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NEW YORK_Fitch Ratings on Thursday upgraded the issuer default rating on auto parts maker Tenneco Inc. by one notch thanks to cost-cutting, a better auto-making environment and a capital-raising effort that should reduce debt.

The outlook is stable.

Fitch upgraded the issuer default rating to "B" from "B-" and also upgraded ratings by one or two notches on a wide variety of notes, credit facilities and liens totaling $1.4 billion in debt.

The "B" rating is still five steps into junk territory.

The upgrades were supported by improvements in earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization, Fitch said.

The ratings agency also noted positively that Tenneco, based in Lake Forest, Ill., is expecting a new issuance of 12 million shares to raise net proceeds of $187 million, which it plans to use to pay back debt under its revolving credit facility. The offering is expected to close Nov. 24.

Tenneco shares were down $1.35, or 7.9 percent, at $15.64 in late afternoon trading Thursday.

<<The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed. — 11/20/2009>>

Nov. 19–A pair of longtime auto parts retailers in the region are under new ownership and promising to offer additional parts and services for customers not shy about getting their hands dirty.

All Murray’s Discount Auto Stores in metro Toledo soon will sell parts under the O’Reilly Auto Parts banner, while four formerly locally owned ABC Auto Supply stores soon will operate fully under the NAPA Auto Parts name.

The Tarschis family, which has operated the local ABC Auto Supply stores since 1953, sold its four-store chain last month to NAPA, with which the chain has had a working relationship for at least a decade, said Alan Tarschis, the son of the firm’s founder, Frank Tarschis.

The stores — at 3250 West Alexis Rd., 6821 West Central Ave., 506 Main St., and 5240 Heatherdowns Blvd. — maintained the same employees and parts offerings after the sale to the National Automotive Parts Association, which operates more than 6,000 stores nationwide.

Meanwhile, the four remaining Murray’s Discount stores in metro Toledo will be converted to the O’Reilly Auto Parts brand of its new owner, said Ashley Clark, a spokesman for O’Reilly’s.

The sign changes should occur by early next year, Mrs. Clark said.

Murray’s parent company, CSK Auto Corp., was purchased by O’Reilly in July, 2008. Together, O’Reilly’s will have 61 stores in Ohio and 67 in Michigan, Mrs. Clark said.

Both chains of stores have been in metro Toledo for many years, but have been surpassed, at least in terms of locations, by later entrants to the retail auto parts market.

Those retailers include AutoZone, Advantage, and Advance auto parts stores.

Contact Larry P. Vellequette at:lvellequette@theblade.comor 419-724-6091.

To see more of The Blade, or to subscribe to the newspaper, go to http://www.toledoblade.com.

Copyright (c) 2009, The Blade, Toledo, Ohio

Distributed by McClatchy-Tribune Information Services.

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<< — 11/20/2009>>

Features a standard V-6 engine and available four-wheel drive

TORONTO, Nov. 19 /CNW/ - The all-new 2010 Honda Accord Crosstour is set to debut at Honda dealerships across Canada on November 24 with a manufacturer’s suggested retail price (MSRP) of $34,900 for the EX-L two-wheel-drive model. There is also an EX-L four-wheel-drive version and a top-of-the-line EX-L Navi trim with Honda’s satellite-linked navigation system. All Crosstour models feature a 271-horsepower 3.5-litre V6 engine.

"With the recent price reduction on our existing Accord sedans and coupes, the pricing for the all-new Accord Crosstour is designed to make this vehicle an attractive option for Canadians wanting car-like handling and performance with the functionality of a sport utility vehicle," said Jerry Chenkin, executive vice president of Honda Canada Inc. "The Accord Crosstour uses a versatile design to provide an interior that functions with the practicality of a larger vehicle, while maintaining a car-like driving experience."

