Print |
E-mail to a friend
BUSINESS
Web site targets bikers, offers routes
CHARLESTON -- The West Virginia Division of Tourism has launched a new Web site for tourists traveling on two wheels, suggesting routes and destinations for motorcyclists.
Riders who want switchbacks and scenery can find routes on wvmountainrider.com. It also invites them to post their thoughts on journeys already taken.
Gov. Joe Manchin, a longtime biker, says he and wife Gayle particularly enjoy the trip along Route 50, from Parkersburg to Grafton.
The site includes safety tips, as well as information about upcoming motorcycle rallies and events.
That includes the Mountain State HOG Rally, or Harley Owners Group, going on now through Sunday at Canaan Valley Resort. The Freedom Fest at Snowshoe Mountain is also under way.
Boardings still strong at Tri-State Airport
HUNTINGTON -- More than 8,500 passengers departed from Tri-State Airport in June, a 41 percent increase from the same time period last year.
For the year, boardings are up 45 percent over the first half of 2007.
Each carrier saw an increase in passengers in June from May, with boardings up by 13 percent at Allegiant Air. U.S. Airways and Delta saw increases of 7 and 2 percent, respectively.
Dow calls off 58 acre land donation to WVU
SOUTH CHARLESTON -- Dow Chemicals Co.'s plan to give West Virginia University 58 acres of South Charleston real estate and lab space valued at $25 million has fallen through.
Dow's Union Carbide subsidiary blamed the cancellation on insurance problems in a statement issued Thursday. Dow says neither side could agree on insurance that satisfied both parties and decided to cancel the donation July 10.
Union Carbide agreed to give the property to WVU last August for a new Charleston research campus focused on energy and chemical technology.
Dow has cut back activities in South Charleston as it consolidates U.S. operations.
Industry leaders call for new plants, power lines
SHEPHERDSTOWN -- The aging infrastructure that provides power to homes and businesses across the Mid-Atlantic is nearing the breaking point because of growing demand.
That's the conclusion of power-industry leaders who met Wednesday in Shepherdstown.
Daniel Larcamp, spokesman for the Edison Electrical Institute, says the window of reliability on the current systems is closing.
He and others called for upgraded power plants and transmission lines. They also say the region needs more alternative energy sources such as solar and wind power.
The conference comes as Pennsylvania-based Allegheny Energy is proposing a high-voltage line, the Potomac-Appalachian Transmission Highline.
It would carry power 290 miles from a substation near St. Albans to Kemptown, Md.
Merrill Lynch posts 4th straight quarterly loss
NEW YORK -- Merrill Lynch & Co. says it swung to a loss in the second quarter amid massive write-downs from soured mortgage-backed securities and other risky investments.
The world's largest brokerage also sold its 20 percent stake in news and data provider Bloomberg LP for $4.43 billion to help offset losses.
Merrill lost $4.89 billion, or $4.97 per share, compared to a year-ago profit of $2.01 billion, or $2.24 per share. The broker reported negative revenue of $2.11 billion versus revenue of $9.46 billion a year earlier.
Shares closed up $2.51, or 9 percent, at $30.51.
