http://kennebecvalleypodium.forumotion.com/business-news-f28/-t1.htm What is going on in the Business world? Tue, 02 Jun 2009 10:46:20 GMT 10 http://i18.servimg.com/u/f18/11/65/21/31/banner10.jpg http://kennebecvalleypodium.forumotion.com/business-news-f28/-t1.htm http://kennebecvalleypodium.forumotion.com/business-news-f28/supporters-try-to-win-votes-for-union-bill-t18655.htm Outspoken Supporters try to win votes for union bill In Maine, a nearly two-year campaign is aimed largely at convincing Sens. Snowe and Collins to back the bill. By DIETER BRADBURY Political Correspondent Portland Press Herald PORTLAND — Organized labor is keeping the pressure on Maine's congressional delegation to support a bill that would make it easier to form unions in workplaces. The Change That Works campaign, funded by the Service Employees International Union and other labor ... Business News Tue, 02 Jun 2009 10:46:20 GMT http://kennebecvalleypodium.forumotion.com/business-news-f28/supporters-try-to-win-votes-for-union-bill-t18655.htm#21938 http://kennebecvalleypodium.forumotion.com/business-news-f28/supporters-try-to-win-votes-for-union-bill-t18655.htm http://kennebecvalleypodium.forumotion.com/business-news-f28/us-to-get-60-stake-in-new-gm-t18654.htm Outspoken U.S. to get 60% stake in new GM Today's bankruptcy filing will end the automaker's financial independence and industrial dominance. By PETER WHORISKEY The Washington Post WASHINGTON — The Obama administration plans to take the next step in its efforts to resuscitate the American auto industry, sending General Motors into bankruptcy protection this morning. The court filing will mark the end of financial independence for the 100-year-old industrial giant that once employed well ... Business News Tue, 02 Jun 2009 10:44:08 GMT http://kennebecvalleypodium.forumotion.com/business-news-f28/us-to-get-60-stake-in-new-gm-t18654.htm#21937 http://kennebecvalleypodium.forumotion.com/business-news-f28/us-to-get-60-stake-in-new-gm-t18654.htm http://kennebecvalleypodium.forumotion.com/business-news-f28/credit-card-bill-brings-changes-for-consumers-t18594.htm Outspoken Credit card bill brings changes for consumers The bill will restrict sudden interest rate hikes, but could mean more fees and fewer rewards. By ANNE FLAHERTY The Associated Press WASHINGTON — Every American with a credit card soon will see sweeping changes in the market, with limits on sudden hikes in interest rates that drive consumers deeper into debt. Even cardholders who pay off their balance each month might face new annual fees or lose out on lucrative rewards programs. Congress ... Business News Fri, 22 May 2009 00:12:14 GMT http://kennebecvalleypodium.forumotion.com/business-news-f28/credit-card-bill-brings-changes-for-consumers-t18594.htm#21866 http://kennebecvalleypodium.forumotion.com/business-news-f28/credit-card-bill-brings-changes-for-consumers-t18594.htm http://kennebecvalleypodium.forumotion.com/business-news-f28/obama-plan-puts-cars-trucks-on-a-greener-road-t18580.htm Outspoken Obama plan puts cars, trucks on a greener road The proposal requires automakers to meet standards for better mileage and less pollution -- a 'giant victory' for Maine, one of 14 states that had been fighting for the change. The Associated Press WASHINGTON -- President Barack Obama's new fuel and emission standards for cars and trucks will save billions of barrels of oil but are expected to cost consumers an extra $1,300 per vehicle by the time the plan is complete in 2016. Obama ... Business News Wed, 20 May 2009 11:14:05 GMT http://kennebecvalleypodium.forumotion.com/business-news-f28/obama-plan-puts-cars-trucks-on-a-greener-road-t18580.htm#21851 http://kennebecvalleypodium.forumotion.com/business-news-f28/obama-plan-puts-cars-trucks-on-a-greener-road-t18580.htm http://kennebecvalleypodium.forumotion.com/business-news-f28/passion-for-pontiacs-t18560.htm Outspoken PASSION FOR PONTIACS Popular cars will hit the end of the line in 2010 BY KEITH EDWARDS Staff Writer Morning Sentinel Kenneth Green's "daily driver" is a Toyota Camry, a sedan which is exceedingly practical and reliable and so popular it is one of the best selling cars in the country. But don't mistake popularity for passion. The cars that truly get Green's heart rushing -- his two 1970s Pontiacs -- have big, burbling American V-8 engines and high style missing ... Business News Tue, 19 May 2009 01:16:15 GMT