Chapman speaks to trustees of CIC

At their Tuesday meeting, the CIC Board of Trustees heard from Robert Chapman, chief executive officer and president of the KMC Corp.

Choice Brands of Ohio, Iron City Distributing, the Beverage Marketing Corp. and other operations are part of the KMC Corp., formed in 1976 as part of the business organization of companies started by the Bellas family.

Chapman, who hosted the meeting in the Choice Brands warehouse, said the local payroll for KMC is about $2.2 million. He added the company has been successful because of its outstanding workforce.

"We're blessed with such fine educational institutions around here," Chapman said in noting the quality of employees. "I'm glad we have facilities here that train people well. We can't move this place without the people who work for us."

The CIC board’s July 20 meeting will be held at Belleview Park in Steubenville.

Strickland pays visit to industrial park

 Ohio Gov. Ted Strickland was joined by Earl Gohl, federal co-chairman of the Appalachian Regional Commission, on a visit to see Wildfire Motors in the Jefferson County Industrial Park Wednesday.

That's where owner Don Snyder is hoping to find government programs to help him establish an assembly line for production of his XT-1, currently a prototype. The fuel-efficient, 660-pound, three-wheeled vehicle would be assembled from locally made components.

Snyder said he needs money to help buy the robotics necessary to make assembly of the vehicle efficient and low cost enough to sell it for as little as about $5,000. Snyder said the car could get as much as 100 mpg. An electric prototype is under construction.

Strickland said projects that create jobs, such as that proposed by Snyder, are a priority. Gohl said the ARC sets its priorities based on those expressed by governors in the Appalachian states.

Donna Hrezo joining Progress Alliance team

Donna C. Hrezo, a Steubenville resident, will be joining the staff of Progress Alliance on June 28 as the organization’s first HUB coordinator.

The announcement of her hiring was made today by Ed Looman, executive director of Jefferson County’s public-private economic development organization.

“We are extremely pleased to have Ms. Hrezo join our team,” Looman said. “She will be an excellent addition to our organization and she is excited about the opportunity to serve the county’s business community.”

Hrezo currently serves as assistant director of the Steubenville Convention and Visitor’s Bureau. She also works with the Historic Fort Steuben. Since 2001, Hrezo has owned and operated her own business, I Love 2 Organize. She was founder/executive director of Stages of Steubenville Inc., an original outdoor, community-wide musical about the history of the city.

She also is active with a number of community organizations. During the late 1990s, Hrezo was involved with the WIND (Working to Improve the Next Decade) team.

It’s jazz night in downtown Steubenville

Tonight is Jazz Night at the Historic Fort Steuben in downtown Steubenville.

Joe Menendez and Hillary James DiSimone will provide the entertainment this evening. The performances will begin at 6:30 p.m. in the Berkman Amphitheater.  Rock Night is planned for Thursday, June 24.

Cain saluted for years of helping others

Gary W. Cain Realtors and Auctioneers is one of many Jefferson County businesses that believe in being a good corporate citizen.

Cain, who started the firm in 1967, was nominated for a 2010 Best of Jefferson County award for being an “honest and charitable businessman” in the area since 1955. As a professional realtor and auctioneer, Cain has assisted numerous families, individuals, businesses and organizations. He also has been extremely active in many area organizations.

Today, the Cain staff includes 13 realtors, four auctioneers, three secretaries and an auction support staff of 6. The Cain staff conducts more than 20 benefit auctions each year.

“As a member of various groups and organizations, Gary has always given his time and enjoyed serving,” the nomination read. “He always has time to help others.”

Cain Realty operates offices in both East Springfield and Steubenville.

Progress Alliance golf outing is coming soon

Progress Alliance will hold its fourth annual Bridge Invitational Golf Classic on Friday, Aug. 6 at the Steubenville Country Club.

This year’s event has a new twist.  It will be billed as the Jefferson County Corporate Challenge.  The corporate team with the lowest score in the four-person scramble will win the opportunity to proudly display the brand new Bridge Invitational traveling trophy.  Members of the winning team will receive smaller replicas of the trophy along with other prizes.

The cost to enter a four-person team is $600. Several sponsorship opportunities also are available.  The event will begin with registration at 8:30 a.m. with a shotgun start to follow at 10 a.m.

For more information, contact Ed Looman at (740) 283-2476 or via e-mail at elooman@progressalliance.com.