Kansas City Star: Business

A better economic yardstick

Mon, 02 Nov 2009 22:15 CST

The latest gross domestic product numbers for the United States — showing 3.5 percent growth in the third quarter — are surely the light at the end of the recessionary tunnel. Feel better?

Nurses at Lee's Summit Medical Center vote to remove union as bargaining agent

Mon, 02 Nov 2009 22:15 CST

Nurses at Lee’s Summit Medical Center voted to remove their union as bargaining agent, but the results will be contested. In an election held over two days last week, 68 nurses voted to remove a unit of the California Nurses Association while 59 voted to retain it, said Dan Hubbel, regional director of the National Labor Relations Board.

Law firm urges opposition of new KC zoning ordinance

Mon, 02 Nov 2009 22:15 CST

Kansas City finally has adopted a new zoning ordinance after six years of preparation, but some players in the development industry say this has created another obstacle to investment. At a pair of seminars on the new rules hosted last week by the White Goss Bowers law firm, which coincidentally does substantial real estate work, developers were urged to unite and fight the regulations.

Cityscape | KC area restaurants cited for violations

Thu, 05 Nov 2009 22:15 CST

The Kansas Department of Agriculture has cited area restaurants for six or more critical health-code violations. •Captain D’s Seafood, 7525 State Ave., Kansas City, Kan., had nine critical violations during a follow-up inspection Oct. 7. They included raw fish stored on top of cooked rice in a walk-in cooler, and no hair net or restraint used by a food worker.

Test prep could be helpful

Fri, 30 Oct 2009 22:15 CDT

More than 70 years ago, Stanley Kaplan started a tutoring service in the basement of his parents’ Brooklyn apartment. Despite huge hurdles and long odds, the Stanley H. Kaplan Co. over the years sold millions of students on the need to prepare for college entrance exams by signing up for a Kaplan class. Today, the business generates more than $2 billion in revenue, with more than 1 million students enrolled each year in its ever-expanding list of courses.

Advance premiums for FDIC are worth banking on

Fri, 16 Oct 2009 22:15 CDT

Times are tough. Brethren are falling all around. Then the insurance company demands three years’ worth of premiums — in advance. So why aren’t banks up in arms now that just such a call has come from the Federal Deposit Insurance Corp.?

Obesity becomes a workers' comp complication

Wed, 04 Nov 2009 22:15 CST

A cook at an Indiana restaurant suffered a job-related back injury, and a workers’ compensation board said the employer must pay for a medical procedure. What makes this news?

TWA/American Airlines overhaul base through the years

Wed, 28 Oct 2009 07:15 CDT

Home Show: Fall Edition

Fri, 23 Oct 2009 00:00 CDT

Business calendar: Nov.3 and later

Sun, 01 Nov 2009 22:15 CST

TUESDAY GREEN CAREERS WORKSHOP: Sponsored By Ywomen CAN. 9-11:30 a.m. Nov. 3, YWCA of Greater Kansas City, 1017 N. 6th St., Kansas City, Kan.

Taxpayers risked trillions at height of crisis

Thu, 05 Nov 2009 23:10 CST

Government officials put trillions of taxpayer dollars on the line to guarantee risky bank assets - a strategy that could cause permanent and costly market distortions, a government watchdog says.

Former Iowa slaughterhouse manager testifies

Thu, 05 Nov 2009 23:45 CST

The former manager of a kosher Iowa slaughterhouse that was the site of a massive immigration raid says he never intentionally violated federal laws.

Salmonella victims upset no prosecutions yet

Fri, 06 Nov 2009 02:05 CST

At the height of the nationwide salmonella outbreak nearly a year ago, FBI agents raided two peanut plants and carried away boxes of evidence. FDA inspectors found roaches, mold and a leaky roof. Then, Congress revealed e-mails from the peanut company's top executive that seemed to suggest the pursuit of profits over ensuring public safety.

Details on health care bills in House, Senate

Fri, 06 Nov 2009 03:20 CST

House Democratic leaders are offering a $1.2 trillion, 10-year health overhaul bill that expands coverage to millions of Americans. House Republicans have unveiled their alternative, after months of criticizing the Democrats' approach.

