<?xml version="1.0" encoding="utf-8"?>
<rss version="2.0"
    xmlns:dc="http://purl.org/dc/elements/1.1/"
    xmlns:sy="http://purl.org/rss/1.0/modules/syndication/"
    xmlns:admin="http://webns.net/mvcb/"
    xmlns:rdf="http://www.w3.org/1999/02/22-rdf-syntax-ns#"
    xmlns:content="http://purl.org/rss/1.0/modules/content/"
    xmlns:atom="http://www.w3.org/2005/Atom">

    <channel>
    
    <atom:link href="http://www2.timesdispatch.com/rtd/rss/cat_companies/" rel="self" type="application/rss+xml" />

    <title>Companies for Richmond Times-Dispatch</title>
    <link>http://www2.timesdispatch.com/rtd/business/</link>
    <description></description>
    <dc:language>en</dc:language>
    <dc:creator>Richmond Times-Dispatch</dc:creator>
    <dc:rights>Copyright 2009</dc:rights>
    <dc:date>2009-11-24T05:45:58-05:00</dc:date>

    <admin:generatorAgent rdf:resource="http://www.timesdispatch.com/" />
    
         <item>
          <title>Business briefs for Nov. 24</title>
          <link>http://www2.timesdispatch.com/rtd/business/local/article/BBBB24_20091123&#45;212804/307516/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
A bioscience and healthcare business incubator in the United Kingdom has signed a collaborative partnership agreement with the Virginia BioTechnology Research Park in Richmond and two other U.S. science parks. The agreement between BioCity Nottingham and the U.S. parks enables them to provide reciprocal support, including offering free workspace for up to a week for visiting companies, promoting the partnerships at international trade shows, extending sponsor benefits to the partner parks&#8217; tenants, and providing information on introducing products in Europe or the Untied States.           ]]></description>
          <pubDate>Tue, 24 Nov 2009 00:01:52 EST</pubDate>
<guid>http://www2.timesdispatch.com/rtd/business/local/article/BBBB24_20091123&#45;212804/307516/#When:10:45:58Z</guid>
        </item>
    
         <item>
          <title>Wall Street recap</title>
          <link>http://www2.timesdispatch.com/rtd/business/investment/market_stocks/article/B&#45;WALL24_20091123&#45;200001/307486/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
Housing data, weak dollar help push stocks higher NEW YORK The stock market ended a three-day losing streak yesterday, closing broadly higher as a weaker dollar and upbeat home-sales numbers encouraged investors to take on more risk. Major stock indexes soared more than 1 percent. The Dow Jones industrial average rose 132.79, or 1.3 percent, to 10,450.95. It was the Dow&#8217;s highest close since Oct. 2, 2008. Volume was light as Thanksgiving approached, and that likely padded some of the market&#8217;s advance.           ]]></description>
          <pubDate>Tue, 24 Nov 2009 00:01:12 EST</pubDate>
<guid>http://www2.timesdispatch.com/rtd/business/investment/market_stocks/article/B&#45;WALL24_20091123&#45;200001/307486/#When:10:45:58Z</guid>
        </item>
    
         <item>
          <title>Star Scientific changes its ticker symbol</title>
          <link>http://www2.timesdispatch.com/rtd/business/local/article/B&#45;STAR24_20091123&#45;212804/307513/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
Petersburg-based tobacco company Star Scientific Inc. has changed its ticker symbol on the Nasdaq stock exchange. Its trading symbol changed from STSI to CIGX as of yesterday, the company said. Star Scientific, a small company that makes smokeless-tobacco products, said the change is intended to better communicate its business goals. &#8220;The change in trading symbol reflects our intent to signal more prominently the company&#8217;s core mission and business, which is to reduce the harm associated with tobacco use,&#8220; Paul L. Perito, the company&#8217;s chairman, said in a statement.           ]]></description>
          <pubDate>Tue, 24 Nov 2009 00:01:09 EST</pubDate>
<guid>http://www2.timesdispatch.com/rtd/business/local/article/B&#45;STAR24_20091123&#45;212804/307513/#When:10:45:58Z</guid>
        </item>
    
         <item>
          <title>The Greater Richmond Chamber</title>
          <link>http://www2.timesdispatch.com/rtd/business/local/metrobusiness/article/COVR24B_20090823&#45;214602/287941/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
Founded: 1867 &nbsp; Footprint: serves the city of Richmond and counties of Chesterfield, Hanover and Henrico &nbsp; Employees: 28 &nbsp; Fees: Annual fees are incremental and rise with the number of employees that a member company has, but then switches to a per-employee charge for large companies. Example: $435 annual fee for companies with five or fewer employees; $19,665 for companies with between 2,001 and 4,000 employees.            ]]></description>
          <pubDate>Tue, 24 Nov 2009 00:01:20 EST</pubDate>
<guid>http://www2.timesdispatch.com/rtd/business/local/metrobusiness/article/COVR24B_20090823&#45;214602/287941/#When:10:45:58Z</guid>
        </item>
    
         <item>
          <title>Tim McCready makes, and teaches the making of, handmade furniture</title>
          <link>http://www2.timesdispatch.com/rtd/business/local/metrobusiness/article/NAME23_20091122&#45;180807/307297/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
Brad Armstrong likes building furniture. &#8220;But I&#8217;m not very good at it,&#8220; said Armstrong, a partner at The Martin Agency, the Richmond-based advertising firm. Armstrong&#8217;s daughters recognized that and gave him a gift certificate for woodworking classes at McCready&#8217;s Foxwedge School of Craft. He used the classes to build a unique corner desk.           ]]></description>
          <pubDate>Mon, 23 Nov 2009 00:04:25 EST</pubDate>
<guid>http://www2.timesdispatch.com/rtd/business/local/metrobusiness/article/NAME23_20091122&#45;180807/307297/#When:10:45:58Z</guid>
        </item>
    
         <item>
          <title>Building permits for Nov. 23</title>
          <link>http://www2.timesdispatch.com/rtd/business/local/metrobusiness/article/PERM23_20091119&#45;140002/306750/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
Chippenham Hospital Inc., owner; L F Jennings Inc., contractor; 700 Hioaks Road, $7 million.   Russell Smith, owner; A &amp; B Commercial Contractors, contractor; 21 W. Marshall St., alterations, $85,000. Tamiko Cook; 3005 First Ave., alterations, $75,000. Richmond Redevelopment &amp; Housing Authority, owner; Better Homes Inc., contractor; 120 E. 13th St.; 200 E. 13th St., $113,535 each.           ]]></description>
          <pubDate>Mon, 23 Nov 2009 00:01:51 EST</pubDate>
<guid>http://www2.timesdispatch.com/rtd/business/local/metrobusiness/article/PERM23_20091119&#45;140002/306750/#When:10:45:58Z</guid>
        </item>
    
         <item>
          <title>Using social media to drive business to your Web site</title>
          <link>http://www2.timesdispatch.com/rtd/business/local/metrobusiness/article/SCOR23_20091122&#45;180605/307289/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
Use social media to get people to your Web site Q:I am a small-business owner with a limited advertising budget. How can I drive more attention to my Web site without breaking the bank?&#8212;Patrick L., Midlothian Answer: Patrick, an excellent way to drive more business your way is by using free social-media platforms. There are six essential platforms that business owners must have in order to harness the potential of social advertising. Each platform plays a specific role.           ]]></description>
          <pubDate>Mon, 23 Nov 2009 00:01:20 EST</pubDate>
<guid>http://www2.timesdispatch.com/rtd/business/local/metrobusiness/article/SCOR23_20091122&#45;180605/307289/#When:10:45:58Z</guid>
        </item>
    
         <item>
          <title>Indicators for week of Nov. 23</title>
          <link>http://www2.timesdispatch.com/rtd/business/local/metrobusiness/article/SKED23_20091122&#45;180605/307290/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
Indicators MONDAY National Association of Realtors releases existing-home sales for September.&nbsp; TUESDAY Standard &amp; Poor&#8217;s/Case-Shiller releases its September and third-quarter index of home prices. Conference Board releases the Consumer Confidence Index for November. Commerce Department releases third-quarter gross domestic product. Federal Housing Finance Agency releases September and third-quarter home-price index.           ]]></description>
          <pubDate>Mon, 23 Nov 2009 00:01:00 EST</pubDate>
<guid>http://www2.timesdispatch.com/rtd/business/local/metrobusiness/article/SKED23_20091122&#45;180605/307290/#When:10:45:58Z</guid>
        </item>
    
         <item>
          <title>Metro Business calendar for Nov. 23</title>
          <link>http://www2.timesdispatch.com/rtd/business/local/metrobusiness/article/MBCL23_20091122&#45;180605/307288/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
MONDAY, NOV. 23 Greater Richmond Chamber offers &#8220;Business Exit Strategies&#8212;Protecting Your Assets,&#8220; 11:30 a.m., Chesterfield Department of Economic Development, 9401 Courthouse Road. Presenters: Roger Smith and Evan Fabricant with Mass Mutual Financial Group; David Creasy with Yount, Hyde &amp; Barbour; and Eric C. Perkins with Perkins Law PLLC. Registration: http://www.grcc.com or Jackie Carter at (804) 783-9314 or jackie.carter@grcc.com.           ]]></description>
          <pubDate>Mon, 23 Nov 2009 00:01:00 EST</pubDate>
<guid>http://www2.timesdispatch.com/rtd/business/local/metrobusiness/article/MBCL23_20091122&#45;180605/307288/#When:10:45:58Z</guid>
        </item>
    
         <item>
          <title>Holiday shopping brings out counterfeiters</title>
          <link>http://www2.timesdispatch.com/rtd/business/local/metrobusiness/article/CALN23_20091122&#45;180605/307282/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
It&#8217;s the season for trafficking counterfeit money. As shoppers flock to stores and overwhelm cashiers, and as new hires take to the registers, counterfeiters come out of the woodwork. They take advantage of the stepped-up seasonal activity to buy merchandise, using their fake money, and get back real currency as change - as much of it as possible.           ]]></description>
          <pubDate>Mon, 23 Nov 2009 00:01:00 EST</pubDate>
<guid>http://www2.timesdispatch.com/rtd/business/local/metrobusiness/article/CALN23_20091122&#45;180605/307282/#When:10:45:58Z</guid>
        </item>
    
         <item>
          <title>Lack of backup foils Va.&#8216;s new IT system</title>
          <link>http://www2.timesdispatch.com/rtd/business/local/article/DMVV21_20091120&#45;222606/307063/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
Virginia&#8217;s expensive new state IT system does not have network backups in case connections between its computers fail. In just five weeks this fall, the Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles suffered 12 computer system outages, putting individual offices out of business for a total of more than 100 hours. One outage lasted 29 hours, another 17.           ]]></description>
          <pubDate>Sat, 21 Nov 2009 00:01:02 EST</pubDate>
<guid>http://www2.timesdispatch.com/rtd/business/local/article/DMVV21_20091120&#45;222606/307063/#When:10:45:58Z</guid>
        </item>
    
