ANN ARBOR ? New Enterprise Forum will host is second annual Entrepreneurial Improv: The Battle of the Elevator Pitch, an offbeat, slightly outrageous event that highlights how successful entrepreneurs must think fast on their feet that takes place May 15, immediately following the Michigan Growth Capital Sympoisium. During the program, NEF will put four entrepreneurs
KIRKLAND, Wa. - Sprint Nextel Corp. and Clearwire Corp. are close to announcing a $12 billion joint venture that plans to roll out ultra fast wireless Internet access for cellphones and laptops in coming years, with the backing of an unlikely alliance of technology and cable companies. Sprint has agreed to merge its wireless broadband
KALAMAZOO - Stryker Corporation said Tuesday that its Biotech division has received a warning letter from the U. S. Food and Drug Administration related to quality systems and compliance issues at its Hopkinton, Massachusetts location. The warning letter concerns observations made during an inspection that was initiated in September 2007. The letter primarily cites issues
LANSING - The Michigan Department of State is close to an agreement with the U.S. Department of Homeland Security that would make Michigan the fifth state authorized to issue enhanced driver's licenses that can be used for crossing the Canadian and Mexican borders. Poll results released Wednesday show Michigan residents are ready to accept the
LANSING - The insurance industry is again leading a charge to reduce personal injury protection requirements under Michigan's no-fault laws. But unlike prior efforts that have died at the hands of both legislators and voters, the industry thinks this time it has the backing needed to move the issue into law. Like the prior efforts,
LANSING - Through Monday, Michigan businesses have paid an estimated $470 million so far in quarterly payments under the Michigan Business Tax, which one fiscal official said appears to be on target with revenue estimates. Meanwhile, the Michigan Chamber of Commerce issued results of a poll done of its members that showed most of those
LANSING - One of the state's biggest business organizations will oppose the Fair Tax, a proposal to eliminate most of Michigan's taxes and replace them with a higher sales tax, saying that it could represent a major tax shift to individuals and companies. The board of directors of the Michigan Chamber of Commerce voted overwhelmingly
LANSING - The Michigan Strategic Fund board approval Wednesday a $10 million investment through the Michigan 21st Century Investment Fund to Midwest Mezzanine Fund IV, LP. The fund will focus on investments in Michigan-based businesses in the manufacturing, distribution and service industries. Chicago-based Midwest Mezzanine, is one of the oldest and most experienced private equity
LANSING - The Democratically-led Michigan House moved forward Wednesday with a capital outlay budget expanding the state's bonding to cover construction projects for 39 community colleges and public universities, a move that was criticized by Republicans for creating more state debt for future generations. HB 5221 was sent to the Senate on a near party-line
ANN ARBOR - Michigan's outstanding, award-winning small businesses were honored Thursday night at the Lansing Center as the state's major business organizations and agencies collaborated for the fourth annual Michigan Celebrates Small Business event. The cooperative effort ? which named the Michigan 50 Companies to Watch, Innovation of the Year and many other awards ?