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View, a Milpitas, Calif.based maker of architectural dynamic glass, has raised $100 million in equity funding from Madrone Capital Partners. http://www.viewglass.com

Bellicum Pharmaceuticals Inc., a Houston-based developer of cellular immunotherapy products, has raised $14.7 million in new Series B funding. The round now stands at $34.4 million total. Backers include AVG Ventures and Remeditex Ventures. http://www.bellicum.com

Mashable, a tech content site, has raised $13.3 million in its first round of outside funding. Updata Partners led the round, and was joined by New Markets Venture Partners, Social Starts and individual angels. http://www.mashable.com

Isarna Therapeutics, a German developer of cancer drugs, has raised 13 million in new VC funding. AT NewTec led the round, and was joined by return backer MIG. http://www.isarna-therapeutics.com

Mediant Communications LLC, a New York-based provider of outsourced shareholder communications services, has raised $7 million in growth equity funding from existing shareholder Argentum Capital Partners. http://www.mediantonline.com

Remitly Inc., a Seattle-based mobile money transfer service that allows immigrants in the U.S. to send money home, has raised $5.5 million in Series A funding. QED led the round, and was joined by Trilogy Partnership, Founders Co-Op, TomorrowVentures, Bezos Expeditions and individual angels. http://www.remitly.com

Dianrong, a Shanghai-based peer-to-peer lending site, has raised "tens of millions of dollars" of new VC funding from Northern Light Venture Capital. http://www.dianrong.com

American Industrial Partners has acquired the Transportation Products unit of Carlisle Companies Inc. (NYSE: CSL). No financial terms were disclosed. The business makes specialty tires, wheels and power transmission belts for a wide range of end markets. http://www.americanindustrial.com

Clearlake Capital Group has acquired a majority stake in PrimeSport, an Atlanta-based sports travel and entertainment management company, from ticket resale company RazorGator. No financial terms were disclosed. The seller was RazorGator, whose shareholders include Kleiner Perkins, Oak Investment Partners and Steamboat Ventures. http://www.primesport.com

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Deals of the day

Welcome to Kerridge Architecture + Construction, a Northern Michigan premier design build company. At Kerridge Architecture + Construction, we strive to design and build architecturally beautiful homes and distinctive commercial facilities throughout Northern Michigan with one goal in mind - to exceed our client's expectations not only in quality but in satisfying their timeline, budget and design requirement.

Kerridge Architecture + Construction provides a variety of professional services for our clients unique project needs. We are a multifaceted design build company using state of the art design and construction techniques. From Design Build to Architecture, General Contracting to Construction Management, we tailor our service approach to meet your design and building project needs. It is the power of the PLUS +. Kerridge Architecture + Construction.

As an established Traverse City design build firm, we are able to tailor our services to your particular project needs. Whether you're building a professional medical facility or a fine custom home, we can integrate architectural services and construction expertise in the tradition of the Master Builder.

As architects who build, we have great knowledge of building costs and what drives expense. By our involvement in following a project from design through completion and from the overall picture to the smallest detail, we will create unique, beautiful, and functional spaces for you - from start to finish. Because we recognize our responsibility to sustainable design and construction, we advocate the utilization of green build principles in all aspects of our building practice.

We welcome the opportunity for collaboration with other architects in developing and constructing projects. This professional collaboration can range from providing general contracting services to partnering in a design build approach. Whether you choose us as your single source design build partner, or we combine our design abilities with other design professionals, we are confident that you will receive the highest quality architectural design services and construction services available in northern Michigan.

With years of experience in managing multi-million dollar commercial building projects, we are an experienced team partner capable of guiding substantial projects from Fast Track commercial facilities to high-end custom homes. As a team leader, we focus on working collaboratively with many trade professionals to make your unique project work efficiently and to your complete satisfaction.

If you're seeking to build a beautifully designed and well-constructed residence or quality commercial facility, please review the many projects we have completed and the many services we offer to see if we can be of service to you. If you would like to provide us with information about your project to better understand your needs, please complete the information on the Contact Us page or give us a call or send us an email to discuss your ideas and goals for your project. We'd love to hear from you.

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Luxury Home Builder: Architectural Design Services

Visitors to Davenports River Heritage Park along the Mississippi River will find history reflected in the guard railing along the seawall.