Accord Crosstour combines the sophisticated refinement of a premium sedan with versatile characteristics of an SUV to create an entirely distinct concept within the Crossover Utility Vehicle (CUV) segment. Leveraging the many benefits of a car-based platform, Crosstour starts with the top-level refinement of the Accord V-6 sedan and further expands utility with a sleek, yet functional, profile for increased cargo space.

Crosstour is designed to fulfill multiple roles for both style and function. A bold exterior is designed to convey a prestigious presence from the outside, while premium interior styling extends from the passenger compartment into the cargo area. Increased functionality is provided by an under-floor storage area in the rear of the vehicle with reversible cargo floor panels. Cargo area access is further enhanced by a tailgate with a large opening and a low lift-over height.

Power is supplied by a 271-horsepower, 3.5-litre i-VTEC V-6 engine with Variable Cylinder Management (VCM) designed for power and fuel efficiency. The VCM cylinder deactivation system is programmed to run on 3, 4 or 6 cylinders, based on power requirements to provide top of class fuel economy of 11.5 L/100km (city) and 7.2 L/100km (highway). An advanced 5-speed automatic transmission is standard. For CUV capability, the Crosstour features an available Real Time(TM) 4WD drive system.

The Accord Crosstour is available in three model choices: EX-L two-wheel drive (MSRP - $34,900); EX-L 4WD (MSRP - $36,900); and EX-L 4WD Navi (MSRP - $38,900) with a satellite navigation system, rearview camera and HandsFreeLink(TM) Bluetooth(R) wireless telephone interface.

Standard features on Accord Crosstour EX-L include leather-trimmed seating surfaces with heated front seats, leather steering wheel, and leather gear shift knob; dual-zone automatic air conditioning with second row ventilation; 360-watt AM/FM 6-disc audio system with XM Satellite Radio, USB audio interface and seven speakers; easy fold-down 60-40 split rear seat back; 18-inch aluminum wheels with 225/60R18 M+S all-season tires; hidden removable utility box; cargo privacy cover; HomeLink(TM) transmitter; moonroof; driver’s seat with memory setting and 8-way power adjustment plus lumbar support; memory side mirrors with reverse-tilting capability; auto up/down driver and front passenger side windows; auto on/off headlights; rear privacy glass; steering wheel-integrated audio controls; compass and outside temperature indicator; fog lights; chrome door handles; body-coloured power side mirrors with defrost; and more.

Safety technology includes the Advanced Compatibility Engineering (ACE(TM)) body structure, a Honda-exclusive body design that enhances occupant protection and crash compatibility in frontal collisions. Additional safety equipment includes Vehicle Stability Assist (VSA(R)), commonly referred to as Electronic Stability Control; anti-lock brakes with electronic brake distribution and brake assist; side curtain airbags with a rollover sensor; driver’s and front passenger’s side airbags with passenger-side Occupant Position Detection System (OPDS); dual-stage, multiple threshold front airbags; and active front seat head restraints.

The Accord Crosstour is built in Ohio at the Honda of America Mfg., Inc., East Liberty Auto Plant.

Now in its 40th year of operations in Canada, Honda Canada Inc. has sold more than 3,200,000 Honda and Acura passenger cars and light-duty trucks. Nearly half of all Honda and Acura vehicles sold in Canada in 2008 were made in Canada - a higher percentage than any other vehicle manufacturer in Canada. Honda Canada builds the Honda Civic sedan and coupe, and Acura CSX, MDX and the all-new ZDX at its two plants in Alliston, Ontario, and produces fuel-efficient 4-cylinder engines at its engine plant adjacent to the Honda manufacturing facilities.

/NOTE TO PHOTO EDITORS: A photo accompanying this release is available at http://photos.newswire.ca. Images are free to accredited members of the media/

<< — 11/20/2009>>

Veolia Energy extends ten-year agreement with The Venetian Las Vegas to continue operating and maintaining the resort’s energy and other infrastructure needs

LAS VEGAS–(BUSINESS WIRE)– Veolia Energy North America, a leading provider of sustainable energy services and facility operations and management solutions, is delighted to announce that it has renewed its contract with the world’s largest resort-hotel-casino, The Venetian Las Vegas. After working together on-site for the last ten years to provide heating, cooling and facility operations and management services, Veolia Energy and The Venetian have agreed to extend their relationship for an additional ten years.

