Teamwork: Williams to speak at chamber event

Kansas University men’s basketball coach Roy Williams will be giving tips on creating teamwork in business environments at a Thursday morning chamber of commerce event.

Williams will give a speech entitled “Teamwork and Your Business” at 7:30 a.m. Thursday at the Lawrence Arts Center, 940 N.H.

The event is part of the chamber’s new small business series, Chamber A.M. The event, which includes a continental breakfast, is open to the public. There is a $10 charge. People can reserve a spot through 4 p.m. today by calling the chamber at 865-4411.

Retail: Gibson’s to close remaining stores

The parent company of the Gibson’s Discount Stores chain said Monday that all the remaining Gibson’s stores will close by mid-January.

The Gibson’s distribution center in Dodge City also will close.

Gary Chaffin, president of Chaffin Acquisitions Inc., blamed the soft economy in a release announcing the closing.

Chaffin Acquisition owns and operates 17 Gibson’s stores in Kansas, Montana, South Dakota, Nebraska, Colorado and Texas.

Settlement: Lawsuit settled by Rent-A-Center

Rent-A-Center Inc., the nation’s biggest rent-to-own company, agreed to pay $8.4 million Tuesday to settle allegations it deceived Wisconsin customers by failing to fully disclose its charges.

Rent-A-Center, which rents appliances, furniture and other products, will pay $7 million in restitution to Wisconsin customers and $1.4 million in penalties, the state Justice Department said.

State officials sued Rent-A-Center in 1999, claiming it was not fully disclosing credit finance charges and annual interest rates.

Wall Street: Earnings of interest

J.C. Penney Co., which operates a store in Lawrence, reported quarterly earnings of 42 cents per share compared to 9 cents a year earlier.

Abercrombie & Fitch Co., which operates a store in Lawrence, posted profits of 48 cents per share versus 43 cents per share a year earlier.