World unemployment up despite economic recovery

Thu, 05 Nov 2009 23:10 CST

Despite signs of an economic revival gathering pace around the globe, the millions of people laid off during the worst recession in 70 years are unlikely to see relief any time soon as joblessness is still climbing in many of the world's largest economies.

Obama to sign homebuyer, jobless bill assistance

Fri, 06 Nov 2009 00:25 CST

President Barack Obama is set to sign a $24 billion economic stimulus bill providing tax incentives to prospective homebuyers and extending unemployment benefits to the longtime jobless who have been left behind as the economy veers toward recovery.

Health and Wellness Network launches for Kansas City

Thu, 05 Nov 2009 18:29 CST

Kansas City metro -- An online social network dedicated to improving the health of Kansas City metro residents is now available at www.kcHealthLink.com. The site features alternative health care practitioners, including chiropractors, yoga instructors, massage therapists and those who provide energy therapies. Several holistic health providers in Kansas City are members of the site. read more

Be Distinct: EOC Studios brings distinctive branding, print and web design services to Kansas City

Thu, 05 Nov 2009 18:00 CST

Eve of Creativity Studios is a multidisciplinary design agency based in greater Kansas City area, offering brand consultation, backed with a broad array of visual design and interactive technology services for its clients. read more

Kansas City Symphony Begins Holiday Season with Handel's Messiah

Thu, 05 Nov 2009 16:19 CST

(KANSAS CITY) – The Kansas City Symphony marks the beginning of the holiday season with Handel’s Messiah on Thanksgiving weekend. The Kansas City Symphony and Chorus join with the Independence Messiah Choir for this mosaic of the scriptures, which remains Handel’s most famous work. With over 400 musicians on stage, it is one of the most triumphant choral pieces ever written. Messiah is best known for its familiar “Hallelujah” chorus. read more

New tattoo shop, Syndicate Tattoos

Thu, 05 Nov 2009 15:45 CST

We are a tattoo shop in Kansas City,MO. We are setting the bar high in terms of tattoo shops. By this we mean, We do alot of custom and free hand work and we are also sponsoerd by Dirtbag.com clothing and music. We sell Dirtbag clothing in our shop and in return they send all there major artist to our shop for meet and greets and to get there ink done. If its ink you seek then come in and see us and make it come to life. read more

The Closing Bell: Garmin, KC Southern roll

Thu, 05 Nov 2009 16:30 CST

Thursday was all about a bounce-back for Garmin Ltd., which fell steeply the previous day on concerns about holiday-season sales of its navigational devices. The other big story of the day involved Kansas City Southern.

Ford to introduce seat-belt mounted airbags

Thu, 05 Nov 2009 16:10 CST

Air bags have long been mounted in the steering wheel, dashboard and sides of vehicles. Now, they're in the seat belts.

Expanded homebuyer credit: Who wins?

Thu, 05 Nov 2009 15:20 CST

Legislation that would extend and expand the homebuyer tax credit is awaiting the signature of President Barack Obama. The credit would run through next spring, though consumers would need to commit on a home purchase by late April.

Review: The Droid has landed. Not an iPhone killer but plenty good

Thu, 05 Nov 2009 17:01 CST

The Star's television critic Aaron Barnhart wrote this review. Droid, the so-called iPhone killer that uses the Android 2.0 operating system from Google, goes on sale Friday morning at Verizon Wireless stores. Among iPhone nation, the reaction to Verizon’s in-your-face marketing campaign for the Droid — those “iDon’t” commercials that mock the supposed shortcomings of America’s favorite smartphone — has ranged from bemusement to irritation to litigation. read more

Sprint adds the Curve to its repertoire

Thu, 05 Nov 2009 13:34 CST

Sprint bolstered its smartphone line-up Thursday, adding the BlackBerry Curve 8530. The phone features an easier to you system for music, and comes preloaded with several applications, including BlackBerry Media Sync, Sprint Music Store and Sprint TV.

