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    <title>Business News for Richmond Times-Dispatch</title>
    <link>http://www2.timesdispatch.com/rtd/business/</link>
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        <title>Business News for Richmond Times-Dispatch</title>
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    <dc:language>en</dc:language>
    <dc:creator>Richmond Times-Dispatch</dc:creator>
    <dc:rights>Copyright 2009</dc:rights>
    <dc:date>2009-11-07T00:31:23-05:00</dc:date>

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         <item>
          <title>Earnings report: Insmed</title>
          <link>http://www2.timesdispatch.com/rtd/business/local/article/B-EARN07_20091106-212402/304146/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
Richmond biopharmaceutical company Insmed Inc. reported it lost $150,000 in the quarter ending Sept. 30, compared with a loss of $2.2 million in the same period a year earlier. On a per-share basis, the loss in the third quarter was break-even compared with a 2-cent loss in the year-ago period. Revenue for the third quarter was $2.5 million, compared with $4.1 million for the corresponding period in 2008.           ]]></description>
          <pubDate>Sat, 07 Nov 2009 00:01:56 EST</pubDate>
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          <title>Wall Street recap</title>
          <link>http://www2.timesdispatch.com/rtd/business/investment/market_stocks/article/B-WALL07_20091106-201804/304116/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
Stocks post modest gains despite bad news on jobs NEW YORK Investors undaunted by a surprisingly weak jobs report found enough positive news to nudge stocks higher yesterday. News that the nation&#8217;s unemployment rate rose above 10 percent last month for the first time in 26 years didn&#8217;t derail the stock market&#8217;s strong gains during the week, which lifted major indexes more than 3 percent.           ]]></description>
          <pubDate>Sat, 07 Nov 2009 00:01:56 EST</pubDate>
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          <title>As China&#8217;s economy grows, so do its garbage woes</title>
          <link>http://www2.timesdispatch.com/rtd/business/national_international/article/I-CHIN1007_20091105-172606/303875/</link>
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ZHANGLIDONG, China&#8212;Visitors can smell this village long before they see it. More than 100 dump trucks piled high with garbage line the narrow road leading to Zhanglidong, waiting to empty their loads in a landfill as big as 20 football fields. In less than five years, the Zhengzhou Comprehensive Waste Treatment Landfill has overwhelmed this otherwise pristine village of about 1,000 people. Peaches and cherries rot on trees, infested with insect life drawn by the smell. Fields lie unharvested, contaminated by toxic muck. Every day, another 100 or so tons of garbage arrive from nearby Zhengzhou, a provincial capital of 8 million.           ]]></description>
          <pubDate>Sat, 07 Nov 2009 00:01:55 EST</pubDate>
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          <title>Business Briefs for Nov. 7</title>
          <link>http://www2.timesdispatch.com/rtd/business/local/article/BBBB07_20091106-212402/304147/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
Philip Morris USA and two other cigarette companies can stop making payments to tobacco farmers in Maryland and Pennsylvania through a decade-old settlement. North Carolina&#8217;s highest court ruled yesterday that Henrico County-based Philip Morris, Lorillard and R.J. Reynolds could stop making payments to those growers under a 1999 agreement, which stemmed from the national tobacco settlement with the states a year earlier.           ]]></description>
          <pubDate>Sat, 07 Nov 2009 00:01:53 EST</pubDate>
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          <title>Home&#8217;s price sheds light on local market</title>
          <link>http://www2.timesdispatch.com/rtd/business/real_estate/article/B-TOGO07_20091106-212202/304145/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
One of the top 10 home sales in September in the Richmond area was for a house with 12,870 square feet that sold for $931,900. It is assessed for $1.845 million. Is this a crazy market or what? Yes and no. The house, at 330 Pembroke Lane in Goochland County, was a foreclosure. It was listed in 2006 for $2.995 million, according to the county assessor&#8217;s office.           ]]></description>
          <pubDate>Sat, 07 Nov 2009 00:01:44 EST</pubDate>
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          <title>Experts: Rampages not necessarily the result of mental illness</title>
          <link>http://www2.timesdispatch.com/rtd/business/health_med_fit/article/MENT07_20091106-221606/304203/</link>
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People might go on rampages for reasons other than mental illness, experts say. &#8220;People can be very angry, for example, and do bad things,&#8220; said Dr. Joel J. Silverman, chairman of the psychiatry department at the Virginia Commonwealth University School of Medicine. &#8220;Don&#8217;t assume this is mental illness.&#8220; Police say Maj. Nidal Malik Hasan, an Army psychiatrist, opened fire at the Fort Hood Army post in Texas, killing 13 and wounding at least 30 others.           ]]></description>
          <pubDate>Sat, 07 Nov 2009 00:01:42 EST</pubDate>
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          <title>Surprise mortgage fees set to come to an end soon</title>
          <link>http://www2.timesdispatch.com/rtd/business/columnists/article/B-HARN07_20091106-201804/304114/</link>
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Remember when the &#8220;good-faith estimates&#8221; your lender gave you upfront said closing costs would be about $2,000, but somehow they ballooned to $3,500 on the final settlement sheet? Worse yet, you had to come up with the extra money to handle the surprise costs, or the home purchase or refinancing could not proceed. Those days are still here&#8212;consumers continue to be unprotected from closing cost shocks or intentional lowballing of fees&#8212;but in about eight weeks the situation should change dramatically.           ]]></description>
          <pubDate>Sat, 07 Nov 2009 00:01:39 EST</pubDate>
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          <title>Business leaders seeking lessons on battlefields</title>
          <link>http://www2.timesdispatch.com/rtd/business/companies/article/I-BATT1008_20091105-172606/303874/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
SHARPSBURG, Md.&#8212;If you think you&#8217;ve got a bad boss, consider George McClellan, a Union general whose dithering caused needless deaths during the Civil War Battle of Antietam in 1862. Then, after a day of unprecedented bloodshed, McClellan balked at pursuing Confederate Gen. Robert E. Lee&#8217;s crippled forces as they retreated across the Potomac River, missing an opportunity for a decisive victory.           ]]></description>
          <pubDate>Sat, 07 Nov 2009 00:01:36 EST</pubDate>
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          <title>The Jefferson Hotel again wins AAA&#8217;s Five Diamond Award</title>
          <link>http://www2.timesdispatch.com/rtd/business/local/article/B-AAAA07_20091106-201804/304113/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
The Jefferson Hotel again has won AAA&#8217;s prestigious top rating for its guest service and accommodations. The Jefferson joins two other Virginia travel venues in receiving Five Diamond Awards: The Inn at Little Washington and the inn&#8217;s Dining Room, in the Rappahannock County town of Washington. The travel authority&#8217;s top rating for hotels and restaurants was released yesterday.           ]]></description>
          <pubDate>Sat, 07 Nov 2009 00:01:33 EST</pubDate>
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          <title>Richmond&#45;area jobless press hunt for work</title>
          <link>http://www2.timesdispatch.com/rtd/business/local/article/JOBS07_20091106-222806/304232/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
Richmond&#8217;s unemployed workers did the best they could to shake off yesterday&#8217;s bad news that the U.S. unemployment rate hit double digits. They got back to the main task: finding work. The nation&#8217;s jobless rate rose to 10.2 percent last month from 9.8 percent. The unemployment rate is the highest in 26&#189; years. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics also reported the number of people on employers&#8217; payrolls fell by 190,000&#8212;more than economists, who just last week were hailing the end of the recession, had forecast.           ]]></description>
          <pubDate>Sat, 07 Nov 2009 00:01:29 EST</pubDate>
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          <title>Hungary Brook Shopping Center in foreclosure</title>
          <link>http://www2.timesdispatch.com/rtd/business/local/article/B-HUNG07_20091106-202008/304121/</link>
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The Hungary Brook Shopping Center in northern Henrico County is in foreclosure and on the auction block. The retail center, on Concord Avenue near Parham and Brook roads, is scheduled to be auctioned off on the county court steps next Friday at 3 p.m. The retail center, anchored by a Food Lion grocery store, was built in 1988. It contains 87,188 square feet of retail space on a 9.7-acre site. Dollar Tree Stores Inc. recently signed a lease for 10,548 square feet there.           ]]></description>
          <pubDate>Sat, 07 Nov 2009 00:01:24 EST</pubDate>
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          <title>Henrico&#45;based Markel looks to invest in privately held companies</title>
          <link>http://www2.timesdispatch.com/rtd/business/local/article/B-MARK07_20091106-201804/304115/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
Markel Corp. has been patient for the past four years, but the specialty insurer now is looking to make a bigger plunge in what it thinks of as the &#8220;patient equity&#8221; market. That&#8217;s the term some executives at the Henrico County-based company use for their ventures into the private equity market&#8212;buying into privately held companies, an investment many other insurers avoid.           ]]></description>
          <pubDate>Sat, 07 Nov 2009 00:01:18 EST</pubDate>
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          <title>Wal&#45;Mart, Amazon, Target in DVD price war</title>
          <link>http://www2.timesdispatch.com/rtd/business/national_international/article/B-DVDS07_20091106-212202/304144/</link>
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First it was books. Now it&#8217;s DVDs. Wal-Mart Stores Inc. started another price war Thursday, trimming the online preorder prices of some upcoming DVDs after its price cut on books last month. And, once again, competitors Amazon.com and Target scrambled to match the prices. It&#8217;s the latest salvo in an ongoing online push by Wal-Mart designed to make sure everyone knows it intends to be the low-price leader on the Web, as well as in stores.           ]]></description>
          <pubDate>Sat, 07 Nov 2009 00:01:14 EST</pubDate>
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          <title>Wholesale inventories fall, sales grow in Sept.</title>
          <link>http://www2.timesdispatch.com/rtd/business/economy/article/wholesale_inventories_fall_sales_grow_in_sept/304083/</link>
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Businesses cut inventories at the wholesale level for a record 13th consecutive month in September, but sales rose for a sixth straight time.