The 808 feet of decorative railing features a design that suggests the arches of the nearby Government Bridge. The subtle, yet eye-pleasing element of Davenports newest city park, located at East 3rd Street and River Drive, was designed and manufactured by Crawford Co., Rock Island.

This railing that combines a historical motif with a safety function joins a gazebo already in place at the seven-acre park. Among the features yet to come is a proposed foot bridge that will enable park visitors to cross River Drive. The foot bridges design was inspired by the Mississippi Rivers first railroad bridge, an 1856 structure whose western terminus was located at the park site and is part of the rich history that the attraction celebrates.

Participating in projects such as River Heritage Park, where architectural elements contribute to both the esthetics and historical complement, is nothing new for Crawford Co. While it is known for its industrial and residential plumbing, heating and cooling services as well as metal fabrication, the company also performs unique custom architectural work.

That specialty can be seen at several high-profile landmarks in the Quad-Cities.

In addition to the River Heritage Park guard railing, such projects include protective canopies at the historic Clock Tower building, the headquarters of the Rock Island District of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers.

Working with divisions within the company as well as outside vendors, Crawford manufactured and installed the canopies at three entryways of the historic landmark, completed in 1867 as the Rock Island Arsenals first building.

The structures include a curved thumbnail shaped overhang at the main entrance and two 35-foot long canopies at the sides of the building. With fiberglass decking supported by stainless steel frames in a color scheme in keeping with that of the original building, they feature decorative cast aluminum finials in oak leaf patterns matching the oak leaf designs incorporated in the historic fencing on the property.

The guard railing at Davenports River Heritage Park consists of 101 eight-foot long sections of powder-coated, galvanized steel incorporating the trapezoid shapes of the Government Bridges arches.

Keith Gerks, Crawfords division manager for weld/laser sales, said the project posed challenges.

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Architectural products shine the spotlight on Crawford Co.

Elk Grove Village, IL (PRWEB) December 31, 2013

Elk Grove Village - Midland-Frantz Construction Group, Inc. is pleased to announce that the commercial construction and tenant improvement firm has completed a 8,500 square foot office build-out and expansion for Corkill Insurance at 25 Northwest Point Blvd in Elk Grove Village.

Founded in 1959, Corkill Insurance -- an accomplished independent insurance agency with a 55 year history of excellence -- selected Elk Grove Village local general contracting firm, Midland-Frantz to complete their 8,500 square foot interior office expansion project. Primarily focused on personal lines insurance, Corkill expanded into commercial, life and group benefits leading to increased growth and the need for more space.

The expansion project is almost doubling the space for the growing firm founded in 1959. The tenant improvement work included conference rooms, private offices and eating area. Construction also featured millwork, high-end door and glass finishes.

Peter Petropoulos was the project executive for Midland-Frantz Construction Group, Inc. Leasing and property management was coordinated by Joe Stevens with Transwestern, and Onyx Architects provided the architectural services.

About Midland-Frantz Construction Group, Inc.: Midland-Frantz Construction Group, Inc. established in 1995 with offices in Elk Grove Village, Illinois, is one of the Chicagos most trusted and and successful interior general contractors. The firms interior construction projects range from multi-million dollar contracts to building maintenance projects for building owners; developers; private and public corporations; property management firms; educational institutions; industrial and healthcare facilities. Midland-Frantz Construction Group, Inc. maintains a field team of union carpenters, tapers, laborers and superintendents including a professional staff of degreed construction specialists, architects and project managers.

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Midland-Frantz Completes 8,500 SF Office Build-out for Corkill Insurance in Elk Grove Village

Elk Grove Village, IL (PRWEB) December 31, 2013

Elk Grove Village - Midland-Frantz Construction Group, Inc. is pleased to announce that the commercial construction and tenant improvement firm has completed a 3,500 square foot office interior renovation for Sompo Japan Insurance Company of America (SJI) at 25 Northwest Point Blvd in Elk Grove Village.

Founded in 2002 by the merger of Yasuda Fire & Marine Insurance Co., Ltd and Nissan Fire and Marine Insurance Co., ltd., SJI, is among the largest property and casualty insurers in the world and is the 3rd largest insurance company in Japan. With remote offices all over the world, SJI awarded the Chicago 3,500 square foot tenant improvement project to local general contracting firm, Midland-Frantz.

