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Business Briefs

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Medtronic Files Patent Infringement Suit Against NuVasive

From FDANews.com

Medtronic's spine division, Sofamor Danek, has filed a lawsuit alleging that NuVasive products infringe on several of its patents.

"The timing of this lawsuit is strange given the fact the allegedly infringing products in some instances have been on the market for several years. Nonetheless, we will vigorously defend ourselves in this action," Alex Lukianov, NuVasive's chairman and CEO, says in a statement.

NuVasive said it was not notified of the lawsuit prior to the court filing. It does not expect significant disruptions to its operations and is considering filing counterclaims.

POET TO Host Grand Opening

SIOUX FALLS, S.D. - On Thursday, POET will host a grand opening event for POET Biorefining - North Manchester.

The $105 million ethanol production facility near North Manchester will be the 24th POET production facility. The program is open to the public and will include addresses from Indiana Governor Mitch Daniels and POET CEO Jeff Broin.

The event will be held at the facility (868 E. CR 800 N) with guided public tours beginning at 8:30 a.m. At 9:45 a.m. the crowd will be treated to a flyover from the Vanguard Squadron - the world's only 100 percent ethanol-powered aerobatic fleet. The speaking program will start at 10 a.m. and lunch will be served by Market Street Grill from 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Tours will resume at 11:30 a.m. and run through 1:30 p.m.

Schedule of events:

8:30 - 9:45 a.m. Public tours

9:45 a.m. Vanguard Squadron Fly-over

10:00 - 11:00 a.m. Speaking program

11:00 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. Lunch

11:30 a.m. - 1:30 p.m. Public tours

Attendees will also be able to view a life-sized replica of the No.17 Ethanol Car from the Indy Racing League that is co-sponsored by POET.

Public parking for the event is available at the 13-24 Drive-In. Buses will run to and from the public parking place and the facility throughout the day.

POET Biorefining - North Manchester will produce 65 million gallons of ethanol per year from more than 22 million bushels of local corn and provide around 40 jobs with an annual payroll of approximately $2 million. It will be the third ethanol plant opened by POET in Indiana with others near Portland and Alexandria. Once the North Manchester facility is operational, POET's annual production capacity will be 1.4 billion gallons.

NAIFA Workshops Begin Sept. 18

The National Association of Insurance and Financial Advisors of Kosciusko County is preparing to launch their 2008-2009 season.

Monthly training workshops will be held the third Thursday morning of each month, beginning Sept. 18.

NAIFA is a political advocate for consumers as tax benefits for financial products come under constant attack. The new 2008-2009 NAIFA of Kosciusko County board members are Trent Harris, Brad Skiles, Rick Pearl, Roger Haun, Paul Jenkins and Joe Cochran.

Warsaw Chemical Product Receives Green Seal Certification

Green Time Solutions Floor Finish and Floor Finish Stripper from Warsaw Chemical Co. Inc. has received Green Seal Certification by meeting the Green Seal Environmental Standards for floor care products.

The Green Seal certifies that a product or service has been tested according to science-based procedures, insures that it works as well or better than others in its class and it has been evaluated without bias or conflict of interest.

It also identifies a product as environmentally preferable, offers third-party corroboration of those environmental claims and distinguishes that product from competitors who did not meet Green Seal environmental standards.

Green Time Solutions Floor Finish is an environmentally preferred floor finish that is co-polymer based with no zinc or ammonia and dries to a crystal clear finish. The Green Time Solutions Floor Stripper can be used to remove the Floor Finish or any other "non-zinc" cross-linked finish. It features a low odor formula and is fast acting and easy to use.

For more information contact Warsaw Chemical Co., Inc., P.O. Box 858, Warsaw, IN 46581. Telephone: 800-548-3396. Fax: 574-267-3884. Web site: www.warsaw-chem.com

New Weather Shield Drying Agent Unveiled By Warsaw Chemical

Warsaw Chemical Co., Inc. introduces the new Formula 580 Weather Shield Drying Agent as part of the Car Choice® Wash Products line. Weather Shield Drying Agent is formulated with a unique polymer to create a fast water break to boost drying and provide a durable protection and shine.

Formula 580 reduces adhesion of dust and bugs to the vehicles surface, reduces damage from UV light, acid rain and rust, does not smear on glass or paint and is biodegradable. Featuring a fresh bubble scent, the drying agent is offered in 5 gallon plastic tightheads and in 15, 30 and 55 gallon plastic drums.

For more information contact Warsaw Chemical Co., Inc., P.O. Box 858, Warsaw, IN 46581. Phone: 800-548-3396. Fax: 574-267-3884. Web site: www.warsaw-chem.com

Silveus Insurance Names New CEO

Silveus Insurance Group, the nation's leading crop insurance agency, announces the promotion of Craig Snow to Chief Executive Officer. In addition to overseeing all agency functions, Snow's new responsibilities will include defining a new corporate structure and culture, focusing on future acquisitions, and setting the overall strategic direction of the agency.

