Eriez Magnetics of Erie, PA has built a second 55 ton electromagnet, matching the one that is recognized by the Guinness Book of Records as the world’s largest. The original magnet was christened “Big Moe”, and the new one is known affectionately as “Big Moe II”. Big Moe II, known officially as the SER700, measures nearly 12 1/2 feet wide, over 9 feet long and almost 7 feet high. The magnet will be shipped to Codelco’s Gaby copper mine in northern Chile. The new magnet will be installed to remove tramp metal immediately after the primary crusher. Four other, smaller magnets have also been ordered. As well as the world’s largest electromagnets, Eriez offers a wide range of magnetic and non-magnetic separators, many of which are specifically geared toward the mineral processing industry.

For the week of Jan 7-13, Presque Isle Downs reported wagers of $33,942,953 and payouts of $30,924,179. The week also saw the slots casino go over $1 billion in slots wagers for the fiscal year. Track handle on Thoroughbred simulcast racing isn’t made readily available.

Chautauqua County, NY has two coal burning power plants. In Mayville, the Jamestown Board of Public Utilities recently started the permit process to replace their existing coal burning plant with a new coal plant that will use the cleaner fluidized bed technology. NRG Energy’s plant in Dunkirk is shipping in lower cost coal though Erie, PA all the way from Wyoming. Proposed development of wind farms in Chautauqua County have been met with protests as it would be a ‘threat to birds’ and have ‘no benefits.’

The Northwest Pennsylvania Regional Planning and Development Commission recently closed on the following loans: Shannon and Brenda Irwin of Crawford County closed on a $46,800 SBF/FIF Agriculture loan to construct a barn. Because this is an agriculture project there are no job creation requirements. Thornton Industries of Erie County closed on a $150,000 USDA/IRP loan and a $25,500 USDA/RBEG loan to purchase equipment. Ten jobs will be retained and five jobs will be created within three years. Moon Tool and Die Company of Crawford County closed on a $105,000 EDA/RLF loan and a $95,000 ARC/RLF loan to purchase equipment. Twenty four jobs will be retained and two jobs will be created within three years. Leech of Crawford County closed on a $200,000 SBF loan to expand their facility. Sixty one jobs will be retained and eight jobs will be created within three years.

Priscilla White, a 56 year old nurse from Erie, PA, intrigued the judges when she submitted her song titled “Aging Well,” for the Aging Well Rocks! Song Competition at Mather LifeWays, a not-for-profit organization that enhances the lives of older adults by creating “ways to age well.” It was White’s voice, lyrics and guitar accompaniment that catapulted her original song to first place, with a theme that best demonstrated how aging and getting older can be a joyful and positive experience. White is a registered nurse who manages orientations and in-service training at the Pennsylvania Soldiers and Sailors Home in Erie, the health care center which was founded in 1886 and serves 180 older adults. White was already familiar with Mather LifeWays after participating in its PREPARE emergency-preparedness training program for elder care service providers program in 2006. Listen to the winning song.

The Manufacturers’ Association of Northwest Pennsylvania January Eggs ‘n’ Issues Breakfast Briefing takes place January 22 from 8-9 am. With this media roundtable, topics will include (liberal) media bias, the Internet and news coverage in the future. Whether it is the advent of the “new” media, or discussing how we obtain our news nowadays, the news business is always in the news. Join us for a lively roundtable discussion with the very people who shape the news in Erie. Our guests will include Kevin Cuneo, public editor, Erie Times-News; John Christianson, news director/general manager, WSEE-TV; Lou Baxter, news director, WJET-TV; and Phil Hayes, consultant, WICU12. The briefing will be moderated by Jeff Johns, director of communications of the Manufacturers’ Association. Price for members is $30, non-members $60.

This winter, the Erie Maritime Museum and Flagship Niagara League will offer a series of Erie Maritime Museum Guide training programs. The program will take place on Tuesdays at 10am in the Museum Orientation Theater starting January 22nd. Most sessions only last 1- 1 1/2 hours. All prospective new guides are asked to attend all of the training sessions, if possible. The training session lectures are also open FREE to interested members of the public. For more info call (814) 452-2744 ext 214.

Matt, a Mercyhurst College Communication major with a concentration in Public Relations, wants to get a part time job in his field. He blogged that he is applying for a position in radio promotions.