The 'Droid' gives worldwide smart phone market a push; Apple also gains

Thu, 05 Nov 2009 12:16 CST

From Bloomberg News Research In Motion Ltd., the maker of the BlackBerry, and HTC Corp. took a larger share of the worldwide market for mobile phones in the third quarter with new models, research firm IDC said. Shipments of so-called smart phones, which provide Internet access and the ability to download new programs, climbed 4.2 percent to 43.3 million in the third quarter from a year earlier. read more

Dial up some dollars for this iPhone

Wed, 04 Nov 2009 12:34 CST

Talk about pricey. Chinese consumers need to pony up more than $1,000 to purchase an iPhone in that country. That compares with $299 in the United States. No wonder Apple's Chinese partner has sold only about 5,000 iPhone's since being offered a week ago. And this in the world's biggest mobile phone market. In addition to the hefty price tag, the Chinese version of the iPhone does not have the Wi-Fi networking features available in other countries. read more

Sprint trimming jobs in wholesale division

Tue, 03 Nov 2009 16:16 CST

Sprint Nextel Corp. says it plans to trim jobs “in the dozens” from its wholesale division amid slowing business, according to an Associated Press report. The wireless provider confirmed Tuesday that it has begun notifying employees in the division of layoffs. Kathleen Dunleavy, a spokeswoman for the company, wouldn’t say how many jobs are being cut other than it would be “in the dozens.” The division employs 575 people. read more

Dow again eclipses 10,000

Thu, 05 Nov 2009 22:15 CST

A bright forecast from Cisco Systems and upbeat economic news sent stocks soaring Thursday and propelled the Dow Jones industrials back above 10,000. The rally, coming before this morning’s October employment report, showed that investors are regaining their optimism about a recovery.

P&L's Savvy to reopen Monday

Thu, 05 Nov 2009 16:35 CST

Kevin Wilkey, the new owner of Savvy Coffee & Wine Bar, has 42 specialty blends, not flavored syrups, so customers get a just whiff of these exotic tastes.

For Verizon users, Droid fills a void

Thu, 05 Nov 2009 22:15 CST

Droid, the so-called iPhone killer that uses the Android 2.0 operating system from Google, goes on sale this morning at Verizon Wireless stores. Among iPhone nation, the reaction to Verizon’s in-your-face marketing campaign for the Droid — those “iDon’t” commercials that mock the supposed shortcomings of America’s favorite smartphone — has ranged from bemusement to irritation to litigation.

Wall Street giants get swine flu vaccine

Thu, 05 Nov 2009 22:15 CST

When it comes to receiving the swine flu vaccine, Wall Street appears to outrank children. That’s right: Some of New York City’s largest employers — including Goldman Sachs, Citigroup, the Federal Reserve Bank and Columbia University — are among the first to get doses of the vaccine.

New owner set to reopen Savvy Coffee in Power & Light District

Thu, 05 Nov 2009 22:15 CST

Champagne and fresh berries, cinnamon pear, blackberry merlot. They sound good enough to … drink. Kevin Wilkey, the new owner of Savvy Coffee & Wine Bar, has 42 specialty coffee blends — not flavored syrups — so customers can get a whiff of the exotic flavors before ordering.

Starwatch consumer | CVS investigated

Thu, 05 Nov 2009 22:15 CST

CVS investigated The Federal Trade Commission is investigating some of CVS Caremark Corp.’s business practices, the company said Thursday. The drugstore chain and pharmacy benefits manager did not disclose the details of the “nonpublic investigation,” but it said it has not violated any antitrust laws. CVS suggested that the FTC inquiry is connected to complaints made by the Change to Win coalition of labor unions. Change to Win has said CVS Caremark’s size and buying power is bad for consumers, and it has accused CVS of stocking expired products and violating patients’ privacy, among other issues.

Heads up | Ford to introduce inflatable seat belt for back-seat passengers

Thu, 05 Nov 2009 22:15 CST

Inflating seat belts Ford is introducing an inflatable seat belt for back-seat passengers, hoping it will reduce injuries in front and side crashes. The device initially will be available as an option on the next-generation Ford Explorer sport utility vehicle, which goes into production in 2010. Safety sensors measure the severity of a crash and quickly inflate the seat belts if needed, much like front-seat air bags. Each belt’s tubular air bag inflates with cold compressed gas, which flows through a specially designed buckle from a cylinder housed below the seat.

Senate votes to extend jobless benefits, homebuyers' credit

Wed, 04 Nov 2009 22:15 CST

WASHINGTON | Recognizing that a weak economy still needs a government boost, the Senate voted overwhelmingly Wednesday to provide the jobless with up to 20 weeks in additional unemployment benefits. Senators also voted to expand a first-time homebuyer tax credit to include a far larger pool of people entering the dormant housing market. The $24 billion bill, passed 98-0, also provides tax relief for struggling businesses.

