capitalgains - In the News

Tourism Board Helps Drive $500 Million Lansing-area Industry

Wed, 23 Jul 2008 00:00:00 GMT

The Greater Lansing Convention & Visitors Bureau (GLCVB) is a major player in driving the more than $500 million in tourism revenue the Lansing region pockets each year.

According to excerpts from the article:

While the natives may not know it, tourism contributes greatly to the tri-county area.

“It is not well understood in terms of its overall impact, but tourism in this community is a major economic driver,” Hladki stated. “The economic impact is consistently around a half a billion dollars a year. It creates 7,500 jobs, and those run the gamut from seasonal part-time work all the way up to thousands of full-time jobs with benefits. We’re fortunate because of the educational institutions and that we’re a state capital, which maintains a flow of business and leisure visitors, keeping those jobs stable.”

Read the entire article here.

Biggby Coffee Hits 100 Stores, $40 Million in Sales

Wed, 23 Jul 2008 00:00:00 GMT

East-Lansing based Biggy Coffee opened its 100th franchise last week, and is looking to build on its $40 million in sales by more than doubling the number of franchises by 2010.

According to excerpts from the article:

Customer engagement is exactly what the folks at Biggby strive for, said Bob Fish, the East Lansing-based chain's chief executive officer and one its co-founders.

Biggby, founded 13 years ago as a small coffee shop on East Grand River Avenue, now franchises all of its stores and operates in nine states: Michigan, Ohio, Indiana, Illinois, Wisconsin, Florida, Alabama, Georgia and South Carolina.

The chain, with about 1,450 employees nationwide serving up coffee, baked goods and other items, plans to grow to 250 stores by 2010. So far, it works with about 70 franchisees, Fish said.

The privately owned company has more than $40 million in sales annually and typically doubles its number of stores every two years, Fish said.

Read the complete article here.

MSU Athletics Drums Up $28.5 Million in Donations

Wed, 23 Jul 2008 00:00:00 GMT

The Michigan State University (MSU) athletic development office drummed up $28.5 million in donations in 2006-2007, four times the amount of money it collected in 2002-2003.

According to excerpts from the article:

From 1999 to 2007, MSU raised a total of $127.6 million for athletics, which far exceeded the initial campaign goal of $75.7 million.

To handle its budget concerns before they become a crisis, MSU is intent on keeping costs down and sustaining success in football. Those are the obvious routes to stability; fundraising may be an avenue to aggressive cash advances.

Senior associate athletic director Chuck Sleeper and his recently expanded staff of five have to find the right people, keep them giving every year, keep them happy within the confines of university policy, get more out of MSU's pro athletes and work toward growing endowments.

MSU and other major athletic departments are moving toward a heavier reliance on donors—the life blood of private schools for decades.

Read the entire article here.

$12 Million MSU Stadium Renovation Ready for Game Time

Wed, 23 Jul 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Michigan State University (MSU) will open the doors to its $12 million renovation of the Duffy Daugherty Football Building in time for football season.

According to excerpts from the article:

When MSU's football coaches move into the renovated Duffy Daugherty Football Building in less than week, it'll mark the completion of an expansive era of facility projects that has essentially caught MSU up in the "arms race." For now.

"It's taken us time to get there, a lot of time," said MSU senior associate athletic director Greg Ianni, who oversees all facility projects. "This phase is finally done."

Duffy was built in 1980 at a cost of $1.75 million, and it was considered a cutting-edge football building at the time. The new Duffy, which will be unveiled publicly in August, includes the 25,000-square-foot Skandalaris Football Center. MSU alums Bob and Julie Skandalaris of Bloomfield Hills gave more than $5 million for that phase, which cost $12 million. New meeting rooms, offices for the coaches and the Demmer Family Hall of History -named for the Lansing-based family that gave an undisclosed gift—are the main highlights.

Read the entire article here.

Two Mid-Michigan Insurance Giants Fuel Travel Industry

Wed, 23 Jul 2008 00:00:00 GMT

In a very virtual world, two of the region’s largest insurance companies—the Accident Fund and Jackson National Life—are doing their best to emphasize the importance of the personal touch.

According to excerpts from the article:

Even in a virtual world, nothing can replace meeting face-to-face. With that as a mantra, two insurance giants based in mid-Michigan continue to bridge the miles between service providers and clients through company-sponsored travel.

