Business news briefs for 02/08/12
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Business leaders in Pennsylvania have upped their plans for hiring and capital spending this year despite being slightly less optimistic about the economy, according to an annual survey by First Niagara Bank. Of the 865 executives polled in Pittsburgh, Philadelphia and other cities across the state, 30 percent plan to increase their work forces in 2012, up from 25 percent in 2011 and 21 percent two years ago. At the same time, 46 percent expect to buy equipment, buildings, property or other fixed assets this year, up from 43 percent in 2011 and 40 percent in 2010. Overall, 42 percent of business leaders expect business conditions to improve in Pennsylvania in 2012, down from 46 percent last year.
The cost of gasoline went up 1.6 cents this week, with the average price for a gallon of regular, unleaded self-serve hitting $3.528 in Western Pennsylvania, according to AAA's Fuel Gauge. A comparable gallon nationwide cost $3.480, and is up more than 30 cents per gallon from this time one year ago.
Wesco International's Chief Financial Officer Richard Heyse will step down from his post, the Station Square-based provider of electrical, industrial and communications products announced Monday. Stephen Van Oss, the company's chief operating officer and former CFO, will serve as interim CFO.
Howard Hanna Real Estate Services reported 34,292 closed property transactions in 2011 for a volume of $5.7 billion. That performance marks the ninth straight year the real estate company has reported increased sales units and volume. The company also noted that 21 percent of buyers last year chose to pay cash. Typically cash sales are near 7 to 8 percent.
First Published February 8, 2012 12:00 am
