Broadmoor to host vintage autos Labor Day weekend

What would you expect to find at a classy, old-world hotel such as The Broadmoor in Colorado Springs? How about classy, old-world automobiles? The Broadmoor will play host to the inaugural Rocky Mountain Concours d'Elegance, a two-day exhibition of some of the world's rarest, vintage vehicles to take place Sept. 1-2, Labor Day weekend. "Pristinely restored and held in private collections, these automotive works of art are expected to draw more than 5,000 visitors," according to event organizers. They also say that 15, officially-recognized Concours d'Elegance events take place across the country each year, and they hope The Broadmoor's lure will help the local event rank as one of the top such shows when it comes to attendance. More information and to purchase tickets: www.rmconcours.com or 314-1400.

Insurer encourages healthy lifestyle

Colorado is one of several states piloting a new insurance plan from UnitedHealthcare. Vital Measures combines a high-deductible medical plan with a supplemental plan that provides immediate cost savings to employees and employers — if employees meet healthy lifestyle criteria.
Employers can have savings up to 20 percent; employees are rewarded with credits that can be applied to deductibles, if each of four health benchmarks are met or exceeded.

Hospital-linked medical building underway

Construction began July 11 on NorthCare at St. Francis, a physician-owned, 85,250 square-foot medical building that will go up next to the new St. Francis Medical Center, southeast of Powers Boulevard and Woodmen Road in Colorado Springs. Both buildings are scheduled to open in fall 2008. NorthCare at St. Francis will have direct access to the hospital, linked via a fourth floor "skybridge." The four-story, $20 million NorthCare building will sit on more than 5 acres; two-thirds of the building has been pre-leased. The building is being developed by NorthCare LLC, which is headed by Springs physician Dr. Kevin Weary and Michael Heritage of The London Real Estate Group. NorthCare at St. Francis was designed by RTA Architects of Colorado Springs; Colarelli Construction in the Springs is the general contractor.

It'z is on its way

It’z, a family dining and entertainment center, has broken ground on the east side of Colorado Springs.

The 45,000-square-foot facility will be at 3035 New Center Point at First & Main Town Center. Slated to open in March 2008, it will be the first It’z in Colorado and the third in the nation.

It’z offers an all-you-can-eat Italian buffet with four themed dining areas and entertainment including indoor rides, bowling and more than 150 video games.

Local biotech industry focus of upcoming luncheon

“Building a Biotech Hub in Colorado Springs” will be the topic of an upcoming luncheon co-sponsored by the Colorado Springs Economic Development Corp. and the Colorado BioScience Association. Kevin Dwyer, a managing partner and co-founder of California-based Pacific BioDevelopment LLC will discuss what it will take for Colorado Springs to enhance its fledlging biotech industry. Former Colorado Springs City Manager Lorne Kramer, who retired last month, also will be honored at the luncheon. The luncheon takes place at 11:30 a.m. Tuesday, July 24, at The Broadmoor hotel's west ballroom. More information or to register: www.coloradosprings.org/EventDetails or 471-8183.

Home builders gearing up for next year's trade show

The 2008 International Builders’ Show is eight months away, but home builders already can register online. Billed as the housing industry’s largest annual trade show and exhibition, the show is produced by the National Association of Home Builders and is expected to draw more than 100,000 attendees from 100 countries. The show will feature more than 1,900 exhibitors representing more than 300 industry categories and displaying the latest in home and building products and services, according to the National Association of Home Builders. Nearly 300 educational seminars -- on topics such as construction standards, green building, economic trends and senior housing -- also will be part of the event. The show takes places from Feb. 13 to Feb. 16 at the Orange County Convention Center in Orlando, Fla., and builders can register to attend at www.buildershow.com. The show is not open to the general public, however.