Endeavor's Neat Numbers

50

Rising labor costs are the main reason for the terminations hundreds of jobs at Eljer Plumbingware in Ford City. Company officials said they can pay workers in China an average of 50 cents per hour, compared to the average wage of $17.00 per hour in Ford City. "It shows us where corporate America is going," said Armstrong County Commissioner Rich Fink after meeting with Sun Capital Partners, owners of Eljer, in attempt to save the 200-plus jobs that are going.

6,000

Members of the Sinnemahoning Sportsmen's Assn. have set an ambitious goal to be achieved by February: 6,000 members. Current membership is 5,393, making the club one of Pennsylvania's biggest sportmen's organizations. Membership applications are available at Perry's Country Store, Austin; Backstreet Bar and Grill, Frenchville; and Fawn's One-Shot Gift Shop and Benton's Market in Karthaus.

99M

Here's another reason some school districts are determined to raise students' PSSA scores: the federal government is handing out $99 million to teachers and principals in some districts where classroom performance improves. President Bush is a big supporter of the concept, which introduces the "merit pay" concept into a system of teacher pay that has traditionally been based on years in class and education.

25

You've probably seen those odd-looking l i g h t bulbs with t h e distinctive curls, on s a l e v i r t u a l l y everywhere. Those aren't for d e c o r a t i o n . These compact fluorescent bulbs -- now selling by the millions each week -- use about 25 percent as much electricity as the traditional incandescent bulb. They also last an average of seven times longer.

6,000

The Pennsylvania Cyber Charter School, open since 2000, has passed the 6,000- student milestone. The school offers an Internet-based curriculum for grades five through 12. Every student has a personal guidance counselor. The school offers field trips where students can meet each other in person.

They also communicate on the Internet through group chat, text and group projects during class periods. Lessons range from courses similar to those found in traditional Pennsylvania schools, to college-credit classes in higher grades. Information on the school can be found at www.pacyber.org .

9.99

Nines are wild when it comes to Pennsylvania's corporate net income tax. Our rate of 9.99 percent is the ninth highest in the nation. Many corporations avoid the tax through the "combined earnings" loophole, incorporating in Delaware and having all earnings taxed there at a much lower rate. Overall, Pennsylvania ranks 22 nd among the 50 states in overall tax burden. We stack up well against Ohio, which ranks 49th (second highest in the country). New York is in the same neighborhood at 47th .