For the Accident Fund Insurance Company and Jackson National Life Insurance Company, travel on land or by air is part of life for a sizeable percentage of their workforces. While modern methods of hooking people up can shave some of the costs, many still get behind the wheel or take flight to start, maintain or strengthen business dealings.

Read the entire article here.

Women Breaking Glass Ceiling In Lansing-area Auto Dealerships

Wed, 23 Jul 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Area women are breaking the auto industry’s glass ceiling, using their skills and business sense to successfully own and operate car dealerships.

According to excerpts from the article:

Sherrill Freeborough was a young widow with a small child who needed to find a way to support her family.

Now, she's the owner of Saturn of Grand Ledge and Saturn of Okemos.

Lisa Schuesler heard a rattle in her car and wanted to learn more about the auto service business. She now works in it, managing the service department at Freeborough's Okemos store.

Deanna Criscuolo started selling cars at her father's dealership, Spartan Toyota in Lansing, when she was in college. She's now on track to someday take over the dealership with her brother, Derek.

These women, and others climbing the leadership ladder at area car dealerships, didn't set out to break through the glass ceiling in an industry that's predominantly male.

Read the entire article here.

Lansing Business Leaders Turning to Internship Program

Wed, 23 Jul 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Michigan State University (MSU), the Lansing Economic Area Partnership Inc. (LEAP) and area businesses are getting ready to launch a local job and internship fair, “Earn, Learn & Intern,” to help link MSU students with area job creators.

According to excerpts from the article:

"We're pushing local companies to show the students what's available to them," said Paul Jacques, MSU's internship developer.

"A lot of (students) are coming to us saying, 'I've got to go.' We're saying, 'No, you don't. Look at all these businesses.' "

The Aug. 27 event aims to draw thousands of students to the Student Services Building on campus. It's free for companies.

MSU already has worked with several area firms to create internship programs, Jacques said.

Read the entire article here.

Five Lansing Area Companies Competing for $30 Million in Tech Funding

Wed, 16 Jul 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Five Lansing area tech companies are competing with 95 other Michigan firms for $30 million in state-funded 21st Century Jobs Fund low-interest loans.

According to excerpts from the article:

"It's an excellent program and a great opportunity for these companies, some of whom just need that extra couple of million dollars to put into play some things to create a great amount of jobs," said Denyse Ferguson, vice president for new business development at Lansing Economic Area Partnership Inc., which helped two companies looking to locate in the area apply for funding.

The competition is different from earlier rounds of the Jobs Fund, which has doled out $126.3 million to 78 companies, universities and other organizations doing work in the fields of alternative energy, life sciences, advanced manufacturing, and homeland security and defense.

This time, the competition is only open to for-profit companies in late stages of bringing products to market, MEDC spokeswoman Bridget Beckman said.

"It's focused on companies that are set up to create jobs in the near-term," Beckman said.

Read the entire article here.

$4.1 Million Green Rehab Planned for Old Town School

Wed, 16 Jul 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Old Town business owners are ecstatic about the $4.1million rehabilitation of the old Cedar Street School in Old Town.

According to excerpts from the article:

The $4.1 million project is expected to be Old Town's first environmentally friendly "green" building. Its owners are aiming for a gold rating—the second highest level—from the U.S. Green Building Council's Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design program.

"It's just a fit for both of us," said Carla Guggenheim, who's partnering with Gail Shafer to open the Old Town Medical Arts building.

The women had been looking for an historic building to rehab and both said it was important to make the building healthy and environmentally friendly.

The project is slated to include a geothermal heating and cooling system that involves drilling wells and tapping the water supply to heat and cool. There also will be low- maintenance landscaping and a plant-covered roof.

Read the entire article here.

New LCC Training Course Aims to Retool the Manufacturing Workforce

Wed, 16 Jul 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Manufacturing companies across the country are looking for employees who can operate computer numerical control (CNC) machining equipment, and Lansing Community College (LCC) is helping fill that need with its new CNC course.

According to excerpts from the article:

After filling a dry-erase board with strings of computer commands, Clint Jones stopped to give his students at Lansing Community College a nugget of wisdom about computer numerical control machining.

"The Zen of programming is, 'Be the tool,' " he said.

The course is an intensive one-month introduction to the basics of CNC machining, essentially the use of high-tech mills, lathes and other tools to make components for industries ranging from automotive to health care.

But it's also a fast-track solution to a gap in the region's work force and, for the nine students enrolled, a good shot at starting a new career quickly.

