Issue: September 2010
By: Frank Bisbee

Bisbee’s Buzz

SIMPLE MESSAGES for all of us.

The face of our industry is changing. Licensing, certification, and more continued education are the new rules of the road. We all end up paying for unlicensed companies. Cabling contractors are no exception. If you find an unlicensed contractor in your area, drop a complaint on them. Most states will accept your complaint as anonymously filed.

Reinforce your safety message to all your coworkers that driving and texting is forbidden. That goes for alcohol and drugs too.

Reward loyalty and good work habits with bonuses in any manner possible.

This economic cloud won’t last forever. Remember the media can be an affordable source of training and self improvement. Don’t wait for someone to spoon feed it to you.

Quality workmanship, nice appearance, good attitude are as valuable as any big expensive advertising program. Make yourself into a more valuable employee, and see what happens.

But that’s just my opinion,

Frank Bisbee - Editor
"HOTS - Heard On The Street" Monthly Column
www.wireville.com
4949 Sunbeam Rd, Suite 16
Jacksonville, FL 32257
(904) 645-9077 office
(904) 237-0365 cell
(904) 645-9058 fax
frank@wireville.com

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BICSI OPENS FALL CONFERENCE

President announces new conference continuing education credit policy

Tampa, Fla., Sept. 15, 2010—BICSI, the association supporting the information technology systems (ITS) industry with information, education and knowledge assessment, opened the 2010 Fall Conference & Exhibition with more than 3,000 ITS professionals in attendance. During the Opening General Session, Brian Hansen, RCDD, NTS, CSI, BICSI President, made a special announcement from the Board of Directors concerning conference continuing education credits (CECs). Under the new plan, the specialists will receive a proportionate rate of CECs for their conference attendance—just as the Registered Communications Distribution Designers (RCDDs) and Registered Information Technology Professionals (RITPs) currently gain conference CECs.

“We understand our members have concerns, especially about gaining CECs for their specialty credentials,” said Hansen. “When we separated the specialties and made them standalone credentials from the RCDD, we began requiring design skills in each of the design specialty credentials. Because of this, they now qualify for design-related CECs. Moving forward, we will assign a proportionate number of CECs for specialties based upon a balance of design and credential-specific knowledge.”

Following Hansen’s announcement, Opening Keynote Speaker, Bill Fournet, stimulated the crowd with his Perfect Storm presentation. He explained the three major elements affecting businesses today were “global collaboration, changing of the guard and accelerated uncertainty.” He spoke about overcoming these elements and achieving business success in this environment of stormy transformations.

“I liked the Keynote Address and the presentation that highlighted our deficiencies in ITS infrastructure. I’ve been an RCDD for about 16 years now and I always come to BICSI conferences to keep abreast of new ITS technologies,” explained James Rogge, RCDD, from Henning-Usu. Also, James Carlini made a remarkable presentation. Quite a few attendees said it was the best they heard in many years. The white paper (Starts on Page 7) http://cip.gmu.edu/archive/cip_report_8.3.pdf

Internationally known with his weekly business column in ALRROYA, the Dubai-based Arab World financial newspaper, James Carlini, MBA, certified Infrastructure Consultant, President of Carlini & Associates, since 1986, provides executive advising on technology procurement, intelligent infrastructure, international marketing and mission critical networks as well as due diligence for corporate capitalizations and venture funding.  He also performs expert witness services in both civil and federal courts.

An award-winning adjunct faculty member at Northwestern University’s Executive Masters and undergraduate program for two decades, he is now developing and teaching graduate courses in infrastructure and regional economic development at IIT based on white paper he wrote for the US Dept. of Homeland Security on “Intelligent Infrastructure: Securing Regional Sustainability”

BICSI just keeps getting better

Additionally, BICSI is pleased to announce 21 individuals have successfully passed credentialing exams while attending the conference—adding four RCDDs, two NTS Specialists, eight OSP Specialists and seven ESS Specialists to the ranks of BICSI credential holders.

The Exhibit Hall was open from Sunday through Tuesday evenings and offered 112 exhibitor booths for attendees to explore.

“I’ve made really good contacts at my booth. They have been high-quality clients,” said exhibitor Crystal Olsen, RCDD, of R.F. Mayo Associates. “I exhibit at BICSI conferences two times a year, and also at regional meetings.”

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2010 BICSI FALL CONFERENCE CLOSES WITH EMPOWERING PRESENTATIONS

Tampa, Fla., Sept. 16, 2010—BICSI, the association supporting the information technology systems (ITS) industry with information, education and knowledge assessment, concluded another successful Fall Conference & Exhibition. With more than 3,600 individuals in attendance throughout the week, the conference featured more than 30 educational sessions, including the two closing general session presentations; “Grounding and Bonding Testing,” by Mike Lewis, from Megger and “Optical Connectivity Enables the Green Data Center,” by Doug Coleman of Corning Cable Systems.

The Closing Keynote presentation, by Afterburner Incorporated, focused on a process they refer to as Flawless Execution^SM. “Keep sight on the objective,” said presenter Mike Kenny. “If you lose sight, you lose the fight.” Through the Flawless Execution model, attendees were encourages to plan, brief, execute and debrief.

“It’s my first conference and I’m enjoying it. There are a lot of knowledgeable professionals here who have been willing to share their ITS knowledge and experiences freely with me,” said Patrick Parten, BICSI ITS Installer 2, of the U.S. Marine Corps. “The ITS industry is a big world, but a small community. That community is here!”

Throughout the conference, BICSI Cares, BICSI’s charitable arm that supports children’s charities, collected donations from attendees. All funds collected were presented to The Melonhead Foundation, a 501(c)(3) organization that supports the needs of children with cancer and their families.

BICSI President Brian Hansen, RCDD, NTS, CSI closed the conference thanking everyone for attending and announcing the dates for upcoming conferences in 2010 and 2011, including the BICSI 2010 South Africa Conference in Johannesburg on October 12-14, BICSI Caribbean District Conference in San Juan, Puerto Rico, on November 4, and the 2010 BICSI India Conference in Banglore, India, on December 7 and Mumbai, India, on December 9. The next North American BICSI conference will take place on January 16-20, 2011, in Orlando, Florida.

###

BICSI is a professional association supporting the information technology systems (ITS) industry. ITS covers the spectrum of voice, data, electronic safety & security, and audio & video technologies. It encompasses the design, integration and installation of pathways, spaces, fiber- and copper-based distribution systems, wireless-based systems and infrastructure that supports the transportation of information and associated signaling between and among communications and information gathering devices.

BICSI provides information, education and knowledge assessment for individuals and companies in the ITS industry. We serve more than 23,000 ITS professionals, including designers, installers and technicians. These individuals provide the fundamental infrastructure for telecommunications, audio/video, life safety and automation systems. Through courses, conferences, publications and professional registration programs, BICSI staff and volunteers assist ITS professionals in delivering critical products and services, and offer opportunities for continual improvement and enhanced professional stature.

Headquartered in Tampa, Florida, USA, BICSI membership spans nearly 90 countries. For more information, visit www.bicsi.org.

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A strong grip on hand-held tools

Hand tools and hand-held testers for low-voltage use continue to evolve in order to provide increased performance.

By Dan Carazo

Fortunately for the makers of network tools and instruments, there’s been a definite increase in demand for their products from 2009 to 2010. “There has been an across-the-board increase in demand after purchasing was delayed in 2009 in all tool markets. Tools are being purchased now in order for work to move forward,” said Matt Wil­lard, product market manager, application tooling, for Thomas & Betts. He noted that this increase has been driven by user demand, as op­posed to distributors replenishing stock. “There’s more demand for lighter cordless, battery-powered tools, especially for crimping and cutting cables,“ he added. “A steady trend moving from manual tools to power tools is undeniable. Customers need re­peatable, consistent results and are demanding greater reliability, lighter weight, more compact size, and better safety and ergonomic performance.”

Martha Kness, vice president of marketing for Greenlee, a Textron company, said that the company has also seen steady growth in its hand tools, including those designed for the VDV market. “As the residential housing market starts to re­bound, we are seeing an in­crease in the sales of all hand tools, as well as hole-making products such as auger bits and hole saws,” said Kness.

Despite the soft economy, the video surveillance market has witnessed continued demand driving growth for CCTV/security system testers. “These hand-held devices allow the installer to test, aim, focus, and program cameras when working alone,” said Dan Payerle, business unit manager, data­com test, for IDEAL Industries. “Testers eliminate the need for a second person to be stationed in the control room to verify functionality of each camera that is installed.”

John Olobri, director of sales and marketing for AEMC, expects the

U.S. market for the company’s hand-held testers will prove positive in 2010. “Testers with the ability to store test results and print reports through the

PC are growing fastest among instrument types,” he said, adding that the most popular tester tools provide data storage and retrieval via wireless means. “These hand-held testers save time and eliminate errors resulting from illegible handwriting and transposition of numbers,” he noted.

Tony Casazza, president of startup company QuickTreX www.quicktrex.com.

, a manufacturer of cabling, connectivity, and network components, expects tester capabilities to increase significantly while product price points decline. Casazza predicts the lines between certification, qualification, and verification testers will blur.

“Less costly testers will offer more advanced features,” he said. “Up until now, a handful of companies offered certification testers starting around $5,000. Many offer qualification testers that do not certify a cable to a certain EIA/TIA standard. However, soon verification testers will provide advanced features like ‘distance to fault,’ presence of cross-talk interference, and split pair detection for under $200.

“We see continued popularity for relatively inexpensive four-pair (Cat 5 and Cat 6) verification-type testers that have multiple remotes and calculate length and distance to fault, as well as tone and trace units that are ideal for alarm and security,” he continued.

Tool manufacturers are beginning to offer crimpers specifically designed to work with the new snagless-style plugs, which are designed with features that significantly reduce the possibility of the retainer tab breaking. “Snagless plugs cost a nominal amount more than standard plugs, but they easily pay for themselves with fewer callbacks to replace broken plugs while raising the performance standards of field-terminated cables,” Kness noted.

