Honda has 5 Vehicles in American Made Top 10
Honda’s deep roots in Central Ohio are once again in the national spotlight as the company leads all automakers in the Cars.com 2026 American-Made Index. With five vehicles ranked in the top 10—more than any other brand—Honda continues to demonstrate the strength of its commitment to U.S. manufacturing.
For Union County residents, this recognition reflects more than industry success. It highlights the impact of a local workforce producing vehicles that compete on a national stage.
The Honda Passport, Ridgeline, Odyssey, Accord, and Acura MDX all earned top-10 rankings this year, meaning Honda and Acura account for half of the entire top 10 list. Over the 21-year history of the American-Made Index, Honda has placed 57 vehicles in the top 10, more than any other automaker.
That success has a direct connection to Union County. Honda’s Marysville Auto Plant and nearby East Liberty Auto Plant play a central role in the company’s North American operations. The Honda Accord, built in Marysville, returned to the top 10 this year and ranked as the highest-performing gas-powered vehicle on the list as it celebrates its 50th anniversary.
Honda and Acura also placed seven vehicles in the top 20, the most of any automaker. Nationwide, more than 62% of Honda and Acura vehicles sold in the U.S. in 2025 were built in America, and the company has produced more than 33 million vehicles in the United States over the past four decades.
For Union County, those numbers translate into high-quality jobs, local supplier partnerships, and continued investment in automotive innovation. As the 2026 American-Made Index demonstrates, Honda’s success is not only a national achievement but also a local one, with Union County remaining at the heart of Honda’s American story.
Honda CR-V Surpasses F-150
In a surprising shift within the U.S. automotive market, the Honda CR‑V became America's best-selling vehicle during the first half of 2026, surpassing both the Ford F‑150 and Toyota RAV4. Honda sold 226,114 CR‑Vs through June, compared with an estimated 209,311 F‑150s and 153,955 RAV4s.
The CR‑V's rise was driven in part by circumstances affecting its competitors. Ford faced production challenges tied to aluminum supply shortages, while Toyota experienced inventory disruptions during the launch of its redesigned 2026 RAV4. Those supply constraints created an opportunity for Honda to gain market share in one of the nation's most competitive vehicle segments.
Honda was well-positioned to capitalize. CR‑V sales increased 19 percent in May and 30 percent in June, fueled by strong consumer demand and growing interest in hybrid models, which now account for more than half of all CR‑V sales. The company has also benefited from strong customer loyalty and high retention rates among existing Honda owners.
The story carries particular significance here in Union County and Central Ohio, where Honda's presence remains a major part of the local economy. Honda's continued success reflects the strength of the company's manufacturing and product strategy while reinforcing Ohio's important role in the American automotive industry.
While Ford and Toyota are expected to recover inventory levels in the second half of the year, Honda's achievement is a reminder that vehicle availability, quality, and consumer trust remain key factors in winning over buyers. For now, the CR‑V sits atop the sales rankings, marking one of the most notable automotive success stories of 2026.
Coolest Dinner Spot in Ohio - Pottersburg Bridge
One of Ohio's most unique dining experiences is attracting attention far beyond Union County. Tucked along a scenic trail near North Lewisburg, the historic Pottersburg Covered Bridge serves as the setting for Dine on a Covered Bridge, a one-of-a-kind farm-to-table event that blends local food, history, and community in a truly memorable setting.
Now in its sixth year, the event invites guests to enjoy lunch or dinner inside the 158-year-old Pottersburg Covered Bridge. Long communal tables stretch the length of the bridge beneath string lights while guests enjoy locally sourced food, live music, and views of the surrounding countryside.
The bridge itself is a centerpiece of Union County history. Originally designed by renowned bridge builder Reuben L. Partridge, it once carried travelers across Big Darby Creek near Marysville. Rather than demolish the structure as traffic demands increased, local leaders preserved it and relocated it in 2006 to the North Lewisburg Multi-Purpose Trail, where it remains one of Union County's most recognizable landmarks.
The experience begins with a narrated trolley tour departing from local wineries and breweries. Guests visit several historic covered bridges, including Buck Run, Spain Creek, and North Lewisburg Covered Bridges, before arriving at Pottersburg for the featured meal.