Read the entire article here.

New Study Shows Small Business Owners More Upbeat About Economy

Wed, 16 Jul 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Area businesses are have more faith in the Michigan business marketplace than they did six months ago, according to a survey conducted by the Small Business Association of Michigan (SBAM).

According to excerpts from the article:

There’s even a slight up tick in the number of employers who say they hired more workers over the past half year.

Small business owners say there are still plenty of problems that need to be addressed: Decreasing sales and profits, poor access to credit, a lousy business climate and a continuing slide in perceptions of the fairness of the tax system.

The Barometer also flashes a warning sign to state legislators: only 6 percent of respondents give a positive rating to the performance of the Legislature.

Survey participants were asked if the number of employees on staff has increased, decreased, or remained stable over the last quarter. Employment appears to be inching slowly towards the historical average hiring level and becoming relatively more positive for small businesses in Michigan. Thirteen percent of those surveyed reported that they had hired more employees over the past quarter, a three percentage point increase over the past wave in January.

Read the entire article here.

Local Investors May Partner with Capital Airport to Build Cargo Facilities

Wed, 16 Jul 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Local investors, including developer Pat Gillespie, are stepping up to make sure the Capital Region International Airport is able to build a new cargo handling facility.

According to excerpts from the article:

The facilities could house cargo haulers or supporting companies and provide warehouse space for local companies bringing materials into or sending them out of Lansing.

"It's an option that could be exciting and dynamic," Gillespie told the Capital Region Airport Authority on Tuesday.

The authority owns the Lansing airport.

Cargo handling facilities could help create new business for local companies and spur the creation of new jobs, said Gillespie, who recently completed the $13 million downtown Stadium District building.

Read the entire article here.

Popularity of Online Classes Increasing in Mid-Michigan High Schools

Wed, 16 Jul 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Grand Ledge High School teacher Gwen Alim-Young is one of several Mid-Michigan teachers with one foot in a physical classroom and one foot a virtual one.

According to excerpts from the article:

Alim-Young teaches in an online classroom, part of what educators call a growing trend toward reshaping classroom instruction with an eye toward technology and the future.

"In 10 years, education will look completely different, so if you're not on the cutting edge you have a long way to go to get caught up," said Julie Lemond, chief academic officer for the Lansing School District.

Lansing-based Michigan Virtual School, which offers Alim-Young's class, uses state-accredited instructors to teach courses that count as if they were taken at the student's home school.

Read the entire article here.

New Businesses Opening in Downtown East Lansing

Wed, 16 Jul 2008 00:00:00 GMT

By August, three new businesses including two restaurants and a gym, will open in East Lansing along Michigan Avenue.

According to excerpts from the article:

Tim Dempsey, community development administrator for East Lansing said businesses need to be careful when deciding to come to East Lansing. Food service especially is very competitive, and he said he recommends businesses closely study the market and really ask themselves what is going to differentiate their business from others.

“A lot of times, people assume that just because they’re across the street from a huge university, they can open their doors and be successful,” he said. “I would argue it’s just the opposite—there’s so many choices (here), especially in food.”

Read the entire article here.

MSU Seeks $550 Million New Nuclear Science Facility

Wed, 09 Jul 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Michigan State University (MSU) is clamoring to be the home of a new $550 million nuclear science facility that would bring a projected $1 billion in economic activity to the area.

According to excerpts from the article:

Patrick Anderson, chief executive officer of the Anderson Economic Group in East Lansing, which prepared an economic impact study released Tuesday, said the facility also would create 400 "new high-wage jobs"—on the order of $60,000 a year, with many well over $100,000—for scientists and facility staff.

It also would bring 5,000 one-year construction jobs and another 800 spin-off jobs.

"It would be a home run for Michigan," Anderson said, though one that would be a few years in coming.

Read the entire article here.

L.A. Architect with Michigan Roots Brings Fashion to Lansing

Wed, 09 Jul 2008 00:00:00 GMT

After spending years in California working as an architect, Lansing native Michael Doherty has returned to Michigan, but he’s here as the owner of his own fashion line, not an architect.

According to excerpts from the article:

Michael Doherty’s search for “truth” and “self” inspired him to create his own clothing line “DEFYE,” an acronym for DEFine Your own Existence. He says from a young age, people are faced with pressures of what to do with their life. Everyone seems to preach college and a “real-world job” he says.

“Life is a struggle,” Doherty says.

