Head of the classKate Sawyer takes a tour of the many renovation and construction projects underway at University of Texas at Austin. When University of Texas (UT) at Austin was founded in 1883 as a small campus on 40 acres, it had only one building, eight teachers, two departments, and 221 students. Today, it represents the most robust facet of the University of Texas System, which includes nine academic universities and six health sciences centers.

Rolling on the riverThe Port of PortlandÔÇÖs Sam Ruda explains to Gary Toushek the myriad responsibilities that go with operating, maintaining, and marketing port facilities. Located on the Columbia River, 105 miles inland from OregonÔÇÖs coast, the Port of Portland includes four marine terminals, six industrial parks and four airports (Portland International plus three smaller, cargo airports).

Gateway to the futureIn the farthest reaches of the north, ocean-going vessels laden with goods and materials still represent the major commerce conduit. Kate Sawyer reports on the important role the Port of Anchorage plays in AlaskaÔÇÖs economic vitality. The Port of Anchorage serves as the gateway to the Last Frontier, and it is singularly vital to the survival of Alaskan businesses and residents.  Approximately 90 percent of all goods en route to Alaska pass through the Port of Anchorage, through rail, road, and air cargo connections.

All aboardThanks to rocketing fuel prices, public transportation is having a glory moment, but in Pittsburgh theyÔÇÖre hoping to change a short-term crisis into a long-term way of life, Alan T. Swaby discovers. The Port Authority of Allegheny County in Pittsburgh, in its capacity as provider of public transportation services, has gone a long way down the track of integration but has yet to add roller coasters to its list of transport options.

Right idea, right place, right timeKeith Regan learns how PolyMet Mining plans to refurbish the large processing facilities and add new modern technology to help meet worldwide demand for a range of metals such as copper, nickel, cobalt, platinum, palladium and gold. Mining has long been a part of the economy, landscape and culture of the Mesabi Range area of northeastern Minnesota, with six iron ore mines remaining in active production today. Historically, the mining activity has been focused on iron ore. PolyMet Mining Corp.

John Millard shares with Jenn Monroe Novant HealthÔÇÖs strategy to reach maximum energy efficiency Three years ago Novant Health set its sights on the stars. Actually, the goal is to reach just oneÔÇöthe Energy Star rating. ÔÇ£We want to be in the top 25 percent in our industry,ÔÇØ says John Millard, director of energy and environmental affairs. ÔÇ£For our hospitals, itÔÇÖs a standard weÔÇÖre putting out there.ÔÇØBut attaining the Energy Star rating is just one piece of a two-pronged initiative.

Clean sheet miningDean Journeaux of New Millennium Capital Corporation tells Ruari McCallion about the companyÔÇÖs ongoing iron ore mine developments in Labrador and eastern Quebec. It looks like a good time to get heavily into the mining business. Demand from China, India and other emerging economies is high, leading to high prices for all commodities, from aluminum to iron ore.

Good medicineInvestments in facilities, training and technology are helping Jewish General Hospital in Montreal to remain in the forefront of medicine in Canada, Philippe Castiel tells Ruari McCallion.ThereÔÇÖs always the danger that the presence of a renowned institution can overshadow neighboring organizations, but that doesnÔÇÖt seem to be a problem for MontrealÔÇÖs Jewish General Hospital (JGH). It cooperates well with nearby McGill University Health Centre in teaching and has been hugely successful in attracting and retaining specialist staff.

Flying forward The Midfield Project will give Indianapolis International Airport modern amenities, room to grow, and a much different first impression for travelers to the city, Keith Regan reports. When the new main terminal at Indianapolis International Airport opens at the end of October 2008, passengers will be experiencing an entirely new airportÔÇöthe result of a $1.1 billion, seven-year project that revamps nearly everything at the facility.

From humble beginnings in the automotive sector, Harleysville Group has risen to become one of the nationÔÇÖs prominent insurers with multi-billion dollar finances┬áThe success story came out of local adversity. Harleysville Insurance came to fruition in 1915, when Alvin Alderfer, concerned by the theft of several Ford sedans, held a meeting of prominent citizens in Harleysville, Pennsylvania.