Ohio Air Quality Development Authority

06/30/2026 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 07/01/2026 08:40

Q2 2026 AirFocus Newsletter

July 01, 2026

Director's Corner

As we reach the midpoint of 2026, I'm taking a moment to reflect on the busy first half of the year. One moment has stayed with me from a ribbon-cutting at Quaker City Concrete Products in May.

The family-owned small business recently completed a new dust-control system financed through OAQDA and WesBanco. As we talked about the investment, the conversation quickly moved beyond the equipment itself. Co-owners Tim Ridzon
and David Bryarly spoke about creating a safer workplace for their 30+ employees, cleaner air for the surrounding community of Leetonia, and healthier conditions for their neighbors who enjoy hiking the nearby Little Beaver Creek Greenway Trail. There was genuine sense of pride in building a stronger business while also being a good neighbor.

That conversation reflects the values we see across many of our projects. OAQDA's financing creates opportunities for businesses to invest with confidence, strengthen their operations and generate benefits well beyond their front doors.

You'll see that theme throughout this newsletter. During the first half of 2026, OAQDA approved nearly $200 million in financing to support projects across Ohio. We also celebrate the 30-year legacy and relaunch of our Small Business Clean Air Program, helping Ohio's small businesses continue to invest in practical improvements that support long-term benefits and success.

This issue also highlights our 2025 Annual Report, recent project successes, and the measurable outcomes made possible through strong partnerships. Equally important is the work that happens behind the scenes. As we file our 2025 financial audit with the Auditor of State, OAQDA once again received a clean audit opinion. That outcome reflects our ongoing commitment to responsible stewardship, accountability and earning the trust placed in us by Ohioans.

Thank you for your continued partnership and trust. We look forward to helping more Ohio businesses build, expand, and grow while strengthening the communities they call home.

Your partner,


Christina O'Keeffe
Executive Director

BY THE NUMBERS

RECENT PROJECTS

Q2 PROJECT SPOTLIGHTS:

Rumpke Waste & Recycling Ribbon Cutting, April 3 | Milford (Clermont County)

Rumpke Waste & Recycling celebrated the opening of its new transfer depot in Clermont County with many state and local partners. The project supported by OAQDA with $55 million in bond financing that improves waste handling operations, strengthens local infrastructure, and creates jobs in the region. On hand to celebrate the project's success were State Representative Jean Schmidt (R-Loveland), Union Township Trustee Joe Dills, and Clermont County Commissioner Dave Painter.

Quaker City Concrete Products Ribbon Cutting, May 8 | Leetonia (Columbiana County)

Quaker City Concrete Products celebrated the completion of its OAQDA-financed project with its more than 30 employees and state and local partners, including State Representative Monica Blasdel, Columbiana County Commissioner Tim Ginter, and Leetonia Mayor Kevin Siembida. Learn more about this small business and the investment in their operational improvements and long-term growth while supporting local jobs and a healthier community.

Kwick-N-Clean Dry Cleaners (Cuyahoga County)

2025 IN REVIEW

ANNUAL REPORT

OAQDA released its 2025 Annual Report in April 2026, highlighting significant results across Ohio. In 2025, OAQDA:

  • Issued $407 million in bonds for project financing

  • Manages an active portfolio of $3.6 billion with maturities up to 30 years

  • Measured, validated, and delivered $23.29 in benefits for every $1 invested in an OAQDA-financed project

  • Created more than 800 jobs, translating into $180 million in new economic value

  • Saved 50% for businesses and residents on reduced operating and utility bills

OAQDA's impact is more than data, it's the stories of Ohioans who build a business, expand opportunities for others, and make a difference in their communities. Learn some of these stories featuring our partners and their projects financed by OAQDA:

FINANCIAL AUDIT

OAQDA received a clean financial audit for 2025, reflecting the agency's continued commitment to strong financial stewardship and accountability. As demonstrated in the financial statements, OAQDA remains in a strong financial position to serve the needs of Ohio and to manage its $3.6 billion portfolio, with long-term maturities for hundreds of projects financed throughOAQDA. These financial results reflect a proven performance-based model of OAQDA as an independent public authority that unites private capital with Ohio's employers and communities on projects that protect the state's natural resources.

INSIGHTS & IMPACT

Q2 READs - 30 YEARS OF IMPACT: SUPPORTING OHIO'S SMALL BUSINESSES THROUGH CLEAN AIR INVESTMENT. READ MORE HERE.

NORTHEAST OHIO PROPERTIES: CLEARING THE AIR BUILDING STRONGER BUSINESSES + COMMUNITIES THROUGH AIR QUALITY INVESTMENT. READ MORE HERE.

Q2 TIP

Are you considering modernizing your aging facility or upgrading your building for increased efficiency? OAQDA may be able to help.

From equipment upgrades and process improvements to facility expansions and new construction, OAQDA partners with Ohio businesses to structure financing solutions that support long-term operational savings and competitiveness. Reach out to learn how our programs can help move your project forward.

IN THE NEWS

Quaker City Concrete Products:

Local News Coverage

OAQDA Success Story

Rumpke Waste & Recycling:

Local News Coverage

Cotters Grove, LLC:

Local News Coverage

Click here for more OAQDA News

ON THE ROAD

Ohio State University Student Research Symposium, April 24 | Columbus

OAQDA's Executive Director Christina O'Keeffe and Strategy and Partnerships Manager Theresa Groth-Joynt attended the OSU Student Research Symposium. We are honored to continue supporting this annual event, which showcases student research focused on natural resource management and highlights the important work being done by Ohio's future leaders. Congratulations to Sophia Robers, who was awarded Most Impactful Presentation for her work, "Stories and statistics? Reimagining what is valued in environmental research."


Ohio Brownfields Conference, May 6 | Westerville

OAQDA's Strategy and Partnerships Manager
Theresa Groth-Joynt and Programs Administrator Hashim Pashtun attended the 2026 Ohio Brownfields Conference connecting with partners across the state on redevelopment and community revitalization.

Appalachian Ohio State of the Region Conference, May 12 | Athens

OAQDA's Executive Director, Christina O'Keeffe, Strategy and Partnerships Manager Theresa Groth-Joynt, and Programs Administrator Hashim Pashtun, attended the Appalachian Ohio State of the Region Conference hosted by Ohio University. The event provided valuable insights into regional economic trends and opportunities, as well as a chance to connect with partners working to support growth across Ohio.

Midwest Regional Sustainability Summit, June 12 | Cincinnati

OAQDA Strategy and Partnerships Manager Theresa Groth-Joynt and Sr. Administrative Assistant Sana Barrett participated in the Midwest Regional Sustainability Summit. It was a great opportunity to connect with regional leaders and partners working to strengthen communities and drive economic growth.

WHAT'S NEW: OAQDA RESOURCES

  • Information about OAQDA's financial products has been added to the website. You can get more information about OAQDA's financial products here.

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Copyright © 2026 The Ohio Air Quality Development Authority, All rights reserved.

The Ohio Air Quality Development Authority
(614) 224-3383
175 S 3rd St, Suite 1050
Columbus, OH 43215
[email protected]

Ohio Air Quality Development Authority published this content on June 30, 2026, and is solely responsible for the information contained herein. Distributed via Public Technologies (PUBT), unedited and unaltered, on July 01, 2026 at 14:40 UTC. If you believe the information included in the content is inaccurate or outdated and requires editing or removal, please contact us at [email protected]