The interior renovation project not only made better use of existing space for the growing firm, but improved the quality and overall appearance of the sales office workstation layout. Construction also featured millwork, high-end door and custom glass finishes.

Peter Petropoulos was the project executive for Midland-Frantz Construction Group, Inc. Leasing and property management was coordinated by the Farbman Group, and Davis & Davis provided the architectural services.

About Midland-Frantz Construction Group, Inc.: Midland-Frantz Construction Group, Inc. established in 1995 with offices in Elk Grove Village, Illinois, is one of the Chicagos most trusted and and successful interior general contractors. The firms interior construction projects range from multi-million dollar contracts to building maintenance projects for building owners; developers; private and public corporations; property management firms; educational institutions; industrial and healthcare facilities. Midland-Frantz Construction Group, Inc. maintains a field team of union carpenters, tapers, laborers and superintendents including a professional staff of degreed construction specialists, architects and project managers.

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Midland-Frantz Completes 3,500 SF Interior Office Renovation for Sompo Japan Insurance

LITTLE ROCK, AR - Unemployment numbers in the State of Arkansas are holding steady.

The November jobless rate of 7.5 percent was unchanged from the month before, according to labor force data produced by the U.S. Department of Labor, Bureau of Labor Statistics and released today by the Arkansas Department of Workforce Services (DWS).

DWS says Arkansas civilian labor force increased 3,700, which is a result of 4,400 more employed and 700 fewer unemployed Arkansans.

The number of employed in Arkansas rose 4,400 in November, the first employment increase since May. Although employment rose and unemployment declined, the change was not enough to bring down the unemployment rate, says DWS Communications Director Becky Heflin.

Arkansas Nonfarm Payroll Job Summary:

Nonfarm payroll jobs in Arkansas increased 1,700 in November to total 1,202,400. Five major industry sectors posted gains, more than offsetting declines in six sectors. Jobs in trade, transportation, and utilities rose 1,600. A majority of the increase occurred in retail trade (+1,500), reflecting the start of the holiday shopping season. Professional and business services added 1,200 jobs. Most of these gains were in professional, scientific, and technical services (+900), due to reported hiring in architectural-engineering services and in advertising-public relations services. Jobs in leisure and hospitality decreased 1,400. Typical seasonal losses were posted throughout all subsectors.

Since November 2012, Arkansas nonfarm payroll jobs increased 13,500. Seven major industry sectors reported growth, with five adding 1,000 or more jobs, each. Four sectors posted declines. Professional and business services enjoyed the largest increase (+5,900). Gains were reported throughout all subsectors, with administrative and support services capturing a majority of the growth (+2,800). Trade, transportation, and utilities added 3,900 jobs. Most of the increase occurred in transportation, warehousing, and utilities (+3,700). Employment in educational and health services rose 3,400. Health care and social assistance posted the majority of the gains (+2,500). Jobs in construction rose by 2,500, related in part to ongoing large projects throughout the state. Financial activities added 1,000 jobs, all in finance and insurance. The subsector includes activities such as commercial banking and insurance carriers. Employment in government decreased (-1,000), largely at the federal level.

The U.S. jobless rate declined three-tenths of a percentage point, from 7.3 percent in October to 7.0 percent in November.

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Arkansas November Unemployment Rate Unchanged from October

Dallas, TX (PRWEB) December 20, 2013

For the third year, World of Concrete 2014 is recognizing the accomplishments of crews in the commercial construction/masonry industry with the Crews That Rock competition, sponsored by BASF. This popular contest honors crew members for their teamwork and contribution to the industry and their communities. Crews submitted stories and photos of their amazing and inspiring projects from the past year for a chance to win a trip to the show, hotel stays, seminars and other exciting prizes.

Projects were submitted in one of two categories, Community Service/Not-for-Profit and Commercial/For-Profit. Two Grand Prizes were awarded in each of the categories Audience Award via online voting and Experts Choice selected by a panel of industry professionals. With 29 total finalists, including 23 in the Commercial category and six in the Community Service category, the contest resulted in thousands of online votes and tremendous interest through social networks.

