Business

Researchers at Michigan State University say tourism spending in Michigan was strong in 2013 and is poised for another robust year in 2014. Dan McCole and Sarah Nicholls, of MSU’s Department of Community Sustainability presented their annual report today (Monday) at the Pure Michigan Governor’s Conference in Traverse City. The MSU researchers say factors fueling the upswing include an improving …

The Home Builders Association of Michigan is confident in its prediction of another good year for residential home construction. There was a 28-percent year-to-year increase for single-family home permits in the state for 2013. And it’s predicted that there will be a 20-percent jump this year when all is said and done. Hillan Homes President Patrick Raye says his business …

A number of local and statewide issues will be discussed Tuesday during a “Community Conversation” in Sturgis. The 90-minute program starts at 11:30 a.m. at Sturges-Young Auditorium and is hosted by the Sturgis Area Chamber of Commerce in conjunction with The Center for Michigan. Organizers said the event looks to offer a forum for community members to discuss pressing issues …

It would be legal to re-sell game or concert tickets above face value, under a measure approved by the Michigan House on Thursday. Current law prohibits selling above face value without the written consent of the event operator and the venue operator. The measure, which now goes to the senate, repeals that 1931 law, and opens the door to what …

The Michigan Department of Transportation has issued a press release regarding potholes caused by sub-zero temperatures and near-record snowfall. MDOT officials said weather conditions are leading directly to severe potholes across the state, putting further strain on pavement and the efforts MDOT crews have put forth filling potholes during the various freeze-thaw cycles. The extreme pothole season on top of …

The Three Rivers Applebee’s recently made a financial donation to the Three Rivers Food Site and other area food banks. Manager Ken Springsteen said the restaurant sold old decorative items online and donated the funds. The Three Rivers Food Site and the Constantine Food Bank each received $1,276. Springsteen said the effort was a way of thanking Three Rivers for …

A line of shoppers formed outside the new Aldi grocery store in advance of its opening Thursday morning. Located at the southeast corner of U.S. 131 and Broadway Road in front of Home Depot, the new Aldi is the 61st in Michigan. Company officials said about 95 percent of the 1,400 items inside the 10,000-square-foot store are store-label brands. District …

The state Senate has approved the immediate spending of 100-million dollars for “special winter road maintenance” funds. The vote follows concerns from local road commissions who say they’ve already spent most or all of their winter budgets. Not everyone is ready to back the amount of spending however. Both the governor and Senate Majority Leader Randy Richardville were non committal …

A ceremonial ribbon-cutting for the new Aldi supermarket takes place Thursday morning. A number of local dignitaries will be on hand for the 9 a.m. event at the new store, 1220 W. Broadway St. The ribbon-cutting also signifies the official public opening of the store, where product sampling and an on-site sweepstakes will be offered.

Supporters of boosting the hourly minimum wage in Michigan want to put a bigger proposed increase before voters than previously announced, organizers of the effort said Monday. The Raise Michigan campaign said it now wants to raise the minimum wage from $7.40 per hour to $10.10 per hour by January 2017. The campaign previously had submitted proposed ballot language to …