Ohio Job Loss Second Highest in U.S. During June
Friday, July 19, 2013YOUNGSTOWN, Ohio – Ohio’s unemployment rate rose a fifth of a percentage point to 7.2% in June, and the 12,500 decrease in jobs -- the second highest in the nation -- provided early fodder for a Democrat looking to unseat Gov. John Kasich in next year’s election.
While up from May’s 7.0% unemployment rate, the June statistic was down a tenth of a point from 7.3% a year earlier, the Ohio Department of Job and Family services reported. Goods-producing industries lost 5,100 jobs from May to June, including a 3,100-job decline in manufacturing, and1,900 fewer construction jobs.
Region's Dairy Farmers 'Bullish' Despite Challenges
Friday, July 19, 2013JEFFERSON, Ohio -- A five-county survey of dairy farms has been released by TeamNEO, Ohio State University Extension and county business development organizations.
The survey collected data from dairy farmers in Ashtabula, Geauga, Lake, Portage and Trumbull counties during the spring. Forty-three percent of the 189 dairies surveyed replied to questions about their plans, prospects and challenges.
CCA Prison Seeks Public Support in Contract Bid
Friday, July 19, 2013YOUNGSTOWN, Ohio -- Representatives of Corrections Corporation of America Inc. say that a deciding factor on whether the Federal Bureau of Prisons renews its contract with its Northeast Ohio Correctional Center here may well depend on the level of community support heard in Washington D.C.
"There's obviously a lot at stake," says Steven Owen, spokesman for CCA, "not only for all our employees, but the businesses and other stakeholders from the community who benefit from the economic impact."
Siemens Corp. Acquires Cortland's Service Guide Inc.
Friday, July 19, 2013CORTLAND, Ohio -- Siemens Industry Inc., says that it’s completed the acquisition of Service Guide Inc., an industrial repair and refurbishing company based here.
The agreement calls for Siemens to acquire three of Service Industry's four plants in Cortland and Warren, according to a press release issued by Siemens.
"The acquisition of Service Guide Inc. will continue to enhance Siemens' capabilities, allowing us to provide a more complete spectrum of service products for our customers," said Gabriel Royo, vice president, metallurgical services.
Huntington Reports $150.7 Million in 2Q Net Income
Friday, July 19, 2013YOUNGSTOWN, Ohio -- Huntington Bancshares Inc., holding company of Huntington National Bank, Columbus, Thursday reported second-quarter net income of $150.7 million, or 17 cents per common share.
This compares to first-quarter net income $151.8 million, or 17 cents per common share, and second-quarter 2012 net income of $152.7 million, again 17 cents per share.
Said Frank Hierro, president of the Mahoning Valley region of the bank, “We’re pleased with a very solid quarter and that our strategies are paying off.”
Oh Wow! to Add Exhibit Area, Classroom
Friday, July 19, 2013YOUNGSTOWN, Ohio -- Oh Wow! The Roger & Gloria Jones Children’s Center for Science and Technology will add a new exhibit area dedicated to "making things" and a second classroom in a 3,000-square-foot expansion that began this week.
The center, which began operations two years ago, received a $25,000 grant from the Youngstown Foundation to support the project. The expansion is being developed in collaboration with Oh Wow!’s educational and manufacturing partners.
Portman Praises Cordray Confirmation, Seeks Accountability
Friday, July 19, 2013YOUNGSTOWN, Ohio -- U.S. Sen. Rob Portman says he's pleased the Senate has finally confirmed Richard Cordray as director of the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau, but he and other senators continue to have concerns about accountability at the agency.
Cordray, formerly Ohio's attorney general and treasurer, received a recess appointment to the agency last year by President Obama after Senate Republicans balked at his appointment. Senators moved forward on the nomination as part of an agreement in which Democratic Senate leaders agreed to not make changes to filibuster rules.
Voting Opens for DRS CommunIT Tech Giveaway
Friday, July 19, 2013YOUNGSTOWN, Ohio -- Residents of the Mahoning Valley have the chance to vote for the nonprofit organization they believe should win the CommunIT technology giveaway and website makeover, says Mike Meloy, CEO of DRS.
Residents have until Aug. 18 to choose among the 21 finalists for the award, which includes at least $30,000 in technology equipment and services and a website makeover donated by PALO Creative.
Four other finalists will each receive an in-depth analysis of their technology systems and a technology roadmap to guide future efforts, Meloy says.
'3 Minutes With' Jennifer Garrison, 6th District Congressional Candidate
Friday, July 19, 2013CANFIELD, Ohio -- In today's "3 Minutes With," Jennifer Garrison, a former Democratic state representative, discusses her candidacy for Congress in Ohio's 6th district and criticizes Republican incumbent U.S. Rep. Bill Johnson’s vote against reauthorizing the Violence Against Women Act. Garrison, of Marietta, announced her candidacy for the 6th District seat Tuesday (READ STORY).