http://kennebecvalleypodium.forumotion.com/business-news-f28/passion-for-pontiacs-t18560.htm#21828 http://kennebecvalleypodium.forumotion.com/business-news-f28/passion-for-pontiacs-t18560.htm http://kennebecvalleypodium.forumotion.com/business-news-f28/gm-terminating-about-1100-dealer-franchises-t18548.htm Outspoken GM terminating about 1,100 dealer franchises The cuts are part of a larger GM plan to slash 2,600 of its 6,200 dealerships as the automaker tries to restructure to become profitable again. The Associated Press NEW YORK -- A day after Chrysler LLC said it was cutting 800 dealerships, General Motors Corp. today told about 1,100 of its U.S. dealers their franchises will be terminated late next year. GM said the move targets "underperforming" dealers with small sales volumes ... Business News Sat, 16 May 2009 00:31:45 GMT http://kennebecvalleypodium.forumotion.com/business-news-f28/gm-terminating-about-1100-dealer-franchises-t18548.htm#21813 http://kennebecvalleypodium.forumotion.com/business-news-f28/gm-terminating-about-1100-dealer-franchises-t18548.htm http://kennebecvalleypodium.forumotion.com/business-news-f28/obama-praises-others-doubt-health-industry-s-cost-pledge-t18522.htm Outspoken Obama praises, others doubt health industry's cost pledge The savings plan is just one part of overhauling the system, Obama says. By MARGARET TALEV and TONY PUGH McClatchy Newspapers WASHINGTON — President Obama on Monday called a voluntary pledge by health industry groups to shave $2 trillion from rising costs "a watershed event" in a years-long campaign to make coverage available to all Americans. Their commitment suggests that these interests, most of which ... Business News Wed, 13 May 2009 11:08:20 GMT http://kennebecvalleypodium.forumotion.com/business-news-f28/obama-praises-others-doubt-health-industry-s-cost-pledge-t18522.htm#21785 http://kennebecvalleypodium.forumotion.com/business-news-f28/obama-praises-others-doubt-health-industry-s-cost-pledge-t18522.htm http://kennebecvalleypodium.forumotion.com/business-news-f28/industry-bid-would-aid-health-coverage-t18509.htm Outspoken Industry bid would aid health coverage An offer by insurers and providers to cut the soaring costs of care would help cover 50 million uninsured. By RICARDO ALONSO-ZALDIVAR and PHILIP ELLIOTT The Associate WASHINGTON — President Obama's plan to provide medical insurance for all Americans took a big step toward becoming reality Sunday when leaders of the health care industry offered $2 trillion in spending reductions over 10 years to help pay for the program. Hospitals, insurance ... Business News Tue, 12 May 2009 00:30:22 GMT http://kennebecvalleypodium.forumotion.com/business-news-f28/industry-bid-would-aid-health-coverage-t18509.htm#21770 http://kennebecvalleypodium.forumotion.com/business-news-f28/industry-bid-would-aid-health-coverage-t18509.htm http://kennebecvalleypodium.forumotion.com/business-news-f28/weakest-link-rules-leave-fishermen-cold-t18353.htm Outspoken 'Weakest link' rules leave fishermen cold To protect winter flounder, fishing days will be cut in half starting May 1, costing the industry $15 million. The Associated Press BOSTON — The winter flounder isn't the most profitable New England fish but it's suddenly one of the most important – and fishermen say that's all wrong. To protect the dwindling winter flounder population, fishermen working waters from Portland, Maine, to Providence, R.I., will next month see their already ... Business News Sat, 25 Apr 2009 14:13:45 GMT http://kennebecvalleypodium.forumotion.com/business-news-f28/weakest-link-rules-leave-fishermen-cold-t18353.htm#21589 http://kennebecvalleypodium.forumotion.com/business-news-f28/weakest-link-rules-leave-fishermen-cold-t18353.htm http://kennebecvalleypodium.forumotion.com/business-news-f28/obama-tempers-optimism-with-reality-on-economy-t18196.htm Outspoken Obama tempers optimism with reality on economy The broader message that a full turnaround might be a long time coming may not be welcome to a weary U.S. public. By LIZ SIDOTI The Associated Press WASHINGTON -- Aiming to assert control over the nation's economic debate, President Barack Obama today warned Americans eager for good news that "by no means are we out of the woods" and argued his broad domestic agenda is the path to recovery. In a speech at Georgetown University, ... Business News Tue, 14 Apr 2009 19:55:30 GMT http://kennebecvalleypodium.forumotion.com/business-news-f28/obama-tempers-optimism-with-reality-on-economy-t18196.htm#21410 