“We value our long-term relationship with The Venetian and we are very pleased to continue to partner with them in their facility operations,” said Hal Falter, General Manager of Veolia Energy’s Las Vegas Operations. “In one of the most energy intensive cities in the world, we are proud to work with a Las Vegas icon to optimize its energy use for the benefit of Las Vegas residents and visitors alike.”

Owned and operated by the Las Vegas Sands Corporation, the 15 million square feet destination is located along the legendary Las Vegas Strip and features luxury hotel suites, restaurants, retail shops, casinos and extensive meeting space.

The Venetian, one of the world’s most luxurious resorts and convention destinations, was one of the first Las Vegas luxury resorts to outsource the operations and maintenance of its energy infrastructure. Since 1999, the team in Las Vegas has operated and maintained the resort’s central plant and the hotel’s HVAC equipment to optimize the use of both chilled water and steam production to minimize energy use. Veolia Energy also maintains the pumps, heat exchangers and filtration systems for the resort’s pools, fountains, domestic hot water and comfort heating. Veolia Energy’s on-site personnel are closely integrated into The Venetian’s facility operations, seamlessly ensuring the comfort of resort occupants. With more than 3,300 pieces of equipment to check and maintain, Veolia Energy employees complete more than 35,000 preventive work orders per year.

About Veolia Energy North America

A subsidiary of Veolia Environnement, the world’s leading environmental services company, Veolia Energy focuses on controlling energy costs and reducing carbon footprints through energy-efficient, custom solutions. Solutions encompass the production and distribution of highly-reliable thermal energy; on-site operation of customers’ complex equipment to enhance the technical, economic and environmental performance; combined heat and power generation (cogeneration); and the introduction of renewable fuels into the energy mix where it is viable. Veolia Energy serves customers throughout the Continental USA, with a national reach and capability, and owns and operates the largest portfolio of district energy (heating, cooling and cogeneration) networks in the United States. With approximately 335,000 employees globally, Veolia Environnement reported revenue of $50 billion in 2008.

Veolia Energy North America

Rowan Sanders, 617-849-6656

rsanders@veoliaenergyna.com

Source: Veolia Energy North America

<<Business Wire — 11/20/2009>>

KENNESAW, Ga., Nov. 19 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ — Carrier Corporation’s Automated Logic controls business, a leading designer and manufacturer of innovative control systems for heating, ventilation, air conditioning, lighting and energy management of buildings, has acquired Logical Automation, Inc. (LAI), an independent controls contractor. Terms of the deal were not disclosed. Carrier Corp. is a unit of United Technologies Corp. (NYSE: UTX).

An Automated Logic dealer, Logical Automation designs, installs, and services building control systems and has a long record of technology leadership and a reputation for customer care.

"This acquisition builds upon Carrier’s strategy to offer a comprehensive set of sustainable building solutions to its customers," said Kelly Romano, president, Carrier Building Systems and Services. "With their reputation for customer satisfaction and project excellence, Logical Automation is an exciting addition to Automated Logic’s strong building automation offering."

Visit www.automatedlogic.com for more information.

About Carrier Corp.

Headquartered in Farmington, Conn., Carrier Corp. is the world’s largest provider of heating, air-conditioning and refrigeration solutions, with operations in more than 170 countries. Carrier is part of United Technologies Corp., a Hartford, Connecticut-based provider of products and services to the aerospace and building systems industries worldwide. Visit www.carrier.com for more information.

SOURCE Carrier Corp.

