Mayor Ed Pawlowski today announced the nomination of Sara Hailstone as Director of the Allentown Department of Community & Economic Development.rn r

Allentown – PennDOT Engineering District 5 today announced a project to improve PA 33 in Hamilton, Ross and Stroud townships, Monroe County will begin tomorrow. The project is financed with federal funds from the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA). rn r

LEHIGH VALLEY, Pa. (February 11, 2010) – Air Products (NYSE: APD) today announced that it has commenced a fully financed tender offer for all outstanding common shares of Airgas, Inc. (NYSE: ARG) for $60.00 per share all in cash. The offer and withdrawal rights will expire at 12:00 midnight New York City time on April 9, 2010, unless extended.rnrnAir Products issued the following statement:rnr

LEHIGH VALLEY, Pa. (February 5, 2010) – Air Products (NYSE: APD) today announced that it has made an offer to acquire Airgas, Inc. (NYSE: ARG) for $60.00 per share in cash.

HARRISBURG: The Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board today announced that it would hold a public hearing on Wednesday, February 24, 2010 to gather evidence, including public comment, on the petition submitted by Downs Racing, L.P., operator of the slot machine casino at Mohegan Sun at Pocono Downs, requesting authorization to conduct table games.rnr

Closing the year with a strong fourth quarter, PPL Corporation (NYSE: PPL) on Friday (2/5) announced full-year earnings for 2009 that tracked well ahead of the company’s reported and ongoing earnings forecasts. rnr

YORK, Pa.--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- The Bon-Ton Stores, Inc. (NASDAQ: BONT) today announced comparable store sales for the four weeks ended January 30, 2010 increased 5.3%. Total sales for the four weeks increased 4.7% to $180.1 million compared with $172.0 million for the prior year period.rnr

The Ben Franklin Technology Partners of Northeastern Pennsylvania’s (BFTP/NEP) Board of Directors approved the investment of $599,800 in support of regional economic development. The investments are with seven early-stage technology companies and two established manufacturers. rn r