Business Doings

Caterpillar auctioning 'American Chopper' bike

Caterpillar, the world's largest maker of earth-moving equipment, plans to sell a customized motorcycle on eBay to benefit a North Carolina camp for sick children.

The yellow-and-black Cat Chopper was built during two episodes of TV's "American Chopper." It was revealed in 2005 at Caterpillar's Clayton plant and became Caterpillar's star, going to plants, dealerships and community events around the country. Proceeds from the online auction will benefit the Victory Junction Gang, a camp in Randleman for children with chronic medical conditions and serious illnesses.

Bidding on the Cat Chopper, a 150-horsepower, six-speed show bike, begins tonight at www.ebay.com/catchopper and runs 10 days. Racing legend Richard Petty, whose family founded Victory Junction, will give the keys to the winning bidder next month at a trade show in Las Vegas.

In case you were hoping for a steal: Bidding is expected to begin at $100,000. It's for the children.

Deals

John O'Connor of Career Pro of N.C. partnered with Raleigh-based Enlign Business Brokers. O'Connor will refer business to Enlign and provide career services such as coaching and head hunting to Enlign clients.

Ecodomus, which provides custom house plans for new home additions and renovations, has opened at 410 Oberlin Road, Suite 308, Raleigh. Owner Stephen Jackman is holding an open house, 1 to 5 p.m. Feb. 22.

Retention Pond Services selected Jennings, a Chapel Hill based branding, advertising and public relations agency, as its new agency of record.

N.C. Biotechnology Center awarded a $100,000 grant to a consortium responsible for planning the Center of Innovation in Advanced Medical Technologies.

Homes in Motion has a new corporate identity, including a logo by Hummingbird Creative Group and Web site by 123Triad Web Design.

The Renaissance Computing Institute is hosting an open house today for its new Engagement Center at UNC-Chapel Hill. Visitors will learn about RENCI research collaborations and will be able to tour three research environments, The Showcase Room, The Social Computing Room and The Tele-immersion Room.

Howard Perry and Walston Real Estate School is opening a new location at The Streets at Southpoint in Durham.

Atcom Business Telecom Solutions in Durham will provide Triangle Orthopaedic Associates with voice over Internet protocol technologies.

Veterinary Specialty Hospital of the Carolinas in Cary added critical care to its specialties. Dr. Scott Wells will lead the new daytime service.