A Grand Rapids-based cancer research and education program reports good news in the fight against breast cancer on the effectiveness of two preventative drugs following a clinical trial that lasted nearly seven years.

The West Michigan Environmental Action Council has honored three organizations with its second annual Triple Top Line award for their efforts that have or will soon contribute to the region's rich tapestry of sustainability practices.

Deborah Johnson WoodBeta Design and Pinnacle Construction will soon share a collaborative workspace along the Grand River as part of an initiative to drive business for the two companies. Beta Design will relocate from two floors at 70 Ionia SW, Grand Rapids to 5,000 square feet in Pinnacle's building at 1000 Front St. NW.The two companies will remain separate entities but will share a conference room, library and reception area. However, both companies say the most significant reason for the change is to offer a single source for clients looking for design, construction and engineering expertise. "We can learn from each other and share ideas," says Beta Design owner Adriana Bylsma. "Normally a client can hire an architect who will create tons of detailed drawings so the client can put in a bid. But if we work with the construction company right from the beginning, we can reduce the details because we can find better ways of doing things.""We can team together and approach clients with a fully integrated approach," says Michael Garrett, president of Pinnacle Construction. "We're stronger together than we are as just individual firms. We'll be able to work together very quickly and bounce ideas off each other. Being in the same building, we can quickly get feedback on costs of a project as it's being designed so a client can consider it very quickly."Pinnacle has been in the building eight years and has always had the extra space; Garrett says he was looking for a related business to bring in. Bylsma has searched downtown Grand Rapids for a space where Beta Design could reduce its carbon footprint and bring its 25 employees into a collaborative environment with a complementary company. Bylsma and Garrett say both firms will continue to work with other outside companies on development projects. "I can see that we will try to open opportunities for each other," Bylsma says. "It becomes more than just one person on the street trying to see opportunities."Source: Adriana Bylsma, Beta Design; Michael Garrett, Pinnacle ConstructionDeborah Johnson Wood is development news editor for Rapid Growth Media. She can be contacted at [email protected]. Development News tips can be sent to [email protected].

Deborah Johnson WoodBeginning May 1, Stella's Lounge will light up the Grand Rapids night with punk and alternative music selections compiled by Herm Baker of Vertigo Music, a vegetarian menu, vintage video games from the 70s and 80s, and whiskey – more than 200 different kinds.The new bar, 53 Commerce Ave. SW, has what owner Mark Sellers calls an "old school, 70s vibe" and shares an address, a kitchen and restrooms with its sister bar next door, Viceroy, which is still under construction. Sellers and his wife, Michele, came up with the idea for the bar following a successful run with nearby HopCat, their first foray into the Grand Rapids bar business after living in Chicago and returning to Mark's hometown. "The bar is handmade by Aaron Heineman of Heineman Bar Company, who made the bar for HopCat and is making the one for Viceroy," Mark Sellers says. "He's a Chicago guy I used to know when I lived down there. The bar will be 40 feet long."Stella's is a place I'd go for fun," Sellers adds. "When I open bars I kinda just think about what I would like. I love craft beer so that's what HopCat is all about, and I love the older video games so that's what this bar is about." The games include pinball, Ms. Pac Man, Frogger, Tron and Centipede. Sellers bought the real thing – used games from eBay, and some from Chattanooga Pinball Co. and Belmont-based Game Room Guys. The vegetarian menu includes one meat lovers pick: a colossal stuffed hamburger with pepperjack cheese and jalapeno, topped with a specialty hot sauce.As for drinks, "we're not going to reinvent the wheel," says Garry Boyd, general manager. "As a matter of fact we're going to make it really simple – you'll be able to get drinks for a good price and the draft list will be independently-owned breweries, no Bud, Miller or Coors."The bar's opening created just under 50 new jobs, including full-time management and chef positions. Source: Mark Sellers and Garry Boyd, Stella'sDeborah Johnson Wood is development news editor for Rapid Growth Media. She can be contacted at [email protected]. Development News tips can be sent to [email protected].

Crazy about Michigan's craft beer? Love the area's breweries and pubs? Then you'll surely toast to the new PBS television series"Great American Brew Trail" that will be showcasing Michigan breweries in the fall during its first season. Filming began this month for a series of 13 half-hour programs featuring visits to 26 Michigan breweries, their pubs and hometowns.

A teacher at Forest Hills Central Middle School who helped pioneer a group buddy system for students with autism says she's thrilled with the social advancements her special needs students are making.