Island Dispatch, 2005-04-01

              Island Dispatch Niagara fn pi f!,"ont'er' \s- Publications proud publishers of island Dispatch Lewiston-PorterSentinel Grand Island Penny Saver Niagara Wheatfield Tribune www. wnypapers.com FREE Plus 2004 Citizen of the Year Pullout 36 Pages Vol. 61 No. 2 April 1, 2005 Bunnies Multiply page 2 'Christine's Garden of Hope' page 5 Island Fitness Shapes Up page 7 Island builders' offer homes for 'seasons of our lives' by Georgia A. Brannan Whether you are a young couple or a single person in the springtime of life who is anticipating your first home, or a retired, active senior seeking the security of a seasonal lifestyle, Grand Island builders are now offering home styles for all the seasons of our lives. Consider the largest segment of the market - the 80 million-plus baby boomers. Some are opting for the dual residency of northern summers and southern winters, while others may desire to simply enjoy all seasons right here on Grand Island. Mordeno Construction Looking locally? The Commons off East River Road near Fix Road could be what you're searching for. It's just a short walk to the beautiful Niagara River. Parks, golf and downtown Buffalo are minutes away and spell convenience with a capital eC" for this generation's goal of enjoying life to the fullest. With more than 4,000 floor plans to choose from and prices ranging from $149,900, Mordeno Construction Inc. offers the buyer both choices and convenience. Jim Mordeno of Mordeno Construction Company explains that they "take pride in making your new home construction a pleasant and rewarding experience," adding that they "take new home dreams from concept to reality." Want details? Contact Mordeno Construction by phone or fax at 773-5908 or 773-6160. or visit theeir Web site, www.mordeno.com. Fairway Greens Fairway Greens of River Oaks (off Whitehaven Road at River Oaks) is a prestigious townhome community adjacent to the River Oaks Golf Course. New home construction is burgeoning on Grand island. Fujisawa continues to shine by Bill Angus Today is a banner day for the parent company of Fujisawa Healthcare Inc., a Grand Island business and key player in the town's growing life sciences corridor.. ..... A: The merger of two global pharmaceutical giants in Japan, Fujisawa Pharmaceutical Co. Ltd. and Yamanouchi Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd., will result in a new entity, Astellas Pharma US, Inc. The transaction should be completed today. The $7.7 billion merger of the world's 25th and 27th largest drug companies combines Yamanouehi's presence in Europe with Fujisawa's strong position in the United States. The combined company will rank 17th in the global pharmaceutical market, with sales in excess of $8 billion. The merger should achieve economies of scale and see a more efficient operation. Island is Global Supplier Scott Aladeen, senior director, plant operations on Grand Island, told the Dispatch that the impact of the merger on his location will be minimal, and that growth for operations here will be based on the expanding world market demand for Protopic, an ointment manufactured on the Island. The drug is a widely used, consumer-based prescription medication for the treatment of a certain kind of allergic skin irritation known as atopic dermatitis or eczema. It can be used on adults and children over age 2. "We're the global supplier for Protopic and make product for 48 countries and are awaiting approval in 16 other countries," Aladeen said. 130 Employees Fujisawa employs about 130 people on Grand Island. More employees are expected to be hired due to the increasing use of Protopic, he said. Prior to the production of Protopic, all Fujisawa products were marketed only to hospitals. Company officials believe that Fujisawa's dramatically different product is poised to change the field of dermatology.Sharing With Employees Aladeen believes that Grand Island employees really enjoy working at the stateof-the-art complex, located at 3125 Staley Road. "We share all we can share about our business, about the way we are operating and what we're doing here. I think people feel a lot better about their job when they understand how it fits into the bigger picture and what the big picture is ... it's a good environment." New Name of 'Asfeilas' The company's new name, "Astellas," means "to shine on tomorrow." The merger document states, "The name of the new company signifies our aim to deliver hope for the future." It appears Fujisawa has a bright future on Grand Island, as well. At a time when concerns over offshore outsourcing are seen daily in the news, Fujisawa - now "Astellas" might be viewed as outsourcing in reverse, that benefits the people of Grand Island and the United States. Fujisawa is the type of industry most communities crave. Positive Relationship Grand Island Town Board Member Mary Cooke said, "As both a council member and a citizen, I am grateful to have businesses like Fujisawa on the Island." "Fujisawa is a large, internationally known company ... The Town of Grand Island and Fujisawa have enjoyed a very positive relationship over the years, and I look forward to helping them in any way that I can be successful in future endeavors," she said. "This clean industry is ideal for Grand Island," Cooke added. Fujisawa is a researchdriven pharmaceutical company that has expanded into all the world's major markets - Japan, North American, Europe and Asia. The company currently employs in excess of 8,000 employees worldwide. Asset to island The Grand Island Fujisawa plant is part of Fujisawa Healthcare Inc., headquartered in Deerfield, 111., which develops, manufactures and markets proprietary pharmaceutical products in the United States and abroad. Fujisawa Healthcare Inc. is a subsidiary of Fujisawa Pharmaceutical Co. Ltd., based in Osaka, Japan. continued on page 16 continued on page 17 Monday- Nile Madness LARGE CHEESE PIZZA $TTS9 M plus tax Li fe) (£jZZftjSUBS) 2131 Grand Island Blvd. www.GrandlslandNYhomes.com S STOP! ! E 3 r Buying or Selling a >■ M 2 a Home on » Jj Grand Island? 1 £ < ■o Before You g" /= Call Anyone... g y en | Go T0... q so 1 3 www.GrandlslandNYhornes.com