Published: July 12, 2008 09:02 pm         

Business Briefs

Nursing home listed with zero deficiencies

INDIANAPOLIS — Pulaski Health Care Center was named as one of 15 Indiana comprehensive-care nursing homes with zero deficiencies in its first-quarter annual survey, conducted from January through March, according to state health officials.

The annual surveys cover residents’ rights, residents’ behavior and facility practices, quality of life, resident assessment, quality of care, nursing services, physician services, dental services, infection control, physical environment and administration. They are conducted by a three- to four-member team of registered nurses or social workers.

Pulaski Health Care Center is located at 624 E. 13th St., Winamac.

Seminars offered for business owners

The North Central Indiana Small Business Development Center is currently offering a workshop, “Launching Your Business,” from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. July 15 in Logansport-Cass County Economic Development Foundation office, 310 S. Pearl St.

The workshop is $35 per business and covers all materials including a copy of the Wayfinder Business Feasibility Software. Questions about licensing, permits, record keeping, marketing and planning will be answered. There will be time for questions and answers.

To register, please log on to www.conf.purdue.edu/sbdc or call toll free at (800) 359-2968 at least 24 hours before the scheduled workshop.

Ivy Tech offers skill awareness for welding

Ivy Tech Community College is offering three courses for those in welding occupations or new to welding to help assess welding skills and potential.

The courses run from 6 to 9 p.m. and meet once a week for four weeks. Discussions during the courses will include safety practices.

Gas Metal Arc Welding will meet Wednesdays from July 16 until Aug. 6. Gas Tungsten Arc Welding will meet Thursdays from July 17 until Aug. 7. Shielded Metal Arc Welding will meet Fridays from July 18 until Aug. 8.

All students will be required to have a safety kit, consisting of a black welding shade, welding gloves, welding jacket, headgear, visor and safety glasses for welding. Participants can bring equipment or purchase it at a student discount from Airgas Mid America, 1911 E. North St., Kokomo for approximately $85. The class costs $60.

For more information call Jan Hulet at (765) 459-0561, Ext. 528 or toll free (800) 459-0561, Ext. 528

DePompei earns new role with Andersons

The Andersons Inc. appointed Arthur D. DePompei as vice president of human resources.

DePompei takes over the position, which was previously held by Charles E. Gallagher, who retired after 34 years with the company.

DePompei previously served as the vice president of human resources for Degussa Construction Chemicals, LLC, in Cleveland, Ohio. He also served the same position at Teledyne Fluid Systems and Specialty Equipment in Brecksville, Ohio.

He earned his bachelor’s degree in business administration with an emphasis on management and labor relations from Cleveland State University.

Lilly announces plan to acquire biotech firm

INDIANAPOLIS (AP) — Drug maker Eli Lilly and Co. plans to acquire San Diego-based SGX Pharmaceuticals Inc. in a cash deal valued at about $64 million.

Lilly announced last week that the deal gives it access to SGX’s drug discovery technology and its portfolio of compounds. SGX is a biotech company that focuses on oncology drug development. The two companies have collaborated since 2003.

Lilly Executive Vice President Dr. Steven Paul says the deal helps expand Lilly’s presence in the San Diego area. The deal is expected to close in the second half of this year.

Auto parts company moving to Angola

ANGOLA (AP) — Auto supplier General Products Corp. plans to move its headquarters and manufacturing center from Columbus, Ohio, to the northeastern Indiana city of Angola, state development officials said.

The move is expected to create as many as 61 new jobs by 2011, the Indiana Economic Development Corp. announced last week.

The company already employs about 60 workers at its 125,000-square-foot plant in Angola and is expected to begin hiring machine operators, maintenance and professional staff this summer.

The state agency said General Products will invest more than $7.8 million in the move. The company also has a plant in Russellville, Ky., and an office in Livonia, Mich.

The state offered the company up to $650,000 in tax credits and up to $72,500 in training grants, and the city will consider property tax abasement for the company, the agency said.

General Products makes engine, transmission and chassis components for the light and heavy-duty vehicle markets.