The goal is to let people, mainly young adults, know they are not alone in their struggles. He says everyone fights for their own definition of “truth” and “reality,” and one should defy the pressures and avoid the mundane and routine.

“It relates to everybody,” he says. “Every day is a battle of some sorts. It’s a tool to bring people together, but something for them to fight back with.”

Read the entire article here.

Ingham County Land Bank Eyes Townhouse Development

Wed, 09 Jul 2008 00:00:00 GMT

By 2009, the Ingham County Land Bank should own 10.3 acres of the old School for the Blind property, allowing the Land Bank to start an extensive townhouse development on the site.

According to excerpts from the article:

Eric Schertzing, county treasurer and Land Bank board chairman, expects to take title to 10.3 acres of the northwest portion of the property before 2009. The Land Bank already owns three lots at the northeast corner, at Willow and Pine streets, and is eyeing purchase of the large superintendent’s house on Pine Street.

But finding buyers in this depressed housing market, in a neighborhood where half its homes are rentals, will not be easy. So Schertzing hired consulting firm Market Perspectives of Roseville, Calif., to study who will buy, and how much they would be willing to spend.

Armed with a 127-page, $13,000 market study, Schertzing now knows the earning capacity of projected buyers, what kind of cars they drive, their favorite places to dine out and even what magazines they read.

The Land Bank is already getting prepared. It and Lansing developer Gene Townsend will build what they predict will be the first LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design, a national rating program for environmentally friendly buildings) certified single-family home in the city at the corner of Chestnut and Maple streets, a block from the School for the Blind. Townsend chairs the area’s Green Building Council and is the developer of the Printers Row townhouses in the Cherry Hill Historic District.

Read the entire article here.

New York Style-Deli Lands at Lansing Shopping Center

Wed, 09 Jul 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Amici’s, a New York-style deli, just moved into the Frandor Shopping Center in Lansing. The Clippert Street deli offers lots of different subs, many of which include a New York favorite—pastrami.

According to excerpts from the article:

Amici’s, Italian for friends, breaks off from the rest of the hoagie and hero-serving establishments in the area with a combination of quality food and unique menu items one might have thought would necessitate a trip to Detroit or New York to get in the past.

Manager Mike Tiffany says the aim of Amici’s is to provide the area with an authentic East Coast deli alternative to the cookie-cutter sandwich shops that populate this part of the country.

“We want to be as close to a New York-style deli as possible,” Tiffany says.

Read the entire article here.

Westside Community Mural Gets Modern Look

Wed, 09 Jul 2008 00:00:00 GMT

The Westside community and local artists are teaming up to create new, more politically and socially relevant murals for the area’s most prominent outdoor walls.

According to excerpts from the article:

A two-story mural on the west wall of Shanora’s Wig and General Merchandise (formerly Shanora’s Beauty and Barber Supplies), at 829 W.Saginaw St., was painted white two years ago.

Orabe “Ora” Fuller, owner of Shanora’s, said the mural was in bad shape.

A second mural, facing north onto the same parking lot, is still hanging in there, a peeling time capsule of black entertainment and sports stars from the mid-‘90s.

The blank wall will be completely painted over with fresh faces. The other one will probably stay, Fuller said, but she wants O.J. Simpson out and Michael Jackson off the wall.

“I want no blemishes,” Fuller said. “Just people that are having fun and living good.”

Read the entire article here.

Lansing’s Homeless Program Praised by State Housing Agency

Wed, 09 Jul 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Lansing’s new initiative to fight homelessness is being lauded by the Michigan State Housing Development Authority (MSHDA) as a model for delivering services to the area’s homeless.

According to excerpts from the article:

MSHDA had nothing but praise for the city of Lansing and the Greater Lansing Homeless Resolution Network for the overwhelming success of a Homeless Connect project that delivered much needed services directly to more than 700 of Lansing's homeless population last week on the campus of Lansing's Eastern High School. The first Project Homeless Connect took place in San Francisco in 2004 to put the needy in direct contact with services and has served as a model ever since.

"These events are an important component of MSHDA's 10-Year Campaign to End Homelessness and a compelling part of our overarching mission," said MSHDA Interim Executive Director Keith Molin. "We're committed to providing support for the homeless and special needs populations and encourage the same commitment from every county in Michigan."

