Dr. Willian Robert (Bob) Norris has been added to the CoroWare Board of Advisors.

Dr. Norris’ experience includes robotics, adaptive control systems and artificial intelligence, and spans over 15 years at Deere & Company, the National Center for Supercomputer Applications (NCSA), and the U.S. Army Construction Engineering Research Lab.

While at Deere & Company, he served in multiple business, program management and engineering positions in the Deere Moline Technology and Innovation Center as well as Deere & Company’s Commercial and Consumer Equipment division.  His focus was on the introduction of robotics products for military, homeland security, private security, residential and emergency responder market segments

“Bringing Bob into the CoroWare Board of Advisors helps CoroWare begin to address the needs of defense, homeland security, and commercial robotics customers,” said Lloyd Spencer, President and CEO of CoroWare.  “With Bob’s guidance, CoroWare will be better positioned to deliver open platform mobile robotic technologies and solutions that will meet the needs of both commercial customers and defense agencies.”

Dr. Norris’ ability to develop and manage complex projects and products are very complementary with CoroWare’s ability to deliver custom robotics engineering services to corporate researchers, government integrators, and manufacturers of telepresence robots and unmanned aerial vehicles (UAV).

“I am excited about working with the Robotics and Automation team to expand CoroWare’s delivery of open robotic platforms and solutions into the defense, homeland security and commercial market segments,” said Dr. Norris.  “CoroWare’s experiences with the Robotic Operating System (ROS), mobile robot simulations, and custom robot development are greatly needed in these markets today.”

Dr. Norris has BS, MS and Ph.D. degrees in engineering from the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign and holds an M.B.A from The Fuqua School of Business at Duke University in Durham, NC.  He served with the U.S. Army 82nd Airborne Division managing a paratrooper unit, and is a veteran of the Desert Shield and Desert Storm campaigns.

About CoroWare

Headquartered in Kirkland, Washington, CoroWare is a solutions integrator with expertise in affordable and open mobile robotics; business class video conferencing; and operational business intelligence.  Since 2004, CoroWare has delivered mobile robotics consulting services, solutions, and products to customers worldwide in Europe, Asia, and the Americas.

CoroWare is recognized as an innovative mobile robotics solutions integrator in the research community because of its expertise in Robotic Operating System (ROS), robotics simulation, and application development.  CoroWare’s CoroBot product line has been shipped to over 80 corporate and academic researchers in over 20 countries worldwide.

In 2012, CoroWare was listed in the RBR50 list of robotics companies to watch by Robotics Business Review.  http://www.roboticsbusinessreview.com/site/more_about_the_rbr50

For more information on CoroWare and its products and services, please visit www.coroware.com.

“We look forward to working with CoroWare for the specification, design and development of a mobile robot prototype for this SBIR,” said Arasch Lagies, president of Man Made Machines. “CoroWare’s project coordination, mechanical design, and prototype development capabilities will help us achieve our milestone commitments on or ahead of time.”

Over the past 5 years, CoroWare’s Robotics and Automation business unit has provided custom robotics engineering services to corporate researchers, government integrators, and manufacturers of telepresence robots and unmanned aerial vehicles (UAV).  CoroWare has provided capable and affordable expertise in the areas of mobile robot simulation, complex data visualization, custom robot design, systems architecture and design, and robotic applications development.

“We are pleased to have signed this prototype design and development agreement with Man Made Machines,” said Lloyd Spencer, president and CEO of CoroWare.  “CoroWare’s Robotics and Automation consulting team look forward to ensuring that man Made Machines will achieve their SBIR milestone commitments on or ahead of time.”

About CoroWare

Headquartered in Kirkland, Washington, CoroWare is a solutions integrator with expertise in affordable and open mobile robotics; business class video conferencing; and operational business intelligence.  Since 2004, CoroWare has delivered mobile robotics consulting services, solutions, and products to customers worldwide in Europe, Asia, and the Americas.

