As we march forward into the real estate and construction peak months, I have two expansions to tell you about.

Logan Aluminum Inc. will expand its recycling center in Russellville, adding 40 jobs to the local economy.

The $25 million center expansion will add 70,000 square feet and is expected to be operational by January next year, according to the company.

The new, expanded part of its facility is expected to improve production efficiency by eliminating a step in its process by being able to receive and melt scrap aluminum, which is currently processed off site.

Beginning in the second quarter, Logan’s $10 million tab-stock line addition will be online for production.

Logan Aluminum is owned by ARCO Aluminum Inc. and Novelis Inc. as a manufacturer of aluminum sheet products.

According to Buddy Steen, director of the Western Kentucky University’s Innovation and Commercialization Center, the center’s Small Business Accelerator will expand.

The space on Nashville Road is about 25,000 square feet, Steen said.

&#8220Now on the right portion of the accelerator we’re building out another 6,000 square feet,” Steen said.

The estimated cost of the project is $423,000 and will be funded through a state project grant, according to Steen.

&#8220The build out began three months ago, and they should be done in three more months,” Steen said, with the expansion complete by May.

Steen said at least three companies at the ICC have doubled their size in the past month.

Those companies are Northwest Nuclear, Bluegrass Supply Chain Services and Dynastrosi Laboratories of Bowling Green.

&#8220We were also informed by a fourth company that they will be expanding as well,” Steen said.

Book Fest named Top Event

The Southern Kentucky Book Fest has been named a &#8220Top Ten Festival or Event” by the Kentucky Tourism Council. Criteria for selection included popularity of the event, its impact on the local tourism economy, as well as cultural and historical significance.

The Kentucky Tourism Council names its &#8220Top Ten” Festivals & Events four times a year.

&#8220The 2007 Book Fest will be our ninth, and we are very proud of our exceptional, family event that celebrates reading and the love of books,” said Jayne Pelaski, community outreach director for WKU Libraries.

The 2007 Southern Kentucky Book Fest is April 21 at the Sloan Convention Center.

Some of the featured authors are Scott Turow, Rick Bragg, Janette Oke, Ann B. Ross and Cassandra King.

The Book Fest is a partnership project of Western Kentucky University Libraries, Bowling Green Public Library and Barnes & Noble Booksellers.

For more information about the Book Fest, visit www.sokybook fest.org.

– E-mail business reporter Ameerah Cetawayo at acetawayo@bgdailynews.com or call 783-3246.