A worthwhile investment

Jim Crunk, broadband communications product group director for Thomas & Betts, noted that in many cases the installers for numerous VDV applications tend to hold on to their tools past their life expectancy. “The blades wear out on prep tools and the calibration of other tools needs to be checked after years of use,” he said. “Tools are the craftsmen’s lifelines. Why put your career at stake for a $50 tool? Investing in new tools is a career investment.”

Payerle pointed out the importance of using the proper tools for cutting, stripping, and crimping the connector. “A majority of VDV malfunction problems are directly linked to poor termination. Electricians who are moving into VDV need to carefully select the tools they buy to ensure they are designed for specific cable types.”

Carazo provides B2B marketing services for electrical industry organizations. He can be reached at dcaraz@optonline.net.

Reprinted with permission from National Association of Electrical Distributors NAED www.naed.org and The Electrical Distributor - TED magazine www.tedmag.com  - August 2010 issue.

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Introducing QuickTreX™ Professional Technician Tool Kits

Special Introductory Pricing

Clark, NJ –-  QuickTreX™, a manufacturer of high quality datacom products, introduces its Helios and Kronos tool kits, designed for electrical technicians, cable installers, systems installers for security, building automation, etc. Unlike other kits on the market, QuickTreX kits contain the appropriate tools needed for these professional service technicians. Both tool kits are equally durable and the contents are the same. The difference is in the styling - the Helios has an attaché case design and the Kronos has a rugged look.

SPECIAL INTRODUCTORY OFFER

To introduce the quality of QuickTreX products, the following introductory specials are available through September 10, 2010. Use the Coupon Codes to get the special pricing.

Helios or Kronos Tool Kits

Reg. $835.00     Intro Special  $560.00     Coupon Code: QTINTRO1

Each kit contains the following (Click Here for Detailed Description of the each of the contents in the Kit)

            LANTEST-PRO 8 Cable Tester with 8 Remotes

QuickTreX™ Professional "Wire Surgeon®" Impact Termination Tool

QuickTreX™ Professional "Five In One" Modular Crimping Tool

QuickTreX™ Wire Surgeon® Wire and Kevlar Scissors

QuickTreX™ E-Z UTP Cable Stripper

Fenix E20 LED Flashlight

FlashLight PAL™

27-pc. Pro Screwdriver Set

58-pc. Ratchet Driver and Bit Set

Kobalt 9" Linesman Pliers

Kobalt 8" Long Nose Pliers

Kobalt 7" Diagonal Pliers

20-oz. Jacketed Fiberglass Claw Hammer

8" Adjustable Wrench

8" and 10" Groove Joint Pliers (Qty 1 Each)

Precision Diagonal Cut Pliers

4" Scratch Awl

Telescoping Inspection Mirror

6" Wallboard Saw

Folding Utility Knife

QuickTreX™ Level

QuickTreX™ Tape Measure

3M™ Lexa™ Fighter Protective Eyewear Clear AF Lens

VisorMag™ - VM-14

9 Pocket Handy Pouch

2 Plastic Parts Jars

Carson TriView™ - TV-15

Latex Dipped Work Gloves

QuickTreX Adjustable Hat (OSFA)

Case

For more information, call QuickTreX at 800-642-8320, or visit the website at www.quicktrex.com.

# # #

About QuickTrex

QuickTreX™ is a manufacturer of high quality datacom products - such as copper cabling hardware, fiber optic cable assemblies, tools and testers - catering to the low voltage cabling industry for use in premise networks, security, and electrical applications. QuickTreX was founded to fill a need for products that are in tune with the technicians who use them. The QuickTrex R&D team is continually researching, staying ahead of developing trends in the market place, in order to offer quality innovative products. To obtain additional information, call 800-642-8320, or visit the website at www.quicktrex.com.

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Megladon® Announces Node Tails with HLC® SCRATCHGUARD™ Terminations Are Sold Exclusively Through Draka Communications

Austin, Texas, October 27, 2009 – Megladon Manufacturing Group announced an exclusive agreement with Draka Communications to private label BendBrightXS node tails with HLC SCRATCHGUARD terminations. Integrating the HLC connector mating surface with Draka’s bend insensitive glass has provided the fiber optic market with a superior product that minimizes insertion loss, optical return loss and bend loss.

With the growing video on demand and streaming video content on the web, a need arises for high quality fiber optic products capable of withstanding this trend. Industry leaders and providers are having to transition into a more competent network infrastructure to conform to the now industry standard of high performance fiber optic networks.

Megladon’s SM APC HLC SCRATCHGUARD fiber optic terminations are ideally equipped for network installers that are utilizing high speed video networks. The HLC technology provides mating surface durability and low loss; paired with an Angle Polish Connector we now have a product that significantly reduces reflection, cutting down on interruptions in any given network.

“Since partnering with Megladon to offer scratch-resistant HLC technology in our CATV node cables last year, Draka has secured several key CATV accounts including several top MSO’s.  The technological superiority of this optical endface coupled with BendBright-XS bend insensitive fiber has generated significant inquiries about Draka’s advanced node cable assemblies for today's rigorous communications environments”, said Greg Williams, Marketing Director, Draka Public Networks.

“We are excited about our relationship with Draka Communications. They have used existing customer relationships to promote the HLC technology and secured corporate approval of the node tail product with major MSOs. In response to their focused effort, Megladon has agreed to exclusively terminate HLC node tails for Draka to market,” said John Culbert, President of Megladon.

For more information, please contact Draka’s National Sales Manager - CATV, Jack Graves at jack.graves@ draka.com or download a node cable spec sheet at www.drakaamericas.com/catv_connectorized_cable.cfm.

Megladon® Manufacturing Group Ltd., a subsidiary of TyRex Group Ltd.®, is recognized as a leader in the fiber optic marketplace. Founded in 1997, Megladon made it their mission to provide customers with fiber optic products that far exceed industry standards. As technology innovators, Megladon created the HLC® (Hardened Lens Contact) termination, which has changed the market and taken it to the next level. For additional information on Megladon and their patented processes please visit the company’s website at www.megladonmfg.com.

For additional information regarding Megladon’s variety of fiber optic products please contact John Culbert at 512.615.4687 or by email at scratchguard@megladonmfg.com.

Megladon announces design upgrades to Node tails sold through Draka

Brass entry connector is more durable than anodized aluminum

Hytrel furcation tubing adds reliability during temperature cycling

“We have continued to improve our CATV node tail offering”, stated John Culbert, President of Megladon. “We began with the integration of Draka’s BendBright XS glass and Megladon’s HLC terminations. Now with the addition of a new entry connector and hytrel furcation tubing, this is a product that can withstand extreme conditions. The MSOs are deploying this product with a new level of confidence.”

12317 Technology Blvd Suite 100

Austin, TX 78727

t 512-491-0006     f 512-583-0848   tf 800-232-4810

www.megladonmfg.com

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2010 FTTH Conference & Expo Concludes with Attendance Upswing, Industry Awards

(Las Vegas, NV) The 2010 Fiber to the Home Convention & Expo concluded this week with a special session focusing on marketing FTTH services, examining regulatory activities related to broadband, and recognizing the achievements of FTTH industry pacesetters.

Conference attendance reached 2,000 people, a 20 percent increase over attendance in the last two years, which was evident to conference-goers in the overflow crowds in many of the learning sessions and the brisk traffic on the exhibit floor.

"Clearly the fiber to the home industry is ready to lead the recovery by 'fibering up' North America with the next-generation broadband networks that will drive economic prosperity in the years ahead," said Joe Savage, President of the FTTH Council, the organizer of the event.

The Council announced the the 2011 FTTH Conference & Expo will be held in Orlando, Florida from September 26 to 30 at the Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin Resort.

At the closing general session on Wednesday, the conference heard from Ellis Hill, executive director of the Broadband Multimedia Marketing Association, on research his organization has undertaken in the area of broadband subscriber satisfaction, as well as from a panel of telecommunications policy experts that was moderated by the FTTH Council's Washington Counsel, Tom Cohen.

The FTTH Council also presented its industry awards:

The Chairman's Award - Hiawatha Broadband Communications, Winona, MN

The Chairman's award, given at the discretion of the Chairman of the FTTH Council Board of Directors, singles out an individual or company that has shown tremendous effort to promote, educate or accelerate fiber.  In a year in which public policy has played such a critical role in the development of the FTTH industry - from the broadband stimulus activities to the development of the National Broadband Plan - Hiawatha Broadband Communications has played an outsized role in moving the ball forward and ensuring that our policymakers know how important all-fiber access is to America's telecommunications networks, our economy, our national competitiveness, and our future as a high-tech leader.  Accepting the award on behalf of Hiawatha was the company's President and CEO, Gary Evans.

The Star Award - EPB, Chattanooga, TN

The Star Award recognizes a person, community or company that has gone above and beyond what is expected in the advancement of fiber to the home. EPB has fought and prevailed over some of the toughest challenges imaginable in their quest to bring next-generation all-fiber connectivity to the Chattanooga metro area. The company has just unveiled a one gigabit symmetrical service, giving the company the distinction of having the fastest Internet connection speeds available. Thanks to EPB, the Chattanooga region is going to benefit in huge ways because their citizens have all-fiber service, all-fiber bandwidth, and all that entails with regard to keeping competitive in the 21^st century economy. Accepting the award on behalf of EPB was David Wade, Executive Vice President & Chief Operating Officer.

The Photon Award - Joseph Jones of On Trac, Inc., Morristown, TN

The Photon Award recognizes an FTTH Council member or members who, through their volunteer contribution, have demonstrated a high level of dedication to the organization and contribution to the industry. With member volunteerism being such an important part of keeping the FTTH Council functioning, Joseph Jones, the chairman of the Council's Planning and Marketing Committee, has undertaken enormous responsibility and committed extensive time and attention to ensuring the success of our conferences and events. Over the past two years, he has continually stepped up to the plate, made things happen - and he doesn't expect to be recognized for it. The Board has decided that it is time to recognize Joseph's enormous enthusiasm and the impact of his work on behalf of the FTTH Council.

