REGION

REGION
Boardman companywill go on trade mission
BOARDMAN -- A Boardman auto parts supplier will be among the Ohio companies participating in a trade mission to Japan and Taiwan with Gov. Bob Taft and other state officials.
Treeman Industries, which makes lighting products on McClurg Road, is among 60 companies that will go on the trip, scheduled for Sept. 24 to Oct. 3. Businesses will participate in meetings and networking events designed to increase their opportunities in both countries.
Last year, Ohio companies exported $1.1 billion in goods to Japan, the fourth-largest export market for Ohio. Taiwan is one of the state's Top 20 export markets.
Build-A-Bear Workshopopens at Southern Park
BOARDMAN -- Build-A-Bear Workshop has opened a store in the Southern Park Mall. The St. Louis-based chain has more than 160 stores that allow people to choose, stuff, stitch and dress their own stuffed animals. Hundreds of coordinating outfits and accessories are available.
BBB warns residentsof stock scam by phone
YOUNGSTOWN -- The Better Business Bureau of Mahoning Valley is advising area residents to watch for a stock scam that involves messages left on answering machines. The "pump-and-dump" scam includes a message that supposedly is left after the caller reaches a wrong number. The message says a certain stock is expected to rise a few dollars a share. Those behind the scheme hope the messages drive up demand for the stock so they can sell at inflated prices.
The Securities and Exchange Commission is asking people who receive such a message to report it by calling (800) SEC-0330.
Waffle House opens
GIRARD -- The Waffle House has opened at 2725 Salt Springs Road. Doug Miller is the franchisee. The restaurant serves breakfast, lunch and dinner and is part of a 1,700-store chain.
Local topics plannedfor Hermitage meeting
HERMITAGE, Pa. -- The Hermitage Business Association and the Shenango Valley Chamber's Hermitage Community Affairs will hold a joint meeting at noon Sept. 21 at Red Lobster. Larry Reichard of Penn Northwest Economic Development Corp. will discuss local issues.
From Vindicator staff reports