Business Digest for Wednesday, Sept. 9, 2009

Babson College launches an overseas program

This fall, Babson College in Wellesley will launch a new overseas program, ``BRICs: The Cornerstone of the New Global Economy,'' designed to immerse students in a semester-long exploration of the economic, cultural, political and historical dimensions of the BRIC countries (Brazil, Russia, India and China). The undergrad experience will include travel to three of the four BRIC nations (Russia, India and China), where students will combine onsite coursework and meetings with business leaders, government officials and academic leaders to hear and see, firsthand, how and why the global business landscape is changing.

Rodman & Rodman to hold `Business Worth' seminar

Rodman & Rodman, certified public accountants and business strategists, has scheduled two seminars this month geared toward entrepreneurs, family-owned businesses and small ownership groups entitled ``How Much is Your Business Worth.'' The seminars will be held from 7:30 to 9:30 a.m. Tuesday {sept. 15}in the company's Newton offices at 3 Newton Executive Park and on Tuesday, Sept. 22, in its Braintree offices at 25 Braintree Hill Office Park. Light refreshments will be served. To register and for more information, contact Jen Minor at Rodman & Rodman at (617) 965-5959 or e-mail jen@rodmancpa.com.

495 Realty Group chosen for Best of Hudson Award

495 Realty Group Inc. has been selected for the 2009 Best of Hudson Award in the Real Property Lessors category by the U.S. Commerce Association (USCA). The USCA ``Best of Local Business'' award program recognized outstanding local business throughout the country. Each year the USCA identifies companies it believes have achieved exceptional marketing success in their local community and business category. These are local companies that enhance the positive image of small business through service to their customers and community. 495 Realty Group is in Hudson.

Polaroid site set to be sold at auction

The former headquarters of Polaroid Corp. in Waltham is scheduled to be auctioned Oct. 9 by auctioneer Paul E. Saperstein Co. Plans by Watch City Development to transform the 120-acre property along Rte. 128 into an office and retail development have been shelved and a foreclosure sale will take place instead.

Babson launches Global Entrepreneurship Program

The F.W. Olin Graduate School of Business at Babson College in Wellesley announceds the official launch of The Global Entrepreneurship Program (GEP) - the world's first global masters program provided by three institutions in entrepreneurship. GEP grants a master of science in management degree with a concentration in global entrepreneurship, earned in 12 months on three continents in partnership with EMYLON Business School in France and Zhejiang University's School of Management in China.

Crate and Barrel expands at the Natick Collection

Crate and Barrel showcases a expanded look with the opening of a Homestore at the Natick Collection on Sept. 17. Located next to Macy's, the store, featuring the company's housewares and furniture collections on one level, includes 22,000 square feet of products. The Natick Collection is at 1245 Worcester St. (Rte. 9 west), Natick.

Lord & Taylor holds Hope in Bloom benefit

The four Massachusetts Lord & Taylor stores - Natick, Braintree, Boston and Burlington - will hold a ``Benefit Bash'' for Hope in Bloom Inc. on Tuesday, Oct. 6. Tickets are $5 each and must be purchased in advance to take advantage of this one-day event in which products will be discounted. To order tickets, send a self-addressed stamped envelope and a $5 payment for each ticket to Hope in Bloom, 202 Bussey St., Dedham, MA 02026. Hope in Bloom is a nonprofit organization that plants free gardens at the homes of women and men undergoing treatment for breast cancer. The Lord & Taylor store in Natick is located in the Natick Collection, 1245 Worcester St. (Rte. 9 west).

Facility leased in Natick

Marlene Aron of Metrowest Commercial Real Estate in Southborough represented the tenant, National Seating & Mobility, in the leasing of a 10,200-square-foot facility at 8 Erie Drive, Natick. National Seating & Mobility provides customized wheelchairs and adaptive seating systems for individuals who have been diagnosed with loss of mobility. The new location was chosen to allow the tenant the ability to expand, having outgrown its present 5,200 square-foot location in Framingham. The landlord was represented by Arthur Amadei, senior vice president of R.W. Holmes Realty Co., Wayland.