WRAL Tech Wire

 Optimism Returns to Some Executive Suites; Is the Turnaround at Hand?

The evidence is anecdotal, but it can be found in sector after sector, business after business. The holdup on a true rebound is the war people collectively worry about, as they should. But good news is percolating.

 With Strong Revenues and Customer Base, Startup Expression Analysis Gets Full-Time CEO

Steve McPhail, formerly an executive at ArgoMed, takes over from Donald Holzworth. Holzworth becomes chairman and returns to full-time CEO duties at Analytical Sciences.

 CT Communications Improves Revenues

 Castleton Group CEO Says Time Was Right To Acquire a Rival; He Also Sees Signs of a Tech Turnaround

HR management firm disclosed the move on Friday. Scott Secor says Castleton weathered economic downtown and is positioned to grow with economic rebound.

 Some Advice to Entrepreneurs from Tom Droege: Understand the Mission, Be Realistic, and Grow Slowly

Founder and owner of Droege Computing Services also says start-ups can't lose focus on revenues. Outside financing? He plans to keep company privately held.

 Salix Hires Former Glaxo Exec as Interim R&D Director

Pharmaceutical firm also reports big jumps in revenues and losses. Salix sees $50M in sales this year for its colitis drug.

 Overhang Hangover: VCs Returned More Money Than Raised in 2002

In a slow economy and with fewer investments being made, VCs raise a net of less than $2 billion in new money last year. That's lowest total since 1991. That's more grim news for those seeking funding.

 Telecom Showdown: BellSouth, Sprint Continue Duel Over Executive

Issue heads for arbitration. Sprint says it still intends to hire BellSouth Vice Chairman Gary Forsee as new CEO.

 The Winds of War Weigh Heavily on Money & Markets Crowd

Entrepreneurs entered 2002 with a burst of enthusiasm. This time around, despite some good news, the old 'FUD' factor wreaks havoc. Fear, uncertainty and doubt couldn't be erased.

 Shocker! Survey Says VC Is Seen as a Less Viable Option

Entrepreneurs write down VC and lean toward revenue-based financing, according to new CED survey. State also seems to be losing some of its allure as an entrepreneurial launch pad.

 EarthLink Slashes Workforce by 25% To Cut Costs; Revenues Climb

<b>Updated:</b> Atlanta-based ISP says it is closing three call centers, a tech support center and laying off 1,300 workers in a move to save money. Losses narrow in fourth quarter.

 Retention and Recruiting Are Crucial, Especially in a Down Economy

<b>Guest opinion:</b> 'Human capital' decisions now are crucial, says Craig Stone of HireNetworks. 'Believe it or not, the decisions you make now regarding recruiting and retention will directly impact how quickly your company will rebound.'

 Executive Suite: Case Is Out; McColl Is Back, Calling for Change; and Rumsfeld Preaches Priorities

Three CEOs in the news this week offer intriguing insights into the challenges facing corporate top guns these days.

 Companies Face Rash of Cutback-Related Actions, Law Firm Says

 Two Big Deals Give Incentric Major Boost Entering 2003

One contract closed 'in a day,' co-founder says. Firm sees more growth in 2003 and is looking to expand its workforce.