Regional Business Digest

REGION

Plumbers and Pipefitters looks for fall apprentices

BOARDMAN — Plumbers and Pipefitters of Mahoning Valley is looking for applicants for the plumber, pipefitter and refrigeration apprenticeship for the fall term. Applications will be accepted Sept. 2-5 from 12 to 5 p.m. at Local Union 396, 493 Bev Road, Building 3.

For more information about eligibility requirements, call the joint apprenticeship committee at (330) 758-4596.

Contribution to aid tire maker’s Akron center

AKRON — A Northeast Ohio county has voted to contribute $7.3 million to help Bridgestone Firestone North American Tire build a research and development center in Akron. The Summit County Council approved a letter of understanding Monday that outlined the county’s financial commitment to Bridgestone, the world’s largest tire maker. Both the council and company still have to come to a formal agreement on the project. The state of Ohio has offered $18 million in tax breaks. A Bridgestone search team recommended last month that the company build a new technical center in Akron to replace an old one.

NATION

Wachovia to cut more jobs than previously planned

NEW YORK — Wachovia Corp. said Monday it plans to cut 600 more jobs than it previously expected as it works to reduce expenses in the face of staggering losses tied to mortgage debt. According to its quarterly filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission, the bank now expects to eliminate 11,350 positions.

Vindicator staff and wire reports