Business News

EMPLOYERS > Becoming a Blame-free Organization

Let's say one of your employees starts to change their behavior, become more motivated and make fewer mistakes. Good news, right? Which is the better reason behind this: they intrinsically think it's the right thing to do or they want to avoid being blamed? ...Read More

JOBS > Higher Ed Jobs Offer Fringe Benefits

Benefits-eligible jobs at colleges and universities can offer a variety of nice perks. ...Read More

EMPLOYERS > Achieve Top Line and Bottom Line Success

Which is more important to the success of your business - the top line or the bottom line? You can't have a business without revenue, and you can't sustain your business without a healthy and realistic grasp on expenses. ...Read More

JOBS > Taking Stock Via Journaling

'Tis the season for gratitude. I'm always privileged to hear clients' stories in my coaching and consultation work. Rich in content and so inspiring, each story deepens my understanding of that person's unique journey. ...Read More

EMPLOYERS > Four Ways to Make the Holidays Happier

"If the holidays are so happy, then why are my employees so miserable?" ...Read More

JOBS > Making a Smooth Exit from Your Job

With the job market heating up in sectors like technology, many people are finding that it's time for a new challenge. ...Read More

Employers > Hiring Entry-level Future Leaders

Organizations need leaders at all levels. What if a shift was made to look at potential for future leaders at entry-level positions? ...Read More

JOBS > What About Working for a Nonprofit?

More than 1.5 million nonprofit organizations, including public charities, private foundations and fraternal organizations, are registered in the U.S. and they provide many untapped job opportunities. ...Read More

EMPLOYERS > Are We Wasting Eight Hours a Week?

What if you told your employees that they didn't need to work a 40-hour week anymore? As the recession continues, your search to decrease expenses without sacrificing quality is priority number one, and if it makes your employees happy, even better. ...Read More

JOBS > Working at Home Has Growth Potential

Whether you're at home, in an airport or under the Tuscan sun with a laptop, telecommuting has not only skyrocketed into possibility, its potential for growth is enormous. ...Read More

U.S. labor official tours RI business

A top U.S. labor official joined members of Rhode Island's congressional delegation for a tour of a local manufacturer. ...Read More

Whitehouse, Taveras discuss job creation in RI

U.S. Sen. Sheldon Whitehouse and Providence Mayor Angel Taveras are visiting a Rhode Island company to push for job creation. More, with WPRO's Steve Klamkin. ...Read More

RI offers loans to businesses hurt by Irene

Rhode Island is offering loans to help businesses hurt by Tropical Storm Irene. ...Read More

Gov. Chafee heads to NYC to woo JetBlue to RI

Gov. Lincoln Chafee is heading to New York City to encourage JetBlue to offer service at Rhode Island's T.F. Green Airport. ...Read More

Google settles pharmacy ad probe for $500 million

Google Inc. has agreed to pay $500 million to settle a federal investigation into the Internet search leader's distribution of online ads from Canadian pharmacies that were illegally selling prescription and non-prescription drugs to American consumers. ...Read More

Toray announces RI expansion, 28 new jobs expected

One of the state's largest employers has announced a multi-million dollar expansion that is expected to bring more than two dozen new jobs to Rhode Island. ...Read More

Changes coming to RI Walmart locations

Retail giant Wal-Mart Stores Inc. is closing one Rhode Island store and opening a larger one in a neighboring town. ...Read More

RI unemployment rate unchanged in July

Unemployment in Rhode Island remained unchanged in July at 10.8%, and while the state added jobs for the sixth month in a row, the labor force also shrank. Details, with WPRO's Steve Klamkin. ...Read More

EMPLOYERS > Five Pitfalls of a Micromanager

A micromanager can cause fear and panic in even the most seasoned professionals. While I don't have the statistics to back this up, I think most would agree that having a manager who micromanages every task is something to avoid. Before we get into exactly what a micromanager does, let's find out what micromanaging actually means. ...Read More

JOBS > Energize Your Job Search

Losing your job is stressful. As unemployment wears on, getting up each day and searching for a job becomes more and more challenging. So how can you combat this reality and improve your chances? ...Read More

RI economy expanded faster than national economy in Q2

Despite a significant slowdown in the U.S. economy in the first two quarters of 2011, Rhode Island sustained its economic recovery and expanded faster than the national economy. ...Read More

Wall St. takes a dive on first day after downgrade

Stocks are plummeting at the close after anxiety overtook investors on the first trading day since Standard & Poor's downgraded American debt. ...Read More

Dow average plunges 513, worst drop since 2008

Dow Jones industrial average closes down 513 points, worst drop since October 2008. ...Read More