The 10-Year Campaign to End Homelessness is based on 60 comprehensive plans submitted by Continuums of Care that represent every county in the state. The Campaign's focus is on "Housing First," the belief that housing attached to supportive services is the key to ending homelessness by 2017.

Read the entire article here.

Gas Prices Push Local Consumers Toward Smaller Used Cars

Wed, 09 Jul 2008 00:00:00 GMT

In light of gas that’s soared well above $4 a gallon, Mid-Michigan consumers are trying to consume less petrol by buying smaller, more efficient older cars.

According to excerpts from the article:

The cars of choice: Hondas (Civic and Accord), Toyotas (Corolla and Camry) and Fords (Focus and Fusion).

Loved for their efficiency and reputation for reliability, these cars are now drawing offers far higher than their Blue Book value. Some sellers report bidding wars that would make a new car dealer envious.

But at some Lansing-area used car dealerships, the trend isn't quite as pervasive. Prospective buyers are asking about gas mileage and looking more toward cars than gas-guzzling trucks and SUVs, but it still comes down to the price in the window, no matter the vehicle.

Read the entire article here.

$116 Million City Center II Project Gets Green Light in East Lansing

Wed, 25 Jun 2008 00:00:00 GMT

The City of East Lansing finally got the green light on its $116 million downtown City Center II project from the City Council.

According to excerpts from the article:

[The project] calls for the redevelopment of the northwest quadrant of Grand River Avenue and Abbot Road in the East Lansing business district.

Lansing-based Strathmore Development Co. is handling the development of the site.

The planning includes a 10-story mixed use building with 80 residential units; a 400-seat performing arts center; a boutique hotel called "Hotel Indigo;" professional office space; a five-story mixed use building with residential and retail; and 12 upscale town home condominiums.

Read the entire article here.

$12 Million Christman Co. Rehab Heralded in Architecture Week

Wed, 25 Jun 2008 00:00:00 GMT

The Christman Building’s recent double Platinum Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) rehab project got Lansing-based builders, the Christman Co., in Architecture Week magazine.

According to excerpts from the article:

The project's sustainable features include optimized energy performance, daylighting, construction waste management, and water use reduction.

National architecture and engineering firm Smith Group designed the project, which rehabilitated the historic 1928 Mutual Building to house the national headquarters of the Christman Company, a construction services firm. The interior was renovated into Class A office space for multiple tenants. New construction included a partial sixth-floor addition to accommodate conference and meeting facilities.

Exterior restoration of the building, which is listed on the National Register of Historic Places, included analysis and rebuilding of deteriorated limestone and brick masonry, restoration of wood double-hung windows, replacement of steel windows with new matching windows, and restoration of the original bronze door and window entry system, as well as the main stairway, historic woodwork, Pewabic tile, and stone floors.

Read the entire article here.

$3.5 Million Expansion Planned By Subsidiary of Holt-Based Medical Co.

Wed, 25 Jun 2008 00:00:00 GMT

A subsidiary of Holt-based surgical instrument manufacturer, Orchid Orthopedic Solutions, is undergoing a $3.5 million expansion in Bridgeport Township.

According to excerpts from the article:

The expansion will create 142 jobs in the next five years, including 60 directly by the company, a state analysis indicates. Average weekly wages for those jobs will be $894.

The Michigan Economic Growth Authority approved a state tax credit valued at $763,000 over seven years. Bridgeport Township is considering a 12-year abatement worth $183,258 to support the project.

Orchid is a single-source manufacturer of surgical cutting accessories, instruments and implants. It is a subsidiary of Orchid Orthopedic Solutions, based in Holt, south of Lansing.

The company is based in a 41,000-square-foot facility at 6688 Dixie Highway in Bridgeport, and leases a 30,000-square-foot facility in Buena Vista Township. Orchid employs 320 locally. The parent company employs 632 statewide.

Read the entire article here.

First Michigan Cyber Security Summit Draws 200 to Lansing

Wed, 25 Jun 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Michigan’s first Cyber Security Summit was a huge hit. Hosted at Lansing Community College (LCC) drew 200 people from all over the state.

According to excerpts from the article:

[The summit] provided outstanding presentations from nationally known speakers including Cornelius Tate, the newly appointed Director of the Department of Homeland Security's National Cyber Security Division, Allen Paller, SANS Director of Research and Symantec's John McCumber, who is the developer of the influential McCumber model for information security systems.

The venue at Lansing Community College’s West Campus was outstanding and the various presentations and panel discussions went off without a hitch all day. Even the lunch and snacks were tasty.