           ]]></description>
          <pubDate>Fri, 06 Nov 2009 10:48:55 EST</pubDate>
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          <title>Jobless rate tops 10 percent for first time since 1983</title>
          <link>http://www2.timesdispatch.com/rtd/business/economy/article/jobless_rate_tops_10_percent_for_first_time_since_1983/304073/</link>
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The unemployment rate has surpassed 10 percent for the first time since 1983. Nearly 16 million people can&#8217;t find jobs and employers cut a net total of 190,000 jobs last month, the Labor Department says.           ]]></description>
          <pubDate>Fri, 06 Nov 2009 08:38:49 EST</pubDate>
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          <title>Jefferson Hotel wins AAA&#8217;s prestigious Five Diamond Award again</title>
          <link>http://www2.timesdispatch.com/rtd/business/local/article/jefferson_hotel_wins_aaas_prestigious_five_diamond_award_again/304070/</link>
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For the 17th consecutive year, The Jefferson Hotel has won AAA&#8217;s prestigious Five Diamond Award, the travel group&#8217;s top rating for hotels and restaurants. 
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          <pubDate>Fri, 06 Nov 2009 08:12:38 EST</pubDate>
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          <title>Insmed losses decrease for third quarter</title>
          <link>http://www2.timesdispatch.com/rtd/business/health_med_fit/medical/article/INSGAT06_20091106-073601/304069/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
Richmond biopharmaceutical company Insmed Inc. today reported that losses for the quarter ending Sept. 30 were $150,000, compared with a loss of $2.2 million in the same period a year earlier. Revenue for the third quarter was $2.5 million, compared with $4.1 million for the corresponding period in 2008. &#8220;We are continuing our strategic review of alternatives with the assistance of our financial advisors, RBC Capital Markets, and have reviewed a number of high-quality opportunities,&#8220; said Dr. Melvin Sharoky, Insmed&#8217;s chairman. &#8220;We remain focused on leveraging our strong balance sheet to grow our business and enhance shareholder value.&#8220;           ]]></description>
          <pubDate>Fri, 06 Nov 2009 07:36:01 EST</pubDate>
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          <title>Wall Street futures steady ahead of jobs report</title>
          <link>http://www2.timesdispatch.com/rtd/business/investment/market_stocks/article/WALLGAT06_20091106-070201/304067/</link>
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NEW YORK&#8212;Stock futures are holding steady as investors await the government&#8217;s report on October employment. The report from the Labor Department is considered a key gauge of the health of consumer spending, a major component of economic activity. So long as consumers are worried about losing their jobs, they will continue to clamp down on spending.           ]]></description>
          <pubDate>Fri, 06 Nov 2009 07:02:01 EST</pubDate>
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          <title>World markets mixed ahead of U.S. jobs report</title>
          <link>http://www2.timesdispatch.com/rtd/business/investment/market_stocks/article/MRKTGAT06_20091106-054402/304053/</link>
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SEOUL, South Korea&#8212;Asian markets advanced today on the back of Wall Street&#8217;s rally after upbeat economic figures revived confidence about the state of the American economy. But European stocks were little changed amid caution ahead of a key U.S. jobs report. Every major benchmark in Asia turned higher, with Japan&#8217;s Nikkei 225 stock average up 0.7 percent to 9,789.35 and Hong Kong&#8217;s index gaining 1.6 percent to 21829.72. South Korea&#8217;s benchmark rose 1.3 percent to 1,572.46.           ]]></description>
          <pubDate>Fri, 06 Nov 2009 05:44:02 EST</pubDate>
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          <title>Economic stimulus debated at Va. Asian Chamber</title>
          <link>http://www2.timesdispatch.com/rtd/business/local/article/B-ASIA06_20091105-213204/303943/</link>
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The federal economic-stimulus plan is working for small businesses in Virginia, a senior SBA official told the Virginia Asian Chamber of Commerce&#8217;s procurement conference here.
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          <pubDate>Fri, 06 Nov 2009 00:01:43 EST</pubDate>
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          <title>Flu&#45;like illness declining in Va.; deaths up</title>
          <link>http://www2.timesdispatch.com/rtd/business/health_med_fit/article/VFLU06_20091105-223207/304030/</link>
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Flulike illness in the state appeared to decline last week, but deaths caused by the H1N1 flu continue to rise. As of yesterday, 21 deaths across Virginia were being blamed on swine flu. That&#8217;s four more than reported earlier this week. &#8220;I can&#8217;t tell you that we are coming down on the other side of the pandemic curve yet,&#8220; Dr. Karen Remley, Virginia&#8217;s health commissioner, said during a news briefing yesterday.           ]]></description>
          <pubDate>Fri, 06 Nov 2009 00:01:08 EST</pubDate>
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          <title>Va. Power customers may get lower bills</title>
          <link>http://www2.timesdispatch.com/rtd/business/energy/article/RATE06_20091105-223207/304029/</link>
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Dominion Virginia Power customers would get back more than $400 million from the company under an agreement the state&#8217;s largest utility has reached with the state attorney general&#8217;s office and a group of large ratepayers. If approved by the State Corporation Commission, the proposed settlement of several pending Dominion Virginia Power rate cases would save a typical residential customer&#8212;using 1,000 kilowatt-hours of electricity a month&#8212;about $80 next year, the company said.           ]]></description>
          <pubDate>Fri, 06 Nov 2009 00:01:00 EST</pubDate>
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          <title>Job&#45;search help for mature workers</title>
          <link>http://www2.timesdispatch.com/rtd/business/health_med_fit/article/B-TOGO06G1_20091105-221206/303971/</link>
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          <pubDate>Fri, 06 Nov 2009 00:01:00 EST</pubDate>
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          <title>Nov. 6 Business Briefs</title>
          <link>http://www2.timesdispatch.com/rtd/business/local/article/BBBB06_20091105-220604/303970/</link>
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The Martin Agency and five other agencies are competing to handle advertising for General Motors Co.&#8216;s Cadillac division. GM said it narrowed its list of candidates to six agencies, a month after announcing it was dumping boutique agency Modernista! as its longtime ad partner. GM said it will hold visits with the candidates in Detroit before Thanksgiving, with finalists making presentations to company executives in January.           ]]></description>
          <pubDate>Fri, 06 Nov 2009 00:01:00 EST</pubDate>
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          <title>Mature workers face tough job market</title>
          <link>http://www2.timesdispatch.com/rtd/business/health_med_fit/article/B-TOGO06_20091105-220604/303969/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
Judy Turner, Robert Terry and the others walking in to notes of &#8220;Pomp and Circumstance&#8221; were not your typical graduates&#8212;some were a little gray around the temples and some had grandchildren in the audience. But an uncertain economy and dismal job prospects sent them back to class. Yesterday, they earned certificates for completing an 11-week job-skills program in which topics included everything from how to use a flash drive to dressing for interviews.           ]]></description>
          <pubDate>Fri, 06 Nov 2009 00:01:00 EST</pubDate>
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          <title>Craigslist warns of job scams</title>
          <link>http://www2.timesdispatch.com/rtd/business/local/article/B-JOBS06_20091105-220604/303968/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
Job-seekers beware: There&#8217;s a new warning on Craigslist.com. The Web site recently posted a scam alert, telling applicants to be on the lookout for bogus ads that promise work that doesn&#8217;t exist. &#8220;The ones that sound too good to be true, they usually are,&#8220; said Kevin Jackson, chief investigator for Florida&#8217;s Hillsborough County Consumer Protection Agency.           ]]></description>
          <pubDate>Fri, 06 Nov 2009 00:01:00 EST</pubDate>
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          <title>Earnings: Universal Corp.</title>
          <link>http://www2.timesdispatch.com/rtd/business/local/article/B-EARN06_20091105-220604/303967/</link>
