REGION
REGION
Workshop offered forfamale entrepreneurs
YOUNGSTOWN -- "Women Entrepreneurs: Increase Your Possibilities in Today's World" is a workshop offered from 5 to 8:30 p.m. Feb. 27 at the DeBartolo Stadium Club at Youngstown State University. The event, scheduled during Entrepreneurship Week, Feb. 24-March 3, being launched by the Kauffman Foundation, is sponsored by the Youngstown Business & amp; Professional Women, YSU's Williamson College of Business Administration and Partners for Workplace Diversity. The workshop offers opportunities to network with female business owners, a panel discussion by women entrepreneurs and informational resources from area agencies. Preregistration is required by Wednesday Feb. 21. Call Lisa Mason at (330) 502-7080.
Deere buying LESCO
CLEVELAND -- Farm equipment maker Deere & amp; Co. is buying a Cleveland-based supplier of fertilizer, seed and chemicals for lawn and golf course maintenance, the two companies announced Monday. Deere, based in Moline, Ill., is paying 135 million, or 14.50 per share, for LESCO, which will become part of its John Deere Landscapes, doubling the number of its stores by adding 332 LESCO locations. The price is a 4 premium over LESCO's closing stock price on Friday. With approval by both LESCO shareholders and regulators, the deal is expected to close by the end of June. LESCO's board of directors has recommended shareholder approval.
NATION
Dollar changes little
FRANKFURT, Germany -- The dollar was little changed against the 13-nation euro Monday, with U.S. markets closed for the Presidents Day holiday. The euro bought 1.3135 in afternoon European trading, nearly unmoved from its level of 1.3137 in New York late Friday. The pound fell to 1.9453 from 1.9511 as disappointing British retail sales continued to weigh on the currency. The yen remained strong, buoyed by news of strong Japanese economic growth and rising sentiment that the country's central bank likely will raise its key interest rate from 0.25 percent later this week. The dollar bought 119.56 yen -- compared with 119.26 on Friday. Analysts expect that, as the week progresses, new U.S. inflation data, the Japanese rate verdict and the release of minutes from the Bank of England and the U.S. Federal Reserve likely will generate movement.
Vindicator staff/wire reports