Unemployment rate ticks down, but RI loses jobs

Rhode Island's unemployment rate ticked down slightly in June, but the state lost 1,500 jobs. ...Read More

Hasbro creates jobs, expanding into Providence

Hasbro Inc. is expanding into downtown Providence in a project expected to bring 284 jobs over three years and an investment of $24 million in the city. ...Read More

EMPLOYERS > Creating the Best Interview Experience

Often, we interviewers focus on our own perspective: telephone interviews, behavioral interviews, and what a candidate should or shouldn't wear to the interview. But what about our own role in the interviewing process? ...Read More

JOBS > Mastering Informational Interviews

Thinking of moving into a different industry or function? Informational interviews are a great way to learn about a profession and how to get there. ...Read More

Cicilline, Whitehouse unveil jobs bill

Two members of Rhode Island 's congressional delegation announce new legislation intended to boost manufacturing in the state. More, with WPRO's Steve Klamkin. ...Read More

MARKETING > Are you listening??? by Bob Salvas

Regardless of which marketing vehicle you use, you have a problem. You might be doing print ads or direct mail or email or other online method…doesn’t matter. The problem that you have in the year 2011 is that people are not LISTENING. ...Read More

RI vies with VA. for business expansion

Rhode Island is vying with Virginia to be home to a business expansion that could bring a $200-million investment in the state and as many as 200 new jobs. ...Read More

Rhode Island wages up 2.8 percent

The RI state Department of Labor and Training said Tuesday that annual wages in 2010 averaged nearly $44,700, up from the 2009 average of about $43,400. ...Read More

Westerly Hospital posts $5.2M operating loss

Westerly Hospital says it lost $5.2 million in the first seven months of its budget year, more than three times the amount it expected. ...Read More

JOBS > Red Robin opens in Rhode Island

Red Robin Gourmet Burger franchise has brought 160 new jobs to Rhode Island. ...Read More

WJAR-TV president and GM to retire

The president and general manager of WJAR-TV in Rhode Island is retiring. Lisa Churchville says she shared her decision with staff on Tuesday. Her last day is scheduled for June 30. ...Read More

RI gets federal money to help unemployment

Rhode Island's congressional delegation says the state will receive over half a million dollars from the federal government to help unemployed Rhode Islanders find work. ...Read More

RI senator announces jobs bill during Cranston tour

U.S. Sen. Sheldon Whitehouse has announced a new job-creation bill designed to help businesses hire more workers. ...Read More

Unemployment rate in RI remains unchanged

Rhode Island's unemployment rate remained unchanged in May, but the state recorded its fourth straight month of job growth. ...Read More

EMPLOYER > Company Culture: Get a Competive Edge

Twenty years ago, I began a new position with a Fortune 500 company that I had worked with for a long time. For 10 years prior to this, I had been in operational positions and my new job title was Human Resource Specialist. My charge: visiting 40 retail locations in three states and assessing the needs and environment - now known as "culture" - in each store. ...Read More

JOBS > Unemployment Ends and Still No Job

You pick up the mail and see something you've been dreading for months: notification that your unemployment benefits have finally run out. This has been your only income for the past year and you still don't have a job. Things might seem dire, but there are ways to keep money flowing in and less flowing out. ...Read More

Bar code pioneer celebrated in Portsmouth

A pioneer of the bar code has been honored at a 50th-anniversary celebration of his creation in Portsmouth that drew Gov. Lincoln Chafee and members of the state's congressional delegation. ...Read More

Leaders hold summit on RI workforce development

Business, education and labor leaders in Rhode Island held a summit in partnership with Harvard University to look at workforce development in the state, which has one of the nation's highest unemployment rates. ...Read More

Hasbro moving jobs from MA to RI

Pawtucket-based Hasbro, Inc. is reorganizing its global games business and moving its games marketing and games development employees from East Longmeadow, Massachusetts to Rhode Island. ...Read More

BUSINESS SPOTLIGHT > Jobs open in Newport

Each month, 630WPRO.COM joins with our partner JobsInRI.com to highlight a local company that has immediate openings for job seekers. This month, we take a look at Newport County Community Mental Health Center, Inc., ...Read More

JOBS > Tips for Your Job Search Strategy

I'm out of work and don't think I can afford a career coach. What do you recommend I do? Advice for your job search strategy after the jump. ...Read More

JOBS > Five Skill-enhancing Ideas for the Unemployed

You network. You interview. You network. You interview. And still, you have yet to receive a job offer. So, your job search continues. Take this time to pause, reflect and think of ways you can add to your skill set, which will - in turn - boost your self-esteem. ...Read More

