SOUTHFIELD ? They say the first signs of economic recovery are when businesses begin to spend money again on public relations and advertising. Then the announcement that Airfoil Public Relations has hired nine new employees and plans to hire more could be further proof the prolonged recession in Michigan is indeed waning. Airfoil co-founder and
LANSING - The most sweeping overhaul of state taxes in a generation overcame its most difficult obstacle Thursday when the Senate, despite great reluctance among several of members of the Republican majority, scrounged up the votes to pass the legislation. Two hours later, the House concurred in the Senate version of the bill, sending it
ROCHESTER ? Starting Friday, the Green Living Festival will transform downtown Rochester into class rooms where upwards of 50,000 people will learn about the latest trends, products and services in clean, green and sustainable energy. The Green Living Festival is one of the planet's largest green events. It will be held in downtown Rochester, Friday,
REDMOND, Wa. - Microsoft has agreed to acquire Skype for $8.5 billion and will integrate Skype's technology with Xbox game consoles and Kinect motion-sensing devices, as well as Windows Phone platforms. "Skype is a phenomenal service that is loved by millions of people around the world," Microsoft CEO Steve Ballmer said in a statement reported
DETROIT - The Detroit Free Press reports General Motors is investing more than $2 billion to update 17 plants, creating some 4,200 new jobs. As many as 2,000 new jobs could go to its Hamtramck plant where GM builds the Chevy Volt, Buick Lucerne and Cadillac DTS. Both the Caddy and Buick are expected to
ANN ARBOR - In an analysis of General Motors announced plant investments for this spring, the Center for Automotive Research calculates more than 28,000 jobs will be retained or created, and will contribute almost $2.9 billion to the U.S. Gross Domestic Product. CAR has carried out the great majority of studies investigating the impact of
LANSING - The Michigan Energy Office will make approximately $1 million available from American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009, better known as the federal stimulus, funds to showcase advanced lighting technology demonstrations around the state. Proposals are due by 3 pm May 26. The grants are designed to encourage highly visible upgrades to more
LANSING - Michigan has the fifth-worst business climate in the nation, at least in terms of the perception of 556 CEOs who participated in the annual Chief Executive magazine survey ranking the states' business climates. The survey is not based on metrics, but the general perception participating CEOs have of each state's business climate. The
LANSING - For years now, the story has been that young people leave Michigan in search of jobs and more exciting places to live. If Governor Rick Snyder and the forces at the Michigan Economic Development Corporation are successful in their new development strategy, young people will want to remain in Michigan and will have
DETROIT - Grants totaling $200 million from the federal government will help put Michigan on the rails for high-speed, or at least higher speed, train service, Governor Rick Snyder and U.S. Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood announced at a news conference in Detroit on Monday. The funds will focus on improving the track lines from Dearborn