Applequist

SAXONBURG — II-VI Inc. has signed an $88.6 million deal to buy a fiber amplifier and micro-optics business.

The Saxonburg-based laser and infrared technology company bought the Zurich, Switzerland-based business from Oclaro Inc.

The business will complement a semiconductor laser business that II-VI bought from Oclaro last month for $5 million.

II-VI expects the new business to generate $60 to $65 million per year.

Northwest bank picks Zelie managerZELIENOPLE — Chad Applequist has been named manager of the Zelienople office of Northwest Savings Bank, 118 S. Main St.Applequist is responsible for customer service, administration, lending and business development. He also will oversee the bank’s involvement in community activities.A branch manager for Dollar Bank from 2010 to 2013, Applequist received his bachelor’s degree from Pennsylvania State University in 2005.He has served as a sergeant first class in the Army since 2005. As a combat military police officer, Applequist has completed S.W.A.T., leadership and airborne training.Applequist participated in Leadership Butler County. He is the board president of the Center for Community Resources, and he is involved with V.I.T.A Partnership and Building a Better Butler. He is the son of Rod and Robin Applequist of Seven Fields.

Electric cooperative elects officersPARKER — The Central Electric Cooperative board of directors elected these officers at its Sept. 16 meeting:• Jody P. Weaver, president. He has been a board member representing Clarion County since 2008.• Kenneth D. Durrett, vice president. He has been a board member representing Butler County since 2009.• Althea M. Smith, secretary/treasurer. She has been a board member representing Venango County since 1995.Also, the board elected these members to represent the cooperative with other groups:• Rick Weaver to serve as the Allegheny Electric Cooperative director. He has been a board member since 1988 representing Clarion County.• Bette Walters to serve as the Pennsylvania Rural Electric Association Director. She has been a board member since 1988 representing Forest County.Central Electric serves 25,000 members in portions of Allegheny, Armstrong, Butler, Clarion, Forest, Mercer and Venango counties.

Microsoft’s phone adds driving modeNEW YORK — Microsoft is updating its Windows software for cell phones to accommodate larger devices and make it easier for motorists to reduce distractions while driving.It’s the third update to Windows Phone 8 software since the system’s release a year ago. Devices with this update will start appearing in the coming weeks, and older phones will be eligible for a free upgrade, too.Something that may appeal to motorists: a new Driving Mode will automatically silence incoming calls and texts so that you can focus on the road.