Coffee Cup Conversation News

—The Wall Street Journal let the cat out of the bag last Friday, announcing Comcast was considering deal with NBC. The two companies would form a new company, with Comcast owning 51% of the stock. This signals the first time that cable channels would become more valuable than network channels. In 2004, Comcast attempted to purchase Walt Disney Co but the deal was ultimately abandoned. If talks become reality, it would signal a deep change in the television industry of the future. Comcast has 24 million cable subs nationwide, 15.3 million Internet customers, and 7 million telephone service customers. NBC owns 16 stations, and shows such as ‘The Office’, ‘The Jay Leno Show’, and the Biggest Loser.’

—Ben Roethlisberger is the highest paid Pittsburgh professional athlete making an annual salary of $20,350,000, according to the Pittsburgh Business Times. Pittsburgh Penguin Sidney Crosby will cash paychecks totaling $9,000,000 this year, and Steeler Hines Ward may want to speak with his agent. He only will make $5,525,000 this year. The highest paid Pirates is pitcher Paul Maholm making $2,500,000 followed closely by Matt Capps at $2,425,000. 

—Real estate is up for grabs in Armstrong County. The Eljer Schenley warehouse is available for $962,500.  The Kittanning Brick Company on River Road in Adrian is available for $600,000. Manor Square on Main Street in Ford City is being offered at $375,000. There is land available for development along Route 268 in Kittanning at a reported selling price of $289,000.  If you are looking for retail space, Hilltop Plaza is looking to lease 5,330 square feet at $13 per square foot. Manor Square will lease space for between $10-$12 per square foot.

—Perhaps the Armstrong County industrial development group should consider hiring Ford City councilman Tom Shaffer. He seems to have a grasp on companies wanting to locate in Armstrong County. It is amazing what can be accomplished over a cup of coffee after hours in a diner compared to making an appointment with bureaucrats at county offices.