Union County Tourism partners with local farms, chefs, wineries, breweries, and food producers to create a true farm-to-table experience. The event not only showcases the region's agricultural heritage but also supports dozens of local businesses. Attendance is intentionally limited to fewer than 60 guests per event, creating an intimate atmosphere, and a portion of each ticket sold helps fund ongoing preservation of the bridge.
As travelers increasingly seek authentic experiences, Dine on a Covered Bridge has emerged as one of Central Ohio's standout attractions. Combining local flavor, scenic beauty, history, and community pride, it offers a unique way to experience one of Union County's most treasured landmarks.
Learn More about Pottersburg Bridge
Waymo acquired a proving ground from Apple
Waymo has significantly expanded its autonomous vehicle testing capabilities with the acquisition of a 5,500‑acre proving ground in Surprise, Arizona for $220 million. The move marks one of the largest investments in controlled testing infrastructure for automated driving systems in the United States and signals a major step forward in scaling next‑generation mobility technologies.
The Arizona facility is purpose-built to replicate real-world driving conditions on a scale. It features a 115‑acre simulated urban environment, along with freeway and highway systems designed for high-speed testing. The proving ground also includes a 4‑mile oval track and dedicated areas for vehicle dynamics and multi-surface testing, allowing teams to evaluate performance across a wide range of conditions.
Together, these capabilities create a highly controlled environment where autonomous systems can be rigorously tested and refined. The site will support efforts to validate self-driving technologies, simulate complex real-world scenarios, and train operational teams responsible for safety, performance, and reliability.
While the Arizona proving ground represents a major geographic expansion, its operations will be closely tied to expertise rooted in the Midwest. Transportation Research Center (TRC), a nationally recognized mobility testing organization, will oversee day-to-day management of the facility. With more than 50 years of experience and its primary operations based in Ohio, TRC brings deep technical knowledge and proven operational processes to the site.
The partnership underscores Ohio’s growing influence in the future of transportation. By extending TRC’s leadership into Arizona, the initiative links one of the nation’s largest new testing environments directly to Ohio’s established proving ground and research capabilities. This connection strengthens Ohio’s role as a central hub for mobility innovation, providing the foundation of expertise, talent, and operational discipline behind the expansion.
Workforce growth is a key component of this effort. The organization currently employs 541 people, with approximately 500 based in Ohio, highlighting the state’s importance as the core of operations. As the Arizona facility ramps up, hiring will increase in both locations.
In Arizona, new roles will focus on supporting proving ground operations, including testing, vehicle preparation, and on-site technical support. In Ohio, expansion will continue across engineering, research, and operational teams, reinforcing its position as the backbone of testing and development. Additional hiring needs span safety, compliance, and data analysis, along with facility and site operations, roles essential to maintaining a complex testing environment.
The combined growth in Arizona and Ohio reflects a coordinated strategy: expanding physical testing capacity in the Southwest while leveraging the workforce, experience, and institutional knowledge built in the Midwest.
As a result, the Arizona proving ground is set to become one of the largest and most advanced autonomous vehicle testing environments in the country, while Ohio remains the driving force behind its success. Together, the two locations form a connected, national platform for innovation, positioning TRC and its partners to support the safe, scalable deployment of autonomous technologies for years to come.
Jerome Township Indoor Golf
Jerome Township may soon add a new year-round option for golf enthusiasts, as a proposed indoor simulator facility moves through the approval process.
The Jerome Township Board of Zoning Appeals will hold a public hearing on July 15 at 7 p.m. to review a request for a conditional use permit for Pin High Columbus, an indoor golf simulator and social club planned for 8350 Warner Road, Suite 300 in the Warner Industrial Corporate Center.
The concept centers on providing a modern, all-weather golf experience. The facility would feature TrackMan simulator technology, allowing users to practice, play virtual versions of well-known courses, and analyze their swings with detailed performance data. The goal is to create a space that supports both skill development and casual play.
