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Apr 09 2026FINANCE

Digital Money Grows Fast, But Most Firms Are Left Guessing

Many business leaders know digital money is coming, and fast. A global survey showed that nearly all company bosses and investors expect online banking and tokenized assets to speed up over the next five years. Yet, most admit they haven’t figured out how to use these tools in their own companies. O

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Apr 09 2026BUSINESS

Michigan’s big business deals: Do they really pay off?

Michigan spent over $1. 8 billion helping big companies with tax breaks and cash awards since 2022. The goal? Bring jobs and investments to the state. So far, only a fraction of those promises have turned into real hiring. In 2025, just 1, 846 jobs were created by companies getting SOAR funds—far be

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Apr 09 2026BUSINESS

Print in the Digital Age: How One Company Merges Old and New

Back in the 1990s, a small print shop started in a family garage, turning out carbon copies and business forms on clunky machines. It wasn’t glamorous, but it was dependable—something companies relied on when digital spreadsheets weren’t an option. Today, that shop still exists, though now it balanc

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Apr 09 2026TECHNOLOGY

AI’s big moment: Should artists worry or adapt?

Tech experts keep saying AI is changing everything fast. One of them, a big name from Hollywood, calls this moment revolutionary—not just another update. He sees startups and tech giants racing to use AI in new ways. Some people worry about jobs, but he thinks the real test is how well businesses an

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Apr 08 2026TECHNOLOGY

How AI is changing business for better and worse

Artificial intelligence isn't just about robots doing cool things anymore. It's becoming a regular part of how companies work - both for good and bad. A tech expert recently explained to a local business group how AI helps companies run smoother and faster. At the same time, it's giving scammers new

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Apr 08 2026BUSINESS

A finance chief blending tradition and fresh ideas in Napa's wine world

At 35, Kevin Johnsen runs the numbers behind California’s 10th biggest wine maker—Fior di Sole—but he sees his real job as shaping how the company grows without losing sight of its roots. He joined as finance director in 2022, became CFO a year later, and added COO in 2025. His list of responsibilit

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Apr 07 2026BUSINESS

Covey Gardens throws a party to mark its second year in Laguna Beach

Laguna Beach’s latest small business milestone isn’t just about cutting a ribbon—it’s a chance for locals to see what all the buzz is about. Covey Gardens, now two years into its run at 1590 S. Coast Highway, is hosting a public open house on April 16 at 5 p. m. The event packs in more than just a c

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Apr 07 2026BUSINESS

Starting smart beats rushing in for new business owners

Many new owners rush to launch without planning, believing speed beats strategy. The push to "just start" comes from the idea that hesitation kills momentum. Yet without clear direction, these businesses end up chasing every passing trend instead of building something meaningful. Their marketing zig

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Apr 07 2026POLITICS

From Brewery Owner to City Hall: Why Business Skills Matter in Local Government

Running a small business and serving in government might seem like two totally different jobs, but one candidate believes the skills overlap more than people think. Though many argue that governments should operate like companies, others point out that public service has unique challenges. With fift

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Apr 06 2026BUSINESS

Job Fair Opens Doors for Teens with Autism in Passaic

Passaic is set to hold a special job fair for teens with autism on Saturday, April 18. Eight local businesses will be there to talk about work and give hands‑on training. The event happens during Autism Awareness Month, making it one of the first of its kind in the area. The idea started wi

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