Regional Business Digest

REGION

First Niles Financial Corp. posts increased earnings

NILES — First Niles Financial Corp. earned $179,000 in the second quarter, compared with $141,000 in the same quarter last year. First Niles is the holding company for Home Federal Savings and Loan Association of Niles.

Unemployment rates rise in Mahoning Valley

YOUNGSTOWN — Unemployment rates in the Mahoning Valley rose in June.

The Ohio Department of Job and Family Services released these rates Tuesday: Mahoning County, 7.1 percent, up from 6.5 percent in June 2007; Youngstown, 8.6 percent, up from 8 percent in June 2007; Trumbull County, 7.8 percent, up from 6.5 percent in June 2007; and Columbiana County, 7.2 percent, up from 6.3 percent in June 2007.

NATION

Report: Ford to make moves toward small cars

DETROIT — Ford Motor Co. plans to bring six small vehicles to the U.S. market from overseas to meet growing demand for more fuel-efficient options.

A person briefed on the company’s plans also said Ford will revamp some U.S. vehicle and engine plants to produce more small cars. The person requested anonymity because the company isn’t confirming details until Thursday, when it releases second-quarter earnings.

The changes will accelerate Ford’s efforts to move away from its heavy dependence on truck sales. Ford’s U.S. sales dropped 14 percent in the first six months of this year as consumers sought smaller vehicles.

From Vindicator staff and wire reports