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| Biodiesel fuel plant is job boost for Bangor? PATCH WORK: Business has slowed. but Rowe family farm in Belleville keeps its strawberry-picking tradition? Doctor's wife beaten. UAW CONVENTION: Union votes $60 million for growth. Is $5 million fair for fairways?
Foreman Jake Smit of Lowell. working for Kent Cos. of Grand Rapids. works on a door at the 12-acre Michigan Biodiesel plant in Bangor. The plant is to open in July. Many of the investors in the plant are farmers from middle and western Michigan. (MARK BIALEK/Special to the Free Press)
BANGOR -- This small. western Michigan town. known primarily for its local pickle factory and bumper blueberry crop. will soon be one of the state's gateways for the production of biodiesel fuel.
Michigan Biodiesel LLC is building the state's first biodiesel plant in Bangor. Scheduled to come online in July. the plant will create 25 jobs and be a boon for hundreds of Midwest farmers. It takes one bushel. of soybeans to make 1.4 gallons of biodiesel. according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture. And the new plant will produce about 40 million gallons of biodiesel fuel a year. That's a lot of soybeans.
Bangor. is in Van Buren County in western Michigan. It is one of the poorer towns -- per capita income is $14.925 a year -- in one of the poorest counties in the state.
"It's a significant development for us because it means an opportunity to add 25 jobs in the community with long-term benefits of a stable non-auto related business that may not be as cyclical." said Larry Nielsen. city manager for Bangor. "After all. it's a $3.5-million investment and the town's tax base is only $21 million."
Michigan Biodiesel is funded by 71 investors.000 each. Four others are expected to be running within the next two years.
Biodiesel is a domestically produced. renewable fuel for diesel engines derived from natural oils from soybeans. canola and sunflowers and animal fats. Michigan produced 107.6 million bushels of soybeans last year. according to federal statistics. There are 97 biodiesel plants in the United States.
Less well known to consumers than ethanol-blended fuel. biodiesel primarily powers heavy-duty trucks and tractors that consume diesel. It can be used in its purest form -- B100 -- or blended to B20. which is a mixture of 20% biodiesel and 80% petroleum-based diesel fuel. The renewable fuel is perhaps best known as an environmentally friendly product that reduces carbon monoxide. particulates and hydrocarbon emissions compared with petrol-diesel fuel.
"Biodiesel is a small part of a big answer for Michigan's energy problems. chief financial officer for Michigan Biodiesel and a soil scientist at Michigan State University.
The state plans to spend $2 billion in bond money in the next decade to ensure that it becomes the nation's alternative energy epicenter. a key component of Gov. Jennifer Granholm's 21st Century Jobs Fund program.
In April. Granholm called upon the Michigan Public Service Commission to draft a comprehensive energy plan to encourage the greater use of alternative sources including biodiesel. The plan is to be completed Dec. 31.
"The spinoff from this is that Michigan Biodiesel's decision to come to Bangor has other businesses that are looking to grow coming to Bangor to see if we would be a good fit for them as well." Nielsen said. "As that happens. somebody else is bound to say that we want to be here. too."
The popular morning meeting place has been buzzing with news that the new plant is serving as a magnet for other businesses considering opening up shop in Bangor -- known as Train City USA . according to cafi manager Teresa Wiles.
Twenty-five new jobs would have a limited impact on the everyday lives of Bangor residents. There is also the question of who's going to buy the stuff. Right now. only one retail filling station in Bangor sells biodiesel.
Critics of the fuel. say biodiesel in its B100 form is a notoriously poor-performing cold-weather fuel. Below 50 degrees. the fuel begins to form wax crystals that can cause the engine to run rough.
Dozens of citizens met with company officials and city leaders last August to ask questions about the safety of the new plant and make sure that there would be no negative environmental impact.
Wiles. who attended the meeting. said she was satisfied that there would be little risk of pollution from the plant after seeing a demonstration on how biodiesel is made.
With a federal tax subsidy on production of biodiesel recently extended through 2008. companies like Michigan Biodiesel can expect to find fertile markets for their products.
"We think it's a win-win for us and the community of Bangor." said Betz. "We think our advantage is having local people working in the plant and helping to stabilize the town's workforce."
