After dropping steadily from its April peak, gasoline prices are again rising because of the Midwest drought, Reuters reports. The dry conditions in cornfields have sparked an increase in ethanol prices, which in turn pushed pump prices higher. Refineries had temporary supply trouble, which also added to the higher prices. The national average of regular…
DetailsUSA Today highlighted the debate over e-cigarettes last week, balancing the concerns of researchers who warn of addiction with the industry’s claim they do more good than harm. The look is timely, as more people are turning e-cigarettes to quit smoking or comply with smoke-free laws. According to a recent University of Minnesota study, young…
DetailsWhole Foods plans to triple its store count to 1,000 while opening locations in so-called food deserts—including midtown Detroit—and smaller markets, the Chicago Tribune reports. Food industry consultant Jack Horst suggested that the move is odd for a chain that’s known for selling higher-priced organic foods. “How successful are you going to be when you’re…
DetailsU.S. wine consumption grew 3% last year to reach 312.4 million 9-liter cases, according to The Beverage Information Group’s (BIG) recently released 2012 Wine Handbook. The group reports that 2011 was the 18th year of growth for the U.S. wine industry, as sweet reds and higher-end blends engaged more consumers. Domestic wines outpaced imports, with…
DetailsGeneral Motors Chairman and CEO Daniel Akerson wants you to know his company is serious about producing natural gas vehicles, but that more needs to be done to grow the fueling infrastructure, reports the Houston Chronicle. During an address at an energy conference this week, Akerson said that GM is turning out more natural gas-fueled…
DetailsBeer continues to be Americans’ preferred alcoholic drink, although wine remains a close second, with liquor favored by 22%. In fact, Americans’ drinking habits held steady in the past year, with 66% saying they consume alcohol, and drinkers consuming just over four alcoholic drinks per week, on average. The findings are from Gallup’s annual Consumption…
DetailsWalmart says its smaller-format stores are gaining market share against dollar stores, supermarkets, and pharmacies and will therefore play an increasingly significant role in the company’s future, the Wall Street Journal reports. “You’ll see us increasingly moving into smaller formats,” said Bill Simon, head of Wal-Mart’s U.S. division, at an industry conference Tuesday. “They compete…
DetailsEight great sponsorship opportunities are available for Forgotten Harvest’s 21st Annual Comedy Night celebration featuring Martin Short, coming to the historic Detroit Opera House on Saturday, April 27, 2013 at 8:00 pm. Connecting your business with one of metro Detroit’s premier events is a great way to entertain clients or recognize employees. Tax deductible corporate…
DetailsFrom time to time, it’s good to review why having a complete, up-to-date estate plan is so important. The following is quite basic, but the intent to emphasize the importance of starting to plan. So, here are five common estate planning mistakes to avoid. 1. Not having a plan. Every state has laws for distributing…
DetailsA new study released recently by Welch’s shows that families are stronger than ever—making time to eat together, talking to one another each day, and spending quality time together. Welch’s Kitchen Table Report found that 71 percent of respondents say their families eat dinner together as often as or more today than their families did…
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