Regional Business Digest

REGION
Seminar aims to helpmake business better
NEW CASTLE, Pa. -- The Lawrence County Chamber of Commerce is holding a seminar titled "Six Steps to a Better Business" at 8 a.m. Jan. 9 at the chamber. It is being presented by Ken Sevick and Gordon Mooney, certified ACTION International Business Coaches. ACTION International is a business coaching and training company. The cost is 15 for chamber members and 25 for others. For reservations, call the chamber at (724) 654-5593.
NATION
More households ownDVD player than VCR
NEW YORK -- DVD killed the video star.
Eighty-one percent of households now own a DVD player, while just over 79 percent have a VCR, according to Nielsen Media Research's third-quarter home technology report.
This is in a sharp contrast to 1999's survey results, which showed that almost 89 percent of households owned a VCR, while less than 7 percent owned a DVD player.
"This study shows the culmination of a long battle for share of consumers," said Paul Lindstrom, Nielsen's senior vice president of custom research.
DVD households also rent DVDs twice a month, but households with VCRs rent only once a month.
Nielsen's survey also showed that 73 percent of homes currently have a computer, while nearly 27 percent of homes rent or own an MP3 player and more than 16 percent of homes own a PDA.
When taking stock,consider work life
NEW YORK -- When reflecting on your personal growth during 2006 and deciding on resolutions for the new year, take time to consider your professional goals and achievements too, according to one expert.
"It's an ideal time to take a realistic look at where you are now, where you expect to be going forward, and how satisfied you are with both," said Doug Matthews, executive vice president of operations at Right Management, an outplacement company.
Matthews offers the following tips:
Your company's future: Perhaps you and your company are a great match. But if the company is flailing, future opportunities for career growth could be limited.
Your r & eacute;sum & eacute;: If your skills aren't in demand or your professional knowledge isn't up to date, try doing some fine-tuning in the new year.
Your development: If your boss keeps challenging you with new responsibilities or often asks for your input, you may want to stay put and grow within the company. If not, look around.
Your likes and dislikes: Do you dread every workday? Do you think a different type of company is best for you? If yes, maybe it's time for a change.
Book: HP blunderedin spying for leaks
NEW YORK -- Who or what made the biggest publicity crash and burn in 2006? A hint: This computer maker took a turn as Big Brother.
According to PRWeek's Book of Lists 2006, Hewlett-Packard Co. committed the costliest public relations blunder when its chairman OK'd spying on company board members and journalists to locate leaks.
Rival computer manufacturer Dell Inc. followed on HP's heels with its exploding laptop fiasco. The story may have not made the list if not for the online video clip that circulated faster than the company's response to the event.
Vindicator staff and wire reports