Spotlight on New Business

MinuteClinic Opens in

Baltimore Market

MinuteClinic, billed as a convenient "mini-medical office" designed to treat a limited set of common ailments, has opened health care centers at eight Baltimore-area Target stores.

Ear, bladder and sinus infections, as well as strep throat, are among the ailments to be treated at MinuteClinic. The local centers will also offer vaccines for tetanus/diphtheria, flu, pneumonia and hepatitis B. MinuteClinic maintains strict criteria in choosing each service it delivers by only providing care that can be administered in 10-15 minutes, with outcomes equal to or surpassing other alternatives.

Because no visit takes more than 15 minutes and no appointment is necessary, MinuteClinic is an ideal solution for professionals and working parents who cannot afford time away from the workplace. MinuteClinic centers are open seven days a week, including early morning hours and extended evening hours on weekdays. The result is a convenient care system that saves patients, employers and insurers time and money.

Area MinuteClinic centers are located in the Ellicott City (Long Gate Plaza), Laurel (Corridor Marketplace) and Glen Burnie (Crain Highway) Target locations, as well as Towson, Cockeysville, Pikesville, Aberdeen and Bel Air. Visits will be covered by many Baltimore area insurance providers, which means most patients pay an office visit co-pay. MinuteClinic is in-network with CareFirst BlueCross BlueShield's PAR and PPO networks, Luminos, NCAS (National Claims Administrative Services) and Definity.

For patients paying out of pocket, most treatments cost $44, compared to prices at primary care physician offices and urgent care centers that can exceed $100, and emergency room visits, which typically cost more than $300. As a result, MinuteClinic visits can save money for consumers, employers and insurance companies.



Clear Star International Arrives in Howard County

A video and technology firm that offers a variety of services has moved from Montgomery County to Columbia. The offerings of Clear Star International consist of technology consulting, business process analysis, data mining, expert systems, Internet applications, database development, video and animation production, virtual interactive sets and stereoscopic 3-D multimedia through its view3d.tv subsidiary.

Clear Star's software development group uses advanced application software development tools, which decrease the project development time and related costs, and will accommodate rapid modification of the system in the future. "Our goal is to take the mystery out of automation and use it to enhance your productivity," said President Daniel Stemklar.



Hey Red! Salon Open in Laurel

Hey Red! has opened its doors in Laurel. The salon, located behind Red, Hot & Blue on Main Street, provides a wide range of services from certified cosmetologists, estheticians and massage therapists including hair care, nail care, skin care,

hair removal, massage and makeup application.

Owners Doreen and Nicholas Nionakis purchased the space, formerly known as Montpelier Hair Designs, in September and have had it remodeled with top-of-the-line equipment and furnishings to reflect the image and offerings of Hey Red! The business is actively looking to add nail technicians, estheticians and a massage therapist to its team. Contact Doreen Nionakis at 301-490-3400 for more information.



New Publication Unveiled in

Howard County

Coffee News-Howard County, one of the 600-plus worldwide franchises of Bangor, Me.-based Coffee News-USA, has kicked off two new editions: Columbia-East and Columbia-West.

Coffee News is available to readers free in restaurants, from fast food eateries to fine dining establishments. Other locations include libraries, Village Centers, hotels, office buildings and anywhere that people congregate. "We really have a two-fold mission: to provide positive news, community calendars, quotes, smiles and laughter to our readers, and to offer small to medium-sized businesses the opportunity to bring their message to the community inexpensively and exclusively," said Publisher Ron Pagano.



Apple Lincoln Mercury Now Open

Mario Clementoni, president & CEO of Apple Lincoln-Mercury, has announced the purchase of Al Packer Lincoln-Mercury of 5801 Belair Road in Baltimore. The dealership is now located with Apple Ford, just off Snowden River Parkway in Columbia.

The acquisition enables the dealership to offer its "Customer for Life" program throughout metro Baltimore. The program entitles a number of services, including oil changes and tire rotation, among other services, to clients as long as they own their cars at the two local dealerships, as well as Wright Brothers Lincoln-Mercury in York, Pa.