Medical mall at former Target still on track

  Dr. Robert Smythe said he is encouraged by the response to his plans to develop a medical mall in the former Target building on 32nd Street.

  Taking time out from his medical practice, Up2Par, he said two more doctors have signed on as doctor owners in the project. They include Dr. Mahesh Subbu, an internal medicine specialist, and his wife, Dr. Sonal Subbu, who is a pediatrician. Dr. Mahesh Subbu plans to join Smythe and Dr. Sergio Penaherrera in establishing a joint internal medicine clinic at the mall. Dr. Sonal Subbu is looking for other doctors to join her in a joint pediatrics clinic there.

  Smythe also confirmed that a MRI/CT diagnostic center will be part of the mall, but would also be available for use by doctors outside the mall.

  He said he has enough investors lined up to purchase the building, a process he expects to be completed sometime this month. Meanwhile, he is looking for two project managers for the project and has preliminary plans ready for bidding.

  Anyone else interested in investing in the project or leasing space can call Dan Winters, a Realtor with Michael W. Curtis Realty and Development, at 783-2215 or by cell at 1-520-488-7401. 

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  How does a nice cooling mist sound right now, like around the pool or a little outdoor oasis? Caspar Owens can deliver with his business, Southwest Misting System.

  He's been around awhile, selling, installing and servicing misting systems for existing homes and businesses. He's now taking the business to a new level, expanding to work with contractors on new houses. The stainless steel, high-pressure misting systems "create cool zones" outdoors such as for patios, Arizona rooms and landscaped areas.

  While he likely will be kept busy working with developers on new subdivisions, he pledges that "no job is too small" and he will still provide installation and servicing on misting systems for existing homes.

  To reach Owens, call 246-8582.

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  Edais Engineering has formed a new subsidiary, Edais Geotechnical Testing. The business provides testing of construction materials and soil testing and compaction to ensure they meet code. It will conduct both field and lab testing from samples for things such as how much oil is in asphalt and hardness of concrete. The testing can apply to buildings, roads and other construction projects.

  The lab is certified by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers.

  For more information, stop by 3075 S. Avenue 4E, call 344-3566 or visit edaisengineering.com.

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  In 1992, Barry Nicholson was issued a patent for an invention he called the Aqua-Therm 2000 Bed Heating and Cooling Blanket. Since then, he has been trying to promote the concept and produce a prototype to prove the concept that water could flow at a given temperature through narrow vinyl tubing situated in a blanket.

  A hard sell at the time, he now acknowledges.

 In December of 2007, a company introduced a similar product to the market called the "ChiliPad." This company knew about his patented concept, Nicholson said, but sought to change the scope of the product from that of a blanket to a mattress topper.

  Since then, he has become an independent distributor and somewhat of a consultant for the ChiliPad. "It is good to know that after almost 17 years, there is now a product on the market to provide heating and cooling comfort on the surface of the bed during sleep," he said.

  The makers of Chili Pad also will be producing a blanket using technology from his patent, he said.

 As a sales representative for GBM Products, Nicholson can be reached at 580-4866 or  bnichols@gbmproducts.com.

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  Yuma-based MGM Design recently launched a number of new Web sites, including one for the Film, Stage and Showbiz Expo. The new site can be viewed at http://www.TheShowBizExpo.com.

   "We were particularly proud to be selected for this project because the client is based out of New York City," said Matt Molenar, president of MGM Design. "It is very exciting to establish a string of clients on the East Coast."

  The Film, Stage and ShowBiz Expo is a premier event that brings together people from all aspects of the showbiz industry. As part of the development, MGM Design also built a companion site called TheShowBizFinder.com that acts like a mini Google search for showbiz professionals.

  MGM Design has been providing local and national Web development services for nearly 10 years. For more information, call 782-5915 or visit www.mgmdesign.com.

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  Hala Awar, owner of Pretzel Time at Yuma Palms Regional Center, is expanding her business beyond pretzels and Yuma's boundaries.

  She is opening Mrs. Fields Cookies at Imperial Valley Mall in El Centro. If you're shopping there, stop for a cookie, brownie, muffin, croissant or bagel, along with fresh coffee, tea or other beverages. The store also will be carrying the same Breezer smoothies served at Pretzel Time with a few more flavors.

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  In other El Centro business news, Yumans are invited to unleash their passion for shoes with the opening of DSW Shoes in the Plaza Imperial Valley, 572 Danenberg Drive. DSW Shoes features thousands of designer and branded shoes for women and men at low prices. DSW’s large selection of shoes is also available online at www.DSW.com.

  An ESPN Zone with leather lounge chairs and ottomans serves as the perfect place to relax in between trying on shoes - or while patiently waiting for someone else.

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Report Comings and Goings to jlobeck@yumasun.com or 539-6853.