Briefcase

Workers’ comp premium hearing planned

The Washington Department of Labor & Industries will hold a hearing Tuesday in Spokane on its proposed 12 percent increase in workers’ compensation premiums.

Average premiums would climb 6.5 cents per hour.

The hearing begins at 10 a.m. in the auditorium at the CenterPlace Regional Event Center in Spokane Valley. Written comments will be accepted until 5 p.m. Tuesday.

The increase takes effect on an emergency basis Jan. 1.

Bert Caldwell

Spokane Savvy magazine sold

Spokane Savvy magazine has been purchased from founder Jesse Martinez by a group of investors, Spokane SAVVY LLC.

The group bought the magazine, its website, e-mail, newsletter, and customer database from J&J Ventures, a sole proprietorship.

Terms were not disclosed.

Martinez will no longer be involved with the publication, which is distributed to doctor, dentist, and therapist waiting rooms, as well as salons and coffee shops.

Magazine sales manager Kevin Oliver will become general manager and Judi Bailey, one of the new owners, becomes general sales manager.

Bert Caldwell

Chrysler and Ford recall trucks, crossovers, SUVs

WASHINGTON – Chrysler recalled about 150,000 trucks and SUVs on Thursday to address steering, air bag and potential stalling problems, while Ford recalled nearly 15,000 trucks and crossovers because of electrical issues.

Chrysler Group LLC said it was conducting three separate recalls to fix the problems, which were posted on the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s website.

The first recall covers about 22,000 Dodge Ram trucks from the 2008-2011 model years to address steering problems. The second involves about 65,000 2009 model year Dodge Journey SUVs to fix side air bags that might not deploy. The last recall includes about 57,000 Ram 1500 trucks from the 2011 model year to fix components in rear axles that could cause the trucks to stall.

Meanwhile, Ford Motor Co. said it was recalling some 2011 model year Ford F150, F250, F350, F450 and F550 pickup trucks and 2011 Ford Edge and Lincoln MKX crossovers to address potential electrical shorts that could lead to fires in unattended vehicles.

Associated Press

Treasury moves to sell stake in auto lender

WASHINGTON – The Treasury Department says it has taken a step to recover the taxpayer funds invested in Ally Financial, the auto lender formerly known as GMAC.

The government is converting about a third of its $17.2 billion investment from preferred securities to common stock. That should make it easier to sell its stake, Treasury officials said. The conversion increases the government’s ownership of Ally to 74 percent from 56 percent.

The Treasury Department first bailed out the company in late 2008, as part of the Bush administration’s assistance to the U.S. auto industry.

Associated Press

Pilgrim’s Pride recalls chicken wings

GREELEY, Colo. – Poultry producer Pilgrim’s Pride Corp. said Thursday it has recalled about 180,000 pounds of Pierce Hot & Spicy Breaded chicken wings and Sweet Georgia Brand Hot & Spicy Breaded chicken wings because they may contain undeclared egg allergens.

The recall was voluntary.

The recalled products, which carry the item codes 1703 and 95122, were sold to food service distributors nationwide in 20-pound and 10-pound cases, the company said.

Associated Press