The state of New Mexico v. Sterling Financial Corp.

President and chief executive officer of Centric Bank

Dear Mr. Berko: I have three questions, and I need the first and second questions answered right away for my wonderful aunt and my dad.

In our capitalist economic system, everyone must make purchases to eat, sleep, drive, etc.

Bankruptcies, mortgages, incorporations, liens

Orrstown Financial Services Inc., the Shippensburg-based parent of Orrstown Bank, today reported fourth-quarter net income of $3 million, a 2.1-percent increase from the year-ago quarter.

Pennsylvania Commerce Bancorp Inc., parent company of Commerce Bank/Harrisburg reported earnings of $2.5 million for the fourth quarter.

Both political parties are pushing for quick tax-stimulus program. Should people who do not pay income tax be included in any rebate plan? Why or why not?

New Enterprise Stone & Lime Co., based in Bedford County, has purchased Harrisburg-based Stabler Companies Inc., a construction-materials and contracting business.

Midstate business leaders vowed to keep a steady course this morning as global stock indexes dropped again and Wall Street struggled through volatile trading amid recession concerns.

Codorus Valley Bancorp Inc. on Jan. 17 reported fourth-quarter earnings of $1.3 million, an increase of 18 percent over the same period of 2006.

The PNC Financial Services Group Inc. reported net income of $178 million for the fourth quarter of 2007, down from $376 million in the same period of 2006.

A group of financial consultants who specialize in helping athletes have moved to Susquehanna Bank from Sterling Financial Corp.

The battle lines are starting to be drawn over Gov. Ed Rendell's budget proposals, which will be presented next month to our legislators in Harrisburg.

LAST WEEK'S QUESTION:

Should the federal government eliminate income taxes in favor of a national sales tax? Why or why not?

YES — 71 percent

NO — 29 percent