Chrysler rolls out five-year plan

Wed, 04 Nov 2009 22:15 CST

AUBURN HILLS, Mich. | Chrysler plans to pump life into its car lineup with technology from its new Italian partner, Fiat SpA, and says it has the cash to do it as the two automakers start to combine. CEO Sergio Marchionne, who also runs Fiat, began unveiling Chrysler’s new five-year business plan on Wednesday. The plan includes multiple new vehicles for the Chrysler, Jeep, Dodge and Ram brands, most based on Fiat’s more efficient transmissions and small engines.

S&P may downgrade Berkshire, upgrade Burlington

Wed, 04 Nov 2009 22:15 CST

NEW YORK | Standard & Poor’s warned Wednesday that Warren Buffett’s bid for Burlington Northern Santa Fe Corp. could sap the liquidity and capital position of the legendary investor’s insurance operations at Berkshire Hathaway Inc., jeopardizing the company’s AAA rating. The ratings agency placed its ratings on Berkshire Hathaway on CreditWatch with negative implications following Berkshire’s announcement Tuesday that it will buy Burlington Northern for $26.3 billion.

GM's surprise Opel move stirs anger, new uncertainty

Wed, 04 Nov 2009 22:15 CST

BERLIN | General Motors Co.’s decision to scrap the sale of its European subsidiary Opel raised new uncertainty Wednesday over the unit’s future. The move also astonished politicians in Germany and Russia and prompted workers to plan walkouts in protest. The GM board’s unexpected decision to call off the sale to Canadian auto parts maker Magna International Inc. and Russian lender Sberbank was a startling end to months of haggling in which Chancellor Angela Merkel and other German leaders had strongly backed the deal.

Starwatch Consumer: Kellogg pulls health claim; Palin book tour; Toyota claim; FDA drug alert

Wed, 04 Nov 2009 22:15 CST

Kellogg pulls health claim Kellogg says it will pull health claims from its Rice Krispies cereal box due to the public’s growing concern about swine flu. The food company began adding antioxidants to the cereal last year and noted on the cereal box that these antioxidants help support the immune system.

Hyatt Hotels raises $950 million in IPO despite dramatics of its largest holders of stock

Wed, 04 Nov 2009 22:15 CST

CHICAGO | There’s talk of infighting among its founder’s heirs, and a sluggish appetite for hotel reservations around the globe. But Hyatt Hotels Corp. shares are set to begin trading today now that the company raised $950 million in its initial public offering. Questions had lingered about whether investors would feel confident enough to snatch up the 38 million shares of the iconic hotel chain that were offered. Among the issues facing the company are disputes between members of the wealthy Pritzker family, the largest holders of Hyatt stock with an 85 percent stake in the Chicago company.

JPMorgan settlement with SEC worth over $700M

Wed, 04 Nov 2009 22:15 CST

WASHINGTON | JPMorgan Chase & Co. has agreed to a settlement worth more than $700 million over federal regulators’ charges that it made unlawful payments to friends of public officials to win municipal bond business in Jefferson County, Ala. The Securities and Exchange Commission on Wednesday announced the settlement with JPMorgan, which canceled interest-rate swap contracts with the county worth $700 million in March. The move lowers the county’s bond debt to about $3.2 billion from $3.9 billion, but officials had no immediate comment on whether that was enough to help the county avoid filing what would be the largest municipal bankruptcy ever.

Holiday forecast spurs decline in Garmin stock

Wed, 04 Nov 2009 22:15 CST

Despite a better third quarter than expected, Garmin Ltd. saw its stock price plunge Wednesday after forecasting a less profitable holiday period. Shares of Garmin, the country’s biggest producer of portable navigation devices, fell $4.57 to $26.84, down nearly 15 percent in heavy trading. Share prices have been pressured since Google Inc. recently announced its maps and routing software would be available for no extra charge on some mobile phones.