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Higher prices for North American tobacco have boosted Universal Corp.&#8216;s earnings so far this fiscal year despite a drop in shipments of leaf. Volumes rose in South America and Asia, while Universal&#8217;s African operations got a boost from a better mix of leaf and increased income from processing. Richmond-based Universal&#8217;s profit for the second quarter ended Sept 30 rose 26 percent from the year before to $52.5 million, or $1.77 a share, despite a 17.5 percent drop in revenue to $647.9 million.           ]]></description>
          <pubDate>Fri, 06 Nov 2009 00:01:00 EST</pubDate>
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          <title>Request denied to halt enforcement on new tobacco rules</title>
          <link>http://www2.timesdispatch.com/rtd/business/local/article/B-TOBA06_20091105-213204/303947/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
A federal judge has turned down a request by the nation&#8217;s No. 2 cigarette-maker and others to immediately halt enforcement of new federal regulations on tobacco products. Their challenge to new U.S. Food and Drug Administration powers to regulate what tobacco firms say about their products has little likelihood of success, except on one point, Judge Joseph H. McKinley Jr. of the U.S. District Court in Bowling Green, Ky., ruled yesterday.           ]]></description>
          <pubDate>Fri, 06 Nov 2009 00:01:00 EST</pubDate>
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          <title>Oct. sales up, but shoppers still cautious</title>
          <link>http://www2.timesdispatch.com/rtd/business/local/article/B-RETL06_20091105-213204/303946/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
October&#8217;s retail sales results, the best performance since April 2008, show that Americans are spending a little more. But will they be willing to pay full price this holiday season? Stores are heading into the period with slashed inventories, determined not to have the fire sales that characterized last Christmas. But shoppers still are facing tight credit and a weak job market and might wait for fat discounts or not buy at all. That game of chicken will determine the holiday winners and losers.           ]]></description>
          <pubDate>Fri, 06 Nov 2009 00:01:00 EST</pubDate>
<guid>http://www2.timesdispatch.com/rtd/business/local/article/B-RETL06_20091105-213204/303946/#When:05:01:00Z</guid>
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         <item>
          <title>House OKs extended homebuyer, jobless aid</title>
          <link>http://www2.timesdispatch.com/rtd/business/local/article/B-HOME06_20091105-213204/303945/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
Missed out on Cash for Clunkers? Congress has another deal for you: Buy a home before May 1 and collect up to $6,500 from the government. If you&#8217;re a first-time homebuyer, get up to $8,000. As part of efforts to encourage people to spend money to help revive the economy, the House voted yesterday to expand a popular tax credit for homebuyers.           ]]></description>
          <pubDate>Fri, 06 Nov 2009 00:01:00 EST</pubDate>
<guid>http://www2.timesdispatch.com/rtd/business/local/article/B-HOME06_20091105-213204/303945/#When:05:01:00Z</guid>
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          <title>Va. high court backs SCC power&#45;line approval</title>
          <link>http://www2.timesdispatch.com/rtd/business/energy/article/B-ELEC06_20091105-213204/303944/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
The Virginia Supreme Court ruled yesterday that the State Corporation Commission properly approved the Virginia section of a multistate power line. The Piedmont Environmental Council, the boards of supervisors for Fauquier, Prince William and Culpeper counties, and some property owners challenged the 2008 SCC approval sought by Dominion Virginia Power and the Trans-Allegheny Interstate Line Company.           ]]></description>
          <pubDate>Fri, 06 Nov 2009 00:01:00 EST</pubDate>
<guid>http://www2.timesdispatch.com/rtd/business/energy/article/B-ELEC06_20091105-213204/303944/#When:05:01:00Z</guid>
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          <title>Wall Street recap: Jobs data, Cisco report send stocks over 10,000</title>
          <link>http://www2.timesdispatch.com/rtd/business/investment/market_stocks/article/B-WALL06_20091105-191604/303898/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
Jobs data, Cisco report send stocks over 10,000 NEW YORK Abright forecast from Cisco Systems and upbeat economic news sent stocks soaring yesterday and propelled the Dow Jones industrials back above 10,000. The rally showed that investors are regaining their optimism about an economic recovery. The Dow bolted up 203 points, or 2 percent, while the Nasdaq composite index, led by Cisco&#8217;s outlook, rose nearly 2.5 percent. The market&#8217;s move continued a streak of volatility that began last month, but this latest surge was powered not by a single event but by a wave of good news:           ]]></description>
          <pubDate>Fri, 06 Nov 2009 00:01:00 EST</pubDate>
<guid>http://www2.timesdispatch.com/rtd/business/investment/market_stocks/article/B-WALL06_20091105-191604/303898/#When:05:01:00Z</guid>
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          <title>Test prep makes sense for some high schoolers</title>
          <link>http://www2.timesdispatch.com/rtd/business/local_other/article/B-ROSN06_20091105-191604/303897/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
More than 70 years ago, Stanley Kaplan started a tutoring service in the basement of his parents&#8217; 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, now part of The Washington Post Co., generates more than $2 billion in revenue, with more than 1 million students enrolled each year in its ever-expanding list of courses.           ]]></description>
          <pubDate>Fri, 06 Nov 2009 00:01:00 EST</pubDate>
<guid>http://www2.timesdispatch.com/rtd/business/local_other/article/B-ROSN06_20091105-191604/303897/#When:05:01:00Z</guid>
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          <title>Customers could get break on Dominion Virginia Power bills under deal</title>
          <link>http://www2.timesdispatch.com/rtd/business/local/article/RATEGATER05_20091105-210601/303941/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
A typical Dominion Virginia Power customers would save about $80 on next year&#8217;s bills under an agreement the state&#8217;s largest utility has reached with the state attorney general&#8217;s office and a group of large ratepayers. Dominion Virginia Power estimates that customers will get back more than $400 million if the deal is approved by the State Corporation Commission.           ]]></description>
          <pubDate>Thu, 05 Nov 2009 21:06:01 EST</pubDate>
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          <title>Fannie Mae seeks $15 billion in US aid after 3Q loss</title>
          <link>http://customwire.ap.org/dynamic/stories/U/US_EARNS_FANNIE_MAE?SITE=VARIT&amp;SECTION=US&amp;TEMPLATE=DEFAULT&amp;CTIME=2009&#45;11&#45;05&#45;18&#45;05&#45;46</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
Fannie Mae seeks $15 bln in US aid after 3Q loss 

           ]]></description>
          <pubDate>Thu, 05 Nov 2009 19:00:33 EST</pubDate>
<guid>http://customwire.ap.org/dynamic/stories/U/US_EARNS_FANNIE_MAE?SITE=VARIT&amp;SECTION=US&amp;TEMPLATE=DEFAULT&amp;CTIME=2009&#45;11&#45;05&#45;18&#45;05&#45;46#When:00:00:33Z</guid>
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          <title>Four more deaths in Virginia related to swine flu</title>
          <link>http://www2.timesdispatch.com/rtd/business/local/article/VLFUGATER05_20091105-164401/303871/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
Flu-like illness in the state declined last week, suggesting H1N1 swine flu activity may be slowing. But four more people across Virginia have died from swine flu&#8212;with the number of deaths now up to 21, said Dr. Karen Remley, state health commissioner. Flu-like illness accounted for 11 percent of all visits last week to emergency rooms and urgent care centers, compared to about 14 percent the previous two weeks.           ]]></description>
          <pubDate>Thu, 05 Nov 2009 16:44:01 EST</pubDate>
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          <title>Federal official: Stimulus is helping Va.&#8216;s small businesses</title>
          <link>http://www2.timesdispatch.com/rtd/business/local/article/ASIAGAT05_20091105-134001/303864/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
The federal economic stimulus program is working for small business in Virginia, the chief of staff of the U.S. Small Business Administration said. The SBA has provided more than 2,000 loans worth nearly $280 million to the state&#8217;s small entrepreneurs, says Ana M. Ma. &#8220;Borrowers are reporting that these loans are saving or creating thousands of jobs around the state,&#8220; Ma said.           ]]></description>
          <pubDate>Thu, 05 Nov 2009 13:40:01 EST</pubDate>
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          <title>HYPETube: A rap&#45;loving director</title>
          <link>3c0a7998&#45;194d&#45;102d&#45;bc4d&#45;001ec92a4a0d</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
Sean Anthony is senior director of chapter services at SigEp.
