EDEN PRAIRIE

Company wins workplace awardArchitecture Technology Corp. is a winner of the 2012 Alfred P. Sloan Award for Excellence in Workplace Effectiveness and Flexibility. The award recognizes employers that use workplace flexibility as a way to help their business and employees succeed.

Under the heading "Bold Ideas," the company was mentioned for allowing workers to set their own hours. "The company provides a rare environment where employees set their own hours," the book said. "No need to clock in or out. No need to get clearance from a supervisor."

For more information about Architecture Technology, a software technology company, go to www.atcorp .com.

crystal

Salon celebrates 50 years in businessWith the theme of "Beehives, Bubbles and Flips," Fantasia Salon at 2756 Douglas Drive is celebrating 50 years in business.

The salon, owned by Twila Donley, plays a large role in the community, helping men, women and children who have lost or have thinning hair due to cancer or illness. "We've been changing lives one head at a time for 50 years," said business manager and stylist Leanne Kopischke.

It's also a full-service salon, offering services from haircuts, pedicures and spa services. For more information, go to www.fantasiasalon.com or call 763-544-9126.

MEDINA

PupTown offers free photos with SantaPupTown is hosting "Photos with Santa" for dogs on three upcoming dates: Nov. 17, Dec, 1 and Dec. 2, from 1 to 4 p.m.

Families are welcome and reservations are recommended for this free event. For more information, call 763-478-0203.

PupTown is at 810 Tower Drive in Medina. It provides cage-free daycare, overnight boarding and grooming services for dogs.

RICHFIELD

Ice cream shop adds candy storeThe 1950s-themed Cone Brothers Ice Cream Shop at Penn Avenue S. and 66th Street is making two changes this fall: staying open through the winter and adding a candy shop to serve customers who might not want an ice cream cone when it's 20 below but still have a sweet tooth.

The store has stocked hundreds of types of "penny" candy and vintage brands, but also offers gourmet taffy, licorice, toffee, fudge and jelly beans.

The shop opened in 2010 and is owned by Jock and Marilyn Shields.

STAFF REPORTS

We're always on the lookout for store openings and west metro business-related events that readers would find interesting. To submit information for Business Briefs, e-mail westnews@startribune.com at least 10 days before the anticipated publication date.