Page 559 – Second Wave

Baseball great says Stryker’s latest hip replacement technology scores

By Newsroom

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March 25, 2010

Johnny Bench loves his new hip from Stryker. The baseball hall-of-famer is a paid spokesperson for the Kalamazoo company, and who better to talk about the new implant than a guy who suffered hip pain due to the punishment his body took during many years as catcher for the Cincinnati Reds.Bench reports that one month after his replacement he already nearly has full range of motion back, an accomplishment he attributes to the implant and his physical therapists.The implant Bench is promoting is the latest from Stryker Orthopaedics. It's the next-generation technology for hip replacement surgery and is designed to minimize the risks associated with total hip replacement surgery. It's called the ADM X3 Mobile Bearing Acetabular System.Innovative designs in the newly launched hip implant are built in to give it more longevity than other designs. Its unique large polyethylene insert gives it a larger range of motion and also addresses concerns of metal-on-metal inserts that have caused unexpected medical consequences, such as pseudo-tumors. It also is designed to reduce the risk of dislocation.The new design increases range of motion by using two points of movement rather than a single point."We believe that mobile bearing hips will become the new standard of care in total hip replacements and are committed to offering advanced technologies that benefit both surgeons and patients while adding value in ways that have the potential to reduce costs to the healthcare system," says Bill Huffnagle, Vice President and General Manager of Hip Reconstruction at Stryker Orthopaedics.ADM X3 is the third major hip product launch by Stryker in the past year. Stryker Orthopaedics is a division of the Stryker Corporation. Stryker Orthopaedics offers an extensive orthopaedic product portfolio including hip, knee and upper extremity reconstructive devices, bone cement, trauma implants, bone substitutes and spine systems. Writer: Kathy Jennings Source: Bill Huffnagle, Stryker Orthopaedics

Portage man expands business from garage to commercial space

By Newsroom

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Entrepreneurship

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March 25, 2010

Two years ago, Steve Scott started a small-engine repair shop in the garage of his Portage home. Business has been so successful, he's ready to move out into the world, reports the Kalamazoo Gazette. His Something for all Seasons has moved into commercial space at 8139 Portage Road, just south of Centre Avenue, in Portage. Scott, who the story says repairs snowmobiles, lawnmowers, automobiles, tractors, combines, tillers, cultivators, boats, all-terrain vehicles and virtually anything else with a motor, said he is excited to be getting into his new, much larger work space. Excerpt: "This is heaven," he said of the 2,800-square-foot shop. He now has room to display the equipment he sells. The story goes on to say Scott was born with congenital glaucoma, and underwent 23 surgical procedures before his eyes were replaced with prosthetics when he was 17. Read the rest of the story to find out how his wife helps with the business.

Bell’s Eccentric Cafe grows in Kalamazoo to fit in more music fans

By Newsroom

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Entrepreneurship

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March 25, 2010

A big fish in the local music scene is about to get bigger, reports the Kalamazoo Gazette.Renovation work has begun at Bell's Eccentric Cafe, 355 E. Kalamazoo Ave. The $2.5 million project is projected to make the cafe, a downtown venue for the live music scene, a more major player by turning a vacant space behind the cafe bar into a performance area with room for more than 300 people, Bell's Brewery Inc. president Larry Bell, says in the story. Bell's is well-known for its widely popular beers. In addition, bathrooms will be upgraded, a new atrium entryway will be added and a new parking lot for about 55 cars will open on Ransom Street.Bell says in the story construction is expected to continue through summer — a popular time for the cafe. He asks patrons to be patient — the wait will be worth it.Excerpt:The back room, which is believed to have been built in the 1880s, is the oldest part of the cafe and requires "tender-loving care." Once it's complete, Bell said it will have a stage, sound equipment, lighting, bathrooms, a bar and a green room for performers. There will also be some reconfiguring of the outdoor beer garden and patio."This is something I've been wanting to do for a long time," Bell said. Bell said he expects to be able to book more big-name bands and, by combining the new music room with the garden, host concerts for "perhaps 1,000 people."Read the rest of the story to find out more of Bell's plans.