Heads Up | Harley looks to Kentucky

Wed, 04 Nov 2009 22:15 CST

Take a seat Cramer Inc., the longtime maker of specialty office chairs, ladders and step stools, has been acquired by a management group known as Cramer LLC. The limited liability corporation is led by Cramer Inc. President Nick Christianson. The company traces back to the Cramer Safe Co., founded in 1886 in Kansas City. The offshoot Cramer Posture Chair Co. was started in 1935, and Cramer sold its safe business in 1940. Its products include the Kik-Step rolling step stool, which appeared in 1957 and became a staple in libraries.

Fed leaves interest rates unchanged

Wed, 04 Nov 2009 22:15 CST

Federal Reserve policymakers left interest rates near zero Wednesday and said that the economy is continuing to improve, but indicated that they still view the recovery as sufficiently fragile that they will keep rates low for some time. Following a two-day meeting, the Federal Open Market Committee said that information received since its last meeting “suggests that economic activity has continued to pick up,” and that “household spending appears to be expanding” even as it remains constrained by the weak job market and other factors.

JONAH GOLDBERG For release 11/4/09

Wed, 04 Nov 2009 22:15 CST

If there’s one thing liberal pundits are experts on these days it’s the sorry state of conservatism. The airwaves and op-ed pages brim with lamentations on the GOP’s demographic demise and its thralldom to the demonic deities of the right — Limbaugh, Beck, Palin. Such sages as The New York Times’ Sam Tanenhaus and Frank Rich insist that the right is out of ideas. After all, the religious dogmatism and “market fundamentalism” of the Bush administration were entirely discredited, leaving the GOP with its intellectual cupboard bare.

Firm hired as consultant for proposed downtown hotel

Tue, 03 Nov 2009 22:15 CST

Familiarity breeds comfort when it comes to advising City Hall and, once again, Convention Center Hotel Advisors has been hired as consultant for a proposed 1,000-room downtown hotel. The Minneapolis-based firm, or related entities, has prepared at least two feasibility studies in recent years on whether to build a major convention hotel, and also has advised the city on past expansions to Bartle Hall as well as the planning that led to construction of the Sprint Center.

KCP&L launches program to give customers extra time to pay bills

Tue, 03 Nov 2009 22:15 CST

The economy may be out of recession, but Kansas City Power & Light is seeing a growing number of its residential customers unable to pay their electric bills — thousands of them for the first time. On Tuesday, the utility said it was taking steps to help them. KCP&L is launching a program called Connections that, among other things, will give customers who can’t pay a monthly bill an extra 30 days.

Country club caught up in foreclosure battle says it's found a buyer in Topeka

Tue, 03 Nov 2009 22:15 CST

The Brookridge Country Club, caught up in a foreclosure battle with a former development partner, has found a friendly prospective buyer in Topeka. Members of the club at Interstate 435 and Antioch Road in Overland Park are scheduled to vote soon on a plan to sell the property and its 27-hole golf course to GreatLife Golf & Fitness. GreatLife operates seven golf clubs and fitness centers, including two in the Kansas City area, Maple Creek and River Oaks.

Sprint plans ‘dozens of job cuts'

Tue, 03 Nov 2009 22:15 CST

Sprint Nextel Corp. said Tuesday it planned to trim jobs “in the dozens” from its wholesale division amid slowing business. The Overland Park-based wireless provider has begun notifying employees in the division of layoffs, said Kathleen Dunleavy, a company spokeswoman.

Rising commodity prices lift stocks

Tue, 03 Nov 2009 22:15 CST

NEW YORK | Investors sidestepped some of their doubts about the economy Tuesday and bought energy and industrial stocks as commodity prices rose. Stocks ended back-and-forth trading mostly higher as a spike in the price of gold and corporate dealmaking extended an advance from Monday. The gains in commodity prices helped stocks pare early losses.

Auto sales show industry beginning to stabilize

Tue, 03 Nov 2009 22:15 CST

After months of roller-coaster-like sales, the auto industry offered signs of recovery Tuesday from its yearlong slump, as most automakers reported higher U.S. sales in October. GM, the largest U.S. automaker, reported its first monthly sales gain in almost two years, while Hyundai and Subaru were huge winners thanks to their popular models and fuel-efficient sedans. Hyundai, based in South Korea, said its sales jumped 49 percent, boosted by its fuel-efficient Elantra sedan. Japanese automaker Subaru also topped the winner’s list with a 41 percent surge, helped by strong sales in its Outback and Forester models.

