Regional Business Digest

REGION

PALO Creative teams with Witmer’s Inc.

BOARDMAN — PALO Creative has been named agency of record for Witmer’s Inc. PALO will be responsible for Witmer’s 2008 and 2009 marketing initiatives.

Witmer’s specializes in farm equipment sales and service as well as commercial, industrial and agricultural construction.

NATION

Small-business owners see opportunities in downturn

NEW YORK — America’s small-business owners are optimistic in the face of the economy’s downturn, with many planning to expand their operations despite cash flow concerns and soaring energy costs, according to a recent survey for OPEN from American Express, the company’s small business team.

More than a third of small businesses plan to hire full or part-time staff over the next six months, according to the telephone survey of 627 owners and managers of companies with fewer than 100 employees. The poll was conducted by Echo Research.

The survey found that 9 out of 10 small business owners said they saw the glass as half-full.

From Vindicator staff and wire reports