Hunt Technologies is going by a new name

Hunt Technologies, Pequot Lakes, is now operating under the Landis+Gyr brand.

"The Pequot Lakes office will retain its primary focus on serving public and cooperative utilities, while supporting global advanced metering projects," the company stated in a news release about the brand change.

The Bayard Group, which purchased Hunt Technologies in 2006, changed its name to Landis+Gyr Holdings in May. Last week the company reported it has consolidated all of its subsidiaries beneath the Landis+Gyr name.

In a news release, Cameron O'Reilly, founder of Bayard and chief executive officer of Landis+Gyr Holdings, said the unification into one business reinforces the "mission to help utilities and their customers manage energy better."

Landis+Gyr has more than 5,000 employees with operations in 30 countries as a leader in what it calls "smart metering systems" designed to distribute power more efficiently and reliably and offer a two-way flow of data to better manage energy use, lower energy costs and reduce the carbon footprint.

The company's global headquarters is in Zug, Switzerland. A New York City office reflects the company's commitment to the U.S. market, the company reported.

In the news release, Jeff Carkhuff, general manager of the Pequot Lakes office, said the Landis+Gyr name has 100 years of market leadership and will help the company present a unified portfolio of products and services.

On Sept. 25, a Women's Walkabout is planned in downtown Brainerd. Scheduled between 4-7 p.m., the walkabout is aimed at attracting women to visit a number of participating businesses with prizes, food and activities.

O'Reilly Auto Parts opened its newly constructed store in Brainerd, 901 W. Washington St. A ribbon-cutting ceremony is planned to begin at 10:30 a.m. Oct. 3 with company officials on hand for the event where a $200 check is expected to be given to the Brainerd Fire Department on behalf of the company.

The company was founded in 1957 and operates more than 1,867 stores in 26 states.

Brainerd Lakes Health, which includes St. Joseph's Medical Center and Brainerd Medical Center, announced it will be the only rural hospital in the state with the capability to perform prostate surgery, gynecological surgery and general surgeries using Intuitive Surgical's da Vinci S HD Surgical System. The St. Joseph's Medical Center Foundation provided funding for the purchase.

In a news release, Jani Wiebolt, president at St. Joseph's Medical Center, said the surgical robotics technology brings minimally invasive surgery to a new level.

Brainerd Lakes Health reported the new technology will be used by the urologists, the gynecologists and the general surgeons.

Dr. Scott Wheeler, urology, Dr. Janelle Strom, OB/GYN, Dr. Brad Qualey, urology, Dr. Troy Duininck, general surgery, and St. Joseph's Medical Center nurses, anesthesiologists and technicians will begin performing surgical treatments using the new system later this month, the company reported.

RENEE RICHARDSON, senior reporter, may be reached at renee.richardson@brainerddispatch.com or 855-5852.