           ]]></description>
          <pubDate>Thu, 05 Nov 2009 13:17:45 EST</pubDate>
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          <title>Ball, Big Wheel, Game Boy make Toy Hall of Fame</title>
          <link>http://www2.timesdispatch.com/rtd/business/local/article/TOYGAT05_20091105-112401/303851/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
ROCHESTER, N.Y.&#8212;Bounce it, kick it, catch it. Chase, throw or smack it. The ball, arguably the most popular plaything of all time, has finally earned a place inside a glass case at the National Toy Hall of Fame in New York. Along with the Big Wheel and the Game Boy video device, the Strong National Museum of Play in Rochester chose the ball today to join its all-star lineup of 41 classics, ranging from the bicycle and the kite to the jump rope, the teddy bear and Mr. Potato Head.           ]]></description>
          <pubDate>Thu, 05 Nov 2009 11:24:01 EST</pubDate>
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          <title>Feds charge 14 in $25 million insider trading case</title>
          <link>http://www2.timesdispatch.com/rtd/business/local/article/TRADGAT05_20091105-112002/303850/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
NEW YORK&#8212;Federal prosecutors say criminal charges have been filed against 14 people, including attorneys and Wall Street professionals, in a widening $25 million insider trading case that has already snared one of the richest men in America. According to court papers filed in U.S. District Court in Manhattan against seven of the individuals, a man who worked at Galleon Group identified as Zvi Goffer operated an insider trading network in 2007 that included a lawyer who fed tips gleaned from his firm&#8217;s work on acquisition deals.           ]]></description>
          <pubDate>Thu, 05 Nov 2009 11:20:02 EST</pubDate>
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          <title>Productivity hits fastest pace in 6 years</title>
          <link>http://www2.timesdispatch.com/rtd/business/local/article/PRODGAT05_20091105-091802/303842/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
WASHINGTON&#8212;Productivity surged in the third quarter at the fastest pace in six years while labor costs continued to drop sharply, a combination that will bolster companies&#8217; profits but leave workers with stagnant incomes. The Labor Department said today that productivity, the amount of output per hour of work, was rising at an annual rate of 9.5 percent in the July-September quarter, much better than the 6.4 percent gain economists had expected. Unit labor costs fell at a 5.2 percent rate.           ]]></description>
          <pubDate>Thu, 05 Nov 2009 09:18:02 EST</pubDate>
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          <title>New jobless claims drop to lowest level since Jan.</title>
          <link>http://www2.timesdispatch.com/rtd/business/local/article/JOBSGAT05_20091105-090401/303841/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
WASHINGTON&#8212;The number of newly laid-off workers filing claims for unemployment benefits falls to the lowest level in 10 months, evidence that job cuts are easing as the economy slowly heals. Still, companies are reluctant to hire and economists expect the unemployment rate will tick up to 9.9 percent when October&#8217;s figure is reported tomorrow.           ]]></description>
          <pubDate>Thu, 05 Nov 2009 09:04:01 EST</pubDate>
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          <title>Retailers report mixed sales results for October</title>
          <link>http://www2.timesdispatch.com/rtd/business/local/article/SALESGAT05_20091105-082802/303839/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
NEW YORK&#8212;The nation&#8217;s retailers are reporting mixed sales results for October. Shoppers, enticed by cooler weather and holiday discounts, opened their wallets a bit more but were still restrained from splurging on apparel amid tight credit and a weak job market. As merchants report their figures today, Costco Wholesale Corp.&#8216;s sales at stores open at least a year rose 5 percent. Children&#8217;s Place Retail Stores and Stage Stores Inc. are reporting declines.           ]]></description>
          <pubDate>Thu, 05 Nov 2009 08:28:02 EST</pubDate>
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          <title>Wall Street futures dip ahead of open</title>
          <link>http://www2.timesdispatch.com/rtd/business/investment/market_stocks/article/WALLGAT05_20091105-070002/303835/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
NEW YORK&#8212;U.S. stock futures are little slightly lower ahead of more data on consumer spending and jobs, two of the market&#8217;s biggest concerns. Major retailers will report October sales and the Labor Department will issue its weekly report on the number of workers filing for unemployment benefits for the first time. Yesterday, the Federal Reserve said housing activity has picked up and consumer spending appears to be growing, albeit slowly. But investors are still nervous that rising unemployment will keep a lid on spending for a prolonged period of time, leading to slower economic growth.           ]]></description>
          <pubDate>Thu, 05 Nov 2009 07:00:02 EST</pubDate>
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          <title>Time Warner Cable third&#45;quarter profit falls 11 percent</title>
          <link>http://www2.timesdispatch.com/rtd/business/local/article/TWGAT05_20091105-065202/303833/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
PHILADELPHIA&#8212;Time Warner Cable Inc. says its third-quarter profit fell 11 percent after paying higher interest expenses on debt incurred to separate from its parent, Time Warner Inc. But the nation&#8217;s second largest cable TV operator says it revenue rose 4 percent in part due to price increases. It says higher video programming and employee costs also hurt earnings.           ]]></description>
          <pubDate>Thu, 05 Nov 2009 06:52:02 EST</pubDate>
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          <title>Insurer Cigna&#8217;s third&#45;quarter profit grows 92 percent</title>
          <link>http://www2.timesdispatch.com/rtd/business/health_med_fit/article/CIGGAT05_20091105-063601/303830/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
INDIANAPOLIS&#8212;Managed care company Cigna Corp. says its third-quarter profit soared 92 percent, as improving equity markets spurred a big turnaround in a business segment that hurt the insurer last year. Philadelphia-based Cigna says it earned $329 million, or $1.19 per share, in the three months that ended Sept. 30. That compares to $171 million, or 62 cents per share, in the same quarter of 2008.           ]]></description>
          <pubDate>Thu, 05 Nov 2009 06:36:01 EST</pubDate>
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          <title>Toyota surprises with return to profit</title>
          <link>http://www2.timesdispatch.com/rtd/business/transportation/article/TOYOGAT05_20091105-060002/303821/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
TOKYO&#8212;Toyota said today it returned to a profit in the latest quarter as government incenstives boosted sales, leading the world&#8217;s largest automaker to trim its projected red ink for the year. Toyota Motor Corp. reported a 21.8 billion yen ($242 million) profit for the July-September period after three straight quarterly losses. That marked an 84 percent plunge from the 139.8 billion profit racked up the same period a year ago, but underlined a gradual recovery for Toyota, which sank to its worst loss for the fiscal year ended March 31.           ]]></description>
          <pubDate>Thu, 05 Nov 2009 06:00:02 EST</pubDate>
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          <title>World stocks drop amid economic recovery doubts</title>
          <link>http://www2.timesdispatch.com/rtd/business/investment/market_stocks/article/MRKTGAT05_20091105-054601/303820/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
SINGAPORE&#8212;World stock markets dropped today as the U.S. Federal Reserve failed to reassure investors that a lasting recovery in the global economy was taking hold. The U.S. central bank decided yesterday to keep a key interest rate at a record low and said cheap credit would continue for an &#8220;extended period&#8221; as the world&#8217;s largest economy struggles to regain its footing after its worst downturn in decades.           ]]></description>
          <pubDate>Thu, 05 Nov 2009 05:46:01 EST</pubDate>
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          <title>Earnings: Markel Corp. back in black in 3rd quarter</title>
          <link>http://www2.timesdispatch.com/rtd/business/local/article/B-EARN05_20091104-214003/303724/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
A mild hurricane season boosted Markel Corp.&#8216;s financial results, helping the Henrico County-based insurer to swing into the black for the third quarter, after losing money the year before. Unlike last year, when claims soared above premium collections, Markel returned to a more normal ratio, with claims at 96 percent of premiums. Last year, claims were 124 percent of premiums, with 22 percentage points from hurricanes.           ]]></description>
          <pubDate>Thu, 05 Nov 2009 00:01:57 EST</pubDate>
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          <title>Reproduction of Union Hill house wins praise</title>
          <link>http://www2.timesdispatch.com/rtd/business/local/article/B-HOUS05_20091104-214203/303731/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
The house was an icon in Richmond&#8217;s Union Hill, standing higher than street level in a neighborhood bordering Church Hill. But it also was an eyesore, vacant for 20 years. Preservationists spent more than two years trying to own the property free and clear and rescue the house at 2116 Cedar St.           ]]></description>
          <pubDate>Thu, 05 Nov 2009 00:01:28 EST</pubDate>
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          <title>Fed again vows to hold rates at record lows</title>
          <link>http://www2.timesdispatch.com/rtd/business/local/article/B-FEDD05_20091104-214203/303730/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
