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 »

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 »

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 »

Wolverine World Wide Inc. today announced plans to cut 450 jobs and close the Rockford tannery. Bill Loveless, of Rockford, was surprised to learn of the job cuts as he waited for a hotdog outside the Corner Bar. (Press File Photo) • Story and timeline | X-Rite cuts 90 jobs • Wolverine recently celebrated 125th anniversary • Poll: Shorter work week better than no work week? • Government employees try alternative schedules • Michigan promises to fix unemployment system Full story »

KENTWOOD -- X-Rite Inc. said today it will cut 90 jobs and incur $3.5 million in restructuring charges for 2009. The moves are expected to save $20 million, after the company weathered a tough fourth quarter and a chill in business. The color technology company lowered its 2008 sales estimate to a range of $261 million to $262 million, 7.7... Full story »

Kindel Furniture Co. joined a growing trend this week when it announced a four-day workweek for remaining employees. (Press Photo/Katy Batdorff) • Read the story, take a poll • Government employees try alternative schedules • Michigan promises to fix unemployment system Full story »

More than 600 people took a ticket to wait for as long as five hours to make an unemployment claim Tuesday afternoon at the Michigan Unemployment Office. Unemployment rates in Kent and Ottawa counties jumped to 7.7 percent in November. (Press Photo/Hollyn Johnson) • Read Nancy Crawley's column • Unemployment levels climb statewide in November Full story »

More than 600 people took a ticket to wait for as long as five hours to make an unemployment claim Tuesday afternoon at the Michigan Unemployment Office. Unemployment rates in Kent and Ottawa counties jumped to 7.7 percent in November. (Press Photo/Hollyn Johnson) • Read the story Full story »

Unemployment levels in November went up in all but five of the state's 83 counties compared with October, and rose statewide compared with last year. Grand Rapids and Holland area unemployment rates hit 7.7 percent, up from 7.5 percent last month. "This was not a typical November for jobs in Michigan's various regional labor markets," said Rick Waclawek, director of... Full story »

GRAND RAPIDS -- Slowdowns in housing and consumer spending are driving cutbacks at Kindel Furniture Co., the city's only residential furniture maker. On Monday, company officials told their 130 employees they would lay off 19 full-time and five part-time workers, and go to a four-day work week for everyone else starting this week. "The order volume since October has flattened... Full story »

Byron Township-based Spartan Stores Inc. was the only major local stock not to decline in value during the year. Stock of the grocery distributor and owner of D&W Fresh Market, Family Fare and Felpausch stores edged out a slight gain, ending 2008 up 3 percent. • Story and local stocks report Full story »

We can't know what lies ahead. But we can fervently ask tonight that the new year not treat us as roughly as the old one. We only know there will be events and news we never dreamed would happen. • Read Nancy Crawley's column Full story »

With the economy in turmoil, many West Michigan residents are starting over with new careers and business ventures. This week, The Press looks at five area people who have made the leap. Today, meet Rene Mireles, who made his part-time passion into a full-time job. • Read the story • Tuesday: Systems analyst opens ice cream shop • Wednesday: Diemaker becomes nurse • Thursday: Factory worker takes over tree farm • Friday: Banker starts financial services business Full story »

With the economy in turmoil, many West Michigan residents are starting over with new careers and business ventures. This week, The Press looks at five area people who have made the leap. Today, meet Kimberly Obetts, who founded a financial services business. • Read the story • Tuesday: Systems analyst opens ice cream shop • Wednesday: Diemaker becomes nurse • Thursday: Factory worker takes over family tree farm Full story »