         <item>
          <title>REI opens in Henrico</title>
          <link>http://www2.timesdispatch.com/rtd/business/local/article/B&#45;REII21_20091120&#45;222405/307056/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
Outdoor enthusiasts have a new place to shop in western Henrico County with the opening of REI. REI, which stands for Recreational Equipment Inc., opened yesterday in West Broad Village, across from the Whole Foods Market and next to HomeGoods.            ]]></description>
          <pubDate>Sat, 21 Nov 2009 00:01:01 EST</pubDate>
<guid>http://www2.timesdispatch.com/rtd/business/local/article/B&#45;REII21_20091120&#45;222405/307056/#When:10:45:58Z</guid>
        </item>
    
         <item>
          <title>Disney unveils its newest princess</title>
          <link>http://www2.timesdispatch.com/rtd/business/local/article/B&#45;TOGO21_20091120&#45;221803/307051/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
ORLANDO, Fla. The Walt Disney Co.&#8216;s newest princess doesn&#8217;t arrive in movie theaters for another month, but she is already easy to find at Walt Disney World. Theme-park guests can meet Tiana, an African-American princess, and watch her perform in a musical riverboat show. They can buy Tiana dolls, undergo Tiana makeovers, and eat Tiana&#8217;s Magical Kisses&#8212;bite-sized, white-chocolate-covered graham crackers. They can even get vouchers for a child&#8217;s ticket to Tiana&#8217;s movie.           ]]></description>
          <pubDate>Sat, 21 Nov 2009 00:01:00 EST</pubDate>
<guid>http://www2.timesdispatch.com/rtd/business/local/article/B&#45;TOGO21_20091120&#45;221803/307051/#When:10:45:58Z</guid>
        </item>
    
         <item>
          <title>SCC seeks to suspend N.C. Mutual&#8217;s license in Va.</title>
          <link>http://www2.timesdispatch.com/rtd/business/local/article/B&#45;NCMU21_20091120&#45;221803/307050/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
Virginia regulators want to suspend the nation&#8217;s oldest black-owned insurer from doing business in Virginia, saying its finances are in hazardous condition. But North Carolina Mutual Life Insurance Co. is working on raising capital to boost its balance sheet, spokeswoman Kimberly Moore said this week. The Durham, N.C.-based insurer also is reducing expenses and has cut back on signing up new business, which eases financial pressures on the company as well, she said.           ]]></description>
          <pubDate>Sat, 21 Nov 2009 00:01:00 EST</pubDate>
<guid>http://www2.timesdispatch.com/rtd/business/local/article/B&#45;NCMU21_20091120&#45;221803/307050/#When:10:45:58Z</guid>
        </item>
    
         <item>
          <title>Wall Street recap</title>
          <link>http://www2.timesdispatch.com/rtd/business/investment/market_stocks/article/B&#45;WALL21_20091120&#45;202602/306999/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
Stocks fall a third day as dollar strengthens NEW YORK Investors can&#8217;t shake their fears that the economy isn&#8217;t keeping up with the stock market. Stocks fell for a third straight day yesterday as a disappointing outlook from computer maker Dell Inc. suggested that an economic recovery could be uneven. The major indexes all had moderate losses, leaving the Dow Jones industrials with a slim 0.5 percent weekly gain while broader indexes slid.           ]]></description>
          <pubDate>Sat, 21 Nov 2009 00:01:00 EST</pubDate>
<guid>http://www2.timesdispatch.com/rtd/business/investment/market_stocks/article/B&#45;WALL21_20091120&#45;202602/306999/#When:10:45:58Z</guid>
        </item>
    
         <item>
          <title>Electronics retailer hhgregg open for business in Richmond</title>
          <link>http://www2.timesdispatch.com/rtd/business/local/article/B&#45;GREG20_20091119&#45;221406/306843/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
The CEO of the appliance and consumer-electronics retailer believes the chain can make headway in an already competitive market.           ]]></description>
          <pubDate>Fri, 20 Nov 2009 00:01:38 EST</pubDate>
<guid>http://www2.timesdispatch.com/rtd/business/local/article/B&#45;GREG20_20091119&#45;221406/306843/#When:10:45:58Z</guid>
        </item>
    
         <item>
          <title>Three local hotels, 2 restaurants awarded 4 Diamonds from AAA</title>
          <link>http://www2.timesdispatch.com/rtd/business/local/article/B&#45;AAAA20_20091119&#45;221202/306836/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
Still in its first year of operation, The Westin hotel in Henrico County has won one of AAA&#8217;s prestigious Four Diamond Awards for superior service and amenities. The 250-room, full-service Westin, owned by Musselman Hotels of Louisville, Ky., only opened its doors Dec. 18. &#8220;We came out of the gate strong on our service component, said Feliks Schwartz, general manager of the hotel at 6631 W. Broad St. &#8220;We have not taken any shortcuts.&#8220;           ]]></description>
          <pubDate>Fri, 20 Nov 2009 00:01:35 EST</pubDate>
<guid>http://www2.timesdispatch.com/rtd/business/local/article/B&#45;AAAA20_20091119&#45;221202/306836/#When:10:45:58Z</guid>
        </item>
    
         <item>
          <title>Va. transit board tightens rules for grant program</title>
          <link>http://www2.timesdispatch.com/rtd/business/transportation/article/CTBO20_20091119&#45;222813/306898/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
Since 1993, the state has put $270 million of its federal transportation money into 817 &#8220;enhancement grant&#8221; projects. Only 389 of those popular community-based undertakings, which are supposed to be related to transportation, have been completed. Dealing with multibillion-dollar, recession-driven budget cuts, the Commonwealth Transportation Board yesterday tightened the rules to qualify for the federally mandated enhancement program.           ]]></description>
          <pubDate>Fri, 20 Nov 2009 00:01:00 EST</pubDate>
<guid>http://www2.timesdispatch.com/rtd/business/transportation/article/CTBO20_20091119&#45;222813/306898/#When:10:45:58Z</guid>
        </item>
    
         <item>
          <title>Business Briefs for Nov. 20</title>
          <link>http://www2.timesdispatch.com/rtd/business/local/article/BBBB20_20091119&#45;221406/306846/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
Richmond Times-Dispatch President and Publisher Thomas A. Silvestri has been elected chairman of the American Press Institute. The institute, based in Reston, is a nonprofit, independent education center that provides training and leadership development in the news industry. It offers seminars, workshops and custom programs for newspaper professionals and organizations.           ]]></description>
          <pubDate>Fri, 20 Nov 2009 00:01:00 EST</pubDate>
<guid>http://www2.timesdispatch.com/rtd/business/local/article/BBBB20_20091119&#45;221406/306846/#When:10:45:58Z</guid>
        </item>
    
         <item>
          <title>Philip Morris ordered to pay $300 million to former smoker</title>
          <link>http://www2.timesdispatch.com/rtd/business/local/article/B&#45;JURY20_20091119&#45;221406/306845/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
A South Florida jury yesterday ordered Philip Morris USA to pay $300 million to a former smoker, agreeing that the tobacco company&#8217;s negligence was the cause of her emphysema. The award in Broward County for Cindy Naugle, 61, is the largest to date among thousands of lawsuits filed in Florida against tobacco companies. &#8220;Cindy admitted her fault to the jury,&#8220; her attorney, Robert W. Kelley, said. &#8220;But Philip Morris refused to accept any responsibility for her emphysema, even though she was an addicted customer for 25 years.&#8220;           ]]></description>
          <pubDate>Fri, 20 Nov 2009 00:01:00 EST</pubDate>
<guid>http://www2.timesdispatch.com/rtd/business/local/article/B&#45;JURY20_20091119&#45;221406/306845/#When:10:45:58Z</guid>
        </item>
    
         <item>
          <title>Employers surveyed on health&#45;care plans</title>
          <link>http://www2.timesdispatch.com/rtd/business/health_med_fit/article/B&#45;HEAL20_20091119&#45;221406/306844/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
Workers afraid of layoffs didn&#8217;t rush to doctors&#8217; offices this year to use their health-insurance benefits as some had predicted, according to a survey of employer-sponsored health plans. &#8220;It just didn&#8217;t happen. People might have been more concerned about getting to work every day,&#8220; said Kenneth Jeffries of the Richmond office of Mercer, an international human resources and benefits management, consulting, outsourcing and investment services company.           ]]></description>
          <pubDate>Fri, 20 Nov 2009 00:01:00 EST</pubDate>
<guid>http://www2.timesdispatch.com/rtd/business/health_med_fit/article/B&#45;HEAL20_20091119&#45;221406/306844/#When:10:45:58Z</guid>
        </item>
    
         <item>
          <title>U.S. scores well in Genworth consumer poll</title>
          <link>http://www2.timesdispatch.com/rtd/business/local/article/B&#45;GENW20_20091119&#45;221406/306842/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
Genworth Financial Inc.&#8216;s latest survey of consumers&#8217; vulnerability found Americans are doing well, considering. Despite the recession, Americans are much less financially at risk than Europeans, the Henrico County-based insurance giant&#8217;s latest review shows. &#8220;Given the harsh economic climate in the USA of recent months, it is perhaps surprising,&#8220; the review commented.           ]]></description>
          <pubDate>Fri, 20 Nov 2009 00:01:00 EST</pubDate>
<guid>http://www2.timesdispatch.com/rtd/business/local/article/B&#45;GENW20_20091119&#45;221406/306842/#When:10:45:58Z</guid>
        </item>
    
         <item>
          <title>Philip Morris sues N.Y., N.J. retailers</title>
          <link>http://www2.timesdispatch.com/rtd/business/local/article/B&#45;FAKE20_20091119&#45;221406/306841/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
As part of a campaign against counterfeit cigarettes, Philip Morris USA is suing 10 retailers in New York and New Jersey alleging they&#8217;ve been selling fake Marlboros. The Henrico County-based cigarette-maker has monitored retail markets for years to keep fake versions of its brands off store shelves. This year, Philip Morris has sued 27 stores in New York and New Jersey, which are hotspots for the fakes because of high state taxes, a huge port through which the contraband is easily shipped, and criminal organizations that wholesale the counterfeits.           ]]></description>
          <pubDate>Fri, 20 Nov 2009 00:01:00 EST</pubDate>
<guid>http://www2.timesdispatch.com/rtd/business/local/article/B&#45;FAKE20_20091119&#45;221406/306841/#When:10:45:58Z</guid>
        </item>
    
