Local companies Construction Software Technologies, Intelliseek, LEM Products and PowerNet Global Communications made the Inc. 500 list of the fastest-growing private companies in America. These are the kinds of companies we should be celebrating. But Ohio and Kentucky ranked far down on the list of companies, with 17 and nine companies, respectively.

Local businesses are feeling the impact of the final weeks of the Bush-Kerry battle for the presidency. TV stations, for example, are reaping millions from the advertising. The latest to feel the impact is Price Hill Chili, where Vice President Dick Cheney stopped last week. Owner Sam Beltsos said he didn't make any money on the visit but loved the publicity.

Stagnant sales and higher costs drove down earnings at Frisch's Restaurants Inc., with share prices falling 4.7 percent in one day. Frisch's hopes more stores will mean more sales.

Nearly all of the region's biggest companies have formal policies prohibiting discrimination against gay workers, and about half offer health benefits to gay workers' partners. Those benefits don't guarantee a welcoming workplace for all workers, but it's certainly a good start, those companies have found.

QUOTE OF THE WEEK

"Convergys does not anticipate this restructuring announcement will jeopardize their employment and investment commitments with the city." This missive from Cincinnati City Manager Valerie Lemmie is City Hall-speak for the hope that Convergys Corp. won't lay off local workers. The company plans to eliminate 250 jobs worldwide in its information management group, but will try voluntary early retirements first. The city and state last year agreed to a $200 million incentives package to keep the company's headquarters here.

KENTUCKY CONNECTIONS

Kentucky public-school teachers called off a planned strike after the General Assembly restored some health benefits that had been scheduled for cuts. But Kentucky's fiscal situation could mean that another showdown might be in the offing next fall.

Delta Air Lines lost $646 million in the third quarter and burned through more than half a billion dollars in cash. Business and public sector leaders across the region are watching closely as the beleaguered airline appears to be moving ever closer to a possible bankruptcy filing.