METRO DIGEST || Applications are being taken for apprenticeships

Applications are being taken for apprenticeships

BOARDMAN

The Western Pennsylvania Operating Engineers will accept applications for its 2014 Joint Apprenticeship and Training Program between Jan. 13 and Jan. 24.

The apprenticeships for heavy-equipment operators and mechanic technicians combine on-the-job training and classroom instruction.

Interested parties may apply for both programs, but enroll in only one.

Information and applications will be available online, but also may be picked up between 9 a.m. and 3 p.m. Monday through Friday at the organization’s dispatch offices, including the one at 291 McClurg Road.

High-end fashion boutique to open in Boardman

BOARDMAN

Cecilia Haren, who just finished her studies in Marketing Management and Entrepreneurship at Youngstown State University, will open a high-end fashion apparel store in Boardman next month.

Haren, with funding from Farmers Bank and the Mahoning Valley Economic Development Corp., will open Cece Couture at 339 Boardman-Canfield Road in January.

New retailer in Southern Park Mall

YOUNGSTOWN

Southern Park Mall announced it will welcome its newest retailer, Francesca’s Collections, in February.

The boutique, a franchise with locations in 45 states, sells women’s clothing, fashion jewelry and handbags.

Francesca’s will occupy 850 square feet near Macy’s.

Chamber seeks award nominees

COLUMBIANA

The Columbiana Area Chamber of Commerce is seeking nominations for people, groups and businesses who have had a positive impact on the community and exemplified excellence in their field.

Nomination forms and criteria are available on the chamber’s website or at its offices at 328 N. Main St.

The deadline for nominations is Jan. 24.

The awards will be given at the 61st annual Awards Banquet at the Links at Firestone Farms on Feb. 23.

Entrepreneurs fund accepting proposals

columbus

Ohio’s New Entrepreneurs Fund is accepting proposals from business accelerators in Ohio that will provide funding to teams of entrepreneurs in 2014.

The accelerators recruit talent from Ohio and across the country, guiding them through a business “boot camp” and connecting them with potential investors to launch their companies.

The fund started in 2011 and has helped launch several technology businesses.

Vindicator staff reports

Selected local stocks

STOCK, DIVIDENDCLOSECHANGE

Aqua America, .61, 23.87 .09

Avalon Holdings,5.15—.02

Clear Channel, .61 23.69 .32

Cortland Bancorp, 10.75.5

Farmers Nat., .126.55 .01

First Energy, 2.20, 32.81.74

FirstMerit Corp., .64,22.35 .11

First Niles Financial, .32,6.50.35

First Place Fin., .00.00

FNB Corp., .48,12.73.01

General Motors,40.94—.59

General Electric, .76,27.87.04

Huntington Bank, .20, 9.62—.03

JP Morgan Chase, 1.52,58.10—.1

Key Corp, .22,13.41—.03

LaFarge, 18.68 .04

Macy’s, 1.00, 52.71—.13

Parker Hannifin, 1.80, 128.11.23

PNC, 1.76,78.19.93

RTI Intl. Metals,34.89.13

Simon Prop. Grp.,4.60,153.29—.94

Stoneridge 13.01 —.07

United Community Fin. 3.63—.02

Selected prices at 4 p.m. Friday. Provided by Stifel. Not to be construed as an offer or recommendation to buy or sell any security.