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Ring in Profits for New Year
Tuesday, December 28, 2004"By Howard LewinterThe New Year always brings about some degree of self-examination and resolution. But while many of us are busy looking for ways to improve ourselves personally, all too few business owners are making the same effort to determine how to improve their business' profitability and success in the coming year.Specifically, chief executive officers, presidents and business owners should be examining the business just as much as the role they perform within the company.
'Big Three' Likely to Include Toyota by 2009
Tuesday, December 28, 2004"DETROIT -- The "Big Three" automakers likely will include the Toyota Group by decade's end, according to CSM Worldwide. Currently fourth in the U.S. auto market behind General Motors, Ford and DaimlerChrysler, Toyota is expected to pass DaimlerChrysler to become the third largest seller of automobiles in the United States by 2009.Currently, Toyota holds 12% of U.S. light vehicle sales. By 2009, CSM projects annual Toyota Group sales to widen 24% to more than 2.5 million units per year, or s 14.1% market share, enough to dislodge DaimlerChrysler.
"Wheeling-Pitt, Severstal Plan Coke-making Joint Venture"
Tuesday, December 28, 2004"WHEELING, W.Va. -- Wheeling-Pittsburgh Steel Corp. and Severstal North America Inc. are planning to create a joint venture involving Wheeling-Pittsburgh's Coke Plant in Follansbee, W.Va. The two companies have signed a non-binding letter of intent for the project and a definitive agreement is expected on or before March 31, 2005.Under the agreement, Wheeling- Pittsburgh Steel will contribute the assets of its Follansbee Coke Plant to the joint venture and Severstal will contribute most of the capital to rebuild the facility over the next four years, officials said.
Trumbull Library to Offer Interviewing Workshops
Tuesday, December 28, 2004"WARREN, Ohio -- The Warren-Trumbull County Public Library has partnered with Accountemps to offer interviewing skills workshops at three library locations during January and February. All workshops begin at 6:30 p.m."How to Ace an Interview" will be offered as follows:Jan. 10: Howland Branch, 9095 E. Market St., WarrenJan. 31: Liberty Branch, 415 Churchill-Hubbard Road, Liberty TownshipFeb. 10: Main Library, 444 Mahoning Ave.
"Ohio Steel Shipping, Production Reach Four-Year High"
Tuesday, December 28, 2004"COLUMBUS, Ohio -- Shipping and production for Ohio's steel industry reached a four-year high for the first nine months of 2004, reflecting strong demand in most steel markets, according to the latest report from the Ohio Steel Council. Steel production for the first nine months of 2004 was 11 million tons, the highest figure since 2000, when production was 13.6 million tons. Production for 2004 is up 14.9% compared with the corresponding period in 2003. Shipments were 11.4 million tons for the first nine months of 2004, up 13.4 % over the 2003 period.
"Iraqi Abuse Photos, NBA Brawls Among Worst PR Blunders"
Tuesday, December 28, 2004"SAN FRANCISCO -- Defense Department black eye, showcasing violence, a corporate scrooge, and unexpected prime time sex highlight this year's 10th anniversary list of public relations blunders compiled by Fineman PR. The annual list is a collection of some of the year's worst public relations gaffes. Selections are limited to avoidable acts or omissions that cause adverse publicity, image damage was done to self, company, society or others and those that were widely reported in 2004. And the "winners" for 2004 are:Rumsfeld's Abu Ghraib Scandal.
Tri-State Completes Purchase of MDH Investments
Tuesday, December 28, 2004EAST LIVERPOOL, Ohio -- Tri-State 1st Banc. Inc. (Nasdaq TSEO), parent of 1st National Community Bank and Gateminder Corp., has completed its purchase of the assets of MDH Investment Management Inc. The closing occurred Dec. 22.MDH manages some $65 million in 14 states. Charles B. Lang, president of Tri-State, made the announcement Dec. 23. The purchase was announced last July and the Federal Reserve Bank gave its approval Dec. 16, Lang said.Marc D. Hoffrichter, president of MDH, will continue as its president and chief executive officer.
Duferco Farrell Gets $1.89 Million Funding Package
Tuesday, December 28, 2004HARRISBURG, Pa. -- Duferco Farrell Corp., Farrell, Pa., will receive a $1.89 million state funding package, Pennsylvania Community and Economic Development Secretary Dennis Yablonsky announced late yesterday. The local company's project is one of 26 statewide that received a collective $16.06 million and are expected to create 1,151 jobs and retain 7,974 within the next three years.Duferco Farrell expects to create 10 jobs and retain 486 employees when it renovates its Farrell facility, which manufactures and markets hot and cold roll steel products.
Hey, Boss! Are You a Referee or a Coach?"
Tuesday, December 28, 2004PITTSBURGH -- More than half of U.S. employees said their boss is a referee instead of a coach, according to a recent survey by Development Dimensions International. While coaches proactively help employees before they are in a position to make a mistake, a referee boss waits for the mistake to call a penalty and tell the employee what he or she should have done instead.
Most New Year's Resolutions Not Job-Related
Tuesday, December 28, 2004YOUNGSTOWN, Ohio -- Whether it's the improving economy or that they are more concerned with bettering their health, professionals are not thinking about their jobs when making New Year's resolutions, a recent survey by Accountemps shows. Fully 55%, in fact, say they never make a career-focused New Year's resolution, and 85% did not make one last year.