Latest news with #Dayton-area


Business Journals
3 days ago
- Business
- Business Journals
Why Dayton works for this growing manufacturer—and future entrepreneurs
A newly-formed Dayton-area firm created to offer architects, building owners, engineers and contractors an alternative to traditional cladding products has hit the ground running in its first year of inception.


Business Journals
23-05-2025
- Automotive
- Business Journals
AI in the fast lane: Dayton dealerships navigate tech with a human touch
Dayton-area auto dealers reveal how they're integrating AI tools to streamline operations and improve efficiency, while still prioritizing personal relationships with car buyers. Learn more in this week's cover story.
Yahoo
30-04-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Ohio Senate committee advances energy compromise
File photo of electricity pylons. (Getty Images). With a final few tweaks, Ohio senators advanced a major piece of energy legislation. The Senate Energy Committee vote was unanimous. With both chambers in session Wednesday, it's likely lawmakers could sign off on the legislation and send it along to the governor. The most substantive change had to do with the Public Utility Commission of Ohio clock — it moved from 320 days to 360. Lawmakers are putting a ceiling on PUCO deliberations because they want rate cases to move more quickly. SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX After Tuesday's hearing, state Sen. Bill Reineke, R-Tiffin, connected the longer shot clock to broader changes in the ratemaking process. Utilities must come before the PUCO every three years, and they'll be able to set rates in three-year increments with annual 'true-ups' to reflect the companies' actual balance sheet. Reineke explained the longer timeline will give regulators a bit of breathing room. Before lawmakers put the bill to a vote, Ohio Consumers' Counsel Maureen Willis made a final bid to remove a provision on consumer refunds. Under the changes, bill payers could receive refunds after the Supreme Court determines a charge was unwarranted, but any payments prior to that decision would be out of reach. Willis explained her office in the middle of a case against Dayton-area AES Ohio which could yield more than $300 in refunds per customer. 'If HB 15 becomes law as written AES's half a million consumers would lose that refund opportunity that has been in the making since 2019,' she said. Ohio senators propose changes to harmonize House, Senate energy bills The final version of the bill also left out a passage subjecting more power line projects to state oversight. Willis called that omission 'disappointing.' 'No one is reviewing these projects,' she argued. 'Not the Ohio Power Siting Board, not the PUCO and not (the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission). Ohio consumers, your constituents, pay 100% of those costs through transmission riders.' Rebecca Mellino from the Nature Conservancy praised lawmakers for repealing a controversial coal subsidy approved as part of 2019's HB 6 but argued 'Ohio lags far behind neighboring states' when it comes to renewable energy. She suggested provisions encouraging brownfield redevelopment could offer an opportunity for renewable energy investment. The core incentive for new energy production is a reduction in tangible personal property taxes — levied on things like machinery and equipment. But while lawmakers attempt to boost energy production with a tax cut, they're also trying to find reductions in property taxes. Energy committee chairman, Sen. Brian Chavez, R-Marietta, insisted the reductions won't undermine services. 'We're not changing any taxes that are in effect right now,' he explained. 'So any taxes from power plants that are in place will stay in place as they depreciate out — this is only on new generation.' Sen. Kent Smith, D-Euclid, argued the tax break is an important cue to companies. When lawmakers passed HB 6, he said, they subsidized coal and nuclear facilities. 'It was not just putting your thumb on the scale,' he said, 'I mean, it wreaked havoc in natural gas generation.' With the current bill, lawmakers will remove the last of those subsidies. 'So we've sort of restored capitalism in the energy generation space,' Smith argued. 'And by reducing the tangible personal property percentage, hopefully that sends a signal.' Still, there's little Ohio's legislation can do to address lawmakers' central concern about power demand outstripping supply. The 13-state power network PJM has a substantial backlog of power plants that want to connect to the grid, and large-scale consumers like data centers are pushing demand for power higher. 'That's why we focused on behind the meter generation,' Chavez said, 'so that any new industry that comes into Ohio is not adding additional strain on the existing grid.' Behind the meter generation involves building a bespoke power plant directly connected to a given business. 'PJM is aware of the concerns that are out there. They're hearing that from all 13 states,' Chavez added. 'They are on our list. We're going to go talk to them in the fall, and we're going to have some frank conversations with them to see how we can partner to get through this.' Follow Ohio Capital Journal Reporter Nick Evans on X or on Bluesky. SUPPORT: YOU MAKE OUR WORK POSSIBLE


