Aviation: Boeing’s Mulally denies candidacy for United Airlines

Boeing Commercial Airplanes Chief Executive Alan Mulally has denied he’s a candidate for the top job at United Airlines.

Mulally, who was traveling in Asia, had been rumored to be among those contacted to replace interim CEO Jack Creighton at United.

“Company practice is to decline commenting on rumors and speculation about these types of issues,” Mulally said in the statement. “However, this is such a critical time for both companies as our industry works to recover from an economic downturn and the impact of the events of Sept. 11, that I think we’re all best served if I acknowledge that I am not pursing the top job at United Airlines.

Mulally is a Lawrence High School and Kansas University graduate. He recently was in Lawrence to accept a Distinguished Service Citation from the KU Alumni Association.

Specialty Projects: Area companies get grants

Lt. Governor Gary Sherrer and Secretary of Agriculture Jamie Clover Adams announced Friday that 13 Kansas companies would share a total of $210,000 in federally funded grants for a variety of Specialty Crop Grant projects.

Among those companies are Gary’s Berries, Jefferson County, and Davenport Orchard & Vineyard, Douglas County.

Gary’s Berries received $20,000 for enhancing marketing strategies. The grant will provide Gary’s Berries with the opportunity to expand sales of berries and other specialty crop products. Currently, Gary’s Berries operates from tents and open-air markets.

Davenport Orchard & Vineyard received $25,000 for winery equipment. Funding will be used to purchase larger, more efficient wine processing equipment. Sales growth is causing a need for additional equipment to keep pace with demand.

E-commerce: LaGarde plans to expand

Lawrence-based LaGarde announced Friday it planned to expand after the release of several new offerings in its StoreFront product line earlier in the year.

The expansion is planned as a part of a current series B capital campaign expected to raise $500,000 that LaGarde expects to close in July. The expansion will add about six new jobs to the company.

Duane Lankard, formerly LaGarde’s chief financial officer, has been named president with full responsibilities for the Revenue Generation Division of LaGarde. Lankard will oversee the staff expansion to add sales and marketing personnel.