Business First-Columbus articles from November 2001

Business First-Columbus archives from November 2001

State cuts forcing OSU to tap another $5M from rainy day fund.(Ohio State University)(Brief Article)
November 2, 2001... For the second time in six months, Ohio State University plans to tap its rainy day fund to offset some of the financial fallout From state budget cuts. However, hundreds of OSU jobs may still have to be eliminated over the next 18 months....

AEP arm powers into Arena digs.(American Electric Power comes to Columbus, Ohio)(Brief Article)
November 2, 2001... District spec space is depleting American Electric Power's fastgrowing wholesale trading and marketing division plans to move into the Arena District in March as the utility takes half of the popular district's available office space. ...

SUED WITH A KISS.(Ace Frehley sues toy company)(Brief Article)
November 2, 2001... Famed guitarist takes on ReSaurus A quick search of the Internet shows that for collectors of action figures -- and there are plenty of them out there -- one way to get their collectibles to strike a really cool pose is to strap on a really...

Region trails Ohio counterparts in VC.(Brief Article)
November 2, 2001... Central Ohio continues to lag the Cleveland and Cincinnati areas in venture capital deals while funding activity overall in the state slipped during the third quarter. The findings were reported in October by Los Angeles-based Growthink...

Accommodating one employee leads to claim.(James Sanders sues United Parcel Service)(Brief Article)
November 2, 2001... A recent court case proves that for Ohio employers, the road to the courthouse is paved with good intentions. James Sanders worked for United Parcel Service in the Cincinnati area for two years before he injured his left arm at work and...

Notable upcoming birthdays of Central Ohio executives.(Brief Article)
November 2, 2001... * Wayne Hanson, financial planner, Steinhaus Financial Group: Nov. 2 * George Bleimes, director of operations, Advanced Programming Resources Inc.: Nov. 3 * Matthew Grossman, president, Axis Group: Nov. 3 * Michael Hale, managing...

Graceland's Big Bear Plus undergoing $1M rehab.(Brief Article)
November 2, 2001... Graceland Shopping Center's Big Bear Plus store is in the midst of a $1 million upgrade. Syracuse-based Penn Traffic Co., owner of Central, Ohio's Big Bear chain, is reorganizing the Columbus supermarket and discount department store to...

Well-healed in doctors.(Ohio's demand for radiologists)(Brief Article)
November 2, 2001... Columbus maintains supply in time of shortage It is evident to Dr. Michael Levey that radiologists are in hot demand in many parts of the country. "I don't go a day without getting a letter from a national recruiter;' said the...

On-the-go service for Road Runner biz clients to launch in Columbus.(Columbus division of Time Warner Communications )(Brief Article)
November 2, 2001... The Columbus division of Time Warner Communications will be the first in the country to launch a new product that will make it easier for its business customers to get online when they travel. The cable vendor will take the wraps off its...

United Way passes midway point of fund-raising goal.(Brief Article)(Statistical Data Included)
November 2, 2001... United Way of Central Ohio Inc. slightly passed its halfway goal for its 2001 campaign, just in time for a mid-campaigu event Oct. 24. The campaign has raised $26,757,331, or 50.5 percent of its $53 million goal, said WG. Jurgensen, CEO of...

Ohio State to begin work on Aronoff laboratory.(Brief Article)
November 2, 2001... Ohio State University will break ground Nov. 2 on its $26 million Stanley J. Aronoff Laboratory of Biological Sciences. The five-story building, Which will house the zoology, entomology and plant biology departments, is scheduled for...

Council to consider tax credit for Secure Interiors.(Brief Article)
November 2, 2001... Columbus City Council Nov. 5 will consider a request by Secure Interiors Inc. for a 50 percent, five-year Columbus Job Creation' Tax Credit. The Columbus-based company, which provides Internet security monitoring services, has received a...

Enrollment boom has OU, OSU bullish on branches.(Ohio University and Ohio State University)(Brief Article)
November 2, 2001... The "branch of a branch" concept is catching on in Central Ohio with two of the state's biggest universities. Encouraged by a boom in enrollment at its year-old center in Pickerington, Ohio University-Lancaster has decided to purchase the...

Mount Carmel, Lancaster doctors headed for court.(Brief Article)
November 2, 2001... Barring an 11th hour lawsuit settlement, Mount Carmel Health System and six Lancaster physicians are headed for a Nov. 26 showdown in Fairfield County Common Pleas Court. A trial scheduled to begin there that day will determine whether...

