Daily Dash - Articles

Daily Dash - Articles http://wwj.com Articles for the Daily Dash. Tue, 14 Oct 2008 10:23:20 EDT en-us Pure Entropy Technologies Data encryption is a hot-button topic with businesses throughout Michigan and around the country. Troy-based Pure Entropy Technologies is not only working with commercial clients in this area but with the federal government. The company provides the highest level of encryption security services and performance to insure that critical information is secure. </object> Mon, 13 Oct 2008 10:29:00 EDT http://wwj.com/content_page.php?contentType=4&contentId=2889260 EMU Rolls Out Online Corporate Ethics Training Program Up until recently, Enron and WorldCom were some of the best examples of the worst lapses in corporate ethics. But recent events on Wall Street and the subprime mortgage crisis have outed other  companies with apparent ethical breaches and bad judgments about other peoples' money—and the aftermath is far-reaching.</object> Fri, 10 Oct 2008 09:37:00 EDT http://wwj.com/content_page.php?contentType=4&contentId=2879433 Workers Are Getting Help From Health Coaches In an effort to motivate workers to adopt healthier lifestyles, some American employers are offering free health coaching at work. Coaching sessions - during which medical professionals, such as nurse practitioners and physician assistants, offer advice to employees on how to get or stay healthy - are typically delivered over the phone or via the Web.</object> Fri, 10 Oct 2008 08:51:00 EDT http://wwj.com/content_page.php?contentType=4&contentId=2879235 Guarding A Trust During A Financial Crisis Money in a trust managed by a well-known Wall Street firm may evoke images of ultimate security, but it is just as vulnerable as any other investment. As financial titans topple, investors with assets in these trusts are sorting through what the changes mean for them. Knowing a few details can help.</object> Fri, 10 Oct 2008 08:33:00 EDT http://wwj.com/content_page.php?contentType=4&contentId=2879166 How To Deal With Debt Collectors If you've got a debt collector on your back, your first reaction might be to make a payment immediately. That's one of the greatest mistakes you can make, says Gerri Detweiler, author of "Stop Debt Collectors." There might be an error in the amount you owe – and it's very possible your other debts or financial needs should take priority.</object> Fri, 10 Oct 2008 06:58:00 EDT http://wwj.com/content_page.php?contentType=4&contentId=2878795 HR Not First Stop For Most Employees Experiencing Work Problems Most people would rather talk to a friend or colleague than anyone in HR if they're having work-related problems, says a recent survey by Opinion Research Corporation. The Ouch Point survey, performed by the Princeton, N.J.-based market research firm, found that about 25 percent of respondents doubted the ability of HR professionals to keep information about work-related problems confidential.</object> Thu, 9 Oct 2008 15:16:00 EDT http://wwj.com/content_page.php?contentType=4&contentId=2874098 Part of Delphi Suit Could Be Reinstated According to The Wall Street Journal, a federal judge signaled Wednesday he may allow Delphi Corp. to pursue broader fraud claims against Appaloosa Management, after the hedge fund and other investors terminated a deal to invest $2.55 billion in the auto-parts maker.</object> Thu, 9 Oct 2008 07:33:00 EDT http://wwj.com/content_page.php?contentType=4&contentId=2872302 SBA Introduces its Newest Online Resource for the Baby Boomer Generation of Entr The U.S. Small Business Administration Wednesday unveiled a new Web site geared to the 50-plus entrepreneur, providing useful information, links and resources vital to starting, growing and expanding a small business.</object> Wed, 8 Oct 2008 13:37:00 EDT http://wwj.com/content_page.php?contentType=4&contentId=2867722 ASE Gears Up for its Annual Summit, HR Exec of the Year Award Ceremony A few years ago, the people who work at the American Society of Employers (ASE) noticed that no one was honoring local stars in the HR profession, so they decided to do something about it. Now, the Southfield-based human resources and employer services organization honors three HR Executives of the Year every year as part of its annual summit.</object> Wed, 8 Oct 2008 10:59:00 EDT http://wwj.com/content_page.php?contentType=4&contentId=2867298 ITC HOLDINGS: MAKING THE ELECTRIC GRID MORE SECURE You hear a lot about the tough shape the nation's power grid is in. It's the mission of Novi-based ITC Holdings Corp. to do something about that. ITC is the nation’s first and only independently owned and operated high voltage electric transmission company. ITC focuses solely on electric transmission, with a novel business model that ensures its stakeholders' interest are aligned with the company's.