VALPARAISO, Ind. -- Family Express, a chain of 52 c-stores in Northwest and North Central Indiana, said that it has reached a new milestone by experiencing zero turnover in half of its store locations in 2009. Kris Condon said "reaching this milestone underscores the wisdom of building our business model around what we call the 'living brand'."

Family Express' living brand is its "uniquely friendly employees," the company said. In 2007, Family Express instituted a new hiring protocol based on "programmatic hiring."

SAN RAMON, Calif. -- Chevron said it is going to eliminate an unspecified number of jobs as part of a review of its global marketing and refining operations that will result in a smaller business. Employees of Chevron's downstream operations, which manufacture, transport and sell gasoline, diesel fuel and other refined products, were notified of the decision Monday, spokesperson Lloyd Avram said.

"The new organization will ensure that our downstream business remains competitive well into the future," he said.

NORTHFIELD, Ill. -- Kraft's $19.5 billion deal to buy chocolate and gum maker Cadbury will create the world's largest candy company, greatly expand Kraft's share of that lucrative business and open opportunities worldwide to sell its other snacks. Cadbury shareholders are expected to approve the sweetened deal announced Tuesday, which is to close in February.

Kraft raised its offer 9% to $19.5 billion to win over the board at Cadbury, the British maker of Cadbury Dairy Milk and other chocolates and Trident, Dentyne, Bazooka and other gum.