OTA shifts into neutral over dual speed limit duel.(Ohio Trucking Association )(Brief Article)
November 2, 2001... For now, the Ohio Trucking Association is staying neutral on the issue of eliminating dual speed limits for trucks and passenger vehicles. "I have some members for it and some members against it," said Larry Davis, president of the trade...

Public employers targeted by workers' comp project.(Ohio Bureau of Workers' Compensation )(Government Activity)(Brief Article)
November 2, 2001... The Ohio Bureau of Workers' Compensation is taking a carrot-and-stick approach with the state's public employers. The carrot is up to $67 million in workers' comp premium refunds if public officials attend a four-hour session this winter on...

Former Rickenbacker CEO Miller tapped as Carey Realty executive.(Carey Realty Investments hires Bruce E. Miller)(Brief Article)
November 2, 2001... The former executive director of the Rickenbacker Port Authority has emerged as a top executive with Carey Realty Investments. Carey Realty has tapped Bruce E. Miller, who served six years as executive director and CEO at Rickenbacker, as...

DAS preparing to occupy 37K in Bank One building.(Ohio Department of. Administrative Services )(Government Activity)(Brief Article)
November 2, 2001... The Ohio Department of. Administrative Services plans to consolidate its human resources division within three floors of the Bank One building at 100 E. Broad St downtown. The state Controlling Board will consider a 19-month lease and two...

AGC chooses best building projects.(Associated General Contractors of Ohio awards)(Brief Article)
November 2, 2001... The Associated General Contractors of Ohio honored its "Build Ohio" winners at its annual banquet Oct 25. First place contractors and their projects from Central Ohio were Corna/Kokosing Construction Co. for the Columbus State Community...

MODE honors top developers.(Mid-Ohio Development Exchange)(Brief Article)
November 2, 2001... The Mid-Ohio Development Exchange, an association of regional economic development managers and private-sector developers, recognized its developers of the year. Westerville City Manager Dave Lindimore was honored as public-sector...

Ruscilli divisions move; Triad wins honor.(Ruscilli Construction Co.'s location)(Brief Article)
November 2, 2001... * Ruscilli Real Estate Services Inc. and. Ruscili Development Co. have moved into their new headquarters at 5747 Perimeter Drive in Dublin. The real estate brokerage division's new phone number is 614-923-3000. The development division can...

Braddock sells his interest in two Columbus eateries.(Braddock's restaurants sold)(Brief Article)
November 2, 2001... Michael Braddock has moved to South Carolina and sold his interest in the two area restaurants that bear his name. Braddock's in Grandview Heights and Braddock's Diner in the Short North now are owned by a small investment group that...

Panera signs deal for 12th local unit.(Breads of the World expansion)(Brief Article)
November 2, 2001... Breads of the World LLC will put its 12th area Panera Bread store in the heart of Grandview Heights at 1307 Grandview Ave. Jeff Rains, Breads of the World's president, says the unit-will be one of three the franchising group plans to open...

Chick-fil-A opens second area unit.(Quick-service restaurant chain expansion)(Brief Article)
November 2, 2001... Chick-fil-A Inc., an Atlanta-based quick-service restaurant chain, opened its third Central Ohio location in late October at Polaris Fashion Place mall. Eastland Mall and the Mall at Tuttle Crossing have Chick-fil-A units, The restaurants sell...

Franchisee to expand Penn Station concept.(Penn Station East Coast Subs expansion)(Brief Article)
November 2, 2001... Eric Lutz, Central Ohio's franchisee of Penn Station East Coast Subs, is scouting for sites to open four of the quick-service. restaurants in Central Ohio in the next 18 months. Lutz opened Central Ohio's first Penn Station in September at 1491...

Handke's to serve Thanksgiving dinner.(Handke's Cuisine restaurant)(Brief Article)
November 2, 2001... Handke's Cuisine will dish out a family-style Thanksgiving dinner from 12 p.m. until 7 p.m. Nov. 22 at its 520 S. Front St. location. The menu includes an appetizer platter with smoked salmon, marinated mushrooms and olives; fresh mozzarella...

OSU cooks up restaurant project.(Ohio State University's hospitality management program )(Brief Article)
November 2, 2001... Sixty students in Ohio State University's hospitality management program are washing dishes, waiting tables and grilling sandwiches as part of a new restaurant project. The College of Human Ecology and the Office of Student Affairs opened...