About the Fiber-to-the-Home Council
Now in its tenth year, the Fiber-to-the-Home (FTTH) Council is a non-profit association consisting of companies and organizations that deliver video, Internet and/or voice services over high-bandwidth, next-generation, direct fiber optic connections - as well as those involved in planning and building FTTH networks.  The Council works to create a cohesive group to share knowledge and build industry consensus on key issues surrounding fiber to the home. Its mission is to educate the public and government officials about FTTH solutions and to promote and accelerate deployment of fiber to the home and the resulting quality of life enhancements such networks make possible.  The Council organizes North America's largest annual FTTH event, the FTTH Conference & Expo, which will be held September 26 - 30, 2011 in Orlando, Florida.   More information about the Council can be found at www.ftthcouncil.org.

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Megladon Announces New Product Release of Angle Polished LC HLC® ScratchGuard® Fiber Optic Terminations

Austin, Texas, August 2, 2010 – Megladon Manufacturing Group announced today the release of LCAPC terminations incorporating the HLC SCRATCHGUARD process. Angle polished connectors have been used for years in high speed video transport applications due to inherent low reflection characteristics. The fragile nature of fiber mating surfaces, however, has continued to plague an industry that is more competitive than ever.

With the growing video on demand and streaming video content on the web, a need arises for high quality fiber optic products capable of withstanding this trend. Industry leaders and providers are having to transition into a more competent network infrastructure to conform to the now industry standard of high performance fiber optic networks.

The SCRATCHGUARD™ Fiber Optic terminations (by Megladon Manufacturing Group) are a critical step forward in quality. The fiber optic connector is a crucial component and the “gateway to the fiber optic cabling network”. Damage to the connector due to repeated use has been the biggest problem for network managers, until now. The patented SCRATCHGUARD Fiber Optic terminations have virtually eliminated the problem.

Megladon’s SM LCAPC HLC SCRATCHGUARD fiber optic terminations are ideally equipped for network installers that are utilizing high speed video networks. The HLC technology provides mating surface durability and low loss; paired with an Angle Polish Connector we now have a product that significantly reduces reflection, cutting down on interruptions in any given network.

“As with the SCAPC connector, we now offer an LCAPC version that has scratch resistance, lower insertion loss than the industry standard, minimum reflection performance of -75dB and a tight geometry tolerance that the industry cannot believe is possible. Our customers now receive terminations that are virtually identical in every aspect.  This promotes network reliability” said John Culbert, President of Megladon.

Standard products incorporating the LCAPC HLC terminations include SM patch cords, trunk cables, splitter products and CWDM modules. They are also applied to Megladon’s bend insensitive glass products.

Megladon® Manufacturing Group Ltd., a subsidiary of TyRex Group Ltd.®, is recognized as a leader in the fiber optic marketplace. Founded in 1997, Megladon made it their mission to provide customers with fiber optic products that far exceed industry standards. As technology innovators, Megladon created the HLC® (Hardened Lens Contact) termination, which has changed the market and taken it to the next level. For additional information on Megladon and their patented processes please visit the company’s website at www.megladonmfg.com.

For additional information regarding Megladon’s variety of fiber optic products please contact John Culbert at 512.615.4687 or by email at scratchguard@megladonmfg.com.

12317 Technology Blvd Suite 100

Austin, TX 78727

t 512-491-0006     f 512-583-0848   tf 800-232-4810

www.megladonmfg.com

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NECA News

Pennsylvania Partnership Awarded $Millions To Develop Energy Innovations

09/05/2010

more

FASB Proposes Changing Disclosure Rules For Multiemployer Plans

09/03/2010

The Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) has released a proposed Update in accounting standards that will increase disclosure requirements for entities participating in multiemployer plans. This is the proposal that we have been reporting on in our weekly Legislative Updates and the one about which many of our members around the country have expressed considerable concern. Here's what NECA's doing about it.

more

NECA Releases New Wiring Device Installation Standard

09/02/2010

NECA 130-2010, Standard for Installing and Maintaining Wiring Devices describing installation and maintenance procedures for low-voltage wiring devices now available from NECA.

more

NECA's Political Action Committee to Contribute Estimated $1 Million to Candidates for Mid-Term Elections

08/23/2010

NECA's Electrical Construction Political Action Committee  is well on the way to meetings its ambitious goal of contributing $1 million to candidates for the 2010 Congressional elections. ECPAC distributed over $250,000 in a single month.

more

NECA And Partners Reach Out To Native Americans

08/22/2010

NECA is working with the IBEW and other partners to reach out to the Native American Indian population — as a source of new workers AND as a market for electrical contracting services.

more

Outstanding Leaders to Be Honored During NECA's 2010 National Convention

08/18/2010

This article contains links to information about the winners of the national awards that will be presented at NECA's 2010 National Convention, as well as a list of new inductees into the Academy of Electrical Contracting.

more

LA Chapter Manager Willson Recognized for Distinguished Service

08/18/2010

James Willson, manager of NECA’s Los Angeles County Chapter, has faithfully and diligently advanced the electrical construction industry within his local area and across the state of California and the nation as many of the initiatives he put in place have been widely replicated.

more

Hughes Honored for Decades of Refining the National Electrical Code

08/18/2010

The 2010 winner of NECA’s Coggeshall Award, Howard D. Hughes, has contributed in numerous areas during his long affiliation with our association but is most revered for his 22-year involvement in Code development.

more

NECA’s Labor Relations Award Goes to John Negro

08/18/2010

Throughout his long and distinguished career, John Negro has been active at all levels of NECA — local, regional and national — and has captured several awards for his contributions to harmonious labor relations. His winning of the 2010 Comstock Award recognizes triumphs achieved for NECA’s Iowa Chapter and other services.

more

Borden Earns NECA’s 2010 James H. McGraw Award

08/18/2010

Jonathan “Russ” Borden is recognized for his role in the development of the Florida Initiative and the CW/CE worker classifications and other efforts that facilitated jobs creation. His latest voluntary venture promises additional ongoing benefits for NECA and the industry it serves.

more

Mazzeo Earns 2010 Wendt Award for Service to Foundation

08/17/2010

Michael Mazzeo is honored for his leadership as chairman of the ELECTRI Council and for launching a successful program to fund more industry research projects, expand ongoing research, and develop and implement programs based on completed research.

more

Finalists Announced in 2010 Green Energy Challenge Student Competition

08/16/2010

Student teams from the University of Washington, Milwaukee School of Engineering, and Youngstown State University will be competing for the top prize in the 2010 Green Energy Challenge student design competition sponsored by ELECTRI International – The Foundation for Electrical Construction and NECA.

more

Best ELECTRI Studies Compiled In "Strategic Issues in Construction" Book Series

08/07/2010

J. Ross Publishing is working in cooperation with ELECTRI International to publish a series of practical guides for building and electrical contractors based on some of the best studies commissioned by our research affiliate. Dr. Eddy M. Rojas, professor of Construction Management at the University of Washington and a frequent ELECTRI research partner, is the editor.

more

Only ONE WEEK Left to Secure Early Registration Rates for NECA 2010 Convention and Trade Show in Boston, Oct. 2-5

08/06/2010

Only one week left to lock in early registration rates for the electrical construction industry's favorite event, NECA's 2010 annual convention and trade show.

more

Project Management Process Manual New From ELECTRI International

08/06/2010

A new research report published by ELECTRI International provides is a step-by- step manual that an electrical construction firm can use to implement a formal project management process.

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FIBER IS HOT at OCC

Net sales during the third quarter of fiscal year 2010 were the highest in OCC's history -- exceeding the quarterly net sales that OCC achieved in the fourth quarter of fiscal year 2008.  

Consolidated net sales for the third quarter of fiscal year 2010 increased 32.2% to $18.8 million compared to consolidated net sales of $14.2 million for the comparable period last year.  Net sales growth during the third quarter was achieved over a broad customer base and product mix, with notable increases in both commercial and specialty markets, despite the difficult economic environment.  The acquisition of Applied Optical Systems, Inc. ("AOS") by OCC on October 31, 2009 also contributed to the net sales growth achieved by the Company for the third quarter of fiscal year 2010.

Net sales of OCC's fiber optic cable and enterprise connectivity products increased 14.9% and 28.7%, respectively, during the third quarter of fiscal 2010, compared to the same period last year.  Net sales of OCC's applied interconnect system products (added to OCC's product offering following the Company's acquisition of AOS) improved during the third quarter of fiscal 2010 compared to the first and second quarters of fiscal 2010.

Geographically, OCC achieved consolidated net sales growth both in international markets and within the United States during the third quarter of fiscal year 2010.  Net sales to customers located outside of the United States increased 83.6% in the third quarter of fiscal 2010 compared to the same period last year, and net sales to customers located in the United States increased 17.3% as compared to the same period last year.

Gross profit increased 51.8% to $6.8 million in the third quarter of fiscal 2010, compared to $4.5 million in the third quarter of fiscal 2009.  Gross profit margin, or gross profit as a percentage of net sales, increased to 36.2% in the third quarter of fiscal 2010 from 31.6% in the third quarter of fiscal year 2009.  

OCC recorded net income attributable to the Company of $575,000, or $0.09 per basic and diluted share, for the third quarter of fiscal year 2010, compared to a net loss of $1.1 million, or $0.19 per basic and diluted share, for the same period last year.

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ShoreTel to Present at Deutsche Bank 2010 Technology Conference

SUNNYVALE, Calif., Sept. 9, 2010 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- ShoreTel^(R), Inc. (Nasdaq:SHOR - News), the leading provider of brilliantly simple IP phone systems with fully integrated Unified Communications, today announced its participation in the Deutsche Bank 2010 Technology Conference. The Company will present on Tuesday, September 14, 2010 at 4:05 p.m. PDT at the Westin Hotel in San Francisco, California. Chief Financial Officer, Mike Healy, is scheduled to present.

The presentation will be available live and, subsequently, on demand via the Internet at http://ir.shoretel.com/phoenix.zhtml?c=209131&p=irol-presentations. Investors should visit the site at least 15 minutes prior to the beginning of the scheduled presentation to register, download and install any necessary multimedia streaming software. The presentation will be archived and available for at least 30 days after the event.

