Business digest

OHIO

State ranks fourth in business climate

COLUMBUS – Ohio ranked fourth in this year’s business climate rankings by Site Selection magazine, up from seventh last year.

Site Selection’s annual business climate rankings are determined by performance in Conway Data’s New Plant Database, which tracks new and expanded business facility activity and by a national survey of corporate selectors.

NATION

Fewer companies plan holiday parties this year

NEW YORK — The number of companies planning holiday parties took another big dip this year as businesses continue to keep a lid on nonessential spending, according to a new survey.

Results of Challenger, Gray & Christmas Inc.’s annual survey showed only 62 percent of companies plan year-end festivities, despite signs the economy may be on the mend. That was down from 77 percent a year ago and 90 percent in 2007.

The consulting firm culled the numbers from about 100 human-resources executives who responded in October to the online poll.

From Vindicator staff and wire reports