London calling: InChord relocating its U.K. offices.(InChord Communications Inc. moves to London)(Brief Article)
November 2, 2001... Columbus-based InChord Communications Inc. has moved its United Kingdom advertising office from Cambridge to London to better position it for European growth. The move is one of several that InChord is undertaking in its quest to become an...

Ten Worldwide offers brand training to clients.(Ten Worldwide, Forum Corp. deal)(Brief Article)
November 2, 2001... Ten Worldwide, the Columbus-based company formed by Central Ohio media veterans Marlin Beck, Nancy Kramer and Rick and David Milenthal earlier this year, has added a Boston-based employee training company to its roster of specialties. The...

Ten Worldwide still mulling space decisions.(Moving the company's consolidated divisions)(Brief Article)
November 2, 2001... Executives at Ten Worldwide, which formed in May and then purchased two more Columbus companies (Zero Base and Chute Gerdeman), are trying to figure out where the company's consolidated divisions should be housed. Offices for Kramer, Ten...

SBA lenders blame high fees for drop in 7(a) loans.(Small Business Administration's 7(a) loan program)(Brief Article)
November 2, 2001... The dollar volume of loans issued through the Small Business Administration's flagship 7(a) loan program fell 6 percent in fiscal 2001, but SBA lenders do not blame the weakening economy for the decline. Instead, they say high fees make...

Disaster loans expansion a 'positive step'.(Sept. 11 terrorist attacks' impact on small businesses)(Brief Article)
November 2, 2001... Small businesses that can demonstrate they were hurt by the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks have until Jan. 21 to apply for Small Business Administration disaster loans that can cover up to $1.5 million in operating expenses. The SBA changed...

Percentage of new mothers who work drops for first time.(labor force participation rate of mothers with infant children )(Brief Article)
November 2, 2001... The percentage of mothers who have infant children and who work declined last. year for the first time since the Census Bureau began tracking the statistic in 1976. The labor force participation rate of mothers with infant children fell to...

SBA advocacy chief to take research outside Beltway.(SBA's Office of Advocacy)(Brief Article)
November 2, 2001... Thomas Sullivan, President Bush's choice to head the SBA's Office of Advocacy, says promoting the office's research outside the Beltway" will be one of his top priorities. "Advocacy's quality work belongs in the hand of every academic who...

Sky Financial buys 10 branches.(Standard Federal Bank, Sky Financial Group deal)(Brief Article)
November 2, 2001... Sky Financial Group, the Bowling Green-based holding company of Sky Bank, has completed the purchase of 10 Standard Federal Bank branches in northwest Ohio. The branches - one in Fremont, nine in Toledo - hold total deposits of about $290...

P&G sales, earnings slide from last year.(P&G's sales were $9.77 billion)(Brief Article)
November 2, 2001... Procter & Gamble Co. net sales and earnings met analysts' expectations for the first quarter of fiscal 2002 but were slightly lower than the same period last year. For the quarter, P&G's sales were $9.77 billion, down about 2 percent from...

Anthem goes public, expects to raise $1.8B.(Anthem Inc. stock traded on New York Stock Exchange)(Brief Article)
November 2, 2001... Anthem Inc. stock began trading on the New York Stock Exchange Oct. 30 at $36 per share. In its initial public offering, Anthem will offer 48 million shares under the trading symbol ATH. The IPO is expected to close Nov. 2. On that date,...

Ohio loans International Paper $4M for new, building.(Ohio's Development Financing Advisory Council )(87,000-square-foot building in Loveland )(Brief Article)
November 2, 2001... Ohio's Development Financing Advisory Council in Columbus approved a $4 million loan at a 4 percent interest rate to finance an 87,000-square-foot building in Loveland for International Paper. The new facility will be used as a technology...

Dana job cuts may affect Toledo region.(auto components supplier cuts jobs)(Brief Article)
November 2, 2001... Dana Corp., Toledo's largest company, will make job and plant reductions to include 2,700 jobs. Already facing the sale of its Dana Commercial Credit leasing subsidiary, the auto components supplier has been steadily restructuring after...

EarthLink takes advantage of Time Warner mandate in Dayton.(EarthLink's expanded Internet access)(Brief Article)
November 2, 2001... Atlanta-based EarthLink will start providing Internet access over Time Warner cable lines in the areas of Dayton, where Time Warner's Roadrunner Internet service is already available. Before EarthLink, Dayton consumers could only get cable...