http://kennebecvalleypodium.forumotion.com/business-news-f28/obama-tempers-optimism-with-reality-on-economy-t18196.htm http://kennebecvalleypodium.forumotion.com/business-news-f28/obama-automakers-need-to-make-more-concessions-t17948.htm Outspoken Obama: Automakers need to make more concessions GM and Chrysler may face bankruptcy unless a new plan can gain approval. By DAVID ESPO The Associated Press WASHINGTON — President Obama asserted unprecedented government control over the auto industry Monday, bluntly rejecting turnaround plans by General Motors and Chrysler, demanding fresh concessions for long-term federal aid and raising the possibility of quick bankruptcy for either ailing auto giant. Obama took the step ... Business News Wed, 01 Apr 2009 01:05:49 GMT http://kennebecvalleypodium.forumotion.com/business-news-f28/obama-automakers-need-to-make-more-concessions-t17948.htm#21123 http://kennebecvalleypodium.forumotion.com/business-news-f28/obama-automakers-need-to-make-more-concessions-t17948.htm http://kennebecvalleypodium.forumotion.com/business-news-f28/head-of-gm-resigns-under-pressure-t17932.htm Outspoken Head of GM resigns under pressure Richard Wagoner's decision, made at the request of the White House, clears the way for more aid for GM. By PETER WHORISKEY The Washington Post WASHINGTON — General Motors chairman and chief executive Richard Wagoner is resigning at the request of the White House, clearing the way for the Obama administration to offer the company more federal aid. President Obama is expected to introduce a plan today to prop up General Motors and Chrysler, offering ... Business News Mon, 30 Mar 2009 10:51:56 GMT http://kennebecvalleypodium.forumotion.com/business-news-f28/head-of-gm-resigns-under-pressure-t17932.htm#21105 http://kennebecvalleypodium.forumotion.com/business-news-f28/head-of-gm-resigns-under-pressure-t17932.htm http://kennebecvalleypodium.forumotion.com/business-news-f28/treasury-deal-paved-way-for-bonuses-t17744.htm Outspoken Treasury deal paved way for bonuses The agreement made it almost impossible to ban the kinds of bonuses AIG executives were paid. By RALPH VARTABEDIAN and JAMES OLIPHANT Los Angeles Times WASHINGTON — In frantically rushing to the rescue of American International Group Inc. last fall, Treasury Department officials negotiated a $40 billion deal that explicitly allowed the company to set aside tens of millions of dollars for executives' bonuses and richly reward individual senior ... Business News Thu, 19 Mar 2009 12:08:53 GMT http://kennebecvalleypodium.forumotion.com/business-news-f28/treasury-deal-paved-way-for-bonuses-t17744.htm#20885 http://kennebecvalleypodium.forumotion.com/business-news-f28/treasury-deal-paved-way-for-bonuses-t17744.htm http://kennebecvalleypodium.forumotion.com/business-news-f28/payback-congress-moves-to-punish-aig-t17742.htm Outspoken Payback: Congress moves to punish AIG Edward Liddy says he's asked employees to return the payouts and some have, but lawmakers say it isn't enough. By AMY GOLDSTEIN and CAROL D. LEONNIG The Washington Post WASHINGTON — The chief executive of American International Group, trying to defuse the wrath of the public and politicians over millions of dollars in bonuses, told Congress Wednesday that he had just asked a few hundred employees of the beleaguered insurance company to give ... Business News Thu, 19 Mar 2009 12:04:03 GMT http://kennebecvalleypodium.forumotion.com/business-news-f28/payback-congress-moves-to-punish-aig-t17742.htm#20883 http://kennebecvalleypodium.forumotion.com/business-news-f28/payback-congress-moves-to-punish-aig-t17742.htm http://kennebecvalleypodium.forumotion.com/business-news-f28/controversy-may-scare-off-other-firms-t17713.htm Outspoken Controversy may scare off other firms Private investors say outrage over AIG bonuses may keep them from participating in economic recovery programs. By DAVID CHO and BINYAMIN APPELBAUM The Washington Post WASHINGTON — The firestorm over bonuses paid by insurance giant American International Group has triggered alarm at other financial firms, threatening federal efforts to draw private investors into economic recovery programs. It is a critical juncture for the Obama administration. ... Business News Wed, 18 Mar 2009 12:15:39 GMT http://kennebecvalleypodium.forumotion.com/business-news-f28/controversy-may-scare-off-other-firms-t17713.htm#20853 