Enhancing Lab Productivity
The new system offers remarkable features. It consistently counts colonies and boosts lab productivity by automatically feeding and enumerating up to 300 Petrifilm Plates in just 33 minutes. This eliminates the need for technicians to load individual plates into the PPRA or manually count and record results. By freeing up more time for data analysis, labs can efficiently meet the growing demand for safe and high-quality food. For instance, it takes a technician up to four hours of hands-on time to count 300 plates, while loading the Petrifilm Automated Feeder takes just one minute. With increased speed, reliability, and traceability, labs gain more time and peace of mind.Innovation in Microbiology
Neogen's Petrifilm Automated Feeder is part of a long line of innovations that have shaped the field. Forty years ago, the first Petrifilm Plate was introduced, which became a game-changer in microbiology. Now, Petrifilm Plates are a mainstay in modern labs worldwide, offering multiple advantages over traditional methods. They eliminate the need for tedious preparation, reduce energy and water consumption significantly, and take up less space in workplaces. These plates test for a wide range of microorganisms, from total coliforms and E. coli to yeast, mould, lactic acid bacteria, and Listeria species, all ready-to-use right out of the pack.Advancements in Technology
In 2021, the Petrifilm Plate Reader Advanced was introduced, providing food safety professionals with new options to rapidly and accurately image, count, and document microbiological colonies. And now, the Petrifilm Automated Feeder takes it a step further. Neogen delivers an end-to-end customer testing solution by combining hardware, software, and a trained AI system. This frees up the most valuable resource - people. To learn more about the entire Neogen Petrifilm portfolio or arrange a demonstration of the Petrifilm Automated Feeder, reach out to your local Neogen Territory Manager or visit neogenaustralasia.com.au.Unleashing Urban Growth in Green Bay with Nova Green Bay
Construction Begins with Excitement
Much of the New Land Enterprises staff made the journey from Milwaukee to join Green Bay officials and stakeholders on Thursday afternoon for a groundbreaking ceremony. The parking lot has already been cleared, and heavy equipment is now hard at work, tearing into the ground. New Land Managing Director Tim Gokhman expressed his excitement, stating, "I cannot overstate how excited we are to be here. It is truly an honor to be part of this project in this great city."
This $55 million mixed-use high-rise will add 268 new apartments and a plethora of luxury amenities in the heart of downtown. It will also be the first new addition to the Green Bay skyline since 2016. City Council Member Brian Johnson emphasized the significance, saying, "To see the way (New Land) activates their spaces and the high-quality construction, it's truly exciting. This is a spot that has been targeted for development, and we look forward to seeing more like this in Green Bay."
Nova Green Bay's Twitter Roots
Nova Green Bay's journey began in late 2022 when Mayor Eric Genrich directly messaged New Land Managing Director Tim Gokhman on Twitter, expressing interest in developing housing outside the Milwaukee area. Genrich was committed to bringing high-quality development to Green Bay, stating, "I'm willing to do absolutely everything from direct messages to formal engagements. We're going to make this happen."
By May 2023, the group secured a planning option for the property, and in early 2024, they presented their plans. A year later, in May 2024, the Green Bay City Council approved a development agreement with New Land. This marked a significant milestone in the project's progress.
A Key Sign of Downtown Growth
Jeff Mirkes, executive director of Downtown Green Bay Inc., is excited to see construction equipment arrive and excavation work begin. He believes this is a key central city site for growth and the first sign of a wave of residential development coming to downtown. "This development sends a really important message that downtown is a great place to live and will be a catalyst for future residential opportunities," Mirkes said.
The eight-story, J-shaped building will include a wide range of amenities for residents, such as a third-floor rooftop swimming pool and community room, more than 280 enclosed parking stalls, a golf simulator, green roof, game area, and a pet spa. Once complete, it is expected to add at least $38 million to the city's tax rolls.
Packers Heritage Trail Plaza Relocation
Nova Green Bay's construction required a new location for the Packers Heritage Trail plaza. The city and the Green Bay Packers reached an agreement this fall to remove the plaza and deliver its statues and displays to the Packers. Matt Buchanan, the city's deputy development director, said contracts are being signed for the plaza's removal, and work is expected to start before the end of the year.
Keeping Downtown Informed
Construction will take 18-21 months, and downtown business owners, property owners, shoppers, and residents are concerned about parking and road closures. Mirkes recognizes these concerns and said Downtown Green Bay Inc. will regularly relay construction updates to them. "There will be a lot of impacts in the coming year and a half, but we'll maintain an interface with the contractors and city departments to keep everyone informed," Mirkes said. Anyone can sign up to receive updates by emailing info@downtowngreenbay.com.
Baylake City Center Concerns
One of the concerns raised by downtown stakeholders was the impact on Baylake City Center. Entrances to Spring Lake Church and other tenant spaces will need to be relocated. Buchanan said the building's condominium association recently submitted a façade improvement grant application that is currently under review. This will start the process of reorienting building entrances to face Adams Street or Washington Street.