About ShoreTel, Inc.
ShoreTel, Inc., (Nasdaq:SHOR - News) is the provider of brilliantly simple Unified Communication (UC) solutions based on its award-winning IP business phone system. We offer organizations of all sizes integrated, voice, video, data, and mobile communications on an open, distributed IP architecture that helps significantly reduce the complexity and costs typically associated with other solutions. The feature-rich ShoreTel UC system offers the lowest total cost of ownership (TCO) and the highest customer satisfaction in the industry, in part because it is easy to deploy, manage, scale and use. Increasingly, companies around the world are finding a competitive edge by replacing business-as-usual with new thinking, and choosing ShoreTel to handle their integrated business communication. ShoreTel is based in Sunnyvale, California, and has regional offices in Austin, Texas, United Kingdom, Sydney, Australia and Munich, Germany. For more information, visit www.shoretel.com.

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Dow Wire & Cable Announces Price Increase on Specific Products for The Americas

Houston, TX – August, 23, 2010 – Dow Wire & Cable will increase prices on select product grades in the North America and South America regions, effective October 1, 2010, on the following:

Low Density Polyethylene (LDPE) based specialty compounds, including flame retardant and low smoke - zero halogen products, will increase by 19 cents per pound.

LDPE Jacketing and elastomeric insulation grades will increase by 12 cents per pound.

Selected general purpose grades will increase by 7 cents per pound.

www.dowwireandcable.com.

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FOA Using New Technology To Enhance Education

The Fiber Optic Association, Inc. (http://www.thefoa.org/) is using new media options to enhance the educational experience of those involved in fiber optics and cabling.

Over the last few months, the FOA has established an official FOA Facebook group for fiber optic news, a LinkedIn group for FOA CFOTs to list job and contracting opportunities, and has now created a channel on YouTube with two dozen training videos on fiber optics and communications cabling.

            The FOA has also started offering its new textbooks in electronic formats or as they are often called, eBooks. The FOA Reference Guide to Fiber Optics is now available on the Amazon Kindle and as an Apple iBook for the iPad/iPhone. Soon the other two FOA textbooks on premises cabling and outside plant fiber optics will be available as eBooks.

            Along with the highly popular FOA Online Reference Guide to Fiber Optics website (http://www.foaguide.org), these new options make it easier for fiber optic and cabling technicians and students to have a reliable source of technical information and assistance from their peers through personal computers, tablet computers, smart phones or any other type of connected device. And most of the information is free. Only the eBooks are not free but they sell for only $10-13, well under the price of printed books.

            Links to all these new media options are on the FOA home page: http://www.thefoa.org/

About the FOA
The Fiber Optic Association, Inc. is an nonprofit educational organization chartered to promote fiber optics through education, certification and standards. Over 230 FOA-Approved schools around the world have certified more than 30,000 fiber optic technicians.

For more information on the FOA, see the organization's website http://www.thefoa.org/, email info@thefoa.org   or call 1-760-451-3655.

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CHICAGO’s QUIET TOURISM PROBLEM: LAND SHARKS

The Magnificent Mile sometimes called the Mag Mile is Chicago’s premier shopping and tourism center.  With stores rivaling Rodeo Drive in Beverly Hills and Fifth Avenue in New York City, it is the destination for world shoppers.  It’s a place where if you are from out-of-town, you go for the premium stores, the highly-acclaimed restaurants and the first-class hotels that provide the full impact and ambience of Chicago, a world-class city.

You can go up to the 95^th floor at the John Hancock Center to get a panoramic view of the city and Lake Michigan while having a drink and dinner.  After that, come back down to shop.

From buying expensive baubles at Bloomingdale’s and Neiman Marcus to buying a Bentley convertible that rivals Paris Hilton’s at Bentley Gold Coast, you cannot find a better selection and diversity of top shops in the Midwest for satisfying expensive tastes.

That may be the politically correct, positive promotional pitch for Chicago, but let’s look at what is actually happening from a “politically accurate” point of view.

MAG MILE MAY NOW MEAN WHAT YOU CARRY

There is an increase in problems at night with small gangs roaming around looking for the right prey.

Don’t bother looking for any cops, they are far and few between.  Little perfume-size pepper spray canisters may be in vogue, politically correct and fit in a purse, but they are not practical.  Forget about pepper spray, you’d need a gallon jug of it to stop five or six assailants. 

Do you now need a .357 Magnum to walk down the Mag Mile?  Maybe a compact .45 or a high-capacity 9MM “just to be on the safe side” is more what you should have.  Even the police are telling each other that they better “carry large caliber” off-duty and not be caught unarmed.

Incidences of “wilding” have increased and people have talked about it on the controversial unofficial blog of the Chicago Police Department, (see More Wildings) www.secondcitycop.blogspot.com . 

Last week Friday, I actually witnessed this when I came down to the John Hancock Center to watch the Blue Angels practice in the late afternoon for the weekend’s Air Show and then to a dinner cruise on one of the big boats at Navy Pier.

Coming back to the John Hancock to pick up my car at around 9PM, I noticed several little bands of four to five juveniles walking around sizing up people as they walked down the streets.  Luckily we were already in our car, but I could sense that these “gangsta wannabes” were up to no good.

There were some arrests made that night but very suspicious that there was no mention in the mainstream media.  There have been incidences like this before but never a mention or a caution.  Why?  Afraid to report on the truth or were you told not to report on the truth?  In either case……..

WHERE IS THE MAINSTREAM MEDIA?

Chicago’s media leaves something to be desired when it comes to shining the spotlight on issues like this.  It is like Amity Island, the town in the movie Jaws not wanting to reveal that they had a killer shark off the beach because it might kill the season’s tourism and town revenues.

Well, the shark-infested area in Chicago is not its Lake Michigan beaches, but the shopping area on and around North Michigan Avenue.  Land sharks!

One of my readers, who reads drafts of my columns had this to say:

Succinctly spoken , The city is no longer safe anymore.  I think Richard (Mayor Daley) should go out in the evening without his hit squad protecting him with the firearms he professes to hate so much.

That would be six more highly-paid police officers who could patrol the downtown streets that you and I walk down – unarmed.

With its highest big-city sales tax and $30- $50 parking out-of-sight, Chicago better quickly see the light.  Watch out for these little predators if you even dare to go down at night.  That’s when they get into a frenzy to feed, rob and fight.

Want me to come down again and spend money?  Forget the Asian carp and clean up the streets of land sharks.

CARLINI-ISM :   In order to be world-class, elegant venues with ambience cannot be diminished or blemished by crime.

Follow daily Carlini-isms at www.TWITTER.com/JAMESCARLINI

Copyright 2010 – James Carlini

Check out www.carliniscomments.com JAMES CARLINI’s BLOG

Last week, I attended the Executive Club of Chicago’s Executive Breakfast series because I wanted to hear what the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, Admiral Mike Mullen, had to say.

He was invited to address a large group of Chicago area executives and about 500 or so turned up at the Fairmont Hotel where he spoke to the executives.

As we started to have breakfast, the 3x5 cards that were placed on the tables for the Question & Answer period were being picked up by the Executive Club’s staff.  This was a little odd because it is common practice at these get-togethers to ask attendees to fill out the card if they have any questions and turn it in as the guest is making their presentation.

The cards are collected and then the presenter, who is usually a CEO, answers the questions.

CEOs AND PROFESSORS TAKE NOTE

Many times CEOs, in order to avoid hard questions, will have an aide go through the question cards and only select those that the CEO is comfortable with.  To me, this really dilutes their credibility as well as raises doubts on their true leadership capability.

A person sitting next to me said, “Wow, he doesn’t even want to get tripped up by any question from the audience, so he will not be taking any questions off the floor.”  I have to admit, that was my first reaction as well.

Instead, Admiral Mullen announced he would take any question from the floor, DIRECTLY.  Now that is leadership.  That is being confident about what you know.  Something many CEOs, other corporate executives, and politicians could take a lesson from.

To take questions directly off the floor with no aide filtering out the hard ones and only handing the softball questions to the speaker is rare.  It was refreshing to see that type of leadership still exists.

One of my former students, who also holds several masters degrees including an MBA from the University of Chicago, upon reading the draft of this column noted:

I think this is a great observation.  We live in a world where people in leadership positions continually want to throw up barriers between themselves and the hard realities of their constituent environments.

Encounters between leaders and the groups they report to (customers, shareholders, employees and the like) need to be less scripted.  Whatever happened to those skills?  Most shareholder meetings today are little more than elaborate cheerleading sessions. 

Perhaps, if we had more frank exchanges between our leaders and those they serve, we could avoid many of the “spin” moments that we see on the news that lead to the skepticism and cynicism that many now have about such events and the leaders who are at the center of them.

Business schools that want to graduate the best for future executive positions should take note.  Public speaking and the ability to write well are two key executive skills that many business schools don’t seem to stress.  You can tell by their graduates.

At Northwestern and IIT, I emphasized these two skills in all my courses and believe presenting and writing skills are key leadership attributes.  I was lucky to have a diverse exposure to both higher education and military service at the same time and believe that teaching from that perspective is a good one.

TRANSITIONING INTO INDUSTRY

The Chairman’s speech focused on the transition of military personnel coming home from Iraq and Afghanistan needing to make the transition into corporate life.  He was quick to point out that there are concerns about military people getting back into a civilian role and I don’t believe many people working in today’s economy really give this a lot of thought.

Having a military background is always an asset for someone if you are looking to hire someone.  Their perspective is a lot different than a person who has only gone through a four-year degree program.  Their exposure to training and leadership as well as exposure to a different culture (if they served overseas) gives them more maturity at an early age.

The Chairman covered some other related issues, but I think the single action to spotlight was his ability and willingness to take questions directly from the floor.  I would like to see more CEOs and politicians with that much candor and ability, especially in this economy.

Follow daily Carlini-isms at www.TWITTER.com/JAMESCARLINI

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Leviton Appoints Carrella Director of Technology for Distribution Marketing and Sales

Position focuses on use of technology to support customer needs

Melville, New York, August 30, 2010– Leviton is pleased to announce the appointment of Chris Carrella to the position of Director of Technology for Distribution Marketing and Sales. In his new role, Carrella will lead the implementation of cost-effective technology solutions to support Leviton’s customer-centric marketing and sales initiatives. He will additionally focus on streamlining process efficiencies, reducing administrative overhead and delivering solutions that support Leviton’s “go green” mandate through its sales channels.

