DETROIT - General Motors Co. has been in talks with former product chief Robert Lutz about bringing him back as a paid consultant, The Detroit News reported Wednesday. The details were unclear, but the 79-year-old Lutz continues to have a close relationship with GM, and the two have been in discussions about formalizing an advisory
ANN ARBOR ? Borders Group filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection Wednesday in a Manhattan court, a month after it warned it may be forced to restructure. Borders said it could close up to 30 percent of its 644 stores nationwide and in Puerto Rico in the coming weeks. In its bankruptcy petition, Borders listed
LANSING - The first shockwaves already are emanating from Gov. Rick Snyder's expected budget proposal for the 2011-12 fiscal year with sources telling Gongwer News Service that Snyder plans a 15 percent cut in aid to public universities and a cut of about $200 million in revenue sharing to local governments. Sources also told Gongwer
DETROIT - It isn't very often that you see Roger Penske fail at anything, but selling smart cars in the American market even proved to be too much for Mr. Penske. Mercedes-Benz USA is going to take over the distribution of smart from the Penske Automotive Group, The Car Connection reported Tuesday. Interestingly, Mercedes is
LANSING ? Major Michigan employers continue to come out in support of an additional bridge connecting Detroit to Windsor, Ontario. Five West Michigan companies jumped on the band wagon Tuesday. Meijer, Amway, Steelcase, Kellogg Co. and Wolverine World Wide, emphasized the benefits to West Michigan and the entire state. The proposed crossing is a public/private
EAST LANSING - Michigan's economic outlook brightened as the state elected new leaders and celebrated the conclusion of one decade and the approach of another, Michigan State University's year-ending State of the State Survey reveals. Despite the renewing confidence, those who answered the telephone survey continued to express their disappointment in Michigan?s outgoing governor and
LANSING - While many leaders throw around taxation and the Michigan Business Tax as major impediments to attracting new business to Michigan, the slowdown in approvals of incentives is actually a much larger roadblock to making the state attractive to new companies, newly appointed Michigan Economic Development Corporation CEO Michael Finney said last week. He
GRAND RAPIDS ? The Michigan Small Business and Technology Development Center has won a $1,622,560 grant to expand access to programs to help entrepreneurs start or grow their businesses and create jobs. The head of Michigan?s program, Carol Lopucki, said the grant will be a big help to that state?s Small Business and Technology Development
TROY - Automation Alley is accepting applications for an upcoming trade mission to China with an optional visit to Taiwan. The mission is scheduled for May 13-20 with an extension to May 24 for those interested in traveling to Taiwan. Participation is limited to 10 companies; registration deadline is March 21. Cities that will be
LANSING ? Gov. Rick Snyder will soon announce the break-up of the Department of Energy, Labor and Economic Growth and movement of economic development functions to the Michigan Economic Development Corporation, Gongwer News Service has learned. Multiple sources told Gongwer of the impending changes to one of the state's largest and most critical departments. Snyder