http://www.post-gazette.com/businessnews/ All Business, Auto News en-us Copyright 2010, post-gazette.com. Fri, 12 Mar 2010 13:17:38 -0500 15 http://www.post-gazette.com/includes/2007design/images/150x30pg_now_logo.gif http://www.post-gazette.com/ 144 39 http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/10071/1042312-455.stm?cmpid=business.xml Delta Air Lines nonstop Pittsburgh to Paris flight is not meeting its revenue targets, likely triggering subsidies from the Allegheny Conference on Community Development and state taxpayers this year Fri, 12 Mar 2010 12:41:00 -0500 http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/10071/1042145-28.stm?cmpid=business.xml The Louisiana Municipal Police Employees Retirement System wants a federal judge in Pittsburgh to stop FirstEnergy's proposed $8.5 billion takeover of Greensburg-based Allegheny Energy. Fri, 12 Mar 2010 00:00:00 -0500 http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/10071/1042146-28.stm?cmpid=business.xml Also in today's headlines: Fri, 12 Mar 2010 00:00:00 -0500 http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/10071/1042147-28.stm?cmpid=business.xml Mexico's Carlos Slim beat Bill Gates and Warren Buffett for the top spot on Forbes magazine's annual list of billionaires, becoming the first person from outside the United States to lead the rankings in 16 years. Fri, 12 Mar 2010 00:00:00 -0500 http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/10071/1042148-113.stm?cmpid=business.xml On a day that found civic leaders aggressively preparing for floods that could rival the worst in the region's history, organizers of United Nations World Environment Day unveiled the theme of an event that will include six weeks of activities stretching from Earth Day in April through June 5: "Water Matters." Fri, 12 Mar 2010 00:00:00 -0500 http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/10071/1042149-53.stm?cmpid=business.xml The city's Urban Redevelopment Authority board on Thursday advanced a proposed partnership with a local developer to transform 80 acres along the Allegheny riverfront from the Strip District to Lawrenceville. Fri, 12 Mar 2010 00:00:00 -0500 http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/10071/1042200-67.stm?cmpid=business.xml Think a wrinkled bracket and a college sweatshirt are all you need to get the full March Madness experience? Pretty soon, you'll also need a bag of popcorn and a pair of goofy glasses. Fri, 12 Mar 2010 00:00:00 -0500 http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/10070/1042061-28.stm?cmpid=business.xml WASHINGTON - Americans regained more of their shrunken wealth last quarter, mainly because the healing economy boosted stock portfolios. But the gain was less than in the previous two quarters. Thu, 11 Mar 2010 15:10:00 -0500 http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/10070/1042053-28.stm?cmpid=business.xml BEIJING - China's inflation rose in February amid galloping growth and demand for scarce labor, increasing pressure on Beijing to ease off its stimulus while keeping a recovery going in the world's third-largest economy. Thu, 11 Mar 2010 15:08:00 -0500 http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/10070/1042052-68.stm?cmpid=business.xml WASHINGTON - The foreclosure crisis isn't over, but the pace of growth may finally be slowing down. Thu, 11 Mar 2010 14:36:00 -0500 http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/10070/1042048-100.stm?cmpid=business.xml CHARLESTON, W.Va. -- The West Virginia Supreme Court has rejected requests by a bankrupt coal company and its president to reconsider a decision stripping them of a $50 million jury verdict against Massey Energy Thu, 11 Mar 2010 13:51:00 -0500 http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/10070/1042038-185.stm?cmpid=business.xml WASHINGTON - Toyota's massive recalls are prompting Congress to reconsider whether the nation's auto safety agency has lived up to its mission of protecting motorists. Thu, 11 Mar 2010 12:22:00 -0500 http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/10070/1042039-407.stm?cmpid=business.xml WASHINGTON - The U.S. trade deficit unexpectedly shrank in January, reflecting a big drop in imports of oil and foreign cars. Thu, 11 Mar 2010 12:22:00 -0500 http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/10070/1042034-100.stm?cmpid=business.xml The Louisiana Municipal Police Employees Retirement System wants a federal judge in Pittsburgh to stop FirstEnergy's proposed $4.7 billion takeover of a western Pennsylvania electric company Thu, 11 Mar 2010 10:33:00 -0500 http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/10070/1042033-100.stm?cmpid=business.xml HARRISBURG -- Bill George is retiring as president of Pennsylvania's AFL-CIO after 20 years as one of the state's most visible organized labor leaders Thu, 11 Mar 2010 10:26:00 -0500 http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/10070/1042031-100.stm?cmpid=business.xml