Politics

LANSING - The loss of connection to a mainframe computer knocked out computer systems at all Department of State branch offices starting about 4:30 p.m. Tuesday, leaving those in line before the close of business at 5 p.m. having to return a different day to complete their business. The connection was restored overnight, resolving the

LANSING - The Small Business Association of Michigan's national affiliate the National Small Business Association recently submitted comments warning against the Department of Labor's proposed rules on overtime pay. In addition to the massive threshold increase, NSBA also criticized the DOL's process for not allowing an appropriate time frame for stakeholders to properly study and

MUSKEGON - West Michigan Sustainable Business Forum's September membership meeting will feature a spotlight on sustainability at Harley-Davidson, beach clean-ups, and waste diversion. This month's luncheon is at the Annis Water Resources Institute in Muskegon September 14 from Noon to 2 pm. The leading brand in an industry not traditionally known for sustainability, Harley-Davidson has

DETROIT - You can still register for the Southeast Michigan Sustainable Business Forum Member Guest Event at Next Energy on September 11. Detroit City Planning Director Maurice Cox will outline his ideas for making Detroit a sustainable city. Join Director Cox and SMSBF in changing Detroit for the better. If you're a business leader, entrepreneur,

LANSING - A bipartisan group of four representatives representing both peninsulas said Thursday they are introducing bills designed to remove barriers for businesses and individuals in the state to generate their own energy and receive fair-value pricing. Rep. Jeff Irwin(D-Ann Arbor) andRep. Ed McBroom(R-Vulcan) worked on similar legislation last term and joinedRep. Scott Dianda(D-Calumet) andRep.

LANSING - As the Michigan Senate Energy and Technology Committee wrapped public testimony on part of its energy policy package, renewable power companies and environmental groups urged that the panel retain the state's current net metering program. Under the bill (SB 438), those producing their own power but still connected to the utility would essentially

LANSING - The Michigan Department of State has canceled its contract with Hewlett Packard for its Business Application Modernization project, the company confirmed Wednesday. The project yielded a number of improvements, including moving some services to the Internet. But it also has been running since early in the administration of former Secretary of State Terri

GRAND RAPIDS - No doubt. Website marketing is a big challenge for most small businesses. However, many people take a far too technical view of the problem which only makes it that much more difficult to solve. As a business owner, or subject matter expert, you may lack the basic understanding of website strategy (or

SOUTHFIELD - Crystal Scott's transformation from Chrysler assembly line worker to cookie entrepreneur is one of determination, focus and confidence in her ability to realize a dream that began when she was seven. After taking a buyout from the automaker during the depth of the recession, Scott finished her bachelor degree studies, applied and was