Business briefs

OHIO

Huntington Bank, state team up to provide loans

COLUMBUS — Huntington Bank and the state of Ohio are joining to provide $1 billion in loans to Ohio businesses struggling amid the credit crunch.

Gov. Ted Strickland and Huntington CEO Stephen Steinour announced the partnership to help small and medium-sized businesses in the manufacturing, industrial and distribution industries. The Columbus-based Huntington will provide the $1 billion in loans over three years. The program also involves current state and federal business loan programs.

A medical plastics manufacturer based in Columbus is getting the first loan from the Ohio and Huntington Job Growth Partnership. Larson Medical Products Inc. will receive $100,000.

NATION

GM plans to recall 300 new Chevy Camaros

DETROIT — General Motors Corp. said Wednesday it is recalling about 300 new Chevrolet Camaro sports cars because a battery cable could rub against the starter motor, wearing the insulation and potentially causing the car to stop running or fail to start.

The voluntary recall applies only to Camaros with V-8 engines. The company said in extreme cases the cable problem could cause a fire, but no fires have been reported.

Associated Press