The Federal Reserve pledged yesterday to keep a key interest rate at a record low for an &#8220;extended period,&#8220; signaling that the weak economy remains dependent on government help to grow. The Fed said economic activity has &#8220;continued to pick up&#8221; and that the housing market has strengthened&#8212;a key ingredient for a sustained recovery. But Fed Chairman Ben Bernanke and his colleagues warned that rising joblessness and tight credit for many people and companies could restrain the rebound in the months ahead.           ]]></description>
          <pubDate>Thu, 05 Nov 2009 00:01:00 EST</pubDate>
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          <title>Cash for Clunker deals faulted in sales analysis</title>
          <link>http://www2.timesdispatch.com/rtd/business/local/article/B-CASH05_20091104-214203/303729/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
The most common deals under the government&#8217;s $3 billion Cash for Clunkers program, aimed at putting more fuel-efficient cars on the road, replaced old Ford or Chevrolet pickups with new ones that got only marginally better gas mileage, according to an analysis of new federal data by The Associated Press. The single most common swap&#8212;which occurred more than 8,200 times&#8212;involved Ford 150 pickup owners who took advantage of a government rebate to trade their old trucks for new Ford 150s.           ]]></description>
          <pubDate>Thu, 05 Nov 2009 00:01:00 EST</pubDate>
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          <title>Anthem warns of premium increases</title>
          <link>http://www2.timesdispatch.com/rtd/business/local/article/B-ANTH05_20091104-214203/303728/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield says the problem with health-care reform is that people who avoid the proposed requirement to buy insurance won&#8217;t pay a big enough penalty for doing so. It&#8217;s a key reason why a new study the insurer gave Virginia&#8217;s federal legislators yesterday warns of premiums increasing by double-digit percentages.           ]]></description>
          <pubDate>Thu, 05 Nov 2009 00:01:00 EST</pubDate>
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         <item>
          <title>Business Briefs for Nov. 5</title>
          <link>http://www2.timesdispatch.com/rtd/business/local/article/BBBB05_20091104-214003/303727/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
Star Scientific Inc. said yesterday that it plans to introduce the CigRx nutraceutical product developed by its Rock Creek Pharmaceuticals subsidiary for worldwide marketing and sales in partnership with inVentiv Health Inc. &#8220;Our goal is to make CigRx available to adult smokers worldwide who wish to maintain a nicotine-free metabolism,&#8220; said Jonnie R. Williams, Star Scientific&#8217;s CEO.           ]]></description>
          <pubDate>Thu, 05 Nov 2009 00:01:00 EST</pubDate>
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          <title>Clothing brands shift stores seeking higher sales</title>
          <link>http://www2.timesdispatch.com/rtd/business/local/article/B-TOGO05_20091104-214003/303726/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
NEW YORK Some of fashion&#8217;s best-known names are playing musical chairs. Faced with a consolidating department store industry and eroding sales, some labels are cutting ties with retailers that sold their clothing and betting their future with one chain. Liz Claiborne Inc.&#8216;s announced last month that it&#8217;s moving its namesake line to J.C. Penney Co. from Macy&#8217;s Inc. Other stores have made similar moves with other major brands, like Tommy Hilfiger and Dana Buchman.           ]]></description>
          <pubDate>Thu, 05 Nov 2009 00:01:00 EST</pubDate>
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          <title>Attorney general urges Va. Power electric&#45;rate cut or refund</title>
          <link>http://www2.timesdispatch.com/rtd/business/energy/article/B-RATE05_20091104-214003/303725/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
Virginia&#8217;s attorney general is urging the State Corporation Commission to either cut Dominion Virginia Power&#8217;s electric rates this year or have the company give customers a refund for over-earning last year. Experts for Attorney General Bill Mims&#8217; office told the SCC that Dominion Virginia Power&#8217;s rates should be reduced by $238 million or customers should receive a refund of $153 million.           ]]></description>
          <pubDate>Thu, 05 Nov 2009 00:01:00 EST</pubDate>
<guid>http://www2.timesdispatch.com/rtd/business/energy/article/B-RATE05_20091104-214003/303725/#When:05:01:00Z</guid>
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         <item>
          <title>Wall Street recap</title>
          <link>http://www2.timesdispatch.com/rtd/business/investment/market_stocks/article/B-WALL05_20091104-192206/303657/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
Stocks end mixed after investor optimism fades NEW YORK Alate-day slump left stocks mixed yesterday as investors couldn&#8217;t hold on to their optimism after the Federal Reserve gave an encouraging assessment of the economy. The Dow Jones industrial average, up more than 150 points after the Fed described the economy as showing more signs of recovery, closed up 30. The broader indexes were narrowly mixed. The Dow rose 30.23, or 0.3 percent, to 9,802.14. It had been up as much as 156 after the Fed announcement.           ]]></description>
          <pubDate>Thu, 05 Nov 2009 00:01:00 EST</pubDate>
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         <item>
          <title>You can find extra money to dig yourself out of debt</title>
          <link>http://www2.timesdispatch.com/rtd/business/local_other/article/B-JEAN05_20091104-192206/303656/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
In rough financial waters, debt-elimination schemes come out of the woodwork. Even well-educated consumers fall for them. Unfortunately, quick fixes rarely work. What does? My belief is that small steps can add up to big progress. This was the reasoning behind &#8220;Pay it Down: From Debt to Wealth on $10 a Day,&#8220; a book I wrote six years ago. I wrote it when I realized Americans were spending far more than they were earning. That recklessness caught up with us.           ]]></description>
          <pubDate>Thu, 05 Nov 2009 00:01:00 EST</pubDate>
<guid>http://www2.timesdispatch.com/rtd/business/local_other/article/B-JEAN05_20091104-192206/303656/#When:05:01:00Z</guid>
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         <item>
          <title>Fed again pledges to hold rates at record&#45;lows</title>
          <link>http://www2.timesdispatch.com/rtd/business/economy/article/fed_again_pledges_to_hold_rates_at_record-lows/303613/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
With the recession apparently over, the Federal Reserve held a key interest rate at a record low and again pledged to keep it there for an &#8220;extended period&#8221; to foster the fragile economic recovery.
           ]]></description>
          <pubDate>Wed, 04 Nov 2009 14:25:18 EST</pubDate>
<guid>http://www2.timesdispatch.com/rtd/business/economy/article/fed_again_pledges_to_hold_rates_at_record-lows/303613/#When:19:25:18Z</guid>
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         <item>
          <title>Chrysler aims to revamp Dodge cars under new plan</title>
          <link>http://hosted.ap.org/dynamic/stories/U/US_REMAKING_CHRYSLER?SITE=VARIT&amp;SECTION=BUSINESS&amp;TEMPLATE=DEFAULT&amp;CTIME=2009&#45;11&#45;04&#45;13&#45;00&#45;16</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
Chrysler plans to revamp its struggling Dodge car brand under a new turnaround plan and says the company&#8217;s cash has grown by nearly $2 billion since it exited bankruptcy protection in June.
           ]]></description>
          <pubDate>Wed, 04 Nov 2009 12:04:51 EST</pubDate>
<guid>http://hosted.ap.org/dynamic/stories/U/US_REMAKING_CHRYSLER?SITE=VARIT&amp;SECTION=BUSINESS&amp;TEMPLATE=DEFAULT&amp;CTIME=2009&#45;11&#45;04&#45;13&#45;00&#45;16#When:17:04:51Z</guid>
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         <item>
          <title>Service sector index grows again in October</title>
          <link>http://hosted.ap.org/dynamic/stories/U/US_ECONOMY?SITE=VARIT&amp;SECTION=BUSINESS&amp;TEMPLATE=DEFAULT&amp;CTIME=2009&#45;11&#45;04&#45;12&#45;44&#45;11</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
The U.S. service sector grew for a second straight month in October, but at a slower pace than in September, as the recovery creeps along for the country&#8217;s hospitals, retailers, financial services companies and truckers.           ]]></description>
          <pubDate>Wed, 04 Nov 2009 10:53:33 EST</pubDate>
<guid>http://hosted.ap.org/dynamic/stories/U/US_ECONOMY?SITE=VARIT&amp;SECTION=BUSINESS&amp;TEMPLATE=DEFAULT&amp;CTIME=2009&#45;11&#45;04&#45;12&#45;44&#45;11#When:15:53:33Z</guid>
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         <item>
          <title>MillerCoors third&#45;quarter profit climbs</title>
          <link>http://www2.timesdispatch.com/rtd/business/local/article/BEERGAT04_20091104-090201/303592/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
DENVER&#8212;MillerCoors&#8217; third-quarter profit climbed on cost-control efforts as well as the strength of beer brands like MGD 64. MillerCoors&#8217; earnings rose 37 percent to $229.7 million compared with $168.2 million a year ago. Revenue grew 3 percent to $2.01 billion, partly on MGD 64&#8217;s strength, while sales of mainstay Miller Lite continued to soften.           ]]></description>
          <pubDate>Wed, 04 Nov 2009 09:02:01 EST</pubDate>
<guid>http://www2.timesdispatch.com/rtd/business/local/article/BEERGAT04_20091104-090201/303592/#When:14:02:01Z</guid>
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         <item>
          <title>Lumber Liquidators income up 42 percent</title>
          <link>http://www2.timesdispatch.com/rtd/business/local/article/LUMGAT04_20091104-080201/303591/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
TOANO&#8212;Lumber Liquidators Inc. today said third-quarter income was $7.8 million, a 42-percent increase over the same period a year earlier. The Toano-based hardwood flooring retailer said sales increased 14 percent to $140.5 million in the quarter. &#8220;We remained focused on delivering a unique combination of price, selection, quality and availability, and we are pleased to have returned to comparable store net sales growth during the quarter,&#8220; said Jeffrey W. Griffiths, the company&#8217;s president and chief executive officer.           ]]></description>
