Laurie Leahey

Jim Benton might best be known for his award-winning property It’s Happy Bunny, but there’s more than sarcastic bunnies in Benton’s arsenal. From The Misters, Just Jimmy, Franny K. Stein, and Meany Doodles to newer properties such as Kissy Doodles, jOkObO, and J.K. Monster, CopCorp Licensing brings Benton’s work to audiences through a variety of products. Carole Postal, president of CopCorp, spoke to aNb Media about helping Benton launch these licensed properties.

When 25-year-old Allyson Ames and her mother Sondra founded the Wonderland Bakery (www.wonderlandbakery.com) in Orange County, California five years ago, they built their business the same way they built their baked goods: from scratch. Cooking and baking since age 5, Allyson Ames attended the International Culinary Art Institute of America and has received the American Culinary Federation National Championship Award. Sondra Ames brings her financial and marketing expertise to Wonderland Bakery.

Gary Knell, president and CEO of Sesame Workshop, will become president and CEO of NPR effective December 1. H. Melvin Ming, currently serving as Sesame Workshop’s COO, will succeed Knell as president and CEO of Sesame Workshop, effective October 10. Knell became CEO of Sesame Workshop in 2000 after joining the company in 1989. During his tenure, the organization has expanded its revenue base, audience, and global recognition.