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Restaurants shedding jobs

According to a WSJ article in today’s paper, restaurants are shedding jobs as consumers cut back on eating out. It’s also lowering paychecks for waiters and waitresses. RBS is still analyzing recent restaurant tax information from the City of Richmond. We should have a story about the local restaurant industry soon. Today’s WSJ story cites… Read more »

Richmond #5 best metro areas for business, says MarketWatch

Richmond has garnered a Top 10 placement in a new MarketWatch study of the best metro areas for business. Ahead of Richmond were 1. the Twin Cities 2. Boston 3. Denver and 4. Washington. Writes MarketWatch: “This region has benefited from a migration toward Virginia, as well as residual effects of proximity to Washington, though… Read more »

More shrinkage for car lots

Local car dealers continue to consolidate. The Times-Dispatch reported Thursday that Richmond Ford has bought the Lincoln Mercury franchise from the Pearson automotive group. Meanwhile, used-car seller Car America has closed its location on Brook Road and moved all the cars to its location at 7530 Midlothian Turnpike. The owner said sales are down around… 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.

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.

A present to yourself: Early tax prep

It might pay to think a little about your taxes now instead of in April. Mike Gracik, a principal at the Keiter Stephens accounting group, is advising clients to see what expenses they might need for the first couple of months next year – office supplies or vehicle repairs, for example – and buy them… Read more »

Another book out by a Richmond business woman

Find your reading glasses. At the beginning of the month RBS ran a story about local business men and women who write books. Since we ran that story, a few more authors came out of the book stacks. “Writing a book remains a popular pastime and calculated strategy for local business leaders. For some, authoring… Read more »