Webcor Builders received the Audience Award in the Commercial/For-Profit category for the Guam Naval Hospital Replacement. The Guam Naval Hospital Replacement Project was the first project for the Webcor component of the Joint Venture. Webcor Concrete performed the structural and architectural concrete work for the main structures as its responsibility within the J.V. Webcor Concrete took particular pride in the team, which was created during the performance of this work utilizing construction trade workers from the local work force.

The Experts Choice award for the Commercial/For-Profit category was JT Wimsatt Contracting Company, Inc. for the UCSD SIO NIST MESOM Laboratory. JT Wimsatt's crew of 30 worked on the structural concrete portion of this project. They used regionally sourced Type III concrete in the walls and elevated decks, most of which remains exposed on the interior and exterior of the building. The building's structure is exposed architectural cast-in-place concrete shear walls, elevated slabs with slab on grade and a system of spread footings. This three-story, 40,000-square-foot laboratory opened in June 2013.

Denes Concrete Inc.s LCJVS World Trade Center Memorial received the Audience Award for the Community Service/Not-For-Profit category. The Lorain County Joint Vocational School acquired a 7-foot section of I-beam from the World Trade Center. The LCJVS asked local contractors to donate time and material for the construction of their World Trade Center Memorial. Denes Concrete worked side-by-side with the students in the masonry program to design, construct, form and pour the octagon pyramid where the beam is erected as well as pour, color and stamp the concrete sidewalks.

The Experts Choice award for the Community Service/Not-For-Profit category was awarded to Gerace Construction Company, Inc. for the Midland County Veterans' Memorial. The Midland County Veterans' Memorial Committee was tasked with removing the historic WWII bronze memorial and placing it on new granite substrate. Gerace Construction generously donated the necessary craftsmen, formwork and accessories required to form, pour and finish the 3.5-foot-deep x 10-foot-wide x 49-foot-long reinforced concrete foundation for the memorial as well as the 6-inch-deep x 20-foot-wide x 49-foot-long reinforced concrete slab-on-grade under the fundraising paver bricks.

The four Grand Prize winners will be honored at WOC 2014 during the Crews That Rock reception on Wednesday, Jan. 22 at 3 p.m. in the CC Live booth, C3639. BASF and TV personalities Dean & Derek will present awards and swag bags for the winning crews.

Were excited to present the winners of the Crews That Rock contest once again. For the third year in a row, we were impressed by the projects submitted by the crews in the concrete/construction and masonry industries, said Jackie James, WOC Show Director. World of Concrete and BASF look forward to honoring these crews and celebrating their accomplishments at the Crews That Rock reception on Wednesday, January 22!

"We are so proud to be a part of the Crews the Rock event, honoring all the crews for their inspiring contributions to the concrete construction industry in 2013. We look forward to congratulating the winners in person and welcoming them to the Crews That Rock Hall of Fame," said Dirk Bremm, Senior Vice President, BASF Construction Chemicals Americas.

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World of Concrete Announces Four Winners in Crews That Rock 2014 Contest

Atlanta, GA (PRWEB) December 20, 2013

Donald C. Buenger, AIA, LEED AP, Principal with Urban Design Group (UDG), recently spoke about design considerations for creating smokefree casinos at a workshop sponsored by the American Nonsmokers Rights (ANR) Foundation. The ANRs Workshop for Safe and Healthy Smokefree Casino Jobs was held in Cincinnati, Ohio from December 16-18 at the Westin Cincinnati and the Horseshoe Cincinnati Casino. Buenger was also presented with an award from the ANR Foundation for his firms work.

Buenger, and his firm UDG, were architects for the recently-completed Hollywood Casino Toledo that features an indoor smokefree environment and incorporates creatively integrated smoking areas and porches into the property. Buenger presented a session titled, Ohio Smokefree Casinos from Design and Operations Perspectives on Wednesday, December 18.

Smokefree casino workplaces are now a reality in more cities, states, and in tribal properties, said Cynthia Hallett, Executive Director of the American Nonsmokers' Rights Foundation. This workshop was another opportunity for networking, knowledge exchange, and to discuss best practices for successful smokefree casino implementation. Attendees included public health officials and advocates, health voluntary agency representatives and workers.

