OAQDA Issues Over $75,000 in Bond Financing for Healthier Dry Cleaning Project at Northeast Ohio Small Business

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE   
July 14, 2026
Media Contact: Lindsey Sanders 
[email protected]

419-618-1708

COLUMBUS - The Ohio Air Quality Development Authority (OAQDA) issued revenue bonds to finance new dry cleaning equipment at Kwick-N-Clean Dry Cleaners, a long-standing family-owned business in Cuyahoga County. Huntington Bank partnered with OAQDA to purchase the bonds, delivering the financing that helps the business retain jobs while meeting federal clean air and safety requirements.

The project, located at 15019 Madison Ave in Lakewood, includes replacing outdated perchlorethylene (PERC)-based equipment with a new hydrocarbon solvent dry-cleaning machine that complies with the latest federal rule prohibiting PERC solvents, a known carcinogen, in dry-cleaning operations. The new equipment eliminates the use of the toxic solvent, improves the economic stability of the small business, and creates safer working conditions for employees. The project will be supported by $75,731 in Small Business Clean Air Program financing, along with $15,146 in additional financial assistance to help offset upfront capital and closing costs to accelerate project completion.

"Kwick-N-Clean Dry Cleaners is a strong example of a long-standing Ohio small business that continues to invest in its future and its community while navigating compliance with federal regulations," said Christina O'Keeffe, executive director of OAQDA. "OAQDA is proud to partner in that effort by providing access to financing for critical equipment upgrades that reduce harmful emissions and support safe, reliable operations."

The project will help strengthen continued operations and retain five full-time jobs. Based on an analysis of the regional economic and environmental benefits of replacing PERC-based dry-cleaning equipment, the project is expected to generate approximately $456,476 in regional economic output tied to retaining workers and healthier operations, while avoiding an estimated $490,820 in healthcare and environmental costs from reduced toxic emissions and exposure risks.

"Lakewood is proud to be one of the densest communities in the country, but with that comes a great responsibility to protect our air quality so everyone is able to breathe clean air," said State Representative Tristan Rader (D-Lakewood). "Investments to ensure that we are taking care of our environment and the people in it are critical to having a healthy community."

"Small businesses like Kwick-N-Clean Dry Cleaners are deeply rooted in our communities, and supporting their ability to modernize is essential to their long-term success," said State Senator Nickie J. Antonio (D-Lakewood). "This financing helps a trusted Northeast Ohio business continue operating safely while maintaining the services local families depend on every day."

Investing in this new equipment will allow the business to comply with federal clean air requirements, which involve a final rule issued by the U.S. EPA that bans PERC over a phase-out period. OAQDA is taking action to provide financial assistance to Ohio dry cleaners working to comply by eliminating the harmful chemical and supporting improved health for their employees, customers, and the local community.

"We've owned and operated this business for more than 30 years. Over that time, we've continued reinvesting in our operations to strengthen the business and ensure its long-term success as part of the Northeast Ohio community," said Saad Sibai, co-owner of Kwick-N-Clean Dry Cleaning. "This financing helps us invest in new equipment to improve our operations, retain staff, and continue serving our customers safely and reliably."

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The Ohio Air Quality Development Authority (OAQDA) is an independent state agency that partners with cities, counties, and other municipalities across the state to stimulate job growth, drive economic benefits, and improve community health through financing air quality projects. OAQDA's primary activity is to further economic development in Ohio by providing financing and incentives for projects that cause a reduction in air emissions, regardless of whether the project uses coal, natural gas, oil or another resource type. Since its creation in 1970, OAQDA has issued more than $6 billion in revenue bonds for air quality projects to help Ohio employers achieve energy cost reductions and improve air quality. For more information about OAQDA and its services, please visit ohioairquality.ohio.gov .