Area Progress Council of Warren County, Inc.

09/12/2026

APC members receive discounted admission to the Innovation Lunch!

Members: $40
Nonmembers: $60

Join us September 22 to hear GMi Companies CEO Christye Leasure discuss sustainability, innovation, and her company’s efforts to become more energy independent.

Whether you are exploring sustainability options for your business or looking for ideas you can apply at home, this conversation will offer practical insight and real-world inspiration to help you consider what may be possible.

APC membership gives you access to valuable information, programs, connections, discounted event admission, and a voice in APC’s advocacy efforts.

https://www.apcwc.org/events

08/31/2026

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! 👏

08/29/2026

Big ideas deserve a seat at the table. Join APC for the upcoming Innovation Luncheon on September 22nd and hear from leaders and innovators helping shape the future of Warren County. We're excited to hear from Christye Leasure, with GMi Companies about recent sustainability efforts.

Register today: https://www.apcwc.org/events

08/27/2026

Area Progress Council is thrilled to announce that Ohio has been named CNBC’s No. 1 state for business in its 2026 rankings.

The state received particularly strong marks for infrastructure and the cost of doing business. Ohio’s Commercial Activity Tax exclusion also means that many smaller Ohio-based businesses no longer owe the tax.

Rankings alone do not guarantee success, but they influence how executives, investors and site selectors view a state.
For Ohio communities and businesses, this creates a valuable opportunity to turn positive attention into recruitment, expansion and investment.

Discover funding opportunities that support business growth, innovation, and community development through available loans, grants, and tax incentive programs.

08/25/2026

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.

08/24/2026

Federal tax changes may give employers additional options for supporting working families.

Beginning in July, employers may contribute up to $2,500 annually to an eligible employee’s or dependent’s Trump Account. The federal employer-provided childcare credit has also increased for 2026.

Employers exploring new recruitment and retention benefits should discuss these provisions with their tax and benefits advisers.
Compensation still matters, but benefits that address real family expenses can help an organization stand out in a competitive labor market.

IR-2025-117, Dec. 2, 2025 — The Department of the Treasury and the Internal Revenue Service today issued a notice announcing upcoming regulations and providing guidance regarding Trump Accounts, which are a new type of individual retirement account for eligible children.

08/22/2026

A new economic impact study found that Warren County’s public parks, trails and natural areas generate $96.4 million in annual economic activity and support more than 1,150 jobs. The study did not include major attractions such as Kings Island, the Cincinnati Open or the Warren County Sports Park. These figures reflect the economic power of the county’s parks, trails and natural spaces alone.

https://www.warrencountyparks.com/news/entry/outdoor-recreation-generates-millions-for-warren-county-economy/

08/21/2026

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...