State and national suicide rates skyrocketed in the wake of the recession, especially in this area and other rust-belt regions where high unemployment, widespread foreclosures and limited job prospects took their toll economically and emotionally. READ MORE
2. Meet the 98-year-old Centerville man starting his own business
After a lifetime of entrepreneurial and artistic pursuits, Centerville resident Nick Sabatino is taking on a new challenge — starting a business at 98 years old.
Sabatino, the former owner of an advertising agency in downtown Dayton, is now working to create a consulting firm for budding business owners and inventors. READ MORE
3. River Run opening pushes more change in heart of Dayton
The rippling waters at the new RiverScape River Run signify a changing tide in downtown Dayton — yet another development that officials hope will bring residents and economic development back to the core of the city.
After two years of construction and nearly 20 years of plans in the making, Five Rivers MetroParks is debuting its $4 million RiverScape River Run project this week. Community leaders will celebrate its grand opening with a ceremony Friday evening. READ MORE
Do you plan on using the new RiverScape River Run in downtown Dayton? https://t.co/CpI4zfaUoD @WHIORadio
— Kara Driscoll (@KaraDriscollCox) April 29, 2017
4. Former Fuyao exec sues over termination; Fuyao calls suit ‘meritless’
A former executive of Fuyao Glass America is suing the company and its founder, Chinese billionaire industrialist Cho Tak Wong, over his termination from the company, claiming fraud, breach of contract, defamation, discrimination and more.
Dave Burrows and John Gauthier were two top executives at Fuyao when their employment there ended in November 2016. READ MORE
5. STORE CLOSINGS: What’s really going on?
Major retailers across the country are closing brick-and-mortar stores at an alarming rate, in what some are coining the “retail apocalypse.”
At least 8,600 stores are expected to close in 2017, as consumers shift their spending habits online. The effects of the closures are far-ranging, impacting the job market and retail destinations in Dayton, Springfield and Cincinnati. READ MORE
FIVE FAST BUSINESS READS
• To combat retail apocalypse, local malls push for shopping innovation
• Dayton to celebrate $4 million River Run with music, community bash
• New store at The Greene to have baby piglets at grand opening
• Miamisburg candy store now selling pickle juice soda
• Waffle House co-founder dies a month after business partner