Today’s Business Beat – Wednesday, Sept. 3, 2014

CVS stubs out cigarette sales, adds ‘Health’ to corporate name

The cigars and cigarettes that used to fill the shelves behind CVS drugstore cash registers were replaced Wednesday with nicotine gum and signs urging visitors to kick the tobacco habit. CVS Caremark also said it will be known as CVS Health, effective immediately.

Dunkin’ Donuts adds almond milk

Dunkin’ Donuts is adding Blue Diamond’s vanilla-flavored Almond Breeze almond milk as a non-dairy alternative for its hot or iced coffee and lattes. The chain also will roll out a dark roast coffee nationwide on Sept. 22.

Google’s health startup, AbbVie team up on drug research

Google’s ambitious health startup is teaming up with biotechnology drugmaker AbbVie in a $500 million joint venture that will try to develop new ways to treat cancer and other diseases such as Alzheimer’s.

ALSO: AbbVie, Infinity to develop cancer drug

Hospira efforts to buy Danone unit have stalled: report

Hospira Inc.’s efforts have stalled to buy the medical nutrition unit of Danone and lower its tax rate by shifting its headquarters to Europe, Reuters reported Wednesday.

Groupon launches time-based deals

Groupon Inc. on Wednesday launched new time-based deals for businesses that accept reservations or take appointments.

Tribune Media’s Gracenote buys movie, TV data company

Tribune Media Co.’s Gracenote will buy film and television information provider Baseline for $50 million.

Rockford jet repair facility could become Boeing 787 hub

A jet repair and maintenance facility that Rockford International Airport plans to build will be large enough to handle some of the biggest aircraft flying, including Boeing’s 787 Dreamliner. Aerospace and defense contractor AAR Corp. will lease the center, which airport director Mike Dunn anticipates it will become a base for servicing and repairing Boeing Co.’s Dreamliner.

Tenneco plans southern Indiana factory

Lake Forest-based auto parts supplier Tenneco Inc. says it will open a new factory in southern Indiana by early next year.

Gino’s East getting into the brewery business

Few things go better with pizza than beer. And Gino’s East in River North is getting ready to brew some beers to go along with its pizza.

Kickstarter launched to bring surf shop to Montrose Beach

Lake Michigan has it’s share of surfing, no doubt. But because the best waves the lake has to offer often come in some of the worst weather, it’s hardly known as a surf destination. A Kickstarter called Surf Chicago aims to change that.

Apple shares fall after Samsung unveils new phones

Apple shares are getting bit by a rival. The iPhone maker’s stock fell more than 3 percent after Samsung unveiled two new smartphones at a trade show in Berlin Wednesday.

Starbucks sorry for not serving woman with dog

Starbucks has apologized to a 24-year-old woman who said she wasn’t allowed in a Rochester-area store because she had a service dog.

US factory orders up record 10.5 percent in July

Business orders for U.S. factory goods shot up by a record amount in July, reflecting a surge in demand in the volatile category of commercial aircraft.

Amazon CFO to retire

Amazon.com says its chief financial officer, Thomas Szkutak, will retire after 12 years on the job in June 2015.

Chrysler, Nissan lead US autos to Aug. sales rise

Most automakers reported stronger-than-expected U.S. sales in August, leading to predictions of the highest annual selling rate in eight years. Ford Motor Co.’s sales rose 0.4 percent.

Switzerland, Singapore, US top economic rankings

The United States’ competitiveness among global economies has risen to the No. 3 spot behind Switzerland and Singapore in rankings published annually by the World Economic Forum.

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