CoroWare is recognized as an innovative mobile robotics solutions integrator in the research community because of its expertise in Robotic Operating System (ROS), robotics simulation, and application development.  CoroWare’s CoroBot product line has been shipped to over 80 corporate and academic researchers in over 20 countries worldwide.

In 2012, CoroWare was listed in the RBR50 list of robotics companies to watch by Robotics Business Review.  http://www.roboticsbusinessreview.com/site/more_about_the_rbr50

“We are incredibly proud of our ranking and honored to be in the company of such premier properties around the country,” said Les Utley, general manager for the Heathman Hotel in Kirkland. “The fact that this ranking is a result of guest reviews makes this recognition that much more rewarding.  This is a testament to our incredibly dedicated staff and our equally dedicated and supportive ownership group.  The recognition is a wonderful reflection of our core value message and motto: Where Service is Still an Art.”

On the TripAdvisor website, travelers rave about Heathman Kirkland’s upscale accommodations, its full-service spa Penterra, and top-notch staff. Many guests also mention the hotel’s critically acclaimed restaurant, Trellis, led by executive chef Brian Scheehser.

The Heathman Hotel, which recently celebrated its fourth anniversary, is also a member of the Preferred  Hotel Group.

TripAdvisor’s “2012 Travelers’ Choice Awards”

The 10^th annual awards revealed premier properties in the U.S. and around the world, in addition to winners in the categories of Best Luxury and Bargain, Best for Service, B&B and Inns, All-Inclusive, Spa and Trendiest. In total, 3,943 properties globally have been recognized this year with dedicated lists featured for 30 countries and eight regions worldwide. Unlike any other hotel honors, TripAdvisor Traveler’s Choice winners are based on millions of valuable reviews and opinions from travelers around the world.

About The Heathman Hotel in Kirkland

The Heathman Hotel in Kirkland located on Seattle’s eastside provides guests with the ultimate in gracious service in an ambience of understated elegance and comfort.  The property has garnered the AAA of Washington Four Diamond Award®, an indicator of excellence which promises travelers an unparalleled lodging experience and is also a member of the Preferred Hotel Boutique Group. The Heathman Hotel features 91 classic guest rooms and suites; the 5,000-square-foot Penterra Spa, complete with a sanctuary room, individualized treatment spaces and deluxe fitness center; 2,500 square-feet of meeting and event space; and Trellis, a 90-seat wine country inspired restaurant and bar helmed by Chef Brian Scheehser.  Trellis’ rustic, robust menu evolves with the seasons, often featuring items from Scheehser’s own five-acre farm.  For reservations and information, visit http://heathmankirkland.com/ or call (425) 284-5800 / (866) 997-5475.

“We are thrilled to have Angela on board at Penterra Spa,” said Les Utley, general manager of the Heathman Hotel in Kirkland. “Her background and passion for the spa industry provides a great addition to our team. We look forward to her leadership as she takes the spa experience to an even higher level of enjoyment for our customers.”

Prior to joining Penterra Spa, McClellan was spa manager at the Red Door Spa in Bellevue, Wash., where she spent two years after opening the first northwest location. Previously, she was the spa director for Steiner Transocean, working with yachts of Seaborn, Celebrity Cruises and Crystal Cruises. McClellan is also a licensed massage therapist.

Publisher’s Notes:  1) We would love to review this spa for BellevueBusinessJournal.com and LuxuryFitnessFun.com, 2)The Heathman Hotel, Penterra Spa and Trellis should all be on the Eastside Business Directory.

