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NEO Growth Watch Showcases Thriving Businesses
Monday, January 31, 2005"CANTON, Ohio -- If you think the local economy is in the dumps, it's time to think again. Many northeast Ohio companies are thriving, according to a new online business barometer called NEO Growth Watch. The Web site, which showcases the successes of small businesses in northeast Ohio and Stark County, was developed by The Karcher Group. "There are businesses in our own backyard that are creating new jobs and generating revenue," says Geoff Karcher, company president.
Townticker Community Bulletin Board Launched Nationwide
Monday, January 31, 2005"GIRARD, Ohio -- Townticker.com is in full operation and accepting information, according to a company news release. The new Web site allows visitors to submit and promote nonprofit events, group, or association information for any city and state in the United States. Information can be submitted and viewed free of charge. The site can be used to post meeting notices as well as events such as city festivals, craft shows, school plays, live theater schedules and more as long as the item is submitted by a nonprofit organization, the release said.
City Paid Cleveland Firm $30,000 to Defend Lawsuit "
Monday, January 31, 2005By Dan O'BrienYOUNGSTOWN, Ohio -- The city of Youngstown paid more than $30,000 in attorney fees to the outside law firm it hired last year to handle a legal dispute with The Business Journal.Documents show the city was invoiced a total of $30,051.10 by Ulmer & Berne LLP, Cleveland, for work the firm performed related to the suit The Business Journal filed in October 2003 seeking public records. The suit named the city of Youngstown, Mayor George McKelvey and former Law Director John A.
InfoCision Gets State Seven-Year Jobs Tax Credit
Monday, January 31, 2005COLUMBUS, Ohio -- To help InfoCision Management Corp.'s plan to establish a call center in Youngstown, the Ohio Tax Credit Authority has approved a 55% Job Creation Tax Credit for a seven-year term, according to state Lt. Gov. Bruce Johnson. Company officials expect 250 jobs to be created within the first three years of operation, he added. The value of the tax credit will be $363,613 over the term and the company is required to maintain operations at the site for 14 years, Johnson said, adding that the total project is valued at more than $1 million.
YSU Accounting Department Offers Free Tax Help
Monday, January 31, 2005YOUNGSTOWN, Ohio -- It's tax time, and Youngstown State University's Department of Accounting is again working with trained business students and professional volunteers to help taxpayers with special needs through the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance program. VITA, which has been assisting taxpayers with special needs for many years, offers free assistance to taxpayers, including but not limited to persons with disabilities, students and older taxpayers who file Form 1040EZ, Form 1040A or a basic Form 1040 federal tax return.
Middlefield Banc Corp. Nets $3.3 Million for 2004
Monday, January 31, 2005MIDDLEFIELD, Ohio -- Middlefield Banc Corp. reports fourth quarter 2004 net income of $858,000, a 3.13% increase over the fourth quarter of 2003 and a 4.41% increase over the third quarter of 2004. On a diluted per share basis, earnings for the fourth quarter were 66 cents, up 1.22% from the year-ago quarter.During the fourth quarter of 2004, the company recognized a loss of $98,000 on a sale of securities as the company repositioned its balance sheet for long-term growth, officials said.For the fiscal year ending Dec.
Super Bowl Signals Sing-along Site
Monday, January 31, 2005PHILADELPHIA -- Who wins the Super Bowl will determine which gubernatorial first family sings the National Anthem at an NBA game in April. Pennsylvania Gov. Edward G. Rendell and Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney have made a wager on the outcome of the Feb. 6 Super Bowl, in which the Philadelphia Eagles take on the New England Patriots.The loser's state first family will sing the National Anthem on the winning team's home basketball court when the Philadelphia 76ers play the Boston Celtics April 3 -- and they'll do it while wearing the opposing teams jersey. For his part, Rendell isn't worried.
FordDirect Drives 9% of Ford Retail Sales
Monday, January 31, 2005NEW ORLEANS -- Ford, Lincoln and Mercury dealers sold more than 210,000 vehicles from FordDirect Internet referrals last year, and sales of from these referrals accounted for 9% of total Ford Division sales in 2004, Steve Lyons, Ford Division president, announced at the National Automobile Dealers Association Convention here.FordDirect was founded in August 2000 by the Ford National Dealer Council to create an online presence that leverages the collective strength of Ford Division with the distribution channel of the local dealer.
State Sues Local Home Improvement Contractor
Monday, January 31, 2005COLUMBUS, Ohio -- State Attorney General Jim Petro has filed a lawsuit against Youngstown-based Better Plumbers and Home Improvement Inc., and its owner, James Durkin. The lawsuit was filed Friday in Mahoning County Common Pleas Court. Petro alleges that Durkin and his company failed to deliver products ordered by consumers, performed shoddy work, failed to obtain necessary permits and licenses and continued to operate after a court ordered them to cease business until proper permits and licenses were obtained.
Five Money Lessons Mama Didn't Know
Monday, January 31, 2005By Sanyika Calloway Boyce When I received my first credit card in college, I thought someone had just given me $1,000. Little did I realize that I would have to repay the money. To make matters worse, I was charged interest. I could have easily avoided getting myself into financial trouble had my parents taught me how to use credit in a responsible manner. But in fact, they didn't know either. Like too many college students, I never had a firm foundation when it came to money and credit. When I became independent, I blew it -- literally -- by racking up $15,000 in unsecured debt.