EQT Corp. has priced a new public offering of its common stock at $44 a share. Thu, 11 Mar 2010 10:18:00 -0500 http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/10070/1041733-54.stm?cmpid=business.xml At a time when the real estate market is soft, developer James Rumbaugh plans to turn about 200 acres in Pine into a development of 118 custom-built homes. Thu, 11 Mar 2010 05:49:00 -0500 http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/10070/1042005-96.stm?cmpid=business.xml Blame "Minority Report." Thu, 11 Mar 2010 02:00:00 -0500 http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/10070/1042006-96.stm?cmpid=business.xml They are the most wired vehicles on the road, with dashboard computers, sophisticated radios, navigation systems and cellphones. Thu, 11 Mar 2010 02:00:00 -0500 http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/10070/1042007-96.stm?cmpid=business.xml If you're a recent convert to smartphones, you're probably still discovering all the amazing things that your new BlackBerry, Android phone or iPhone can do. But one thing you most likely found out right away: the more you do, the shorter your phone's battery lasts. Thu, 11 Mar 2010 02:00:00 -0500 http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/10070/1042008-96.stm?cmpid=business.xml One curse of the digital age is the need to manage multiple continuing conversations -- be they via Facebook, Twitter, e-mail, instant messages or text-messaging on your cellphone. Thu, 11 Mar 2010 02:00:00 -0500 http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/10070/1041801-96.stm?cmpid=business.xml Video game review Thu, 11 Mar 2010 00:00:00 -0500 http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/10070/1041862-28.stm?cmpid=business.xml Finally, American Eagle Outfitters Inc. did what Wall Street wanted. Thu, 11 Mar 2010 00:00:00 -0500 http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/10070/1041863-28.stm?cmpid=business.xml Sweeping credit card reforms that kicked in Feb. 22 promised to snuff out the card industry's most abusive practices, but experts say it's no time for consumers to let their guard down. Thu, 11 Mar 2010 00:00:00 -0500 http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/10070/1041869-28.stm?cmpid=business.xml RealtyTrac Inc. said today that the number of U.S. households facing foreclosure in February grew 6 percent from the year-ago level, the smallest annual increase in four years. Thu, 11 Mar 2010 00:00:00 -0500 http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/10070/1041871-28.stm?cmpid=business.xml In a move that could bring an end to the $40 cup of coffee, Bank of America is doing away with overdraft fees on purchases made with debit cards, a decision that could cost the bank tens of Thu, 11 Mar 2010 00:00:00 -0500 http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/10070/1041872-28.stm?cmpid=business.xml SAN FRANCISCO -- Last year, Palm thought it had all the pieces for a turnaround in the market it pioneered: A new CEO known for making the iPod a household name, a sleek new smart phone called the Thu, 11 Mar 2010 00:00:00 -0500 http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/10070/1041905-28.stm?cmpid=business.xml At first blush, the Pittsburgh Flea sounds like something you'd want to avoid. But Janis Surman is hoping a lot of people will get the itch. Thu, 11 Mar 2010 00:00:00 -0500 http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/10069/1041588-100.stm?cmpid=business.xml The retailer Wednesday morning reported profits of $59.3 million, or 28 cents per share, in the three months ended Jan. 30, compared to $32.7 million, or 16 cents, in the previous year. Wed, 10 Mar 2010 09:19:00 -0500 http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/10069/1041411-67.stm?cmpid=business.xml Public radio stations don't scramble for advertising revenues like their commercial counterparts, but they still compete for donors, ratings, public and grant support. Wed, 10 Mar 2010 02:09:00 -0500 http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/10069/1041397-96.stm?cmpid=business.xml Need to find a hotel in Starkville, Miss.? Find one with confidence at TripAdvisor.com, or any number of online websites. Wed, 10 Mar 2010 02:00:00 -0500 http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/10069/1041412-28.stm?cmpid=business.xml Five million dollars. That's how much money seven arts groups have saved by sharing the costs of marketing, advertising, ticketing, theater programs and collectively purchasing everything from Wed, 10 Mar 2010 00:00:00 -0500 http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/10069/1041413-28.stm?cmpid=business.xml The real work of preserving WDUQ-FM as an independent public radio station is going on behind closed doors, as the group trying to preserve WDUQ and keep its programming intact begins a long, hard fundraising and public awareness task. Wed, 10 Mar 2010 00:00:00 -0500 