         <item>
          <title>Uppy&#8217;s Convenience Stores win chamber&#8217;s Impact Award</title>
          <link>http://www2.timesdispatch.com/rtd/business/local/article/B&#45;AWAR20_20091119&#45;221406/306840/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
Chester-based Uppy&#8217;s Convenience Stores Inc. won the Greater Richmond Chamber&#8217;s Impact Award during a gala last night. The chain of convenience stores was picked from a field of six finalists. &#8220;Uppy&#8217;s ultimately demonstrated, across the board, their commitment to growing their company and building their community in the process, and we are pleased to recognize them for those efforts,&#8220; said Slaughter Fitz-Hugh, chair of the award committee and president of CapTech Ventures.           ]]></description>
          <pubDate>Fri, 20 Nov 2009 00:01:00 EST</pubDate>
<guid>http://www2.timesdispatch.com/rtd/business/local/article/B&#45;AWAR20_20091119&#45;221406/306840/#When:10:45:58Z</guid>
        </item>
    
         <item>
          <title>AOL to shed a third of its work force</title>
          <link>http://www2.timesdispatch.com/rtd/business/local/article/B&#45;AOLL20_20091119&#45;221406/306839/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
Struggling Internet company AOL plans to shed up to 2,500 jobs&#8212;more than a third of its work force&#8212;as it prepares to separate from Time Warner and finally sever their ill-fated marriage. Major job cuts had been expected and seemed certain after Time Warner said last week that AOL would take $200 million in charges for severance and other restructuring-related costs. But the magnitude was not known until yesterday.           ]]></description>
          <pubDate>Fri, 20 Nov 2009 00:01:00 EST</pubDate>
<guid>http://www2.timesdispatch.com/rtd/business/local/article/B&#45;AOLL20_20091119&#45;221406/306839/#When:10:45:58Z</guid>
        </item>
    
         <item>
          <title>Alcoa will cut 250 jobs at Hampton plant</title>
          <link>http://www2.timesdispatch.com/rtd/business/local/article/B&#45;ALCO20_20091119&#45;221406/306838/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
Alcoa Inc., the largest U.S. aluminum producer, will cut 250 jobs at a plant in Hampton because of falling parts orders for industrial gas turbines. The reductions represent about 24 percent of the 1,060 workers employed at the Alcoa Howmet plant, which is part of the company&#8217;s power and propulsion division, spokeswoman Jean Moorman said.           ]]></description>
          <pubDate>Fri, 20 Nov 2009 00:01:00 EST</pubDate>
<guid>http://www2.timesdispatch.com/rtd/business/local/article/B&#45;ALCO20_20091119&#45;221406/306838/#When:10:45:58Z</guid>
        </item>
    
         <item>
          <title>Mortgage delinquency rate rises in Va.</title>
          <link>http://www2.timesdispatch.com/rtd/business/local/article/B&#45;FORE20_20091119&#45;221202/306837/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
The delinquency rate for mortgage loans on residential properties in Virginia stood at 7.7 percent at the end of the third quarter, up from 6.9 percent in the previous quarter, according to the Mortgage Bankers Association. Nationally, the delinquency rate for mortgage loans was 9.94 percent, up from 8.86 percent in the second quarter.           ]]></description>
          <pubDate>Fri, 20 Nov 2009 00:01:00 EST</pubDate>
<guid>http://www2.timesdispatch.com/rtd/business/local/article/B&#45;FORE20_20091119&#45;221202/306837/#When:10:45:58Z</guid>
        </item>
    
         <item>
          <title>Wall Street: Stocks slide after signs of subdued recovery</title>
          <link>http://www2.timesdispatch.com/rtd/business/investment/market_stocks/article/B&#45;WALL20_20091119&#45;205401/306817/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
Stocks tumble on signs of subdued recovery NEW YORK Signs of a subdued economic recovery sent investors out of stocks yesterday and in search of safer assets like the dollar. Major indexes tumbled about 1 percent, including the Dow Jones industrial average, which lost 94 points but ended well off its low. Energy and material stocks logged some of the biggest losses as a jump in the dollar sent commodity prices tumbling. Meanwhile, an analyst&#8217;s downgrade of the chip industry pulled technology shares lower.           ]]></description>
          <pubDate>Fri, 20 Nov 2009 00:01:00 EST</pubDate>
<guid>http://www2.timesdispatch.com/rtd/business/investment/market_stocks/article/B&#45;WALL20_20091119&#45;205401/306817/#When:10:45:58Z</guid>
        </item>
    
         <item>
          <title>Smoke&#45;free restaurant law less than two weeks away</title>
          <link>http://www2.timesdispatch.com/rtd/business/health_med_fit/article/SMOK19S1_20091118&#45;221604/306638/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
Just 12 days remain until a new Virginia law restricting smoking in restaurants goes into effect. Starting Dec. 1, smoking will be prohibited in restaurants, with some exceptions. Smokers and proprietors who violate the law will face civil penalties of $25. More than 70 percent of full-service and fast-food restaurants in the state already are nonsmoking, according to the Virginia Department of Health. Public-health officials and some business groups say they expect to see that percentage rise significantly once the new law is effective.           ]]></description>
          <pubDate>Thu, 19 Nov 2009 00:01:34 EST</pubDate>
<guid>http://www2.timesdispatch.com/rtd/business/health_med_fit/article/SMOK19S1_20091118&#45;221604/306638/#When:10:45:58Z</guid>
        </item>
    
         <item>
          <title>Union Bankshares repays $59 million federal loan</title>
          <link>http://www2.timesdispatch.com/rtd/business/local/article/B&#45;TARP19_20091118&#45;222007/306645/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
Union Bankshares Corp. said yesterday that it has repaid the $59 million it received from the federal government under the Troubled Asset Relief Program. The Bowling Green-based bank, which is preparing to merge with Richmond-based First Market Bank, has redeemed the preferred stock issued to the Treasury by repaying the money it received in December as part of TARP&#8217;s capital purchase program.           ]]></description>
          <pubDate>Thu, 19 Nov 2009 00:01:00 EST</pubDate>
<guid>http://www2.timesdispatch.com/rtd/business/local/article/B&#45;TARP19_20091118&#45;222007/306645/#When:10:45:58Z</guid>
        </item>
    
         <item>
          <title>Maruchan to add 50 jobs in Chesterfield</title>
          <link>http://www2.timesdispatch.com/rtd/business/local/article/B&#45;MARU19_20091118&#45;222007/306644/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
A new manufacturing line from Maruchan Virginia Inc., a Chesterfield County-based ramen soup and noodles manufacturer, will mean 50 new jobs for the region. The $18 million project, announced yesterday at the county Board of Supervisors meeting, will bring the number of manufacturing lines at the Chesterfield facility to nine. &#8220;Chesterfield County continues to offer a number of amenities and opportunities for the continued success of our business,&#8220; said Maruchan Vice President and General Manager Nobuhide Kaneshige.           ]]></description>
          <pubDate>Thu, 19 Nov 2009 00:01:00 EST</pubDate>
<guid>http://www2.timesdispatch.com/rtd/business/local/article/B&#45;MARU19_20091118&#45;222007/306644/#When:10:45:58Z</guid>
        </item>
    
         <item>
          <title>Bankruptcy judge approves LandAmerica plan</title>
          <link>http://www2.timesdispatch.com/rtd/business/local/article/B&#45;LAND19_20091118&#45;222007/306643/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
The end is near for LandAmerica Financial Group Inc. U.S. Bankruptcy Judge Kevin R. Huennekens approved the Henrico County-based title insurer&#8217;s plan yesterday to dissolve itself, pay creditors and set up trust committees to wind down the estate. &#8220;Not everyone is happy but this is the happiest plan we could have,&#8220; Huennekens said after a daylong hearing in U.S. Bankruptcy Court in Richmond.           ]]></description>
          <pubDate>Thu, 19 Nov 2009 00:01:00 EST</pubDate>
<guid>http://www2.timesdispatch.com/rtd/business/local/article/B&#45;LAND19_20091118&#45;222007/306643/#When:10:45:58Z</guid>
        </item>
    
         <item>
          <title>Wall Street recap: Tech, housing numbers cited as stocks drop</title>
          <link>http://www2.timesdispatch.com/rtd/business/investment/market_stocks/article/B&#45;WALL19_20091118&#45;195002/306581/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
Tech, housing numbers cited as stocks drop NEW YORK Disappointing forecasts from technology companies and an unexpected drop in home construction added to worries about the economy and sent stocks modestly lower. The drop yesterday came a day after major stock indicators closed at 13-month highs. The Dow fell 11.11, or 0.1 percent, to 10,426.31, after sliding as much as 77 points in morning trading.           ]]></description>
          <pubDate>Thu, 19 Nov 2009 00:01:00 EST</pubDate>
<guid>http://www2.timesdispatch.com/rtd/business/investment/market_stocks/article/B&#45;WALL19_20091118&#45;195002/306581/#When:10:45:58Z</guid>
        </item>
    
         <item>
          <title>Business Briefs for Nov. 18</title>
          <link>http://www2.timesdispatch.com/rtd/business/local/article/BBBB18_20091117&#45;213604/306353/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
After 22 years, Spinnaker&#8217;s Restaurant in the Chesterfield Towne Center has closed. The eatery officially shuttered Sunday after an issue with The Macerich Co., the California-based company that owns regional malls. Gregg Gregory, the owner of the local Spinnaker&#8217;s, said his lease was supposed to end next month, but the company told him last week that it was time to go.           ]]></description>
          <pubDate>Wed, 18 Nov 2009 00:01:00 EST</pubDate>
<guid>http://www2.timesdispatch.com/rtd/business/local/article/BBBB18_20091117&#45;213604/306353/#When:10:45:58Z</guid>
        </item>
    
         <item>
          <title>Costco and Coca&#45;Cola Co. locked in price dispute</title>
          <link>http://www2.timesdispatch.com/rtd/business/local/article/B&#45;TOGO18_20091117&#45;213604/306352/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
Costco customers may have to look elsewhere for Coca-Cola products now that the retailer has stopped carrying them because the pair are fighting over prices. The public squabble between one of the nation&#8217;s largest wholesale club operators and the world&#8217;s largest soft-drink maker is likely to fizzle quickly. But it reveals real tensions as retailers and product makers square off on prices.           ]]></description>
          <pubDate>Wed, 18 Nov 2009 00:01:00 EST</pubDate>
<guid>http://www2.timesdispatch.com/rtd/business/local/article/B&#45;TOGO18_20091117&#45;213604/306352/#When:10:45:58Z</guid>
        </item>
    
         <item>
          <title>VRS names Genworth to provide long&#45;term&#45;care insurance</title>
          <link>http://www2.timesdispatch.com/rtd/business/local/article/B&#45;GENW18_20091117&#45;213604/306351/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
The Virginia Retirement System has selected Genworth Financial Inc. as its choice to offer long-term-care insurance as a fringe benefit to its more than 600,000 members, retirees and beneficiaries. The coverage will be offered through a group insurance policy, under the Commonwealth of Virginia Voluntary Group Long Term Care Insurance Program.           ]]></description>
          <pubDate>Wed, 18 Nov 2009 00:01:00 EST</pubDate>
<guid>http://www2.timesdispatch.com/rtd/business/local/article/B&#45;GENW18_20091117&#45;213604/306351/#When:10:45:58Z</guid>
        </item>
    
