Michigan Business

Michigan may cut subsidies that keep Amtrak running

2009-07-03T21:52:40Z

LANSING -- Michigan may cut subsidies that keep Amtrak running along two of its three passenger rail lines in the state, a move critics say sends the wrong message as President Barack Obama is promoting high-speed rail....

Friends bring fruity liqueur Sharkwater to local markets

2009-07-03T18:25:39Z

CEDAR SPRINGS -- What started out as a casual concoction that Jeff DeYoung mixed for friends at dinner parties and barbecues is hitting grocery shelves around the state. Currently found in Family Fare and D&W Fresh Market stores in West...

Three Metro Detroit companies -- GM, Chrysler, Visteon -- make it to top 10 recession victims list

2009-07-03T17:01:15Z

Although the nation is still in the midst of a recession, a Canadian newspaper is counting down the top 10 bankruptcy victims of the recession already. The Toronto Star's recession list features some big names, both American and Canadian, but...

Business is booming at downtown Grand Rapids hotels for Fourth of July

2009-07-03T14:21:00Z

Paul L. Newby II | The Grand Rapids PressA different angle: Nicholas Griffioen and Alissa Mundt's table at Cygnus 27 in the Amway Grand Plaza Hotel offers a view of the Grand River, where fireworks will be launched Saturday. GRAND...

Fireworks sales fizzle: West Michigan tent operators hope for last-minute rush

2009-07-03T13:25:54Z

Photos by Emily Zoladz | The Grand Rapids PressThrill-seekers wanted: Luke and Shelle Vandenberg have 14 fireworks tents in Michigan and have been in the business since 1996. PLAINFIELD TOWNSHIP -- There have been many fireworks in Luke and Shelle...

Meijer, Acme Township group sign no-lawsuit agreement

2009-07-02T17:39:45Z

Meijer, developer agree to pay $75,000 to group that fought proposed superstore.

Gov. Jennifer Granholm signs laws signed aimed at keeping auto show in Detroit

2009-07-02T17:31:48Z

Mike Itchue | MLive.comCobo Center in downtown Detroit LANSING -- Gov. Jennifer Granholm has signed legislation aimed at keeping the North American International Auto Show in Michigan beyond 2010, preferably at its current home in Detroit's Cobo Center....

Steelcase, Herman Miller: Still investing

2009-07-02T12:00:27Z

Hackett As their companies reported large declines in quarterly revenues, chief executives at Steelcase Inc. and Herman Miller Inc. said they're maintaining investments that will better position their companies coming out of the downturn. Zeeland-based Herman Miller recently bought Nemschoff...

Ford F-series outsells Toyota Camry in June

2009-07-02T11:07:45Z

Courtesy of FordFord's 2010 Harley-Davidson edition F-150 truck Even as many automakers make a gradual transition to smaller, greener vehicles, Ford's F-series trucks continue to outsell the top-selling car in the U.S., the Toyota Camry, according to Autodata Corp....

U-M professor says Michigan could be the film headquarters of the Midwest

2009-07-02T11:00:41Z

Lisa Allmendinger | The Ann Arbor News A film crew sets up to shoot a scene for the movie "Betty Anne Waters" in Chelsea. Jim Burnstein, University of Michigan professor and Hollywood screenwriter, was one of the main architects of...

New foreclosure law met with skepticism

2009-07-02T10:50:07Z

New state law on foreclosures Under the Michigan law taking effect July 5: • Foreclosing lenders must notify borrowers of foreclosure by mail. • Notification must include the name of a person who has the power to modify the loan,...

GE facility to focus on high-tech research; Van Buren Township center could attract related businesses

2009-07-02T10:40:39Z

Courtesy PhotoA center in Munich, Germany, part of GE's Global Research Network.General Electric's decision to conduct what a spokesman called "the most advanced research that goes on at GE" at a new $100 million Michigan operation marks a signature of...

Lear prepping for bankruptcy, has creditor support

2009-07-02T10:11:04Z

NEW YORK -- Automotive parts supplier Lear Corp. said Wednesday it is preparing to file for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection and has lined up financing to fund its operations while under court protection. Lear, which makes automotive seating systems and...

Film commissioner to West Michigan: 'Get serious'

2009-07-02T10:00:45Z

Photo by Johnny QuirinCorey Niemchick, left, and John Evans of Storytelling Pictures founded the Grand Rapids Film Festival. West Michigan is already home to a handful of well-respected film festivals -- most notably the Waterfront Film Festival, which was held...

Bill Michels: An opportunity for GM's new supply chain czar

2009-07-02T09:40:16Z

Bill Michels: Global LookNobody should have been surprised by the news from General Motors Corp. when the global purchasing czar, Bo Andersson, abruptly left the company in June. He left behind a supply chain crippled by bankruptcies, unprofitable, unstable...