http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/10069/1041427-53.stm?cmpid=business.xml Seniors at The Residence on Fifth assisted-living facility in Oakland were notified Monday that the facility would close on May 8, with a sale of the property to Carnegie Mellon University pending this spring. Wed, 10 Mar 2010 00:00:00 -0500 http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/10069/1041428-28.stm?cmpid=business.xml Three weeks after Saxonburg-based optical instruments maker II-VI had its unsolicited $169.4 million takeover bid for Zygo Corp. Wed, 10 Mar 2010 00:00:00 -0500 http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/10069/1041429-28.stm?cmpid=business.xml The Martin + Osa clothing chain has run out of time to keep looking for that elusive formula for winning over grown-up customers. Wed, 10 Mar 2010 00:00:00 -0500 http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/10069/1041431-28.stm?cmpid=business.xml LifeLock Inc. agreed to pay $11 million to the Federal Trade Commission and $1 million to 35 state attorneys general, including in Pennsylvania, to settle charges that the company used false Wed, 10 Mar 2010 00:00:00 -0500 http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/10069/1041434-185.stm?cmpid=business.xml Lincoln, America's "other" storied luxury brand, which was almost dead five years ago, has gained new life with new models, new commercials and new customers. Wed, 10 Mar 2010 00:00:00 -0500 http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/10069/1041437-28.stm?cmpid=business.xml A late blast of cold, snowy weather around the country may have had commuters grumbling but it was refreshing for Dick's Sporting Goods Inc., which Tuesday reported a 10.7 percent increase in fourth-quarter sales. Wed, 10 Mar 2010 00:00:00 -0500 http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/10069/1041489-84.stm?cmpid=business.xml EL CAJON, Calif. -- James Sikes bought his Toyota Prius in 2008, and 53,000 miles later, the car was driving fine. But Monday afternoon, when he accelerated to pass another vehicle on Interstate 8 east of San Diego, the car kept going. Wed, 10 Mar 2010 00:00:00 -0500 http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/10069/1041521-455.stm?cmpid=business.xml When Castriota Chevrolet in Dormont found out it wasn't one of 2,000 General Motors dealerships slated to close last year, the outfit printed signs and bought billboards proclaiming, "GM is here to stay and so is Castriota Chevrolet." One went up next to a shuttered GM dealership. Wed, 10 Mar 2010 00:00:00 -0500 http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/10068/1041426-185.stm?cmpid=business.xml Lincoln, America's "other" storied luxury brand, which was almost dead five years ago, has gained new life with new models, new commercials and new customers. Tue, 9 Mar 2010 18:52:00 -0500 http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/10068/1041425-28.stm?cmpid=business.xml A late blast of cold, snowy weather around the country may have had commuters grumbling but it was refreshing for Dick's Sporting Goods Inc., which Tuesday reported a 10.7 percent increase in fourth-quarter sales. Tue, 9 Mar 2010 18:45:00 -0500 http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/10068/1041409-100.stm?cmpid=business.xml The Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board will hold a public hearing Tuesday, March 30, in Washington to gather evidence and testimony on the application by The Meadows to add table games. Tue, 9 Mar 2010 17:54:00 -0500 http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/10068/1041405-100.stm?cmpid=business.xml Ending months of speculation, South Side retailer American Eagle Outfitters Inc. this afternoon announced it is giving up on its experiment in clothing an older clientele. Tue, 9 Mar 2010 17:08:00 -0500 http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/10068/1041380-100.stm?cmpid=business.xml A popular Downtown hair salon will be moving several blocks to the Piatt Place development this summer Tue, 9 Mar 2010 13:28:00 -0500 http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/10068/1041360-100.stm?cmpid=business.xml Indiana, Pa.-based Superior Well Services, Inc. posted a fourth quarter loss of $15.2 million, or 58 cents per diluted share, on revenues of $95.9 million, compared with year-ago profits of $11.1 million, or 48 cents per diluted share, on revenues of $161.7 million. Tue, 9 Mar 2010 10:54:00 -0500 http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/10068/1041359-100.stm?cmpid=business.xml Three weeks after Saxonburg-based optical instruments maker II-VI had its unsolicited $169.4 million takeover bid for Zygo Corp. rejected by Zygo's board of directors, II-VI officers announced today the company will cease its acquisition efforts and withdraw its proposal to acquire Zygo for $10 per share Tue, 9 Mar 2010 10:30:00 -0500 http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/10068/1041358-100.stm?cmpid=business.xml Dick's