         <item>
          <title>Earnings: Central Virginia Bankshares</title>
          <link>http://www2.timesdispatch.com/rtd/business/local/article/B&#45;EARN18_20091117&#45;213604/306350/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
Central Virginia Bankshares Inc. reported a third-quarter net loss of $1.05 million, or a loss of 46 cents per share, compared with a loss of $16.89 million, or $6.56 per share, in the year-earlier quarter. Core earnings, or net income after adjustments related to investment losses in Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac and a special assessment, were $571,368 compared with $942,656 in the year-earlier quarter.           ]]></description>
          <pubDate>Wed, 18 Nov 2009 00:01:00 EST</pubDate>
<guid>http://www2.timesdispatch.com/rtd/business/local/article/B&#45;EARN18_20091117&#45;213604/306350/#When:10:45:58Z</guid>
        </item>
    
         <item>
          <title>Chester company buys 172 Exxon stations</title>
          <link>http://www2.timesdispatch.com/rtd/business/local/article/B&#45;UPPY18_20091117&#45;212804/306346/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
Chester-based Southside Oil LLC has bought 172 Exxon retail gasoline stations, mainly in Maryland, more than doubling the company&#8217;s retail operations. The privately held company did not disclose the terms of the sale. Southside Oil is a wholesale gasoline distribution company owned by Steven and Linda Uphoff. The Uphoffs also operate 42 Uppy&#8217;s Convenience Stores Inc. locations in Virginia. They own the property where 67 other BP and ExxonMobil gas stations are, but they don&#8217;t operate those stations.           ]]></description>
          <pubDate>Wed, 18 Nov 2009 00:01:00 EST</pubDate>
<guid>http://www2.timesdispatch.com/rtd/business/local/article/B&#45;UPPY18_20091117&#45;212804/306346/#When:10:45:58Z</guid>
        </item>
    
         <item>
          <title>Tobacco firms find tax loophole</title>
          <link>http://www2.timesdispatch.com/rtd/business/local/article/B&#45;TOBA18_20091117&#45;212804/306345/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
A new, multimillion-dollar tax loophole is leading some firms to start labeling their tobacco for roll-your-own cigarettes as pipe tobacco. New tobacco taxes, meant to finance an expansion of children&#8217;s health insurance, boosted the levy on tobacco for roll-your-own cigarettes from $1.10 a pound to $24.78 a pound. But the tiny, fading market of pipe smokers managed to get by with a federal tax of $2.83 a pound.           ]]></description>
          <pubDate>Wed, 18 Nov 2009 00:01:00 EST</pubDate>
<guid>http://www2.timesdispatch.com/rtd/business/local/article/B&#45;TOBA18_20091117&#45;212804/306345/#When:10:45:58Z</guid>
        </item>
    
         <item>
          <title>Massey buys more coal reserves</title>
          <link>http://www2.timesdispatch.com/rtd/business/local/article/B&#45;MASS18_20091117&#45;212804/306344/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
Massey Energy Co. has bought additional coal reserves from the bankrupt Appalachian Fuels LLC and its affiliates. The metallurgical and steam coal reserves, bought for about $6 million, consist of about 15 million tons of highvolatile coal located in Barbour County, W.Va. Richmond-based Massey also acquired permits which will eventually be necessary for production on the property.           ]]></description>
          <pubDate>Wed, 18 Nov 2009 00:01:00 EST</pubDate>
<guid>http://www2.timesdispatch.com/rtd/business/local/article/B&#45;MASS18_20091117&#45;212804/306344/#When:10:45:58Z</guid>
        </item>
    
         <item>
          <title>Wall Street recap</title>
          <link>http://www2.timesdispatch.com/rtd/business/investment/market_stocks/article/B&#45;WALL18_20091117&#45;192202/306323/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
Commodities gain, but stocks end mixed NEW YORK Stocks finished an erratic session mixed yesterday as higher commodity prices lifted energy and materials shares. Major stock indexes had their third straight advance, reaching new 13-month highs, but there were more declining shares than advancers on the New York Stock Exchange and the Nasdaq.           ]]></description>
          <pubDate>Wed, 18 Nov 2009 00:01:00 EST</pubDate>
<guid>http://www2.timesdispatch.com/rtd/business/investment/market_stocks/article/B&#45;WALL18_20091117&#45;192202/306323/#When:10:45:58Z</guid>
        </item>
    
         <item>
          <title>Coalition of CEOs urges government to invest in electric cars</title>
          <link>http://www2.timesdispatch.com/rtd/business/local/article/B&#45;TOGO17_20091116&#45;220006/306136/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
Agroup of businessmen launched a coalition yesterday to urge the federal government to make a major investment in electric transportation, pointing to electric cars as the best way to confront the nation&#8217;s dependence on imported oil. Top executives with more than a dozen companies, including Nissan Motor Co., FedEx Corp., electric utility PG&amp;E Corp. and battery developers A123 Systems Inc. and Johnson Controls-Saft, announced the formation of the Electrification Coalition to lay the groundwork for millions of electric cars to reach U.S. highways.           ]]></description>
          <pubDate>Tue, 17 Nov 2009 00:01:39 EST</pubDate>
<guid>http://www2.timesdispatch.com/rtd/business/local/article/B&#45;TOGO17_20091116&#45;220006/306136/#When:10:45:58Z</guid>
        </item>
    
         <item>
          <title>Business Briefs for Nov. 17</title>
          <link>http://www2.timesdispatch.com/rtd/business/local/article/BBBB17_20091116&#45;220006/306137/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
The State Corporation Commission says Virginia&#8217;s goal reducing electricity consumption by 10 percent by lowering demand and improving efficiency is realistic. The General Assembly passed legislation this year requiring the report, which the SCC submitted to the legislature and Gov. Tim Kaine yesterday. Time Warner will spin off Internet business AOL Inc. as a separate company Dec. 9.           ]]></description>
          <pubDate>Tue, 17 Nov 2009 00:01:31 EST</pubDate>
<guid>http://www2.timesdispatch.com/rtd/business/local/article/BBBB17_20091116&#45;220006/306137/#When:10:45:58Z</guid>
        </item>
    
         <item>
          <title>Fed suggests new rules for retailers on gift cards</title>
          <link>http://www2.timesdispatch.com/rtd/business/local/article/B&#45;FEDD17_20091116&#45;220006/306133/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
The Federal Reserve proposed new rules to protect consumers from unexpected costs or restrictions on gift cards. More than 95 percent of Americans have received or bought gift cards, the Fed said. Under the proposed rule announced yesterday, consumers must have at least five years to use the gift cards before they expire. The Fed also said service or inactivity fees can be imposed but only under certain conditions.           ]]></description>
          <pubDate>Tue, 17 Nov 2009 00:01:18 EST</pubDate>
<guid>http://www2.timesdispatch.com/rtd/business/local/article/B&#45;FEDD17_20091116&#45;220006/306133/#When:10:45:58Z</guid>
        </item>
    
         <item>
          <title>Post&#45;bankruptcy GM reports smaller loss</title>
          <link>http://www2.timesdispatch.com/rtd/business/local/article/B&#45;EARN17_20091116&#45;220006/306129/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
General Motors, its river of red ink stemmed by a trip through Bankruptcy Court, reported a narrower quarterly loss yesterday and said it would start repaying billions of dollars in government loans that helped keep it alive. GM lost $1.2 billion in the third quarter&#8212;far less than the $6 billion it lost in the first three months of the year, before GM was transformed by a stay in Chapter 11. The company credited a sharp reduction in debt as well as sales of new models.           ]]></description>
          <pubDate>Tue, 17 Nov 2009 00:01:16 EST</pubDate>
<guid>http://www2.timesdispatch.com/rtd/business/local/article/B&#45;EARN17_20091116&#45;220006/306129/#When:10:45:58Z</guid>
        </item>
    
         <item>
          <title>Wall Street recap</title>
          <link>http://www2.timesdispatch.com/rtd/business/investment/market_stocks/article/B&#45;WALL17_20091116&#45;202202/306111/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
Stocks rise after report on better retail sales NEW YORK Investors kept the stock market&#8217;s upward momentum going yesterday, sending shares sharply higher after retail sales rebounded more than expected in October and the dollar extended its slide. Major stock indexes rose more than 1 percent to 13-month highs. The Dow Jones industrial average advanced 136.49, or 1.3 percent, to 10,406.96 after rising nearly 164 points.           ]]></description>
          <pubDate>Tue, 17 Nov 2009 00:01:12 EST</pubDate>
<guid>http://www2.timesdispatch.com/rtd/business/investment/market_stocks/article/B&#45;WALL17_20091116&#45;202202/306111/#When:10:45:58Z</guid>
        </item>
    
         <item>
          <title>Customer count up at Glen Allen Supermarket</title>
          <link>http://www2.timesdispatch.com/rtd/business/local/metrobusiness/article/NAME16_20091115&#45;173411/305908/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
David Fitzgerald stops by the Glen Allen Supermarket nearly every afternoon to grab a cup of coffee. &#8220;Everyone there is very friendly,&#8220; the Henrico County resident said. &#8220;They know most everybody that comes in. If they don&#8217;t know you on your first trip, they will know you the next time.&#8220; Rhonda Abernathy and her husband, Jeffrey, bought the store in May 2008 from 79-year-old Emmett Allen when he decided to retire. His father, E.L. Allen, started the business in 1925 as a general store.           ]]></description>
          <pubDate>Mon, 16 Nov 2009 00:04:09 EST</pubDate>
<guid>http://www2.timesdispatch.com/rtd/business/local/metrobusiness/article/NAME16_20091115&#45;173411/305908/#When:10:45:58Z</guid>
        </item>
    
         <item>
          <title>Biz Buzz: Chesterfield center&#8217;s shopping filling out</title>
          <link>http://www2.timesdispatch.com/rtd/business/local/metrobusiness/article/BUZZ16_20091115&#45;173411/305899/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
Sitting in the shadows of the Westchester Commons, The Shoppes at Westchester is quickly filling up and becoming a major shopping and office complex on Midlothian Turnpike. The Chesterfield County development is part of the Watkins Centre, a nearly 640-acre project that includes retail, an office park and eventually residences. The Shoppes at Westchester sits on a 32-acre piece of Watkins Centre. It has 28,000 square feet of retail in the middle of the center and an additional 23,700 square feet in outer parcels.           ]]></description>
          <pubDate>Mon, 16 Nov 2009 00:02:56 EST</pubDate>
<guid>http://www2.timesdispatch.com/rtd/business/local/metrobusiness/article/BUZZ16_20091115&#45;173411/305899/#When:10:45:58Z</guid>
        </item>
    
