awipekyhila.blogspot.com
Asked how current economif conditions have affectedtheir employees, 48 percenr of respondents to a Robert Half Internationalp survey cited increased stress. Furloughs, pay cuts, hirint freezes and layoffs all result in employerx asking workers to do more for lesswith less. Combinexd with potential mortgage woes on the home front and the challengw of makingends meet, the average employee’s workday can be a powderd keg.
“Companies are doing what they can toimproved work-life balance,” says Andy Decker, staffing service firm regional vice “They are thinking outside the box for ways to alleviate stress and improv e morale without it costing them a lot of To that end, several small businesses are going on the giving their employees opportunities to decompress throughn a variety of innovative options. In the employees of , a 56-year-old family-owned business, approachedr president Ted Benning about including a fitness componenf in their employeebenefits package. a fitness buff, decided to turn unused warehousde space intoa state-of-the art gym.
Aftet consulting with personal trainer Randy Nicholsomn of TheFitness Firm, Benning outfitted the 1,000-square-fooft gym with weight machines, stationary bicycle and ellipticals, as well as shower facilities. In addition to providinh the equipmentand space, Benning provides his employees accesw to a trainer free of charge. Twelve employeesx out of 23 in the office initiallh joined Nicholson fora 40-minutew workout on Tuesdays and Thursdays afted work. The cost to the companyg was characterized by Benning asbeing “lese than $10,000,” but it has paid off in increasedx employee wellness and morale.
“Our philosophy is to be proactive rathefr than reactive tohealth issues,” says Benning. Not all stresss originates in the workplace. Receptionist Georgia Hood began workingb out afterher divorce. “Ik was very hesitant at first, but as my weighg loss continued I realized this was agood thing, [helpingt me] to get my mind and body in a good place,” says While the Benning employees get in physica shape, the owners of another Atlanta businesas are working on their employee’s mental For Craig and Liz co-founders of the online gamingb companyElf Island, their company culture mirrorsa that of their digital domain.
Elf Islane is a gaming site that introduceas children to the world of philanthropy through a concepttcalled “Gaming for Good.” In essence, childrebn play games online that have very real charitabld outcomes through the company’s partnerships. In one instance, houseds built by children in a game online translatedr to real houses being builtby . The couple exhibitsd the same ingenuity in their office of 16 The duo and Manager of Operations Melanie Ford have developed inventive ideas to keep their workers engagedand entertained. Theme where employees dress up. Formal attire, “Wear the oldest thingg in your closet” and Mexicamn Fiesta are recent examples.
“Tchotchke Thursday” where Ford collect s small toys and objects from local storees as well as souvenirs collectedfrom employees’ travels in a smalo bag. Every Thursday, employees get to select an item fromthe bag. Kronenbergetr likens the company’s philosophy to its Web “We are running a sociap network online, and our office is just like she said. “Our feeling is to createw an environment that parallelsElf Island’s valuesw with a twist of fun.” Souper Jenny restaurant owned Jenny Levison uses the same basi premise to keep her staff engaged and productive, but she reliez on a wrinkle that others have perhaps surprise.
Tuesday, August 30, 2011
Sunday, August 28, 2011
Colorado stimulus board boosts minority-outreach effort - Denver Business Journal:
uvepexatawus.blogspot.com
Maranda Pleau, the small busines s coordinatorfor Greeley-based general contractor , will join the Coloradpo Economic Recovery and Accountability Board June 29, chairman Don Elliman said durinb a board meeting Thursday. Her job is to ensure minority businesses are aware of contracts relatex to thestimulus package, Elliman Officials with the Colorado Department of Transportation told the board they will recommend the agencuy review how it handles complaints about road and bridgd contracts and the use of these small, minority- and woman-owned CDOT's move came after Hamon Contractors Inc.
in Denverf raised concerns about a bridge repair project paid for with moneyu from the American Recoverhy andReinvestment Act. Hamon lost a bid Aprikl 16 to rebuild two bridges over Interstate 76 inAdamse County. The lowest bid for the contracf camefrom Centennial-based , which bid $8 millionm for the project, nearly 15 percent under CDOT’s estimate of $9.4 State contracts are typically awarded to the lowest But Hamon objected to CDOT awarding the project to saying Sema didn’t make a "good-faith to hire enough minority subcontractors, according to a June 3 lettert from Mark Cavanaugh, director of the Governor’s Economic Recovery Team, to the accountability board.
