayton’s Sweet Potato Ridge Road subdivision plan is set to move forward after a settlement clears the way for 499 homes. Aviation/Logistics: ATSG added Matthew Scagnelli as CHRO to support its long-term growth strategy. Healthcare Research: A MIDAS consortium study finds transplant-associated TA-TMA and GVHD are linked by endothelial injury but remain distinct, with implications for screening.

Ohio Energy & Land Use: The Ohio Oil and Gas Land Management Commission approved final bids opening about 13,000 acres in the Egypt Valley Wildlife Area to fracking, reviving backlash from groups warning the site is still recovering from decades of strip mining. Public Safety & Cybersecurity: U.S. Rep. Mike Turner says Congress hasn’t been briefed on whether Ohio was hit in recent cyberattacks targeting water utilities, as federal investigators look at possible foreign involvement. State Policy: Gov. DeWine announced Ohio’s sales tax holiday runs Aug. 7–9, with exemptions for qualifying school supplies, clothing, and instructional materials. Defense & Industry: Ohio lawmakers advanced HB292 creating an Ohio Defense Commission and defense fund aimed at boosting defense manufacturing and investment. Consumer Tech Security: Ohio’s SNAP cybersecurity bill (SB315) would require chip-enabled EBT cards and new security rules, with $10.6M appropriated for the transition. Local Governance: Miami Township trustees voted not to pursue more legal advice on reimbursing staff health insurance premiums, ending a months-long dispute. Aviation Jobs: Electra plans an $850M aircraft production facility near Springfield-Beckley Airport, targeting hybrid-electric aircraft and nearly 2,000 jobs.

Ohio Energy Policy: Sen. Nathan H. Manning backed HB173, a behind-the-meter utility services bill that would exempt certain on-site energy and EV charging from public-utility regulation, while still allowing safety/reliability oversight and adding registration/fee rules. Data Centers & Power: Ohio residents are pushing back on data center growth, but zoning rules still moved forward in at least one local fight, underscoring how quickly power and water planning can collide with community concerns. Electric Grid Buildout: Multiple reports point to “behind-the-meter” power and grid delays shaping new data center strategies, including Ohio projects tied to microgrids and large battery storage. Food Safety: The Red Cross declared a national blood crisis as supplies hit a summer low, while federal health officials also tracked major foodborne illness outbreaks—an egg recall tied to Salmonella and a Cyclospora outbreak linked to recalled iceberg lettuce. Livestock Logistics: M2 Transport moved 900+ pigs by air from Ohio to the Philippines, highlighting the scale of international animal shipping operations. Consumer/Business Watch: Buc-ee’s sued a Beavercreek store over its cartoon beaver logo, adding another Ohio-area trademark dispute to the week’s business headlines. Statewide Retail: Ohio’s annual sales tax holiday runs Aug. 7-9, targeting back-to-school clothing, supplies, and instructional materials. Construction & Roads: This week’s traffic alerts include major road work and closures affecting regional travel, with crews tackling paving, water/sewer work, and preservation projects.

Broadband Buildout: Ohio awarded $20 million to Com Net for a Route 30 “middle mile” fiber project, aiming to connect colleges, local governments, and health care across 15 northwest Ohio counties. Utility & Consumer Relief: AES Ohio customers are set for electric bill refunds, while the Ohio Consumers’ Counsel highlighted ways to cut utility costs at a Jackson Rotary talk. State Policy & Industry Oversight: Ohio lawmakers advanced major measures tied to construction contracting rules, behind-the-meter utility services, and defense-industry development, while residents pushed back on data center wastewater and zoning. Workforce Training: Lorain County Community College is expanding manufacturing technician pathways using Ohio Work Ready funding, targeting automation and advanced production skills. Agriculture & Food Supply: USDA accepted 18,000 acres in Ohio for the Conservation Reserve Program, and the Senate Agriculture Committee released “Farm Bill 2.0” text with E15 and SNAP administration changes. Energy & Power: AEP’s Rockport coal plant fight moved into Ohio federal court as Indiana’s AG sought to block a planned closure. Business & Legal: Buc-ee’s sued a Beavercreek store over a similar cartoon beaver trademark. Tech & Health Innovation: Ohio researchers helped develop an AI-driven robotic control system to precisely shape jaw and bone surgical plates for reconstructive care. Retail Timing: Ohio’s annual sales tax holiday runs Aug. 7–9 for qualifying school items and supplies.

