Morning Links: 21 February 2008

LifePoint has a new director, Nissan trimming design staff, Central Parking renews NYC deal, and more...

Email | Print By Geert De Lombaerde

The board of directors at LifePoint Hospitals has grown by one with the addition of Greg Bier, a former head of Deloitte & Touche's Cincinnati office. Bier, who also is a director of insurer Cincinnati Financial Corp., received about $85,000 worth of restricted shares as part of his appointment.

The Detroit News says Nissan North America is looking to cut about a dozen design jobs from its Detroit and San Diego offices. Company officials say today's shorter production cycles have reduced their need for employees.

Central Parking has renewed its contract to manage parking for Madison Square Garden, the Empire State Building and other sites in New York City.

Looking to fly to Eastern Kentucky? A start-up airline – its bare-bones Web site is available here – wants to begin serving Nashville from Pikeville once some other routes are up and running.

Citing negative same-store sales and a tough outlook for the restaurant sector, Moody's Investors Service has downgraded the debt of Sagittarius Brands, the parent of Nashville-based Captain D's.