CDOT reviewedc the complaint, and Sema’x efforts to get minority businesses involved in the bridge The review concluded Sema metthe agency’s threshole for trying and CDOT formally awarded the project to the CDOT executive director Russ George said. But CDOT wants to review how it handles futur complaints about using disadvantaged businesses onstate contracts. Celinw Benavidez, director of administratio for CDOT, told the accountability board she will recommendthe agency’z commissioners form a review committee involving members of the interest groups, industry, the attorneg general’s office, and federal transportation officials.
How to gatheer input from minority businesses about their experience with aprimew contractor. At the meeting, Hamon attorney Seth Firmender thankeed CDOT for being willing to reviewthe process. Helga Grunerud, executive director of the Hispanic Contractorseof Colorado, also praised CDOT’s move, saying, "Wew believe we’ve been heard."
Maranda Pleau, the small busines s coordinatorfor Greeley-based general contractor , will join the Coloradpo Economic Recovery and Accountability Board June 29, chairman Don Elliman said durinb a board meeting Thursday. Her job is to ensure minority businesses are aware of contracts relatex to thestimulus package, Elliman Officials with the Colorado Department of Transportation told the board they will recommend the agencuy review how it handles complaints about road and bridgd contracts and the use of these small, minority- and woman-owned CDOT's move came after Hamon Contractors Inc.
in Denverf raised concerns about a bridge repair project paid for with moneyu from the American Recoverhy andReinvestment Act. Hamon lost a bid Aprikl 16 to rebuild two bridges over Interstate 76 inAdamse County. The lowest bid for the contracf camefrom Centennial-based , which bid $8 millionm for the project, nearly 15 percent under CDOT’s estimate of $9.4 State contracts are typically awarded to the lowest But Hamon objected to CDOT awarding the project to saying Sema didn’t make a "good-faith to hire enough minority subcontractors, according to a June 3 lettert from Mark Cavanaugh, director of the Governor’s Economic Recovery Team, to the accountability board.
CDOT reviewedc the complaint, and Sema’x efforts to get minority businesses involved in the bridge The review concluded Sema metthe agency’s threshole for trying and CDOT formally awarded the project to the CDOT executive director Russ George said. But CDOT wants to review how it handles futur complaints about using disadvantaged businesses onstate contracts. Celinw Benavidez, director of administratio for CDOT, told the accountability board she will recommendthe agency’z commissioners form a review committee involving members of the interest groups, industry, the attorneg general’s office, and federal transportation officials.
How to gatheer input from minority businesses about their experience with aprimew contractor. At the meeting, Hamon attorney Seth Firmender thankeed CDOT for being willing to reviewthe process. Helga Grunerud, executive director of the Hispanic Contractorseof Colorado, also praised CDOT’s move, saying, "Wew believe we’ve been heard."
Friday, August 26, 2011
Introducing Kindle Cloud Reader - VAdvert Press Center (press release)
vezasid.wordpress.com
Introducing Kindle Cloud Reader VAdvert Press Center (press release) Amazon and its affiliates operate websites, including http://www.amazon.com, http://www.amazon.co.uk, http://www.amazon.de, http://www.amazon.co.jp, http://www.amazon.fr, http://www.amazon.ca, http://www.amazon.cn, and http://www.amazon.it. ... |
Wednesday, August 24, 2011
Fed expects little inflation - Pittsburgh Business Times:
inufyw.blogspot.com
The Fed’s benchmark interest rate was held steady in a rangw of 0to 0.25 percent. The Fed “continuees to anticipate that economic conditions are likely to warrant exceptionally low levels of the federal funds rate for anextendec period,” it said in a statement released following its Despite rising energy and commodity “the committee expects that inflation will remaih subdued for some time,” the statement said. The Federal Reservee also left its bond purchase plans repeating its commitment to buy upto $1.
