North Wind on upward trajectory

When you’re a $100 million company, a 30 percent increase in sales is a big, big deal. That’s the projection this Idaho Falls company has for 2012. Along with that growth in sales could be another 100 jobs.

North Wind Group has achieved success despite the recession by anticipating new growth areas. The once environmental services-only firm now also offers engineering, construction, demolition and decontamination, and hazardous waste removal. President and founder Sylvia Medina is also considering additional sectors.

The company recently won contracts with the U.S. Air Force, the U.S. Coast Guard and the U.S. Department of Energy. It has projects in Washington, Idaho, Colorado and Alaska among other sites around the country.

Medina sold the company to Cook Inlet Region, Inc., an Alaska Native Corporation, in 2009, but resolves to keep the company in Idaho Falls. She believes the location, near the Idaho National Laboratory, is a hub for the type of technical employees her company hires.

New aerospace manufacturer

To mix a couple of metaphors, a new aerospace manufacturer in Sandpoint is both taking root and taking off. Tamarack Aerospace Group makes aircraft technology and currently employs 13 people. That won’t be the case for long as the company is rapidly ramping up operations. It expects to grow to 300 employees over the next five years.

This is a great addition to Idaho's growing aerospace industry.

http://www.tamarackaero.com

Got Moose?

There’s a step between bagging that big game and enjoying it for dinner. John Campbell in Aberdeen is bringing his expertise in butchering from years at Albertsons stores to his own enterprise: Quality Meats.

Quality Meats will cut and custom wrap all types of big game such as elk and moose. Campbell is also willing to handle more mundane tasks, such as handling beef and lamb too. If serving moose to your friends isn’t impressive enough, Quality Meats can turn out jerky, salami and pepperoni from your catch.

The shop also has fresh meats available for purchase.

Thanks to Great Rift Business Development Organization for this post: http://grbdo.blogspot.com/search/label/Quality%20Meats%20in%20Aberdeen

Algae, the INL, and energy independence

OriginOil has a technology for extracting oil from algae and it is now working with the Idaho National Laboratory to make algal biofuels a competitive alternative to petroleum.

Under the research agreement, INL and OriginOil will collaborate with a goal toward establishing industry standards for algal biomass. Toward this effort, OriginOil will provide INL with its technology that stimulates oil from algae.

In return, INL will provide scientific and engineering expertise and use of its large Process Demonstration Facility, which has advanced biofuels processing capabilities and equipment.

In OriginOil’s press release, Deborah Newby, a molecular biologist at INL’s Biofuels and Renewable Energy Department, said this:

"INL develops tests and deploys advanced renewable energy technology, including research on algae. This agreement is to assist OriginOil by conducting evaluations of processes and technologies that may help find solutions to converting algae into energy feedstocks more efficiently, by optimizing and standardizing various formats. This research may accelerate the pursuit of national energy independence initiatives."

Read the full press release here:

http://cts.businesswire.com/ct/CT?id=ftfLlWd9aZbF2NXfwppam3Bd664=&newsLang=en&newsId=20111208005279&div=-1549455770

Trade mission generates results

It takes a personal touch to initiate some export sales. That’s why trade missions led by the state leadership can be so powerful.

And the trade mission led by Lieutenant Governor Brad Little to Latin America earlier this month is expected to reap large rewards. More than $30 million dollars worth.

Seventeen Idaho companies and organizations attended the trade mission that included visits to Sao Paulo, Brazil and Mexico City, Mexico.

Ground Force Manufacturing from Post Falls has attended trade missions in the past as well as this current one and has found the process “fruitful.” Ron Nilson, president and CEO, said the “new relationships and territories have become a major portion of our company’s business.” Ground Force received an order for a $1 million sale in Mexico and expects sales of up to $12 million from contacts made during the mission.

“Gaining direct access to CEOs of leading international companies is a powerful benefit of these trade missions,” said Jeffery Sayer, director of the Idaho Department of Commerce.

Nampa-based Industrial Ventilation went on a trade mission to Latin America in 2002 that resulted in $5 million in sales. The company joined this month's trade mission to continue to expand sales.

“We see Brazil as an attractive market for our products and we expect similar results over the next few years,” said Mark Machurek, sales and marketing manager.

More alluring than ever

The Coeur d’Alene Resort’s makeover is in full swing and it’s stunning. Phase One was finished over the summer and the next two phases are well underway.

This luxurious resort on the shore of Coeur d’Alene Lake is known for its meeting facilities, floating golf green and relaxing spa. Named by Conde Nast Traveler as the best resort in the U.S. and the finest travel experience worldwide, the resort isn’t content with resting on its laurels. The upgrades include an 11,000-square-foot event center overlooking the lake and already has bookings into 2015. Also, indoor/outdoor fireplaces, a new infinity-edge swimming pool and a deck that will be used for dining, receptions and banquets.

Phases two and three will be finished in just a few months and will provide a completely new look on the lobby level. Visitors will see the northwest’s largest koi tank, an expanded Whispers-on-the-Water bar and a tripling of the size of the fitness center.

Bio firm starts up in Moscow

Live animal testing is decreasing as new technology has enabled the use of invitro cell cultures. That has led to the launch of a new Moscow company that provides extraneous virus testing of those cell cultures to make sure the cultures are virus-free.

Viral Science started up last month to provide the USDA and European Pharmacopeia required testing of products having animal origins. The company’s customers include cosmetic and pharmaceutical firms.

Viral Science is operating out of temporary space with 10 employees until its new 7,500-square-foot building is completed this month. As a service industry in Idaho, it will not be subject to corporate taxes, which was one thing the company considered when it came to finding a location. It also can draw upon the two universities in its region for future employees.

Viral Science is so new that its web site is still being finished. Wait a week or two and then you can find out more about them at www.vsciinc.com.