Janet Emery opened J. Emery Consulting at 2579B Grouse Ridge Drive, Wexford. Call 724-934-3230.

Millenium Alloys LLC, a supplier of prime metals and alloys, scrap and other services to the specialty steel and foundry industries, opened in Butler County. The company was founded, and is owned and operated by Ralph G. Mazza, president. Call 412-913-3516 or visit the Web site at www.milleniumalloys.net.

Redstone Highlands, a continuing care retirement community in Westmoreland County, named WordWrite Communications as its agency of record for public relations.

The National Center for Defense Robotics, an initiative of The Technology Collaborative, awarded a subcontract totaling $480,000 to Seegrid Corp., an industrial mobile robotics company.

Pipitone Group was selected by Centre County Industrial Development Corp. to create a brand identity and related marketing materials for Benner Commerce Park, a new business park currently being developed in Centre County.

The Best Christian Workplaces Institute said the Coalition for Christian Outreach, Light of Life Ministries Inc. and The Pittsburgh Project are included in the 2009 list of certified Best Christian Workplaces in the United States.

UPMC St. Margaret achieved ANCC Magnet Recognition status, granted by the American Nurses Credentialing Center. Only 5 percent of hospitals nationwide have been granted Magnet status, the highest international recognition for nursing excellence and leadership.

The Office of Commonwealth Libraries awarded a 2009 Laura Bush 21st Century Librarian Grant to Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh -- South Side children's librarian Jeanne Nikolaison, who will use the grant to pursue her master's degree in library science. The program is administered by the federal Institute of Museum and Library Services.

Horizon Hospitality's Hampton Inn & Suites Pittsburgh/Meadow Lands won the 2008 Circle of Excellence Award during its first full year of operation. Under the leadership of general manager Doug Brewster, the property is now ranked in the Hilton Hotel's brand top 10 percent in service, product and quality among more than 1,600 Hampton Inn and Hampton Inn & Suites hotels worldwide.

Verizon Wireless named to its President's Cabinet employees who met several criteria, including being ranked in the top 1 percent of sales in 2008. They are Steve Herbert, associate director of strategic sales and a nine-year employee; Scott Yaros, business sales account executive and a seven-year employee; and Jennifer Thomas, business sales manager of national accounts and a 12-year employee.