About The Heathman Hotel in Kirkland

The Heathman Hotel in Kirkland located on Seattle’s eastside provides guests with the ultimate in gracious service in an ambience of understated elegance and comfort.  The property has garnered the AAA of Washington Four Diamond Award, an indicator of excellence which promises travelers an unparalleled lodging experience. The Heathman Hotel features 91 classic guest rooms and suites; the 5,000-square-foot Penterra Spa, complete with a sanctuary room, individualized treatment spaces and deluxe fitness center; 2,500 square-feet of meeting and event space; and Trellis, a 90-seat wine country inspired restaurant and bar helmed by Chef Brian Scheehser.  Trellis’ rustic, robust menu evolves with the seasons, often featuring items from Scheehser’s own 10-acre farm.  For reservations and information, visit http://heathmankirkland.com/ or call (425) 284-5800 / (866) 997-5475.

Each year Girl Power Hour invites guests to bring a gift for the Jubilee Women’s Center, a transitional housing service provided for approximately 60 homeless women.  Jubilee also provides crisis intervention services, drop-in and referral services, technology classes and access to a free clothing boutique for another 500 women in crisis.

At the GPH Holiday Cocktail Party take your picture with Santa, win door prizes, network with influential business women, explore various vendors, try mini spa treatments from Penterra Spa, appetizers from Trellis Restaurant and everything that The Heathman Hotel has to offer.

The stunning guest room, located on the fourth floor of the hotel, has been redecorated to incorporate all pink items such as bed linens, towels, bathrobes, soaps, bathmats, as well as kitchen items such as the coffee maker and coffee-service display. The carpet, drapery and artwork have also been altered to incorporate the pink theme. When possible, the Heathman staff purchased items from the suite that benefit the Susan G. Komen Foundation.

“We are honored and excited to partner with the Komen Puget Sound Affiliate and to have the privilege of offering our all pink guest room to travelers from all over the world,” said Les Utley, general manager of the Heathman Hotel. “We hope that reservations will boost efforts to combat this disease here in the Seattle area.”

The pink guest room will be available to reserve from Oct. 1 through Oct. 31 and will be available to book online at www.heathmankirkland.com.  In addition, the Heathman Hotel will donate an additional $1 for each Facebook “like” that its page receives in October (up to 1,000 likes). To like the page on Facebook, visit facebook.com/heathmankirk.

The Heathman Kirkland thanks the following local vendors for their generous contributions of providing labor and furnishings to complete the room: Everlasting Floor Company, Allied Restoration, Pro-Source Seattle, Queen Anne Upholstery, Palettes and Pairings, and Fena Flowers.

The Penterra Spa inside the Heathman is also doing some specials this month to celebrate Breast Cancer Awareness. Here is the information about that:

“Think Pink” Services

Penterra Spa is thinking pink this month in support of Breast Cancer Awareness Month by offering three “Think Pink” spa services. All proceeds from “Think Pink” services will benefit the Puget Sound Affiliate of the Susan G. Komen Foundation for Breast Cancer Research.

• “Think Pink” Facial: A Phytomer facial begins with a skin analysis to determine exact skin needs. Expert Estheticians will then cleanse, exfoliate, nourish and hydrate skin. Service includes a choice of brow or lip wax and a paraffin hand treatment. (60 minutes/$99)

• “Think Pink” Body Bliss: Melt your troubles away in a unique hydrotherapy tub for 30 minutes with scented bath salts, then enjoy a relaxing 30-minute massage.  (60 minutes/$99)

• “Think Pink” Manicure and Pedicure: The real pink deal! Treatment includes foot soak, exfoliation, masque, nail shaping and a relaxing foot massage performed with pink Vanilla-Plum scented ingredients. Service concludes with signature Susan G. Komen “Pink of Hearts” shatter polish or “I think in Pink” by OPI.

Manicure (45 minutes/$40)

Pedicure (60 minutes/$55)

“Think Pink” specials will be available through Oct. 31, 2011.