There were approximately 200 attendees at the event, most of whom were State and county government employees. After initial introductions from Ken Theis who is the State’s Director of IT and Brigadier General Michael McDaniel, who is Governor Granholm’s Homeland Security Advisor, Paller did a keynote that outlined the current state of cyberspace. It was a dark and somewhat pessimistic message and it immediately established that cyber security is a very serious concern.

Read the entire article here.

Lansing-based Writer Launches New Music Zine

Wed, 25 Jun 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Lansing-based blogger and music buff, Rich Tupica, has launched his Mid-Michigan music zine, "Turn it Down."

According to excerpts from the article:

Tupica says the zine will focus on Lansing artistic events and people. Unlike other publications in town, Tupica says “Turn it Down” will exclusively cover “creative people and their endeavors.”

To gather material for the first issue, Tupica has been checking out a live show or a band practice almost every night. He says artists lug heavy equipment to shows and rehearse several times a week while working day jobs and going to school. “They need support, otherwise they will likely stop playing music,” he says.

Tupica says these artists and what they bring to the city should not be ignored.

“These guys are not making a lot of money, they don’t have record deals,” he says. “They do it because they love it, and that makes for a lot of good stories.”

Read the entire article here.

Humane Society Considers Powering Up With Wind Turbine

Wed, 25 Jun 2008 00:00:00 GMT

The Watertown Township Humane Society is determining the feasibility of wind power with a 132 feet high wind turbine that would capture wind energy for its facility.

According to excerpts from the article:

Shelter President Stephen Heaven said Watertown Township has approved a zoning variance allowing the shelter to build the turbine, which could reach as high as 132 feet.

But first, officials plan to use an anemometer, or a wind gauge, for 13 months to test wind potential.

Locally, the trend of businesses and organizations installing wind turbines is "in its infancy," according to David Wilson, lead faculty member and coordinator of Lansing Community College's Alternative Energy Engineering Technology program.

Read the entire article here.

Frandor Coin Shop Looking at 3,100 Sq. Ft. Expansion

Wed, 25 Jun 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Liberty Coin Services is expanding its current 2,000 square foot space by adding a second, 3,100 square foot location in Frandor Shopping Center.

According to excerpts from the article:

Increasing gold and silver values coupled with the popularity of quarters commemorating individual states have boosted business so much that owner Patrick Heller estimates customer traffic has at least tripled in the past five years.

Liberty Coin's original location—about 2,000 square feet in the basement of the Bank of America building at 300 Frandor Ave.—will remain a hub for browsing display cases and shopping for collectibles.

The new 3,100-square-foot store, which opened this month across the parking lot at 300 N. Clippert St. Suite 15B, provides office space where employees evaluate merchandise customers hope to sell.

Read the entire article here.

Lansing's Neogen Targets $200 Million in Revenue, Doubles Research

Wed, 18 Jun 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Lansing-based Neogen Corporation is doubling its research efforts in order to meet its plan to bring revenues to $200 million.

According to excerpts from the article:

The company said it will hire an additional 23 personnel by early fall.

"As we now plan to double our revenues toward $200 million, the need to also double our research and development efforts became obvious," said James Herbert, Neogen (nasdaq: NEOG - news - people )'s chairman and chief executive, in a statement. "With the rapid expansion of our revenue and worldwide presence has come a tremendous number of new opportunities for product development."

The company needs the larger staff to develop those opportunities, he said. Most additions will be in the company's Lansing, Mich., laboratories, though it will support new products for the Lexington, Ky.-based animal safety division, as well as research teams in Randolph, Wis., and Ayr, Scotland.

Read the entire article here.

$3 Million Burcham Development Hosts Grand Opening

Wed, 18 Jun 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Burcham Hills Retirement Community recently celebrated its $3 million renovation at a grand opening ceremony.

According to excerpts from the article:

Burcham Hills Retirement Community unveiled a $3 million, 10,000-square-foot expansion that will span three floors of the facility at 2700 Burcham Drive.

Some work has been finished. Patients about two weeks ago began using the new Center for Health and Rehabilitation, said Jennifer Pruitt, director of rehabilitation and wellness.

Before the expansion, the rehabilitation area—then called the Health Center—was approximately 350 square feet to 400 square feet, Executive Director Pam Ditri said. After renovations, rehabilitation space will total about 3,300 square feet.

Read the entire article here.