Developers staying busy

Matt Sigman is one of the local private developers who doesn't seem to be fazed by talk of bracing for uncertainty as the economy recovers in the coming year.

Car makers extending holiday shutdowns

DETROIT (AP) - Chrysler is closing all its North American manufacturing plants for at least a month, the starkest move yet taken by U.S. automakers as they anxiously await word about government loans.

The shutdown comes as General Motors Corp. said a report that it and Chrysler have restarted talks to combine the two ailing automakers is untrue.

AASU economic monitor sees regional recession

SAVANNAH -- The Coastal Empire Economic Monitor for the third quarter of 2008 shows that the regional economy continued to lose ground as the rate of decline accelerated due in part to worsening conditions in the regional housing and labor markets. The Economic Monitor, published by Armstrong Atlantic State University's Center for Regional Analysis, is available at http://www.econ.armstrong.edu/cra/monitor.htm.

Holtzman reappointed to real estate board

ATLANTA – Gov. Sonny Perdue announced last week the reappointment of Hinesville resident George W. Holtzman to the Georgia Real Estate Commission.

Jekyll Island cutting jobs

JEKYLL ISLAND - The Jekyll Island Authority is cutting jobs and scaling back workers' hours to cope with a sharp decline in revenue.

The authority voted Monday to cut 13 full-time and 35 part-time jobs. Work hours also will be reduced for 20 full-time and five part-time employees.

Baldinos continues holiday tradition

It's a good thing that Baldinos specializes in giant submarine sandwiches, as an estimated 300 to 400 people snaked around the interior and out the front door of the Hinesville restaurant's annual free Christmas Eve lunch on Wednesday.

Thrift takes statewide role with cooperatives

Gum Branch resident and Canoochee Electric Membership Corporation (EMC) Director Connie Thrift was recently elected vice chairperson of the Georgia EMC Directors' Association.

Feds close two banks, one in Georgia

NEW YORK - Regulators on Friday closed Haven Trust Bank, the fifth bank failure this year in Georgia.

Also closed was Sanderson State Bank in Texas, bringing to 25 the number of U.S. bank failures in 2008.

'Tis season for giving

Given the current state of the economy, this holiday season may be tougher on local families than in the past. However, some people are still able to dig into their pockets and find something to give to others.

Italian eatery opens in Hinesville

Locals can now get authentic Italian food after Liberty County's only privately-owned Italian restaurant, Italiano's, opened last Monday.

Local financial advisor offers positive spin on economy

He may be in the minority with his line of thinking, but local financial adviser Derek Sills isn't worried about the current recession.

Riverkeeper threatens suit on Rayonier

BRUNSWICK - Environmentalists have filed a 60-day notice that they intend to sue Rayonier Inc., saying the company pollutes the Altamaha River with foul-smelling wastewater from its Jesup pulp mill.

Attorneys for the Altamaha Riverkeeper said Tuesday that Rayonier has done little over the past 10 years to reduce the stinking, coffee-colored water it discharges. The Riverkeeper group says the company agreed in 2002 to clean them up.

Auto bailout plan moves to Senate

WASHINGTON - A House-passed bill to speed $14 billion in loans to Detroit's automakers stands on shaky ground in a bailout-weary Congress, undermined by Republican opposition that could derail the emergency aid in the Senate.

Republicans are challenging lame-duck President George W. Bush on the proposal, arguing that any support for the domestic auto industry should carry significant concessions from autoworkers and creditors and reject tougher environmental rules imposed by House Democrats.

Auto bailout talks intensify

WASHINGTON -- Tense talks are continuing on a bill to provide financial aid to the auto industry as the White House pushes tougher consequences than congressional Democrats embrace for failure by the carmakers to bring costs under control.

The Bush administration would allow a "car czar" envisioned in the legislation to force the companies into bankruptcy if they weren't doing enough to cut labor costs, restructure their debt and downsize to stay afloat.

Hinesville sweets shop open for business

It's original cookies by the dozen and homemade cakes by the layer since Lynn Simmons rolled out Tu's Sweets and Treats bakery shop on Frank Cochran Drive.

Hinesville jobless rate up to 8.7%

ATLANTA - The Georgia Department of Labor announced Thursday that Hinesville's unemployment rate increased to 8.7 percent in June, up .3 percent from 8.4 percent in May. The rate was 9.8 percent in June a year ago.

Exiting soldiers get scoop on careers

Fort Stewart soldiers who are transitioning from the Army and those who recently left the service, as well as veterans and civilians, had an opportunity Thursday to compete for more than 1,100 state jobs available through the Georgia Department of Corrections and other law-enforcement agencies.

Holtzmans selling realty office

Coldwell Banker Holtzman, Realtors owners George Holtzman and his wife, Babs Holtzman, are releasing the day-to-day operational decisions and management. Leigh Smiley will transition from associate broker to managing broker/owner of the realty firm. George Holtzman still will serve as the qualifying broker and will continue to list and sell commercial and special residential properties.

Materials testing lab picks Interstate Centre

West Penn Testing Group, a material-testing services provider, will locate to Ellabell, creating 70 jobs and investing $3 million into a facility over the next five years, according to Gov. Nathan Deal announced.

Veterans launching craft brewery

Being former soldiers, Kevin Ryan, Dan Sartin and Jeff Hyatt have a common bond that's typical of all uniformed personnel, whether they're military, law enforcement or firefighters. They also share a love for good beer.

State revenue up 11% in June

Georgia's net tax collections for June totaled $1.76 billion for an increase of $182.25 million, or 11.5 percent, compared to the month-ended June 2013, Gov. Nathan Deal announced this week.

LCDA approves bond resolution

The Liberty County Development Authority held a called meeting Tuesday to approve a resolution to restructure bond debt.

Planning commission recommends OK for store

The Liberty Consolidated Planning Commission on Tuesday approved a rezoning petition filed on behalf of a developer with plans to build a grocery store and gas station at 1422 W. Oglethorpe Highway.

Ludowici hoping to attract a McDonald's

Leaders from Ludowici met earlier this month with a representative from McDonald's USA about bringing a restaurant to the city.

Hinesville entrepreneur honored

Allstate exclusive agency owner William Lynn Bennett of Hinesville has been designated an Allstate Premier Agency for 2014.

Williams named to tax-study committee

ATLANTA - District 168 state Rep. Al Williams, D-Midway, has been appointed by Georgia House Speaker David Ralston, R-Blue Ridge, as a member of the Joint Study Committee on Property Tax Digest Impact on Education Funding.

Davis named membership director

The Liberty County Chamber of Commerce recently moved Lisa Davis to the position of membership director.

Tractory Supply opening Hinesville store

Construction is under way on a new Tractor Supply Company store in Hinesville, the company's 54th Georgia location. The retailer is setting up shop in the former builder supply store and lumberyard at 766 W. Oglethorpe Highway, across from Walmart.