October 2008 - Rochester Business News & Events

Passenger trains regain favor

WASHINGTON -- After half a century as more of a curiosity than a convenience, passenger trains are getting back on track in some parts of the country. The high cost of energy, coupled with congestion on highways and at airports, is d

Published Fri, Oct 31 2008 11:45 AM by Postbulletin.com Local Business

Oil falls below $65 on U.S. contraction

LONDON Oil prices slipped below $65 a barrel today, extending declines after data showed the U.S. economy contracted in the latest quarter, reinforcing expectations of a prolonged slump in demand. Light, sweet crude for December d

Published Fri, Oct 31 2008 11:45 AM by Postbulletin.com Local Business

IBM lays off 10 employees

IBM Rochester confirmed this morning that it cut the jobs of 10 employees Thursday.

Published Fri, Oct 31 2008 10:10 AM by Postbulletin.com Local Business

Another radio veteran leaves -- by choice

Another departure from the morning Rochester radio waves was announced on-air this morning. Mary McPhee, half of the Quick Country Morning Show on Cumulus Radio's KWWK 96.5, said farewell and announced that Friday was her

Published Fri, Oct 31 2008 10:00 AM by Postbulletin.com Local Business

Verizon-Alltel merger approved

WASHINGTON -- The Justice Department on Thursday effectively gave Verizon Wireless the go-ahead to buy Alltel Corp. in a $28 billion deal that would create the nation's largest wireless carrier. Verizon Wireless, a joint venture be

Published Fri, Oct 31 2008 9:15 AM by Postbulletin.com Local Business

Stocks open lower following week's big gains

NEW YORK -- Wall Street is locking in some of the week's big gains following a report that showed worried consumers are cutting back on their spending. Modest selling early today comes as many investors are simply looking to put th

Published Fri, Oct 31 2008 9:15 AM by Postbulletin.com Local Business

French and Dutch bank rescue plans win EU approval

BRUSSELS, Belgium -- French and Dutch programs to shore up the banking sector in the wake of financial turmoil won EU approval today, the European Commission said. EU regulators must review large state payments to the private sector

Published Fri, Oct 31 2008 9:10 AM by Postbulletin.com Local Business

BBB Tips: Advice for small businesses on Health Savings Accounts

Rising healthcare costs are forcing small business owners to decide whether or not they can afford to provide health coverage for their employees. Some employers are choosing to contribute to Health Savings Accounts (HSA) for employees as an alternative...

Published Fri, Oct 31 2008 8:05 AM by Postbulletin.com Local Business

Tables turn: Banks asking government for credit-card debt forgiveness

WASHINGTON -- With defaults on credit card debt spiraling amid a global financial downturn, banks already reeling from the mortgage crisis are losing billions more from unpaid credit card bills

Published Thu, Oct 30 2008 9:45 PM by Postbulletin.com Local Business

Agents arrest former Agriprocessors manager

CEDAR RAPIDS, Iowa -- A former manager of a kosher slaughterhouse found to have employed hundreds of illegal immigrants was arrested Thursday by authorities who allege he helped many of the workers get fake documents

Published Thu, Oct 30 2008 6:35 PM by Postbulletin.com Local Business

Iowa fines Agriprocessors nearly $10 million

IOWA CITY, Iowa -- A kosher meatpacking plant that was the site of one of the nation's largest immigration raids was fined nearly $10 million by the state Wednesday over accusations that it violated state labor laws.

Published Thu, Oct 30 2008 2:18 PM by Postbulletin.com Local Business

Grocers find food prices hard to swallow

The days of rapidly rising grocery prices may be nearing an end as supermarkets push back against food companies that are reporting profit increases. With corn, wheat and other commodity costs coming off their summer peaks a

Published Thu, Oct 30 2008 10:50 AM by Postbulletin.com Local Business

Delta-Northwest deal done

News of Delta Air Lines and Northwest Airlines completing their $2.8 billion merger does not worry Rochester airport officials. In fact, it might even mean new destinations being added to the Rochester International A

Published Thu, Oct 30 2008 9:50 AM by Postbulletin.com Local Business

Stocks open sharply higher

NEW YORK -- Wall Street is feeling more upbeat after a government report showing that the economy contracted in the third quarter by less than expected and after the Federal Reserve's second interest rate cut in a month. Stocks are

Published Thu, Oct 30 2008 9:20 AM by Postbulletin.com Local Business

Mayor plans to help New Yorkers weather downturn

NEW YORK -- To help New Yorkers weather the economic downturn, Mayor Michael Bloomberg plans to relax tax deadlines for some property owners, launch a public awareness campaign about debt and create a special Web site for laid-off