Business

The RV industry is enjoying a smooth ride as the recession that devastated it fades into the distance.  Industry leaders say key manufacturers and suppliers have announced recent expansions, the stock market is at an all-time high and consumers are more confident in the future.  Recreation Vehicle Indiana Council executive director Mark Bowersox tells the South Bend Tribune the rebound …

If you’re paid the minimum wage, you’re likely getting a pay increase next Monday. It follows recent action by the Michigan Legislature, and the governor. The state’s minimum wage will increase from the current $7.40 per hour to $8.15 per hour on September First. The state’s minimum wage was last increased six years ago. Under the new law Michigan’s minimum wage will increase eventually …

Each September, the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) sponsors NationalPreparedness Month (http://www.ready.gov) to highlight the importance ofbeing prepared for the unexpected. This is good advice for everyone; butfor business owners, being prepared to respond to the aftermath of naturalor man-made disasters can literally mean the difference between staying inbusiness and closing the doors forever. According to FEMA*, up to 40percent of …

  City of Sturgis officials are reminding motorists about the detours in place as a result of the reconstruction of North Centerville Road. Detour signs were placed last week at West Chicago Road and Progress Street diverting traffic to Broadus Street. Construction will span from West Chicago Road to the railroad track just south of Progress Street. A complete rebuild …

  The July unemployment rate in St. Joseph County increased by eight-tenths of a percent compared to a month earlier. The monthly labor-market analysis by the Michigan Department of Technology, Management and Budget showed St. Joseph County’s 6.9 percent July unemployment rate was more than June’s 6.1 percent. Its July unemployment rate, however, was 2.8 percent less than the same …

The Deer Forest Exotic Animal Sanctuary in southwest Michigan is closing at the end of this season. The announcement was made Tuesday morning, a day after an arrest warrant was issued in Illinois for Jon Stolarz, one of the park’s operators for failing to appear in court in that state in an animal cruelty case.  He and his wife blame …

  A $550,000 state grant has been awarded to Postle Operating in Cassopolis for an expansion project that will create 40 full-time jobs during the next two years. State Rep. Matt Lori said the Michigan Strategic Fund has awarded the Community Development Block Grant for job training to the company, which produces extruded aluminum products for recreational vehicles. Postle Operating …

  A Sturgis business was at the center of attention Monday, as state and local officials visited Cobalt Holdings. Led by Department of Environmental Quality Director Dan Wyant, the team of officials met with Cobalt president Bruce Bart and toured the facility. Their visit was a part of Gov. Snider’s recycling program. Cobalt’s main product is crumb rubber. Created from …

  Sturgis city commissioners last week approved removing a traffic light at the intersection of North Centerville Road and West West Street. The signal is to be replaced by stop signs. Beginning in late June, the traffic light was converted to flashing red and yellow signals at the intersection. After a six-week trial period, evaluations concluded that the traffic volume …

  A state transportation grant has been awarded to the city of Sturgis to support expansion of a local factory, which will result in 40 jobs and a significant investment in the local economy. State Rep. Matt Lori said VCI Inc. recently moved into a vacant building on West Dresser Drive in Sturgis and will invest $1.6 million in new …