SAN FRANCISCO - Black Friday proved to be a relatively bright light in an economy largely characterized by dark, gloomy reports. Overall, retail sales for the day after Thanksgiving were up 3 percent from the same day in 2007, with preliminary estimates putting total sales in the U.S. at $10.6 billion, according to Shoppertrak RCT,
WARREN - The Michigan Business and Professional Association is seeking nominations for exceptional professional women to honor at its 13th Annual Women and Leadership in the Workplace Symposium and Awards Luncheon. The MBPA is dedicated to recognizing women who have attained significant achievements, peer recognition and are committed to the advancement of issues related to
LANSING - Although Michigan voters easily approved the medical marijuana ballot proposal, Proposal 2008-1, earlier this month, the voter-initiated law's language is causing some confusion. The law legalizes marijuana for medical use, but it does not stipulate how patients can obtain the drug, nor does it change the federal law criminalizing marijuana for all purposes.
LANSING - Although Michigan's jobless rate of 9.3 percent is the highest since 1992, the Upper Hand campaign, launched three years ago, has made some inroads into creating jobs in Michigan. The Michigan Economic Development Corporation's marketing strategy has also improved the perceptions of Michigan in the eyes of out-of-state businesses, officials said. The campaign
LANSING - Federal Highway Administration approval of the final environmental impact statement for the controversial Detroit River International Crossing, which calls for construction of a new bridge close to Fort Wayne and Zug Island in the downriver area of Detroit, was issued on Friday, Department of Transportation officials said. That opens the way for the
HAZEL PARK - Every Year ShopInPrivate.com provides a list of the 10 worst Christmas gifts. We warn you not to buy these items because they send the wrong messages. Christmas is supposed to be a time of giving, sharing and treating each other with kindness. These gifts don't send that message. Instead, they say something
LANSING - With a focus on working on the state's budget, especially by approving the anticipated executive order budget cuts, Senate Majority Leader Mike Bishop (R-Rochester) outlined his priorities for the lame duck session on Monday. And many of his priorities sounded similar to those listed by Governor Jennifer Granholm. Like Granholm, Bishop also called
BATTLE CREEK - Battle Creek Unlimited on Monday unveiled its strategy for redeveloping downtown Battle Creek - lead by investments in food science, technology and education, and featuring a six-story "Green" office building that will be leased by Kellogg Company. BCU officials estimate that its downtown revitalization plan could require more than $86 million in
AUBURN HILLS - Gibbs Technologies will discuss job openings at its new Oakland County headquarters and describe details of its breakthrough high-speed amphibious-vehicle technology at a Society of Automotive Engineers dinner meeting Dec. 1 at the San Marino Club in Troy. Dennis Bemis, the company�??s vice president of human resources, said Gibbs will have a
WASHINGTON D.C. - Starshowz Corporation has been selected for the 2008 Best of Auburn Hills Award in the Entertainment Bureaus category by the U.S. Local Business Association. The USLBA Best of Local Business Award Program recognizes outstanding local businesses throughout the country. Each year, the USLBA identifies companies that they believe have achieved exceptional marketing