International Paper could benefit

Paper companies, including International Paper, could be eligible for bllions in government tax credits due to use of renewable fuels.

Paper producers have been taking advantage of a government credit written into a 2007 U.S. law that provides 50 cents per gallon of "black liquor" used during the paper making process.

The liquor, a byproduct of turning wood to pulp, can be used as a fuel for paper plants, cutting down fossil fuel reliance. Congress is looking to close the alternative fuel credits, since it may cost up to $3.3 billion this year alone.

For Memphis-based International Paper, that credit has turned into $71.6 million for a single month's production. Estimates show the company could collect more than $1 billion this year.

International Paper recently closed a branch in Hartford City and plans to shut down the Portland factory by the end of May.

Marsh savings

Marsh Supermarkets is rolling out a new campaign called the Saving Spot, which will include lower prices and cheaper alternative for shoppers.

The company is moving to increase store brands and cut prices on both national and generic brand items in attempts to capture more market share. Stores will offer 25 percent of its total stock at a reduced price every day and will increase the number of store-brand generics to 20 percent during the next year.

The grocery chain, which operates a store in Portland, is hoping to increase sales to better compete with other grocery retailers throughout the state such as Wal-Mart, which also operates in Jay County.

Wind interest

Northeastern REMC recently hosted a renewable energy meeting in Columbia City to discuss wind and solar energy options.

Northeastern REMC, serving Allen and Whitley counties, hosted the meeting with ECI Wind and Solar LLC representatives, who discussed options available for implementation of green energy systems for homeowners.

Sales for ECI have doubled since 2005 as interest in green energy has increased.

No desposition

A federal judge ruled that attorneys for the state of Oklahoma will not be allowed to depose Tyson Foods Inc. chairman John H. Tyson for pollution to a watershed caused by bird waste.

The state of Oklahoma was denied the opportunity to question Tyson about pollution caused to the 1 million acre Illinois River watershed, which has been polluted by improper use of poultry waste on land.

The state sought to question the chairman as it prepares for a September trial against 13 Arkansas companies, including Tyson, for allegedly polluting the water supply. Those charges were filed in 2005.

Comcast shines

Comcast Corp. posted a 5.4 percent profit increase during the first quarter as the cable performed well despite economic factors.

Despite slowing subscriptions, Comcast has continued to grow by reducing spending and maintaining cash flow. Net income rose to $778 million, up from $738 a year earlier.

Randolph Grille

The Randolph Grille opened this week after more than a year of preparations.

The upscale diner will feature a variety of dishes from steaks to pasta, a bar with flat screen TVs and a gift shop featuring Randolph County products.

Volume award

Hull Brothers Inc., Fort Recovery, received a high volume award for their sales in 2008 at the 2009 National and International Sales Conference in Scottsdale, Ariz.

The conference featured various business dealers participating in sessions to discuss new products and services hitting the market.

Profits plunge

Old National Bancorp. reported an earnings dip of about 50 percent compared to last year.

The bank group reported $9.4 million in earnings for the first quarter, down significantly from $19.3 million the year before. The group purchased 65 Charter One Indiana branches during the quarter at a cost of $3 million.

Verizon earnings

Verizon Communications Inc. announced first quarter earnings of 5 percent as the telecommunications provider continues to capture new wireless, Internet and TV customers.

The company posted $3.21 billion in earnings, up from $3.05 billion the year prior. Verizon added 1.3 million customers, exceeding analyst projections and subscriptions rates by competitor AT&T Inc.

Award received

Indoor Comfort by Vance, Inc., Portland, received a Dealer of the Year award recently from Koch Air, LLC., a distributor of Carrier heating and air conditioner units.

The awards are given for performance and year-to-year growth by companies selling the Carrier brand. The company is owned by Robert and Bob Vance and is located at 227 N. Meridian St.

AEP slides

American Electric Power experienced a significant first-quarter earnings fall of 37 percent.

AEP saw earnings of $360 million, down from $573 a year prior. Decreased demand for electricity has caused profits to dip for the Colmbus, Ohio-based power generator.

Lifetime achievement

The Geneva Chamber of Commerce awarded a lifetime achievement award to Ivan Nevil for years of service in emergency response.

Nevil, a lifetime Geneva resident, graduated from Geneva High School in 1957 and has owned Case and Quart for 27 years. He's served as a member of the Geneva Fire Department for nearly 50 years, including 18 as its chief.

In other awards, Pam Hampshire was named Citizen of the Year and Downing and Glancy Funeral Home received the Business of the Year award.

Best in show

A Jay County physicist has been part of a group that won "Best in Show" honors at the Radio Frequency Identification Journal tradeshow for its "smart" shipping container.

Chris Fennig, son of Bryant residents Steve and Terry Fennig, has been a part of a company. ODIN Technologies that has created a shipping container that automatically takes a self-inventory and performs GPS tracking twice daily.

The product won the Best in Show in the international trade fair for the quickly expanding radio frequency field.[[In-content Ad]]