Business briefs

In an effort to remove trash from Northern Nevada's highways, the Nevada Department of Transportation will officially kick-off its Sponsor-A-Highway Program at 10 a.m. Thursday on the Bellevue Interchange of Highway 395 in Washoe Valley.

Business Bank reports record after-tax profits

Business Bank Corp., the parent company of Business Bank of Nevada (OTCBB: BBNV), has announced (unaudited) net after-tax profits of nearly $1.52 million for the three months ending June 30, or $0.70 per share compared to $1.23 million or $0.60 per share for the same three months ending June 30, 2005. This represents a 23.4 percent increase in the company's second quarter net after-tax earnings year-over-year.

The company also reported record year-to-date (unaudited) net after-tax earnings for the first six months of this year, which were $3.31 million or $1.55 per share ending June 30, compared to $2.09 million or $1.03 per share for the first six months of last year ending June 30, 2005. This represents a 58.1 percent increase in the company's overall earnings through the first six months of this year compared to the same period last year.

Five new retailers sign at Summit Sierra

Summit Sierra has brought five new and exclusive retail options to the region. Buffalo Wild Wings, Helly Hansen, RedBrick Pizza, Sketchers and Tilly's are the latest tenants to announce plans for the mall. There are now a total of 69 shops and restaurants leased, and the original plan for Phase I outlined 70 shops and restaurants. Summit Sierra is at the intersection of Highway 395 and the Mount Rose Highway, south of Reno.

Clinic to participate in lung cancer study for women

Cell Therapeutics, Inc. (CTI) (NASDAQ and MTAX: CTIC) has announced it is enrolling patients in Nevada in a clinical research study exclusively targeting women with advanced lung cancer.

The international study, known as PIONEER, is expected to enroll 600 patients at approximately 170 sites in the United States, Europe and Latin America. Sierra Nevada Oncology Care in Carson City will participate locally.