About The Heathman Hotel in Kirkland

The Heathman Hotel in Kirkland located on Seattle’s eastside provides guests with the ultimate in gracious service in an ambience of understated elegance and comfort.  The property has garnered the AAA of Washington Four Diamond Award, an indicator of excellence which promises travelers an unparalleled lodging experience. The Heathman Hotel features 91 classic guest rooms and suites; the 5,000-square-foot Penterra Spa, complete with a sanctuary room, individualized treatment spaces and deluxe fitness center; 2,500 square-feet of meeting and event space; and Trellis, a 90-seat wine country inspired restaurant and bar helmed by Chef Brian Scheehser.  Trellis’ rustic, robust menu evolves with the seasons, often featuring items from Scheehser’s own 10-acre farm.  For reservations and information, visit http://heathmankirkland.com/ or call (425) 284-5800 / (866) 997-5475.

Guests began the celebration with a lively pre-dinner reception where they had the opportunity to mingle with the chefs, as well as executives from both Kirkland and Portland Heathman properties.

Although advertised as a five-course meal, The Heathman and its chefs found a way to sneak in a sixth.  The menu started with a potato apple glaze croquant paired with a 2009 Chehalem Pinot Gris, then came a roasted pear salad with a special kind of “mini pear” grown in Woodinville on Chef Scheehser’s farm and paired  with a 2010 Delile Cellars Chaleur Estate Blanc.  The third course was a very tasty Sole Dieppoise (please don’t ask for the pronunciation) – it was cooked to perfection with mussels, and bay shrimp in an apple cider cream sauce, paired with a 2010 Woodward Canyon Chardonnay.

Following a brief break came an apple sorbet, the fourth course was another highlight.  The Apple Wood Smoked Duckling was extremely flavorful well prepared with braised endive, watercress and a farm blackberry essence, complete with blackberries from the farm.  It was paired with a very nice 2009 Besoliel from Betz Family Winery.

The fifth course started winding down the meal with an artisan cheese plate with a variety of cheeses paired with a 2008 Francis Tannahill Passito.  The meal finished up with a very decadent rustic apple and quince tart with a Calvados caramel glaze.

Congratulations to Trellis and The Heathman Hotel Kirkland for a great first four years – and a most excellent Fall Harvest Dinner.  If you did not get a chance to attend, you might want to consider making early plans to attend the next Wine Dinner at Trellis, but in the mean time when you are looking for an excellent seasonal dining experience, venture into Trellis – you will be most happy that you did.

Up Next:  Check back soon to read all about the boutique hotel and award winning restaurant at The Heathman Hotel Portland, as well as the amazing dining and hotel options in Whistler, BC.

“We are committed to helping meet the growing community needs in this region,” said Jim Vella, president, Ford Motor Company Fund and Community Services. “Ford Motor Company has been investing in our communities for decades, and we plan to expand our community engagement efforts in the Northwest.”

The Ford Women’s Health Initiative Mobile Breast Imaging Tour will launch in Seattle in October (National Breast Cancer Awareness Month), and travel throughout the Northwest. The tour will provide women with breast screening using a 40-foot, state-of-the-art mobile coach equipped with the latest technology in 3D breast cancer imaging from HealthFair.

The safe, comfortable ultrasound procedure provides consistent, accurate 3D images, regardless of breast density or implants. More than 40 percent of women have dense breasts, which increases their risk for breast cancer. Working with local health and community organizations, this service will be offered to participating women in need on a free or low-cost basis.

The first breast imaging session will take place on the Eastside on Saturday, Oct. 1, in an event presented by Ford of Kirkland.

Amy Walen, Kirkland City Council member and Ford of Kirkland controller, has a personal reason to get involved with the Ford Women’s Health Initiative Mobile Breast Imaging Tour: “As a breast cancer survivor, preventive care is a top priority for me, so we’re thrilled to help support the first stop of the tour and work with Hopelink to identify women who could benefit from this service.”

“We’re very pleased to provide this service to our Pacific Northwest community,” said Michael Doherty, chairman of the Northwest Ford Stores group. “Some of our local Ford members have been personally affected by breast cancer, so this effort is important to us.”