Plans for the interior include a reception area, multiple simulator bays, restrooms, and back-of-house space, as well as a small lounge offering sports drinks, water, beer, and wine. Overall, the design blends a practice environment with a relaxed, social setting.
According to the proposal, the facility is intended to serve a wide range of users, including middle and high school golf teams, adult leagues, and families. By offering year-round access, it aims to fill a gap for local golfers who are limited by seasonal weather conditions.
The site would occupy one tenant space within a newly constructed industrial building, which brings recreational use into an area currently zoned for commercial manufacturing. Township officials will consider whether the proposal is an appropriate fit for the zoning district as part of their review.
In addition to recreational benefits, the project is positioned as a potential economic contributor. The application highlights opportunities to create jobs, generate local tax revenue, and support ongoing development along the Northwest U.S. 33 corridor, an area that has experienced steady growth in recent years.
Plans for the broader site also indicate future commercial development, suggesting the project could be part of a larger expansion within the industrial park.
The upcoming public hearing at Jerome Township Hall, 9777 Industrial Parkway in Plain City, will provide an opportunity for discussion and public input before township officials make a final decision on the proposal.
Marysville Data Center
As Union County explores a potential $4.1 billion investment from Amazon Web Services (AWS), residents have an opportunity to learn more about how data centers impact our community. The proposed Marysville South project could contribute an estimated $645 million to the county's GDP, support approximately 2,360 full-time equivalent jobs, and bring significant investment in workforce development, STEM education, and skilled trades training. AWS has also committed to community partnerships, including programs that prepare local students and workers for careers in technology, fiber optics, electrical infrastructure, and data center operations.
Visit our Data Center Resources page to explore local facts, frequently asked questions, information on water and electricity use, tax revenue, jobs, community benefits, and the role data centers play in supporting AI, cloud computing, and the modern economy. Whether you're looking for information on community impacts, infrastructure, or economic development, the resource page provides data-driven information to help residents stay informed.
Ohio Crowned America's Top State for Business
Ohio has earned the title of America's Top State for Business in 2026 according to CNBC, marking the first time the Buckeye State has claimed the No. 1 spot after ranking 30th when the list debuted in 2007.
CNBC cited Ohio's strengths in infrastructure, affordability, and market access as key reasons for the ranking. More than 143 million people live within a one-day drive of Ohio, and the state ranked No. 1 in Infrastructure and No. 1 in Cost of Doing Business, thanks to its transportation network, utility capacity, competitive costs, and business-friendly environment.
The ranking also reflects Ohio's success in attracting major investments in manufacturing and technology. Projects such as Anduril's new facility near Columbus and major data center developments have helped strengthen the state's reputation for innovation and economic growth.
For Central Ohio and Union County, the recognition highlights the region's growing role in manufacturing, logistics, technology, and infrastructure investment. Employers such as Honda continue to play a significant role in the state's economic success.
While CNBC noted challenges in workforce development and education, Ohio is investing heavily in talent development through initiatives aimed at meeting future demand for STEM careers. With top rankings in infrastructure and business costs, along with a growing pipeline of major projects, Ohio has solidified its position as one of the nation's leading destinations for business investment and innovation.
Learn more about Ohio and Business
SBDC Export Assistance Network
Ohio businesses looking to expand beyond the local market have a valuable opportunity through the Ohio Small Business Development Center (SBDC) Export Assistance Network. This statewide program helps small and mid-sized companies successfully enter and grow in international markets by providing confidential, one-on-one advising at no cost.
Exporting offers significant growth potential, with most global customers located outside the United States, yet very few American businesses currently take advantage of those markets. The SBDC Export Assistance Network is designed to close that gap by giving businesses the expertise and tools needed to compete globally while reducing risk and saving valuable resources.
Participating businesses receive personalized support from Certified Global Business Professionals who help assess export readiness, identify the best international markets, and build a clear strategy for expansion. Advisors also provide guidance on critical areas such as financing, compliance, documentation, shipping, and logistics to ensure businesses can navigate global trade with confidence.
Additional services include market research, partner identification, cultural and language support, and preparation for trade missions or international opportunities, giving companies a comprehensive approach to exporting. Whether a business is new to exporting or looking to grow existing international sales, the program meets companies where they are and helps them move forward.