</object> Tue, 7 Oct 2008 15:36:00 EDT http://wwj.com/content_page.php?contentType=4&contentId=2861863 Older Workers: Majority Have No Expectation of Full Social Security, Medicare Be Many older workers—especially those without employer-provided retirement plans, retiree medical plans, or other financial resources—are not expecting to receive full Social Security or Medicare benefits in retirement, according to a recent analysis by consulting firm Watson Wyatt.</object> Wed, 8 Oct 2008 06:54:00 EDT http://wwj.com/content_page.php?contentType=4&contentId=2866396 Money Not The Motive For Many To Work Until 67 Working past the typical retirement age for many U.S. workers is not all about the paycheck, according to a recent study by the U.S. division of Toronto-based Sun Life Financial Inc.</object> Wed, 8 Oct 2008 06:52:00 EDT http://wwj.com/content_page.php?contentType=4&contentId=2866378 Time for Open Enrollment It's not quite holiday shopping season yet. But it is Open Enrollment season for more than 80-million Americans who are shopping for their employee benefits for next year. Stephanie AuWerter, editor of SmartMoney.com, offers some tips on getting the most out of your company benefits. </object> Tue, 7 Oct 2008 14:57:00 EDT http://wwj.com/content_page.php?contentType=4&contentId=2861958 Emerging Market Investment: Safe Bet? The current economic crisis has a lot of people wondering where to put their money. The stock market is chaotic, some banks are wobbly and real estate, that old standby, is on a downward spiral. </object> Tue, 7 Oct 2008 07:24:00 EDT http://wwj.com/content_page.php?contentType=4&contentId=2860304 Forecasters See Wobbly U.S. Economy Ahead A growing number of economists believe the United States is on the brink of - or already in - its first recession since 2001 and that it will be longer lasting. </object> Tue, 7 Oct 2008 07:20:00 EDT http://wwj.com/content_page.php?contentType=4&contentId=2860286 Granholm Signs 2 Energy Bills A change in the way Michigan regulates electric utilities and pushes the development of alternative energy such as wind power has been approved by lawmakers. </object> Mon, 6 Oct 2008 17:47:00 EDT http://wwj.com/content_page.php?contentType=4&contentId=2856625 Employer Bankruptcy: What Does This Mean For Your Health Benefits? Turmoil in the auto industry and the recent Lehman Brothers bankruptcy has raised concerns for workers at troubled companies that may be headed in the same direction.</object> Mon, 6 Oct 2008 09:57:00 EDT http://wwj.com/content_page.php?contentType=4&contentId=2846305 Oil Hits 8-Month Low Under $90 A Barrel Oil prices fell to an 8-month low below $90 a barrel on speculation that the spreading financial crisis will exacerbate a global economic slowdown and cut demand for crude oil. </object> Mon, 6 Oct 2008 07:04:00 EDT http://wwj.com/content_page.php?contentType=4&contentId=2854091 Before Investing, Be Sure The Numbers Work Foreclosure inventories in Michigan have been rising, and a lot of folks think this could be a great time to invest in these properties. But just because a property is a foreclosure doesn't automatically make it a good deal. </object> Fri, 3 Oct 2008 16:09:00 EDT http://wwj.com/content_page.php?contentType=4&contentId=2846301 Crain's: McCain Pullout = Less TV Revenue The decision to move his campaign efforts out of Michigan means the loss of TV advertising dollars, Crain's Detroit Business reports.</object> Fri, 3 Oct 2008 06:53:00 EDT http://www.crainsdetroit.com/article/20081002/FREE/810029986 State Senate Passes Tax Cut Republicans voted to speed elimination of a 22 percent surcharge added to Michigan's business tax to help resolve last year's budget crisis.</object> Fri, 3 Oct 2008 06:50:00 EDT http://hosted.ap.org/dynamic/stories/M/MI_BUSINESS_TAX_MIOL-?SITE=WWJAM&SECTION=HOME&TEMPLATE=DEFAULT House Gets Bailout Bill Several lawmakers are responding to an awakening among voters to the pain ahead of them if stability isn't restored to the tottering economy.</object> Fri, 3 Oct 2008 06:48:00 EDT http://www.wwj.com/Bailout-Bill-Heads-For-Critical-House-Vote/3075534 Unlicensed Paid Preparers Complete Mistake-Filled Tax Returns You are ultimately responsible for the information filed on your tax return. So, it makes sense to be careful when hiring a paid preparer – whether that person is licensed or not. </object> Thu, 2 Oct 2008 13:15:00 EDT http://wwj.com/content_page.php?contentType=4&contentId=2839548 Stock Losses Take Heavy Toll on Retirement Savings So close and yet so far. It's a frustration being felt by Americans who thought the finish line to their working life was almost in sight. The financial crisis that toppled major Wall Street banks and snarled credit markets around the world has also taken a toll on nest eggs.