Aftershocks of terrorism not stopping for employers.(Sept. 11 terrorist attacks contribute to layoffs)(Brief Article)
November 2, 2001... The tragedy of Sept. 11 shocked an already stuttering economy. Unfortunately, the aftershocks continue on several fronts. One powerful reverberation is a jump in the number of employers reducing payrolls to strengthen bottom lines. My...

Dayton airport control tower plan now on hold.($23 mn air traffic control tower at Dayton International Airport)(Brief Article)
November 2, 2001... Plans to build a $23 million air traffic control tower at Dayton International Airport have hit a small snag, pushing groundbreaking back at least six months. But airport officials are confident the delay won't hurt the project. Dayton...

CMA provides information on bio-terrorism.(Franklin County physicians aid with bio-terrorism threat)(Brief Article)
November 2, 2001... By now; physicians in Franklin County have received a pocket-sized reference guides to assist them in recognizing the symptoms of biological agents that are deemed most likely be used in the event of an attack. With the recent incident of...

Getting the most out of membership.(Columbus Medical Association )(Brief Article)
November 2, 2001... As the Columbus Medical Association (CMA) continues its 2002 Membership Campaign, the CMA is reminding members how to get the most out of their membership. "The Columbus Medical Association is committed to meeting member's needs," said...

New feature enhances athenahealth.(Ohio State Medical Association)(Brief Article)
November 2, 2001... Earlier this year the Ohio State Medical Association (OSMA) partnered with athenahealth, an online practice management service tool providing online scheduling, registration, billing and collections. Through this new relationship, members of...

State wants to 'borrow' tobacco money.(Ohio's Tobacco Use Prevention and Cessation Trust Fund)(Brief Article)
November 2, 2001... Two settlement payments from the tobacco industry, worth more than $370 million, may offer a short-term solution for Ohio's current budget shortfall. Governor Bob Taft proposes balancing the state budget by 'borrowing' about $l00 million...

Visiting your practice.(Columbus Medical Association )(Brief Article)
November 2, 2001... Some of us may remember when physicians made visits to patients' homes. Even today, some physicians will call on patients at their homes when in need. The Columbus Medical Association (CMA) has applied that principle to the way we interact with...

Central Ohio survey finds parents need information on keeping kids substance-free.(risks of alcohol, tobacco and drugs to kids)(Brief Article)
November 2, 2001... Survey of parents of middle school age children reveals that parents don't know the risks of alcohol, tobacco and drugs to their kids Parents aren't as worried as they should be about keeping their kids substance-free, according to a...

Health care forum proceeds benefit CMA Foundation.(Columbus Medical Association )(Brief Article)
November 2, 2001... The Columbus Medical Association (CMA) Foundation was the recipient of the proceeds made form yesterday's 'Perspectives on Health Care for Decision-makers' luncheon held at COSI. The forum is part of Business First PhD luncheons and sponsored...

Year-End giving options.(Columbus Medical Association Foundation)(Brief Article)
November 2, 2001... This holiday season and the end of the year is a time of reflection and presents an opportunity to give thanks for our good fortunes. One way to give thanks in a tangible way is to make a charitable gift to aid, assist and improve the health...

Endorsed Services saving you money and time.(Columbus Medical Association )(Brief Article)
November 2, 2001... The Columbus Medical Association (CMA) offers many benefits including services, products and educational opportunities all designed to improve physicians' profession. The CMA is diligently working to identify services and products that are of...

SENSE OF SECURITY.(Dick DeRoberts and Co.)
November 2, 2001... With various forms of business insurance, entrepreneurs can get a Insurance premiums may seem high to business owners, but the cost of not being insured can be even higher. In fact, insurance is not something that an entrepreneur can...

BOPs may be best for startups.(business owner's policy)(Brief Article)
November 2, 2001... A simple solution for businesses that market products with a low-risk exposure is a business owner's policy, or BOP. A relatively comprehensive policy, a BOP incorporates the property damage and liability coverages that a qualifying business...

Brand extension can offer growth spurt, client loyalty.(Brief Article)
November 2, 2001... If you're the owner of a successful business with a solid, recognizable brand, you may be looking for growth opportunities. One option to consider is brand extension, or expanding into a new but related product line. Brand extension allows...

Columbus Speech & Hearing Center.(Brief Article)
November 2, 2001... Columbus Speech & Hearing Center is offering two one-hour small group and one one-half hour individual speech therapy sessions called JAM, for children ages two and a half to six. The sessions are Mondays and Tuesdays with a maximum enrollment...

