Manufacturing still hits pretty hard. Never mind higher interest rates and a challenging economy — investment in U.S. manufacturing has grown this year, although there have been some worrisome demand signals recently, according to the folks at Deloitte. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics puts national employment in manufacturing at about 13 million. And what’s the Dayton-area situation? I’m glad you asked. Manufacturing industry growing in Dayton region; thousands of job openings remain Growth path: Manufacturing’s impact grew in the Dayton area over the past year, according to a data assembled for the Dayton Region Manufacturing Association. What they’re saying: “We have seen significant growth in manufacturing in the Dayton region over the past several years, and that trend continued in 2024,” DRMA President Angelia Erbaugh said. “The industry is trending up in terms of number of employees, job openings, and average earnings.” (Some of) The numbers: Manufacturers have a total $11.6 billion annual payroll in a 14-county West Central Ohio region around Dayton, with 2,487 companies employing a collective 130,861 people, 15.3% of the region’s workforce. Gem City Market is not sustainable. Supporters say shoppers can change that What could happen: Gem City Market, a community-owned, full-service grocery store that brought fresh food to Northwest Dayton, wanted to break even around its four-year anniversary. Instead, advocates fear the market may close. Why it matters: “We’re going to be straight with you: if we don’t step up for our co-op right now, the Gem City Market may not be sustainable,” the market said in an email to more than 5,000 local co-owners who purchased memberships. Moeller Brew Barn in downtown Dayton to close this month Dual announcements came within minutes of each other, it seemed, on a Friday afternoon. First: Three months after closing its Troy location, Moeller Brew Barn has announced the last day of operation for its downtown Dayton brewery. “It is with sadness and disappointment that we announce Moeller Brew Barn Dayton will be closing on Monday, Dec. 23,” the brewery posted in a recent social media post. Yes, but: Pins Mechanical Co., known for its blend of old-school entertainment, handcrafted cocktails and social atmosphere, is coming spring 2025 to the former location of Moeller Brew Barn, that business announced. Beavercreek contracts with Woolpert for first comprehensive stormwater study in 40 years What happened: Beavercreek has contracted with architecture and engineering firm Woolpert to provide stormwater management analysis to help improve flood prevention and erosion protection in the city, the first such analysis in over 40 years, the company said. Why it matters: Like many communities, Beavercreek faces more frequent flooding events, said Woolpert project manager David DiCesare, which strains city infrastructure. Wright-Patt exec named as new IDO director What happened: A face familiar to many at Air Force Research Laboratory and Wright-Patterson Air Force Base will take the helm of a new Air Force Materiel Command office whose mission is helping the Air Force solve problems in acquisition. What she said: “I’m excited to be part of the IDO. I think it represents a huge leap in our ability to deliver capability to the warfighter,” said Amanda Gentry, who will lead the new Integrated Development Office (IDO). “It’s not simple though. It’s a complex portfolio. We need to make sure all our systems are integrated, and if we get this right, we are going to change the Air Force.” Contact me: Thank you as always for reading. You can reach me at tom.gnau@coxinc.com. I’m also at X, LinkedIn and on our Dayton Business Facebook page. Indoor adventure in Kettering? No, it’s not my house. Former auditor’s employee: Charged with theft. | 