Benton Harbor’s award-winning designer expands to ready-to-wear

By Newsroom

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Arts & Culture

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March 25, 2010

Angela Wolf has met her long-term goal of launching her first ready-to-wear line, reports the Herald-Paladium. Wolf, the creative mind behind Benton Harbor's own fashion company, is now offering Angela Wolf Couture and 'Abo Apparel, in her local studio at 85 East Main Street Studio No. 405. Excerpt: After winning the 2008 American Sewing Expo's Passion for Fashion Challenge and landing on the American Sewing Expo magazine cover in September 2009, Wolf is having a blast trying to keep up with all her new opportunities. She also has participated in the Association of Sewing and Design Professionals' Threads Magazine's Fluid Fabric Challenge for two years in a row, and both submissions made the top 20. "Ready-to-wear is fun for me," Wolf says, relaxing with a cup of tea surrounded by pieces from her new line in her shop in Vincent Place in downtown Benton Harbor. "This is my lifestyle. I travel, I'm very busy." Her spring ready-to-wear line consists of separates in different colors and fabrics that can be dressed up or down. "I do my own patternmaking," Wolf says, which allows her more flexibility and variety. "Most designers present 10 pieces. I'm able to have 30 outfits in 15 patterns. Almost all the tops are hand wash, and they don't wrinkle, which makes them perfect for travel. I love the bright colors." The story goes on to say 'Abo Apparel is not selling on a national level yet, but that's Wolf's 2010 goal. She's compiled look books for boutiques and has met with high-end boutique owners in Illinois, Michigan and Florida. Read the full story for more about Wolf's full alteration business, and her experience as a wardrobe and image consultant.

German metal finishing company expands in Battle Creek

By Newsroom

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In The News

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March 25, 2010

Battle Creek will benefit from a German company's decision to consolidate its operations, reports the Battle Creek Enquirer. Rosler Metal Finishing, the North American division of the Rosler Group, is planning to add 110,000 square feet to its Battle Creek site at 311 Armstrong Road. Operations in Adrian and Marshall will be cosolidated at the Battle Creek site. Excerpt: The family-owned company manufactures more than 95 percent of its ceramic media, plastic media and compounds at its 150,000-square-foot Battle Creek facility. It employs 120 people in North America and 1,300 workers worldwide. "After carefully considering all the pros and cons, the advantages of a centralized facility with synergies in Production, Sales, Inside Sales, Marketing, and Purchasing, as well as higher tax incentives offered by the City of Battle Creek, provided overwhelming support for our decision," said Harold Wagenknecht, President of Rosler Metal Finishing USA. Rosler products are used in everything from aircraft to golf ball manufacturing, said Karl Dehn, Battle Creek Unlimited president and chief executive officer. The story goes on to say All Rosler employees in Adrian and the six or so workers at the Marshall Township facility will be offered employment in Battle Creek, Read the whole story to find out more about efforts to convince the business to expand in Battle Creek.

Portage residents say keep it up

By Newsroom

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Development News

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March 18, 2010

Portage residents love their bikeway and trails system.They also think their parks are pretty great and they really dig the city's recycling program.So says 90-plus percent of residents responding to the annual city survey.Results of the the 24th Annual Citizen Survey let the city know what's important to residents each year.In 2010 it's quality of life, economic development, roads and neighborhoods, to name a few.Asked about the city services they receive, 85 percent gave a thumbs up. Economic development got a less enthusiastic 65 percent approval for the city's efforts to promote itself to business.The survey was conducted by mail by the Kercher Center at Western Michigan University.The City Council is listening and has made economic development, quality of life and infrastructure improvements, among other initiatives, priorities for 2010.Writer: Kim North ShineSource: City of Portage