         <item>
          <title>E&#45;mailing large files despite attachment limits</title>
          <link>http://www2.timesdispatch.com/rtd/business/local/metrobusiness/article/PROP16_20091115&#45;173411/305910/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
Dear PropellerHeads: Sometimes I need to send large files to my co-workers, but my e-mail provider&#8217;s limit on attachment size makes this impossible. Can you help? Answer: Of course, we can, but be honest: Is this really work-related or are you just sending home videos of your cat? That&#8217;s what YouTube is for. E-mail is for sending people the link to your cat video.           ]]></description>
          <pubDate>Mon, 16 Nov 2009 00:01:56 EST</pubDate>
<guid>http://www2.timesdispatch.com/rtd/business/local/metrobusiness/article/PROP16_20091115&#45;173411/305910/#When:10:45:58Z</guid>
        </item>
    
         <item>
          <title>60 Seconds with: Lisa Disselkamp</title>
          <link>http://www2.timesdispatch.com/rtd/business/local/metrobusiness/article/SECS16_20091115&#45;173411/305911/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
LISA DISSELKAMP Metro Business asked Lisa Disselkamp, president of Athena Enterprises, a Chesterfield County-based work-force management technology consulting firm, and author of two books, including &#8220;No Boundaries,&#8220; about managing payroll costs: &#8220;Business leaders today are looking for sources for profit and productivity. &#8220;While they may realize labor spending is one of the largest line-item expenses, it is often one of the most undermanaged costs.           ]]></description>
          <pubDate>Mon, 16 Nov 2009 00:01:16 EST</pubDate>
<guid>http://www2.timesdispatch.com/rtd/business/local/metrobusiness/article/SECS16_20091115&#45;173411/305911/#When:10:45:58Z</guid>
        </item>
    
         <item>
          <title>Indicators for week of Nov. 16</title>
          <link>http://www2.timesdispatch.com/rtd/business/local/metrobusiness/article/SKED16_20091115&#45;173411/305912/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
Indicators MONDAY Commerce Department releases retail sales for October and business inventories for September.&nbsp; TUESDAY Labor Department releases the Producer Price Index for October. Treasury releases money-flows data for September. Federal Reserve releases industrial production for October. National Association of Home Builders releases housing-market index for November.           ]]></description>
          <pubDate>Mon, 16 Nov 2009 00:01:00 EST</pubDate>
<guid>http://www2.timesdispatch.com/rtd/business/local/metrobusiness/article/SKED16_20091115&#45;173411/305912/#When:10:45:58Z</guid>
        </item>
    
         <item>
          <title>Metro Business calendar for week of Nov. 16</title>
          <link>http://www2.timesdispatch.com/rtd/business/local/metrobusiness/article/MBCL16_20091115&#45;173411/305907/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
MONDAY, NOV. 16 Greater Richmond Chamber offers &#8220;QuickBooks Payroll,&#8220; 11:30 a.m., Hanover Department of Economic Development, 9097 Atlee Station Road, Mechanicsville. Presenter: Kelly Garrett with Kelly Garrett Consulting. Cost: $20. Online registration required. Registration: http://www.grcc.com; Jackie Carter, (804) 783-9314 or jackie.carter@grcc.com.           ]]></description>
          <pubDate>Mon, 16 Nov 2009 00:01:00 EST</pubDate>
<guid>http://www2.timesdispatch.com/rtd/business/local/metrobusiness/article/MBCL16_20091115&#45;173411/305907/#When:10:45:58Z</guid>
        </item>
    
         <item>
          <title>Benefits, risks of using social media in the workplace</title>
          <link>http://www2.timesdispatch.com/rtd/business/local/metrobusiness/article/CALN16_20091115&#45;173411/305901/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
Most companies have learned that social media can be an innovative marketing and branding tool. Chip Farmer, executive director of RichTech in Richmond, thinks they now want to know the potential risks of integrating social media into the workplace. For example, there&#8217;s a need to control bandwidth, he said. Also, there are network and security issues, plus the need to protect intellectual property and employees.           ]]></description>
          <pubDate>Mon, 16 Nov 2009 00:01:00 EST</pubDate>
<guid>http://www2.timesdispatch.com/rtd/business/local/metrobusiness/article/CALN16_20091115&#45;173411/305901/#When:10:45:58Z</guid>
        </item>
    
         <item>
          <title>Gordonsville couple give U.Va. $5 million for diabetes research</title>
          <link>http://www2.timesdispatch.com/rtd/business/local/article/GIFT15_20091114&#45;185805/305708/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
Paul and Diane Manning had no family history of Type 1 diabetes until both of their children developed the disease, but they&#8217;re making a historic family contribution to fighting it. The Gordonsville couple donated $5 million to diabetes research at the University of Virginia Health System. &#8220;My wife and I have been very fortunate in business. We like giving back,&#8220; Paul Manning said. Their company, PBM Products, produces infant formula. A new venture, Beta-Pro LLC, is a biotechnology firm that provides diabetes researchers with custom cellular and consulting services.           ]]></description>
          <pubDate>Sun, 15 Nov 2009 00:01:36 EST</pubDate>
<guid>http://www2.timesdispatch.com/rtd/business/local/article/GIFT15_20091114&#45;185805/305708/#When:10:45:58Z</guid>
        </item>
    
         <item>
          <title>Social media hold promise, peril for companies</title>
          <link>http://www2.timesdispatch.com/rtd/business/local/article/TWIT15_20091114&#45;185805/305710/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
If you think gathering connections on LinkedIn is harmless, think again. Say you&#8217;re an executive whose connections consist mostly of clients. If a client or colleague recommends someone and you accept them into your network, you could unintentionally grant a competitor access to an unofficial client list, said Terry Gudaitis, vice president of cyber intelligence with the Arlington firm Cyveillance Inc.           ]]></description>
          <pubDate>Sun, 15 Nov 2009 00:01:10 EST</pubDate>
<guid>http://www2.timesdispatch.com/rtd/business/local/article/TWIT15_20091114&#45;185805/305710/#When:10:45:58Z</guid>
        </item>
    
         <item>
          <title>Stocks news for Nov. 15</title>
          <link>http://www2.timesdispatch.com/rtd/business/investment/article/STOX15_20091114&#45;190001/305712/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
For the week that ended Nov. 13. Dividends Quarterly unless noted Increased Allied World Assur .20 from .18 AmeriSourceBergen .08 from .06 Atmos Energy .335 from .33 Automatic Data .34 from .33 Bank Mutual Corp .09 from .07 Baxter Intl .29 from .26 Cliffs Nat Res .0875 from .04 DeVry Inc .20 from .16           ]]></description>
          <pubDate>Sun, 15 Nov 2009 00:01:02 EST</pubDate>
<guid>http://www2.timesdispatch.com/rtd/business/investment/article/STOX15_20091114&#45;190001/305712/#When:10:45:58Z</guid>
        </item>
    
         <item>
          <title>Golden Hammer Awards: Top renovation projects recognized</title>
          <link>http://www2.timesdispatch.com/rtd/business/local/article/B&#45;ACOR14_20091113&#45;215405/305572/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
The Alliance to Conserve Old Richmond Neighborhoods presented its annual Golden Hammer Awards this week for the best renovations in the Richmond area. The awards program, now in its 10th year, drew 33 nominations this year, said David Herring, the alliance&#8217;s director.           ]]></description>
          <pubDate>Sat, 14 Nov 2009 00:01:58 EST</pubDate>
<guid>http://www2.timesdispatch.com/rtd/business/local/article/B&#45;ACOR14_20091113&#45;215405/305572/#When:10:45:58Z</guid>
        </item>
    
         <item>
          <title>Cost&#45;cutting helps profit for Southern States Cooperative</title>
          <link>http://www2.timesdispatch.com/rtd/business/local/article/B&#45;STAT14_20091113&#45;215405/305576/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
The recession took a bite out of Southern States Cooperative Inc.&#8216;s revenue in its 2009 fiscal year, but cost-cutting helped it turn a profit for the year. The Richmond-based agricultural cooperative, which is owned by 300,000 member farmers, held its annual meeting yesterday at its Henrico County headquarters. &#8220;Without question fiscal 2009 was a very difficult year for our cooperative,&#8220; said Thomas R. Scribner, Southern States&#8217; president and chief executive officer.           ]]></description>
          <pubDate>Sat, 14 Nov 2009 00:01:00 EST</pubDate>
<guid>http://www2.timesdispatch.com/rtd/business/local/article/B&#45;STAT14_20091113&#45;215405/305576/#When:10:45:58Z</guid>
        </item>
    
         <item>
          <title>Wall Street recap</title>
          <link>http://www2.timesdispatch.com/rtd/business/investment/market_stocks/article/B&#45;WALL14_20091113&#45;214202/305570/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
Earnings reports give a boost; Dow gains 73 NEW YORK Encouraging earnings news from major retailers and The Walt Disney Co. drew investors back into the stock market to cap a second big week of gains. The Dow Jones industrial average gained 73 yesterday after falling 94 on Thursday. Major stock indexes rose more than 2 percent for the week.           ]]></description>
          <pubDate>Sat, 14 Nov 2009 00:01:00 EST</pubDate>
<guid>http://www2.timesdispatch.com/rtd/business/investment/market_stocks/article/B&#45;WALL14_20091113&#45;214202/305570/#When:10:45:58Z</guid>
        </item>
    
         <item>
          <title>Ukrop&#8217;s expands offerings of prepared foods</title>
          <link>http://www2.timesdispatch.com/rtd/business/local/article/B&#45;UKRO13_20091112&#45;221408/305399/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
Ukrop&#8217;s Super Markets Inc. has expanded its line of prepared foods to include several oven-ready, family-sized options aimed at working families.           ]]></description>
          <pubDate>Fri, 13 Nov 2009 00:01:49 EST</pubDate>
<guid>http://www2.timesdispatch.com/rtd/business/local/article/B&#45;UKRO13_20091112&#45;221408/305399/#When:10:45:58Z</guid>
        </item>
    
         <item>
          <title>Dominion Resources wins HYPE Young Professional Workplace Award</title>
          <link>http://www2.timesdispatch.com/rtd/business/local/article/B&#45;HYPE13_20091112&#45;221408/305396/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
Dominion Resources Inc. won the HYPE Young Professional Workplace Award last night for fostering a dynamic work environment for young professionals. The company was recognized in a ceremony at the Robinson Theater Community Art Center in Richmond. The award, in its second year, recognizes firms that attract young professionals and promote their development and leadership through career opportunities and volunteerism while encouraging work-life balance.           ]]></description>
          <pubDate>Fri, 13 Nov 2009 00:01:19 EST</pubDate>
<guid>http://www2.timesdispatch.com/rtd/business/local/article/B&#45;HYPE13_20091112&#45;221408/305396/#When:10:45:58Z</guid>
        </item>
    
