West Michigan Business

This pre-Thanksgiving weekend is all about Black Friday 2009 ads and planning for blockbuster deals

2009-11-21T16:39:19Z

Today, the expert moms who know how to research Black Friday 2009 ads and blockbuster deals are gearing up to establish their Thanksgiving shopping plan. But its not the same as days long ago.

Tavern on the Square is latest addition to downtown Grand Rapids dining scene

2009-11-21T12:41:56Z

Contemporary, casual, traditional, international and decidedly American -- this melting pot of adjectives forms the basis for Tavern on the Square.

Help Michigan and buy a real Christmas tree, state urges

2009-11-21T11:06:09Z

Officials are trying to extend the "Buy Local" movement to fresh Christmas trees.

Names and Faces in Business for Nov. 21

2009-11-21T08:16:35Z

Interphase Interiors added Carol Dippenaar as an account executive.

Appeals court allows prosecutor to investigate Meijer for tampering in failed Acme Township referendum, recall elections

2009-11-21T03:14:24Z

Prosecutor can probe whether retailer illegally tried to unseat officials.

Attendance for second annual Grand Rapids International Wine & Food Festival up 25 percent

2009-11-21T00:19:12Z

About 10,000 people wound their way through DeVos Place's Steelcase Ballroom last weekend for the second annual Grand Rapids International Wine & Food Festival, topping last year's attendance by 25 percent.

Online auction to liquidate items from The Bargain Shack

2009-11-20T23:55:04Z

An online auction Tuesday will liquidate the assets of now-closed The Bargain Shack variety store, 2688 116th Ave., Allegan.

National City Bank branches to be converted to PNC branches in April

2009-11-20T23:46:04Z

Pittsburgh-based PNC Financial Services Inc. announced this week it will convert its National City Bank branches into PNC branches in April.

Lenders agree to restructure debt of RiverTown Crossings owner General Growth Properties

2009-11-20T23:39:05Z

General Growth Properties Inc., which operates West Michigan's largest mall in RiverTown Crossings in Grandville, said its lenders have agreed to restructure some $8.9 billion in shopping mall mortgage loans.

Toys R Us plans to stock Zhu Zhu Pets Hamsters on Black Friday

2009-11-20T21:34:41Z

Zhu Zhu Pets Hamsters, which retail for about $9.99, won't be discounted.

Michigan's unemployment rate will top 15% through 2011, University of Michigan economic forecast says

2009-11-20T21:22:57Z

A severe jobs crisis will continue to haunt Michigan as the state’s unemployment rate tops 15 percent through the end of 2011, according to a University of Michigan economic forecast released this morning and covered by Ann Arbor Business Review.Michigan’s...

Michigan's 15.1% unemployment rate for October again tops among states

2009-11-20T20:16:38Z

Michigan was again tops among states for monthly unemployment figures in October despite falling slightly to 15.1 percent, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics said Friday. It marks the 44th consecutive month that Michigan has at least tied for the nation's highest jobless rate.

Auto supplier Tenneco to add 116 jobs at plants in Marshall, Litchfield, Michigan in production shift from Ontario

2009-11-20T18:35:51Z

The Lake Forest, Ill.-based supplier plans to transfer production of exhaust systems for General Motors Co.'s GMT900 pickup truck platform from Cambridge, Ontario to plants in Marshall and nearby Litchfield, spokesman Jim Spangler said. The move will result in about 36 and 80 new hourly jobs at each facility, respectively.

Unemployment benefit extension certification runs Monday-Saturday during Thanksgiving holiday week, but payment schedules altered

2009-11-20T18:05:34Z

Individuals who have certified for unemployment benefits or the recently enacted extensions can contact the automated MARVIN system by telephone or online Monday through Saturday. The UIA expects up to 80,000 displaced workers who have exhausted their benefit payments will begin claiming eligibility for the Emergency Unemployment Compensation extensions next week.

Controversial Family Fare proposal in Georgetown Township will be decided by voters

2009-11-20T17:36:16Z

Township officials said Friday they’ve verified “hundreds more” than the required 3,456 signatures on a petition forcing a referendum on the proposed rezoning of the little league’s existing site near 28th Avenue and Baldwin Street.

Nine Michigan hospitals on Top 100 list for cardiac care

2009-11-20T17:29:56Z

Nine Michigan hospitals are listed among the Top 100 in the nation for cardiac care.Michigan had the second-most hospitals in the annual Thomson Reuters Top 100 Hospitals for Cardiovascular Care. Ohio topped the list with 13.Spectrum Health Hospitals in Grand...

Michigan Apple Queen pageant seeks more contestants

2009-11-20T17:14:45Z

To be eligible for the Dec. 8 pageant, you must be a single girl, age 17 to 23, with a connection to the apple industry.

Manatron Inc. to double Portage employment

2009-11-20T17:07:04Z

A software company said Thursday that it plans to double its employment in Portage.

Woodland Mall offers shoppers a chance to win $25,000

2009-11-20T17:05:51Z

Holiday '09 Unwrapped campaign will run from Black Friday through Dec. 13.

University of Michigan forecast for continuing job losses through 2011 provides no solace for wary state

2009-11-20T15:14:37Z

As many commenters noted on yesterday's post on the economists' predictions for the U.S. economy, predictions are only that – predictions. These are smart economists, yes, but their forecast for 2009, made this time last year as the recession was burrowing deeper, severely undershot the severity of the crisis.