West Michigan Business

First-time-homebuyer credit draws fraudulent claims

2009-11-08T12:03:28Z

The federal government's first-time-home-buyer tax credit has been a catalyst for home sales in the area, Realtors say, and apparently it will be a boon to home sellers, bankers and others until spring.

Welcome to the land of Pontiacs, coupons and NASCAR: Survey outlines West Michigan penchants

2009-11-08T10:00:08Z

Check out how West Michigan stacks up to national averages.

Author's argument that unappreciated gifts drag down economy isn't Scroogish, it's foolish

2009-11-08T09:07:44Z

Gifts mostly aren't perceived to be worth the money they cost us.

Names and Faces in Business for Nov. 8

2009-11-08T07:25:44Z

Eastbrook Homes added Bruce Bylsma to the West Michigan sales team.

Cottage Bar cook celebrates 60th birthday, 42 years at restaurant

2009-11-07T12:41:09Z

Cook celebrates 60th birthday with Cottage Bar co-workers and patrons.

More renters claiming landlords are unlawfully discriminating against families

2009-11-07T12:06:17Z

Check out examples of discriminatory "for rent" ads.

The Factory renting 'co-working' space in Grand Rapids for individuals seeking 'cool' office environment

2009-11-07T11:33:50Z

Developers of "co-working" say they know home offices can be lonely.

Names and Faces in Business for Nov. 7

2009-11-07T07:28:15Z

Bob Dunston joined the 28th Street office of Coldwell Banker AJS-Schmidt as an agent.

Woodland Mall strengthens Web presence

2009-11-07T07:12:47Z

Shopping center also adds Facebook page.

Banks in Michigan, 4 other states closed by regulators

2009-11-07T06:25:26Z

Regulators on Friday shut banks in Georgia, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, and California, bringing the number of bank failures this year to 120 amid the struggling economy and a cascade of defaults on loans.

Independent hearing officer says Blue Cross rate hike should be lower

2009-11-07T05:27:04Z

Both the state attorney general's office and the Michigan Office of Financial and Insurance Regulation fought Blue Cross' "Medigap" rate proposal during hearings.

Instead of layoffs, Zeeland's ODL Inc. will pay 35 workers to work for nonprofits during rest of year

2009-11-06T23:13:37Z

Company estimates the donation is worth at least $170,000.

President Obama signs unemployment benefit extension measure into law

2009-11-06T21:49:31Z

The move, which was expected, could help 100,000 Michigan residents whose benefits will be exhausted by the end of the year.

Auto supplier Sellner-Behr to hire 25 workers in Comstock Park, Michigan

2009-11-06T21:27:36Z

Sellner-Behr Corp. has added a $1 million polyester topcoat application machine to accommodate the project to its 125,000 square-foot factory in Alpine Township, the Grand Rapids Press reports. The township board has approved a 12-year tax break worth $24,000 for the equipment and other investments totaling $1.3 million.

Check to see if you are on IRS list of 2,000 Michigan taxpayers owed a combined $2.3 million

2009-11-06T21:24:20Z

The average amount of the checks is Michigan is $1,181, and some people are due to receive more than one, according to the IRS.

Waldenbooks store in Portage to close next year

2009-11-06T18:50:43Z

The Ann Arbor-based Borders Group Inc. says the Waldenbooks store in Portage will be among those it will close early next year.

West Michigan Realtors celebrate expansion of home buyer tax credit

2009-11-06T18:05:13Z

The first-time home buyer credit was extended through June 30 and also includes existing homeowners.

Walmart fires next shot in holiday price war: New release DVDs for $10

2009-11-06T17:48:37Z

Target and Amazon.com have matched Walmart's price drop. Will Meijer?

Welch Foods doesn't plan to close Lawton plant

2009-11-06T17:34:28Z

Welch Foods Inc. said Thursday that it has no plans to close its Lawton grape-processing plant.

Sellner-Behr Corp. lands BMW wood veneer contract, on top of Cadillac, Mercedes, Lincoln

2009-11-06T17:08:27Z

Local supplier Sellner-Behr Corp. is trusted with a crafting wood veneer for luxury cars.