Lock-N-Key Ministorage.(Brief Article)
November 2, 2001... Lock-N-Key Ministorage is constructing a new mini storage facility, including an office/manager's apartment, at 4735 Evanswood Drive in Columbus. This will be the third Hendry Investments Inc. storage facility in the area.

Fiber Network Solutions Inc.(Brief Article)
November 2, 2001... Equipping Ministries Foundation, along with Fiber Network Solutions Inc., is distributing free digital bibles with an advanced Bible study called E-Sword through she Internet. E-Sword is available in more than 27 languages is at...

Benbrook Associates.(Brief Article)
November 2, 2001... Don Slobodien has founded Benbrook Associates as a resource to help businesses work more effectively with charities. Benbrook can assist a business by being a grant writer, direct mail writer and coordinator or an organizational development...

Venture capital forum planned for Columbus.(Brief Article)
November 2, 2001... The Columbus Venture Network will host a panel discussion on venture-capital investing Nov. 15. The program, "Investing in a Start-up: Legalized Gambling?" will be held at the Crowne Plaza hotel, beginning with a reception at 5:30 p.m....

Frontstep returns to profitability.(Brief Article)
November 2, 2001... Frontstep Inc. is heralding "a return to consistent profitability" after the company reported earnings of $144,000 for the first quarter of its fiscal year. The company has lost money two consecutive years, including $3.5 million in the...

Universal Digital completes Web pilot.(Universal Digital Communications Inc. )(Brief Article)
November 2, 2001... Universal Digital Communications Inc. has completed a four-minute cartoon, featuring the voice of former "Cagney & Lacey". star Sharon Gless, that it hopes may serve as the pilot for-a Web-based series. The firm produced the so-called...

SELLING FORWARD.(IT firms)(Brief Article)
November 2, 2001... IT firms try selling 'vision' of clients future to maximize sales after economy rebounds These are tough times for purveyors of IT consulting services. Spending was sluggish even before Sept. 11, but buying activity has tapered off even...

WEB INSITE: www.magicmountainfuncenter.com.(Brief Article)
November 2, 2001... URL: www.magicmountainfuncenter.com Company: Magic Mountain Fun Centers, Columbus Contact: Mike Samuelson, promotions manager, mikes@magicmountainfuncenter.com Site design: SamuelsonWeb.com, Columbus Launch date: Nov. 15, 2000...

Tongue Fu workshops.(Brief Article)
November 2, 2001... NOV. 6 & 13 Tongue Fu workshops When: 8:30 to 11:30 a.m. Where: Sparkspace, 300 Marconi Blvd., Suite 206 Program: Tongue Fu, martial arts for the mind and mouth, is the alternative to giving a tongue-lashing or being...

Technology security.(Brief Article)
November 2, 2001... NOV. 14 Technology security When: 8 to 11 a.m. Where: Adam's Mark, 50 N. Third St. Program: "Are You Vulnerable? Wireless, Worms and Cyber Threats," seminar series presented by Internet Security Systems, discusses issues...

Digital Eve Columbus.(Brief Article)
November 2, 2001... NOV. 19 Digital Eve Columbus When: 7 to 9 p.m. Where: Smart Solutions, 6260 Huntley Road Program: Landing a Job in Tough Economic Times. Session features strategies for working with an IT recruitment agency and attracting the...

Intelligence agencies studying audio search engine products.(Brief Article)
November 2, 2001... Federal intelligence agencies are pursuing an Atlanta technology company that has patented a software program capable of phonetically reading hours of audio feeds in minutes. Just a few weeks ago, Fast-Talk Communications Inc. was focused...

PROFILE.(Ting Inc and Automates Ltd)(Brief Article)
November 2, 2001... Name: Karen and Jeff Manross Title: Owners Company: Ting Inc and Automates Ltd, Pataskala Time in current position: 15 Years Where did you begin your tech career? Before graduating high school. We both went to tech schools...

Internship applicants, host companies sought.(Brief Article)
November 2, 2001... Nov. 15 is the application deadline for the Black Data Processing Associates 2002 BDPA Student Internship Program. The online application process, available at www.bdpa-intern.com, provides a direct connection between college students...

