Fed: Economy sees improvement in Ohio, nearby states (Dayton Business Journal, Sept. 9, 2009) The Cleveland Fed said in its so-called beige book analysis that economic activity stayed sluggish but showed slight improvement over the past six weeks. That's a similar outlook to the late July beige book analysis, which came after a string of reports pointing to weakening conditions.

Ohio foreclosures up slightly in August (Akron Beacon Journal, Sept. 10, 2009) Ohio's foreclosure activity was up slightly from July and from August 2008. The state had 11,368 foreclosure-related notices in August. That was up 3.2 percent from July and up less than 1 percent from a year ago, RealtyTrac reported. Ohio improved to 14th in the nation for foreclosure activity from 12th in July.

Finding energy to thrive NorTech looks to drive industry growth (Wooster Daily Record, Sept. 10, 2009) The term "high-tech jobs" in the past has often been linked with computer-related and Internet-based positions, but one group wants people to think advanced energy.

Brown's bill promotes business incubators (Wilmington News Journal, Sept. 10, 2009) The bill would make more communities eligible to receive funds through the federal Economic Development Administration (EDA) and would increase the share the federal government commits to incubators in economically distressed areas, according to Brown.

Business incubator celebrates 20 years (Cincinnati Enquirer, Sept. 11, 2009) The Hamilton County Business Center, which aids entrepreneurs and small start-up companies, has now helped more than 120 businesses and created 1,500 new jobs and $200 million in annual revenue. The business center is Hamilton County's main funnel for $475,000 in annual state funding from the Ohio Edison Technology Program.

Voters to address question of downsizing city council (Toledo Blade, Sept. 13, 2009) Voters will decide Tuesday whether to maintain a 12-member Toledo City Council, with an even split of district and at-large representatives or cut the size to nine members and do away with citywide council seats.

Open houses tout streetcar plan (Cincinnati Enquirer, Sept. 13, 2009) Hoping to build public support for a proposed streetcar line from Downtown to Uptown, Cincinnati city officials have scheduled 10 open houses on the plan this fall.

How Cuyahoga County reform effort turned into political turmoil (The Plain Dealer, Sept. 13, 2009) Political maneuvering, underhanded dealings and other shenanigans have fractured Cuyahoga County's mighty Democratic Party, which for generations has controlled the county government's $1.3 billion annual budget and 9,000 employees.

Mansfield office helps families fight foreclosure (Mansfield News Journal, Sept. 13, 2009) Foreclosure prevention advocates are busy this year trying to help Richland County families keep their homes.

Editorial: High taxes deter business expansion, job creation (Lancaster Eagle Gazette, Sept. 13, 2009) Here in Fairfield County, 9.3 percent of our neighbors are struggling to find jobs and provide for their families during difficult times. However, until our state improves its tax climate by adopting business-friendly tax policies, our economic recovery will continue to lag behind.

New development director sees potential (Sandusky Register, Sept. 14, 2009) he new executive director for the Erie County Economic Development Corp., who came on board Aug. 27, says few other places in the country can easily offer lots of fresh water for businesses that need it for manufacturing.