Engineering students at Penn State Erie, The Behrend College, now have ongoing access to the most modern computer numerical control (CNC) machine tools. The college’s School of Engineering was recently named a Haas Technical Education Center by Oxnard, CA based Haas Automation, the world’s largest CNC machine tool builder. “Haas selected the School of Engineering based upon its nationally accredited programs, the number and quality of its students, and its progressive manufacturing laboratory facilities,” Ken Fisher, professor of engineering and associate director of the school, said. “As a result of the agreement, the School of Engineering has five state-of-the-art Haas CNC machine tools available for teaching and applied research, and the machines will be replaced regularly so that students and faculty are always working with the most current technology.” Haas Technical Education Center designation also makes Penn State Behrend students eligible to participate in Haas’ scholarship, internship and career placement programs. Haas Automation’s product lines include CNC vertical and horizontal machining centers, CNC lathes, rotary tables, indexers and machine tool accessories. The company’s million-square-foot facility uses a “lights out” automated flexible manufacturing system to maintain cost competitiveness with foreign machine suppliers.

The Erie SeaWolves reached contract extensions with both the Detroit Tigers organization and with the Erie County Convention Center Authority, which operates Jerry Uht Park. The ensures the SeaWolves will remain in Erie at least through the 2010 season.

The Edinboro men’s basketball team used a 25-6 run to end the first half to take a 14-point halftime lead, ultimately leading to an 83-68 win at Slippery Rock on Wednesday night. The contest was the PSAC West opener for both teams. Edinboro has now run off five straight wins and is 11-4 overall.

The Allegheny College Gators (8-6, 3-2 NCAC) used a 9-0 game-opening run, along with a double-double from George Raftis (Pittsburgh, Pa/Sewickley Academy) to help the team to a 76-61 victory over the Yeomen of Oberlin College (3-11, 2-3 NCAC) in league action on Wednesday night.

The Edinboro women’s basketball team used outstanding long-distance shooting to post an 82-59 win at Slippery Rock in the PSAC West opener for both teams. The victory boosted Edinboro to 10-4 overall.

Despite a career-high 15 rebounds from Shannon Culbreath (Columbus, Ohio/Eastmoore Academy) and four players in double figures; Stephanie Wolf (Pittsburgh, Pa/North Allegheny), Britney Bell (Greensburg, Pa/Hempfield), Laura Magnelli (Moon Township, Pa/Moon Area) and Culbreath; the Allegheny College Gators (5-10, 2-4 NCAC) fell to the Oberlin Yeowomen (2-11, 1-4) by a 71-68 score.

The Erie Otters of the Ontario Hockey League announced that due to popular demand, $5 College Friday’s will continue for the remainder of the 2007-2008 Regular Season. College students can purchase game tickets for only $5 simply by showing their valid College ID at the Civic Center Box Office prior to each Friday game. Limit two tickets per College ID. Offer available after 5 pm on Friday game days only. $5 College Fridays are quickly becoming a staple of college life in Erie, with nearly 200 college students in attendance at the last Otters Friday game played on January 4th. The Otters have five Friday night games remaining at the Tullio Arena including this Friday, January 18th vs Windsor Spitfires at 7:30 pm.

Mercyhurst North East is holding an orientation session for individuals interested in The Municipal Police Training Academy today, Thursday, Jan 17, from 6-8 pm, at the Michele and Tom Ridge Health and Safety Building on the campus of Mercyhurst North East, 16 West Division Street, North East, PA. MNE’s Police Training Academy, which begins March 3, is one of only sixteen certified academies in the state where individuals can earn Act 120 certification, required for many law enforcement jobs, including municipal police work.

As part of its series of Pink Ribbon Educational Events for breast cancer survivors and to promote breast cancer awareness, Saint Vincent will present a program on Thursday, January 17, from 6 to 8 pm at the McGarvey Learning Center at Saint Vincent Health Center, 232 West 25th Street, Erie, Pa. The event will feature music, heavy hors d’oeuvres, refreshments, and a brief talk on “Fact vs Fiction: Nutrition for Breast Cancer Survivors,” presented by Sandra Luthringer, RD, owner of Super Suppers. The event is supported by a grant from The Pittsburgh Affiliate of Susan G Komen for the Cure. Komen awarded a $75,000 grant to Saint Vincent Health Center to support a program offering restorative health services, education, support and specialized products for breast cancer survivors, particularly those who cannot afford it. Cost is $6. Reservations are required and can be made by calling (814) 866-4817.