Westerly Hospital plans layoffs

The Westerly Hospital is planning to lay off 29 workers this week, mostly in clinical areas where employees have direct contact with patients. ...Read More

BUSINESS: Cape Wind attempt to win DOE loan "on hold"

Cape Wind's attempt to win a Department of Energy loan guarantee that would lower the price of its power has been placed "on hold" until the loan program receives more funding. ...Read More

BUSINESS: RI Supreme Court to hear wind project appeal

Rhode Island's highest court is set to hear arguments on two manufacturers' appeal of an agreement between a wind farm developer and an electrical utility that critics say could result in higher power costs. ...Read More

BUSINESS: Dunkin' Brands to go public

The parent company of Dunkin' Donuts and Baskin-Robbins says it plans to go public, confirming weeks of Wall Street speculation. ...Read More

JOBS: Four Traits for Aspiring Social Media Managers

Could you turn your love for the medium into your livelihood? Here are some pointers that could help you decide. ...Read More

BUSINESS: CVS Caremark 1Q profit falls on margins, costs

CVS Caremark Corp. says its first-quarter profit fell nearly 8 percent on lower margins and higher costs. ...Read More

BUSINESS:Battery maker to relocate to RI

Rhode Island is welcoming a Connecticut-based high-tech battery maker to the Ocean State. ...Read More

JOBS: RI unemployment edges down

Unemployment in Rhode Island continued to edge down in March. ...Read More

BUSINESS: Hasbro 1st-quarter profit drops 71 percent

Hasbro says its first-quarter profit tumbled 71 percent as weakness persisted in games, puzzles and several other product categories and the company spent money to develop new products and staff its joint-venture TV station. ...Read More

FINANCIAL: Strategic Point | Financial Market Update 4/11

The Strategic Point Financial Market Update is a market and economic overview of what occurred last week and what's up for this week for "Making Money" listeners. ...Read More

COMMUNITY: Radiothon raises nearly half a million dollars

Hasbro Childrens's Hospital in Providence along with Citadel Broadcasting wrapped up its Seventh Annual Radiothon Friday evening. ...Read More

Employers: Create Success for your New Employees

The search is done. Interviews are complete. A job offer has been accepted and a start date is nearing. Your new employee will join the team in a matter of days... but wait, your work is not done. ...Read More

BUSINESS: Chamber Against Chafee Tax Plan

The Greater Providence Chamber of Commerce is coming out against Governor Chafee's new, two tiered tax plan. WPRO's Carolyn Cronin has more ...Read More

BUSINESS: Half-million dollar price tag for Cup races

Rhode Island needs to spend about $500,000 to host the new America's Cup World Series race this September in Newport. ...Read More

Employers: LinkedIN has free tools...and can help you recruit.

With explosive growth and an announcement that they're going public, LinkedIn reported 90 million registrations and 65 million monthly unique visitors at the end of 2010. Why not take advantage of that traffic? ...Read More

JOBS: No Shame in Employment Gaps

Those who have been out of work for several months - or are working outside of their area of expertise in order to make ends meet - tend to want to hide that on their resume, worried it will... ...Read More

FDA panel backs previously rejected obesity pill

SILVER SPRING, Md. (AP) — A previously rejected weight loss pill won an overwhelming endorsement from public health advisers Wednesday, raising hopes that the drug from Vivus Inc. could become the first new anti-obesity medication to reach the U.S. market in more than a decade. ...Read More

Official: account to ensure Greek debt service

BRUSSELS (AP) — EU economic affairs commissioner Olli Rehn says Greece's compliance with the terms of a new bailout will be ensured by a separate account containing enough money to service its debt for three months. ...Read More

Greece to get $170B bailout, reduce debt

BRUSSELS (AP) — After more than 12 hours of talks, the countries that use the euro reached an agreement early Tuesday to hand Greece euro130 billion ($170 billion) in additional bailout loans to save it from a potentially disastrous default next month. ...Read More

Obama peddles modest American dream

WASHINGTON (AP) — This time around, President Barack Obama's message can sound decidedly down-to-earth. ...Read More

Congress targets federal workers for savings

WASHINGTON (AP) — Federal workers were $15 billion losers as Congress looked for ways to pay for parts of the just-passed legislation to extend the payroll tax cut and federal unemployment benefits through the end of the year. ...Read More

Greece secures bailout to avoid debt default

BRUSSELS (AP) — The countries that use the euro pulled Greece back from an imminent and potentially catastrophic default on Tuesday, when they finally stitched together a euro130 billion ($170 billion) rescue they hope will also provide a lifeline to their common currency. ...Read More