Sporting Goods Inc. this morning announced sales grew 10.7 percent in the holiday quarter, helping the Findlay retailer report a better performance than a year earlier in the depths of the 2008 financial downturn Tue, 9 Mar 2010 09:24:00 -0500 http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/10068/1041290-455.stm?cmpid=business.xml A Hampton woman is suing Bank of America, saying one of its contractors wrongly repossessed her home, padlocked the doors, shut off the utilities, damaged the furniture and confiscated a pet parrot, though her mortgage payments were on time. Tue, 9 Mar 2010 08:29:00 -0500 http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/10068/1041348-185.stm?cmpid=business.xml When New Jersey tells you not to use a handheld cellphone to talk or text while driving, they mean it. Tue, 9 Mar 2010 07:00:00 -0500 http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/10068/1041349-185.stm?cmpid=business.xml The past 18 months or so haven't been easy for General Motors, here or abroad. In Europe, GM endured much tense talk about its Opel brand, and the Kroymans Group fell prey to the global economic meltdown, leaving GM without a European distributor in over the half the markets it serviced. Now, a new company called Cadillac Europe has been created specifically to manage Cadillac distribution across the pond, and this go-round, GM is setting more realistic expectations for its luxury brand than we'd previously Tue, 9 Mar 2010 07:00:00 -0500 http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/10068/1041323-96.stm?cmpid=business.xml MOUNTAIN VIEW, Calif. -- In a meeting at Google in 2004, the discussion turned to an e-mail message the company had received from a fan in South Korea. Sergey Brin, a Google founder, ran the message through an automatic translation service that the company had licensed. Tue, 9 Mar 2010 02:00:00 -0500 http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/10068/1041324-96.stm?cmpid=business.xml PARIS -- France Télécom's new management must move quickly "to take charge and encourage radical change" if it is to put an end to a suicide crisis, according to a study commissioned by the company. Tue, 9 Mar 2010 02:00:00 -0500 http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/10068/1041325-96.stm?cmpid=business.xml OAKLAND, Calif. -- Tim Westergren recently sat in a Las Vegas penthouse suite, a glass of red wine in one hand and a truffle-infused Kobe beef burger in the other, courtesy of the investment bankers who were throwing a party to court him. Tue, 9 Mar 2010 02:00:00 -0500 http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/10068/1041326-96.stm?cmpid=business.xml PARIS -- Rivals of Microsoft's market-leading Web browser have attracted a flurry of interest since the company, fulfilling a regulatory requirement, started making it easier for European users of its Windows operating system to switch. Tue, 9 Mar 2010 02:00:00 -0500 http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/10068/1041327-96.stm?cmpid=business.xml ARE social networking sites bringing us together, or only fake bringing us together? Tue, 9 Mar 2010 02:00:00 -0500 http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/10068/1041199-28.stm?cmpid=business.xml Also in today's headlines: Tue, 9 Mar 2010 00:00:00 -0500 http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/10068/1041200-28.stm?cmpid=business.xml Only a couple of weeks after being furloughed from his longtime job, Leo Conklin was one of the lucky ones to make the cut at the Sheraton at Station Square, earning a spot in the school set up to train dealers for the Rivers Casino. Tue, 9 Mar 2010 00:00:00 -0500 http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/10068/1041202-185.stm?cmpid=business.xml WASHINGTON -- Toyota gave detailed evidence Monday that it says disproves claims that electronics may cause the unwanted acceleration that led to the recall of more than 8 million cars and trucks. Tue, 9 Mar 2010 00:00:00 -0500 http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/10068/1041203-114.stm?cmpid=business.xml The West Penn Allegheny Health System is considering changing its name, and it is re-evaluating services at its Suburban Hospital facility in Bellevue. Tue, 9 Mar 2010 00:00:00 -0500 http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/10068/1041220-28.stm?cmpid=business.xml Longtime dreams of new Allegheny riverfront housing, commercial spaces, bike paths and other recreational amenities are a step closer to reality, Mayor Luke Ravenstahl is set to announce today. Tue, 9 Mar 2010 00:00:00 -0500 http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/10068/1041225-28.stm?cmpid=business.xml Women of all races bring home less income and own fewer assets, on average, than men of the same race, but for single black women the disparities are so overwhelmingly great that even in their prime working years their median wealth amounts to only $5. Tue, 9 Mar 2010 00:00:00 -0500