The following is a list of achievements by businesses and individuals in the Ann Arbor area:

• Thomas F. Wamsley Jr., will join the University of Michigan School of Information as director of development and alumni relations in early January.

• The Saline Area Chamber of Commerce hosted a ribbon-cutting ceremony Dec. 18 for the Verizon Wireless Wireless Zone at Saline's new Walmart store, 6877 State Road.

• GlaxoSmithKline and Ann Arbor-based NanoBio Corp. announced Dec. 16 that they have signed an exclusive over-the-counter licensing agreement for NanoBio’s unique nanoemulsion treatment for cold sores in the United States and Canada. Dr. James R. Baker Jr., director of the Michigan Nanotechnology Institute for Medicine and Biological Sciences at the University of Michigan Medical School, developed nanoemulsions in the 1990s at U-M and founded NanoBio Corp. to further develop and commercialize the technology.The nanoemulsion technology is patented by U-M and licensed to NanoBio.

• Ann Arbor-based Architectural Resource LLC has recently picked up several design awards. The firm was honored at the national Remodeling Show 2009 Qualified Remodeler Master Design Awards, receiving design awards in seven different categories, including two Gold awards; one for Michigan’s first USGBC LEED for Homes Platinum level remodel in the “Green Remodeling” category, and one for an innovative bathroom remodel from the same home. This LEED Platinum home was also recognized with a first ever “Judges Vision Award” for an outstanding project that the judges felt deserved extra kudos. Architectural Resource was also presented with two Silver awards, a Bronze award and an Honorable Mention. The firm also earned a JANUS award for one of their projects having been recognized with a first place award at both the Southern Building Show's Chrysalis Design Awards and the Master Design Awards program.

• The Small Business Institute program at Eastern Michigan University, offered through the Center for Entrepreneurship at EMU, is seeking interested local businesses to take part in graduate level student business projects. Starting in January, participating businesses will provide these consulting services under the supervision of EMU faculty in the areas of management, accounting, I.T. and marketing and, for the first time, supply chain management. Special priority will be given to chamber of commerce member businesses that inquire. For more information, contact Paul A. Nucci or fill out the form online.

• The Michigan Public Service Commission recently announced its reappointments to the Motor Carrier Board for 2010. The advisory board consists of members representing the transportation industry and the shipping public. Among the members reappointed for a one-year term was William Kotynski of Ann Arbor.

• Habitat for Humanity of Huron Valley was part of an international milestone celebrated Dec. 4 in Minneapolis. An alliance between Habitat for Humanity International and Thrivent Financial for Lutherans, called Thrivent Builds with Habitat for Humanity, has resulted in 2,000 homes for families in four years. Habitat for Humanity of Huron Valley built five homes as part of that effort. At the Dec. 4 -event, Thrivent Financial announced a 2010 commitment of $15 million to Thrivent Builds with Habitat for Humanity and its home-building program, continuing its support of Habitat’s mission for a fifth year. This funding will make the construction of 181 additional homes in 37 states possible. Habitat for Humanity of Huron Valley has received word that it has been awarded $70,000 for the renovation of one Thrivent Builds home in the coming year.

• The law firm of Miller Canfield is celebrating 25 years in Ann Arbor by volunteering time and donating to 25 local nonprofit organizations. Dubbed “25 for 25,” the yearlong commitment will give area nonprofits extra assistance especially during the holiday season. For example, this year’s Miller Canfield office holiday tree is a mitten tree to benefit the Ann Arbor Community Center’s Emergency Assistance Clothes Closet for distribution to needy community members. New or used mittens, hats and scarves in child and adult sizes will adorn the tree, and employees will gather gently used coats for donation. Miller Canfield’s Ann Arbor office, which has almost 80 lawyers and staff, participated in other projects throughout the year benefiting the following: Ann Arbor Art Center, Humane Society of Huron Valley, Avalon Housing, Bryant Community Center, Creekshead Nature Preserve of the Legacy Land Conservancy, ElderQuest (Continuing Education at Eastern Michigan University), Habitat for Humanity of Huron Valley, Recycle Ann Arbor, American Cancer Society, Arts Alliance and Neighborhood Senior Services.

• Ann Arbor-based ForeSee Results announced Dec. 17 that it will be working with Harvard Business School Executive Education to measure online satisfaction with the Harvard Business School Executive Education Web site.

• The Community Foundation for Southeast Michigan recently promoted Theresa Fraley to communications director. Fraley joined the Community Foundation in 2007 as special assistant to the president. In addition to her new position as communications director she will continue to serve as special assistant to the president. The Community Foundation dispenses grants to nonprofits throughout southeast Michigan, including organizations in Washtenaw County.

• The VA Ann Arbor Healthcare System recently announced that a new program reduced the facility’s water consumption by more than half a million gallons this summer, improving operating costs while reducing the stress on the Huron River. The VA Hospital, located on Fuller road in Ann Arbor, teamed up with Eldon Water Inc. to develop water and energy savings projects for the facility’s HVAC systems.

• Walbridge, a Detroit-based construction service provider, has been selected by Eastern Michigan University as construction manager for the renovation and construction of its Pray-Harrold Building on the EMU campus in Ypsilanti.

• Ypsilanti-based RealKidz, a clothing company aimed at above-average and average-sized girls, was recently awarded a loan from the Eastern Washtenaw Microloan Fund, a funding opportunity for start-ups that is part of the Michigan Microloan Fund Program. RealKidz will use the funding to expand its commercialization efforts through an online social network for families to help them support their daughters and make healthy lifestyle choices.

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