          <pubDate>Wed, 04 Nov 2009 08:02:01 EST</pubDate>
<guid>http://www2.timesdispatch.com/rtd/business/local/article/LUMGAT04_20091104-080201/303591/#When:13:02:01Z</guid>
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         <item>
          <title>Comcast third&#45;quarter income up 22 percent</title>
          <link>http://www2.timesdispatch.com/rtd/business/local/article/COMGAT04_20091104-073201/303587/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
PHILADELPHIA&#8212;Comcast Corp. says its third-quarter earnings rose 22 percent because of promotions of its bundled video, phone and Internet plans. But the nation&#8217;s largest cable TV provider didn&#8217;t sign up as many new phone and Internet subscribers as last year. Its investors are anxious for details on how the purchase of a 51 percent stake in NBC Universal would burden Comcast&#8217;s finances. A deal, valued at around $30 billion, could be announced soon with General Electric Co. which owns 80 percent of NBC Universal.           ]]></description>
          <pubDate>Wed, 04 Nov 2009 07:32:01 EST</pubDate>
<guid>http://www2.timesdispatch.com/rtd/business/local/article/COMGAT04_20091104-073201/303587/#When:12:32:01Z</guid>
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         <item>
          <title>Wall Street futures higher ahead of Fed decision</title>
          <link>http://www2.timesdispatch.com/rtd/business/investment/market_stocks/article/WALLGAT04_20091104-071202/303586/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
NEW YORK&#8212;Stock futures are indicating a higher opening on Wall Street as investors await the Federal Reserve&#8217;s latest assessment of the economy. Policy makers aren&#8217;t expected to increase the central bank&#8217;s benchmark interest rate just yet, wanting to leave the rate at a record low to nurture an economic turnaround. But investors will be looking for the Fed&#8217;s view on the 3.5 percent growth in the economy in the third quarter.           ]]></description>
          <pubDate>Wed, 04 Nov 2009 07:12:02 EST</pubDate>
<guid>http://www2.timesdispatch.com/rtd/business/investment/market_stocks/article/WALLGAT04_20091104-071202/303586/#When:12:12:02Z</guid>
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         <item>
          <title>Nissan returns to profit in latest quarter</title>
          <link>http://www2.timesdispatch.com/rtd/business/companies/article/nissan_returns_to_profit_in_latest_quarter/303581/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
Struggling Japanese automaker Nissan Motor Co. said Wednesday it climbed back into the black in the latest quarter and predicted a smaller yearly loss thanks to soaring demand in China.           ]]></description>
          <pubDate>Wed, 04 Nov 2009 06:48:52 EST</pubDate>
<guid>http://www2.timesdispatch.com/rtd/business/companies/article/nissan_returns_to_profit_in_latest_quarter/303581/#When:11:48:52Z</guid>
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         <item>
          <title>Asian stocks recover on China growth forecast</title>
          <link>http://www2.timesdispatch.com/rtd/business/investment/market_stocks/article/MRKTGAT04_20091104-054202/303570/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
BANGKOK&#8212;Asian stocks recovered today after two days of losses as the World Bank raised its growth forecast for China&#8217;s economy and stronger commodities prices lifted the region&#8217;s powerhouse resource companies. European markets were higher. Every major Asian market traded in the green, with Hong Kong, South Korean and Indian shares leading the way with gains of about 2 percent. Oil prices traded near $80 a barrel, while the dollar gained against the yen and fell against the euro.           ]]></description>
          <pubDate>Wed, 04 Nov 2009 05:42:02 EST</pubDate>
<guid>http://www2.timesdispatch.com/rtd/business/investment/market_stocks/article/MRKTGAT04_20091104-054202/303570/#When:10:42:02Z</guid>
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         <item>
          <title>Swine flu deaths increase to 17 across Virginia</title>
          <link>http://www2.timesdispatch.com/rtd/business/health_med_fit/article/VFLU04_20091103-221004/303504/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
Hundreds turned out yesterday in Chesterfield County for a flu-vaccine clinic, where 800 doses of H1N1 vaccine were administered.           ]]></description>
          <pubDate>Wed, 04 Nov 2009 00:01:54 EST</pubDate>
<guid>http://www2.timesdispatch.com/rtd/business/health_med_fit/article/VFLU04_20091103-221004/303504/#When:05:01:54Z</guid>
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         <item>
          <title>Earnings: Kraft Foods and Richmond&#45;based Colfax</title>
          <link>http://www2.timesdispatch.com/rtd/business/local/article/B-EARN04_20091103-211405/303455/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
Kraft Foods said slower sales, lower retail food prices and the comparison with a gain a year ago helped cut its third-quarter profit 40 percent, but the company raised its forecast for the year. The company said it remains interested in a possible offer for British candy company Cadbury PLC but did not disclose a time frame or price.           ]]></description>
          <pubDate>Wed, 04 Nov 2009 00:01:46 EST</pubDate>
<guid>http://www2.timesdispatch.com/rtd/business/local/article/B-EARN04_20091103-211405/303455/#When:05:01:46Z</guid>
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         <item>
          <title>Brink&#8217;s payment to pension plan pays off</title>
          <link>http://www2.timesdispatch.com/rtd/business/local/article/B-BRIN04_20091103-211405/303453/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
Sometimes, you need to spend money to make money&#8212;as The Brink&#8217;s Co. Inc. has done, breaking step with most American businesses by contributing funds to a pension fund when it didn&#8217;t have to. Brink&#8217;s, which makes its money toting cash for others, pumped $150 million into its then-underfunded pension plan in August. This week, the company disclosed that the move likely will end up boosting its profits this year and next&#8212;while freeing up some $94 million for acquisitions next year and the year after.           ]]></description>
          <pubDate>Wed, 04 Nov 2009 00:01:36 EST</pubDate>
<guid>http://www2.timesdispatch.com/rtd/business/local/article/B-BRIN04_20091103-211405/303453/#When:05:01:36Z</guid>
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         <item>
          <title>Stimulus funds sought for aerospace research center</title>
          <link>http://www2.timesdispatch.com/rtd/business/local/article/AERO04_20091105-110601/303848/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
The University of Virginia and Virginia Tech are seeking federal economic-stimulus money to help build a manufacturing research center aimed at fostering growth in the state&#8217;s aerospace industry and related businesses. Officials with the universities said yesterday that they are seeking up to $15 million in stimulus-related funding, including a grant from the National Institutes of Science, to help build the Commonwealth Center for Advanced Manufacturing near the Rolls-Royce North America aircraft-engines component plant now in development in Prince George County.           ]]></description>
          <pubDate>Wed, 04 Nov 2009 00:01:19 EST</pubDate>
<guid>http://www2.timesdispatch.com/rtd/business/local/article/AERO04_20091105-110601/303848/#When:05:01:19Z</guid>
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         <item>
          <title>REI, hhgregg to open outlets here this month</title>
          <link>http://www2.timesdispatch.com/rtd/business/local/article/B-SHOP04_20091103-211405/303460/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
Two retailers are expected to open within a day of each other this month. Appliance and consumer electronics retailer hhgregg is scheduled to open its two area stores Nov. 19 while outdoor gear and clothing retailer Recreational Equipment Inc. (known as REI) is scheduled to open Nov. 20. Both are new to Richmond&#8217;s retail landscape.           ]]></description>
          <pubDate>Wed, 04 Nov 2009 00:01:18 EST</pubDate>
<guid>http://www2.timesdispatch.com/rtd/business/local/article/B-SHOP04_20091103-211405/303460/#When:05:01:18Z</guid>
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         <item>
          <title>Discussions to focus on future of St. Mary&#8217;s Hospital campus</title>
          <link>http://www2.timesdispatch.com/rtd/business/health_med_fit/article/B-MARY04_20091103-211405/303457/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
If you can imagine St. Mary&#8217;s Hospital with a more campuslike setting, perhaps a walking trail meandering through landscaped areas with a coffee shop along the way, then hospital administrators want to hear from you.           ]]></description>
          <pubDate>Wed, 04 Nov 2009 00:01:18 EST</pubDate>
<guid>http://www2.timesdispatch.com/rtd/business/health_med_fit/article/B-MARY04_20091103-211405/303457/#When:05:01:18Z</guid>
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         <item>
          <title>Auto&#45;sales data shows industry beginning to stabilize</title>
          <link>http://www2.timesdispatch.com/rtd/business/local/article/B-AUTO04_20091103-211601/303463/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
After months of fluctuating sales, the auto industry offered signs of recovery from its yearlong slump, as most automakers reported yesterday higher levels of 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 for their popular models and fuel-efficient sedans. Other top automakers&#8212;Toyota, Ford, Nissan&#8212;also posted higher sales.           ]]></description>
          <pubDate>Wed, 04 Nov 2009 00:01:00 EST</pubDate>
<guid>http://www2.timesdispatch.com/rtd/business/local/article/B-AUTO04_20091103-211601/303463/#When:05:01:00Z</guid>
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         <item>
          <title>Business Briefs for Nov. 4</title>
          <link>http://www2.timesdispatch.com/rtd/business/local/article/BBBB04_20091103-211405/303461/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