The Erie Chamber Orchestra In residence at Gannon University will perform their annual ‘Tribute to Dr Martin Luther King, Jr’ on Friday, January 18 at 7:30 pm at St Patrick Church, 130 East Fourth Street in Erie. It will will feature the Shiloh Baptist Church Choir and Evangelist D M Jamerson, minister of music. The concert is FREE and open to the public.

There will be a Wine and Cheese Reception to welcome the new artists featured at the Nature Shop and Gallery in the Tom Ridge Environmental Center on Friday Jan 18, 6-8 pm. Ed Bernik will be signing copies of his book “Pennsylvania Wilds: Images from the Allegheny National Forest” and there will be signed copies of “Photoshop CS3 for Nature Photographers” by Ellen Anon.

The 25th annual McDonald’s High School Basketball Classic will be held in Erie PA on Friday, January 18 and Saturday January 18, 2008 at the Gannon University Hammermill Center. St Edward of Lakewood Ohio, Rice High School of NYC, Saint Patrick of Elizabeth NJ and Erie Cathedral Prep are in the powerful field. Adult General Admission tickets are $7 and Student General Admission are tickets are $5. Reserved tickets are $12.50.

The Roadhouse Theatre production of “Wake Up and Smell the Coffee” is two weekends only, Fridays and Saturdays at 8 pm, January 18-19 and January 25-26. General seating $8 with no reservation required and tickets will be available at the door. VIP seating $12, Lounge VIP seating $15. All VIP seating must be pre-paid reservation only. Phone (814) 459-8215. Come early and enjoy the newly renovated coffeehouse. BYOB with proper ID.

The Galaxy Gallery, the new Erie artist co-op at 1136 East Lake Rd, is hosting an art show with art by Heidi Blakeslee, New Young, Mark L Goodman, Robert Andrews, and Steven Pascarella from Jan 18 to March 31.

The Mercyhurst College chapter of Kappa Gamma Pi education honor society will host the Third Annual Teaching and Learning Expo on Saturday, Jan 19, from 9 am to 1:30 pm in the Audrey Hirt Academic Center. About 100 area education students and teachers are expected to attend the event, at which they’ll be able to choose three workshops from 17 offerings. The cost of the program is $5, including a catered lunch. Act 48 credits are available for the morning workshops. For more information, email Dr Ruth Auld or call (814) 824-3370.

Cross-Country Skiing 101 will be held Saturday, January 19 at 10 am at Presque Isle State Park. Weather permitting, meet at the cross-country ski concession (located at the picnic shelter area) to check out cross-country skiing. Get basic technique and skills for this exhilarating sport. Bring your own skis or rent. FREE. Rental fee only. Registration appreciated, (814) 833-7424.

For beginners and more experienced skiers wanting to know more about the winter world around them, enjoy Guided Cross-Country Skiing on Saturday, January 5 at 1 pm at Presque Isle State Park. If there is no sufficient snow, a hike will take place instead. Bring your own skis or rent. FREE, rental fee only. Meet at the cross-country ski concession located at the picnic shelter area. For more info call (814) 833-7424.

The Erie County Chapter of the National Federation of the Blind of Pennsylvania is holding their monthly meeting at the Plymouth Tavern on Saturday, January 19 at 1 pm.

The 25th annual Highmark Blue Cross Blue Shield Quad Games 5-mile Cross-Country Ski Race or 2.5-mile Snowshoe is now scheduled to take place Jan 20, 2008, at 1 pm at the Peek n’ Peak Upper Golf Course, in Clymer, NY.

Three new exhibits with the theme of art and technology will be presented in Bowman, Penelec and Megahan Galleries at Allegheny College Tuesday, Jan 22 through Wednesday, March 5. The exhibits include one-person exhibits by Carlos Rosas and Doug Loewen and the group exhibit “Big Food Pictures.” In conjunction with the opening, on Tuesday, Jan 22 at 7 pm in the lecture room adjoining the Art Galleries, Carlos Rosas, associate professor of art at Pennsylvania State University’s main campus, will present a lecture, illustrated with slides, discussing projects in which he has integrated art and technology in a variety of ways. A reception will follow. Gallery hours are Tuesday through Friday, 12:30-5 pm; Saturday, 1:30-5 pm; and Sunday, 2-4 pm. All events are FREE and open to the public. The Art Galleries are wheelchair accessible. Please call ahead to verify; programs are subject to change. The Art Galleries are located in Doane Hall of Art, east of North Main Street, between College and John Streets. For more information, call (814) 332-4365.

