Area Progress Council of Warren County, Inc.

08/18/2026

As students head back to school, Ohio businesses are reminded that today’s classrooms are tomorrow’s workforce.

Strong schools, supported teachers and career-connected learning all play a role in preparing the next generation of employees, entrepreneurs and community leaders.

Here’s to a safe, successful school year for students, families and educators across our region.

08/16/2026

Mitsubishi Electric has selected Mason for a new manufacturing and technology laboratory operation expected to create approximately 180 jobs.

The project received support through local tax incentives and an Ohio Job Creation Tax Credit.

International investment can generate significant local opportunities, but communities must also be prepared with available sites, skilled workers, infrastructure and strong partnerships.

Economic development announcements are often the final chapter of years of preparation that happened behind the scenes.

MASON, Ohio, July 27, 2026 – The city of Mason, Ohio, was selected as the location for a new company, MEHITS US, Inc. (MEHITS US), in collaboration with Italy-based Mitsubishi Electric Hydronics & IT Cooling Systems S.p.A. (MEHITS), leveraging a long-established campus on Bethany Road. This invest...

08/14/2026

Ohio businesses and research organizations have two significant funding opportunities to review.

The Advanced Energy Fund is offering awards for projects designed to reduce energy use and associated costs. Applications are due August 31.
Ohio Third Frontier’s Technology Validation and Start-up Fund supports research commercialization and technology-focused startups. That application deadline is August 6.

Funding programs move quickly. Businesses should maintain a list of planned investments so they can respond when the right opportunity opens.

https://development.ohio.gov/wps/portal/gov/development/home/news-and-events/all-news/2026-0701-development-announces-7-5m-in-grants-available-to-support-energy-efficiency-projects

08/13/2026

Congratulations to Miss Jill Hathway, recipient of the Pioneer Industrial Components, Inc. Award through Project Excellence! 🎉

Miss Hathway is a first-grade teacher at Clearcreek Elementary and has spent all 21 years of her teaching career serving students in Springboro Schools.

She earned degrees from the University of Cincinnati and Wilmington College and holds a Master’s Degree in Education from the University of Dayton, where she is continuing her PhD studies.

Jill shared that one of her greatest joys is helping first graders discover that learning is fun and creating lifelong learners. She loves seeing students come to school excited and full of joy each day. She also had the opportunity to travel to Africa to teach young children.

Jill was previously recognized with this award in 2019.

Congratulations, Jill, on this well-deserved recognition! 👏

08/13/2026

Congratulations to Mrs. Kimberly Shaffer, recipient of the Worthington Custom Plastics Award through Project Excellence! 🎉

Mrs. Shaffer teaches 8th grade health at Mason Middle School and has dedicated 26 years to education, including 25 years in Mason City Schools.

She earned her Bachelor’s Degree in Health Education K–12 from Miami University, a Master’s Degree in Education from Marygrove College, and a Master’s Degree in Special Education from Miami University.

Kimberly shared that one of the most meaningful parts of her career is reconnecting with former students years later and hearing how she impacted their lives. She says those moments are incredibly humbling and rewarding.

Congratulations, Kimberly, on this well-deserved recognition! 👏

08/10/2026

The Cincinnati Open is more than world-class tennis. It is a major economic win for Warren County.

After nearly losing the tournament to Charlotte, the event stayed in Mason and received a $260 million transformation. In 2025, more than 285,000 fans attended, supporting local hotels, restaurants, shops and jobs.

The 2026 tournament runs August 8–23. Read here to learn more: 6 Things to Know Before Attending the 2026 Cincinnati Open

08/08/2026

Parents should get excited.
Retailers should get ready.

Ohio’s 2026 sales-tax holiday will take place August 7 through August 9.
The holiday applies to qualifying clothing priced at $75 or less per item, school supplies priced at $20 or less and instructional materials priced at $20 or less.

Retailers should make sure their point-of-sale systems are prepared to apply the exemption correctly.
For local stores, the weekend also provides an opportunity to promote back-to-school products and remind customers that shopping locally supports jobs and investment within the community.



https://tax.ohio.gov/business/sales-and-use-tax/sales-tax-holiday

08/04/2026

Congratulations to Melissa Edwards on her recognition through Project Excellence! 🎉

Melissa teaches English at Franklin High School and has been an educator for 22 years, including the last 18 years in Franklin City Schools.

She holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Secondary English Education and a Master’s Degree in Education, along with an additional 30 graduate hours for CCP credentialing and advanced studies.

Melissa shared that the moments that make her feel most successful are watching students grow in confidence, discover their worth, and find their voice. She says those experiences go far beyond test scores or subject matter and are the true purpose behind her work.

Thank you to the selection committee:
• Mark Swartz, WesBanco / APC Representative
• Dr. Michael Sander, Superintendent
• Martha Bush, Director of Franklin Public Library, Citizen at Large

Congratulations, Melissa, on this well-deserved recognition! 👏

07/26/2026

Nearly half of small businesses are now using AI to improve customer service, productivity, and operations. While adoption continues to grow, many businesses still haven't explored how these tools can save time and improve efficiency. Are you a business owner using AI? We'd love to hear about it in the comments.

https://loom.ly/gMzjxjY

​We talked to the director of product AI at HubSpot to learn more about how small businesses are using AI and what impact it's having.

07/23/2026

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