On Monday, Governor Mike DeWine toured the Greene County Career Center to learn about their programs and later toured the Esther Price Candies Company.

Also on Monday,  Lt. Governor Jon Husted provided remarks at the groundbreaking ceremony of Advanced Drainage Systems, Inc. (ADS) for their new $65 million Engineering and Technology Center. 

On Tuesday, Governor DeWine, Lt. Governor Jon Husted, and JobsOhio leaders announced that Ohio will continue its historic dominance in the automotive manufacturing industry as Honda selected Ohio to lead its electric vehicle (EV) production and, with LG Energy Solution, a joint venture battery plant.

During a special event at the Ohio Statehouse, Honda and LG Energy Solution confirmed that their combined investments of at least $4.2 billion will create a total of 2,527 new jobs in Ohio between the establishment of a new EV battery plant in Fayette County and the retooling of existing Honda plants in Union, Logan, and Shelby counties for electric vehicle production.

Honda’s renewed commitment to Ohio comes exactly 45 years to the day after Honda leadership visited the Ohio Statehouse in 1977 to announce plans for its first vehicle production facility in the United States, the Marysville Motorcycle Plant.

“It has been more than four decades since Honda first saw great promise in Ohio, and although the way we manufacture vehicles is evolving, one thing that will stay the same is the quality of our workforce and their ability to get the job done,” said Ohio Governor Mike DeWine. “Honda and LG Energy Solution now join a long list of companies that have looked all over the country for the best place to do business and have chosen Ohio because we have the ideal economic climate and an innovative and talented workforce. On Oct 14th’s announcement is further proof that there is no better place to be right now than in the great state of Ohio.”

“Honda and LG Energy Solution had many other states vying for this historic investment, and they chose Ohio,” said Ohio Lt. Governor Jon Husted. “Ohio’s talented workforce and strong business environment, along with Honda’s commitment to quality, continue to be a winning combination for the company and this state.”

Also on Tuesday, Moody's Investors Service raised its outlook on Ohio's Aa1 rating to positive. 

"The positive outlook is based on growing evidence of new economic development that could diversify the state's economy, improve the growth and strengthen demographic trends over the medium term," Moody's said. 

On Wednesday, Governor Dewine recognized National Farmers Day. As Ohio's top industry, it's important to thank farmers across the state each and every day. 

On Thursday, the Ohio Department of Development announced that up to $182 million will soon be available to support small businesses in Ohio.
 
“There is no better place to live, work, and raise a family than in Ohio, and our small businesses are a major reason why,” said Governor Mike DeWine. “My administration is dedicated to supporting the small businesses that are so integral to our state, especially those that need extra support to get off the ground and become a success.”

Also on Thursday, Lt. Governor Husted spoke at the Greater Sandusky Partnership Fall Economic Forum about the state's efforts to make Ohio the most innovative, entrepreneurial state in the Midwest and recent economic development project wins. 

On Friday, Governor DeWine announced that nearly $6 million in grant funding is available for religious institutions, chartered non-public schools, licensed preschools, and nonprofit organizations to help them implement safety and security enhancements.

“This grant program is one of many efforts we're undertaking in Ohio to help protect our local residents," said Governor DeWine. "Security upgrades are expensive, especially for smaller schools and churches, so I'm happy to offer this support to help with proactive violence prevention measures."

Also on Friday, Governor DeWine and State Fire Marshal Kevin Reardon visited fire departments in Sidney, Troy, and Urbana to thank firefighters for their hard work and to bring attention to Fire Prevention Week, October 9-15.

"Our firefighters are on the front lines, responding quickly and efficiently to emergency situations," said Governor Mike DeWine. "No one ever wants to think about a fire in their home, but taking the time to make a plan for what to do in case of a fire could be a lifesaving precaution. It was great to be able to visit firefighters in Sidney, Troy, and Urbana today and thank them for all they do to keep Ohioans safe."