</object> Thu, 2 Oct 2008 13:11:00 EDT http://wwj.com/content_page.php?contentType=4&contentId=2839591 Home Value Drop Could Delay Retirements For a lot of people approaching retirement age, the value of their homes accounts for a majority of their net worth. According to a study from Principal Funds, a mutual fund management firm, the decrease in home values over the past year has significantly altered the retirement plans of many Americans.</object> Thu, 2 Oct 2008 12:35:00 EDT http://wwj.com/content_page.php?contentType=4&contentId=2839454 Levin, Stabenow Split Over Bailout Michigan Sens. Carl Levin and Debbie Stabenow split over a $700 billion bailout of the financial industry. Levin supported it and Stabenow opposed it. </object> Thu, 2 Oct 2008 07:05:00 EDT http://www.wwj.com/topic/ap_news.php?story=AP/APTV/State/MI/n/MI--FinancialMeltdown Manufacturing Shrinks A measure of U.S. manufacturing activity contracted more than expected last month, hitting the lowest level since the aftermath of the Sept. 11 attacks.</object> Thu, 2 Oct 2008 07:04:00 EDT http://www.wwj.com/topic/ap_news.php?story=AP/APTV/National/f/f/Economy Mulally Downbeat About Economy Ford Motor Co. Chief Executive Alan Mulally said he believes the economic slump in the U.S. Will be "deeper and longer" than most people previously expected. </object> Thu, 2 Oct 2008 06:39:00 EDT http://wwj.com/content_page.php?contentType=4&contentId=2838180 UM Helps Start 13 Businesses The University of Michigan licensed 13 new business startups in fiscal year 2008, tying a record set four years ago, the university says. </object> Wed, 1 Oct 2008 14:04:00 EDT http://wwj.com/content_page.php?contentType=4&contentId=2833850 EMU to Modernize Classroom Building Gov. Jennifer Granholm has signed a bill that gives Eastern Michigan University $31.5 million to modernize its Pray-Harrold classroom building. </object> Wed, 1 Oct 2008 11:57:00 EDT http://wwj.com/content_page.php?contentType=4&contentId=2833338 MSU: State Could be Wind Power Leader Michigan could be a major player in wind power if offshore wind turbines were set up off the coasts of the Great Lakes, according to a new report from the Michigan State University Land Policy Institute. </object> Wed, 1 Oct 2008 11:24:00 EDT http://wwj.com/content_page.php?contentType=4&contentId=2833199 The Nation Will Shed Auto Dealers Faster, Report Says The decline in the number of new car dealerships will accelerate this fall and into 2009 as weak sales, increased operational costs and the credit crunch continue to take their toll, according to Grant Thornton LLP Corporate Advisory and Restructuring Services.</object> Wed, 1 Oct 2008 12:12:00 EDT http://wwj.com/content_page.php?contentType=4&contentId=2833404 Most Asian Markets Recover Most Asian markets bounced back Wednesday on hopes that a $700 billion bailout for the U.S. financial system will soon win legislative approval.</object> Wed, 1 Oct 2008 06:54:00 EDT http://www.wwj.com/topic/ap_news.php?story=AP/APTV/National/f/f/APFN-WorldMarkets Fingerpointing Continues in Washington Members of Congress traded more recriminations Tuesday over the stunning House vote that killed a $700 billion financial system, while insisting there's still time to get an acceptable deal.</object> Wed, 1 Oct 2008 06:52:00 EDT http://www.wwj.com/topic/ap_news.php?story=AP/APTV/National/f/f/FinancialMeltdown-Con Candidates: Boost Deposit Insurance John McCain and Barack Obama proposed that the government insure consumers' bank deposits up to $250,000.</object> Wed, 1 Oct 2008 06:51:00 EDT http://www.wwj.com/topic/ap_news.php?story=AP/APTV/National/f/f/Candidates-Bailout Senate Schedules Bailout Vote Senate leaders have scheduled a vote for today on the Wall Street rescue plan rejected by the House. Legislation will include a tax cut package and a boost in federal deposit insurance limits.</object> Wed, 1 Oct 2008 06:50:00 EDT http://www.wwj.com/Senate-Schedules-Bailout-Vote/3059962 Employees Don't Understand Their Benefits, HR Pros Say Nine out of 10 employers think it is important for their employees to understand and appreciate the benefits they receive, according to a survey of human resources professionals conducted by Colonial Life & Accident Insurance Co. The trouble is, most employees don't.</object> Mon, 29 Sep 2008 14:07:00 EDT http://wwj.com/content_page.php?contentType=4&contentId=2821338 Detroit Firm Growing Caraco Pharmaceutical Labs is planning to increase production at its New Center plant next year, and could add nearly 600 jobs over four years.