<< — 11/20/2009>>

BENTON HARBOR, Mich., Nov. 19 /PRNewswire/ — Whirlpool Corporation has jumped on board of an exciting, new initiative for sustainable homebuilding, which aims to make eco-conscious, energy-efficient homes more affordable for the average homebuyer. The American Sustainability Initiative — or AmeriSus, for short — will launch in January with a goal of placing 12,000 affordable sustainable homes throughout 15 states over the next two years. And, each of these homes will feature energy-efficient Whirlpool brand appliances.

"We selected Whirlpool® brand appliances for our sustainable home designs because we know Whirlpool Corporation is very committed to producing high-quality, energy-efficient products," said Charlie Kamps, managing director of AmeriSus. "They have an excellent reputation and years of global experience — more reasons we are happy to have them as a part of our team in this venture."

Based in Philadelphia, AmeriSus is a consortium of design and development professionals focused on providing creative designs and materials for energy-efficient homes that are within the price range of the average American homebuyer. The idea is to reduce environmental impact, while offering homeowners more reasonable home prices and the lower utility bills of an energy-efficient home.

"We established AmeriSus two years ago to demonstrate that affordability, efficiency and sustainability are not mutually exclusive," Kamps said. "For many households, the cost of home ownership has become a financial burden."

AmeriSus has expanded on the "kit home" concept, popularized by Sears, Roebuck and Co. in the first half of the 20th Century, allowing such pre-construction activities as design, engineering, procurement and logistics to be optimized for builders. Everything from nuts and bolts to appliances and finishes are included as part of one complete building package available through AmeriSus’ proprietary Ready Build System(TM). An ever-growing line of architectural layouts is available to builders and homebuyers via the AmeriSus Web site, where selections and upgrades in such areas as appliances, flooring, fixtures and energy systems can be made. AmeriSus selected products, materials and services from more than 30 "Best-In-Class" companies across the globe, such as Whirlpool Corporation, IKEA, and FedEx, which epitomize sustainability in their products and daily operations.

"We are thrilled to partner with AmeriSus in this exciting new sustainable building venture. Whirlpool is a strong proponent of sustainable building, and this is a wonderful opportunity to make sustainably built homes available to a wider variety of people," said Mitchell Isert, North Atlantic contract division director at Whirlpool Corporation.

When the selection process is complete, AmeriSus ships all of the design plans, building materials and finishes to the home site, saving several steps for builders. For more information on AmeriSus, go to amerisus.com.

About Whirlpool Corporation

Whirlpool Corporation works to exceed expectations with appliances that help building professionals create homes of distinction. The company’s The Inside Advantage(TM) Program offers Powerful Brands, Innovative Products, Targeted Services and Market Insight to support building professionals.

Whirlpool Corporation is the world’s leading manufacturer and marketer of major home appliances, with annual sales of approximately $19 billion in 2008, 70,000 employees, and 67 manufacturing and technology research centers around the world. The company markets Whirlpool, Maytag, KitchenAid, Jenn-Air, Amana, Brastemp, Consul, Bauknecht and other major brand names to consumers in nearly every country around the world. For more information on Whirlpool Corporation and its offerings for building professionals, please visit insideadvantage.com or call 1-800-253-3977.

SOURCE Whirlpool Corporation

<< — 11/20/2009>>

Nov. 19–Looking to save more? Try these tips, provided by the state Focus on Energy energy efficiency program.

–Install and use a programmable thermostat. Businesses could save up to 3% on heating costs for each degree they lower the thermostat. Consumers who already have a system in place should program it to achieve maximum savings, and don’t forget to adjust it with the shift from Daylight Saving Time.

–Weatherization can yield big savings. Weather-strip and caulk cracks in walls, jams and floors. Check for worn-out weather-stripping and replace. Add insulation to the attic, and consider upgrading with spray-foam or batt insulation. Additional insulation can be blown into walls, and today there are options for insulating flat roofs, crawl spaces and floors.