http://kennebecvalleypodium.forumotion.com/business-news-f28/controversy-may-scare-off-other-firms-t17713.htm http://kennebecvalleypodium.forumotion.com/business-news-f28/big-bonuses-in-bull-s-eye-t17712.htm Outspoken Big bonuses in bull's-eye As White House pressures AIG, Congress looks into using the tax code to punish executives and will grill the CEO today By S. MURRAY, P. KANE, M. SHEAR The Washington Post WASHINGTON — Senior White House officials said Tuesday night that President Obama did not learn that $165 million in bonuses were to be paid to executives of American International Group until Thursday, one day before they were issued and two days after his Treasury Department secretary ... Business News Wed, 18 Mar 2009 10:48:46 GMT http://kennebecvalleypodium.forumotion.com/business-news-f28/big-bonuses-in-bull-s-eye-t17712.htm#20852 http://kennebecvalleypodium.forumotion.com/business-news-f28/big-bonuses-in-bull-s-eye-t17712.htm http://kennebecvalleypodium.forumotion.com/business-news-f28/president-trying-to-block-aig-bonuses-t17697.htm Outspoken President trying to block AIG bonuses As Obama slams the bailed-out insurer, a wave of public outrage swamps its offices in Connecticut. From news service reports Portland Press Herald WASHINGTON — Joining a wave of public anger, President Obama blistered insurance giant AIG for "recklessness and greed" Monday and pledged to try to block it from handing its executives $165 million in bonuses after taking billions in federal bailout money. "How do they justify ... Business News Tue, 17 Mar 2009 12:37:32 GMT http://kennebecvalleypodium.forumotion.com/business-news-f28/president-trying-to-block-aig-bonuses-t17697.htm#20835 http://kennebecvalleypodium.forumotion.com/business-news-f28/president-trying-to-block-aig-bonuses-t17697.htm http://kennebecvalleypodium.forumotion.com/business-news-f28/aig-moves-ahead-with-new-round-of-bonuses-t17677.htm Outspoken AIG moves ahead with new round of bonuses The bailed-out insurer says it has to adhere to its employee contracts, as angry lawmakers seek ways to recover the funds. From news service reports Portland Press Herald WASHINGTON — Angering lawmakers and public officials, American International Group pushed ahead Sunday with a plan to give employees in its most troubled business unit about $165 million in new bonuses even though the company received a taxpayer bailout of more than ... Business News Mon, 16 Mar 2009 10:48:00 GMT http://kennebecvalleypodium.forumotion.com/business-news-f28/aig-moves-ahead-with-new-round-of-bonuses-t17677.htm#20813 http://kennebecvalleypodium.forumotion.com/business-news-f28/aig-moves-ahead-with-new-round-of-bonuses-t17677.htm http://kennebecvalleypodium.forumotion.com/business-news-f28/gregg-appointment-may-help-troubled-fishing-industry-t17260.htm Outspoken Gregg appointment may help troubled fishing industry The New Hampshire senator is familiar with regional issues such as fiscal relief for fishermen. By GLEN JOHNSON The Associated Press BOSTON — New Hampshire Sen. Judd Gregg stands to be only the fourth New Englander to serve as the nation's commerce secretary, the first in more than 30 years, and the appointment could prove to be a boon to the region's troubled fishing industry. The secretary not only oversees business development ... Business News Sun, 08 Feb 2009 13:20:31 GMT http://kennebecvalleypodium.forumotion.com/business-news-f28/gregg-appointment-may-help-troubled-fishing-industry-t17260.htm#20331 http://kennebecvalleypodium.forumotion.com/business-news-f28/gregg-appointment-may-help-troubled-fishing-industry-t17260.htm http://kennebecvalleypodium.forumotion.com/business-news-f28/congress-debates-protection-measure-t17218.htm Outspoken Congress debates protection measure ‘Buy American’ could destroy jobs, some say By Drew Fitzgerald Boston University News Service WASHINGTON — As the Senate considers a $900 billion economic stimulus package, a “Buy American” amendment is sparking debate over whether the measure could destroy more jobs than it saves. The House version of the stimulus legislation that passed last week without a single Republican vote carried an amendment requiring that all construction and ... Business News Thu, 05 Feb 2009 13:22:46 GMT http://kennebecvalleypodium.forumotion.com/business-news-f28/congress-debates-protection-measure-t17218.htm#20274 http://kennebecvalleypodium.forumotion.com/business-news-f28/congress-debates-protection-measure-t17218.htm