Expert Q&As

The New York Botanical Garden (NYBG) is the largest botanical garden in any city in the U.S. and is known as a national historic landmark. Founded in 1981 and nestled in the Bronx, the garden is an expansive, 250-acre living museum with over one million different trees, flowers, and other plants. NYBG has always made education a priority, aiming to get the public interested and involved in the fascinating world of horticulture. As a result, the Continuing Education program was created for adults who wished to either create a new hobby or explore a career related to horticulture or landscaping. Jeffrey Downing, vice president of education, manages NYBG’s educational departments and was happy to share more about the program and the variety of courses offered. Visit conted.nybg.org for more information.

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AMB Property Corporation is a leading owner, operator and developer of industrial real estate, focused on major hub and gateway distribution markets in the Americas, Europe and Asia. As of September 30, 2009, AMB’s global portfolio totaled approximately 156.1 million square feet (14.5 million square meters) in 47 markets within 14 countries.

And at AMB, sustainability is a big part of a nimble corporate strategy that’s helping them thrive through hard times. MGB talked to AMB’s Steve Campbell about how it all fits together.

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Marty Stevens-Heebner calls it “the next evolution in style,” and one may certainly hope so. The rich hues, eye-popping weaves, and fanciful graphics of her Rebagz eco-chic handbags make a statement in themselves- and the story of how they’re made adds depth to the fun, as does knowing that part of the proceeds are going to good causes.

And Stevens-Heebner is having fun. Her design firm, Half the Sky Designs, won a Best Small Business in California award in 2009, her work has been featured in numerous magazines, and a growing roster of A-list celebrities are rockin’ Rebagz. “We don’t think you need to shout and scream to change the world,” is the refreshing sentiment on the Rebagz website (www.rebagz.com). “Rock it with style instead.”
Indeed.

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The New Jersey Economic Development Authority (EDA) is a state financing and development agency that aims to create jobs and strengthen New Jersey’s economy, providing businesses with the means to expand and contribute to the community. A member of the organization since 1991, Caren Franzini served as deputy director before being named chief executive officer in 1994. Franzini has become a leader for economic recovery, and under her direction the EDA successfully granted over $500 million in financial assistance, incentives, tax credits, and investments to New Jersey businesses in 2008. Franzini has also received numerous awards for her work, including the New Jersey Chapter of NAIOP's Industry Service Award, the New Jersey Business & Industry Association's Paul L. Troast Award, and the Wharton Club of New York's Joseph Wharton Award for Social Impact. Taking time out of her busy schedule, Franzini explained to MGB how the EDA works and how businesses can take advantage of the organization’s opportunities. For more information, visit www.njeda.com or call 1-(866) 534-7789 to speak to an EDA Business Development Officer.

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Insulspan, a manufacturer of insulated panels for more than 27 years, strives to create and maintain the highest quality standards in the structural insulating panel industry today. By subjecting their product to rigorous tests and always trying to provide the most energy-efficient building products for the home, it's no wonder Insulspan was voted one of 2007's Top 10 Green Products, and has high hopes for continued success and sustainability. Tony Mammone, involved in the structural insulating panel industry for more than 20 years and currently the product manager of Insulspan, spoke with MGB about what Insulpan's newest technologies mean for the company, what sets Insulspan apart, and where the company sees itself in the future.

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