Daniel S Mead, president of Verizon Services Corp, will discuss how creation of a centralized business services unit saved the telecommunications giant $562 million in one year during an upcoming presentation for the Sam and Irene Black School of Business at Penn State Erie, The Behrend College. Mead, a Warren native and member of the college’s Council of Fellows, will speak at 6 pm on Tuesday, January 22, in the Samuel P “Pat” Black III Conference Center in the college’s Research and Economic Development Center. Admission to his talk is free and open to the public.

The Cleveland Indians Caravan will be rolling into Erie January 23, 2008 at the Dr Gertrude A Barber National Institute, 136 East Avenue. Doors open at 5 pm with a trivia contest and plenty of food and beverage. Cleveland Indians’ players, coaches and media staff will arrive at 6:30 pm to entertain Erie’s Tribe faithful, to answer fan’s questions and present a highlight film from last year’s baseball season. A donation of $8 per ticket will benefit programs at the Dr Gertrude A Barber National Institute. Tickets are available now through January 23rd at the Dr Gertrude A Barber National Institute (Monday – Friday, 8:30 am – 4:30 pm) or at Hector’s Cafe, W 18th and Liberty Streets. Tickets will also be available at the door the night of January 23, if available.

The 2008 Erie RV, Camping and Powersport Expo will be held January 23-27 at the Erie Bayfront Convention Center. Hours: Wed 4-9 pm, Thurs Noon-9 pm, Fri 10 an to 8 pm and Sun 10 am to 5 pm. Free admission and free parking.

The Mercyhurst Preparatory School Performing Arts Department presents Our Town Thursday Jan 24 at 8 pm, Friday Jan 25 at 8 pm, Saturday Jan 26 at 8 pm and Sunday Jan 27 at 3 pm.

Glass Growers Gallery at 10 East Fifth St in Erie will be hosting an exhibit called ‘Spirital Thresholds’ by Annoel Krider. Color and design blend with tradition and balance in the southwestern inspired weavings of this fiber artist who also creates mixes-media objects and sculptures to further refine her vision. There will be an artists reception on Friday Jan 25 from 6-9 pm. The exhibit will be on display Jan 25 to March 11.

Exhibition opening receptions and other gallery activities are planned for Gallery Night on Friday, Jan 25 from 7-10 pm at the Erie Art Museum, Glass Growers Gallery, Urraro Gallery, Cummings Gallery at the Mary D’Angelo Performing Arts Center at Mercyhurst College, Schuster Gallery at Gannon University, Allen Stoneware Gallery, Kuhn’s Framing and Gift Gallery, and ClaySpace. EMTA will provide FREE Bayliner trolley transportation, courtesy of the galleries, from 7-10:30 pm. Service will be provided every 45-minutes; a route map is available in advance at all participating galleries. “We’ve been organizing a Gallery Night for one year now. And with each evening, we gain attendance – particularly from new patrons – and new galleries join us. This effort continues to be tremendously successful,” said John Vanco, director of the Erie Art Museum. Galleries will also offer $50 gift certificates as incentives for patrons visiting as many galleries as they can in the evening. Gallery Night is organized by the Erie Art Museum.

Your Day In Court: An Internet Security Workshop features William Shore of the Pittsburgh FBI office. The workshop will be held Noon-3 pm on Thursday, Jan 31 at the Ambassador Hotel and Conference Center; 7792 Peach Street in Erie. After a security breach, it is often too late to back track, recreate and document the environment in which the security breach occurred. From a strategic management viewpoint, this pitfall is often fatal. In court proceedings, the lack of defendable evidence can impact the success of litigation and create liability issues for your organization. This workshop is specifically designed to explain what steps should be taken following a security breach. Click here to register. This event is sponsored by: Software Technology Concepts, eBizITPA, the FBI and the Technology Council of Northwestern Pennsylvania.