http://kennebecvalleypodium.forumotion.com/business-news-f28/circuit-city-will-close-567-stores-t16743.htm Outspoken Circuit City will close 567 stores The nationwide shutdown includes three Maine stores in South Portland, Augusta and Bangor. From staff and news services Portland Press Herald Circuit City became the largest retailer to fall victim to the expanding financial crisis Friday, announcing it will shut down its remaining 567 U.S. stores at the cost of 34,000 more jobs after failing to sell the business. There are three Circuit City stores in Maine, including South Portland, Augusta ... Business News Sat, 17 Jan 2009 13:02:10 GMT http://kennebecvalleypodium.forumotion.com/business-news-f28/circuit-city-will-close-567-stores-t16743.htm#19741 http://kennebecvalleypodium.forumotion.com/business-news-f28/circuit-city-will-close-567-stores-t16743.htm http://kennebecvalleypodium.forumotion.com/business-news-f28/dell-settles-with-states-over-financing-claims-t16617.htm Outspoken Dell settles with states over financing claims FROM STAFF AND WIRE REPORTS Bangor Daily News SEATTLE — Dell Inc. said Monday it has agreed to a legal settlement with states that claimed the computer company made misleading financing and service offers to PC buyers. Dell will pay $3.85 million to at least 46 states, including Maine, participating in the settlement. A portion of the money will be used to reimburse states for legal costs, for which Maine is expected to receive ... Business News Tue, 13 Jan 2009 12:56:11 GMT http://kennebecvalleypodium.forumotion.com/business-news-f28/dell-settles-with-states-over-financing-claims-t16617.htm#19603 http://kennebecvalleypodium.forumotion.com/business-news-f28/dell-settles-with-states-over-financing-claims-t16617.htm http://kennebecvalleypodium.forumotion.com/business-news-f28/news-sharing-redefines-an-industry-t16425.htm Outspoken News-sharing redefines an industry Rival newspapers cooperate as jobs are cut The Associated Press NEW YORK — Just a dozen years ago, newspapers on either side of Arlington, Texas, fought fiercely for every reader in the fast-growing city, spending millions of dollars to expand their staffs and cover the smallest meetings and sporting events. So it came as a surprise that The Dallas Morning News and the Fort Worth Star-Telegram started sharing photos and concert reviews in November. But ... Business News Mon, 05 Jan 2009 11:46:04 GMT http://kennebecvalleypodium.forumotion.com/business-news-f28/news-sharing-redefines-an-industry-t16425.htm#19385 http://kennebecvalleypodium.forumotion.com/business-news-f28/news-sharing-redefines-an-industry-t16425.htm http://kennebecvalleypodium.forumotion.com/business-news-f28/store-closings-expected-to-accelerate-nationwide-t16293.htm Outspoken Store closings expected to accelerate nationwide One analyst is predicting 2,000 to 3,000 malls will be shuttered next year. By ANNE D`INNOCENZIO The Associated Press NEW YORK — The fallout from the poor holiday season for retailers has begun, with the operator of an online toy-seller filing for bankruptcy protection Monday. Other stores are expected to do the same soon, meaning more empty storefronts and fewer brands on store shelves. A rash of store closings, which some experts ... Business News Tue, 30 Dec 2008 11:38:18 GMT http://kennebecvalleypodium.forumotion.com/business-news-f28/store-closings-expected-to-accelerate-nationwide-t16293.htm#19227 http://kennebecvalleypodium.forumotion.com/business-news-f28/store-closings-expected-to-accelerate-nationwide-t16293.htm http://kennebecvalleypodium.forumotion.com/business-news-f28/wall-st-faces-record-losses-in-last-week-of-2008-t16254.htm Outspoken Wall St. faces record losses in last week of 2008 By JOE BEL BRUNO AP Business Writer NEW YORK – Investors are preparing to close out the last three trading days of 2008 with Wall Street's worst performance since Herbert Hoover was president. The ongoing recession and global economic shock pummeled stocks this year, with the Dow Jones industrial average slumping 36.2 percent. That's the biggest drop since 1931 when the Great Depression sent stocks reeling 40.6 percent. The ... Business News Sun, 28 Dec 2008 23:24:34 GMT http://kennebecvalleypodium.forumotion.com/business-news-f28/wall-st-faces-record-losses-in-last-week-of-2008-t16254.htm#19185 http://kennebecvalleypodium.forumotion.com/business-news-f28/wall-st-faces-record-losses-in-last-week-of-2008-t16254.htm