Commuters who drive alone on some of the most congested highways in the Washington region could earn $2 a day by carpooling to work. Commuter Connections, a network of transportation groups coordinated by the Metropolitan Washington Council of Governments, launched a three-month pilot program recently. The program is open to commuters who currently drive alone on the Capital Beltway between Bethesda and Tysons Corner or between the Baltimore-Washington Parkway and Interstate 270 and on Interstate 395 from the District across the 14th Street bridge into Northern Virginia.           ]]></description>
          <pubDate>Wed, 04 Nov 2009 00:01:00 EST</pubDate>
<guid>http://www2.timesdispatch.com/rtd/business/local/article/BBBB04_20091103-211405/303461/#When:05:01:00Z</guid>
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         <item>
          <title>Proposed regulations for car&#45;title loans draw fire</title>
          <link>http://www2.timesdispatch.com/rtd/business/banking/article/B-PAYD04_20091103-211405/303459/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
Payday lenders are complaining that proposed State Corporation Commission regulations on car-title loans will put an unfair crimp in their business. But in filings with the commission over the past several days, consumer groups said the proposed regulations would prevent misleading practices common in loan offices and keep consumers from getting in over their heads and losing ownership of their cars.           ]]></description>
          <pubDate>Wed, 04 Nov 2009 00:01:00 EST</pubDate>
<guid>http://www2.timesdispatch.com/rtd/business/banking/article/B-PAYD04_20091103-211405/303459/#When:05:01:00Z</guid>
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         <item>
          <title>Fed to release statement about interest rates</title>
          <link>http://www2.timesdispatch.com/rtd/business/local/article/B-FEDD04_20091103-211405/303456/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
Even with the Federal Reserve widely expected to leave interest rates at a record low today to nurture the fragile recovery, fissures are growing among policymakers about when to start boosting rates to head off inflation. Fed policy makers are slated to release a statement today about 2:15 p.m. The target range for bank lending rate now is at zero to 0.25 percent. If the Fed keeps the same rate, commercial banks&#8217; prime lending rate&#8212;used to peg rates on home equity loans, certain credit cards and other consumer loans&#8212;will stay at about 3.25 percent.           ]]></description>
          <pubDate>Wed, 04 Nov 2009 00:01:00 EST</pubDate>
<guid>http://www2.timesdispatch.com/rtd/business/local/article/B-FEDD04_20091103-211405/303456/#When:05:01:00Z</guid>
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         <item>
          <title>Richmond radiology practice seeks bankruptcy protection</title>
          <link>http://www2.timesdispatch.com/rtd/business/local/article/B-CANC04_20091103-211405/303454/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
Commonwealth Cancer Institute, a small radiology practice in Richmond&#8217;s Carver neighborhood, has filed for bankruptcy protection. The Chapter 11 filing last week is intended to give the practice time to reorganize, by protecting it from its creditors&#8217; claims. The practice, operated by Dr. Marcus W. Brown, has seen referrals from radiation treatment decline, cutting monthly revenue to $60,000 from $80,000, said its attorney, Bruce E. Arkema.           ]]></description>
          <pubDate>Wed, 04 Nov 2009 00:01:00 EST</pubDate>
<guid>http://www2.timesdispatch.com/rtd/business/local/article/B-CANC04_20091103-211405/303454/#When:05:01:00Z</guid>
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          <title>Buffett buying Burlington Northern rail for $34 billion</title>
          <link>http://www2.timesdispatch.com/rtd/business/local/article/B-BERK04_20091103-211405/303452/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
Legendary investor Warren Buffett is making what he calls an &#8220;all-in wager&#8221; on the U.S. economy&#8212;$34 billion to buy a major railroad that hauls everything from corn to cars across the country. Burlington Northern, the nation&#8217;s second-largest railroad, is the biggest hauler of food products like corn, and coal for electricity, making it an indicator of the country&#8217;s economic health. The railroad also ships a large amount of consumer goods&#8212;including items imported from Asia&#8212;from big Western ports like Los Angeles and Seattle.           ]]></description>
          <pubDate>Wed, 04 Nov 2009 00:01:00 EST</pubDate>
<guid>http://www2.timesdispatch.com/rtd/business/local/article/B-BERK04_20091103-211405/303452/#When:05:01:00Z</guid>
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          <title>Wall Street recap: Rising commodities, dealmaking lift stocks</title>
          <link>http://www2.timesdispatch.com/rtd/business/investment/market_stocks/article/B-WALL04_20091103-201001/303427/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
Rising commodities, dealmaking lift stocks NEW YORK Investors sidestepped some of their doubts about the economy and bought energy and industrial stocks as commodity prices rose. Stocks ended back-and-forth trading mostly higher yesterday 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.           ]]></description>
          <pubDate>Wed, 04 Nov 2009 00:01:00 EST</pubDate>
<guid>http://www2.timesdispatch.com/rtd/business/investment/market_stocks/article/B-WALL04_20091103-201001/303427/#When:05:01:00Z</guid>
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         <item>
          <title>Target&#45;date funds&#8217; varying strategies require study</title>
          <link>http://www2.timesdispatch.com/rtd/business/local_other/article/B-JAFE04_20091103-201001/303426/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
Looking at target-date funds is a bit like trying to decide on a rental car. You go to one agency and find certain models considered midsized. The next rental company considers those same cars as standard, while the third place will put certain cars in both the standard and full-sized groups. You get a full-sized car from the fourth place, and it&#8217;s the same model that the first place tagged as midsize, the second as standard and the third and fourth as full-sized.           ]]></description>
          <pubDate>Wed, 04 Nov 2009 00:01:00 EST</pubDate>
<guid>http://www2.timesdispatch.com/rtd/business/local_other/article/B-JAFE04_20091103-201001/303426/#When:05:01:00Z</guid>
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         <item>
          <title>Chrysler sales plummet 30 percent; Ford up 3 percent</title>
          <link>http://www2.timesdispatch.com/rtd/business/transportation/article/AUTOGAT03_20091103-134401/303384/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
DETROIT&#8212;Chrysler Group LLC says its October sales fell 30 percent below the same month last year. But they improved from September when the U.S. auto industry had a hangover from the government&#8217;s summertime Cash for Clunkers program. The maker of the Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep and Ram truck brands says it sold 65,803 vehicles last month, up 6 percent from September.           ]]></description>
          <pubDate>Tue, 03 Nov 2009 13:44:01 EST</pubDate>
<guid>http://www2.timesdispatch.com/rtd/business/transportation/article/AUTOGAT03_20091103-134401/303384/#When:18:44:01Z</guid>
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         <item>
          <title>Factory orders rise 0.9 percent in September</title>
          <link>http://hosted.ap.org/dynamic/stories/U/US_ECONOMY?SITE=VARIT&amp;SECTION=BUSINESS&amp;TEMPLATE=DEFAULT&amp;CTIME=2009&#45;11&#45;03&#45;10&#45;42&#45;55</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
Fifth increase in six months bolstered hopes that a revival in manufacturing will help support an overall economic recovery. The worry is that if consumer spending falters in coming months, orders will slump again.

           ]]></description>
          <pubDate>Tue, 03 Nov 2009 10:19:31 EST</pubDate>
<guid>http://hosted.ap.org/dynamic/stories/U/US_ECONOMY?SITE=VARIT&amp;SECTION=BUSINESS&amp;TEMPLATE=DEFAULT&amp;CTIME=2009&#45;11&#45;03&#45;10&#45;42&#45;55#When:15:19:31Z</guid>
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         <item>
          <title>Stanley sees cost savings in Black &amp; Decker deal</title>
          <link>http://www2.timesdispatch.com/rtd/business/companies/article/stanley_sees_cost_savings_in_black_decker_deal/303370/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
Tool makers Stanley Works and Black &amp; Decker Corp. are betting that together they can wring out more profit and better position themselves for a housing market recovery than they could apart.           ]]></description>
          <pubDate>Tue, 03 Nov 2009 08:50:26 EST</pubDate>
<guid>http://www2.timesdispatch.com/rtd/business/companies/article/stanley_sees_cost_savings_in_black_decker_deal/303370/#When:13:50:26Z</guid>
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         <item>
          <title>Johnson &amp; Johnson announces restructuring, job cuts</title>
          <link>http://www2.timesdispatch.com/rtd/business/health_med_fit/article/JANDJGAT03_20091103-081801/303369/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
NEW YORK&#8212;Johnson &amp; Johnson says it will trim layers of management and set other restructuring moves to save up to $900 million next year. The New Brunswick, N.J., company says the job cuts will affect 6 to 7 percent of its global work force of roughly 118,700 workers. The company is booking a restructuring charge of up to $1.3 billion pretax in the fourth quarter and confirms its adjusted profit guidance for 2009.           ]]></description>
          <pubDate>Tue, 03 Nov 2009 08:18:01 EST</pubDate>
<guid>http://www2.timesdispatch.com/rtd/business/health_med_fit/article/JANDJGAT03_20091103-081801/303369/#When:13:18:01Z</guid>
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          <title>Berskire Hathaway buying Burlington Northern in $34 billion deal</title>
          <link>http://www2.timesdispatch.com/rtd/business/companies/article/berskire_hathaway_buying_burlington_northern_in_34_billion_deal/303367/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
Warren Buffet&#8217;s Berkshire Hathaway says it has agreed to buy Burlington Northern Santa Fe in a deal valuing the railroad at $34 billion.
