Rowan Hetzer
Verified
(She/Her)
As seen in:
Dayton Business Journal,
Bizwomen,
Cincinnati Business Courier,
Cincinnati Inno,
Columbus Business First,
Flipboard,
Jacksonville Business Journal,
St. Louis Business Journal,
Washington Business Journal,
WKRC-TV (Cincinnati, OH),
UC NEWS
and
Covers:
Health care, manufacturing, defense, residential real estate, economic development and education specifically for the Dayton, Ohio region.
Articles by Rowan Hetzer
Xenia city manager calls local economy 'red-hot,' eyes major transformative projects in 2027
Brent Merriman, longtime city manager of Xenia, describes the city's local economic environment as "excellent and red-hot." Here's an inside look into what's driving the city's growth strategy for the next year.
Private equity firms complete $1.7M deal for Kettering veterinary clinic property
Two private equity firms have finalized a real estate deal involving a local veterinarian’s office following a major acquisition of a veterinary property portfolio worth more than $250 million.
One Dayton private school earns A+ grade as new Niche rankings reveal top 12
The rankings are based on state test scores, student-teacher ratios and both student and parent reviews. Ten of the 12 schools on the list maintain a religious affiliation.
Piqua nursing home property sells for $2.6M following property portfolio acquisition
The buyer is linked to an operator who holds a 12% ownership stake in the facility and investment stakes across affiliated holdings.
Local businesses step up to support new Breeze Airways routes at Dayton airport
The two firms handle maintenance for the new flights. Breeze has named Dayton as one of its top performing stations.
Defense firm to add $3.6M in payroll, 17 jobs at Beavercreek facility by 2029
The company will add 17 jobs and $3.6 million in annual payroll at its facility in the Woolpert building. The space is currently used for military mission testing and engineering support.
Fast-growing defense tech firm names 2 industry vets to CTO, COO roles
Both executives bring more than 15 years of experience in defense technology and national security solutions. One is the firm's first CTO.
Just in: Premier Health taps new president, CEO from out-of-state
She will take the helm in early 2027, bringing leadership experience from notable academic medical centers across the nation. She succeeds a retiring CEO who is leaving a successful legacy behind him.
$217M wastewater facility overhaul clears environmental review, groundbreaking set
A major public works facility project – valued at more than $200 million – is ready to move forward. This will impact three municipalities within the Miami Valley region.
South Korea battery maker to open first U.S. plant near Dayton region, create 400+ jobs Original
South Korea-based Sebang Lithium Battery is launching its first U.S. facility in Jeffersonville, bringing 400+ new jobs and pushing the Dayton region past a milestone of 50,000 created jobs since 2011. Get the details.
Dayton college lands $10M to help 5K+ students overcome barriers to education
The school will use the grants to expand college access and career readiness services across the region, providing services for 5,000 students annually through state and federal talent search programs. Get the details.
Piqua forklift firm breaks ground on $2M HQ expansion to add technicians, work space
A family-owned forklift firm has broken ground on a $2 million facility expansion. This will lead to increased service capabilities and is expected to create jobs.
Dayton's top 5 high schools' rankings hold steady while grades fluctuate for peers
Analysis of Department of Education data shows enrollment is down at many of the region's top high schools. Three area schools saw their overall letter grades change.
UD leader tapped for interim role as provost prepares for presidency
As the University of Dayton prepares for its current provost to assume the presidency, a temporary leader has been named while a national search for a permanent successor gets underway. Get the details.
Troy Raytheon subsidiary wins third contract of 2026 to work on Air Force's largest plane Original
The Department of War identified the site as the only known source capable of performing this specialized work.
Exclusive: First tenant revealed for Synergy's Wright-Patterson AFB landmark Stratos project
The first tenant has been announced for Wright-Patterson Air Force Base’s landmark EUL project. Here’s who’s moving in – and what’s next for the massive development.
Springboro's Heather's Cafe owner adapts operations amid breast cancer treatment - Dayton Business Journal
Breast cancer may have changed how Heather's Cafe has run, but it sure hasn't stopped its owner.
GE Aerospace sends $16M defense order for fighter jet repair work to Vandalia
The new work order follows a separate multimillion-dollar delivery contract for generators and alternators. It strengthens the Dayton region’s role in sustaining military combat aircraft fleets.
Defense Engineering Corp. lands $37M+ contract for long range kill web work
A local defense firm will continue providing specialized services after securing a multi-million dollar contract tied to a broad Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL) initiative.
The Dayton Foundation selects 2027 cohort for Del Mar Encore Fellowship program
Seven newly-appointed fellows are joining a vital community initiative that has generated approximately $4.6 million in value for the Greater Dayton economy since its start. See who is joining the cohort.
These city of Xenia employees made $90K+ in 2025 (The Pay Check) Original
The 60 highest-paid personnel on the City of Xenia's payroll last year each brought home more than $90,000. See who earned the most.
Dayton's top colleges, universities share enrollment, financials and challenges ahead
Driven by rising enrollment, stable finances and a focus on AI and workforce needs, Dayton's higher-ed institutions are heading into the 2026 academic year with strong momentum. Here's what the top schools had to say.
University of Dayton names 20th president as historic leader prepares to take the helm
Darlene Weaver will become the first female leader in the university's 175-year history. She succeeds Eric Spina following his retirement announcement.
Online auction marketplace shutters Dayton facility amid real estate reorganization
An upcoming closure of an online auction marketplace's local warehouse will lead to the lay off more than 30 employees. Company executives cite increased operational efficiency for the decision.