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| In three months you'll have medical coverage. in six months a vacation. and in a year matching contributions to your 401(k). That's if you survive the year.According to a Saratoga Institute study. 25 percent of new hires will be gone in the first year. As corporate consultants Milo and Thuy Sindell explain it. many of you will be tossed into your new jobs with little or no training.In their new book. aptly titled "Sink or Swim" (Adams). the Sindells offer a roadmap to guide the freshman employee through those probationary 12 weeks.And few are as critical as Week One."As you go through your first week." the Sindells say. "keep in mind the old adage: Knowledge and information are powerful. but having the right knowledge and information is power." Timing. timing: Showing up late is surest way to wear a bull's eye. To avoid this. be honest in your calculations. How long does it take to eat breakfast. and warm up the car. or jog to the train station? Don't forget traffic snarls. mass transit power outages. and little Billy's aversion to the alarm clock. The Sindells warn: "Before you know it. a half-hour routine... is really an hour." Prepare for disruptions. Remember: life happens.Why am I here? It's easy to get lost within a large company. That's why managers are critical. They must define your responsibilities and you must follow them precisely. You may get tossed into the fire of an ongoing. deadlocked project. or win a three-week reprieve to catch your breath and learn your surroundings. But get a defined role.Who are we? The Sindells call it seeing the Big Picture.You may work in Human Resources filing disability claims. But you better understand what your company bottles in the factory and stores in the warehouse. "You have a stake in the game." they write. Know your competition. and why they are trouncing you in New Haven but not Newport. It will help you understand how your department's decisions influence output in New Jersey but not New York.Meet the team: Never hide in your cubicle. It's tempting. Everyone has first-week jitters. But you must break out. The Sindells suggest you wield the magical phrase: "Hi. I just started here. my name is... ." "Use it to your advantage to meet as many of your coworkers as possible." they write. "This will allow you to jumpstart your relationships with them."And never regale new coworkers with stories about your weekend with Jack Daniels. or share details about your shaky marriage or your son the bed-wetter. Stick to your employment experience."First impressions are everything; be professional. courteous and curious." they write. "Don't just talk about yourself."
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| NEW YORK - As part of Major League Soccer's strategic initiative to have all teams playing in soccer-specific stadiums. MLS Commissioner Don Garber announced today that a search for a new home for the New England Revolution will begin soon. The MLS Commissioner's Office will work closely with the Kraft Family. investor-operator of the New England Revolution. to explore the construction of a soccer-specific stadium that will serve as the home for the MLS club.
MLS will soon issue a Request For Information (RFI) from communities in the greater Boston area and New England in order to identify an appropriate site for a new stadium. The RFI is the first step in determining the interest and capability of local communities and their governing bodies to enter a public-private partnership in building a world-class soccer stadium and youth soccer complex. A similar RFI process successfully secured partnerships with the city of Bridgeview. IL and the City of Frisco. TX for current MLS soccer-specific stadiums. which serve as economic engines in their communities and centers of youth sports activity.
"We're thrilled to work with the Kraft Family to secure a soccer-specific stadium for the Revolution that will provide fans the same intimate environment other supporters enjoy in many MLS markets." Commissioner Garber said. "Soccer-specific stadiums are a key driver in our business. and we have many examples in MLS of how these venues positively impact a team's performance both on and off the field. We recognize that while Gillette Stadium is probably more conducive to soccer than any other NFL venue. the Revolution and their fans deserve their own soccer stadium. Our goal is to have every MLS team playing in a stadium that is built or reconstructed for soccer."
Among the information requested will be: An overview of the community and its interest level; a thorough description of the potential sites; possible sources of public funding; community and surrounding area demographics and demonstration of community support for soccer.
Stadiums built specifically for soccer and owned by MLS teams are a driving force behind the League's continued growth and permanence in the United States. Four soccer-specific stadiums have been built for Major League Soccer teams since 1999 and two more are scheduled to open next year.
These modern facilities usually hold between 20. include suites and club seating. and share design concepts with some of the finest soccer venues in Europe. While the look of each stadium varies. all of them generate the atmosphere and intimacy that the game of soccer deserves. Fans are closer to the action and everything from the field -- dimensions. lighting and entry ways. etc. -- are created with soccer in mind. MLS teams playing in stadiums they own and operate have distinct advantages in scheduling. sponsorships and ancillary revenue streams.