           ]]></description>
          <pubDate>Tue, 03 Nov 2009 07:52:17 EST</pubDate>
<guid>http://www2.timesdispatch.com/rtd/business/companies/article/berskire_hathaway_buying_burlington_northern_in_34_billion_deal/303367/#When:12:52:17Z</guid>
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         <item>
          <title>Wall Street futures follow global markets down</title>
          <link>http://www2.timesdispatch.com/rtd/business/investment/market_stocks/article/WALLGAT03_20091103-065802/303363/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
NEW YORK&#8212;U.S. stock futures are down sharply, following selloffs in Asia and Europe, as concerns mount about the sustainability of an economic rebound. Safe-haven investments like the dollar and Treasurys are rising, while most commodities are falling. Investors around the globe have been jittery in recent weeks, wary of whether the economic recovery can maintain the same pace once government stimulus measures are removed.           ]]></description>
          <pubDate>Tue, 03 Nov 2009 06:58:02 EST</pubDate>
<guid>http://www2.timesdispatch.com/rtd/business/investment/market_stocks/article/WALLGAT03_20091103-065802/303363/#When:11:58:02Z</guid>
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         <item>
          <title>Colfax reports reduced income, sales</title>
          <link>http://www2.timesdispatch.com/rtd/business/local/article/COLFGAT03_20091103-065802/303362/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
Colfax Corp. today said preliminary results for the third quarter showed net income of $1.8 million and a sales decrease of 16.2 percent. &#8220;We are pleased with our performance in this challenging environment,&#8220; said John Young, president and chief executive officer of the Richmond-based manufacturer of industrial pumps. &#8220;While overall sales were down, our Navy and power generation businesses showed good growth over last year&#8217;s third quarter.&#8220;           ]]></description>
          <pubDate>Tue, 03 Nov 2009 06:58:02 EST</pubDate>
<guid>http://www2.timesdispatch.com/rtd/business/local/article/COLFGAT03_20091103-065802/303362/#When:11:58:02Z</guid>
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          <title>World markets fall as U.S. recovery doubts linger</title>
          <link>http://www2.timesdispatch.com/rtd/business/investment/market_stocks/article/MRKTGAT03_20091103-054001/303351/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
BANGKOK&#8212;World stock markets were lower today despite improvement in U.S. manufacturing as doubts lingered about the durability of a rebound in the world&#8217;s largest economy. Asian stocks, which tumbled the day before on a fall in U.S. consumer spending, got little relief from news that American manufacturing grew at its fastest pace last month since April 2006. European markets fell in early trade.           ]]></description>
          <pubDate>Tue, 03 Nov 2009 05:40:01 EST</pubDate>
<guid>http://www2.timesdispatch.com/rtd/business/investment/market_stocks/article/MRKTGAT03_20091103-054001/303351/#When:10:40:01Z</guid>
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         <item>
          <title>Top Virginia agricultural commodities mostly fare better in 2008</title>
          <link>http://www2.timesdispatch.com/rtd/business/local/article/CROP03_20091102-211003/303233/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
Among the success stories in Virginia agriculture in 2008 was wine grapes, which became one of the state&#8217;s top 20 agricultural commodities, according to new data. Of those 20 top-earning commodities, 12 produced higher cash receipts in 2008 than in 2007, the Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services reported yesterday.            ]]></description>
          <pubDate>Tue, 03 Nov 2009 00:01:48 EST</pubDate>
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          <title>Ford racks up a billion&#45;dollar profit in the 3rd quarter</title>
          <link>http://www2.timesdispatch.com/rtd/business/transportation/article/B-FORD03_20091102-215005/303253/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
Ford, the only Detroit automaker to dodge direct government aid and bankruptcy court, surprised investors with net income of nearly $1 billion in the third quarter and forecast a &#8220;solidly profitable&#8221; 2011.            ]]></description>
          <pubDate>Tue, 03 Nov 2009 00:01:33 EST</pubDate>
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          <title>Heating&#45;aid program taking applications</title>
          <link>http://www2.timesdispatch.com/rtd/business/energy/article/B-TOGO03_20091102-215603/303259/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
Dominion Resources Inc.&#8216;s EnergyShare program is accepting applications from people who need financial help to stay warm during the cold winter months. Supported by donations from Dominion customers and employees, EnergyShare helps people experiencing a financial crisis heat their homes after other forms of assistance have been exhausted. Payments on behalf of the recipients go directly to the energy vendors.           ]]></description>
          <pubDate>Tue, 03 Nov 2009 00:01:18 EST</pubDate>
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         <item>
          <title>Nov. 3 Business Briefs</title>
          <link>http://www2.timesdispatch.com/rtd/business/local/article/BBBB03_20091102-215603/303260/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
The State Corporation Commission has authorized Dominion Virginia Power to sell up to $1.5 billion of its stock to parent company Dominion Resources Inc. The electric utility, which originally sought approval to sell up to $3 billion in stock, says it will use the money to retire short-term debt and pay for capital investments. The commission staff recommended that the SCC authorize the sale of $1 billion in common stock this year and an additional $500 million in 2010. Dominion Virginia Power agreed with the staff recommendation for the smaller offering.           ]]></description>
          <pubDate>Tue, 03 Nov 2009 00:01:00 EST</pubDate>
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         <item>
          <title>Economic gauges are good news</title>
          <link>http://www2.timesdispatch.com/rtd/business/local/article/B-ECON03_20091102-215603/303258/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
Hopes for the fledgling economic recovery got a boost yesterday from better-than-expected news on manufacturing, construction and contracts to buy homes. The surprisingly strong readings provided some comfort that the economy is packing more momentum than assumed going into the end of the year. Still, with jobs scarce, lending tight and consumers wary of spending, it&#8217;s unclear whether the gains can be sustained as government stimulus programs wind down.           ]]></description>
          <pubDate>Tue, 03 Nov 2009 00:01:00 EST</pubDate>
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         <item>
          <title>Earnings reports: Tredegar Corp., C&amp;F Financial, First Capital Bancorp</title>
          <link>http://www2.timesdispatch.com/rtd/business/local/article/B-EARN03_20091102-215603/303257/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
Profit at Tredegar Corp. fell slightly in the third quarter as sales continued to decline. The Richmond-based maker of plastic films and aluminum extrusions reported a net profit of $10.99 million, or 32 cents per share, for the quarter, compared with a profit of $11.07 million, or 33 cents per share, in the prior year period. Revenue fell 23 percent to $175.7 million.           ]]></description>
          <pubDate>Tue, 03 Nov 2009 00:01:00 EST</pubDate>
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         <item>
          <title>Ukrop&#8217;s changes its fuelperks! gasoline&#45;discount program</title>
          <link>http://www2.timesdispatch.com/rtd/business/local/article/B-UKRO03_20091102-215005/303254/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
Ukrop&#8217;s Super Markets Inc. has made changes to its successful fuelperks! program, making customers cash in rewards sooner and setting the bar higher for attaining them. The changes went into effect yesterday. Customers now have to spend $50 or more on a single transaction in order to earn a 5-cents-per-gallon discount, the company said yesterday on its Web site.           ]]></description>
          <pubDate>Tue, 03 Nov 2009 00:01:00 EST</pubDate>
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          <title>Dominion Resources says it&#8217;s culling reactor builders</title>
          <link>http://www2.timesdispatch.com/rtd/business/energy/article/B-DOMI03_20091102-215005/303252/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
Dominion Resources Inc. has winnowed down the number of potential builders for its proposed third nuclear reactor at the North Anna Power Station in Louisa County. &#8220;We are narrowing down the list,&#8220; said Dominion spokesman Chet Wade, &#8220;and we expect to make a decision in the next two quarters.&#8220; Six companies, which Dominion would not identify, bid on the proposed 1,500-megawatt North Anna 3 power plant.           ]]></description>
          <pubDate>Tue, 03 Nov 2009 00:01:00 EST</pubDate>
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          <title>Business lender might not survive bankruptcy reorganization</title>
          <link>http://www2.timesdispatch.com/rtd/business/local/article/B-CITT03_20091102-215005/303251/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
A Chapter 11 filing usually means the end of the road for financial companies since they rely so heavily on customer trust. CIT Group Inc. is hoping that its case will be different. The commercial lender&#8217;s trip through bankruptcy reorganization may well be speedy given that it&#8217;s already reached agreements with creditors on restructuring its debt. But the real test will come from CIT customers, who could decide to take their business elsewhere.           ]]></description>
          <pubDate>Tue, 03 Nov 2009 00:01:00 EST</pubDate>
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          <title>Midlothian&#45;based Bank of Virginia to enter written agreement with regulators</title>
          <link>http://www2.timesdispatch.com/rtd/business/local/article/B-BANK03_20091102-215005/303250/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
Bank of Virginia expects to enter into a written agreement with the Federal Reserve Bank in the current fourth quarter to improve its capital levels. &#8220;While we do not know the exact contents of the written agreement at this time, we expect that it will require us to implement plans to improve our risk management and compliance systems, oversight functions, operating and financial management and capital gains,&#8220; said Frank Bell, president and chief executive officer of the Midlothian-based bank.           ]]></description>
          <pubDate>Tue, 03 Nov 2009 00:01:00 EST</pubDate>
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          <title>TSA owes RIC $3.6 million for screening systems</title>
          <link>http://www2.timesdispatch.com/rtd/business/transportation/article/BAGG03_20091102-211003/303232/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
Richmond International Airport spent $4 million to accommodate special baggage-screening systems for the Transportation Security Administration. The TSA was supposed to reimburse the airport for 90 percent&#8212;$3.6 million&#8212;of the cost for modifying RIC&#8217;s baggage-handling areas for the explosive-detection systems. Five years after starting the project and two years after completing the work, the airport has yet to be repaid.           ]]></description>
          <pubDate>Tue, 03 Nov 2009 00:01:00 EST</pubDate>
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