Capital BlueCross has opened a storefront at The Promenade Shops at Saucon Valley.

But David Skerpon, vice president of retail strategies and brand management, said he wants the public to know it’s “not just a place to buy insurance, but a place to become healthier.”

The retail store will have sales and service and customers can purchase plans, or ask questions about existing policies in the store. But there will also be a registered nurse in the store and care guides that can help customers become healthier.

“When people are healthier, health care costs are lower so everyone wins,” said Skerpon.

He said the store, which is the first of what the insurer expects will be multiple stores, will become a valuable resource as health care reform takes effect.

He said more people will be buying their own health insurance or will be choosing their coverage though cafeteria-style plans from their employer, where they are given a dollar amount for their benefits and then choose what insurances they want.

Thomas Peluso, who will be the retail center director, said he plans to have exercise classes and seminars, children’s health-oriented activities and a healthy food bar where anyone can stop in to buy a smoothie or healthy snack.

In all there will be 12 full-time employees at the store. It will be open six days a week from 10 a.m.-7 p.m.

More information can be obtained on the website www.capbluecross.com.

UtiliTech to audit solid waste costs

UtiliTech Inc. of West Lawn has begun a new cost-reduction auditing service that will enhance its existing energy and telecom consulting portfolio. UtiliTech will offer Solid Waste Audit Services to commercial customers in Pennsylvania and surrounding states.

Large producers of solid waste typically include restaurants, manufacturers, hospitals, supermarkets, hotels, apartment complexes, assisted living communities, schools, country clubs and office buildings.

The company said through an audit, businesses can expect to reduce solid waste removal expenses by as much as 30 percent to 60 percent annually.

UtiliTech offers this service on a contingency-fee, shared-savings basis, eliminating any risk to the customer.

More information can be obtained on the website www.utilitech.com.

VeraTrack officially launched

A new employment verification website has been officially launched by Complete Background Solutions LLC of Easton.

VeraTrack allows an employer to check the employment history of a potential hire online, instead of going through what company president Peter Melan called a very tedious process of calling past employers.

Melan said he launched VeraTrack in “beta” this past January after conducting research into the needs of human resources professionals. The service is now fully operational.

VeraTrack is run out of Complete Background Solution’s office at 417 Cattell St., Easton. More information can be obtained on the website www.veratrack.com or by calling (610) 258-5746.

Cozze grand opening in Nazareth

Nazareth is celebrating a new bakery. Cozze Cakes held its grand opening Dec. 15. The bakery is owned by Amy Cozze who creates custom cakes for any occasion. Cozze said she specializes in fondant.

Cozze Cakes is located at 143 S. Main St., Nazareth. Hours are Tuesday through Friday 9 a.m.-3:30 pm., and Saturdays 9 a.m.-noon.

More information can be obtained on the website www.cozzecakes.com or by calling (610) 746-9175.

Vineyard sprouts up at mall

Blue Mountain Vineyard and Cellars now has a shop in the Lehigh Valley Mall. This is the first time the New Tripoli vineyard has had a shop in the mall. While the shop, which sells the vineyard red and white wines is considered a temporary holiday kiosk, if the concept is successful it may stay in the mall permanently. The shop also sells wine accessories and tote bags.

Blue Mountain Vineyard and Cellars is located at 250 Lehigh Valley Mall on the first floor near the Santa photos. It will keep mall hours.

More information can be obtained by calling (610) 264-1176,

IronPigs add seating areas

The Lehigh Valley IronPigs are introducing two brand new seating areas for its upcoming season.

The first area has been dubbed “the Hot Corner.” It is located directly below the PPL Picnic Patio and features 48 swivel seats and amenities such as in-seat food and beverage service as well as drink rail counters.

“The Bacon Strip” is a bi-level seating area located along the right field wall. It features 75 bar-stool type seats and 52 stadium seats. Both rows of seating include the added comfort of drink rail counters for food and beverages.

Both areas will be available for groups of 20 or more.

This is the second significant reinvestment project in as many years at Coca-Cola Park, following this year’s debut of the Red Robin Tiki Terrace & Oasis.

Editor’s Note: We want to hear about your new business or product. Contact staff writer Stacy Wescoe at (610) 807-9619 ext. 104 or send an e-mail to stacyw@lvb.com. To be considered, a new venture should be under 60 days old or starting within 60 days.