For communities where these stadiums are built. the benefits can include: new jobs. new business for hotels. restaurants and retail. community unification. improvements to public transportation. economic growth and community development. They become a place for diverse sectors of the community to gather together. and they serve as a focal point for soccer activity throughout the region. As an example. The Home Depot Center in Carson.000 construction jobs during the building process and another estimated 500 permanent jobs. The Los Angeles Galaxy has led the league in attendance each of the three seasons since The Home Depot Center opened. with its 17-field complex. has become the hub of youth soccer in Texas. It is the headquarters for the U.S. Youth Soccer Association and the site of one of the world's largest youth soccer tournaments.000 spectators during the week-long event.
The Revolution currently play at the spectacular 68.756-seat Gillette Stadium. which opened in 2002 and also serves as the home of the three-time Super Bowl champion New England Patriots. Gillette Stadium has hosted several marquee soccer events.316 fans.
Soccer-specific stadiums for the Colorado Rapids and Toronto FC are due to open in 2007. and plans are underway for stadiums in Salt Lake City. New Jersey for 2008. Another proposed site for an MLS stadium. near Philadelphia. PA.
Columbus Crew Stadium (Columbus. Ohio): Opened in 1999 as the home of the Columbus Crew. Built by Lamar Hunt. this stadium has hosted two Sierra Mist All-Star games and a number of important U.S. National Team games.
The Home Depot Center (Carson. Calif.): Opened in 2003 as the "cathedral of American soccer" The Home Depot Center is the luxurious home of both the Los Angeles Galaxy and Chivas USA.
Pizza Hut Park (Frisco. Texas): Opened in August. 2005 as the new home of FC Dallas. The venue's highly-successful hosting of MLS Cup 2005 led to the return of the championship game to Frisco in 2006.
TOYOTA PARK (Bridgeview. the League's newest soccer palace opens 15 minutes south of downtown Chicago. The handsome new park will play host to the 2006 Sierra Mist All-Star Game as the MLS All-Stars face two-time English Premier League champion Chelsea FC.
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| CAPE CANAVERAL - The clock was ticking for the two spacewalkers to finish up their maintenance jobs on the international space station. All was finished except for replacing a video camera on a transport platform used to construct the orbiting outpost.
Last week. NASA controllers conferred with their Russian counterparts about whether to call off that task or preceed as planned and risk running out of time. They decided to go ahead after the Russians agreed to tack on an extra 50 minutes for spacewalking. allowing the crew members to successfully complete their tasks.
? Russian commander Pavel Vinogradov said at 6:48 p.m. EDT as he and USA flight engineer Jeff Williams exited the Russian side of the station in their bulky suits while the outpost soared more than 220 miles above Earth.
The spacewalk was the first scheduled for the two crewmen since their arrival at the space station in early April. During their careers. Vinogradov has conducted five previous spacewalks; Williams has made one.
A few items needed for the spacewalk got lost somewhere inside the cluttered space station. Among them: part of a Russian foot restraint for holding Vinogradov in place at the end of the 55 foot boom. He used a USA made tether instead. (World)
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| Konica Minolta Graphic Imaging USA Inc. will close its offices and plant in Glen Cove this fall. city officials said.The company. which is a subsidiary of Konica Minolta Holding Inc.. told its employees last week that it would stop operations by Sept. 29 and close the facility by the end of November. Glen Cove Mayor Ralph Suozzi said.
Company officials notified the mayor on June 6. the same day it announced the plans to its employees. he said. The plant. which occupies 18 acres. employs 180 people. The company is planning to relocate 35 employees. Suozzi said.Several calls to Konica Minolta Graphic Imaging USA were not returned yesterday.Konica Minolta Graphic Imaging manufactures and distributes conventional and digital graphic arts supplies. including analog and digital films. processing chemicals. film and plate processors. image setters and plate setters. according to its Web site. Originally known as Chemco. the company was founded in 1899 and became a subsidiary of Konica Minolta in 1987.For employees looking for new jobs. Suozzi has offered to help channel resumes to the city's four other engineering firms. News of the company's plans to close its Glen Cove facilities is a setback for the city. he said."I think any loss is a blow to the city. because we are not in the most robust financial shape." Suozzi said. "We're holding our own. but our fiscal situation isn't all that solid."
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