         <item>
          <title>U.S. trustee objects to LandAmerica&#8217;s exit plan for bankruptcy</title>
          <link>http://www2.timesdispatch.com/rtd/business/local/article/B&#45;LAND13_20091112&#45;221408/305397/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
The U.S. trustee charged with upholding bankruptcy laws filed an objection late yesterday regarding LandAmerica Financial Group Inc.&#8216;s plan to exit Chapter 11. The bankrupt Henrico County title insurer filed a mediated plan of reorganization in September, saying that liquidation was the firm&#8217;s only option. The plan detailed how creditors would be paid but also had other provisions to which U.S. trustee W. Clarkson McDow Jr. objected.           ]]></description>
          <pubDate>Fri, 13 Nov 2009 00:01:00 EST</pubDate>
<guid>http://www2.timesdispatch.com/rtd/business/local/article/B&#45;LAND13_20091112&#45;221408/305397/#When:10:45:58Z</guid>
        </item>
    
         <item>
          <title>Ideas proposed for St. Mary&#8217;s Hospital growth</title>
          <link>http://www2.timesdispatch.com/rtd/business/health_med_fit/article/B&#45;BONS13_20091112&#45;221408/305395/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
The &#8220;new urbanism&#8221; style of development that Bon Secours Richmond Health System envisions for its St. Francis Medical Center in Chesterfield County also would guide future development of its St. Mary&#8217;s Hospital in Henrico County under proposals presented last night. The St. Mary&#8217;s campus would become more pedestrian friendly and show a more architecturally pleasing face to Monument Avenue under the conceptual plans, which look five, 20 and 40 years into the future.           ]]></description>
          <pubDate>Fri, 13 Nov 2009 00:01:00 EST</pubDate>
<guid>http://www2.timesdispatch.com/rtd/business/health_med_fit/article/B&#45;BONS13_20091112&#45;221408/305395/#When:10:45:58Z</guid>
        </item>
    
         <item>
          <title>Mark Smith, owner of 4 Midas shops, named Retailer of the Year</title>
          <link>http://www2.timesdispatch.com/rtd/business/local/article/B&#45;RETA13_20091112&#45;221203/305391/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
Mark Smith was named 2009 Retailer of the Year by the Retail Merchants Association yesterday. Smith, who owns four area Midas Auto Service Experts locations, was chosen by a panel of former winners. Smith said yesterday that the award is acknowledgment of the work his employees do. &#8220;I know some of the past winners and it mean a lot to me that my guys have been recognized,&#8220; he said.           ]]></description>
          <pubDate>Fri, 13 Nov 2009 00:01:00 EST</pubDate>
<guid>http://www2.timesdispatch.com/rtd/business/local/article/B&#45;RETA13_20091112&#45;221203/305391/#When:10:45:58Z</guid>
        </item>
    
         <item>
          <title>Wall Street recap: Drop in U.S. energy demand drags stock market lower</title>
          <link>http://www2.timesdispatch.com/rtd/business/investment/market_stocks/article/B&#45;WALL13_20091112&#45;203603/305359/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
Drop in energy demand a drag on stock market NEW YORK Ajump in the nation&#8217;s energy inventories sent stocks falling yesterday as investors worried that demand for oil and gasoline is falling because of the struggling economy. Major stock indexes slid about 1 percent from 13-month highs. The government&#8217;s inventory report pushed crude oil down 3 percent, below $77 a barrel. A gain in the dollar also weighed on prices for commodities including oil by making them more expensive for overseas buyers.           ]]></description>
          <pubDate>Fri, 13 Nov 2009 00:01:00 EST</pubDate>
<guid>http://www2.timesdispatch.com/rtd/business/investment/market_stocks/article/B&#45;WALL13_20091112&#45;203603/305359/#When:10:45:58Z</guid>
        </item>
    
         <item>
          <title>Maryland and Delaware join Virginia to develop offshore wind energy</title>
          <link>http://www2.timesdispatch.com/rtd/business/energy/article/B&#45;WIND12_20091111&#45;212804/305138/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
The governors of Virginia, Maryland and Delaware have signed a memorandum of understanding to create a formal tri-state partnership for the development of offshore wind energy in the mid-Atlantic region.            ]]></description>
          <pubDate>Thu, 12 Nov 2009 00:01:45 EST</pubDate>
<guid>http://www2.timesdispatch.com/rtd/business/energy/article/B&#45;WIND12_20091111&#45;212804/305138/#When:10:45:58Z</guid>
        </item>
    
         <item>
          <title>Business Briefs for Nov. 12</title>
          <link>http://www2.timesdispatch.com/rtd/business/local/article/BBBB12_20091111&#45;213004/305143/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
The MBA program at the University of Richmond&#8217;s Robins School of Business was ranked the 17th best part-time program in country by BusinessWeek. The University of Virginia&#8217;s Darden School of Business ranked 16th best U.S. full-time MBA program. It had been ranked 15th two years ago. The two program were the only ones in Virginia to be included in the magazine&#8217;s recent rankings.           ]]></description>
          <pubDate>Thu, 12 Nov 2009 00:01:00 EST</pubDate>
<guid>http://www2.timesdispatch.com/rtd/business/local/article/BBBB12_20091111&#45;213004/305143/#When:10:45:58Z</guid>
        </item>
    
         <item>
          <title>Price for gold rockets above $1,000 per ounce</title>
          <link>http://www2.timesdispatch.com/rtd/business/local/article/B&#45;TOGO12_20091111&#45;213004/305142/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
Price for gold hits record of $1,119 per ounce The new gold rush is on. The price of the precious metal is soaring, hitting a record $1,119 an ounce on yesterday&#8212;confounding market analysts who thought there was no way gold would remain so expensive when it first cracked the unheard-of $1,000 mark last year. The remarkable run has implications far beyond those for savvy investors. In New York&#8217;s diamond district, more people started showing up late last year to sell their gold, and the crush hasn&#8217;t let up, said Anthony Iannelli, owner of Iannelli Diamonds.           ]]></description>
          <pubDate>Thu, 12 Nov 2009 00:01:00 EST</pubDate>
<guid>http://www2.timesdispatch.com/rtd/business/local/article/B&#45;TOGO12_20091111&#45;213004/305142/#When:10:45:58Z</guid>
        </item>
    
         <item>
          <title>Macy&#8217;s localization efforts paying off</title>
          <link>http://www2.timesdispatch.com/rtd/business/local/article/B&#45;MACY12_20091111&#45;213004/305141/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
Macy&#8217;s Inc.&#8216;s move to localize merchandise at its department stores by region appears to be paying off. The giant department-store retailer did a better job of narrowing losses in the fiscal third quarter than analysts had expected, helped by &#8220;My Macy&#8217;s&#8221; efforts to tailor products to fit regional markets. Macy&#8217;s gradual upswing in business bolstered optimism about holiday-season sales, prompting management to raise full-year sales and profit estimates. But Macy&#8217;s fourth-quarter targets didn&#8217;t contain as much punch as investors had been hoping for.           ]]></description>
          <pubDate>Thu, 12 Nov 2009 00:01:00 EST</pubDate>
<guid>http://www2.timesdispatch.com/rtd/business/local/article/B&#45;MACY12_20091111&#45;213004/305141/#When:10:45:58Z</guid>
        </item>
    
         <item>
          <title>Charlottesville firm, U.Va., work on new turbine design</title>
          <link>http://www2.timesdispatch.com/rtd/business/energy/article/B&#45;TURB12_20091111&#45;212804/305137/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
A Charlottesville company and researchers at the University of Virginia are developing a new turbine to harness wind power for electricity. The prototype wind turbine&#8212;dubbed the Blade Runner 5000&#8212;is designed to be smaller, cheaper and more efficient than traditional wind turbines. The most noticeable difference is that the turbine&#8217;s blades rotate on a vertical axis, rather than the typical horizontal axis.           ]]></description>
          <pubDate>Thu, 12 Nov 2009 00:01:00 EST</pubDate>
<guid>http://www2.timesdispatch.com/rtd/business/energy/article/B&#45;TURB12_20091111&#45;212804/305137/#When:10:45:58Z</guid>
        </item>
    
         <item>
          <title>Alpha Natural Resources Inc.</title>
          <link>http://www2.timesdispatch.com/rtd/business/local/article/B&#45;ALPH12G_20091111&#45;212804/305135/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
Headquarters: Abingdon (moving to Bristol) &nbsp; Employees: 6,200 &nbsp; Top executive: Kevin S. Crutchfield, chief executive officer &nbsp; Founded: 2002, after the private-equity firm First Reserve Corp. bought the Virginia operations of Pittston Coal Co. &nbsp; Key products: Coal for steam and metallurgical uses            ]]></description>
          <pubDate>Thu, 12 Nov 2009 00:01:00 EST</pubDate>
<guid>http://www2.timesdispatch.com/rtd/business/local/article/B&#45;ALPH12G_20091111&#45;212804/305135/#When:10:45:58Z</guid>
        </item>
    
         <item>
          <title>Coal company to keep headquarters in Southwest Va.</title>
          <link>http://www2.timesdispatch.com/rtd/business/energy/article/B&#45;ALPH12_20091111&#45;212804/305134/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
Coal producer Alpha Natural Resources chose to build a new corporate headquarters in Bristol for economic reasons and to stay close to its roots in rural Southwest Virginia, its chief executive officer said. The company said yesterday that it plans to open a new headquarters building in Bristol&#8217;s Sugar Hollow Business Complex by 2011, bringing 69 jobs to Virginia.           ]]></description>
          <pubDate>Thu, 12 Nov 2009 00:01:00 EST</pubDate>
<guid>http://www2.timesdispatch.com/rtd/business/energy/article/B&#45;ALPH12_20091111&#45;212804/305134/#When:10:45:58Z</guid>
        </item>
    
         <item>
          <title>Wall Street recap</title>
          <link>http://www2.timesdispatch.com/rtd/business/investment/market_stocks/article/B&#45;WALL12_20091111&#45;212201/305133/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
Stocks rise as traders bet on low rates, China NEW YORK More signs that interest rates will remain low and upbeat economic news from China gave investors more reason to keep buying stocks yesterday. Federal Reserve officials signaled in speeches late Tuesday that a recovery in the economy is likely to be weak. Investors took that as another sign that policymakers will hold interest rates low to help resuscitate growth.           ]]></description>
          <pubDate>Thu, 12 Nov 2009 00:01:00 EST</pubDate>
<guid>http://www2.timesdispatch.com/rtd/business/investment/market_stocks/article/B&#45;WALL12_20091111&#45;212201/305133/#When:10:45:58Z</guid>
        </item>
    
         <item>
          <title>Estes transports World Trade Center steel back to New York</title>
          <link>http://www2.timesdispatch.com/rtd/business/local/article/B&#45;ESTE11_20091110&#45;215405/304898/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
It wasn&#8217;t a load for Mitch Kattan. It was an honor. For former members of the American armed forces such as Kattan, their military service gives special meaning to national commemorations like Veterans Day.           ]]></description>
          <pubDate>Wed, 11 Nov 2009 00:01:48 EST</pubDate>
<guid>http://www2.timesdispatch.com/rtd/business/local/article/B&#45;ESTE11_20091110&#45;215405/304898/#When:10:45:58Z</guid>
        </item>
    
