REGION

REGION
Annual Foreign-Trade Zone Workshop at KSU
KENT -- The Northeast Ohio Trade and Economic Consortium will hold its annual Foreign-Trade Zone Workshop on Nov. 20 at Kent State University. The workshop provides information on program benefits and includes a panel discussion of Foreign-Trade Zone experts. The cost is $85. For more information, call (800) 793-0912. NEOTEC is an economic development partnership among seven eastern Ohio counties.
First Place Financial Center's new concept
WARREN -- First Place Financial Corp. has opened the First Place Financial Center in Solon. That area was chosen as the starting point for the bank-holding company's new concept because it is one of the fastest growing markets in Northeast Ohio, said Kenton Thompson, bank regional president.
The center does not have traditional teller lines because it is not designed for traditional walk-in banking. It is designed as a professional office, staffed with workers who can provide services related to business finances, insurance, commercial and mortgage lending, and wealth management.
First Place has said it is considering opening such centers elsewhere. It already operates 12 loan production offices throughout Ohio, in addition to 24 branches in the Mahoning Valley.
From Vindicator staff and wire reports