Farm-food business seminar set at SRU

SLIPPERY ROCK — The Sustainable Enterprise Accelerator program at Slippery Rock University has teamed with Penn State University Extension to offer a workshop on operating a farm-food related business, including farm markets.

It will be from 10:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. March 17 at SEA's headquarters, 165 Elm St.

The workshop will provide information about applying for agricultural marketing service grants available under the federal farm bill. The program is to help entrepreneurs develop competitive proposals and is one is a series of statewide meetings.

The Farmers Market Promotion Program is to support farmer market activities and promotion.

For registration or questions, call 724-738-2017.

UPMC Passavant expands rehab unit

MCCANDLESS TWP, Allegheny County — UPMC Passavant has opened its expanded UPMC Rehabilitation Institute floor, which now has 24 beds.

This in-hospital unit known as 5 Main, which had 12 beds, has undergone a transformation to accompany its size increase. Remodeling the transitional care unit that closed nearly a year ago on the same floor, this UPMC Rehabilitation Institute does inpatient rehabilitation to more patients as one enlarged, integrated floor.

In addition to the new beds, the changes include an updated nursing station and a remodeled kitchen therapy area.

Trade deficit falls 8.3% to $41.8 billion

WASHINGTON — The U.S. trade deficit in January dropped sharply as both exports and imports fell.

The Commerce Department said Friday the deficit fell 8.3 percent to $41.8 billion in January from $45.6 billion in December. The shrinking trade gap reflected a drop in exports, which fell $5.6 billion to $189.4 billion. Imports fell $9.4 billion to $231.1 billion.

Much of the dip in imports likely came from lower oil prices and a labor dispute that disrupted shipping at West Coast ports. At the same time, the strong dollar that has made American-made goods less affordable abroad is weighing down exports.

Apple will replace AT&T in the Dow

NEW YORK — Apple will replace AT&T in the Dow Jones industrial average, the managers of the index announced early Friday.

S&P Dow Jones Indices said the switch will take place after the close of trading March 18. Apple will start trading as part of the 30-stock Dow at the opening of trading the next day.

S&P Dow Jones Indices said it's making the move in response to a planned stock split for Visa, another member of the 119-year old barometer of the stock market.

From staff and wire reports

BOTTOM LINE

• The Pennsylvania Bar Association presented a County Bar Recognition Award to the Butler County Bar Association during the 49th annual Seminar of the Conference of County Bar Leaders, Feb. 26-28 in Lancaster.

Recognized for helping to establish a county veterans court, the Butler County Bar Association is one of 26 local bar associations honored this year for sponsoring projects that improve the legal profession, justice system or community.

• Grove Manor Skilled Nursing has received the Embracing Quality Award given annually to skilled nursing facilities in the United States and Canada. This year, 301 facilities are recipients of Providigm's third annual Embracing Quality Award.

Grove Manor's performance in these categories qualified it for the award: a deficiency-free annual survey; a low risk-adjusted rate of readmission to hospitals; and an exceptionally favorable customer satisfaction rating.

PERSONNEL FILE

• MARS — Shelley Schweinsberg, assistant vice president, mortgage lending at Mars National Bank, received the 2014 Service Award from the Beaver County Association of Realtors.

The award was given in recognition of Schweinsberg's service to the organization including participation as a director/officer for the organization.

She serves individuals and families in Beaver, Butler and Allegheny counties.