LANSING - The Michigan Education Savings Program has launched a new smartphone application that allows investors to instantly manage their accounts free. The application is available for the following devices: iPhone, iPod Touch, Android, Palm Pre, Pixi and Blackberry Torch. "MESP is dedicated to making saving for college as easy as possible, and this new
PORTAGE ? Government software developer Manatron has acquired International Land Systems, creating a new division: Manatron International. The acquisition was led by private equity firm Thoma Bravo. Financial terms were not disclosed. Founded in 1996 and headquartered in Silver Spring, Md., ILS provides land management and land administration software systems and professional services to government
DETROIT - The all electric Chevrolet Volt has been named the 2011 North American Car of the Year. The Volt is on display at the North American International Auto Show. The Volt is an electric vehicle that can operate under a range of weather climates and driving conditions with little concern of being stranded by
LANSING - Michael Finney, president and CEO of the Michigan Economic Development Corp. has also been named head of the new Economic Growth group, one of six executive groups created by Gov. Rick Snyder. The group also includes the Transportation and Energy, Labor and Economic Growth department, Ann Arbor.Com reported Friday. Other groups include: People:
LANSING - Efforts in Washington to block a requirement that some Michigan companies pay interest on their unemployment taxes failed, and some 54,000 companies in the state will have to pay the additional tax beginning this year. Stephen Geskey, director of Michigan's Unemployment Insurance Agency, said in an interview he hoped the issue of eliminating
ROCHESTER HILLS - Bright Automotive is now hiring to fill 200 jobs in Southeast Michigan over the next year to bring its IDEA concept vehicle to market. The IDEA is an all-new, efficient, plug-in electric hybrid vehicle tailored to the needs of fleet vehicle customers. "Bright Automotive is building a team that is innovative, collaborative
LAS VEGAS - Verizon Wireless will use this week's Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas as the coming out party for its 4G wireless network. While many people have been crossing their fingers for news of a Verizon iPhone at CES, the big news from Verizon will likely be the company's announcement of several new
DETROIT ? This year's North American International Auto Show, which opens its two-week run on Jan. 10, will serve as a barometer to gauge the health of the world auto industry, predicts Bill Perkins, auto show vice chairman. And Perkins, president of the Perkins Automotive Group in Southeast Michigan, said he expects those barometric readings
ANN ARBOR ? Portable power fuel-cell developer Adaptive Materials, which has been awarded more than $45 million in US defense research contracts, has been acquired by United Kingdom-based Ultra Electronics Holdings for an undisclosed sum. In a press release, Adaptive Materials said it will continue to develop and manufacture its propane-powered fuel cell systems in
LANSING ? The deadline for the "I Love Michigan" Video competition, with a top prize of $2,500, has been extended to midnight Jan. 31. The competition is designed to spur creativity and artistry throughout Michigan as entrants create videos that tell a story of why they love the state. Videos can last up to 10