Riverside appoints familiar face to city manager following unanimous council approval
After months of searching, one of Dayton’s largest municipalities has named its next city leader. See which familiar face is taking the reins.
Dayton's largest defense contractor snags role in $85M aerospace research initiative
The nonprofit research institute joins four other firms on the 10-year aerospace project. All work will occur within the Dayton region.
Defense contractor sends work to Dayton in contract that could reach $470M+
A Virginia-based defense contractor that recently completed a major local expansion has secured a contract that could reach almost half a billion dollars in value – with work set for Dayton.
Dayton defense contractor Mile 2 acquires West Virginia-based Azimuth Inc.
The acquisition expands the companies' capabilities to integrate software, hardware and engineering solutions for defense clients.
Court modifies restraining order, denies preliminary injunction as Antioch-CCG legal battle continues
Ongoing legal proceedings between Antioch University and the Coalition for the Common Good (CCG) have shifted following recent judicial rulings on prior court orders. Here's an overview of each order's current standing and the reasons for these rulings.
Private university to expand to Florida's Gulf Coast with new Clearwater location
The Clearwater campus will initially offer one degree program under a provisional license. Classes start in January.
Dayton area's top middle schools see enrollment growth, higher student-teacher ratios
Niche based its list on state test scores, student-teacher ratios and reviews from students and parents. Here's how Dayton-area middle schools fared in the 2027 rankings.
Custom bras to heart pumps: 5 Dayton-area inventions published in Q3
What do a sled-pulling harness, a yoga mat dryer and a custom fit bra have in common? They all appeared in newly-published patent applications by Dayton-area inventors in Q3. See what else made the list.
Middletown facility closes as packaging work shifts to new Columbus plant; 91 jobs cut
The closure follows the opening of a new flagship facility in Newark. Work will be consolidated into larger and more efficient operations.
Niche rankings reshuffle Dayton's top 20 elementary schools
Niche’s latest rankings have reshuffled the list of the Dayton area’s top 20 elementary schools. See where each school ranked and what comparisons to last year's results show.
Accelevation CEO, CFO talk going public, impact on growth and employee equity
Accelevation Holdings launched its IPO with 30 million shares, marking the first time in more than two decades a Dayton-area business has gone public. Key executives discussed what lies ahead.
Boeing extends Dayton site's Navy aircraft work with $31.5M extension
The work includes equipment maintenance and sustainment support for the maritime patrol aircraft for the Navy and six foreign military aviation programs. Get the details.
Miamisburg inventor built a global reputation on telescopic golf clubs and wishing wells Original
This Miamisburg inventor has built a global reputation for both himself and his products, which span from telescopic golf club shafts and course-ready e-bikes to wishing wells and web-based voice conferencing systems. Here's a glimpse into his 45-year career.
Family uniform maker grows from basement operation to top outfitter
The family started in a basement making flags and color guard costumes. Now it operates from its own facility and ships roughly 40,000 items annually, holding strong as one of the largest marching band outfitters in the world.
CenterPoint closes $2.62B sale of Dayton natural gas business to New York utility company
The New York-based company completed its acquisition of Centerpoint Energy's natural gas business, which serves 16 counties and 335,000 customers. Here's what we know.
Family-owned construction firm tapped for $17M Texas defense building
The project includes demolishing two existing structures and building a new aerospace ground equipment facility. Completion is targeted for May 2029.
WPAFB taps 2 firms for advanced autonomous AI work valued at $100M+
Two Virginia-based tech firms have been tapped for extensive AI work at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base. Together, these contracts are valued at more than $100 million.
Dayton data center manufacturer Accelevation debuts on Nasdaq with 30M-share IPO
One of Dayton’s largest – and fastest-growing – private companies is going public. The company reported revenue of $447.8 million in 2025, and its initial public offering price is estimated between $20 and $24 per share.
DRMA expands into 6 new northern counties after similar organization dissolves
Dayton’s primary manufacturing advocacy group is expanding its reach up north, adding six counties to its service area. See where the group is expanding.
Private university lands $3M tech grant – its largest single-source award to date
The nation’s oldest private historically Black university – located here in the Dayton region – has been awarded a $3 million federal grant, marking its largest single-source federal funding to date. Get the details.
Henny Penny promotes C-suite exec to COO after 2 year vacancy
He joined Henny Penny in 2022 and has held two other C-suite roles. The previous COO departed more than two years ago.
Hamilton health system to build health center on former Frisch's site in Eaton
A rapidly-growing health system in the Greater Dayton area is getting ready to build its newest facility. It acquired the 6,400-square-foot property – a former Frisch's Big Boy – for $1.025 million in August.
Centerville Amazon delivery partner files layoff notice for 179 workers, but all will keep their jobs
Although a recent mass layoff filing indicates that a local Amazon delivery company is shutting down, more than 170 workers will retain their employment after all. Get the details.
Family-owned poultry farm grows to 400+ acres with $1.33M land purchase
Local farmers tied to a family-owned poultry operation have expanded their footprint, growing their land ownership to more than 400 acres.
Leidos, Booz Allen Hamilton added to $85M Dayton-centric VOLARE contract vehicle
Five contractors have now been added to the VOLARE initiative. All award announcements suggest 100% of performance will occur in Dayton.
Defense contractor relocates HQ to Dayton, eyes facility investment
A company with a strong presence at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base (WPAFB) has decided to officially relocate its headquarters to Dayton. It's also looking to invest in a new innovation facility.
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