LANSING - Michigan convenience stores each would each lose $1,316 in profits if the state increased the cigarette tax by 25 cents per pack, according to a study released Tuesday. The study, commissioned by the Michigan Petroleum Association and Michigan Association of Convenience Stores, warns that a cigarette tax increase to help patch the state's
LANSING - Michigan-based companies will get $1.3 billion in federal research and development grants for the development of new batteries used in motor vehicles, and officials hoped the grants could mean as many as 40,000 jobs in the economically strapped state in the next 11 years. Vice President Joe Biden, joined by Gov. Jennifer Granholm
WASHINGTON - Congress passed a $2 billion extension of the popular "cash for clunkers" program Thursday evening, clearing the legislation for President Obama's signature. Obama administration officials have said that without new funds, the program would have expired by Friday. The Senate passed the extension Thursday evening. The House approved the measure last week, The
MIDLAND - Local startup consultant Caryn Shick of Opportunity Analysts is teaming up with Midland Tomorrow, the MidMichigan Innovation Center, Northwood University-Alden B. Dow Creativity Center, and an array of young entrepreneurs from all over the country to bring to mid-Michigan a series of three conferences that will guide those participating through the start-up process
LANSING - Officials in the office of Gov. Jennifer Granholm are refusing to comment on reports she has suggested an increase in the state's beer tax, and possibly the tobacco tax, as one way of helping resolve the 2009-10 budget. The state's beer tax has not been raised in more than 40 years and reports
LANSING - Schools across the country are struggling to meet student needs. But overall, Michigan schools could be the worst off of all, according to analysts reached by Gongwer News Service. Michigan's ongoing economic problems have dragged schools in the state down, and the reliance on the state as a funding source has given them
GRAND RAPIDS ? Lambert, Edwards & Associates, a West Michigan public and investor relations firm, has acquired John Bailey & Associates, a Metro Detroit PR agency, creating Michigan's first coast-to-coast public relations agency. Terms of the deal was not announced. But Lambert, Edwards Managing Partner Jeff Lambert said both entities will retain their brands, since
LANSING - Clean energy systems will help the state rebuild its jobs base, but efforts like Wednesday's expected announcement of grants for battery development are still needed to build both the industry to supply the energy and the demand for it, said Keith Cooley, CEO of NextEnergy, at a press conference promoting investment in the
LANSING - Political leaders must be willing to muster the courage to confront four essential elements - two spending and two revenue issues - to help establish a stable long-term state budget, former top state budget officer Tom Clay said in an interview. The willingness to confront spending in corrections and health care, along with
LANSING - Saline Lectronics received $998,000 Wednesday to back a loan to expand its manufacturing facility, becoming the first participant in the Strategic Fund's Supplier Diversification Fund. The money, part of the 21st Century Jobs Fund, was put in a certificate of deposit at Comerica Bank to act as collateral for the $2 million loan