         <item>
          <title>Business Briefs for Nov. 11</title>
          <link>http://www2.timesdispatch.com/rtd/business/local/article/BBBB11_20091110&#45;215601/304906/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
Tobacco company Star Scientific Inc. has six months to get its stock price above $1 per share or face possible delisting from the Nasdaq stock exchange. The Petersburg-based company said it was notified by Nasdaq officials on Nov. 5 that it was not in compliance with the exchange&#8217;s minimum-bid rules because its closing per-share bid price was below $1 for 30 consecutive days.           ]]></description>
          <pubDate>Wed, 11 Nov 2009 00:01:00 EST</pubDate>
<guid>http://www2.timesdispatch.com/rtd/business/local/article/BBBB11_20091110&#45;215601/304906/#When:10:45:58Z</guid>
        </item>
    
         <item>
          <title>60&#45;year&#45;old Abingdon drive&#45;in seeks face&#45;lift</title>
          <link>http://www2.timesdispatch.com/rtd/business/local/article/B&#45;TOGO11_20091110&#45;215405/304902/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
60-year-old Abingdon drive-in seeks face-lift ABINGDON Without much fanfare, the Moonlite Theatre celebrated its 60th birthday this year, and owner William Booker said it&#8217;s time for a new coat of paint. The theater marquee, in front of the historic drive-in on U.S. 11 near Interstate 81&#8217;s Exit 13, has caused a slight stir with its current message: &#8220;Help Save the Moonlite.&#8220;           ]]></description>
          <pubDate>Wed, 11 Nov 2009 00:01:00 EST</pubDate>
<guid>http://www2.timesdispatch.com/rtd/business/local/article/B&#45;TOGO11_20091110&#45;215405/304902/#When:10:45:58Z</guid>
        </item>
    
         <item>
          <title>Housing plan reaches one in five borrowers</title>
          <link>http://www2.timesdispatch.com/rtd/business/local/article/B&#45;MORT11_20091110&#45;215405/304901/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
The Obama administration&#8217;s mortgage-relief program has reached one in five eligible homeowners, a government report says, but most of those borrowers are on temporary trial plans that have yet to be made final. As of the end of October, more than 650,000 borrowers, or 20 percent of those eligible for the &#8220;Making Home Affordable&#8221; program, had signed up for trials lasting up to five months, the Treasury Department said yesterday. The modifications reduce monthly payments to more affordable levels.           ]]></description>
          <pubDate>Wed, 11 Nov 2009 00:01:00 EST</pubDate>
<guid>http://www2.timesdispatch.com/rtd/business/local/article/B&#45;MORT11_20091110&#45;215405/304901/#When:10:45:58Z</guid>
        </item>
    
         <item>
          <title>6.1 unemployed workers competing for each job</title>
          <link>http://www2.timesdispatch.com/rtd/business/local/article/B&#45;JOBS11_20091110&#45;215405/304900/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
Job openings are at rock-bottom levels, according to government and private surveys released yesterday. It&#8217;s a trend that could keep the unemployment rate high even as layoffs slow. Small businesses in particular are reluctant to add workers as they struggle to obtain credit. Many are pushing their employees to produce more. Economists say small businesses account for about 60 percent of new jobs.           ]]></description>
          <pubDate>Wed, 11 Nov 2009 00:01:00 EST</pubDate>
<guid>http://www2.timesdispatch.com/rtd/business/local/article/B&#45;JOBS11_20091110&#45;215405/304900/#When:10:45:58Z</guid>
        </item>
    
         <item>
          <title>Some banks raising fees on checking accounts</title>
          <link>http://www2.timesdispatch.com/rtd/business/banking/article/B&#45;CHEK11_20091110&#45;215405/304896/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
First, terms on credit cards got harsher. Now some people are seeing higher fees on their checking accounts. Citibank customers with Access or EZ checking accounts will now be charged a $7.50 monthly fee unless they maintain a $1,500 balance. Previously, the monthly fee was waived if customers set up direct deposit for paychecks or two automatic bill payments.           ]]></description>
          <pubDate>Wed, 11 Nov 2009 00:01:00 EST</pubDate>
<guid>http://www2.timesdispatch.com/rtd/business/banking/article/B&#45;CHEK11_20091110&#45;215405/304896/#When:10:45:58Z</guid>
        </item>
    
         <item>
          <title>FDIC boss says big banks need to lend more</title>
          <link>http://www2.timesdispatch.com/rtd/business/banking/article/B&#45;BANK11_20091110&#45;215405/304895/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
The head of the Federal Deposit Insurance Corp. said yesterday that she&#8217;s &#8220;very worried&#8221; that the nation&#8217;s biggest banks aren&#8217;t lending enough and warned the economy could take another turn for the worse without increased access to credit. FDIC Chairman Sheila C. Bair said the FDIC&#8217;s upcoming quarterly report would show that &#8220;not many large institutions are doing a very good job of lending.&#8220; Instead, she said, some are taking advantage of near-zero interest rates by borrowing dollars cheaply to buy higher-yielding assets like stocks or commodities&#8212;a move known as the &#8220;carry trade.&#8220;           ]]></description>
          <pubDate>Wed, 11 Nov 2009 00:01:00 EST</pubDate>
<guid>http://www2.timesdispatch.com/rtd/business/banking/article/B&#45;BANK11_20091110&#45;215405/304895/#When:10:45:58Z</guid>
        </item>
    
         <item>
          <title>Wall Street recap</title>
          <link>http://www2.timesdispatch.com/rtd/business/investment/market_stocks/article/B&#45;WALL11_20091110&#45;212402/304878/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
Stocks mostly fall as dollar&#8217;s value increases NEW YORK Caution returned to the stock market yesterday as investors decided to slow an advance that has lifted the Dow Jones industrial average 475 points in five days. Stocks mostly fell in light trading, though the Dow tacked on 20 points to close at 10,246.97, a new high for the year. The modest advance came a day after the Dow shot up 200 points for the second time in three days.           ]]></description>
          <pubDate>Wed, 11 Nov 2009 00:01:00 EST</pubDate>
<guid>http://www2.timesdispatch.com/rtd/business/investment/market_stocks/article/B&#45;WALL11_20091110&#45;212402/304878/#When:10:45:58Z</guid>
        </item>
    
         <item>
          <title>Creditors&#8217; list is nearly all that remains of Circuit City</title>
          <link>http://www2.timesdispatch.com/rtd/business/local/article/B&#45;CIRC10_20091109&#45;215805/304710/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
Creditors have until today to cast votes on whether to support a plan of reorganization that lays out how remaining funds will be divided.           ]]></description>
          <pubDate>Tue, 10 Nov 2009 00:01:21 EST</pubDate>
<guid>http://www2.timesdispatch.com/rtd/business/local/article/B&#45;CIRC10_20091109&#45;215805/304710/#When:10:45:58Z</guid>
        </item>
    
         <item>
          <title>Bon Secours plan for ambulatory&#45;care center in Chesterfield will create 100 jobs</title>
          <link>http://www2.timesdispatch.com/rtd/business/local/article/BONS10_20091109&#45;221004/304721/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
Bon Secours is investing $30 million and bringing 100 new jobs to Chesterfield County, making for the largest economic-development announcement in the county this year. The nonprofit Catholic health system said yesterday that it is building an ambulatory-care campus at the southwest corner of state Route 288 and Midlothian Turnpike at the Watkins Centre, about 4.5 miles from Bon Secours St. Francis Medical Center.           ]]></description>
          <pubDate>Tue, 10 Nov 2009 00:01:00 EST</pubDate>
<guid>http://www2.timesdispatch.com/rtd/business/local/article/BONS10_20091109&#45;221004/304721/#When:10:45:58Z</guid>
        </item>
    
         <item>
          <title>Dow jumps 200 points to 13&#45;month high</title>
          <link>http://www2.timesdispatch.com/rtd/business/investment/market_stocks/article/B&#45;WALL10_20091109&#45;220006/304717/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
The Dow Jones industrial average stormed to its highest level in more than a year yesterday as a falling dollar boosted prices for gold, oil and other commodities. Stocks also jumped as investors grew more confident that governments around the world will keep interest rates low to help the global economy. Energy and materials stocks led the market, with the major indexes rising 2 percent. The Dow jumped 200 points for the second time in three days, reaching 10,226.94&#8212;its highest level in 13 months.           ]]></description>
          <pubDate>Tue, 10 Nov 2009 00:01:00 EST</pubDate>
<guid>http://www2.timesdispatch.com/rtd/business/investment/market_stocks/article/B&#45;WALL10_20091109&#45;220006/304717/#When:10:45:58Z</guid>
        </item>
    
         <item>
          <title>Next Williamsburg visit could include an 18th&#45;century coffeehouse experience</title>
          <link>http://www2.timesdispatch.com/rtd/business/local/article/B&#45;TOGO10_20091109&#45;220006/304716/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
WILLIAMSBURG Don&#8217;t expect soy lattes or Internet access for your laptop, but your next visit to Colonial Williamsburg could include a stop in a coffeehouse. Visitors will be able to experience an 18th century-style coffeehouse when R. Charlton&#8217;s Coffeehouse opens Nov. 20 on Duke of Gloucester Street at the historic site. Free coffee, tea and hot chocolate inspired by 18th-century recipes will be served in demitasse cups at R. Charlton&#8217;s.           ]]></description>
          <pubDate>Tue, 10 Nov 2009 00:01:00 EST</pubDate>
<guid>http://www2.timesdispatch.com/rtd/business/local/article/B&#45;TOGO10_20091109&#45;220006/304716/#When:10:45:58Z</guid>
        </item>
    
         <item>
          <title>Slow economy means hottest toys will be even harder to find</title>
          <link>http://www2.timesdispatch.com/rtd/business/local/article/B&#45;SHOP10_20091109&#45;215805/304712/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
Robotic toy hamsters, the latest Barbie dolls and stylish boots are disappearing from store shelves as holiday shoppers start to get serious. But don&#8217;t confuse this with the days of Tickle Me Elmo. Instead of a throwback to great buying binges of the past, the empty shelves are just another sign of bad times. The shortages come from stores that are terrified of ordering too much and are keeping their inventories thin.           ]]></description>
          <pubDate>Tue, 10 Nov 2009 00:01:00 EST</pubDate>
<guid>http://www2.timesdispatch.com/rtd/business/local/article/B&#45;SHOP10_20091109&#45;215805/304712/#When:10:45:58Z</guid>
        </item>
    
