STEEL

STEEL
WCI pays profit sharing
WARREN -- WCI Steel Inc. will pay $9.1 million in profit sharing and company performance compensation to hourly and salaried employees next week.
The payments are the result of the company posting a profit for the fourth quarter, which ended Oct. 31, 2004, company officials said.
On Thursday, hourly employees will be paid $4.80 for every hour they worked during the quarter. This amounts to one-half of the total profit sharing credited for the quarter. The other half will be held in reserve until the annual financial audit is concluded, with a year-end payment to be made in February 2005, company officials said.
For the fiscal year 2004, WCI will have paid employees $11.9 million in profit sharing and company performance compensation, the company said.
3 grand openings
YOUNGSTOWN -- The Youngstown/Warren Regional Chamber announced three business grand openings this week.
ePro Auctions opened at 5318 Market St., Boardman. The business, owned by Bill Stiles, assists customers in taking advantage of everything eBay has to offer. The chamber noted that it's easy to buy on eBay but a bit harder and more time consuming to sell. ePro Auction's eBay dropoff program makes it easy, according to the chamber.
Also having a grand opening Thursday was Sakura Japanese Steak House, 4166 Youngstown Road, Howland. Shen-Fen Ho is the owner of the Japanese steak house, which features freshly prepared sushi.
Finally, Grille on the Square officially opened at 136 N. Park St., Warren, inside the Comfort Inn. The pub-style restaurant and lounge owned by Scott Fullerton features full-service lunch and dinner. Beginning in January, the restaurant will offer a champagne brunch on Sundays.
OHIO
Sky's assets increase
BOWLING GREEN -- Sky Financial Group Inc. announced the completion of its acquisition of Prospect Bancshares Inc., Worthington, Ohio, and its wholly owned subsidiary Prospect Bank, effective Nov. 30.
The acquisition increases Sky's assets to $15 billion. Prospect Bank merged with Sky Financial Group's subsidiary, Sky Bank, at the close of business Friday. Prospect Bank will convert to Sky Bank's name, products and operation systems.
Under the terms of the agreement, Prospect shareholders will be entitled to receive cash, shares of Sky Financial Group common stock, or a combination thereof, based on an election process that occurred before closing.
Award for strong sales
ALTOONA, Pa. -- Dick Morelli is a recipient of Ward Trucking Corp.'s Legacy Award for creating strong sales results. To be a recipient of this award, a sales representative must exceed the inbound and outbound sales revenue goals for the quarter.
The award was announced by Bill Fritchey, Ward's vice president of sales and operations.
Morelli began his career with Ward in March 2001. His sales territory includes Lawrence, Butler and Mercer counties in Pennsylvania and Trumbull, Mahoning and Columbiana counties in Ohio. He earned a bachelor of science degree in secondary education from the University of Pittsburgh.
Technician of the month
NORTH JACKSON -- Chevron Texaco Products Co. has named Ron Krietzburg, a technician for TSI Western Star Inc. in North Jackson, the Delo Diesel Technician of the Month for November.
The national award is given for dedication to learning new technology and expertise in the field. Krietzburg will also be recognized in Delo advertisements in top national publications.
Vindicator staff/wire reports