Arkansas
Business Development Center Works-Businesses assisted by the Arkansas Small Business Development Center generated more than $154 million in increased sales in 2006, according to a Mississippi State University study. More than $14.3 million in tax revenues were also generated by such businesses.
Source: Arkansas News Bureau

Michigan
Businesses Fight Service Tax-Business interests opposed to the state's new 6% tax on services created the Ax the Tax Coalition to fight for repeal. The group of nearly 40 trade associations, chambers of commerce, and employers has been forming since the Legislature passed the tax this summer.
Source: Crain's Detroit Business

Montana
Small Business Premiums Rise-Small businesses with state-subsidized health insurance through Insure Montana face double-digit rate increases next year, officials said. Blue Cross Blue Shield of Montana, the company that sells and underwrites the policies, said it needs to raise premiums by an average of nearly 32%.
Source: Associated Press

North Dakota
Steps Taken Toward New Refinery-The state will fund half of a feasibility study for a new oil refinery that could employ 250 to 500 people, paying $20 to $35 per hour. The North Dakota Industrial Commission voted to use $40,000 of its Oil and Gas Research Council funds.
Source: The Forum

Pennsylvania
Job Fatalities Up-The number of workers killed on the job increased 7% in 2006-the most deaths since 1997, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. The most frequent types of fatalities in 2006 were highway crashes, falls, being hit by objects, and homicides.
Source: The Pittsburgh Post-Gazette