         <item>
          <title>Kraft takes $16.4 billion offer for Cadbury to candy maker&#8217;s shareholders</title>
          <link>http://www2.timesdispatch.com/rtd/business/local/article/B&#45;KRAF10_20091109&#45;215805/304711/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
Kraft Foods has gone hostile in its bid to buy Cadbury but didn&#8217;t sweeten its first bid, drawing an immediate rejection from the British candy maker in what is likely to be a lengthy takeover struggle. Taking the same offer directly to Cadbury shareholders likely means that Kraft is betting no competing bids will emerge for the maker of Dairy Milk and Creme Eggs. The early gambit also leaves the company room to take the bid higher.           ]]></description>
          <pubDate>Tue, 10 Nov 2009 00:01:00 EST</pubDate>
<guid>http://www2.timesdispatch.com/rtd/business/local/article/B&#45;KRAF10_20091109&#45;215805/304711/#When:10:45:58Z</guid>
        </item>
    
         <item>
          <title>First Capital Bancorp, Eastern Virginia Bankshares call off merger</title>
          <link>http://www2.timesdispatch.com/rtd/business/banking/article/B&#45;BANK10_20091109&#45;215805/304709/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
First Capital Bancorp Inc., the bank holding company for First Capital Bank, and Eastern Virginia Bankshares Inc. have called off their merger, citing the long process to get regulatory approval. The merger was announced April 3 and shareholders from Glen Allen-based First Capital and Tappahannock-based Eastern Virginia, the bank holding company for EVB, had approved the transaction. The combination would have created the second-largest community bank based in the Richmond area and one of the 10 largest in Virginia, based on total assets.           ]]></description>
          <pubDate>Tue, 10 Nov 2009 00:01:00 EST</pubDate>
<guid>http://www2.timesdispatch.com/rtd/business/banking/article/B&#45;BANK10_20091109&#45;215805/304709/#When:10:45:58Z</guid>
        </item>
    
         <item>
          <title>Core Consulting adds clients after tough 2008</title>
          <link>http://www2.timesdispatch.com/rtd/business/local/metrobusiness/article/NAME09_20091108&#45;165605/304471/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
Rick Mears likes how Core Consulting looks at the decision-making process from all angles when it provides information-technology strategy and advice to its clients. &#8220;Core has provided valuable insight into how to achieve our objective of modernizing our enterprise systems while preserving the edge the systems provide for us in our business,&#8220; said Mears, senior vice president and chief information officer at medical and surgical products distributor Owens &amp; Minor Inc.           ]]></description>
          <pubDate>Mon, 09 Nov 2009 00:04:55 EST</pubDate>
<guid>http://www2.timesdispatch.com/rtd/business/local/metrobusiness/article/NAME09_20091108&#45;165605/304471/#When:10:45:58Z</guid>
        </item>
    
         <item>
          <title>Biz Buzz: Trio hopes to create buzz in home sales market</title>
          <link>http://www2.timesdispatch.com/rtd/business/local/metrobusiness/article/BUZZ09_20091108&#45;170006/304487/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
Three former University of Richmond students are trying to make it easier for homeowners to sell their houses. The three&#8212;Mike Gray, Mark Hickman and Andrew Ryan&#8212;have launched RichmondHomeBuzz. The company starts doing business today. Friends since college, the three started the company as a way to help homeowners who want to sell their houses but don&#8217;t want to pay commissions or have little experience with the for-sale-by-owner process.           ]]></description>
          <pubDate>Mon, 09 Nov 2009 00:02:39 EST</pubDate>
<guid>http://www2.timesdispatch.com/rtd/business/local/metrobusiness/article/BUZZ09_20091108&#45;170006/304487/#When:10:45:58Z</guid>
        </item>
    
         <item>
          <title>Building permits for Nov. 9</title>
          <link>http://www2.timesdispatch.com/rtd/business/local/metrobusiness/article/PERM09_20091106&#45;091802/304077/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
Sam&#8217;s Re Business Trust, owner; Hanlin Rainaldi Construction Corp., contractor; 9440 W. Broad St., car wash, $789,776. Oregon Hill Home Improvement, owner; Victorian Home Builders LLC, contractor; 619 S. Laurel St., $146,000; 617 S. Laurel St., $96,000; 615 S. Laurel St., $102,500. Olde Towne Homes LLC, owner; Jewels Inc., contractor; 1001 N. 25th St., alterations, $139,073.           ]]></description>
          <pubDate>Mon, 09 Nov 2009 00:01:52 EST</pubDate>
<guid>http://www2.timesdispatch.com/rtd/business/local/metrobusiness/article/PERM09_20091106&#45;091802/304077/#When:10:45:58Z</guid>
        </item>
    
         <item>
          <title>Complete Metro Business Calendar for Nov. 9</title>
          <link>http://www2.timesdispatch.com/rtd/business/local/metrobusiness/article/WEEK09_20091106&#45;091802/304078/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
MONDAY, NOV. 9 Career-Prospectors, http://www.career-prospectors.com, a job-search networking group, meets every Monday at 7:30 a.m. in the conference room at Long &amp; Foster, 9321 Midlothian Turnpike. Details: Michael Soden, (804) 594-7065. Next Steps offers a workshop to help &#8220;Richmonders Leverage Transition to Create Satisfying Future,&#8220; today and tomorrow, 9 a.m., Holiday Inn Express, 201 E. Cary St. Cost: $199. Registration: http://www.floricane.com.           ]]></description>
          <pubDate>Mon, 09 Nov 2009 00:01:38 EST</pubDate>
<guid>http://www2.timesdispatch.com/rtd/business/local/metrobusiness/article/WEEK09_20091106&#45;091802/304078/#When:10:45:58Z</guid>
        </item>
    
         <item>
          <title>Indicators for the week of Nov. 9</title>
          <link>http://www2.timesdispatch.com/rtd/business/local/metrobusiness/article/SKED09_20091108&#45;170006/304499/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
Indicators MONDAY Nothing scheduled.&nbsp; TUESDAY Labor Department releases job openings and labor turnover survey for September.&nbsp; WEDNESDAY Veterans Day. Bond markets closed.&nbsp; THURSDAY Labor Department releases weekly jobless claims. Treasury releases federal budget for October. Freddie Mac releases weekly mortgage rates.           ]]></description>
          <pubDate>Mon, 09 Nov 2009 00:01:00 EST</pubDate>
<guid>http://www2.timesdispatch.com/rtd/business/local/metrobusiness/article/SKED09_20091108&#45;170006/304499/#When:10:45:58Z</guid>
        </item>
    
         <item>
          <title>Metro Business Calendar for Nov. 9</title>
          <link>http://www2.timesdispatch.com/rtd/business/local/metrobusiness/article/MBCL09_20091108&#45;170006/304497/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
MONDAY, NOV. 9 Next Steps offers a workshop to help &#8220;Richmonders Leverage Transition to Create a Satisfying Future,&#8220; today and tomorrow, 9 a.m., Holiday Inn Express, 201 E. Cary St. Cost: $199. Registration: http://www.floricane.com.&nbsp; TUESDAY, NOV. 10 Dominion Virginia Power holds an information session, 10 a.m., at Henrico Hall in the Richmond Raceway Complex as part of the Virginia Employment Commission&#8217;s 2009 Veterans Day Career Fair, to help low-income customers and those in financial distress. Details on EnergyShare or Conservation: http://www.dom.com.           ]]></description>
          <pubDate>Mon, 09 Nov 2009 00:01:00 EST</pubDate>
<guid>http://www2.timesdispatch.com/rtd/business/local/metrobusiness/article/MBCL09_20091108&#45;170006/304497/#When:10:45:58Z</guid>
        </item>
    
         <item>
          <title>Increasing bottom line is focus of panel talk</title>
          <link>http://www2.timesdispatch.com/rtd/business/local/metrobusiness/article/CALN09_20091108&#45;170006/304489/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
Are you so busy running your business that you&#8217;re oblivious to what&#8217;s going on in the marketplace? That can hurt your company, warns Rob Eastep, certified public accountant and founding CEO of Eagle Sports Management LLC in Henrico County. It forces a business to be reactive instead of proactive when the marketplace changes, Eastep said. &#8220;By being reactive, you&#8217;re not able to maximize the potential of the business,&#8220; he said. &#8220;Successful businesses tend to be more proactive.&#8220;           ]]></description>
          <pubDate>Mon, 09 Nov 2009 00:01:00 EST</pubDate>
<guid>http://www2.timesdispatch.com/rtd/business/local/metrobusiness/article/CALN09_20091108&#45;170006/304489/#When:10:45:58Z</guid>
        </item>
    
         <item>
          <title>Crooks set sights on bank ATMs</title>
          <link>http://www2.timesdispatch.com/rtd/business/columnists/article/IRIS08_20091107&#45;185604/304319/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
Crooks set sights on bank ATMs Stop and look before inserting your card into an ATM machine. Crooks have been tampering with automated teller machines around the world&#8212;and in Virginia, striking last summer in Hampton Roads and leaving behind 100 victims including those from Richmond and Chesterfield County. The victims were robbed of about $500,000, according to the Secret Service in Richmond. An investigation is ongoing.           ]]></description>
          <pubDate>Sun, 08 Nov 2009 00:01:44 EST</pubDate>
<guid>http://www2.timesdispatch.com/rtd/business/columnists/article/IRIS08_20091107&#45;185604/304319/#When:10:45:58Z</guid>
        </item>
    
         <item>
          <title>Stock news for Nov. 8</title>
          <link>http://www2.timesdispatch.com/rtd/business/local/article/STOX08_20091107&#45;185604/304320/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
For the week that ended Nov. 6. DIVIDEND Quarterly unless noted Increased Aaron&#8217;s Inc .018 from .017 Alliance Res Ptrs .76 from .745 Apollo Invest .28 from .26 Beckman Coulter .18 from .17 Buckeye GP LP .39 from .37 CH Robinson .25 from .24 Meadowbrook Ins .03 from .02 Mercury General .59 from .58           ]]></description>
          <pubDate>Sun, 08 Nov 2009 00:01:39 EST</pubDate>
<guid>http://www2.timesdispatch.com/rtd/business/local/article/STOX08_20091107&#45;185604/304320/#When:10:45:58Z</guid>
        </item>
    
         <item>
          <title>Earnings report: Insmed</title>
          <link>http://www2.timesdispatch.com/rtd/business/local/article/B&#45;EARN07_20091106&#45;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>
<guid>http://www2.timesdispatch.com/rtd/business/local/article/B&#45;EARN07_20091106&#45;212402/304146/#When:10:45:58Z</guid>
        </item>
    
         <item>
          <title>Wall Street recap</title>
          <link>http://www2.timesdispatch.com/rtd/business/investment/market_stocks/article/B&#45;WALL07_20091106&#45;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>
<guid>http://www2.timesdispatch.com/rtd/business/investment/market_stocks/article/B&#45;WALL07_20091106&#45;201804/304116/#When:10:45:58Z</guid>
        </item>
    
         <item>
          <title>Business Briefs for Nov. 7</title>
          <link>http://www2.timesdispatch.com/rtd/business/local/article/BBBB07_20091106&#45;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>
<guid>http://www2.timesdispatch.com/rtd/business/local/article/BBBB07_20091106&#45;212402/304147/#When:10:45:58Z</guid>
        </item>
    
    </channel>
</rss>