A beefy, new shredder at Louis Padnos Iron & Metal Co. in Walker was the main attraction at Tuesday's meeting of the Society of Manufacturing Engineers. The "King of All Shredders" is capable of chewing up appliances, autos and I-beams, sorting steel from non-metals and residue.  Full story »

Highlights of Rich DeVos speech at the West Michigan Regional Policy Conference Read story about speech | Listen to entire speech More coverage of conference Full story »

Stop counting on some big outside company to revive Michigan's sick economy, Amway founder Rich DeVos said Friday. Michiganders can do it themselves. (Press Photo/Rex Larsen) • Read the story | Listen to DeVos speech • Business tax is top among priorities for Lansing • What kind of state should Michigan be? • Med panel says controlling health care costs is key • University heads call for state funding to stem 'brain drain' • George Will lashes out against Republicans • Listen to office furniture leaders panel • Office furniture chiefs want better business tax • Follow Policy Conference live with Twitter • Complete coverage of the conference Full story »

Conservative columnist George Will practically boiled out of his trademark bow tie Thursday night, lashing out at Republican presidential nominee John McCain's call for Securities and Exchange Commission Chairman Christopher Cox's resignation. (Press Photo/Emily Zoladz) • Read the story • Office furniture leaders: State is unfit economically • Listen to office furniture leaders panel • Office furniture chiefs want better business tax • Free-market economist opens with blast at Lansing • Follow Policy Conference live with Twitter • Complete coverage of the conference Full story »

Listen to audio from a panel discussion involving three top office furniture executives held Thursday at DeVos Place during the West Michigan Regional Policy Conference. Peter Secchia introduced Brian Walker, CEO of Herman Miller Inc., Dick Haworth, chairman of Haworth Inc., and Jim Hackett, CEO of Steelcase Inc. Among the topics they discussed: • Limits on foreign workers and... Full story »

As General Motors Corp. today reaches the century mark, the world's largest automaker mostly is looking ahead, trying to convince consumers, dealers, Wall Street analysts and others who depend on GM's health that the storied company has a bright future. • Read the story Full story »

A West Michigan duo plan to hit the trade shows to market their SoulArc skateboard, which adds a curved layer of fiberglass that gives it a surfboard-like ride. • Story and video of SoulArc  Full story »