Business briefcase 11-30-14
Webinar scheduled
The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) and Agility Recovery will offer a free webinar from 2 p.m. to 3 p.m. Dec. 9 to discuss common mistakes made by businesses during times of crisis and how business owners can avoid making such errors. To register, visit online at http://go.agilityrecovery.com/December2014-SBAWebinar.html.
Scholarships offered
The Blackwood Theater Organ Society in Butler County will award up to $25,000 in scholarships to high school seniors pursuing a college degree in instrumental music performance. Scholarships ranging from $2,000 to $5,000 will be awarded on the basis of musical talent, recommendations from private and high school music teachers, academic performance, a written essay, motivation and financial need. Submitted applications must be postmarked by Feb. 1. For an application, visit online at www.blackwoodmusic.org or contact Ben Robertson by email at ben@blackwoodmusic.org or by phone at 724-735-2813.
Funding provided
The Connellsville office of Spherion Staffing Services recently donated $1,000 to Wesley Church Health Center of Connellsville, a free clinic that provides health services for under-served individuals and families. As part of Spherion’s national Community Give Back initiative to assist local charitable organizations, the Ruggery Group of Spherion plans to donate $9,000 to Pennsylvania charities, with Spherion donating $124,000 nationally to local organizations in the communities where it operates.
Design awarded
The Medicine Stop Pharmacy, which operates locations in Brownsville and Shaler Township in Allegheny County, was recently presented a MarCom Gold Award for the business’ brand and logo redesign. The logo was created by 4CDesignWorks of Pittsburgh.
The MarCom Awards is a creative competition for individuals or companies involved in the concept, writing and design of print, visual, audio and web materials and programs. A full list of award recipients can be viewed online at www.marcomawards.com/winners/#/winners.
Reports released
The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) market news grain auction report for western Pennsylvania for Nov. 24 is as follows:
Dealer and broker bids: Corn, number 2, $3.20-$3.25, average $3.21; wheat, number 2, $4.83-$5.48, average $4.99; soybeans, $9.48-$9.68, average $9.63.
Feed and grain mill bids: Corn, number 2, $3.31-$3.70, average $3.49; oats, number 2, $3.25-$4.75, average $3.75.
The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) market news hay auction report for central Pennsylvania for Nov. 24 is as follows:
Alfalfa, premium, 260; mixed hay, premium, 220-290; timothy, premium, 250-310; grass, good, 220-310; straw, 115-135.
The Herald-Standard publishes news in the Business Briefcase column each Sunday. Items can include changes in business management, location and hours; retirements; executive-level promotions or professional hirings; and most non-promotional business events. Information can be sent to hsbusiness@heraldstandard.com.