It looks like Detroit’s carmakers will get their bailout. That’s good news for the 60 new car dealerships in the metro Richmond market, which employ about 3,500 workers, according to the Virginia Automobile Dealers Association. Without federal loans, Chrysler and GM would most likely end up in bankruptcy. That could slow sales even more and… Read more »
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Surf’s up, couch style
Talk about homestyle. One social networking site is providing travelers with a free alternative to staying in a hotel. That might be why about 10,000 people a week sign up to join CouchSurfing.com. The Couch Surfing Project matches people all over the world who have an extra couch or bed with someone looking for a… Read more »
Anderson Strudwick in merger negotiations
Richmond-based investment bank/brokerage Anderson Strudwick is in merger negotiations with Wunderlich Securities, a Tennessee investment bank/brokerage. Representatives from Wunderlich will be in Richmond today to present the deal to the company, according to a source familiar with the deal. It’s likely that employees will vote later today.
Richmond Paperboard mill to Close
Paperboard producer Caraustar Industries Inc. has announced that it will close its Richmond mill at 17 East 2nd Street. In a statement, the Atlanta-based company said, “Recession and declines in product demand necessitate that the company move aggressively to retain cost efficiencies and increase capacity utilization across its mill system,” said the company in a… Read more »
Downtown development marches on
Despite rising vacancy rates and a slumping economy, developers presented a cheery outlook for development in downtown Richmond at an event yesterday hosted by Venture Richmond. More than 100 people gathered for the Downtown Development Forum at the newly renovated National Theatre at Broad and Seventh streets. Presenters delivered two-minute updates on development projects that… Read more »
90-day prescription for Richmond’s economy
The Greater Richmond Partnership is reevaluating its game plan. The public-private economic development agency completed a 90-day plan to help Richmond remain a top place for businesses. (Richmond was just anointed a top 10 metro area for business by MarketWatch) Perhaps the most visible aspect of the partnership’s work is to promote the region to… Read more »
Chamber of Commerce forced to cut staff
The Greater Richmond Chamber of Commerce is not immune from the economic slowdown. The Chamber, a not-for-profit organization which relies upon revenue from events and memberships, has laid off four full-time employees and one part-time employee.
The price tag of a helping hand
Fallout from the slump in corporate earnings could hit local nonprofits hard. On Monday we reported on how the economic crisis portends a rough patch for charities that rely on donations. I looked up a few more corporate foundations to see what impact they have on the local nonprofit scene. Unless individual giving rises dramatically,… Read more »
Qimonda to cut hours and reduce output at Henrico plant
After announcing layoffs to 1,200 Richmond area workers in October, struggling computer chip maker Qimonda AG is cutting back employees’ hours by 10 to 20 percent at its Eastern Henrico plant, according to source at the company. Consequently, pay will fall 10 to 20 percent for workers at the plant.
We don’t need no stinkin’ cars
A new website promotes alternative transportation in the city of Richmond. Howirichmod.com is the brainchild of seven graphic design students at Virginia Commonwealth University’s School of the Arts.