Brother, can you spare a few million?(financing emerging business)(Brief Article)
November 2, 2001... Linking Emerging Businesses With Experienced Advisers You've created the vision. Taken the risks. Invested countless hours. Made all of the sacrifices. You are the entrepreneur that has built something out of nothing and now own a thriving,...

Browsers, tools can raise efficiency, boost security.(Brief Article)
November 2, 2001... Odds are, your Web browser gets some heavy use. By employing these simple tips and sometimes free plug-ins, you'll be browsing in speed, security and style. First up, make sure that you're using the latest version of your browser. ...

Nation's consumer confidence slides while area confidence up.(Brief Article)
November 2, 2001... Consumer confidence in the U.S. fell sharply for the second month in a row in October, although residents of the Great Lakes states became more optimistic in the month. The Conference Board's monthly index of consumer confidence in the...

Port Columbus traffic, finances take a tumble in September.(Brief Article)(Statistical Data Included)
November 2, 2001... The shutdown of the nation's air transportation system following the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks had a definite impact on Port Columbus International Airport. Passenger traffic at the airport in September was off 27 percent from-last year's...

Travel and tourism industry calls for summit on Sept. 11 impact.(Brief Article)
November 2, 2001... The Ohio Hotel & Lodging Association will hold a special Travel and Tourism Summit to discuss the impact on the industry of the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks. The summit will be Nov. 7 at the Hyatt on Capitol Square in Columbus. ...

GREATER COLUMBUS STOCKS.(Brief Article)(Statistical Data Included)
November 2, 2001... GREATER COLUMBUS STOCKS FROM PRICE PREVIOUS COMPANY SYMBOL 10/31 WEEK Abercrombie & Fitch ...

PerkinElmer solid, but not too impressive.(Brief Article)
November 2, 2001... Dear Mr. Berko: My broker recommends I buy 200 shares of PerkinElmer. I've never heard of PerkinElmer and have no idea what the company does. My broker says that Value Line Investment Survey thinks the stock can go to $70 in four years. It's...

BANK RATES.(Statistical Data Included)
November 2, 2001... BANK RATES Money market INVESTMENT ACCOUNT UPTO OVER FINANCIAL INSTITUTION 25,000 [*] 25,000 [*] Telhio Credit Union 3.71 4.28...

Triangle area heavy hitter on paychecks.(Brief Article)(Statistical Data Included)
November 2, 2001... The past quarter-century has been very good to North Carolina's Research Triangle. The Raleigh-Durham-Chapel Hill area has surpassed or tied the U.S. growth rate for per capita income 25 of the past 26 years. That gives it an...

Batting average.(Raleigh-Durham, N.C., income statistics)(Brief Article)(Statistical Data Included)
November 2, 2001... Raleigh-Durham, N.C., has surpassed or tied the national growth rate for per capita income in 25 of the years, giving it an "income-growth batting average" of .962, according to Daily Demographics.com, a Business First affiliate. Below are the...

COLUMBUS' VITAL STATISTIS.(Brief Article)(Statistical Data Included)
November 2, 2001... COLUMBUS' VITAL STATISTIS STATISTICS UNEMPLOYMENT RATES [*] 2000 2.7% 2001 3.7% Note: Table made from line graph LABOR FORCE [*] 2000 864,200 2001 896,200 Note: Table made from line graph WEEKLY...

Wal-Mart gains tax break for Fayette warehouse.(Brief Article)
November 2, 2001... Wal-Mart Stores Inc. has gained a jobs tax credit worth $2.6 million for its 880,000-square-foot distribution warehouse under construction in Fayette County. The Ohio Jobs Creation Tax Credit Authority approved a 10-year, 70 percent tax...

Fifth Third completes mutual fund family merger.(Brief Article)
November 2, 2001... A month after wrapping up the integration of Old Kent Financial Corp., Fifth Third Bancorp has merged Old Kent's mutual funds into the Fifth Third Funds. At the same time, Fifth Third also folded in the funds managed by Maxus Investment...

Stimulus bill offers perks for equipment investment.(economic stimulus package)(Brief Article)
November 2, 2001... The House version of the economic stimulus package includes tax incentives for small businesses to invest in new equipment at a time when capital spending plans are at their lowest since the recession of the early-1980s. A fourth of the...

Phone industry still stuck in its regulated past.(Brief Article)
November 2, 2001... Five years ago, the telecommunications industry appeared set to enter a period of renaissance. The Telecom Act of 1996 had passed, promising increased competition, better service and lower prices for businesses and consumers. So where...