GRAND RAPIDS -- As the buzz grows around a successor to Jim Epolito, the outgoing president of the Michigan Economic Development Corp., one West Michigan candidate said she's not going to take the bait. Birgit Klohs, president of the West Michigan-based Right Place Inc., "is very humbled at the opportunity to explore that, but she has no aspirations to... Full story »

KALAMAZOO -- Citing high labor costs and the erosion of vehicle sales by its car-making customers, Checker Motors Corp. filed Friday for bankruptcy protection. The automotive supplier, perhaps best known for the Marathon taxicabs its supplied to the world from 1923 until 1984, filed for protection from its creditors under Chapter 11 of the U.S. Bankruptcy Code in U.S.... Full story »

TRAVERSE CITY -- A northern Michigan auto dealership with ties to Henry Ford may be sold to a dealer connected to another globally known business family in the state. Grand Rapids-based Fox Motors has reached a deal to buy Grand Traverse Auto in Grand Traverse County's Garfield Township. Full story »

GRAND RAPIDS -- Experts sounded a cautious, sometimes dire tone for the economy and commercial real estate market in 2009 during Friday's annual West Michigan Economic and Commercial Real Estate Forecast. But, for those with money to invest, there are bargains to be had. More than 600 people attended the session hosted by commercial real estate firm Grubb &... Full story »

HASTINGS -- The new Family Fare Supermarket opens bright and early Sunday -- just hours after longtime neighborhood grocery store Felpausch closes its doors for good. The Spartan Stores-owned Family Fare opens at 6 a.m. in the Kmart Plaza at 902 E. State St. In addition to Felpausch, it replaces Plumbs Market, which closed at the site last year.  Full story »

Business news from The Grand Rapids Press can now be found at mlive.com/business/west-michigan The Press, along with The Kalamazoo Gazette, The Muskegon Chronicle and West Michigan Business Review are collaborating their efforts for a regional business presence on Michigan Live's Web site. You can find a link to all the Grand Rapids Press business news in the left rail of... Full story »

NEWAYGO -- The discovery by a father and son of a muzzleloader discarded at a Dumpster resulted in the accidental shooting death of the 28-year-old Tuesday. Full story »

GRAND RAPIDS -- Home builders can pin their hopes on April. That is when, according to at least one economist, the housing market will hit bottom. "One huge assertion is that there will be an economic fiscal package that passes Congress," said David Crowe, chief economist with the National Association of Home Builders. "If that doesn't come through, all cards... Full story »

HOLLAND -- Ottawa County can expect to see a 4 percent decline in employment this year, the worst the area has seen in over 20 years. The only good news is that it would be worse if it were not for the area's ability to produce new jobs every year said economist George Erickcek, senior analyst for the Kalamazoo-based W.E.... Full story »

Three downtown projects are lining up for millions of dollars in state and local tax breaks. The largest proposal project, The Meridian, is a $24 million 10-story apartment complex planned for a parking lot at the southwest corner of Sheldon Boulevard and E. Fulton Street. • Read the story • Blog: Introducing, the Meridian. Whaddaya think? Full story »

COMSTOCK TOWNSHIP -- Expansion plans at the headquarters of Bell's Brewery Inc. are moving ahead with site plan approval for the project last week by the Comstock Township Planning Commission. The brewery plans to add 15,000 square feet of office space onto its 60,000-square-foot production operation at 8938 Krum Ave. Owner Larry Bell estimates that a cramped 2,000 square... Full story »

GRAND RAPIDS -- You won't be able to live at 45 Ionia Ave. SW, but you might be able to get a room. The parking lot near Van Andel Arena that had been slated for a now-canceled condominium project is now in line to get a $22 million all-suites hotel. Fort Wayne, Ind.-based GT RIDMG Inc., is expected to... Full story »

GRAND RAPIDS -- A 10-story building with more than 100 apartments, ground level retail and a parking deck is planned for a parking lot near the center of downtown. Developer Robert Tol was expected to reveal his plans for what is being called The Meridian to the city's Economic Development Project Team today. Preliminary plans call for a modern five-on-five... Full story »

ALLEGAN COUNTY -- Separated by the Kalamazoo River, the neighboring harbor towns of Saugatuck and Douglas long have been tourist draws for their waterfront location and artistic flavor. Now, their history is being spotlighted nationally. The Saugatuck-Douglas area made the National Trust for Historic Preservation's 2009 list of A Dozen Distinctive Destinations along with Hot Springs, S.D.; and Santa Barbara,... Full story »

Personnel changes Price, Heneveld, Cooper, DeWitt & Litton LLP named Jeffrey Kapteyn partner. Jason Murray was promoted to creative director at kantorwassink and Christine Emmer was hired as associate art director. Awards and achievements Louis Prues, of Lutheran Social Services of Michigan, was named "20 Who Are Making a Difference" by Healthcare Design magazine for his work on renovating... Full story »