Cantor Fitzgerald initiates Martek coverage with a BUY

Cantor Fitzgerald initiates coverage on Martek Biosciences (Nasdaq: MATK) with a Buy rating. Price target $33.

Cantor analyst says, "We think Martek has entered a dynamic growth phase with a five-year revenue CAGR of 18%, increasing gross margins and EPS up 63% yoy. We expect this financial trend to continue as new packaged food/beverage products fortified with Martek's omega-3 DHA oil launch into a market that increasingly understands/looks for functionally/nutritionally enhanced foods — a business we think is recession-proof. Martek is uniquely positioned in the DHA market, in our view, as the global provider of DHA derived from its proprietary algal technology production process that yields nearly odorless/colorless DHA — a significant advantage for packaged food/beverage companies — and importantly, a fully controlled production process under cGMP, a long-term advantage, we think, as the "Obama effect" impacts food regulation and safety...We expect 25% yoy earnings growth underpinned by increasing revenue with accelerating gross margins as production increases in combination with ongoing biomanufacturing process optimization — a key advantage of biotechnology platform technologies — that we anticipate will translate into solid appreciation of MATK."

Dubose, Wright take new positions at WTC

Williamsburg Technical College employees Cheryl Dubose and Alexis Wright recently accepted new positions with the College.

Dubose, a Florence resident, moved from a position in accounts receivable in the college’s business office to the admissions office, where she serves as student development counselor. She received an associate’s from Williamsburg Technical College, a bachelor’s from Limestone College and a master’s from Walden University.

Wright, a Trio resident, was admissions director and is now director of enrollment and records services. She received an associate’s from Williamsburg Technical College, a bachelor’s from Limestone College and a master’s from the University of Maryland.

Scott's Bar-B-Q to hold annual picnic

In spite of the nation’s tough economic times, a local tradition carries on. On Saturday, April 11, 2009, The Scott family, of Scott’s Bar-B-Que in Hemingway , SC , is showing appreciation to customers and the community in a big way. The family owned business is serving free home-cooked food with lemonade, music and more.

The Scott’s Bar-B-Que Easter Picnic is an annual appreciation event in Hemingway and has been for nearly a decade. It has grown so large that The Scotts now schedule their own family reunion to coincide with the event. They do this ensure that there are enough hands on deck to serve the community and to make certain that the legacy of giving back passes down to younger generations. This event is fun for all ages!

Scott’s Bar-B-Que is on Hwy 261 at Brunson Crossing just west of Hemingway. Food will be served from 3 p.m. until the food is gone.For more information contact Rodney Scott, pitmaster, at 843-558-0134 or rodneyscottbbq@yahoo.com

'07 Tupperware Fire: A case study

The NFPA Journal in their March/April issue uses the December 2007 warehouse fire at Tupperware in Hemingway as a case study for the problems in fire control in large storage facilities. The article is very insightful on the actions taken to save the building. It also gives strategies to prevent future fires like that one.

Kiwi reporter visits Williamsburg County

Last weekend, during Rep. Clyburn visit, our fair county was visited by Rosalea Barker, a reporter from New Zealand. It is interesting to see how someone from the outside views us. Read her piece at Scoop Independent News

Restaurant Review: Frances Calhoun

Kingstree has a new sandwich shop - Frances Calhoun owned by Wendy Morris. The restaurant is located in the old Dubin's Men Shop building at 109 N. Academy Street. Their menu consists of classics like chicken salad, the Dubin Reuben and mix and match meat, bread, & cheese combinations.

The lunch I had there was great from a sandwich lovers perspective. It was salami and ham on fresh rye bread served with a side of potato salad and a chocolate chip cookie for desert. Add a soda and the combination came out to $6.95 plus tip.

In February, Frances Calhoun was awarded the Williamsburg Hometown Chamber's Image Award for the work Ms. Morris did the building. By bringing back a local business landmark, an award is a small token of apprecitiation.

2009 South Carolina BBQ-Shag Festival

Hemingway will host their 21st Annual South Carolina BBQ-Shag Festival from April 23-25, 2009. The festivities include BBQ cookoff, beach music for shagging, kids rides, car show, and fireworks.

For more festival information call Dennis Miles at 843-344-2527 or Brooke Cockfield at 843-344-2884, or Brenda Sessions at 843-621-8023.