Ardagh is partnering with Bragg

A glass manufacturer with local ties has agreed to another partnership.

Ardagh Group, which operates glass manufacturing plants in Dunkirk and Winchester, announced Tuesday that it is partnering with Bragg Live Food Products for a new 16-ounce glass bottle for apple cider vinegar beverages.

The introduction of the new bottle is part of Bragg’s effort to use more sustainable packaging. It is 100% recyclable.

“Ardagh takes great pride in working alongside brands such as Bragg to create sustainable glass packaging that protects the true taste and integrity of their products,” said Ardagh North American Glass chief Commercial Officer John T Shaddox in a press release. “Ardagh is dedicated to partnering with our customers to design and manufacture premium packaging that not only offers these inherent benefits of glass, but also helps them to differentiate their brands on store shelves.”



Grider honored

Deb Grider of American Family Insurance of Portland has been recognized through the American Star Excellence in Customer Experience Certification Program.

Grider has owned the American Family agency in Portland since 1997. The designation is determined through an evaluation process based on company guidelines.

“At American Family, we believe our customers deserve an exceptional experience, day in and day out,” said American Family customer experience vice president Ann Hamilton in a press release. “Even in 2020, facing a global pandemic and all the challenges that came with it, this select group of agency owners who achieved the American Star Excellence in Customer Experience Certification have, according to their customers, provided the outstanding service that makes them stand out among other insurance providers.”



NextEra converting

NextEra Energy this week announced plans to convert the site of its Duane Arnold nuclear plant in Palo, Iowa, into a solar farm.

The company, which owns and operates Bluff Point Wind Energy Center in Jay and Randolph counties, shut down the Duane Arnold nuclear reactor in August. The project was reported this week by Clay and Milk, a publication that covers start ups, technology and entrepreneurial communities in Iowa.

NextEra plans to build a 690-megawatt solar facility at an estimated cost of $700 million. Plans call for construction to begin in winter 2022 with the facility to be operational by the end of the next year.



Hospital accredited

Reid Health Breast Center of Richmond this week earned its second three-year accreditation from the National Accreditation Program for Breast Centers, a quality program administered by the American College of Surgeons.

To earn the designation, a facility must meet the National Accreditation Program for Breast Centers standards for leadership, clinical services, research, community outreach, professional education and quality improvement for patients.

“Breast disease impacts women and families at all stages of life,” said Dr. Joshua French of Reid Health in a press release. “This accreditation confirms our focus on excellence as yet another example of Reid’s commitment to the highest quality care.”



Invenergy completes

Invenergy on Wednesday announced that it has completed construction financing for what will become its largest wind farm project.

The company, which is planning a $150 million, 155-megawatt solar farm in Jay County, has secured financing for its 999-megawatt Traverse Wind Energy Center in Custer, Blaine and Kingfisher counties in Oklahoma, northwest of Oklahoma City. The Traverse facility will be part of Invenergy’s North Central Wind Energy Facilities.

“This transaction, in addition to the recent Maverick and Sundance financial closings, is a testament to Invenergy’s strong lender relationships and financing capabilities as well as the compelling value of wind investments,” said Invenergy senior vice president of finance and capital markets Meghan Schultz in a press release.



Comcast commits

Comcast announced this week that it will invest $1 billion over the next 10 years to “help further close the digital divide and give even more low-income Americans the tools and resources they need to succeed in an increasingly digital world.”

The commitment includes investing in wifi in community centers, donating computers and awarding grants to nonprofit organizations to create opportunities for low-income Americans. It is an extension of the company’s 10-year-old Internet Essentials program.

“We are rededicating ourselves to this mission to ensure that the next generation of students in America has the tools, resources, and abilities they need to succeed in an increasingly digital world,” said Comcast Cable CEO Dave Watson in a press release. 



Leader leaving

Advance Auto Parts announced Wednesday that senior vice president, controller and chief accounting officer Andrew Page will be leaving the company.

Page’s departure will be effective April 9. Chief financial officer Jeff Shepherd will take over Page’s duties on an interim basis while a search committee looks to fill the position.

“I want to thank Andrew for his leadership and contributions to Advance over the past two years,” said Advance president and CEO Tom Greco in a press release. “Andrew has improved capabilities within our accounting function, built a talented team and led several important initiatives that will positively impact the company for years to come.”