Area business briefs

REGION

Company to install automated gas readers

COLUMBUS — Columbia Gas of Ohio said it has started a five-year program to install automated devices to read natural-gas meters. The devices will be installed at all customers statewide, starting first in northwest Ohio.

The company said the devices will eliminate customer concerns about estimated bills and meter- access issues. The system uses radio technology to automatically read the meter from a vehicle.

Customers will be notified when work is being performed in their area. For homes with indoor meters, arrangements for access will be coordinated with the homeowners.

Manufacturing seminar

KENT — An in-depth, one-day seminar on how manufacturers can enter and sell in Asia, South America, Europe, Mexico and Canada is being presented by the International Trade Assistance Center of Northeast Ohio.

The seminar, Going Global Today, is scheduled for 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. May 12 at the Embassy Suites in Independence. Exporting information will be presented by area manufacturing executives and legal professionals as well as representatives from the Manufacturing Advocacy and Growth Network and the Ohio Department of Development Global Markets Division.

The cost is $95, which includes continental breakfast, buffet lunch and a networking reception with cash bar. Registration is due by May 6 at www.neotec.org. For more information, call ITAC at (866) 253-4358.

From Vindicator staff reports