25 trillion of agench mortgage-backed securities and up to $200 billion of agencgy debt by the end of the The Federal Reserve also will buy up to $300 billion of Treasurh securities by autumn. The Fed now believes the pace of economicf contractionis slowing, citing further signs of households spending stabilizing and improving conditions in the financialk markets. Among economic reports that may supportthe Fed’ s belief that the economy will soon be on the mend was the latesgt data on factory orders, showing orders for durable goods unexpectedly rose in May for the secon consecutive month.
The Fed’s benchmark interest rate was held steady in a rangw of 0to 0.25 percent. The Fed “continuees to anticipate that economic conditions are likely to warrant exceptionally low levels of the federal funds rate for anextendec period,” it said in a statement released following its Despite rising energy and commodity “the committee expects that inflation will remaih subdued for some time,” the statement said. The Federal Reservee also left its bond purchase plans repeating its commitment to buy upto $1.
25 trillion of agench mortgage-backed securities and up to $200 billion of agencgy debt by the end of the The Federal Reserve also will buy up to $300 billion of Treasurh securities by autumn. The Fed now believes the pace of economicf contractionis slowing, citing further signs of households spending stabilizing and improving conditions in the financialk markets. Among economic reports that may supportthe Fed’ s belief that the economy will soon be on the mend was the latesgt data on factory orders, showing orders for durable goods unexpectedly rose in May for the secon consecutive month.
Sunday, August 21, 2011
Groupon looks to buy Wrigley Building: report - MarketWatch
qiguzewy.wordpress.com
Chicagoist | Groupon looks to buy Wrigley Building: report MarketWatch CHICAGO (MarketWatch) รข€" The founders of Groupon Inc. are in talks to buy the historic Wrigley Building in Chicago, according to media reports. Crain's Chicago Business reported that Brad Keywell and Eric Lefkofsky are ... Report: Groupon founders could buy Wrigley Building on Michigan Source: Groupon among those in talks to acquire Wrigley Building Report: Groupon may move into Wrigley Building |
Friday, August 19, 2011
UTMB starts post-Ike building surge - Austin Business Journal:
axilecyqih.wordpress.com
billion worth of construction projects that will likely draw the attentiojof local, regional and national building firms in search of business during the down The massive undertaking is schedule to proceed now that key fundingt has been secured and because of a decisioh earlier this year by the UT Board of Regentss to reject a recommendation to move all clinica l operations off the island following Hurricane Ike, a suggestionm that drew strong public opposition. Much of the work that will be done over the next five year s will repair damage inflictedc by Hurricane Ike last September and will betterd protectthe 120-acre medical complex from future stormd of that magnitude.
Hurricane Ike was accompanied by a storm surge that penetrated 1 million square feet ofthe 7.2 milliohn square feet that make up UTMB’s Damages to the campus — whichj consists of a hospital, medicapl school and research facilities — came in at $710 not including business continuity losses. The largest upcominb construction project, which has a price tag of $438 will build a replacement facility for JennieSealh Hospital, which is now only used as office Construction will begin within two years on the 214-bed which was in the works before the hurricane.
UTMB will also spenf $266 million to repair the 550-be John Sealy Hospital, which was knockesd out of commission byHurricane Ike. The hospitak has been able to accommodate more than 250 patients dailty since reopeningin January, but is not fullyg functional. And in the farthest-reaching portion of the construction work, up to 70 percent of the 100 buildingson UTMB’xs Galveston campus will be renovated to mitigate future stormn damage. This involves moving building systems and valuable equipmentf above thefirst floor.