Eaton Corp.’s hybrid system powers buses for the military

By Newsroom

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Development News

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March 18, 2010

The federal government has purchased 35 fuel-sipping shuttle buses outfitted with hybrid electric power systems developed in Galesburg bythe Eaton Corp. The U.S. General Services Administration,using stimulus funds from the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act,bought the buses for use on U.S. Military bases. They will replace older, less efficient models, according to the GSA.Last year,the GSA announced it would spend $77 million in stimulus funds to buy3,100 fuel efficient hybrid vehicles. Altogether a hybrid fleetis expected to save an estimated 16.7 million gallons of fuel over thenext seven years. Using the vehicles could prevent the release of 334million pounds of greenhouse gases into the atmosphere. The hybrid system used in the shuttle buses was developed at Eaton Hybrid Power System headquarters in Galesburg with assistance from the company's division in Southfield. Bus manufacturer Capitol Coach Works, Inc. of Capitol Heights,Md., purchased the system to use in the shuttle buses. The hybrid business has proved to be a growth area for Eaton and the company has hired 10 engineers in the past year to support it. Buses powered by Eaton's hybrid power system have the pontential to have a big impact on environmental sustainability, says William Batten,Director of Government Accounts for Eaton's Vehicle Group."We've seen many positive results from commercial customers around the world,"Batten says, "and we hope that this announcement will lead to overall greater acceptance of hybrid technology within the U.S. federal fleet."Vehicles with Eaton hybrid systems typically see fuel savings up to 35 percent, with similar percentages in emission reductions. The vehicles also have extended brake life and idle time reductions of up to 87 percent. Writer: Kathy JenningsSource: William Batten, Eaton Vehicle Corp.

Local company’s parts help build soccer-playing robots

By Newsroom

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Development News

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March 18, 2010

High school students around the world are building competition robots with parts provided by Parker Hannifen in Otsego.Parker Hannifin donated brass fittings and valves — a contribution valued at between $10,000 and $50,000 — in the kit of 577 items given to teams of robot builders as part of the competition, which combines science, technology and a sporting event. A variety of companies provided part for the kits used in US FIRST — United States Foundation for Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology - competitions worldwide.US FIRST was founded in 1989 to inspire young people's interest and participation in science and technology.As part of the FIRST Robotic Competition, teams of high school studentsreceive motors, batteries, a control system, a PC and a mix ofautomative components. No instructions on how to assemble a robot areincluded. Instead, teams work with mentors to build, design, programand test their robots over a six-week period. The goal of the competition is to put the latest technology in the hands of students, give them the opportunity to use the same tools as professional scientists and engineers and ultimately impart skills they could carry into the workplaceThe robot-building kits were distributed to more than 1,800 teams of high-school students in January. More than 45,000 students from 12 countries will design and build robots for regional competitions, which are now underway. The world championship is scheduled for April 15-17 in Atlanta. Participants are eligible to apply for nearly $12 million in scholarships offered by universities, colleges, and companies.This year's competition is called Breakaway and it calls for robots that can shoot soccer balls into a net, drive over a bump to round up soccer balls,and hang suspended from a tower. Robots that can hang from another robot earn extra points for their team.Paul R. Gudonis, of FIRST, praised Parker Hannifen for its contribution, saying the Fluid System Connectors Division has helped "to create a world where science and technology are celebrated… where young people dream of becoming science and technology leaders."Writer: Kathy JenningsSource: Paul R. Gudonis

More snowmobilers, more business

By Newsroom

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Development News

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March 18, 2010

South Haven's downtown businesses are feeling warmed by a snowmobile-driven boost.

Studio 246 writes a new script

By Kathy Jennings

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General

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March 18, 2010

In the new script theater lives long and prospers. Downtown, at Studio 246, they're keeping the spirit of alternative theater alive. With a little help from their friends, they're fixing up the place and everyone's invited to see what's up next.