</object> Tue, 30 Sep 2008 06:53:00 EDT http://www.wwj.com/Detroit-Firm-Serves-Up-Dose-of-Employment/3055427 Event to Look at Health Care Proposals Health care leaders will be in Detroit Oct. 9 to discuss feasibility of the health care proposals made by Sen. John McCain and Sen. Barack Obama at a summit meeting presented by the Michigan Cover the Uninsured Network. </object> Mon, 29 Sep 2008 15:12:00 EDT http://wwj.com/content_page.php?contentType=4&contentId=2821607 Give Your Job Search a Fighting Chance  Companies continue to search for qualified candidates even as the country faces economic uncertainties and a tighter labor market, according to a survey sponsored by Personified, the talent management and consulting subsidiary of CareerBuilder.com. </object> Mon, 29 Sep 2008 13:43:00 EDT http://wwj.com/content_page.php?contentType=4&contentId=2821219 Credit Crisis Affecting 'Main Street' The crisis on Wall Street is having a real impact on the economy, including hiring plans, a survey of finance executives finds.</object> Mon, 29 Sep 2008 13:22:00 EDT http://wwj.com/content_page.php?contentType=4&contentId=2821140 Best and Brightest Employers Named Looking for a great place to work? The Warren-based Michigan Business and Professional Association (MBPA) has named its list Metropolitan Detroit’s 101 Best and Brightest Companies to Work For list for 2008. </object> Mon, 29 Sep 2008 14:45:00 EDT http://wwj.com/content_page.php?contentType=4&contentId=2821502 Web Site to Help Students Find, Get into Colleges The National Association of College Admissions Counselors and Monster Worldwide have launched a new Web site aimed at providing tips and helping prospective college students – and get into – the schools that are right for them. </object> Mon, 29 Sep 2008 15:28:00 EDT http://wwj.com/content_page.php?contentType=4&contentId=2821675 Companies Seen as Playing Too Safe with Creative Work Companies may need to take more chances when developing new advertising and marketing campaigns, according to a survey by The Creative Group.</object> Fri, 26 Sep 2008 15:47:00 EDT http://wwj.com/content_page.php?contentType=4&contentId=2811085 Survey: Times are Tough for Small Business Owners The financial crisis on Wall Street is raising borrowing costs, squeezing firms that rely heavily on loans, and making it harder for small businesses to find capital. </object> Fri, 26 Sep 2008 15:33:00 EDT http://wwj.com/content_page.php?contentType=4&contentId=2811033 Bailout Plan Ready for Vote On Sunday Washington lawmakers announced for the second time that a deal in principle has been reached to bail out the nation's ailing banking industry – a move intended to keep lines of credit flowing to businesses and individuals around the country and prevent a possible financial disaster.</object> Sun, 28 Sep 2008 11:40:00 EDT http://wwj.com/content_page.php?contentType=4&contentId=2815191 Protestors Lash Out at Bailout Plan As Democratic and Republican leaders hashed out a compromise to the Bush administration's proposed $700 billion bailout of struggling banks, Americans took to the streets. </object> Sun, 28 Sep 2008 09:12:00 EDT http://wwj.com/content_page.php?contentType=4&contentId=2815070 Choosing the Right Trustees Can Make All the Difference When It Comes to Setting When it comes to trust planning, a lot of important variables come into play. In addition to family dynamics, and the size and complexity of an estate, choosing the right trustees to manage and distribute assets to heirs and charities is a critical decision. </object> Fri, 26 Sep 2008 06:51:00 EDT http://wwj.com/content_page.php?contentType=4&contentId=2809025 With So Many Ways To Pay Your Bills, Which Method Makes The Most Sense? Banks throughout Michigan have been stepping up incentives to encourage you to pay your bills automatically or online. By offering perks, banks stand to lower their operating costs, while gaining a greater “share of customer” among clients who do everything online. </object> Thu, 25 Sep 2008 13:59:00 EDT http://wwj.com/content_page.php?contentType=4&contentId=2804236 Detroit Shows It’s the Race to Bring Electric Vehicles to Market If everything goes as planned, 2010 could literally be an electrifying year for the Detroit automakers.