Wal-Mart's 4Q profits slip; US business rebounding

NEW YORK (AP) — Wal-Mart Stores Inc. is reporting a 4.2 percent decline in fourth-quarter profits. But the world's largest retailer's U.S. business continued its rebound as it grabbed shoppers over the critical holidays. ...Read More

Wal-Mart's 4Q results show rebounding US business

NEW YORK (AP) — Wal-Mart Stores Inc.'s low-cost strategy during the holidays both helped and hurt its performance in the fourth quarter: The world's largest retailer reported an almost 15 percent decline in profit, but its namesake U.S. business continued to draw in more shoppers. ...Read More

Dow crosses 13,000 for first time since 2008

NEW YORK (AP) — The Dow Jones industrial average crossed 13,000 on Tuesday for the first time since before the 2008 financial crisis. ...Read More

Dow edges closer to 13,000

NEW YORK (AP) — The Dow Jones industrial average made a run at 13,000 on Tuesday, powered higher by a long-awaited bailout deal for Greece and strong corporate earnings reports at home. ...Read More

Dow breaks 13,000 for first time since '08 crisis

NEW YORK (AP) — The Dow Jones industrial average crossed 13,000 on Tuesday for the first time since May 2008, when the Lehman Brothers investment bank was solvent, unemployment a healthy 5.4 percent and the worst of the Great Recession months ahead. ...Read More

Source: Greece to get $170 bn bailout, reduce debt

BRUSSELS (AP) — An EU diplomat says that an agreement has been reached to give Greece euro130 billion ($170 billion) more in bailout loans and bring its debt down to 120.5 percent of GDP by 2020. ...Read More

Source: Greece to get $170B bailout, reduce debt

BRUSSELS (AP) — After more than 12 hours of talks, the countries that use the euro reached an agreement early Tuesday to hand Greece euro130 billion ($170 billion) in extra bailout loans to save it from a potentially disastrous default next month, an European Union diplomat said. ...Read More

British minister heckled over health reforms

LONDON (AP) — Britain's health minister was angrily heckled Monday over health care reforms that the government says will improve efficiency but opponents claim threaten the foundation of the country's state-funded health care service. ...Read More

EU ministers work through night on Greece bailout

BRUSSELS (AP) — Eurozone governments worked into the night on Monday, hoping to agree on a long-awaited rescue package for Greece that would save it from a potentially calamitous bankruptcy next month, but several key points of division remained, senior officials said. ...Read More

Dow breaks 13,000 but can't hold gains

NEW YORK (AP) — It came and went in a flash each time, a number on a board for mere seconds, but its symbolic power couldn't be dismissed. ...Read More

Online payments firm PayPal expanding in Ireland

DUBLIN (AP) — Online payments company PayPal announced Tuesday it is expanding its operations in jobs-hungry Ireland in a government-sponsored deal praised by Irish Prime Minister Enda Kenny. ...Read More

Dow edges closer to 13,000 milestone

NEW YORK (AP) — U.S. stocks are opening higher and the Dow Jones industrial average is nearing 13,000 after Greece secured a bailout deal to keep it from default. ...Read More

AT&T CEO takes $2M pay cut over T-Mobile deal

NEW YORK (AP) — AT&T's board cut CEO Randall Stephenson's 2011 pay by $2.08 million because he engineered the failed deal to buy T-Mobile USA, according to a regulatory filing. ...Read More

UN climate chief turns to CEOs for action

STOCKHOLM (AP) — As governments bicker over who should do what to slow the pace of global warming, the U.N.'s climate chief is increasingly looking to business leaders to show the way forward to a low-carbon future. ...Read More

Oil hovers above $106 as Iran tensions mount

SINGAPORE (AP) — Oil prices hovered above $106 a barrel Wednesday in Asia amid concern that conflict over Iran's nuclear program could lead to global crude supply disruptions. ...Read More

Company sues Apple over iPad name in Shanghai

SHANGHAI (AP) — Apple defended its right to use the iPad trademark in China in a heated court hearing Wednesday that pitted the electronics giant against a struggling company that denies it sold the mainland China rights to the tablet's name. ...Read More

Asia stock markets flat despite Greece bailout

BANGKOK (AP) — Asian stock markets made little headway Wednesday after a second massive bailout for Greece failed to reassure investors that Europe's debt crisis has been contained. ...Read More

Unions gearing up to spend big in 2012 election

WASHINGTON (AP) — Unions say they are gearing up to spend more than $400 million to help re-elect President Barack Obama and lift Democrats this election year in a fight for labor's survival. ...Read More

