SalemNews.com, Salem, MA--Focus

Mon, 07 Apr 2008 20:26:00 EDT

North Shore colleges changing with the times

Tue, 15 Apr 2008 03:00:00 EDT

Near the edge of Coy Pond in Wenham, a large glass-and-brick building stands over the bucolic campus of Gordon College. The 80,000-square-foot edifice, which is near the end of its first phase of construction, will be dedicated as the Ken Olsen Science Center in September, and it could be the most tangible example of several innovative initiatives taking place at colleges around the North Shore.

Focus: Weakening dollar draws international tourists

Tue, 15 Apr 2008 03:00:00 EDT

The weakening economy is worrisome for many, but tourism is an industry that is expecting to do well despite the economic downturn.
"We are hopeful for the year to come in the international market," said Julie McConchie, director of the North of Boston Convention and Visitors Bureau.

Focus: Outdoor furniture dresses up the backyard like a living room

Tue, 15 Apr 2008 03:00:00 EDT

Outdoor furniture has come a long way from the white plastic and foldable lawn chairs that many remember from summers past. Backyards are looking more like living rooms these days.
"A lot of people think of those white plastic chairs when they hear outdoor furniture," said Glenn Curti, owner of Casual Furniture Outlet in Ipswich. "That's like saying there is only one type of car, and it's a Ford Pinto."

Focus: Five ways to treat your pets well

Tue, 15 Apr 2008 03:00:00 EDT

Everyone likes to be pampered once in a while — even dogs and cats. Here are five ways local businesses can help make your pet look and feel great.
Spa treatment
Grooming is very important for the health and well-being of pets, according to pet experts.

Focus: Assisted living a booming industry

Tue, 15 Apr 2008 03:00:00 EDT

People are living longer than they have before, and with the baby boomers approaching golden years, centers specializing in their care are sprouting up all over the North Shore.
Paul Lanzikos, executive director of North Shore Elder Services, said that in 1990 there were practically no assisted living centers in Massachusetts. Today, there are more than 150, 15 of them on the North Shore, and there is another one scheduled to open this summer in Danvers.

Focus: Working out in groups works out for the body

Tue, 15 Apr 2008 03:00:00 EDT

With summer right around the corner, it's time to shed some winter weight before heading to the beach.According to some fitness experts, the latest trend in fitness is the "power in numbers" approach.

Focus: Despite weak economy, now is a good time to invest

Tue, 15 Apr 2008 01:20:00 EDT

So you've got money to invest during these trying economic times.
It could be $1,000, it could be $100,000.
Regardless, here are a few guiding principles.
Relax (read: do not panic), reflect on your goals, form a plan that employs diversification and follow through with it.

5 development projects that could boost the local economy

Tue, 08 Apr 2008 07:44:00 EDT

'Recession' might be the most commonly heard word when it comes to the economy these days. But despite the slowdown, several major projects are in the works around the North Shore.
From a $100 million courthouse in Salem to a new Salisbury "village," these seven developments have the potential to transform their communities.

Focus: A city within the city at Beverly office park

Mon, 07 Apr 2008 13:21:00 EDT

BEVERLY — It wouldn't be fair to pigeonhole the Cummings Center as an office park. General Manager Steve Drohosky calls the 2 million-square-foot facility "a little city," and for good reason.
The vast complex holds all the odds and ends you would expect to find in a city. On site are corporate offices and research and development labs, classrooms for a local college, a dance studio, banks and a post office. You can visit the dentist, eat a meal and drop off your dry cleaning, all on site. There's even a church.

Enterprise Center offers training for small businesses

Mon, 07 Apr 2008 13:20:00 EDT

SALEM — "Small businesses are a great strength of the region," said Christine Sullivan, director of Salem State College's Enterprise Center. According to Sullivan, 88 percent of companies in Essex County have four or fewer employees, and the owners of those companies need help.

Focus: Local corporations spice up their business at Eurostoves

Mon, 07 Apr 2008 13:20:00 EDT

BEVERLY — Many local business and corporations such as Mullen Advertising are starting to spice things up, literally, by adding cooking to their repertoire.
Although Mullen isn't in the culinary arts industry, the company turns to Eurostoves Inc.'s Culinary Centre in Commodore Plaza on Enon Street for many of its team-building exercises and social events.

Focus: Local businesses going green, selling green

Mon, 07 Apr 2008 13:16:00 EDT

Business has always been about "making green," but in recent years more emphasis has been on "going green." And a variety of businesses on the North Shore are getting in on the action.
Some make products with "green" appeal. HER Design, based in Marblehead, for example, creates environmentally friendly and cruelty-free handbags sold in shops across the country and even in the United Kingdom. They're made from more sustainable materials, such as linen and microsuede, and with eco-sensitive glues, solvents and other materials.

Focus: Choosing a site for a business meeting

Mon, 07 Apr 2008 13:13:00 EDT

Taking a business meeting off-site can help ensure that important decisions get made. But sometimes just choosing where to meet can be a tough decision.
Do you go to the place with a convenient location? An interesting menu? One that offers a tour of the local museum or a luxury spa?

Focus: Airport renovations already showing results

Mon, 07 Apr 2008 13:12:00 EDT

BEVERLY — There is hope that the local economy will take off as more planes do the same at Beverly Airport.
The city-owned facility is in the midst of a $15 million overhaul that could create a transportation hub for tourists and company executives, and boost business in the area.