Daily Business Report — March 6, 2012
McKenna Long Completes Luce Forward Takeover
McKenna Long & Aldridge announced today that it has completed its merger with San Diego’s Luce Forward, Hamilton & Scripps and that the combined firm will continue with the McKenna Long name. With the merger, the firm has more than 575 attorneys and public policy advisers in 13 offices and 11 markets. Luce Forward Managing Partner Kurt Kicklighter is now executive partner at McKenna Long & Aldridge for California.
CareFusion Acquires Seattle Technology Company
CareFusion of San Diego has announced its acquisition of PHACTS LLC, a Seattle-based technology and consulting company that helps hospital pharmacies manage inventory, reduce costs and streamline operations. Terms of the deal were not disclosed. The acquisition will advance CareFusion’s strategy to offer hospitals safe and efficient systems to manage medication throughout their facilities, the company said.
Acadia Pharmaceuticals Extends Collaboration With Allergan
Acadia Pharmaceuticals Inc. has extended its drug discovery and development collaboration with Allergan Inc. that focuses on the discovery of new treatments for glaucoma and other disorders. The collaboration, originally established in 2003, has been extended through March 2013. Acadia also has two other collaboration agreements with Allergan that have led to clinical programs in the areas of chronic pain and glaucoma, the company said.
General Atomics Introduces Training Simulator
General Atomics Aeronautical Systems Inc. introduced the Tactical Airborne Reconnaissance Simulator (TARS), a software-based training capability for Lynx multi-mode radar operators that can be run on a laptop computer. The training tool allows Lynx instructors to conduct simulated exercises that feature real-world combat scenarios. The radar is currently operational with the U.S. Air Force, U.S. Department of Homeland Security, U.S. Army, Royal Air Force, Italian Air Force and the Iraqi Air Force.
Roe v. Wade Attorney to Address Teens and Parents
Sarah Weddington, the attorney who successfully argued the landmark Roe v. Wade case before the U.S. Supreme Court in 1973, will speak March 7 at the Lawrence Family Jewish Community Center as part of its Teen & Parent seminar series. Her appearance will be from 6:30 to 8 p.m. at the center, 4126 Executive Drive, in La Jolla. The theme is “Empowering Teenagers: How One Woman Changed History.” The program is in collaboration with Planned Parenthood. Weddington successfully argued Roe v. Wade before the Supreme Court, making abortion a fundamental right. She will talk about the history of women’s rights and provide commentary on leadership and empowerment.
Heaven Sent Desserts Plans Interior Remodel
Lachlan Oliver, owner of Heaven Sent Desserts in North Park, has announced plans to remodel the interior of the restaurant to give it a new modern look. “With the upcoming remodel, Heaven Sent Desserts aims to have a more spacious and modern look, while maintaining its charm and delicacy,” according to a prepared statement by Oliver. “Surrounding walls will be painted with fun vibes of purple and silver combined with unique accents of artistic metal sheeting. The floors will be stained with rich chocolate caramel to perfectly complement the new low banquets and Parisian style bistro tables. The renovations made to the interior will transform the admired eatery into a sleek and edgy dessert spot adding to North Park’s established diversity.”
PERSONNEL MOVES ____________________________________
San Diego — Synteract Inc. has hired Matthew P. Smith as senior vice president of sales and marketing and has promoted Rod M. Saponjic to senior vice president of global project management. Smith has more than 20 years of experience in executive positions. Saponjic has been with Synteract for more than two years, having joined the company after five years with PRA International.
San Diego — William P. Keith has joined the San Diego law firm Duckor Spradling Metzger & Wynne as a litigation associate. Keith’s practice areas include real estate, employment, insurance and construction defect litigation. Prior to joining Duckor Spradling Metzger & Wynne, Keith was an associate attorney at Rumberger Kirk & Caldwell in Florida.
Small Business Workshops
Helping startup and established small businesses throughout San Diego and Imperial counties prosper, SCORE San Diego continues its series of low-cost workshops. Workshop fees range from $29 to $109, depending on the program. For more information, call (619) 557-7272.
Upcoming Workshops:
March 7 – Business Plan 101: How to Develop Your Best Competitive Advantage – 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at National University – Kearny Mesa (9388 Lightwave Ave., San Diego 92123; pre-paid registration $79, $89 at the door).
March 8 – Sales Skills 101 – Business to Business and Business to Consumer – 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at National University – Kearney Mesa (9388 Lightwave Ave., San Diego 92123; pre-paid registration $69, $79 at the door).
March 9 – Business Basics 101 – 1:30 to 3:30 p.m. at SCORE Entrepreneur Center (550 West C St., #550, San Diego 92101; No charge – please pre-register).
March 10 – Introduction to Starting Your Own Business – 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at National University – Kearney Mesa (9388 Lightwave Ave., San Diego 92123; pre-paid registration $69, $79 at the door).
March 12 – Financing Your Business – 9 a.m. to noon at SCORE Entrepreneur Center (550 West C. St., #550, San Diego 92101; pre-paid registration $29, $39 at the door).
The Daily Business Report is produced by REP Publishing Inc., publisher of SD METRO, the North Park News and the West Coast Craftsman. Contact: Manny Cruz (619) 287-1865. manny@sandiegometro.com.
