Chamber president receives Lifetime Achievement Award
Susanne Morreale Leeber, president and CEO of the Marlborough Regional Chamber of Commerce, was recently honored at the United Way of Tri-County's annual meeting with the presentation of its Lifetime Achievement Award in recognition of her dedication to United Way for improving the communities and inspiring others in volunteer service. The Clinton resident has been a volunteer for United Way for more than 25 years and has served on United Way's board of directors for many years, and for the last four years served as treasurer. Delia Vetter of EMC and chairwoman of the United Way of Tri-County's board of directors presented the award. Morreale Leeber also accepted the Civic Organization Award presented to the Marlborough Regional Chamber of Commerce for its extraordinary contributions to the community.
Weichert offers free real estate seminars
Weichert Realtors-Synergy is now providing free real estate informational seminars for new and experienced agents. Set for 7 p.m. every Tuesday at the company's location at 378 Washington St., Wellesley Hills, the one-hour session focuses not only on people just entering the field, but also on seasoned salespeople ``who would like more support and tools to further their existing real estate careers,'' according to Weichert broker/owner Martin Kalisker. For reservations or more information, the agency can be reached at 781-237-3102.
PeopleCube extends its webinar series
PeopleCube, a Framingham-based provider of intelligent workplace, resource and energy management technology, this week announced it's extending its ongoing webinar series with the addition of three programs that will run through July. All of the free webinars focus on effectively utilizing real estate and minimizing associated costs. The three new webinars are ``Leveraging Alternative Workspace Strategies to Reduce Costs,'' ``How to Capture Actual Use of Space'' and ``Workplace Business Intelligence: Better Real-Estate Management Begins with Better Real-Estate Measurement.'' Sessions are available throughout the month, and attendees may select the dates they prefer when registering at PeopleCube's Resource Center, www.peoplecube.com/resource-center-overview.htm.
FedEx drivers earn honors in Worcester
Nine drivers representing FedEx Corp. operating companies made impressive showings at the 2009 Massachusetts State Truck Driving Championship in Worcester on June 28. They include FedEx Express driver Karen Tierney of Franklin who finished second in the 5-axle sleeper class. The championship provides an opportunity for professional truck drivers to demonstrate their driving skills and commitment to safety. The event includes a difficult driving skills test, pre-trip inspection and written examination covering vehicle operation and knowledge of federal safety regulations.
CombinatoRx agrees to merge with Neuromed
CAMBRIDGE - Biotech drug developer CombinatoRx Inc. has agreed to merge with Neuromed Pharmaceuticals Ltd. in an all-stock transaction. Under the terms of the deal announced yesterday, CombinatoRx will issue about 36 million new shares of its common stock to Neuromed shareholders in a move that will give each side half of the voting power in the combined company. Final ownership percentages will be determined by the outcome of the Food and Drug Administration review of the Neuromed's extended-release opioid painkiller Exalgo. The deal must be approved by shareholders. Neuromed is a privately held company based in Canada.
Johnson & Johnson pays $1B for stake in Elan
NEW BRUNSWICK, N.J. - Johnson & Johnson said yesterday it will take an 18.4 percent stake Ireland-based drug developer Elan Corp. with a $1 billion investment. The news sent Elan's shares soaring. Johnson & Johnson also is acquiring Elan Corp.'s stake in its Alzheimer's disease treatment partnership with Wyeth, and rolling it into a new Johnson & Johnson company that will be 49.9 percent owned by Elan. The partnership develops drugs intended to engage the patient's immune system to fight the brain-destroying disease.
Baby pool floats linked to Avon firm are recalled
WASHINGTON - The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission said yesterday that Aqua-Leisure Industries would recall about 4 million floating baby pool toys that pose a drowning risk. The commission said consumers should immediately stop using the floats. Leg straps in the seat of the float are prone to tearing, which can cause children to fall into or under the water. So far, the commission has received 31 reports of torn seats. No injuries have been reported. The floats, which were made in China, were sold at Target, Toys ``R'' Us, Wal-Mart, Dollar General, Kmart, Walgreens, Ace Hardware and Bed Bath & Beyond from December 2002 to June 2009. They cost between $8 and $15. Some are shaped like boats, crabs, turtles or cars. The company is based in Avon, Mass.
