Business Tri-State: $3.1 million OLBH surgery expansion begins

RUSSELL -- Work has begun on a $3.1 million surgery expansion at Our Lady of Bellefonte Hospital, and traffic will no longer be routed behind the hospital effective immediately.

The expansion will allow for greater capacity for inpatient surgeries through the addition of a new operating suite. Construction is expected to be completed by Sept. 1. This expansion of inpatient surgery follows the recent expansion of outpatient surgery through the addition of a fifth operating room at the OLBH Same Day Surgery Center.

Gas costs a concern for some small businesses

CHARLESTON -- Soaring fuel and energy costs rank second only to the cost of healthcare among the problems facing small business owners.

The findings come from a recent survey by the National Federation of Independent Business, West Virginia's leading small business association.

According to NFIB's just-released Small Business Problems and Priorities survey, 42.3 percent of the small business owners nationwide rank the cost of natural gas, propane, gasoline, diesel and fuel oil as a "critical" concern.

That's up from 26.1 percent on the previous survey, conducted in 2004. Both surveys rank the cost of health insurance as the top issue facing small business owners.

AT&T launches new broadband network

HUNTINGTON -- AT&T Monday announced the launch of third generation mobile broadband network in Charleston and Huntington, offering a new level of interactive wireless voice, video and data applications.

"I am pleased that West Virginia consumers will have access to mobile broadband and video services," said Sen. Jay Rockefeller. "AT&T's investment will benefit consumers, businesses, and make our state an even more attractive place to do business."

AT&T's fastest wireless data network is now available in South Charleston, Spring Hill, Institute, Nitro, Saint Albans, Tyler Heights, Cross Lanes, Scott Depot, Teays Valley, Hurricane, Culloden, Yeager Airport and Logan. The network can also be accessed along 1-77 in Pocatalico, Ripley and Ravenswood. In the Huntington area, the network has been launched in Barboursville, Kenova, South Point, Ohio; Ironton, Ohio, Askland, Kentucky; Cannonsburg, Kentucky; Grayson, Kentucky; and Olive Hill, Kentucky.