–Maintain heating, ventilation and air-conditioning equipment. Businesses can reduce their energy use by up to 40% simply by having heating and air-conditioning systems serviced regularly and changing air filters monthly. See focusonenergy.com/tuneups for financial incentives.

–Purchase energy-efficient equipment and lighting. For lighting, install compact fluorescent bulbs for task lighting, and high-performance T8 or pulse-start metal-halide systems for larger or high-bay applications. Lighting-control systems such as occupancy sensors and daylight sensors can help save even more.

More information is available for residential customers and businesses at www.focusonenergy.com, or by calling (800) 762-7077.

To see more of the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, or to subscribe to the newspaper, go to http://www.jsonline.com.

Copyright (c) 2009, Milwaukee Journal Sentinel

Distributed by McClatchy-Tribune Information Services.

For reprints, email tmsreprints@permissionsgroup.com, call 800-374-7985 or 847-635-6550, send a fax to 847-635-6968, or write to The Permissions Group Inc., 1247 Milwaukee Ave., Suite 303, Glenview, IL 60025, USA.

<< — 11/20/2009>>

Nov. 19–Fence lines aren’t familiar ground for BRB Roofing.

The 34-year-old company from Fort Gibson is more accustomed to the roofs of elementary schools, municipal buildings and similar structures.

But if BRB’s owners prove successful, miles and miles of the company’s new product will be strung along yards, ranches and business properties all across the country.

Already a successful manufacturer of steel roofing, the company recently launched a line of steel fences called Thunder Canyon Fence Products, investing about $500,000 in new equipment.

BRB president Doss Briggs said fencing is a logical offshoot of the company’s roofing products and also provides a way to diversify, grow and put BRB’s own stamp on steel products.

"This is a way we can go nationwide," said Briggs, whose father founded the company in 1975. "It took a lot of work to get this right, and we think we have something that will sell well."

The fences, made of sheet steel, are coated with a baked-on paint finish. Briggs said the product is better than its vinyl and wood competitors because it will last 25 years with minimal maintenance and is fully recyclable.

Thunder Canyon Fence Products has five employees at the BRB headquarters,

where about 80 people work. Briggs said he hopes to add 25 to 30 people in the next two years to handle the fencing end of the business.

He said the company’s biggest challenge will be convincing owners that the higher price for a steel fence is worth the investment. In early production, Thunder Canyon fences cost about the same as their wood counterparts but are about 25 percent more expensive than the plastic vinyl competition.

Most steel products on the market are decorative steel bar lines, but Briggs said the sheet metal design is the first in the industry.

The fence snaps together easily so it doesn’t require professional installation, although buyers still have to dig post holes, said Bryan Sherwood, who is heading up the Thunder Canyon division.

The company plans to appeal to aesthetically minded property owners with a dozen colors, including popular earth tones.

The fence idea was sprung nearly 30 months ago by BRB’s late owner, Doss’ father Benny Briggs, who died in August. Doss was charged with bringing more than two years of design to fruition.

Only about 10 orders have been sold two months after the product was launched, BRB officials said. However, the company is working on moving the products through distributors and a Web site.

Kyle Arnold 581-8380 kyle.arnold@tulsaworld.com

To see more of the Tulsa World, or to subscribe to the newspaper, go to http://www.tulsaworld.com.

Copyright (c) 2009, Tulsa World, Okla.

Distributed by McClatchy-Tribune Information Services.

For reprints, email tmsreprints@permissionsgroup.com, call 800-374-7985 or 847-635-6550, send a fax to 847-635-6968, or write to The Permissions Group Inc., 1247 Milwaukee Ave., Suite 303, Glenview, IL 60025, USA.

<< — 11/20/2009>>

Nov. 19–By slashing costs and reaping the benefits of declining commodity prices, CPG International Inc. increased profits in the third quarter even as sales fell.

In the face of double-digit declines in the constructions market, Scranton’s largest manufacturer saw sales plunge 13.7 percent during the year.