Starwatch Consumer | Amazon cuts book prices

Tue, 03 Nov 2009 22:15 CST

Amazon cuts book prices The book price wars are no longer just for pre-orders. Amazon.com was offering hardcovers of John Grisham’s “Ford County” and Barbara Kingsolver’s “The Lacuna” for just $9 on Tuesday, the official release date for both books. Hardcovers generally have a list price of $24 or higher.

Heads Up | Madoff's auditor pleads guilty

Tue, 03 Nov 2009 22:15 CST

Madoff auditor pleads guilty Bernard L. Madoff’s longtime accountant pleaded guilty on Tuesday to deliberately producing the rubber-stamp audits that helped Madoff conceal his enormous Ponzi scheme from regulators for nearly 20 years. The accountant, David G. Friehling, who was Madoff’s “independent auditor” from 1991 until the fraud collapsed in December 2008, pleaded guilty to nine criminal charges carrying a potential prison term of 114 years. Though an investor in the scheme, Friehling produced the supposedly professional and independent audits that sustained the Madoff fraud year in and year out. But Friehling insisted that “at no time was I ever aware Bernard Madoff was engaged in a Ponzi scheme.”

On the road to health benefits enrollment, expect lane changes

Mon, 02 Nov 2009 22:15 CST

Business owner Matthew Condon lopped $27,000 off the cost of providing health benefits for his 70 employees by adding one feature — a wellness program — to the firm’s traditional benefits plan. “We’ve got the numbers to show insurance companies how we are mitigating (potential) losses before they occur, so we can demand the companies recognize that,” said Condon, who put the cost of the wellness program at less than $3,000.

Traffic lanes at bankrupt West Edge project are being reopened

Mon, 02 Nov 2009 22:15 CST

Traffic lanes that were closed for the West Edge project finally are reopening, but little else has moved forward at the bankrupt development near the Country Club Plaza. On Monday, construction crews hired by the city began dismantling the fencing and concrete barricades that have closed portions of Belleview Avenue on the west, Roanoke Road on the east, and 48th Street on the north.

Economies of U.S. and region show signs of growth

Mon, 02 Nov 2009 22:15 CST

The national and regional economies diverged a bit last month, but both continued to show signs of growth. A monthly survey by the Institute for Supply Management showed manufacturing activity accelerated in October.

New co-chairman for Area Development Council

Mon, 02 Nov 2009 22:15 CST

Construction industry executive Pat McCown will join Dave Fowler of KPMG Kansas City as co-chairman of the Kansas City Area Development Council. McCown, CEO of McCownGordon Construction, is to succeed Mark Jorgenson, president and CEO of U.S. Bank, Kansas City, in helping lead the board of the region’s premier development organization. The council’s mission is to attract investment and jobs to an 18-county area on both sides of the state line.

Buffett makes $34 billion bet on railroad

Tue, 03 Nov 2009 22:15 CST

Warren Buffett leads a simple life. But when the revered business legend buys a train set, it’s a $34 billion mega-deal. Coming along just as the economy has begun to recover, Buffett’s bid on Tuesday to buy the Burlington Northern Santa Fe Corp. amounts to an “all-in wager on the economic future of the United States,” the CEO of Berkshire Hathaway Inc. said in an announcement.

Noteworthy | Westlake Hardware names a new exec

Mon, 02 Nov 2009 22:15 CST

This week The Kansas City Kansas Chamber of Commerce gathers Friday at the Great Wolf Lodge. See Business calendar, D15.

Bushnell leases space in a new Olathe building

Mon, 02 Nov 2009 22:15 CST

Bushnell Inc., a manufacturer of optical and outdoor products, is consolidating its distribution operations and has leased 221,800 square feet in a new building in Olathe. Bushnell will occupy about one-third of the 602,000-square-foot building that was built last year at 22102 W. 167th St. The firm plans to relocate operations from two other locations at the Meritex Business Park and Nieman Business Park, but will continue to have its corporate headquarters in Overland Park.

‘Nurse navigators' coordinate care at St. Mary's Medical Center

Mon, 02 Nov 2009 22:15 CST

Company:St. Mary’s Medical Center, a 143-bed acute-care hospital, offers inpatient, outpatient and extended-care services. Telephone: 816-228-5900