Attorney honored by Berne

Berne Chamber of Commerce recently held its annual membership banquet, when a couple, a business and state representative were recognized.
Jim and Melissa Beitler were awarded the Lifetime Achievement Award. Jim Beitler served as the city’s attorney for 20 years and was involved in other city endeavors, including fundraiser efforts that helped build Muensterberg Clock Tower and Plaza. His wife, Melissa, isn’t a Berne native, but has also been active in the community.
The couple moved to Chicago to be closer to their children and grandchildren, but said they’ll always call Berne home.
Matt Lehman was honored as citizen of the year. He’s a local insurance agent and a state representative, who spent time explaining the impact of the Affordable Care Act and similar healthcare decisions to local residents. He skipped Gov. Mike Pence’s State of the State address to attend the banquet.
Key Fasteners was honored as business of the year.
John Johnson, chief executive officer, said the company is a supplier of wheel nuts for the Honda of America corporation. Today the firm has 100 workers and a payroll of $4.2 million a year.

Reports loss
Allegheny Technologies Inc., parent company of Portland Forge, reported fourth quarter 2013 sales of $915.3 million and a loss from continuing operations of $83.8 million, largely due to charges for restructuring and inventory valuation adjustments.
For the full year, ATI reported a loss on operations of $98.8 million, with $75.1 million of that due to the fourth quarter restructuring charges.

Buys pizza firm
Tyson Foods Inc., parent of Tyson Mexican Original, this week announced that it had acquired the assets of Bosco’s Pizza Co. of Warren, Mich.
Bosco’s is known for “The Original Bosco Stick” and produces a variety of stuffed bread sticks and frozen pizzas.
It will become part of the Tyson Foods Prepared Foods division but will continue to operate under the Bosco’s Pizza name.

Managers testify
All seven of POET’s Iowa general managers testified Thursday at “Hearing in the Heartland: Supporting the Renewable Fuel Standard” in Des Moines, Iowa.
The hearing was organized by Iowa Gov. Terry Branstand. In November, the Environmental Protection Agency announced plans to reduce the Renewable Volume Obligation in the Renewable Fuel Standard. A 60-day comment period on that reduction ends Jan. 28.

Power company warns of scam
Indiana Michigan Power recently became aware of a nationwide email phishing campaign that has affected at least six utility companies, including AEP, Indiana Michigan Power’s parent company.
The scan sends emails that appear to be from a power company. When recipients click on the link in the email, it can make their computers vulnerable to information and identity theft, a press release stated.
The scam has affected companies’ employees and at least one Indiana Michigan Power customer.
Record revenues
Raymond James Financial this week reported record quarterly net revenues of $1.2 billion. That’s up 7 percent from the same quarter one year ago and up 5 percent from the preceding quarter.
The asset management company reported net income of $116.6 million, up from $85.9 million the same quarter a year ago.
The company said net income for the quarter benefited from a favorable tax rate as a result of strong gains in Corporate Owned Life Insurance values and certain state tax refund related to prior years.
Client assets administered by Raymond James Financial grew to $447 billion.[[In-content Ad]]