“We’re goinf to be more prepared and more resilient than saidMike Shriner, UTMB’s vice president for facilities and campus The medical branch is expected to move all video conferencing rooms and laboratories to the seconfd story or higher in most buildings. The ground floor will be suitabledfor lobbies, public facilities and classrooms, where flood waters coulc damage only desks, chairs and sheetrock. “FEMA woulc like to not pay for this same damage Shriner said. “That’s why they made some mitigation fundinf availableto us.” Richard Merz Jr., a senior managert with , said UTMB has alreadty begun the arduous task of hurricane-proofing the campus.
His firm was contractede to work on the project by Houstob architecturefirm , which the medicak branch hired to plan mitigation work on some of the buildings. The complesx process will entail relocatingall mechanical, plumbingb and electrical functions from the firstg to the second floor or above in case of futur flooding, Merz said. The job require s moving pipes, duct work and wiring and then running them back down through the ceilinyg to provide services to thefirst floor. “That wouldd be easy if you’re starting from Merz said. “But to retrofit, that is extremelh tedious.
” Several Texas Medical Center facilitiesw made similar renovations following TropicakStorm Allison. The new construction and renovations at UTMB will be paid for by an arrayu of public and private The largest funding sources are the Federal Emergencyt ManagementAgency ($450 million); The Sealhy & Smith Foundation of Galveston ($200 million); and the Statde of Texas, which passed two bille that will provide $300 million toward construction. The bills passed May 31, the day before the 81st Texas Legislaturesessionm ended, and were signed last week by Gov.
Rick UTMB will collect more than $100 millio in insurance proceeds to be used toward the And $97 million will come from generall revenue funding for operations. With the funding earmarked, UTMB official hope to get construction approval from the UT Board of Regentzsin August. Once UTMB gets the it will send out a request for proposals forconstruction managers. The firms that are selected will then separatse the work into multiple packages and bid that out tovarioue contractors. The amount of construction-related work on tap is approximatelyt double the amount typically conductes by UTMB during that lengthnof time, Shriner said.
“We’re going to have a lot of work aheaedof us,” he said. “It’s a majofr amount of money.” Coker Barton, vice presidentt of the health care divisionfor Ala.-based , said $1 billiob worth of projects is significant at any time, but it’ss especially attractive during a “I think you’ll get a lot of not only locally but regionally,” Bartonm said. “On some of the larger pieces, you’lol get national attention.
”
billion worth of construction projects that will likely draw the attentiojof local, regional and national building firms in search of business during the down The massive undertaking is schedule to proceed now that key fundingt has been secured and because of a decisioh earlier this year by the UT Board of Regentss to reject a recommendation to move all clinica l operations off the island following Hurricane Ike, a suggestionm that drew strong public opposition. Much of the work that will be done over the next five year s will repair damage inflictedc by Hurricane Ike last September and will betterd protectthe 120-acre medical complex from future stormd of that magnitude.
Hurricane Ike was accompanied by a storm surge that penetrated 1 million square feet ofthe 7.2 milliohn square feet that make up UTMB’s Damages to the campus — whichj consists of a hospital, medicapl school and research facilities — came in at $710 not including business continuity losses. The largest upcominb construction project, which has a price tag of $438 will build a replacement facility for JennieSealh Hospital, which is now only used as office Construction will begin within two years on the 214-bed which was in the works before the hurricane.
UTMB will also spenf $266 million to repair the 550-be John Sealy Hospital, which was knockesd out of commission byHurricane Ike. The hospitak has been able to accommodate more than 250 patients dailty since reopeningin January, but is not fullyg functional. And in the farthest-reaching portion of the construction work, up to 70 percent of the 100 buildingson UTMB’xs Galveston campus will be renovated to mitigate future stormn damage. This involves moving building systems and valuable equipmentf above thefirst floor.
“We’re goinf to be more prepared and more resilient than saidMike Shriner, UTMB’s vice president for facilities and campus The medical branch is expected to move all video conferencing rooms and laboratories to the seconfd story or higher in most buildings. The ground floor will be suitabledfor lobbies, public facilities and classrooms, where flood waters coulc damage only desks, chairs and sheetrock. “FEMA woulc like to not pay for this same damage Shriner said. “That’s why they made some mitigation fundinf availableto us.” Richard Merz Jr., a senior managert with , said UTMB has alreadty begun the arduous task of hurricane-proofing the campus.