Business Journals
21-04-2025
- Business
- Business Journals
Wright State University names Jim Denniston provost, VP of student affairs
A major Dayton-area higher education institution has officially appointed a proven university leader to the permanent position of vice president for academic affairs and provost. A leading Dayton-area higher education institution has appointed a university leader as vice president for academic affairs and provost. Jim Denniston formally takes on the position effective immediately. He has been acting provost since Jan. 1, and members of Wright State's community have expressed positive feedback on his performance. In this role, Denniston will be responsible for overseeing and directing the university's academic programs, research and faculty. 'Wright State's mission to transform the lives of students and serve our region resonates with my passion for expanding educational opportunities and fostering academic excellence,' Denniston said. expand Jim Denniston is vice president for academic affairs and provost of Wright State University. Erin Pence Denniston first joined Wright State in 2022 as the founding dean of the College of Health, Education and Human Services. While in this role, he spearheaded the development of the college's first comprehensive strategic plan and restructured it into six schools to bolster student services and outcomes. He also launched the Bachelor of Science in Aviation Science and Technology program and co-led Wright State's Jed Campus initiative for supporting student mental health wellbeing. 'Dr. Denniston brings a set of shared values based on people, learning, relationships, sustainability and stewardship to the Office of Provost,' said Sue Edwards, president of Wright State. 'His experience developing transformational educational experiences and forging community partnerships will help our university further develop and enhance innovative academic programs that provide students with expanded educational and career opportunities.' expand Susan Edwards is president at Wright State University. Erin Pence Denniston, as a former psychology professor and chair at Appalachian State University, helped establish the university's clinical psychology doctoral program, an online bachelor of science in veterinary technology and overhauled the undergraduate psychology curriculum. He also served as a commissioner on the American Psychological Association's Commission on Accreditation. Denniston currently serves on the Dayton Regional STEM School board and is set to soon be appointed to the Goodwill Easterseals Miami Valley Board of Trustees. Denniston received his doctorate in cognitive psychology from the State University of New York at Binghamton, a master's degree in experimental psychology from Bucknell University and a bachelor's degree in psychology from New York University. He has mentored dozens of undergraduate researchers and has published over 20 peer-reviewed articles in associative learning. 'I look forward to collaborating with our dedicated faculty, staff and students to advance innovative programs, strengthen our community partnerships and ensure every student has access to a high-quality, affordable educational experience,' Denniston said. As of 2024, Wright State had approximately 11,800 students and nearly 2,000 staff members, according to DBJ research. Additionally, U.S. News & World Report ranked WSU's undergraduate engineering and nursing programs at No. 156 and No. 182, respectively, in its 2025 Best National University Rankings. Dayton-Area Colleges and Universities Total enrollment Rank Prior Rank Institution 1 2 Miami University 2 1 Sinclair Community College 3 4 Wright State University View this list

Associated Press
18-04-2025
- Business
- Associated Press
DDC Executive Named Dayton Business Journal Aerospace & Defense Awards Honoree
Diné Development Corporation is pleased to announce that Dan Riggs, Chief Growth and Strategy Officer, has been named an Aerospace & Defense Award honoree by the Dayton Business Journal. DAYTON, OHIO / ACCESS Newswire / April 18, 2025 / Diné Development Corporation (DDC), a Navajo Nation-owned IT, engineering, professional, and environmental solutions provider, is pleased to announce that Dan Riggs, Chief Growth and Strategy Officer, has been named an Aerospace & Defense Award honoree by the Dayton Business Riggs DBJ Aerospace & Defense Award Dan Riggs DBJ Aerospace & Defense Award Riggs was one of seven Dayton-area business leaders selected for his outstanding influence in advancing the aerospace and defense industry. His leadership has been pivotal in positioning DDC as a growing force in the defense sector, particularly in support of the U.S. Air Force, DISA, and other key government customers. Under his strategic vision, DDC has significantly expanded its defense market presence, advanced its reputation as a premier provider of high-end IT and engineering, and strengthened its role in delivering mission-essential solutions in support of national defense initiatives. 'Over the past five years, Dan has played a central role in shaping our strategic direction and driving significant growth in the defense sector,' stated Austin Tsosie, DDC Chief Executive Officer. 'His leadership, insight, and dedication have positioned DDC as a trusted DOD partner. This recognition is a well-deserved reflection of his impact not only on DDC, but also on the entire Dayton defense community.' 'I'm honored to be recognized among such accomplished leaders in the aerospace and defense community,' commented Dan Riggs. 'This recognition is a testament to the dedication of the entire DDC team to delivering high-impact solutions in support of our customers' critical missions. Our continued focus on expanding our defense footprint while penetrating into the aerospace market has been both purposeful and rewarding. I look forward to advancing our mission as we support our valued customers throughout the Dayton region and across the broader defense and aerospace landscape.' Contact InformationKatie von Allmen Senior Marketing Manager SOURCE: Diné Development Corporation (DDC) press release