One of the biggest advantages is cost savings. Services that typically range from several thousand dollars to more than $12,000 are provided at no cost, allowing businesses to reinvest those funds into growth and market development.
Through the support of the Ohio Department of Development and the U.S. Small Business Administration, the SBDC network continues to help businesses increase sales, create jobs, and strengthen Ohio’s economy. Companies ready to explore exporting or expand into new markets are encouraged to connect with a local advisor and take advantage of this resource.
Successful Year for JobsOhio
JobsOhio says Ohio continued to outperform many states in 2025 despite a challenging economic climate. The organization helped secure 316 projects, generate $12.37 billion in capital investment, create more than 14,600 jobs, and retain nearly 36,000 existing jobs. Ohio also earned national recognition, ranking #5 for business, #1 for infrastructure, and #2 for cost of doing business.
Building on that success, JobsOhio is focused on growing key industries, strengthening the workforce, supporting business expansion, and investing in infrastructure and energy. New initiatives include a relocation incentive for out-of-state STEM talent and a $100 million energy fund to support future development. Through its long-term “JobsOhio 2030: Let’s Grow, Together” strategy, the organization aims to maintain Ohio’s economic momentum and ensure the state remains competitive for businesses and workers alike.
2026 UCF Gala
Celebrate Community at the 2026 UCF Gala
The Union County Foundation invites the community to its Annual Celebration Gala on September 17, 2026, from 5:30–8:30 PM at the Our Lady of Lourdes Parish Life Center in Marysville. This highly anticipated event brings together local supporters to celebrate a year of generosity, and the positive impact made across Union County.
Guests will enjoy an evening of dinner, socializing, and exciting live and silent auctions—all while honoring 2026 Foundation Pathmaker Chip Hubbs, a respected leader in community health and long-time advocate for local causes.
Tickets and sponsorship opportunities are available, with proceeds benefiting the Foundation’s grant programs that support nonprofits and strengthen the community year-round. Join us for a meaningful evening of celebration and giving back.
What does it take to build America’s next mobility innovation hub? It starts with people and partnerships, bringing together industry, government, academia, and communities around shared opportunities to test ideas, solve challenges, and move emerging technologies closer to deployment.
Chris Rockwell, Founder and President of Lextant, on his podcast "Seriously Curious", along with Eric Phillips and Doug McCullough, to discuss the partnerships, infrastructure, and collaborative efforts helping shape Central Ohio’s growing role in the future of mobility.
From connected vehicles and autonomous systems to advanced air mobility and smart infrastructure, this conversation explores the work underway across the region and the people helping turn innovation into real-world solutions.
Whether you’re developing the next generation of mobility technology or simply interested in where transportation is headed, tune in for a closer look at the technology and partnerships shaping one of the country’s emerging mobility innovation ecosystems.
Available wherever you get your podcasts.
Driving the Future of Mobility in Union County
Union County will once again take center stage in advanced transportation innovation as the Ohio’s Future of Mobility Conference returns on August 19 at the Automotive & Mobility Innovation Center.
This year’s theme, “From Concept to Connected,” highlights how cutting-edge mobility systems, from autonomous logistics to AI-powered infrastructure are being implemented in real-world environments today.
Hosted in The Beta District, the conference will bring together industry leaders, public partners, and innovators to explore connected transportation systems, advanced air mobility, electrification, and the infrastructure needed to support continued growth.
As one of the Midwest’s leading hubs for smart mobility development, Union County continues to demonstrate how collaboration and innovation are moving ideas from concept to reality.
Upcoming Events!
Upcoming Events
Pedal with Pete
Loc: Marysville Highschool
July 25th
Union County Fair
July 26th – August 1st
Avalon Theatre presents: 13 The Musical
Loc: Avalon Theatre
July 31st – August 2nd
22nd Annual Plant Sale
Loc: Union county services center
August 8th
Ernest – July 25th
Learn More About Upcoming Events
Search Properties33 Innovation Park
Seriously Curious Podcast: Featuring The Beta District
What's New: June 2026
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