Defense & Jobs: Ohio lawmakers advanced SB262 construction contracting rules requiring clearer disclosure of contract changes, while HB292 would create an Ohio Defense Commission and defense fund to recruit investment and back counter-drone research and manufacturing. Energy & Utilities: HB173 moved forward to carve out “behind-the-meter” services from public-utility regulation, with PUCO registration/fees and limits on landlord resale electricity; Veolia also landed a 350-MW grid-independent microgrid plan to supply 100% power for an Ohio AI data center campus. Public Safety & Courts: Katelyn’s Law (HB459) passed to make moving or removing human remains a felony with tougher sentencing, and HB611 cannabis licensing drew a split vote. Fraud Watch: Mount Vernon logged one BBB Scam Tracker report in June, tying it for 124th among Ohio cities; the broader list shows Columbus, Cleveland, and Cincinnati leading scam totals. Workforce & Community: Lorain County’s first National Hire A Vet Day connected 50+ veterans with employers and benefits resources. Food & Health: Cyclospora cases continue to rise nationwide, with guidance urging safer handling rather than blanket avoidance of produce.

Food Safety: A multistate cyclosporiasis outbreak tied to contaminated shredded iceberg lettuce has surged to more than 11,000 confirmed and suspected cases, with Ohio mentioned among states seeing additional unconfirmed reports, while FDA says the U.S. food supply remains safe. Agriculture & Workforce: Gov. Mike DeWine cut the ribbon on the new Ohio Agriculture Center ahead of the Ohio State Fair, and CFAES is turning the fair into a year-round learning hub for food, farming and youth programs. Local Infrastructure: Paulding council approved engineering work for a U.S. 127 reconstruction and secured $500,000 in OPWC funding toward a $2.6 million project. Energy & Utilities: Steam heat rate increases for SOBE Thermal Energy Solutions customers in Youngstown are now in effect, raising costs sharply during heating and non-heating seasons. Data Centers & Power: Veolia was selected to run a 350MW grid-independent microgrid for an Ohio data center campus, underscoring the growing push for on-site energy. Legal/Regulatory: Ohio is fighting over prediction markets in court, arguing state sports betting rules should apply to Kalshi. Agribusiness/Policy: Hemp beverage makers are challenging Ohio’s move to reclassify their products under marijuana rules.

Energy & Data Centers: Veolia was selected to run a 350MW gas-powered microgrid for an Ohio AI data center campus, aiming to deliver 100% of power behind the meter with a 430MWh battery and 99.9% availability. Statehouse Watch: Ohio lawmakers advanced several industry bills—HB173 (behind-the-meter utility services) with multiple yea votes and one nay, and SB294 (energy siting policy) with yea votes emphasizing “affordable, reliable, clean” standards and domestic production. Defense Economy: Sen. Paula Hicks-Hudson backed HB292, creating an Ohio Defense Commission and defense fund to recruit investment and support counter-drone research and manufacturing. Consumer/Utility Oversight: PUCO will consider a rehearing request over Aqua Ohio’s recent water rate hikes, with the Consumers’ Counsel arguing affordability wasn’t properly weighed. Small Business & Jobs: JobsOhio, via the Regional Growth Partnership, awarded $125,000 in northwest Ohio grants tied to job creation and retention. Cannabis Business Expansion: Vireo Growth announced deals to acquire Ohio operations totaling about $208M, including dispensaries plus cultivation and processing.

Ohio Data & Energy Buildout: AEP Ohio scheduled August open houses for the Maddox Creek–Norse Transmission Project in Van Wert County, a 345-kilovolt upgrade meant to add capacity for new growth. BroadbandOhio: Gov. Mike DeWine announced a $20 million Route 30 middle-mile fiber push by Com Net across 15 northern Ohio counties to improve connectivity for businesses and communities. Grid Storage for AI Demand: Eolian’s Flint Grid 1 GWh battery is under construction in Jersey Township, designed to deliver 200 MW for more than five hours and support the data-center/industrial corridor near Columbus. Workforce & Transportation: The federal government launched a veterans-focused fast-track to commercial driver’s licenses, expanding the military waiver from 12 to 24 months and aiming to speed training for those without heavy-vehicle experience. Food Supply Shock: Yum Brands said Taco Bell sales fell 2% amid the cyclospora-linked lettuce scare, while Uber Eats expanded grocery delivery with regional grocers including Marc’s in Ohio. Policy & Local Impact: Ohio Democratic candidates Amy Acton and David Pepper called for a conditional moratorium on new data center construction, citing energy costs, environmental impacts, and transparency concerns. Legal/Ohio Business: Investors are buying Ohioans’ unpaid property tax debts at up to 18% interest, with record sales reported in multiple counties. Agriculture Innovation: Purdue and Ohio State are testing a USDA-funded fogging system using hydrogenated catmint oil to inactivate avian influenza in poultry houses. Immigration Pressure in Springfield: After Haiti TPS ended, advocates say Springfield’s Haitian community is facing new deportation uncertainty, with letters reportedly sent to residents to report to ICE in Cincinnati. National Defense Contracts: The U.S. Navy awarded nearly $77B for 14 nuclear submarines, a boost for shipbuilding capacity that includes work tied to Ohio’s broader defense industrial base.