National

Citizens Republic Bancorp: Citizens Republic Bancorp will cut their workforce by 2.3% due to partnership. The Company expects to have fully implemented the strategic business alliance concerning the mortgage operations and secondary marketing functions by the end of March 2008. In connection with this initiative, the Company expects to reduce its workforce by approximately 60 employees.

Palm Inc.: Palm Inc., troubled maker of Treo smart phones, laid off about 10 percent of its work force recently to cut expenses. The Sunnyvale, Calif.-based company issued a statement confirming some layoffs were made as part of a restructuring. Palm, which has a worldwide staff of 1,150, is eliminating more than 100 jobs. Palm has struggled against stiffening competition the past year. Some missteps, including product delays and the cancellation in September of a portable computer called Foleo, have compounded the problem.

West Pharmaceutical Services, Inc.: West Pharmaceutical says it will restructure its Tech Group, including cutting 250 jobs, or 13% of its workforce. The restructuring proactively addresses the recent reduction in business due to changes in customers' marketing plans by reducing the operating costs and increasing the manufacturing efficiency of the segment. West Pharmaceutical Services, Inc. is a global manufacturer of components and systems for injectable drug delivery, including stoppers and seals for vials, and closures and disposable components used in syringe, IV and blood collection systems. The Company also provides products with application to the personal care, food and beverage markets. Headquartered in Lionville, Pennsylvania, West Pharmaceutical Services supports its partners and customers from 50 locations throughout North America, South America, Europe, Mexico, Japan, Asia and Australia.

JBM Inc.: A Columbus company that provides DirecTV sales and service will lay off most of its workers as its only customer shifts work elsewhere. JBM Inc. Bluegrass Satellite will lay off "several," and perhaps 50 or more, of its 57 employees.