NATION

NATION
GM announces quarterly dividend
DETROIT -- General Motors Corp. announced a first-quarter dividend of 50 cents a share on its common stock. The dividend is payable March 10 to holders of record as of Feb. 13. The dividend rate is unchanged from the previous quarter.
General Mills facesinvestigation by SEC
MINNEAPOLIS -- General Mills Inc. disclosed Tuesday that it may face civil charges in a Securities and Exchange Commission investigation into the company's sales practices. General Mills said the SEC had sent a "Wells notice," a formal notice that the agency has made a preliminary decision to recommend civil action against the company.
REGION
Chamber acceptingaward nominations
WARREN -- The Warren Area Council of the Youngstown-Warren Regional Chamber is accepting nominations for its Pendleton Business Pride Award of 2004. It will be presented at a chamber mixer April 1 at the Packard Car Museum.
Nominated businesses must be located within Warren and will be judged on exterior and interior aesthetics, longevity, business excellence and community involvement. Previously nominated businesses will be reconsidered without being nominated again. The deadline is March 1. For more information, call Liz Wozniak at (330) 744-2131, extension 21.
From Vindicator staff and wire reports