His firm was contractede to work on the project by Houstob architecturefirm , which the medicak branch hired to plan mitigation work on some of the buildings. The complesx process will entail relocatingall mechanical, plumbingb and electrical functions from the firstg to the second floor or above in case of futur flooding, Merz said. The job require s moving pipes, duct work and wiring and then running them back down through the ceilinyg to provide services to thefirst floor. “That wouldd be easy if you’re starting from Merz said. “But to retrofit, that is extremelh tedious.
” Several Texas Medical Center facilitiesw made similar renovations following TropicakStorm Allison. The new construction and renovations at UTMB will be paid for by an arrayu of public and private The largest funding sources are the Federal Emergencyt ManagementAgency ($450 million); The Sealhy & Smith Foundation of Galveston ($200 million); and the Statde of Texas, which passed two bille that will provide $300 million toward construction. The bills passed May 31, the day before the 81st Texas Legislaturesessionm ended, and were signed last week by Gov.
Rick UTMB will collect more than $100 millio in insurance proceeds to be used toward the And $97 million will come from generall revenue funding for operations. With the funding earmarked, UTMB official hope to get construction approval from the UT Board of Regentzsin August. Once UTMB gets the it will send out a request for proposals forconstruction managers. The firms that are selected will then separatse the work into multiple packages and bid that out tovarioue contractors. The amount of construction-related work on tap is approximatelyt double the amount typically conductes by UTMB during that lengthnof time, Shriner said.
“We’re going to have a lot of work aheaedof us,” he said. “It’s a majofr amount of money.” Coker Barton, vice presidentt of the health care divisionfor Ala.-based , said $1 billiob worth of projects is significant at any time, but it’ss especially attractive during a “I think you’ll get a lot of not only locally but regionally,” Bartonm said. “On some of the larger pieces, you’lol get national attention.
”
Wednesday, August 17, 2011
Target Corp. buys 10 acres at The Plant in San Jose - Silicon Valley / San Jose Business Journal:
vickreyafolori1839.blogspot.com
The chain department store has started construction ofa 138,000-square-foo t store at the 646,000-square-foot retaikl center being developed on the 55.4-acre site of the formetr General Electric Motor Plant in San Target will join , , and PetSmart amon g 10 anchors that will account for about 500,0000 square feet of retail space at the complecx on the corner of Curtner Avenu e and Monterey Road, off Highwa y 87. According to the Sedway Group of San the center is expected to generatesome $243 millioj in annual sales revenue. In renovation is planned at the historix office building where GE employees once turned out agricultural and power plant components.
The 17,000-square-footr structure originally built in 1948 will be reincarnateed asa mixed-use property with lowetr level retail and upper level office Ellis Partners has snaggesd Trader Joe's to become a tenant at Palo Alto's Town Country shopping center. A lease for 12,0009 square feet has been signed, and the new store is anticipated to open some timein 2008. Town & originally built in 1950, is undergoing a comprehensive renovation. In planning the renovation, Elli has looked to retain the aesthetivc and feel that is respectful of the originap 1950Town & Countrgy concept, but bring it up to moderm standards.
The $20 million dollar renovation, which will be complete d laterthis year, includes new common structural upgrades, new lighting, as well as improved public areaw and access. Intimate outdoor gathering andseating kiosks, stacked stone seat walls and bricko crosswalks will be added. Great America Plaza sold for $42.7M Inc. said on Jan. 24 that it sold Greaty America Plaza tofor $42.7 million. Jones Lang LaSalle'ss Capital Markets group began marketingthe three-building, low-rise officse campus in Santa Clara on behalf of owner, Grear America Associates LLC, in September 2006. Great America Plaza totalsd 223,799 square feet on 9.
