Strimbu Memorial Fund Distributes Nearly $175K in Grants
Wednesday, December 31, 2014BROOKFIELD, Ohio -- The Strimbu Memorial Fund awarded nearly $175,000 in grants to area organizations and individuals in 2014, the fund announced at its annual distribution committee meeting.
“The Strimbu Memorial Fund was created to perpetuate the work of the late Nick Strimbu Jr., who had a passion for leading individuals and economic development agencies in order to attract, assist and retain the industrial base of the valley,” said Paul O’Brien, board president.
Demand, Promotions Lift December New Car Sales
Wednesday, December 31, 2014SANTA MONICA, Calif. -- The pace of auto sales in December accelerated to a seasonally adjusted annualized rate of 16.9 million new units. The total was lifted by a strong economy, extended holiday promotional campaigns and mild weather conditions in most of the United States.
New light vehicle sales (including fleet) should reach 1,490,100 units for the month, up 9.5% over a year ago, according to a forecast from TrueCar Inc. On a daily selling rate basis, with one more selling day this December, deliveries likely are up 5.3%.
CCA Wants to Know Why It Lost Inmate Contract
Tuesday, December 30, 2014YOUNGSTOWN, Ohio -- Corrections Corporation of America has requested a meeting as soon as this week with the Federal Bureau of Prisons for an official explanation on why it lost the contract that accounts for the vast majority of its inmates at its Northeast Ohio Correctional Center here, Mayor John McNally said Monday.
UCFC Board Authorizes Repurchase of More Shares
Tuesday, December 30, 2014YOUNGSTOWN, Ohio -- The Board of Directors of United Community Financial Corp. Monday authorized the repurchase of as many as 2.5 million common shares.
UCFC is the holding company of the Home Savings and Loan Co.
Last May 14, the directors reinstituted the holding company’s stock repurchase program and authorized the repurchase of as many as 1,477,804 common shares. Since then the company has repurchased 1,363,500 at an average price of $4.60 per share.
Hilcorp Secures New Permits in Mercer County
Tuesday, December 30, 2014YOUNGSTOWN, Ohio -- Hilcorp Energy Co. secured three new permits for horizontal wells this month in neighboring Mercer County, Pa., according to the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection.
The Houston-based energy company is the most active driller in the northern tier of the Utica shale, which includes Lawrence and Mercer counties in Pennsylvania and Mahoning, Trumbull and Columbiana counties in Ohio.
YBI Encourages Middle School's ‘Smart Cookies’
Tuesday, December 30, 2014YOUNGSTOWN, Ohio -- Four weeks ago, the Austintown Middle School Smart Cookies robotics team won two awards at a First Lego League competition in Warren. One was for an innovation they designed for a smartphone app to help kids with learning disabilities improve their math skills.
On Monday, they talked to the Youngstown Business Incubator, looking to develop and produce the app.
'3 Minutes With' Melinda Doll, Taylor Baer, Jim Cossler
Tuesday, December 30, 2014YOUNGSTOWN, Ohio -- Today's '3 Minutes With' video features Melinda Doll, First Lego League coach at Austintown Middle School, Taylor Baer, a member of the school’s Smart Cookies robotics team, and Jim Cossler, CEO of the Youngstown Business Incubator.
Franklin Looks to Tech, Education for Brighter ‘15
Monday, December 29, 2014WARREN, Ohio -- Technology and education are driving recent and upcoming initiatives in this city.
Among the highlights of 2014 Mayor Doug Franklin cites is the relocation of Laird Technologies from Sharpsville, Pa., bringing 200 jobs here including 50 new jobs. “They’re a global leader in remote technologies in harsh environments,” he said. “It’s very cutting-edge technology and the growth expectations are off the charts basically.”
The mayor reflected on what he’s seen in his city in an end-of-the-year interview.
Ohio College Savings Plans Exceed Other States
Monday, December 29, 2014COLUMBUS, Ohio -- The average annual contribution to Ohio's CollegeAdvantage Direct Plan accounts was $2,900 in 2013. By the time a beneficiary reaches age 3 years, his average account balance is $8,741.
By the time a beneficiary reaches age 17, the average account balance has reached $24,810, according to a report from the Ohio Tuition Trust Authority. The average account balance is $16,266. In comparison, the national average account balance was $20,671 at June 30.
Sales of Existing Houses Slow in November
Friday, December 26, 2014WASHINGTON -- After hitting their highest level of the year, sales of existing houses sales slid in November as fewer houses were put on the market, the National Association of Realtors reports. Houses sold declined across the United States compared to October.