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Demarc Extension Nationwide provides support services for Telecom Agents at Channel Partners Conference & Expo

DULLES, VA, September 15, 2010 – Demarc Extension Nationwide today announced its participation in the 2010 Fall Channel Partners Conference and Expo held September 20-23 in Washington, DC. Exhibiting at booth 2044, Demarc Extension Nationwide will showcase its nationwide demarc extension services for telecom agents and master agents.

In addition to offering nationwide and international demarc extension services, the company also is committed to the education of the demarc extension. Free resources offered by Demarc Extension Nationwide include a white paper, video series, diagrams and terminology.

“I was quite impressed by the website’s diagrams and terminology used to clearly explain this critical aspect of a circuit, the demarc extension.  It was instrumental in developing a Premise Distribution System policy for use in our new Terminal, and distinguishing Tenant vs Airline support responsibilities.” commented James Caldwell, San Antonio Aviation Dept. 

FCC part 68 regulation and federal law mandates every telecommunications circuit to have a demarc extension. This is the critical cabling and equipment that extends a circuit in the building from the local access provider’s demarcation point to the edge customer’s premises equipment.

 “Offering demarc extension services is supplemental to the services the telecom agents provide for their customer. This value-added service provided on a nationwide scale supports the efforts of the agent in circuit delivery and the rapid resolution of an issue, ultimately resulting in a positive experience for the Agent’s customer,” commented founder of Demarc Extension Nationwide and President of Concert Technologies, Dennis Mazaris. 

About Demarc Extension Nationwide
Demarc Extension Nationwide is a brand of Concert Technologies and was developed as the telecommunications industry leader for nationwide installation services and education of demarc extensions. In addition to providing these nationwide installation and maintenance services, the brand sets the standards and supplies the necessary information to facilitate the understanding of specifications and installation practices for demarc extensions. Demarc Extension Nationwide supports the telecom agent and carrier in ensuring complete operability of the circuit at the customer’s site. Visit Demarc Extension Nationwide online at www.demarcextension.com

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Draka BendBright-Elite Fiber Completes Independent Lab Testing

Claremont, North Carolina, (NYSE EURONEXT: DRAKA) – Draka Communications Americas, one of the leading fiber optic cable manufacturers, announces that its newest ultra bend insensitive fiber has completed the rigorous requirements of independent lab testing. Branded as Draka BendBright-Elite, this new ultra bend insensitive fiber can tolerate bends as small as 5mm while achieving attenuation values less than 0.1dB.
Draka BendBright-Elite fiber complies with ITU G.657 A1, A2, B2, and B3, meaning it delivers the highest level of bend performance while remaining backwards compatibility with legacy single-mode fiber. "Draka cables containing BendBright-Elite fiber can tolerate as many as one hundred fifty 90 degree bends and five hundred crown staples without experiencing power loss greater than 0.1dB. This level of performance makes our new fiber a perfect application for multiple dwelling units (MDU's), central offices, enterprises and retail centers where cables will be exposed to difficult installation routes or congestion of existing cables," states Jack Rosko, Marketing Manager at Draka Communications. Draka completed the test program in August 2010 and a large number of products are available with BendBright-Elite fiber.
In North America, BendBright-Elite is available in premise and outside plant cables. Draka introduced the BendBright family of bend insensitive fibers in 2002 and has since expanded the product family to four versions of bend insensitive fiber, spanning both single-mode and multimode types.
• BendBright – 10X bend improvement versus standard single-mode
• BendBright-XS – 7.5mm bend radius fiber with over 6 billion feet sold
• BendBright -Elite – 5mm bend radius fiber
• MaxCap-BB -OM3 & OM4 bend insensitive multimode fiber

About Draka
Draka (Euronext Amsterdam: DRAK), headquartered in Amsterdam, has 9400 employees in countries worldwide and 2009 revenues of over € 2 billion. Draka has a presence in 31 countries in Europe, North and South America, Asia and Australia.
Draka's activities are divided into three groups: Energy & Infrastructure, Industry & Specialty and Communications. Draka Communications with its four business units, Telecom Solutions, Multimedia Specials, Optical Fiber and Cable Solutions is a global market leader in the development, production and sales of fibers, cables and advanced network solutions. For more information visit us online at www.draka.com/communications <http://drakaamericas.us1.list-manage.com/track/click?u=01efa6781f6f51d8522d0c140&id=89af1f5547&e=8e7017bff6> .

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OOPS Again! Will we learn from disaster?

The Deepwater Horizon rig drilling for oil 5000 feet beneath the surface of the Gulf of Mexico, exploded, killing 11 workers and causing the largest spill of oil in the history of the United States.. It’s another example of the “Nothing can go wrong… go wrong ..go wrong ..go wrong ..go wrong” syndrome — check the article I posted on May 19^th about the stock market (http://www.writingengineer.com/). The brief stock market plunge didn’t do too much damage; the explosion on the Deepwater Horizon is a major catastrophe.

Brown’s Law

Brown’s law says that for any engineered system to be reliable it needs to meet the following criteria:

Good design

A technical system design has to assume that the worst-case scenario can definitely occur.

A system design has to include safety features to cope with the worst-case scenario.

A system whose failure would be a catastrophe should never include a single point of failure.

Safety features must be redundant.

The design of safety features has to take into account practical limitations, such as cost.

Cost of safety features must be balanced against costs of system failure.

Nothing is completely failsafe.

Good Test and Maintenance

The best design in the world is worthless without a serious program of regular testing and maintenance.

The best testing and maintenance program in the world is worth very little if it is not based on accurate as-built information.

The best testing and maintenance program in the world is worth very little without keeping complete and accurate records.

How did it happen?

The headline in the June 21^st edition of the New York Times (www.nytimes.com) was “Lapses Found in Oversight of Failsafe Device on Oil Rig.” The extensively researched article under that headline reveals that this was no surprise to a great many thoughtful people in the industry. First thing to ask is what does failsafe mean? It means nothing can go wrong. Obviously, the failsafe device didn’t do its job.

The failsafe device in this story is a blowout preventer (BOP). In the event of an accident this would cause a “blind shear ram” to cut and seal the pipe that connects the well to the outside world. It was supposed to be failsafe. IT DIDN’T WORK!!

Design

This supposedly failsafe device violated several of the rules of good design. According to the Times, a confidential report from the year 2000, “concluded that the greatest vulnerability by far on the entire blowout preventer was one of the small shuttle valves leading to the blind shear ram. If this valve jammed or leaked, the report warned, the ram’s blades would not budge.” Thus the system design included a single point of failure. Another possibility is that the shear may have closed on a “nearly-indestructible” joint between two of the drilling pipes. To avoid that possibility, other rigs have been using two, rather than just one blind shear ram.

Test and maintenance

According to the NY Times, “government regulations do not require any regular checks of several important elements of blind shear rams.” Further, according to the Times, “A draft of another industry-financed study this year contended that companies cut corners on federally mandated tests of blowout preventers. A copy obtained by The Times described a mentality of ‘I don’t want to find problems; I want to do the minimum necessary to obtain a good test.’ It also included this observation: ‘Often there is a great deal of pressure to run the B.O.P. stack before it is deemed fit for the purpose by the experts who maintain and test the equipment.’ When the report was finalized, those criticisms were omitted, although it is not clear why.”

Recent developments

In testimony at Federal hearings on the tragedy, on Wednesday August 25 in Houston, two officials of drilling contractor Transocean, said that federal regulations to recertify the blowout preventer every three to five years had been ignored. (www.nola.com). This recertification would have required the rig to be taken to dry dock for full disassembly and more than 90 days of downtime—causing an expensive loss of production hours.

 The bottom line

What happened was no surprise — it was deliberately ignoring the principles of good design and test (Brown’s Law) in order to reduce costs. This is turning out to be a very costly set of decisions.

WILL WE LEARN FROM OUR FAILURES OR ARE WE DOOMED TO REPEAT THEM OVER AND OVER?

Ed Brown - Director
The WRITING ENGINEER  - A leading independent professional writing service

WRITING, RESEARCH, EDITING - TECHNICAL EXPERTISE
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New York, NY 10011
www.writingengineer.com

tel:   212-924-0023
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ebeditor@writingengineer.com

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FCC Commissioner McDowell to Speak at ACUTA Fall Seminar

LEXINGTON, Kentucky, September 9, 2010 –The opening session of the ACUTA Fall Seminar will be A Conversation with FCC Commissioner Rob McDowell. In this session, the commissioner will discuss telecommunications issues of concern to ACUTA members, who direct and manage voice, data, and video technology on college campuses across North America. Questions will focus on universal service reform and contribution methodology, net neutrality, broadband deployment, wireless deployment on campus, and privacy. The question-and-answer session will take place on Monday, October 25, at 8:30 a.m. at the Sheraton Premiere at Tysons Corner in Vienna, Virginia.

Two strong educational tracks will be presented at this seminar: Who’s in Charge of the Network? and IT Services for Free? Financial Issues Surrounding IT. After the joint session with Commissioner McDowell, other presentations in the network track will address managing bandwidth growth, network aggregation and virtualization, open-source network management, deploying storage networks and/or VM clusters, and network video surveillance..

In the financial track, presenters will discuss controlling wireless costs, outsourcing, ARRA funding, help desks, maximizing the IT budget, and other issues essential to financing IT in today’s budget-conscious economy.

“We are very pleased that Commissioner McDowell has accepted our invitation to discuss these critical issues,” said Jeri Semer, executive director of ACUTA. “What he brings to the seminar will be both timely and important, and will complement a program that is always filled with practical, pertinent information.”

Beyond the educational sessions, ACUTA events are well known for the extensive networking opportunities they present for campus technology professionals.

The seminar begins with a reception in the exhibit hall on Sunday, October 24, and ends at 11:00 a.m. on Wednesday, October 27. Detailed information about the presenters and sessions as well as the hotel, travel, and registration can all be found on the ACUTA website at www.acuta.org. For more information or to register, visit the ACUTA website at www.acuta.org or call 859-278-3338.