The Young Erie Professionals (yep!) Professional Leadership Development committee will host an Etiquette Dinner on Thursday, January 31 from 5:45 pm – 8:00 pm at the Colony Banquet and Catering facility, 3014 West 12th Street. Cathy Mester, senior lecturer in speech communication at Penn State Erie, The Behrend College, will discuss dinner etiquette and appropriate conversation. A three-course meal will be provided by the Colony Pub and Grille. Dinner choices are Prime Rib, Apricot Chicken, and Broiled Sole. The dress code is business casual. Seating is limited and advance registration is required. The charge for the presentation, meal, and gratuity is $25 for yep! members and $35 for non-members, payable by credit card, cash, or check made payable to Young Erie Professionals. Contact Phil Gallagher for additional information or to make a reservation.

Darkwood Consort, the world’s only touring viola and bass clarinet duo, brings an impressive repertoire spanning 10 centuries of music to its February performance at Penn State Erie, The Behrend College. Darkwood’s concert takes place at noon on Thursday, February 7, in the McGarvey Commons of the college’s Reed Union Building. The performance is sponsored by Music at Noon: The Logan Series and admission is FREE to the public.

The 14th annual Sarah Backstrom Memorial Women’s and Girl’s Hockey Tournament will be held in Erie February 8-10, 2008. Admission is FREE to all games. About 1,000 young ladies plus family and friends will be in town for the weekend. Hotel rooms will be hard to come by and expect delays at restaurants. Who was Sarah Backstrom? She was a feisty red headed defensewoman who gave all off her love of the game and passion to play it to the Erie Lady Lions. Sarah fought every battle to the end, with passion and determination. The Erie Lady Lions lost Sarah to Leukemia but have never lost her spirit.

The 6th annual “Spirit Against Cancer” Dance and Cheerleading Competition is scheduled for February 9 at 10 am in the Junker Center. “Spirit Against Cancer” was created in memory of Becky Hubler Decker. Her commitment to the community included serving as dance coach at Penn State Behrend, cheerleading coach at Edinboro University, she was captain of the Invaderettes dance team, and a member of the Buffalo Bills (Jills) dance team. All proceeds from this special event will benefit the American Cancer Society. For more information, please contact Assistant to the Director of Athletics, Stacy Pondo at (814) 898-6240 or by email at slp15@psu.edu.

The Association of Program Members (APM) of General Electric Transportation in Erie PA announced that it will be sponsoring the 13th Annual Winter Wishes Benefit Gala for the Foundation of Western Pennsylvania on February 16, 2008. Each year, the members of APM reach out to the community to collect donations for the silent auctions, live auctions and raffles that are held at the event. They also solicit “table sponsors” from local businesses. As a table sponsor, the business’ name appears on the centerpiece showing their support for this wonderful event as well as in any promotional materials that they put together for the function. The money raised with the auctioned items donated by local businesses will help provide funding for Make-A-Wish Foundation, which grants wishes for children with life-threatening medical conditions to enrich the human experience with hope, strength, and joy. Community support of this event is recognition of the importance of this cause are greatly appreciated. Along with your assistance, GE will be able to make an impact on the day-to-day life of children whose lives are threatened.

The 2008 Erie Home and Garden Expo will be held February 21-24 at the Erie Bayfront Convention Center. Hours: Thursday 4-9 pm, Friday 2-9 pm, Sat 10 am – 8:30 pm and Sun 11 am to 5 pm.

The 10th annual MECA Bar Stool Open will be held on Saturday February 23, 2008 in downtown Erie, PA. Entry fee is $100 per team of 4 golfers, $25 per person. Must be 21 years of age or older to participate. Click here to for the registration form.

The 2008 Erie Outdoor Sport and Travel Expo will be held February 29 – March 2 at the Erie Bayfront Convention Center. Hours: Noon-9 pm Friday, 10 am-8 pm Saturday and 10 am-5 pm Sunday.

The GE (NYSE: GE) 2008 Annual Meeting of Shareholders will be held on April 23, 2008 in Erie, Pennsylvania at the Erie Bayfront Convention Center.

There will be a Rust Belt Bloggers Summit on July 11-12 in Erie. People from Youngstown, Buffalo, Cleveland, Pittsburgh and other area cities will be attendance to discuss economic development issues in the region.