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Lift That Barbell! Tote That Towel!
Wednesday, January 12, 2005"BOSTON -- The total number of commercial health clubs, fitness centersand gyms in the country increased to a record 26,830 facilities as ofthis month, the International Health, Racquet & SportsclubAssociation announced earlier today. This growth represents a 14%increase over January 2004 and a 3% increase since July 2004. More than 10 million Americans will join a health club this year andnearly two million will do so by becoming a health club member thismonth, which is the most popular time of year for new health clubmemberships, the association estimated.
Angel Investor Market is Taking Flight
Wednesday, January 12, 2005"DURHAM, N.H. -- The angel investor market appears to be on a sustained upward swing according to an analysis of the first half of 2004 by the Center for Venture Research at the University of New Hampshire Whittemore School of Business and Economics. "Angels traditionally have been the largest source of seed and start-up stage capital in the United States and angels continue to favor these stages, with 59% of the first half of 2004 angel investments in seed and start-up stage entrepreneurial ventures," said Jeffrey Sohl, director of the UNH Center for Venture Research.
Area Truck Sales Rose in '04, Cars Fell"
Wednesday, January 12, 2005LIBERTY Township, Ohio -- New truck sales in Trumbull, Mahoning and Columbiana counties were slightly higher in 2004 than 2003 but new car sales fell a bit, the Automobile Dealers Association of Eastern Ohio reports.In its summary for December, the ADAEO reported that dealers in the three counties sold 742 new trucks, bringing the number sold in 2004 to 10,786, up from 10,402 in 2003. Chevrolet remained the most popular make, with 248 trucks sold for the month and 4,020 for the year, down slightly from 4,038 sold in 2003.
State Farm to Pay $40 Million for Improper Titling Of Vehicles
Wednesday, January 12, 2005COLUMBUS, Ohio -- Ohio has joined a multi-state settlement with State Farm Mutual Automobile Insurance Co. that will provide $40 million in compensation to current owners of vehicles that have not been properly titled, according to Ohio Attorney General Jim Petro. "This settlement demonstrates how serious the consequences can be for improperly branding vehicle titles," said Petro.
ICDs Offer Protection Against Market Downturn
Wednesday, January 12, 2005Many investors in individual, trust and qualified accounts (IRAs, Roth IRAs, 401k, 403b, Educational Savings Accounts, etc.), would like to share in the return potential of a rising stock market without having their hard-earned dollars exposed to risk of a market downturn. There is a way that you can achieve both through a unique deposit investment: Dow Jones Indexed Certificates of Deposit (ICDs). The recent stock market adjustment and economic recession have caused many Americans to watch one-third to one-half of their investments evaporate.
Bank One Launches Overnight Payment Service
Wednesday, January 12, 2005CHICAGO -- Bank One has launched Overnight Check, a service that allows its customers to send a check as late as 10 p.m. EST for next-business-day delivery to anywhere in the continental United States. The payment delivery service, available through BankOne.com, is the first of its kind offered to consumers on a financial Web site, according to Charles Scharf, head of Retail Financial Services for JPMorgan Chase, parent of Bank One. Bank One already enables customers to make electronic payments to most merchants in just two days.
OfficeMax Delays Earnings Filing as Internal Investigation Continues
Wednesday, January 12, 2005ITASCA, Ill. -- Amid an ongoing internal investigation into issues relating to accounting for vendor income, OfficeMax Inc. will postpone the release of its fourth-quarter and full year 2004 earnings, officials announced earlier today. Also, the company's executive vice president and chief financial officer has resigned after holding the position for two months.Replacing Brian Anderson, who resigned, is former OfficeMax CFO Ted Crumley, who will serve on an interim basis while the company searches for a permanent replacement.
Warren Fabricating Eyes Major Expansion -- But Where?
Wednesday, January 12, 2005By Dan O'BrienWARREN, Ohio -- Warren Fabricating Corp. is considering a massive expansion project in Hubbard Township that could bring at least 100 new jobs to the area.However, the Toledo Blade has reported the company is also considering a brownfield site along the Maumee River in Toledo, promising as many jobs to that city.Mark Zigmont, a planner with the Trumbull County Planning Commission, confirms the company recently requested tax incentives of 100% over 15 years to cover more than $200 million of new investment in the project.
RTI Metals Subsidiary Lands Airbus Supply Contract
Wednesday, January 12, 2005NILES, Ohio -- RTI Europe Ltd., a subsidiary of RTI International Metals Inc., will supply value-added titanium products and services to Europe's largest aerospace group, European Aeronautic Defence and Space Co., through 2008, officials announced yesterday."This contract reflects the success of RTI's Fabrication & Distribution Group to add value to its products and the supply chain and continues a 30-year partnership with Airbus," said John Odle, executive vice president.
A&L Salvage to Pay $56,553 EPA Penalty"
Wednesday, January 12, 2005COLUMBUS, Ohio -- The Ohio Environmental Protection Agency has reached an agreement with A&L Salvage LLC, Lisbon, to increase environmental monitoring at the company's construction and demolition debris landfill located at 11225 State Route 45. The company also has agreed to new closure requirements and to pay a $56,553 civil penalty, according to a news release from the Ohio EPA.The orders require A&L Salvage to upgrade its ground water monitoring system and conduct explosive gas monitoring while the landfill is still operating, the release states.