At the workshop, ANR Foundation and partners highlighted the positive steps many gaming operators have taken to address the issue of secondhand smoke. There are now more than 500 smokefree casinos and other gambling facilities in the US, and many more internationally - from Canada and much of the Americas to Europe and New Zealand.

Today, 82% of the U.S. population are nonsmokers, and people are much more aware of the serious health hazards of secondhand smoke in the workplace and are demanding smokefree entertainment venues, including casinos. Twenty US states include casinos and other gambling venues in smokefree workplace laws. Smokefree casinos also meet industry goals to be green, sustainable, and to be a good community partner as well as a responsible employer.

There are many lessons learned, and best practices for making smokefree indoor air largely a non-issue for gaming operations, said Hallett. For example, architectural design firms are now taking a more thoughtful approach to planning for outdoor smoking areas conveniently located near gaming floors as Don explained during his presentation.

More casino operators now realize that strong smokefree laws are in the best interest of their company and shareholders. Smokefree laws help create parity and normalcy on this issue throughout a region. For example, the quicker that neighboring states adopt similarly strong laws, the sooner the industry will not have to deal with indoor smoking as a variable.

"Smokefree indoor air helps ensure a safe work environment for the employees in this growing job sector," said Hallett. "Gaming job creation should not come at the expense of sickening the people and communities those jobs are supposed to be helping."

The issue of smoke-filled casinos is pressing because workplace exposure to secondhand smoke remains a top preventable cause of chronic disease, healthcare costs, and premature death. 20 US states, Puerto Rico, and the US Virgin Islands now include state-regulated gambling jobsites in smokefree workplace laws. A growing number of sovereign American Indian Tribes and Nations are also addressing the issue with smokefree and commercial tobacco free policies.

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UDG Principal Don Buenger Received an Award for Innovative Architectural Design of Smokefree Casinos from the American ...

FY14 THIRD QUARTER VS. PRIOR-YEAR PERIOD

COMMENTARY Apogee recorded another solid quarter, with growth in revenues and earnings per share, and positive free cash flow, said Joseph F. Puishys, Apogee chief executive officer. At the same time, we used cash to acquire a leader in the Canadian storefront and entrance market with approximately C$60 million in annual revenues, supporting our growth strategies that include a focus on new international geographies and new product introductions.

Revenues were up 5 percent in the quarter, and all segments have grown year to date, he said. Weve maintained our backlog level, and more importantly, are seeing growth in our pipeline of project commitments and awards, as well as continued strong bidding activity as our markets begin to improve.

Our operating income growth of 11 percent was driven by improved mix and productivity in the Architectural Glass segment, and increasing margins and good project execution in the Architectural Services segment, which returned to profitability, said Puishys. In addition, the Architectural Framing Systems segment earnings increased slightly as it absorbed acquisition integration costs. In the Large-Scale Optical segment, a good mix was offset by promotional activities and some increased manufacturing costs.

FY14 THIRD-QUARTER SEGMENT AND OPERATING RESULTS VS. PRIOR-YEAR PERIOD Architectural Glass

Architectural Services

Architectural Framing Systems

Large-Scale Optical Technologies

Consolidated Backlog

Financial Condition

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Apogee Reports Improved Third-Quarter Results

Architects experienced a drop in November billings after a six-month run of increasing requests for design services. The Architecture Billings Index (ABI) from the American Institute of Architects (AIA) reported a November reading of 49.8, dipping from an October score of 51.6. Any score above 50 indicates an increase in billings. New project inquires also slipped to 57.8 from a mark of 61.5 the previous month.

Architecture firms continue to report widely varying views of business conditions across the country. This slight dip is likely just a minor, and hopefully temporary, lull in the progress of current design projects, AIA chief economist Kermit Baker, Hon. AIA, said in a statement. But there is a continued uneasiness in the marketplace as businesses attempt to determine the future direction of demand for commercial, industrial, and institutional buildings.

The commercial/industrial and institutional sectors hung below the 50 mark at 48.6 and 47.7, respectively, compared with multi-family residential (55.2) and mixed practice (53.1). Broken down by region, November billings scores came in at 52.0 for the South, 51.6 in the Midwest, 50.2 in the west, and a low of 47.5 in the Northeast.

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Architectural Billings Slip in November