City Approves V&M Reimbursement Agreement
Friday, January 18, 2013YOUNGSTOWN, Ohio – The Board of Control approved a reimbursement agreement with V&M Star, using funds from the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act, to assist V&M Star with the relocation of several Norfolk Southern rail lines on the V&M property.
In addition to the $2 million for the rail relocation, $500,000 will be expended to assist with relocating or closing at-grade crossings throughout the state on behalf of the Ohio Rail Commission to allow the railroad to be more efficient at how it transports materials, said David Bozanich, city finance director.
'3 Minutes With' David Bozanich, Youngstown finance director
Friday, January 18, 2013YOUNGSTOWN, Ohio -- In today's "3 Minutes With" video, David Bozanich, city finance director, discusses agreements with V&M Star and his retirement and one-year rehiring by the city. (READ STORY).
Via680, MDsConnect Partner for Patient Support
Friday, January 18, 2013YOUNGSTOWN, Ohio -- Via680, a communication software firm and portfolio company of the Youngstown Business Incubator, and MDsConnect.net, an online community and information resource for physicians, are launching a partnership intended to enhance communication between physicians and their patients and to increase patient compliance.
Local Toastmasters to Host Open House
Friday, January 18, 2013YOUNGSTOWN, Ohio -- Executive 408 Toastmasters is inviting area residents to an open house Jan. 18 at Shepherd of the Valley on Western Reserve Road in Beaver Township. Special guest speaker Roy Thomas, master fitness trainer, will talk about the importance of communication skills for today's professionals.
The event, which is free to the public, will take place from 6:45 p.m. to 8:45 p.m.
Other speakers include:
Former Ambulette Owner Charged with Fraud
Friday, January 18, 2013COLUMBUS, Ohio -- A federal indictment has been filed charging Rolando Sepulveda with seven counts of health care fraud in connection with the operation of his ambulette company, Med Transportation. Steven M. Dettelbach, U.S. Attorney for the Northern District of Ohio, and Ohio Attorney General Mike DeWine, announced the indictment in a joint press release.
Sepulveda, age 51, operated his business out of the Youngstown area and is currently believed to be residing in Puerto Rico, the law enforcement officials said.
Initiatives Advance to Draw New Talent to Industry
Thursday, January 17, 2013YOUNGSTOWN, Ohio -- Manufacturers, training providers and educators will learn tomorrow how their work is progressing to prepare industry in the Mahoning and Shenango valleys for what is likely a future with many challenges.
While the overall health of the economy is always in the background, and every manufacturer in the region has experienced the roller coaster rides of punishing recessions and great prosperity, the long-term answer to a sustainable manufacturing presence here is addressing the “skills gap” of the industrial workforce, they believe.
'Pathways to Competitiveness' to Benefit Oh-Penn
Thursday, January 17, 2013NEW CASTLE, Pa. -- Industry Needs You is beginning a skills gap analysis for the five-county Oh-Penn Interstate Region. The initiative is the outreach campaign conducted on behalf of the Industry Partners of Lawrence and Mercer Counties of Pennsylvania by the West Central Job Partnership.
Brown Pushes Reforms to Slow Foreclosure Process
Thursday, January 17, 2013YOUNGSTOWN, Ohio – U.S. Sen. Sherrod Brown, D-Ohio, says the recent agreement struck between federal regulators and 10 of the largest banks in the nation is a step in the right direction, but more long-term and meaningful reform is needed.
“It’s a small step, and not nearly what it should have been,” Brown told reporters at a press event Wednesday. “These payments will provide some relief, but not come close to the damage that happened.”
New Business Filings in Ohio Hit 88,068 in 2012
Thursday, January 17, 2013COLUMBUS, Ohio -- A total of 88,068 new entities filed to do business in Ohio last year, the third consecutive year in which the number surpassed the previous year.
“Ohio is heading in the right direction,” said Jon Husted, secretary of state. “We should build upon these successes and continue to make our state the preferred location for entrepreneurs to grow their businesses and create jobs.”
Ohio Liquor Sales Totaled $849 Million Last Year
Thursday, January 17, 2013COLUMBUS, Ohio -- Dollar sales of spirituous liquor in Ohio reached a record $849 million last year, up 7% from 2011. Spirituous liquor is intoxicating liquor containing more than 21% alcohol by volume.
“Consumer tastes are becoming more sophisticated, and Ohioans continue to trade up buying more of the premium products,” said David Goodman, director of the Ohio Department of Commerce, which oversees the Division of Liquor Control. “Better product selection and improved inventory management are key to meeting the needs of our consumers, without encouraging increased consumption.”