Recent Comments
- John Polk said “I knew Charles when he was EVP of The Atlanta Chamber and I worked for ...” on Memories of Oklahoma City circa 1993
- John Polk said “Back in the mid-80's and early 90's, Cleveland was actually recognized as one of the ...” on Economic development in NEO: A view from the street-level
- John Polk said “Is there any way to substantiate Dimora's claim re: GCP and the PD, other than ...” on Cleveland’s new development dynamic?
- George Nemeth said “Like all glimmers of newness in CLE+ I expect this one to be crushed too” on Cleveland’s new development dynamic?
- Cleveland’s new development dynamic? | Brewed Fresh Daily said “[...] by Ohio voters, as gambling interests convert the Ohio constitution into a zoning ordinance. ...” on Ohio’s casino deal gets a bit more messy
- About BDP Comments
Meta
Pete Bigelow · Midwest Memo: Google/Motorola Aftermath, Plug-in Prius, Gentex Expansion
August 16th, 2011
Three stories making news across the Midwest today:
Layoffs or Liftoff? That’s the question the Chicago Tribune poses today about the ramifications of Google’s purchase of Libertyville, Ill.-based Motorola Mobility. Earlier this year, the state of 
Illinois bestowed $117 million in incentives upon the company in order to keep its 3,300 jobs. Monday’s announcement has stoked fears that Google could move some or all of the jobs to California, but it has also brought some hopes that the company could invest more dollars in Illinois. Crain’s Chicago Business takes a look at the situation here.
New Prius Plug-in Gets 107 MPG. President Obama recently announced new fuel economy standards that require cars to get 54.5 miles per gallon by 2025. But the new Toyota Prius may get double that. A 107-mpg hybrid Prius will debut at an auto show in Frankfurt, Germany next month, according to AOL Autos. The plug-in relies on gas and battery power. It is expected to challenge the Chevy Volt and Nissan Leaf when it reaches the U.S. market in early 2012. Toyota, which has operations in Michigan, Indiana, Ontario and elsewhere, can use some good news. It has had a difficult year, with the auto industry slowdown, the tsunami and earthquake in Japan, and the lingering impact of its quality problems.
Gentex Announces Michigan Expansion. Automotive parts maker Gentex Corp. said today it will invest $160 million over five years to add facilities in Western Michigan. The expansion is expected to bring as many as 1,100 new jobs in Zeeland and Holland Township. A tax credit provided by the Michigan Economic Growth Authority of $2.4 million over three years helped Western Michigan win the jobs over a competing site in Alabama, according to the Holland Sentinel.
