REGION

REGION
MVEDC plans seminaron growing a business
YOUNGSTOWN -- The Mahoning Valley Economic Development Corp. will hold a seminar titled "Growing Your Own Business" from 9 a.m. to noon June 7 at OakHill Renaissance Place, 345 Oak Hill Ave. A registration fee of $10 is due by June 4.
First Niles dividend
NILES -- First Niles Financial declared a dividend of 14 cents a share, payable June 20 to shareholders of record June 6. It is the holding company of Home Federal Savings and Loan Association of Niles.
Financial adviser electedto education-group board
YOUNGSTOWN -- Robert Gardner, a financial adviser at Butler Wick & amp; Co.'s Canfield office, has been elected to serve on the board of trustees for the Industrial Information Institute for Education. He is the representative for Mahoning County to the nonprofit educational organization.
Gracenin Fitness Centermoves to tanning salon
HERMITAGE, Pa. -- The Gracenin Fitness Center has moved from the F.H. Buhl Club to the At the Beach Tanning Fitness Salon, 1700 E. State St. The center, which offers yoga, energy choreography and other classes, operates under the direction of Kathy Short Gracenin.
Association to startpurchasing manager class
YOUNGSTOWN -- The National Association of Purchasing Managers, Youngstown District, will start certified purchasing manager classes Saturday at Youngstown State University's Metro College. For information, call Rich Delisio at (330) 742-3165.
Also, the chapter will hold its annual golf outing July 21 at Salem Golf Club. The cost is $125, including lunch and dinner. For information, call Barry Solomon at (330) 783-2860.
NATION
Being jobless loses stigma
NEW YORK -- Good news for unemployed executives: Recruiters say that being between jobs is losing its stigma in the talent-search field.
According to a poll of 323 recruiters, 81 percent said they believe the stigma of being unemployed is less detrimental to the executive candidate now than it was five years ago. Last year, nearly a quarter of candidates presented to an employer by a search firm was unemployed at the time, up from 21 percent in 2001 and 13 percent in 2000.
From Vindicator staff and wire reports