Greek lawmakers rush to clear promised austerity

ATHENS, Greece (AP) — Greece scrambled Wednesday to adopt a batch of emergency laws that will further cut incomes and government spending, a day after securing a new bailout and debt relief deal designed to stave off bankruptcy. ...Read More

Fitch downgrades Greece

ATHENS, Greece (AP) — Fitch ratings agency says it has downgraded Greece further into junk status, from 'CCC' to 'C' following the announcement of the details of the country's debt swap deal with private creditors. ...Read More

US stock futures dip as Europe frets over Greece

NEW YORK (AP) — U.S. stock futures are lower Wednesday, echoing declines in Europe where investors fretted over the details of the Greek bailout plan. ...Read More

US stocks open mixed as Europe frets over Greece

NEW YORK (AP) — U.S. stocks are opening mixed as investors worry over the details of a new bailout plan for Greece. ...Read More

Judge: Wash. can't make pharmacies sell Plan B

TACOMA, Wash. (AP) — A federal judge says Washington state may not require pharmacies to sell Plan B or other emergency contraceptives in the face of religious objections by druggists. ...Read More

Stocks lower day after Dow's blip above 13,000

NEW YORK (AP) — A day after Dow 13,000, investors took a break. ...Read More

Gannett shares rise on $1.3B capital return plan

LOS ANGELES (AP) — Gannett's stock rose more than 4 percent Wednesday, after the company outlined a plan to return $1.3 billion to shareholders by 2015. ...Read More

W.Va. mine boss charged with fraud in deadly blast

CHARLESTON, W.Va. (AP) — The superintendent of the West Virginia coal mine where an explosion killed 29 men was charged Wednesday with conspiracy to defraud the federal government, becoming the highest-ranking employee to face criminal prosecution in an investigation that appeared to be moving steadily up the corporate ladder. ...Read More

Stocks lower a day after Dow's blip above 13,000

NEW YORK (AP) — A day after Dow 13,000, investors took a break. ...Read More

HP says 1Q earnings down 44 pct, beats Street

PALO ALTO, California (AP) — Hewlett-Packard says its net income fell 44 percent in the most recent quarter as revenue dipped in the midst of an attempted turnaround under new leadership. ...Read More

For Mardi Gras float makers, next year is here

NEW ORLEANS (AP) — As Carnival builds toward its out-of-control crescendo of Fat Tuesday, Barry Kern and his team of float-builders and artists are already preparing for next year's parades. ...Read More

World stocks rise as China moves to boost economy

BANGKOK (AP) — World stock markets climbed Monday after China moved to boost its economy by freeing up bank lending and hopes grew that Greece will clinch the aid it needs to avoid bankruptcy. ...Read More

Media General explores sale of newspapers

RICHMOND, Va. (AP) — Newspaper publisher and TV station owner Media General says it is exploring the sale of its newspaper operations, which produce nearly half its revenue. ...Read More

Home sales jump more than 4 percent in January

WASHINGTON (AP) — Sales of previously occupied homes rose in January to the highest pace in nearly two years, flashing modest signs of health ahead of the spring-buying season. ...Read More

US stocks fall as Europe frets over Greece

NEW YORK (AP) — U.S. stocks fell Wednesday as investors worried over the details of a new bailout plan for Greece. ...Read More

12 EU leaders call for open markets to fuel growth

LONDON (AP) — A dozen European Union leaders, including British Prime Minister David Cameron and Italian Premier Mario Monti, called Monday for an open-markets strategy to stimulate growth and jolt the region out of its economic doldrums. ...Read More

Mild winter concerns some maple syrup producers

TEMPLE, N.H. (AP) — A mild winter across the Northeast is injecting extra uncertainty into maple syrup season, but many producers say they'll just go with the flow, whenever it starts. ...Read More

Dow edges closer to 13,000, then drops back

NEW YORK (AP) — The Dow Jones industrial average made an early run at 13,000 on Tuesday, but stocks fell and leveled off. Investors were wrestling with what to make of a deal to prevent Greece from a potentially catastrophic default on its debt. ...Read More

In Europe, spending cuts fail to ease debt burdens

WASHINGTON (AP) — Europe has endured the pain of layoffs, wage cuts and tax increases designed to bring government debt under control. ...Read More

AP source: Obama seeks 28 percent corp. tax rate

WASHINGTON (AP) — President Barack Obama is proposing to cut the corporate tax rate from 35 percent to 28 percent and wants an even lower effective rate for manufacturers, a senior administration official says, as the White House lays down an election-year marker in the debate over tax policy. ...Read More