Facility of the Year Award

For a few days in November I worked closely with a few clients in Clayton – spending time sifting through documents to begin the task of compiling information to submit to the International Society for Pharmaceutical Engineering. ISPE, INTERPHEX, and Pharmaceutical Processing Magazine hold an annual competition that honors one firm in the world with the Facility of the Year Award. Recipients are state-of-the-art pharmaceutical manufacturing projects that use new and innovative technologies to enhance the delivery of a quality project, as well as reduce the cost of producing high-quality medicines.

NNE Pharmaplan, an engineering firm in Clayton, contracted me to assist them with the written portion of the submission after NNE (and others)collaborated to complete a 30-month expansion project on Novo Nordisk’s Clayton plant. The expansion allowed Novo Nordisk to begin making FlexPen, a compact device that delivers insulin to diabetics. As a result of the 200,000 square foot expansion, the company became the only supplier of FlexPen in the U.S. and doubled its production capacity.

I have truly enjoyed the work done so far with these guys and gals. I especially liked suiting up in booties, a hair net, safety goggles, and gown to tour the facility while conducting my interview with the production manager. What an amazing plant. Cannot wait to start in on things again in February, guys!

The Urban Sophisticates

Sharp lyrics, smooth vocals, and a great blend of brass, guitar, bass, and drums, that’s what several fans have said about the music of The Urban Sophisticates. Not too long ago the Greensboro-based hip-hop band won the Disc Makers Independent Music World Series Southeast Showcase.

I will be sitting down with these guys soon for an interview to weave together facts and color for my next magazine feature. Check out their music at www.theurbansophisticates.com.

Winter Fun

We had a little winter fun over our Christmas break in Michigan. Here are a few shots from our sledding trips. You sure cannot do stuff like this in Raleigh!

Kevin gets some serious air ...

but makes a painful landing.

Cousins Baine and Devin enjoy a break on the tubes at Echo Valley. We spent the day tearing down the tubing hills and roaring down toboggan runs that reach speeds of 60 mph.

A shot just moments before another rough ride down the hill for Kevin.

Control is lost ...

And he is down.