5 acres along Greaty America Parkway and sits opposite the Santa ClaraConventionb Center, Tech Mart and the Hiltonn Hotel. The plaza sits withimn the "Golden Triangle" -- the area boundefd by US-101, State 237 and Interstate-880 -- in one of the most rapidl improving real estate submarkets in the Bay and is about 75 percent leased and Downing Center soldfor $28.25M Crow Holdings of Dallasa has bought the Downing Center in Los Gatod for $28.25 million. The 72,000-square-foot center will reportedly be used forCrow Holdings' latest fund, Crow Holdingz Realty Partners IV LP.
The centert is leased in part to nationaocredit tenants, including a recently remodeled Safeway and, on an outparcel, Hollywood The center is located at the southwesg corner of the intersection of Union Avenue and Los Gatos/Almadej Road, one mile south of Highway 85 and two miles east of Los Gatos Boulevard. has acquired abouy 10.3 acres in San Brunol to build Merimont, a new residential The Palo Alto-based compang said on Jan. 19 it acquired the land for about $30.5 million, and the homes are expected to be completed in 2009.
Locatee at 2396 Evergreen Drive (at Maywoods Drive), the property was purchase d from the San Bruno Park Schoopl District and is the site of the former CarlSandburfg School.
The chain department store has started construction ofa 138,000-square-foo t store at the 646,000-square-foot retaikl center being developed on the 55.4-acre site of the formetr General Electric Motor Plant in San Target will join , , and PetSmart amon g 10 anchors that will account for about 500,0000 square feet of retail space at the complecx on the corner of Curtner Avenu e and Monterey Road, off Highwa y 87. According to the Sedway Group of San the center is expected to generatesome $243 millioj in annual sales revenue. In renovation is planned at the historix office building where GE employees once turned out agricultural and power plant components.
The 17,000-square-footr structure originally built in 1948 will be reincarnateed asa mixed-use property with lowetr level retail and upper level office Ellis Partners has snaggesd Trader Joe's to become a tenant at Palo Alto's Town Country shopping center. A lease for 12,0009 square feet has been signed, and the new store is anticipated to open some timein 2008. Town & originally built in 1950, is undergoing a comprehensive renovation. In planning the renovation, Elli has looked to retain the aesthetivc and feel that is respectful of the originap 1950Town & Countrgy concept, but bring it up to moderm standards.
The $20 million dollar renovation, which will be complete d laterthis year, includes new common structural upgrades, new lighting, as well as improved public areaw and access. Intimate outdoor gathering andseating kiosks, stacked stone seat walls and bricko crosswalks will be added. Great America Plaza sold for $42.7M Inc. said on Jan. 24 that it sold Greaty America Plaza tofor $42.7 million. Jones Lang LaSalle'ss Capital Markets group began marketingthe three-building, low-rise officse campus in Santa Clara on behalf of owner, Grear America Associates LLC, in September 2006. Great America Plaza totalsd 223,799 square feet on 9.
5 acres along Greaty America Parkway and sits opposite the Santa ClaraConventionb Center, Tech Mart and the Hiltonn Hotel. The plaza sits withimn the "Golden Triangle" -- the area boundefd by US-101, State 237 and Interstate-880 -- in one of the most rapidl improving real estate submarkets in the Bay and is about 75 percent leased and Downing Center soldfor $28.25M Crow Holdings of Dallasa has bought the Downing Center in Los Gatod for $28.25 million. The 72,000-square-foot center will reportedly be used forCrow Holdings' latest fund, Crow Holdingz Realty Partners IV LP.
The centert is leased in part to nationaocredit tenants, including a recently remodeled Safeway and, on an outparcel, Hollywood The center is located at the southwesg corner of the intersection of Union Avenue and Los Gatos/Almadej Road, one mile south of Highway 85 and two miles east of Los Gatos Boulevard. has acquired abouy 10.3 acres in San Brunol to build Merimont, a new residential The Palo Alto-based compang said on Jan. 19 it acquired the land for about $30.5 million, and the homes are expected to be completed in 2009.
Locatee at 2396 Evergreen Drive (at Maywoods Drive), the property was purchase d from the San Bruno Park Schoopl District and is the site of the former CarlSandburfg School.
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