Plastic resin — the raw material that provides the key ingredient in nearly all CPG products — is pegged to the price of natural gas. That, and the broad decline in demand, has forced resin prices down 40 percent over the last year, said company president and chief executive Eric Jungbluth in a conference call with investment analysts. Those lower material costs helped the company increase its gross margin to 35.8 percent from 25.3 percent.

"We are pleased that we exceeded our plans, but we remain concerned with the instability of the economy and the possibility of continued declines in construction," Mr. Jungbluth said.

Construction and remodel decline significantly cut into sales of the company’s trademark product, Azek Trimboards, a mold-, insect- and moisture-resistant substitute for wood trim.

One of the few bright spots for the company is its line of composite decking materials, Azek Deck, which recently introduced a new line of colors. The company’s industrial products division, Vycom, which produces plastics for laboratory, marine, food processing and medical applications, has seen demand increase slightly, but still remains low.

To increase its liquidity, the company also decreased its debt ratio, cut inventory levels and put more effort into collection of receivables.

CPG continues with plans to revamp its Web presence and roll out product line extensions.

Company chief financial officer Scott Harrison said the company sees signs of stability in the residential market, continued declines in the commercial market and signs of strength in the industrial market.

"We anxiously await a rebound," he said. "We feel we are uniquely positioned to take full advantage of the pending recovery."

Based in Scranton, CPG International Inc. is a manufacturer of low-maintenance building products designed to replace wood, metal and other materials. The company is owned by a private equity firm. It reports its performance to the Securities & Exchange Commission because it has publicly traded debt.

Contact the writer: dfalchek@timesshamrock.com

To see more of The Times-Tribune or to subscribe to the newspaper, go to http://www.thetimes-tribune.com/.

Copyright (c) 2009, The Times-Tribune, Scranton, Pa.

Distributed by McClatchy-Tribune Information Services.

For reprints, email tmsreprints@permissionsgroup.com, call 800-374-7985 or 847-635-6550, send a fax to 847-635-6968, or write to The Permissions Group Inc., 1247 Milwaukee Ave., Suite 303, Glenview, IL 60025, USA.

<< — 11/20/2009>>

Nov. 19–Dickinson State University will soon know whether or not the North Dakota Board of Higher Education will authorize more than $1 million to renovate Stickney Hall.

The proposal includes upgrades to the heating, ventilation and air conditioning systems, new windows, restroom modification and spatial reconfigurations for the student health care facilities, said Constance Walter, DSU director of university relations.

Board of Higher Education members will discuss the proposal at their meeting today in Minot

"If this is approved, we hope to have it completed by the fall of 2010," Walter said.

The building was built in the 1920s and was originally used as a dormitory, she said.

Estimated costs for the project come in at more than $1 million, she said, and will include architect and engineering fees, along with new furnishings and equipment.

"It (the funding) comes through authorized state appropriations that are to be used for extraordinary repairs, deferred maintenance," Walter said. "It (the renovations) has been under consideration, but, as with any renovation project, it needs to have board approval and there is a process that has to be followed for that."

Roger Kilwein, Department of Business and Management chairman at DSU, has his office in Stickney Hall and said he’s a fan of the proposal.

"It’s a well-built building and we love it here, but it’s time for a facelift," he said. "We just need to update it."

Walter said she is unsure when the university will know the board’s decision, but said it may be a few weeks.

To see more of The Dickinson Press, or to subscribe to the newspaper, go to http://www.thedickinsonpress.com.

Copyright (c) 2009, The Dickinson Press, N.D.

Distributed by McClatchy-Tribune Information Services.

For reprints, email tmsreprints@permissionsgroup.com, call 800-374-7985 or 847-635-6550, send a fax to 847-635-6968, or write to The Permissions Group Inc., 1247 Milwaukee Ave., Suite 303, Glenview, IL 60025, USA.

<< — 11/20/2009>>