Ohio Governor Mike DeWine, Lt. Governor Jim Tressel, and Ohio Department of Development Director Lydia Mihalik announced the approval of 13 projects set to create 3,553 new jobs, retain 907 existing jobs, and generate over $1.1 billion in investments across Ohio. These projects, reviewed by the Ohio Tax Credit Authority, are expected to add nearly $310 million in new payroll statewide.
The announcements came as Governor DeWine and Lt. Governor Tressel concluded their "Heart of Opportunity Tour," a statewide initiative celebrating Ohio's recognition as CNBC's No. 1 State for Business. The tour featured regional conversations highlighting partnerships, investments, and workforce strategies. Stops included Centrus Energy in Piketon, Butler Tech Aviation Center in Middletown, Anduril Industries in Pickaway County, Medpace Inc. in Cincinnati, and the National Advanced Air Mobility Center of Excellence (NAAMCE) near Springfield.
Governor DeWine emphasized the state's economic growth, saying, "Across Ohio, every region is experiencing new business growth." Lt. Governor Tressel added, "The goal of this tour is to remind folks of the opportunities that exist in Ohio and the pathways to get there." The tour showcased how collaboration between businesses, educators, and community leaders is fostering new opportunities, particularly in fields like aviation, aerospace, and defense.
In other news, Governor DeWine and the Ohio Department of Health announced $3.15 million in Rural Health Transformation Program awards to expand pharmacy connectivity and improve health in rural communities. The Ohio Pharmacists Association received $2 million, and the State of Ohio Board of Pharmacy will use $1.15 million. Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services Administrator Dr. Mehmet Oz commented, "The Trump Administration’s Rural Health Transformation Program is based on one simple idea: your access to quality health care shouldn’t depend on your ZIP code."
Additionally, First Lady Fran DeWine issued a statement mourning the death of Dolly Parton, praising her devotion to children and literacy. She noted that Parton's Imagination Library has provided nearly 28 million free books to over one million Ohio children. In honor of Parton's legacy, Governor DeWine ordered flags to be flown at half-staff across Ohio until September 1, 2026.