REGION

REGION
New Charter One branchopens in supermarket
WARREN -- Charter One Financial has opened a new banking center in the Tops Friendly Market at 2425 North River Road. It is the Cleveland-based bank's 15th opening in northeastern Ohio in 2003 and one of almost two dozen planned for the region this year. Officials presented $500 checks to the Children's Rehabilitation Center and the Trumbull County Chapter of the American Red Cross as part of its opening ceremonies.
Incubator selectssoftware developer
YOUNGSTOWN -- Bird Dog Contact Services has been approved for admission as a tenant company of the Youngstown Business Incubator.
Bird Dog has developed software for companies that use e-mail messaging. It allows companies to receive real-time reporting of actions of people who have received an e-mail. Electronic reports include which recipients opened the message, forwarded it or clicked on a link that takes them to another Web site.
The state-funded incubator provides free rent and services for expanding technology companies.
NATION
Steel imports drop
WASHINGTON -- American companies imported 1.6 million metric tons of steel in June, a slight dip from the month before and a big drop from the same period last year, according to preliminary data released Tuesday by the U.S. Commerce Department.
June's imports were valued at $800 million. In May, U.S. companies imported 1.7 million metric tons of steel, worth $900 million. In June 2002, the companies imported 2.5 million metric tons, worth about $1 billion.
Imports peaked at the start of the year, with 2.3 million metric tons worth $1 billion in January.
From Vindicator staff and wire reports