About ACUTA
ACUTA, the Association for Information Communications Technology Professionals in Higher Education, is an international non-profit educational association serving colleges and universities. Its core purpose is to support higher education information communications technology professionals in contributing to the achievement of the strategic mission of their institutions. ACUTA represents nearly 2000 individuals at some 780 institutions of higher education, with members ranging from small schools and community colleges to the 50 largest U.S. institutions. ACUTA’s Corporate Affiliate members represent all categories of communications technology vendors serving the college/university market. For more information, visit www.acuta.org or call 859-278-3338.

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Legrand North America Targets Energy Efficiency, Sustainability and Public Policy with Appointment of Susan Rochford

WEST HARTFORD, Conn. (September 2, 2010) – Legrand, the world specialist in products and systems for electrical installations and information networks, today announced the appointment of Susan Rochford as Vice President, Energy Efficiency, Sustainability and Public Policy for Legrand North America.

In this position, Rochford will be responsible for advancing Legrand North America’s progress in setting and achieving sustainability goals and commitments, as an organization and in the marketplace. In this capacity she will work closely with all the Legrand North America entities to identify, design and deliver sustainable products and solutions to meet the needs of the customers they serve.

“Our distribution and contractor partners understand the critical need for energy efficiency and sustainability in the companies they work with and products they sell,” said John Selldorff, President and Chief Executive Officer, Legrand North America. “Susan’s tremendous experience in these areas will allow Legrand to focus its efforts on bringing more energy-efficient products to market; being a more sustainable company that reduces costs and its environmental footprint; and playing a positive role in the formation of public policy in areas critical to our economic future and national security.”

Renowned for its inventive, dependable and stylish products, the Legrand brand is present in more than 180 countries and has a workforce of over 30,000 people. With a clear focus on electrical and information networks and applications, Legrand is passionate about improving systems and networks wherever people live and work. Legrand products and technology can be found in every building type from homes, to schools, to commercial buildings, to government facilities.

# # #

About The Legrand Group
Legrand is the global specialist in products and systems for electrical installations and information networks where people live and work. Its comprehensive offering of solutions for use in commercial, industrial and residential markets makes it a benchmark for suppliers worldwide. Legrand has a strong presence in the North American market, with a portfolio of products that includes Cablofil, On-Q, Ortronics, Pass & Seymour, Vantage, Watt Stopper and Wiremold. The company is actively expanding its market divisions that include Electrical Wiring Systems, Home Systems, Lighting Controls and Commercial Datacom.  Innovation for a steady flow of new products with high added value is a prime vector for growth. Legrand reported sales of $5.0 billion in 2009. The company is listed on Euronext and is a component stock of indexes including the SBF120. FTSE4Good, MSCI World and ASPI (ISIN code FR0010307819). www.legrand.us

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Software Designed Especially For Transmission & Distribution Contractors

Estimating software, used also for project management, is a staple of the electrical contracting business. McCormick Systems, for example, has offered a suite of electrical estimating products for ECs since our founding (by an electrical contactor) in 1979.

            What about other types of contractors? Datacom and systems integrators, security dealers, building automation contractors, and others in the low-voltage business can use the automated building systems version of our software.

            But not until now – with a new introduction set for fall 2010 – has the company provided software specifically designed to serve contractors who work on the national, regional, and local transmission & distribution power grid.

            “Line contractors are a different breed, really in a different business,” explained President Todd McCormick. “We know that. We’ve waited until we got our estimating software, and our database, to precisely where these contractors need it to be.”

            While a construction project for a typical EC consists of buying and installing lighting, switchgear, wire and cable, and everything from UPS units to wirenuts, line contractors are dedicated to digging holes, planting poles, and hanging high-voltage cable on them (or rehabilitating, renovation, and/or maintaining existing power lines).

            “We’ve listened to these contractors,” McCormick noted. “Now, they estimate using spreadsheets or estimate it by hand. Systems created to serve ECs doing product installation inside buildings will not work for them.”

            “So we had to create something new.”

            Spade work on the T&D software focused on extensive development of a specialized program line contractors will use to do faster, more productive estimating, McCormick said: “Our standard software has a deep product database, but those products have nothing to do with what the line contractors use every day to get their work done.”

            An example: “Line contractors use a lot of equipment – many different types of trucks. Sometimes they rent, sometimes they lease them, sometimes they own. That information has to be in our program, and it is.”

About McCormick Systems

Privately owned McCormick Systems (Chandler, AZ) is the nation’s leader in software used for electrical and ABS estimating and project management. The company’s products enable contractors to quickly produce consistent, profitable estimates for electrical and voice-data-video work, and more.

            More information: www.mccormicksys.com or 800-444-4890.

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Mike Holt's Code Forum - August 2010 = Top 30 New Topics

Another great resource from Mike Holt Enterprises! The following is a list of the top 30 topics discussed on our code forum in the past month. Simply click on any topic that interests you to read or join in the discussion. If you’re not already registered as a code forum member,click here to sign up now!

1: What is the power of an incandescent lamp at 200v 5A? with 202 replies in the Electrical Calculations/Engineering forum

2: Ground Dead End with 92 replies in the Grounding versus Bonding forum

3: Immune to Electrocution with 72 replies in the Electrical Calculations/Engineering forum

4: electrical business with 69 replies in the Electrical Contracting and Estimating/Management forum

5: 210.12 with 68 replies in the Electrical Contracting and Estimating/Management forum

6: Outdoor Hot Tub 680.26(B)(7) bond metal rain gutters? with 65 replies in the NEC forum

7: Schedule 20 PVC with 65 replies in the NEC forum

8: ughhhh wallplates with 63 replies in the Electrical Contracting and Estimating/Management forum

9: Rigid installed on top of concrete floor? with 61 replies in the NEC forum

10: Two prong tester! with 59 replies in the Safety forum

11: Would You or Wouldn't You with 58 replies in the NEC forum

12: All Slope Can and Arc Fault....Bad Combination with 55 replies in the NEC forum

13: Reactive power loss with 50 replies in the Electrical Calculations/Engineering forum

14: Lighting circuit Power with 49 replies in the Electrical Calculations/Engineering forum

15: Make ice or buy it? with 48 replies in the Electrical Calculations/Engineering forum

16: NM cable (romex) in PVC with 47 replies in the Electrical Calculations/Engineering forum

17: joist in way of can light with 46 replies in the NEC forum

18: Transformer Mixup with 46 replies in the Electrical Calculations/Engineering forum

19: Non Compete Clause for Employees with 46 replies in the Electrical Contracting and Estimating/Management forum

20: NM cable through a plastic box. with 45 replies in the NEC forum

21: number of ground rods with 44 replies in the Grounding versus Bonding forum

22: Could marking material up equal losing money? with 44 replies in the Electrical Contracting and Estimating/Management forum

23: Recpt height with 43 replies in the Electrical Contracting and Estimating/Management forum

24: counter top rec with 40 replies in the NEC forum

25: 210.52-- Code Violation? with 39 replies in the NEC forum

26: Do I need a megger? with 39 replies in the Electrical Contracting and Estimating/Management forum

27: can lights with 38 replies in the NEC forum

28: running parallel wires with 37 replies in the Electrical Calculations/Engineering forum

29: How Connect NM to Panel? - Old Work with 34 replies in the NEC forum

30: Neatness required by NEC? with 34 replies in the NEC forum

http://www.MikeHolt.com     1-888-NEC-CODE (1-888-632-2633)

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NAED Selects ecoInsight to Deliver Energy Audit Software Solution

New software will increase distributor sales and reduce time needed to develop a comprehensive customer proposal

ST. LOUIS and ATLANTA… The National Association of Electrical Distributors (NAED) today announced the selection of ecoInsight, Inc. to deliver a comprehensive audit solution to NAED members. NAED’s Energy Audit Solution powered by ecoInsight will enable NAED distributors to audit a customer’s energy usage; demonstrate the energy and cost savings of installing energy efficient equipment; and provide project-wide financial analysis including payback, return on investment, and cost of waiting.

The goal of the energy audit software initiative is to increase distributor sales and reduce the time it takes to develop a comprehensive customer proposal including energy and cost savings information. NAED’s Energy Audit Solution powered by ecoInsight is expected to reduce the time needed to conduct an audit by 20-30% and also provide a competitive advantage for NAED’s member organizations.

“Energy efficiency is a bright spot in our dismal economy. Many people are trying to enter what should be our market, it’s up to us to win or lose. This software will ensure distributors’ success,” said Thomas Naber, NAED president and CEO. “First, it is a comprehensive sales tool that, when finished, will provide a total energy audit that includes all the energy efficiency products a distributor sells, not just one segment or another. Second, and most importantly, it will allow distributors to provide contractors, building owners, end users, and even CFOs with a comprehensive and flexible financial analysis that includes energy savings, the value of building upgrades, sustainability metrics, the cost of waiting on upgrades, and much more. This is really going to give our members a strategic advantage in this market.”

NAED’s Energy Audit Solution powered by ecoInsight will simplify the audit process. Users will even be able to electronically record information on a tablet PC or mobile device while walking through a building. Once an audit is complete, the user can model lighting and electrical system upgrade scenarios to determine how these changes alter the building’s energy performance and operational costs. The scenarios are developed using the product catalog for that particular distributor organization and can be easily tailored to meet a customer’s individual needs. Once the analysis is complete, the distributor can deliver a professional proposal with graphs and charts that clearly demonstrate the projected return on investment, as well as the cost of choosing to do nothing.

“We are excited to be working with NAED and the Energy Audit Software Task Force on this very important initiative,” said Sean McCloskey, CEO, ecoInsight. “We are committed to providing NAED member companies with a flexible and easy-to-use platform that drives productivity and revenue.”

Dickman Supply, Inc. Vice President Sales and Engineering Doug Borchers adds, “Distributors are at a very exciting place. Energy efficiency initiatives represent a significant amount of spending across many industries. Electrical distributors are uniquely positioned and qualified to become strategic advisors to their clients and add significant value in energy efficiency projects. NAED’s Energy Audit Solution powered by ecoInsight is a critical component in delivering that value.”

ecoInsight and the NAED Energy Audit Task Force are working closely together to configure the ecoInsight solution to meet the task force’s requirements. The first phase of the solution “Lamps, Ballasts, Fixtures & Basic Lighting Controls” is expected to be available to NAED member companies fourth quarter 2010. To schedule a demonstration of the ecoInsight software or to learn more, please visit http://www.ecoinsight.com/naedpreview.

