Inc. announces entrepreneur of the year

Syracuse, NY- According to Syracuse.com, Inc. Magazine announced the winner of this year's Entrepreneur of the Year award: former Camillus resident and CEO of Serious Materials Inc. Kevin Surace.

The award honors the person the magazine feels that has contributed the most to the business world. Surace won this award for his work with environmentally safe innovations.

Surace's company specializes in producing better-insulated windows and drywall for huge corporations. The two products are big energy and money savers.

Serious Materials tried to open up a windows plant in Clay, but relocated to Pennsylvania because the building they now occupy used to be a windows plant. However, the company is still in talks with Onondaga County Economic Development Director Mary Beth Primo to try and bring part of the California based company to the Syracuse area.

My Take: It is always good to hear local success stories, especially one of this magnitude. Surace and his company are paving the way for efficient "green" technology, an idea that is sweeping the nation as the world tries to preserve its environment.

Volkswagen to buy 20 percent of Suzuki

Tokyo, Japan- Volkswagen AG is ready to buy 20 percent of Suzuki Motor Corp. for 222.5 billion yen (approx. $2.5 billion) in an attempt to boost profits in the Asian market. Suzuki will also purchase some of Volkswagen to show trust and equity in the program.

The two companies will finalize the deal in February. Business newspaper Nikkei said that the combined sales of these two corporations will exceed the Toyota Motor Corp., the number one automaker in the world.

Volkswagen and Suzuki will focus on making better hybrid and electric cars.

"The world automotive industry is in the midst of some significant changes. It's difficult to adapt to these numerous issues on our own," said a Suzuki representative in a statement.

After the announcement, Suzuki's stock rose 3.5 percent in the Tokyo market.

My Take: Competition is always good for business. These two companies coming together could do some great things with "green" technology, making it better and easier to afford. Plus, Tokyo's stock exchange is one of the biggest in the world, so if it goes up there, it could have a good effect on the world's economy.

Yanks sign Pettitte during winter meetings

Indianapolis- The New York Yankees have signed one of the most valuable players to last season's championship run.

According to ESPN, the Yanks and left-handed Andy Pettitte have come to a deal for one year worth $11.75 million. The 37 year-old made $10.5 million last year, as the Yankees won their 27th World Championship.

"I didn't want to regret not playing," said Pettitte. "I wanted to get this decision made. It's nice to get it wrapped up."

Pettitte became the first pitcher ever to win all three clinching games of the postseason by defeating the Minnesota Twins, the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim, and the Philadelphia Phillies. 

Pettitte went 14-8 last season with a 4.16 ERA, but had great numbers in the postseason (3-0 in 5 starts, with a 3.52 ERA). 

Pettitte also has the most postseason victories of all time with 18.

ESPN's MLB Insider Buster Olney has the latest buzz from the Winter Meeting.

My Take: Pettitte was one of the reasons the Yankees dominated in the postseason. He is one of the ageless wonders on that team, and is one of the all-time Yankee greats. It might have been for a little too much money, but Yankee fans and Yankee officials are all happy with the deal.