</object> Wed, 24 Sep 2008 11:58:00 EDT http://wwj.com/content_page.php?contentType=4&contentId=2796846 Internships Often Lead to Full-Time Jobs, Survey Says Looking to get your foot in the door with a potential employer? Start looking for an internship. Nearly 24 percent of hiring managers said they plan to hire college interns in the first half of 2009 while another 12 percent plan to do so as early as the fourth quarter of 2008. </object> Mon, 22 Sep 2008 17:28:00 EDT http://wwj.com/content_page.php?contentType=4&contentId=2784799 Employees Do Not Fear Identity Theft at Work Despite rising concerns over identity theft, 88 percent of employees are confident their company protects their personal information from identity theft, according to a survey by the American Payroll Association. </object> Mon, 22 Sep 2008 17:06:00 EDT http://wwj.com/content_page.php?contentType=4&contentId=2784742 Lunch Breaks Disappearing According to a recent survey, by OfficeTeam, a staffing service firm, executives polled said their average lunch break is 35 minutes – seven minutes less than what they reported five years ago. Managers also admitted they work through lunch more than half of the workweek. </object> Mon, 22 Sep 2008 17:34:00 EDT http://wwj.com/content_page.php?contentType=4&contentId=2784830 Leadership Stress Hard to Manage, Research Finds Stress is unavoidable, but that's not necessarily a bad thing. But it is critical to know when one is moving from good stress to bad stress – the kind that can propel your career – and the bad kind that can destroy your health relationships and effectiveness on the job. </object> Mon, 22 Sep 2008 18:04:00 EDT http://wwj.com/content_page.php?contentType=4&contentId=2784945 Trading Ban Could Have Unintended Results The government's unprecedented move to ban people from betting against financial stocks might be a salve for the market's turmoil but could also carry serious unintended consequences. In a bid to shore up investor confidence in the face of the spiraling market crisis, the Securities and Exchange Commission</object> Fri, 19 Sep 2008 18:52:00 EDT http://wwj.com/content_page.php?contentType=4&contentId=2775478 No Bailout for Small Business Wall Street headlines have Washington in a panic as some of our nation’s most prominent companies teeter on the edge of ruin.  First came the collapse of Bear Stearns, along with the implosion of Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac. Others in the financial industry float between a limbo of bankruptcy and buyout. </object> Fri, 19 Sep 2008 18:19:00 EDT http://wwj.com/content_page.php?contentType=4&contentId=2775431 Some Timely Money Tips for College Freshman Are you a college freshman – or the parent of one? Now that the first tuition bill has been paid, the last thing you may be focusing on is money. But failing to do so can be a big mistake. </object> Thu, 18 Sep 2008 13:53:00 EDT http://wwj.com/content_page.php?contentType=4&contentId=2767644 As Lending Standards Tighten, Some Borrowers Turn To Private Lenders For years, the practice of borrowing money from private parties was fairly rare, except among those who couldn’t qualify for traditional loans. Banks had tons of cash and were eager to lend. But today, even folks with good credit are bypassing banks to borrow money. Thu, 28 Aug 2008 08:14:00 EDT http://wwj.com/content_page.php?contentType=4&contentId=2659943 Keeping Your Credit Card Spending Under Control Back in May, the U.S. saw a 7% annual rise in household credit-card debt. Some say that’s a sign that we should start to get our use of plastic under control. Thu, 28 Aug 2008 08:02:00 EDT http://wwj.com/content_page.php?contentType=4&contentId=2659869 Michigan's Jobless Rate Stays Flat At 8.5% The state announced Wednesday that the seasonally adjusted jobless rate remained flat at 8.5 percent for the third consecutive month. Michigan has had the nation's highest average annual unemployment rate since 2006. Thu, 14 Aug 2008 07:05:00 EDT http://wwj.com/content_page.php?contentType=4&contentId=2580001 High-Impact Firms Best at Creating Jobs, SBA Says High-impact firms – defined as those that have at least doubled their sales over a four-year period and have a high employment "growth quantifier" – account for almost all employment and revenue growth in the national economy, according to a study released by the U.S. Small Business Administration’s Offiice of Advocacy. Sat, 26 Jul 2008 16:18:00 EDT http://wwj.com/content_page.php?contentType=4&contentId=2484723 Fed Eyes Making it Easier to Invest in Banks The Federal Reserve is looking into making it easier for private equity firms to invest in banks, a move that could usher new capital infusions to cash-hungry banks and help them cope with credit problems. Fri, 27 Jun 2008 15:09:00 EDT http://www.wwj.com/topic/ap_news.php?story=AP/APTV/National/f/f/Fed-PrivateEquity MSU Researchers Develop Tattoo ID Software A Michigan State University researcher has created an automatic image retrieval system, whereby law enforcement agencies will be able to match scars, marks and tattoos to identify suspects and victims. Wed, 28 May 2008 16:11:00 EDT http://wwj.com/content_page.php?contentType=4&contentId=2121529