WBRE NEWS MONTHLY LOCAL BUSINESS REPORT FOR MAY 2, 2007.

BEAUTY GETTING BIGGER
POTTSVILLE, SCHUYLKILL COUNTY - Empire Education Group announced its planning to merge with Regis Cosmetology Schools. The new Pottsville-based company will be called Empire Education Group Incorporated and will include 88 Cosmetology schools in 18 states. A news release claims the merger will establish Pottsville as the North American capital of Cosmetology education.

NEW BANKING CENTER
TANNERSVILLE, MONROE COUNTY -ESSA Bank and Trust is growing. The bank opened a new branch in Tannersville along Route 611 last month. The new center features three drive-up lanes which open at 7am --two internet stations, LCD TV’s and a community room.

EYEING NEW DIGS
PECKVILLE, LACKAWANNA COUNTY --Northeastern Eye Institute has cut the ribbon on a new office in Peckville. The company consolidated its previous offices in Blakely and Peckville into a larger more modern facility on Main Street. Doctor Arthur Jordan says the move allows NEI to offer more comprehensive doctor hours.

LOSING JOBS
SCRANTON --McKinney Products announced it's closing shop. The hinge manufacturer is moving its operations to China. 189 workers will lose their jobs on June 15.

LUZERNE LAYOFFS
PLAINS TOWNSHIP, LUZERNE COUNTY -Another 291 layoffs in Luzerne County. RCN says they're moving jobs from the Plains Township call center to another state to save money. FLYING THE COOP WILKES-BARRE - The chicken's got a new coop --this time in Wilkes-Barre. The old Plains Township restaurant is re-opening two miles away in the former Arena Bar and Grille on Scott street. The owner hopes the move will draw traffic from the Wachovia Arena and nearby shopping centers. The chicken coop is scheduled to open its doors in mid-May.