Aug. 4--Columbus

State loan to help software developer add 45 jobs

A Columbus software developer plans to grow and create 45 jobs, thanks in part to a state loan.

Boxicom Inc., which does business as 3X Systems, has been awarded $1 million from the Ohio Innovation Loan Fund to accelerate its advanced data backup product for small businesses.

The six-year loan, with an interest rate of 7 percent, will provide the bulk of a $1.35 million investment to fund the creation of new software.

Columbus

PUCO schedules hearings for water rate-hike request

The Public Utilities Commission of Ohio has scheduled public hearings, including two in the Columbus area, to give Ohio American Water customers the chance to comment on proposed rate increases.

The company is attempting to raise its rates for residential customers in Franklin and Portage counties by 30 percent and by 12 percent for all other residential customers.

The local hearings include one at 6 p.m. Aug. 18 at the Harvest Assembly of God Church, 8075 Dellinger Rd., in Galloway. Also planned is a session at 6 p.m. Aug. 20 at Faith Covenant Church, 3607 Dempsey Rd., in Westerville.

COLUMBUS

State offers retirees help finding health insurance

The Ohio Department of Insurance has established a program to help retirees who have lost company-sponsored health benefits shop for new coverage.

The agency's Ohio Senior Health Insurance Information Program can be reached at 1-800-686-1578.

"We can help retirees sort through all of the coverage options on the market for the one that best fits their health-care needs and financial situation," Director Mary Jo Hudson said in a statement.

She pointed out some companies that have dropped or reduced insurance have hired insurance agencies to help their retirees find new plans. But agencies might not have access to all products available because of agreements they have with the insurers they represent, she said.

-- From staff reports

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Story Source: The Columbus Dispatch, Ohio