Auroraadvocate.com - Business Briefs

Christopher's Bistro to

close at end of month

In a letter to "valued friends and guests," Christopher's Aurora Bistro owner Christopher Shydlowski has announced the restaurant on South Chillicothe Road will close as of Nov. 30.

"During the past year and a half of economic hardships, we have tried everything possible to cut costs and preserve profitability," he wrote. "Unfortunately, we have run out of time."

Shydlowski said that starting in mid-December he will work at a new restaurant in Hudson called Gusto de Italiano near the Acme grocery store on West Streetsboro Street.

He added the Hudson restaurant will honor any gift cards purchased from the Aurora location until the end of June 2010.

The menu at the new eatery will be pasta and classic Italian dishes, "with a touch of Christopher," Shydlowski said. There also are steaks and seafood, and a full bar separate from the main dining room.

"I thank you for your support and memories. It has been a wonderful experience and was our pleasure having you dine with us," he concluded.

PNC Bank conversions

in area slated for April

The PNC Financial Services announced last week it has completed the conversion of 1.8 million customers and 240 branches from National City Bank to PNC Bank, with three additional conversion phases scheduled in 2010.

The first phase was comprised of customers throughout western Pennsylvania, along with Youngstown and the state of Florida.

Southern Ohio, Kentucky and southeast Indiana branches will be converted in February 2010 and Northern Ohio and Michigan branches in April 2010.

The future conversions will involve 3 million customers and 1,100 branches.

"The tremendous leverage we expected from this transaction is beginning to benefit customers and have a positive effect on our performance," said Thomas K. Whitford, PNC vice chairman and co-leader of the National City integration.

OSHA accolades go to

GE Healthcare in town

At City Council's Nov. 16 meeting, Mayor Lynn McGill reported that GE Healthcare on Danner Drive in Aurora has earned the OSHA VPP Star certification.

"Your qualification for OSHA's premiere recognition program is a testament to the efforts you and your employees have made to develop and implement a VPP quality safety and health management system," said OSHA Secretary Jordan Barab.

Vivek Bhatt is general manager of the facility and Steve Knecht is plant manager. "We are proud of this fine organization and the medical work they are performing for he world community," said McGill.

New car sales down

22 percent in October

The Greater Cleveland Automobile Dealers Association reported news car/truck sales for a 21-county Northern Ohio region fell 22 percent in October.

Lou Vitantonio, director of legal and regulatory affairs for the dealers association, said the local economic environment remains challenging, but is confident the situation will improve.

Chrysler had the worst performance in October in the region, with sales down 59 percent. Its nationwide sales were down 30 percent.

Hyundai and Nissan were the only automakers which improved sales in October, up 20.8 percent and 1.1 percent, respectively.

General Motors' sales were down 38.2 percent, Honda 23.5 percent, Toyota 12.8 percent and Ford 10.2 percent.

Hudson invites public

Hudson Merchants will sponsor Come Home to Hudson for the Holiday on Nov. 27 from 3 to 8 p.m.

Storytimes will be at 3, 3:30, 4 and 4:30 p.m., along with carolers singing Orthodox and traditional carols at Hattie's Cafe. The event is presented by St. Herman's of Alaska Orthodox Church.

Lumaniaria will be lit at 4:30 p.m. all over downtown. Santa Claus will be at Prudential-Kathy Reid Realty from 3 to 6 p.m.

A number of businesses will have specials, promotions and samples. For details, visit www.merchantsofhudson.com /comehome.