Region shows employment gains

Nonfarm employment in the metropolitan area increased by 0.7 percent for the 12-month period ended in March, the Bureau of Labor Statistics reported yesterday. The bureau, a unit of the Labor Department, said the region gained 7,900 jobs for a total of 1.14 million jobs. Employment growth was concentrated in education and health services, which accounted for 5,000 new jobs for the 12-month period. The bureau's employment survey covers Allegheny, Armstrong, Beaver, Butler, Fayette, Washington and Westmoreland counties.

Gas prices hold steady locally

Motorists in the Pittsburgh area yesterday received some almost good news on the gasoline front: Prices held steady for the week. The average price of a gallon of regular unleaded was $3.617, barely moving from the previous week, AAA East Central said. The average price yesterday in the region was $3.608, while the national average was $3.610, AAA Fuel Gauge and Oil Price Information Service reported.

Heinz closing condiments plant

The H.J. Heinz Co. will close a Dallas plant this June in a move that will affect about 175 hourly workers and 20 salaried employees. Work done at the Texas facility, which handles production of portion control condiments and sauces, will be transferred to plants in Mason, Ohio; Jacksonville, Fla; and Chatsworth, Calif. Heinz has owned the plant since 1989. A company spokeswoman said there were no plans to close other facilities. Separately, the company said Jeffrey P. Berger retired last week from his position as executive vice president and chairman -- global foodservice.

$244 a day will see you through

Western Pennsylvania couples traveling in North America should budget $244 per day for lodging and meals, according to AAA's Annual Vacation Costs Survey. The average cost for lodging for two adults traveling together is $164 per night, double occupancy, AAA said. The association recommended budgeting $80 a day for meals, not including tips or beverages.

Also in business …

Calgon Carbon Corp. said it received a contract valued at $7.1 million from the Palmdale, Calif., Water District to supply activated carbon and services to the water treatment plant … McKesson Corp. said fiscal fourth-quarter net income rose 20 percent to $307 million, or $1.05 per share, vs. $257 million, or 85 cents, a year ago.