March/April 2011 - As he leads visitors into his office in the Romney Building across from the state Capitol in Lansing, Gov. Rick Snyder explains that he is not completely settled in.

Feb. 17, 2011 - “The reports of my death are greatly exaggerated.” Mark Twain was supposed to have said that after reading his own obituary in the paper. Grand Rapids, Mich. Mayor George Heartwell could well say the same thing about his very-much-alive-thank-you city after reading about its death in a recent once-respected newsweekly. Grand Rapids is, in fact, showing the way forward for a state that has had its problems over the past decade.

Feb. 3, 2011 - Americans spend a lot of money in Canada buying goods, services and energy. Canadians spend almost as much down here. With a national goal of increasing exports by 100 percent over the next five years Canada seems like an ideal place to start. Except for that bridge issue.

Jan. 20, 2011 - If your business is finally turning around and you're looking for more customers, try looking overseas. Small businesses have a lot of opportunities to participate in the global economy and their Uncle Sam has their back.

Jan. 6, 2011 - A serial entrepreneur in his early 40s wonders if he can still start a consumer products company with a unique product and have fun while he’s at it. He’s learned a lot in a short time, not the least of which is that the favorite color of half of us is blue.

Dec. 16, 2010 - When you head off to the mall do you have apps for your favorite stores loaded on your smart phone? When you see an item you like do your scan the barcode to see where you can get it cheaper – or if the store you’re in has it in your size or the color you want? If you do, consider yourself at the front line of a global trend. According to the consulting firm Accenture it may take the rest of us a while to catch up to you.

Dec. 2, 2010 - You’ve probably heard of the idea of employee engagement and how it can contribute to the corporate bottom line. Does the same hold true if the residents of a community are engaged – or attached – to their community? Does that increase the economic bottom line of a whole city?

Nov. 18, 2010 - Planning on getting an iPhone 4 but can’t quite convince yourself that your “old” 3GS is really outdated enough to justify the switch – or the cost? What if you could pop that 3GS in a pre-paid box and send it off to a company that would pay you well for it in about a week? Would that be enough to entice you into the nearest Apple store? This is the story of the company that does all it can to make your guilt go away.

Nov. 4, 2010 - Next time you need to buy business gifts, hostess gifts or something memorable for any group, think about buying socially responsible gifts. Helping Hand Rewards is an incentive company that works with eight companies who employ people who need a helping hand to get back on their feet. Whether they’re from Chicago or New York, Guatemala or Zambia, these companies are at the forefront of a movement that is sweeping corporate America.

Oct. 21, 2010 - Housing prices may still be in free-fall, while the election adds uncertainty, but at least one organization that ought to know predicts that we’re starting to make out our holiday shopping lists and will actually buy things. Plus, some of the newest ways for retailers to get us to choose them and not someone else.