Ohio Air Quality Development Authority

06/12/2025 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 06/12/2025 12:40

OAQDA Issued Nearly $175,000 for Air Quality Improvement Project to Family-Owned Small Business in Wood County, Ohio

June 12, 2025

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
June 12, 2025

Media Contact: Lindsey Sanders lsanders@murphyepson.com419-618-1708

OAQDA Issued Nearly $175,000 for Air Quality Improvement Project to Family-Owned Small Business in Wood County, Ohio

COLUMBUS - The Ohio Air Quality Development Authority (OAQDA) has closed on $171,710 in bond financing to support a project at Moes Body Shop in Fostoria, Ohio. Located at 1247 North Countyline Street, Moes Body Shop has served the customers of Wood County and the surrounding areas for 77 years. The local business is undertaking clean air equipment upgrades at their location that will simultaneously include the preservation of six jobs and the creation of one job. Financial assistance is provided through OAQDA's Small Business Assistance Program.

"Moes Body Shop is a great example of the hard-working, family-owned businesses that keep Ohio's economy strong," said Christina O'Keeffe, executive director of OAQDA. "They've been serving their community for generations, and we're proud to support their investment in cleaner, safer technology. Projects like this show how small businesses can lead the way in protecting both public health and the environment, while continuing to grow and create jobs."

Moes Body Shop will replace an existing spray paint booth with a new 30' Global Finishing Solutions Ultra XD Heated Downdraft Spray Booth to capture air contaminants in the automotive painting process. This replacement will reduce harmful air emissions and help protect the health of employees, customers and the community while allowing Moes to meet federal clean air regulations. In addition to bond financing, the project will receive a grant award of $20,000 to offset financing the project costs.

"As a fourth-generation family business, we take pride in maintaining high standards while minimizing our environmental impact," said Brett Moes, owner of Moes Body Shop. "This new spray booth technology will help us meet clean air standards, enhance safety for our team, support job growth and strengthen our long-term commitment to the community. We're thankful for OAQDA's support in making this important investment possible."

"Family-owned businesses like Moes Body Shop are the backbone of our local economy," said Sen. Theresa Gavarone (R-Bowling Green). "I'm proud to see Ohio supporting small businesses that are investing in both our future and our community's well-being."

"It's encouraging to see longtime Ohio businesses leading by example in their community," said Rep. Haraz N. Ghanbari (R-Perrysburg). "Moes Body Shop's investment demonstrates how innovation and responsibility can go hand in hand to support job growth and ensure a healthier future for Wood County."

Through its Small Business Assistance Program, OAQDA offers financing packages that are structured to suit the needs of individual projects, which are incentivized with financial benefits using conduit bonds and grants to help small businesses cover a portion of project costs. To learn more about OAQDA's programs visit ohioairquality.ohio.gov.

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The Ohio Air Quality Development Authority (OAQDA) is a non-regulatory government agency working to position Ohio as a leader in harmonizing a strong economy and a healthy environment. Since its creation in 1970, OAQDA has worked to improve air quality by supporting businesses, creating jobs and improving communities while enhancing the health and safety of all Ohioans. To date, OAQDA has awarded more than $6 billion to finance air quality projects. For more information about OAQDA and its services, please visit ohioairquality.org.

Ohio Air Quality Development Authority published this content on June 12, 2025, and is solely responsible for the information contained herein. Distributed via Public Technologies (PUBT), unedited and unaltered, on June 12, 2025 at 18:41 UTC. If you believe the information included in the content is inaccurate or outdated and requires editing or removal, please contact us at support@pubt.io