According to the Oregon Health Sciences University Knight Cancer Institute, breast cancer is the most common cancer in American women, and – although researchers do not yet know why – the Pacific Northwest has the highest rate of breast cancer in the United States.

While mammograms are instrumental in detecting breast cancer, studies suggest 15.5 million breast cancer cases go undetected or under-diagnosed every year.

Visit any of the six Metropolitan Market locations in Puget Sound from June 1 – July 2 to find fun for all ages.  Events include wine tasting with food pairings, Cupcake Royale Sprinkle Party for kids (and grown-ups, let’s be honest), cheese classes, cookbook signings and more than 700 tastings, culminating in an Independence Day BBQ at multiple locations on July 2. In addition to dispensing historical trivia and nightly giveaways, the team at Metropolitan Market has some top-secret surprises in store for unsuspecting shoppers and event-attendees.

“Metropolitan Market has always been centered around product leadership, our great customers and team members willing to do whatever it takes,” said Terry Halverson, Metropolitan Market chief executive officer. “We made it to 40 years by being relentless on finding the best tasting products, whether from local vendor partners, farms or going wherever – to the ends of the earth.”

The first grocer to introduce Copper River Salmon, locally baked artisan breads and just-picked luscious strawberries from Vashon Island to the region, Metropolitan Market continues to be the first to offer the best. By featuring fresh, local, organic and hard-to-find items, the award-winning market transforms everyday grocery shopping into an invigorating experience.

For locations and complete event information, visit  www.metropolitan-market.com. For the latest in 40^th birthday festivities, follow Metropolitan Market’s Twitter, hashtag #MetMarket40. For interviews, please contact Tamara Wilson at 206-409-6735 or Torie McIntyre at 206-838-8977.

Kirkland Event Schedule:

• 6/9       6:30 p.m. – 8:30 p.m. Metropolitan Market 40^th Birthday Wine Tasting Event
• 6/14     3 p.m. – 7 p.m.            Celebrity Cake Studio featuring Odette, owner
• 6/18     12 p.m. – 2 p.m.          Becky Selengut Good Fish Book Signing
• 6/23     3 p.m. – 7 p.m.            Dry Soda Taste Tour
• 6/24     11 a.m. – 6 p.m.          Deli Challenge hosted by Dietz & Watson
• 6/24     4 p.m. – 6 p.m.            Amy Pennington Urban Pantry Book Signing
• 6/25     12 p.m. – 2 p.m.          Cupcake Royale Sprinkle Party for Kids
• 6/30     6:30 p.m. – 8:30 p.m. Metropolitan Market 40^th Birthday Wine Tasting Event
• 7/2       11 a.m. – 6 p.m.          Independence Day BBQ

Áegis of Lodge ranked highest among all Áegis communities for shaping the company through innovations and influencing the community’s success.  Each year, the award is bestowed to the community which experienced the most positive significant.  This year, Aegis Lodge in Kirkland was honored for the innovations demonstrated through the opening of their secured memory care, Life’s Neighborhood, their Parkinson’s specialty program and the addition of the onsite Physical, Occupational and Speech therapies among with an educational series presented every month to families and providers in the community in need of senior care knowledge.

For its exceptional service, Aegis Lodge was presented with a plaque and a monetary incentive.

Chosen by peers, executive directors and employees from each Áegis community, as well as the executive management team, made the nominations.  Winners were selected by the Senior Executive management team lead by Aegis Living’s CEO and Chairman, Dwayne Clark.

Áegis Living provides an innovative approach to senior living that focuses on the individuality of each resident, special philosophy of care and unique amenities.  This approach has made Áegis Living a success story in the industry and a premier choice for those seeking senior living services.

About Aegis Lodge

Aegis Lodge is a retirement community offering senior living, assisted living, and memory care services, one of 34 senior residences owned and operated by Aegis Living.