Regional Business Digest

REGION

First Place Bank donates to Lorain college fund

WARREN — First Place Bank has donated $110,000 to support the Lorain County Community College Foundation Innovation Fund. Warren-based First Place recently entered the Lorain County market by acquiring Northern Savings Loan.

The innovation fund recently announced that it would invest in $150,000 in three technology start-up companies in its third round of awards. It uses funds from Ohio’s Third Frontier Program along with local matching money.

Kenton Thompson, First Place Bank’s regional president, said, “We believe that innovation is the engine of corporate and community growth.”

Insurance agent opens business in Howland

HOWLAND — Marquita Gary has opened M. Gary Insurance Agency, 8017 E. Market St. She represents the Farmers Insurance Group and provides homeowners, business, auto and life insurance, as well as financial services.

She previously was an agent with Progressive Insurance and Farmers. Earlier, she had worked in banking with Chase, Bank One and Second National Bank.

From Vindicator staff reports