Snow previously served as sales agent since 2006, selling crop insurance as well as property and casualty insurance. Prior to joining Silveus, he was employed by DePuy Inc., a world leading orthopedic company, where he served in various leadership positions.

"We are pleased that Craig has accepted the position of Chief Executive Officer," said Scott Silveus, president of Silveus Insurance Group. "We are confident our firm will continue to grow and prosper under Craig's leadership."

Snow holds bachelors' degree in business administration from Grace College.

Snow and his wife, Sherri, and their three children reside in Warsaw. He has served as councilman for the town of Winona Lake and also has taught computer courses at Grace College and Ivy Tech Community College.

Fundraising Training Seminar

A fundraising training seminar will be hosted by the Baker Youth Club in Warsaw Oct. 1 from 9 to 11 a.m.

There is no fee to attend the seminar. To register visit http://sforce.benevon.com/intros/midwest.htm and fill out the registration form. RSVP required and space is limited.

A few of the leaning objectives for this session include:

* An overview of the Benevon Model, an organic system for building sustainable funding for the mission of your organization from multiple-year individual donors

* How to implement mission-focused, permission-based fundraising

*How to make your organization more visible in your community

* How to identify and personally cultivate individual donors who are passionate about your mission

The session is offered at no cost to non-profits, faith based and community organizations.

Benevon encourages anyone who works with a nonprofit to attend whether they are board, staff or volunteers. This is an overview of our model for sustainable fundraising from individual donors, how to grow your major gifts program, and eventually build an endowment.

WNIT Offers Forever Tango Tickets

SOUTH BEND - "Shindig 2008" WNIT Public Television's September membership campaign began Friday and continues through Sept. 14.

During this time, WNIT will offer 100 tickets to a live performance of "Forever Tango" at the Morris Performing Arts Center Oct. 17 and 18. The tickets are thank-you gifts for joining WNIT.

"Forever Tango" airs Monday at 8 p.m. and tells the story of the birth of the tango in 19th century Argentina. Created and directed by Luis Bravo, "Forever Tango" features 14 world-class tango dancers, one vocalist, and an on-stage eleven piece orchestra, including the instrument of the tango, the bandoneon, in an evening that celebrates the passionate music and dance of Argentina.

"Shindig" continues throughout the week with such standouts as Carole King, John Denver, "Pride and Passion: The Italians In America", and "The 60s Live" Sept. 13 at 8 p.m.

WNIT Public Television is a not-for-profit organization celebrating more than 34 years of providing quality programs of interest to the communities of northern Indiana and southwestern Michigan.

First Horizon Becomes Part Of MetLife

On Sept. 1, First Horizon's home loans division became part of MetLife Bank, a member of the MetLife family of companies. As a result, the name has changed to MetLife Home Loans.

Even though the name has changed, clients will continue to receive the friendly service and home financing options they've come to expect. In addition, MetLife Bank's national presence and reputation will enable the company to build new relationships in the years ahead.

MetLife has been a trusted name for more than 140 years.

Schlatter Earns Designation

Daniel Schlatter, CGB, CGP, CAPS, of Inglenook LLC recently became one of the select group of professionals nationwide to earn the Certified Aging-in-Place Specialist designation, identified as one of the building industry's top professionals with skills and knowledge specific to home modifications for aging-in-place.

The Remodelers Council of the National Association of Home Builders in collaboration with the NAHB Research Center, NAHB Seniors Housing Council and the AARP created the CAPS program. The CAPS designation program teaches the technical, business management and customer service skills essential to compete in the fastest growing segment of the residential remodeling industry-home modifications for the aging-in-place.

CAPS was developed to help home remodeling professionals meet the needs of the 77 million Baby Boomers that will reach retirement age in the first years of the 21st century. The CAPS designation identifies remodelers that have been trained to help retirees and older adults remain in their homes safely, independently and comfortably, regardless of income or ability level, and continue to live in a familiar environment throughout their maturing years.

In three days of coursework, the CAPS curriculum incorporates a variety of information tailored to aging-in-place home modifications, including: background on the older adult population; communication techniques; common aging-in-place remodeling projects; marketing to the aging-in-place market; common barriers and solutions; codes and standards; product ideas and resources; and business management.

CAPS program graduates are required to maintain their designation by attending continuing education programs and/or participating in community service projects. CAPS classes are offered through local and state home building associations and at national trade shows including NAHB's International Builder's Show and the Remodelers' Show.

The Indiana Builders Association is a statewide trade organization representing Indiana's home building, remodeling and light commercial construction industry. Established in 1952, the IBA has more than 7,000 members in 32 local affiliate organizations. IBA and its affiliates are associated with the National Association of Home Builders in Washington, D.C.