About NAED
NAED is the trade association for the $70+ billion electrical distribution industry. Through networking, education, research, and benchmarking, NAED helps electrical distributors increase profitability and improve the channel. NAED’s membership operates in approximately 4,400 locations internationally.

About ecoInsight
Combining software and data expertise with industry knowledge, ecoInsight, Inc. has developed a high performance building platform that ensures energy efficiency, occupant comfort and financial performance. The on-demand platform drives higher performance through data analysis, process enforcement and financially-driven decisions. For more information, visit: http://www.ecoinsight.com

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NAED’s tED Magazine Receives Six Azbee Awards of Excellence from American Society of Business Publication Editors (ASBPE)

ST. LOUIS… tED magazine, the official publication of the National Association of Electrical Distributors (NAED), was awarded two National Azbee Awards of Excellence and four Western Region Azbee Awards of Excellence from the American Society of Business Publication Editors.

At the National level tED received a Gold Award for Design Excellence in the category of Opening Page/Spread Computer Generated for the June 2009 article “The Optics of the Industrial Market.” tED also received a Gold Award for Editorial Excellence in the category of Overall Headline Writing for October/November 2009.

At the Regional level, tED received a Gold Award for Editorial Excellence in the category, Organization Profile, for “Bell’s Journey from Good to Great” (May 2009). The article detailed how the California distributorship grew annual sales from $8 million in 2001 to more than $25 million in 2008. 

The magazine was also recognized with three Awards for Design Excellence in the following categories: Gold Award for Opening Page/Spread-Photo, “Damage Control” (October 2009); Silver Award for Front Cover-Photo, “A Successful Merger Takes the Right Blend” (July 2009); and Bronze Award for Feature Article-Design, “The Rules of Retention” (April 2009).

ASBPE is widely known for its annual Azbee Awards of Excellence contest in editorial and design for magazines, newsletters, and digital publications. Awards are given in 74 categories, most on both a national and regional level. One of the most competitive competitions in the business press, the ASBPE judging panel consists of experienced business editors, designers, consultants and academicians. For more information, visit http://www.asbpe.org.

tED magazine is the primary source of information for the electrical distribution channel across North America. The publication is dedicated to best practices for the electrical supply chain. In addition to its print edition, tED magazine produces a digital edition and up-to-the minute news at www.tedmag.com.

NAED is the trade association for the $70+ billion electrical distribution industry. Through networking, education, research, and benchmarking, NAED helps electrical distributors increase profitability and improve the channel. NAED’s membership represents approximately 4,400 locations internationally.

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Siemon Announces New Industrial Ethernet Patch Cords

Designed to provide reliable network connectivity in harsh environments, Siemon’s Industrial MAX RJ-45 cords are now available with new cable jacket types for enhanced durability, flexibility, temperature, moisture and chemical resistance.

Watertown, Connecticut – August 25, 2010 – Siemon, a leading global manufacturer of IT network cabling and infrastructure systems, announces new cable jacket options for their line of category 5e Industrial MAX patch cords.  These new cords join Siemon’s full Industrial MAX line of modular outlets and patch cords and industrial LC fiber optic connectors and jumpers.  The industrial MAX line was designed specifically for industrial applications or any facility where dust, moisture, chemicals, or vibration can negatively affect network connections.

Available in both shielded and UTP configurations, the new category 5e cords feature flame retardant thermoplastic elastomer (FR-TPE), polyurethane (PUR) and polyvinyl chloride (PVC) cable jacket options.  These three jacket options allow the user to select the best cable for their specific application, based on their relative physical durability, flexibility and resistance to environmental conditions such as temperature, ultraviolet light, moisture, chemicals and flammability. TPE and PUR cables feature pressure-extruded jackets that provide outstanding flex endurance as well as tear and crush resistance to support harsh conditions such as continuous flexing in robotics or the splatter from automated welding.  All three jacket All varieties are RoHS compliant and lead-free.

Both the Industrial MAX 5e patch cords and outlets feature Siemon's high-performance category 5e RJ-45 connectivity encased in a protective outer housing. This housing, made of heat-resistance thermoplastic, features a bayonet-style mating design that easily and securely latches with a quick 1/4 turn, offering a superior protective seal against solid and liquid contaminants. Both outlet and patch cord are IP67-rated. The Industrial MAX 5e patch cords are available in both industrial plug-to-industrial plug and industrial plug-to-RJ45 versions.

Siemon also offers standard RJ45 category 5e shielded and UTP patch cords with thermoplastic elastomer (TPE), polyurethane (PUR) and polyvinyl chloride (PVC) cable jacket options.  These patch cords can be used between enclosures or where IP67 connectivity is not required.

The Industrial MAX 5e outlet and patch cords are ideal for protecting network connections in manufacturing and laboratory environments, hospitals, food processing plants and other environments with less than ideal conditions, while still providing category 5e performance for Gigabit Ethernet and other industrial and IP-based applications.

To find out more about Siemon’s Industrial MAX line of twisted-pair copper and optical fiber cabling for network connectivity in harsh environmental conditions, visit: http://www.siemon.com/go/industrial

Follow Siemon on Twitter: http://twitter.com/siemoncabling/

Join Siemon on Facebook: http://www.siemon.com/go/facebook

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About Siemon
Established in 1903, Siemon (www.siemon.com) is an industry leader specializing in the manufacture and innovation of high quality, high-performance network cabling solutions. Headquartered in Connecticut, USA, with global offices, manufacturing and service partners throughout the world, Siemon offers the most comprehensive suite of copper (unshielded and shielded twisted-pair) category 5e, category 6 (Class E), category 6A (Class EA) and category 7/7A (Class F/FA), and multimode and singlemode optical fiber cabling systems available. With over 400 patents specific to structured cabling, from patch cords to patch panels, Siemon Labs invests heavily in R&D and development of industry standards, underlining the company's long-term commitment to its customers and the industry.

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NECA Labor Relations Convention Program Update

ATLANTA – August 24, 2010: There are many changes coming this year for Labor Relations.  The IBEW has embarked on a nationwide campaign to recover the work that the unionized electrical construction industry is currently not doing.  The 2010 NECA Convention in Boston will feature a general session program illuminating those changes to make you, the NECA/IBEW contractor, more competitive in today’s marketplace, on Monday, October 4^th at 10:00am.  The program will open with a roundtable discussion including NECA President Rex Ferry, NECA CEO John Grau and IBEW President Ed Hill on the competitive issues and changes that are taking place in our industry.  That discussion will be followed by a presentation featuring four NECA members from around the country that have successfully put these new “recovery” programs to work. Don’t miss it!

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The National Electrical Contractors Association is the voice of the $125 billion industry responsible for lighting, power, and integrated building systems across the United States. NECA’s national office and 120 local chapters advance the electrical contracting industry through advocacy, education, research, and standards development. NECA celebrated its 109th anniversary this year. For more information, visit www.necanet.org . As the electrical construction industry’s largest event, the annual NECA Convention and Show draws attendees and exhibitors involved in all aspects of the expanding electrical construction industry.

CONTRACTORS CONNECTING THE WORLD WITH POWER + LIGHTING + INTEGRATED SYSTEMS

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BICSI APPOINTS IT MANAGER IN TAMPA HEADQUARTERS OFFICE

Tampa, Fla., Aug. 17, 2010—BICSI, the association supporting the information technology systems (ITS) industry with information, education and knowledge assessment, is pleased to announce the appointment of David Everett II to the position of IT Manager.

Everett’s educational background includes a Master of Science degree in Information Systems from Lawrence Technological University, a Bachelor’s of Business Administration from the University of Michigan – Ross School of Business and he is a Microsoft Certified Professional.

Everett has significant and varied experience in Information Technology. He has served more than seven years as a Senior Systems Analyst. He spent three years with the University of Phoenix as an instructor in the College of Information Services and Technology. Everett’s successes include 10 years with the Tampa Bay Lightning Hockey Club as a Senior Systems Analyst and the Senior Director of Information Technology establishing the IT Department. Most recently Everett has been the Project Manager at Qoncert LLC.

As BICSI’s IT Manager, Everett will develop and evaluate technological strategies and needs for BICSI as the association expands its global reach.

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BICSI is a professional association supporting the information technology systems (ITS) industry. ITS covers the spectrum of voice, data, electronic safety & security, and audio & video technologies. It encompasses the design, integration and installation of pathways, spaces, fiber- and copper-based distribution systems, wireless-based systems and infrastructure that supports the transportation of information and associated signaling between and among communications and information gathering devices.

BICSI provides information, education and knowledge assessment for individuals and companies in the ITS industry. We serve more than 23,000 ITS professionals, including designers, installers and technicians. These individuals provide the fundamental infrastructure for telecommunications, audio/video, life safety and automation systems. Through courses, conferences, publications and professional registration programs, BICSI staff and volunteers assist ITS professionals in delivering critical products and services, and offer opportunities for continual improvement and enhanced professional stature.

Headquartered in Tampa, Florida, USA, BICSI membership spans nearly 90 countries. For more information, visit www.bicsi.org.

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BICSI BRINGS WEINTRAUB ON STAFF AS DIRECTOR OF GLOBAL DEVELOPMENT & SUPPORT

Tampa, Fla., Sept. 2, 2010—BICSI, the association supporting the information technology systems (ITS) industry with information, education and knowledge assessment, is pleased to announce the appointment of Paul Weintraub, RCDD, ESS, to the position of Director of Global Development & Support.

As BICSI’s Director of Global Development & Support, Weintraub will maintain and manage BICSI’s growth globally. Other areas of responsibility within the organization include working in partnership with the BICSI Board of Directors, volunteers, international representatives, management organizations, licensees, and affiliates promoting BICSI worldwide while implementing business plans to promote BICSI’s strategic plan and core products and services.

Weintraub holds a Master of Business Administration with a concentration in International Business from Rollins University and a Bachelor of Science degree from Southern New Hampshire University with a major in Business Administration.

More recently, Weintraub worked at Panasonic as Group Manager-IP Channel, Security Systems Group. Prior experience includes work with Sumitomo as Regional Sales Manager for the Southeast U.S., Caribbean and Mexico, and market development and sales for Anixter.

Weintraub holds both the BICSI Registered Communications Distribution Designer^® (RCDD^®) and Electronic Safety & Security (ESS) Specialist credentials and has been an active volunteer supporting BICSI conferences, regional meetings, breakfast clubs and the Technical Education Summit.

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BICSI is a professional association supporting the information technology systems (ITS) industry. ITS covers the spectrum of voice, data, electronic safety & security, and audio & video technologies. It encompasses the design, integration and installation of pathways, spaces, fiber- and copper-based distribution systems, wireless-based systems and infrastructure that supports the transportation of information and associated signaling between and among communications and information gathering devices.

BICSI provides information, education and knowledge assessment for individuals and companies in the ITS industry. We serve more than 23,000 ITS professionals, including designers, installers and technicians. These individuals provide the fundamental infrastructure for telecommunications, audio/video, life safety and automation systems. Through courses, conferences, publications and professional registration programs, BICSI staff and volunteers assist ITS professionals in delivering critical products and services, and offer opportunities for continual improvement and enhanced professional stature.

Headquartered in Tampa, Florida, USA, BICSI membership spans nearly 90 countries. For more information, visit www.bicsi.org.

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CALL FOR 2011 BICSI CABLING SKILLS CHALLENGE APPLICANTS

Tampa, Fla., Aug. 26, 2010—BICSI, the association supporting the information technology systems (ITS) industry with information, education and knowledge assessment, is in search of the best and most experienced ITS Installers and Technicians to compete in the 2011 BICSI Cabling Skills Challenge. Previous Challenges brought together top-notch participants from around the globe.

The Cabling Skills Challenge will take place on January 16-19 at the 2011 BICSI Winter Conference & Exhibition in Orlando, Fla., at the Rosen Shingle Creek Resort. All BICSI-credentialed Installers and Technicians are invited to submit an application. Competitors will be selected based on qualifying criteria such as professionalism, quality of resume and work experience. An attempt will be made to equally represent all regions.

Competitors will be vying for the title of BICSI Installer of the Year. Prizes will be awarded and the grand champion will walk away with $5,000. Eligible applicants are urged to apply today—the deadline is November 1, 2010. Visit www.bicsi.org/skillschallenge to download an application form.

The 2011 BICSI Cabling Skills Challenge will include the following seven events:

Event A: SCS Installation

Event B: Copper Cable Terminations & Firestopping

Event C: Fiber Termination

Event D: Cable Assembly

Event E: Cable Troubleshooting/Technical Support

Event F: Competency Exam

Event G: Professionalism/Orientation

For a complete schedule of events, please visit www.bicsi.org/skillschallenge.

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BICSI is a professional association supporting the information technology systems (ITS) industry. ITS covers the spectrum of voice, data, electronic safety & security, and audio & video technologies. It encompasses the design, integration and installation of pathways, spaces, fiber- and copper-based distribution systems, wireless-based systems and infrastructure that supports the transportation of information and associated signaling between and among communications and information gathering devices.

BICSI provides information, education and knowledge assessment for individuals and companies in the ITS industry. We serve more than 23,000 ITS professionals, including designers, installers and technicians. These individuals provide the fundamental infrastructure for telecommunications, audio/video, life safety and automation systems. Through courses, conferences, publications and professional registration programs, BICSI staff and volunteers assist ITS professionals in delivering critical products and services, and offer opportunities for continual improvement and enhanced professional stature.

Headquartered in Tampa, Florida, USA, BICSI membership spans nearly 90 countries. For more information, visit www.bicsi.org.

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All-Fiber Networks Now Pass 20 Million North American Homes

(Las Vegas, NV) -  End-to-end fiber optic networks capable of delivering enormous levels of bandwidth are now available to 20 million North American homes, according to an analysis released today by the Fiber-to-the Home (FTTH) Council.

The Council also announced that 6.45 million households on the continent now receive Internet, television and/or voice services over fiber to the home networks, an increase of about 650,000 from six months ago.  The figures were released at the 2010 FTTH Conference & Expo, the fiber to the home industry's annual conference, which is being held this week in Las Vegas.

The precise number of "homes passed" by FTTH networks when the survey data was compiled is 19,966,000, representing about 17.4 percent of North American households, and up from about 18,250,000 homes passed measured six months ago.

The survey of broadband providers throughout North America, which is conducted by RVA Market Research, found that FTTH networks are continuing to expand beyond Verizon's $23 billion deployment of its FiOS fiber to the home network, with hundreds of smaller telecoms across the continent now moving forward with FTTH upgrades.

"All indications are that a large number of small and medium-sized telecoms and other broadband providers - more than 750 by our count - have either upgraded to FTTH or are in the process of doing so," said Joe Savage, President of the FTTH Council, a non-profit organization of more than 200 companies and organizations dedicated to expanding the deployment of all-fiber, next-generation networks.  "In addition, our earlier surveys show that the vast majority of the remaining telecoms are seriously considering going all-fiber in the next several years."

"Clearly, any provider of telecommunications services has to be thinking how they are going to meet the ever-expanding bandwidth needs of their subscribers.  And FTTH is really the only cost-effective way to future-proof a network against this increasing demand," he added.

Download RVA's charts on FTTH deployment statistics.

Michael Render of RVA, who conducted the survey, noted that "the number of homes passed by FTTH networks as expanded by 100 times since the FTTH Council was founded nine years ago, with growth really beginning to accelerate in 2005."

The 2010 FTTH Conference & Expo continues through Wednesday at the Venetian Hotel-Resort-Casino in Las Vegas.

About the Fiber-to-the-Home Council
Now in its ninth year, the Fiber-to-the-Home (FTTH) Council is a non-profit association consisting of companies and organizations that deliver video, Internet and/or voice services over high-bandwidth, next-generation, direct fiber optic connections - as well as those involved in planning and building FTTH networks.  The Council works to create a cohesive group to share knowledge and build industry consensus on key issues surrounding fiber to the home. Its mission is to educate the public and government officials about FTTH solutions and to promote and accelerate deployment of fiber to the home and the resulting quality of life enhancements such networks make possible.  The Council organizes North America's largest annual FTTH event, the FTTH Conference & Expo, to be held September 12 - 16, 2010 in Las Vegas.   More information about the Council can be found at www.ftthcouncil.org.

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Continuous Growth of FTTH Networks in First Half of 2010

The latest update of the FTTH Councils' global ranking shows a steady growth of all-fibre networks all over the world.

(Las Vegas)  - The first six months of 2010 show a continuous global growth of all-fiber networks, with Asia still the leading region on FTTH/B but the United States and Russia continuing to expand their fiber coverage. Eastern European countries are implementing an increasing number of fiber networks and becoming drivers of the European market.

The latest ranking, announced at the 2010 FTTH Conference & Expo in Las Vegas, includes 24 economies worldwide that have at least one percent of their households connected to FTTH/B . Looking at the G-20 states, the picture remains unchanged compared to the last survey at the end of 2009, with seven of the G-20 states appearing in ranking: South Korea, Japan, the United States, China, Russia, Italy and France.  South Korea remains the global leader in FTTH/B market penetration with more than 50 percent of broadband subscribers connected to all-fiber networks, while Japan has more than 35 percent of households actively using FTTH/B connections.  Meanwhile, a number of Eastern European economies, notably Lithuania, Slovenia, Estonia and Bulgaria, continue to show strong market penetration for FTTH as deployments expand in those countries.

Download a chart of the G-20 FTTH Global Ranking.
Download a chart of the FTTH Global Ranking for All Economies.

NOTE:  The FTTH Global Ranking is based on the FTTH Councils' definition of FTTH/B: it includes both Fiber to the Home (FTTH), where the fibre connection reaches direct to the household, and Fiber to the Building (FTTB), where fiber terminates inside the boundary of a multi-tenant building. The Ranking covers all countries with at least 200,000 households where the penetration of FTTH/B has reached 1% of the total number of homes.

"While North America's largest FTTH provider, Verizon, is nearing its goals on its massive buildout, it appears that more than 750 smaller telecoms across North America, including a growing number in Canada, are picking up the slack and setting the stage for continued expansion of all-fiber networks," said Joe Savage, President of the FTTH Council North America.  "The industry buzz here is that every company delivering telecommunications services to household subscribers needs to be thinking how they are going to upgrade to end-to-end fiber, so we anticipate further robust growth over the next few years."

"With Bulgaria and Romania joining the Global Ranking, the Eastern European countries are leading the drive for fiber in Europe", comments Chris Holden, President of the FTTH Council Europe, "if we include Russia, today the majority of FTTH/B connections are in Eastern Europe. Looking at the G-20 states, Germany, UK and Spain are still missing in the ranking. However, over the last six months there have been promising announcements and plans which should help to accelerate fiber in Europe combined with much more positive messaging from the Commission in its European Digital Agenda."

"More APAC countries are adopting this technology in various degrees and are coming on board the FTTH technology curve.  This could be initiated by governments or service providers themselves.  They now have a much better understanding of the various jigsaw ecosystem components that is needed for a successful deployment", concludes Y.K. Loke, President of the FTTH Council Asia Pacific. "Another interesting new development is property developers' involvement in high rise buildings (especially in MDUs and MTUs) and industrial and technology parks. Some countries are even exploring the possibility of FTTV (Fiber to the Village).  There is the debate of Urban versus Rural deployment. Thus the theme of our forthcoming APAC Conference in India entitled - Fiber bridging the socio-economic divide."

The next update of the FTTH Global Ranking will be presented at the FTTH Council Europe's annual conference in Milan, on 9&10 February 2011.

About the FTTH Council North America:
Now in its eighth year, the Fiber-to-the-Home Council is a non-profit organization established to help its members plan, market, implement and manage FTTH solutions. Council membership includes municipalities, utilities, developers, and traditional and non-traditional service providers, creating a cohesive group to share knowledge and build industry consensus on key issues surrounding fiber to the home. Communities and organizations interested in exploring FTTH options may find information on the FTTH Council web site at http://www.ftthcouncil.org/.

About The FTTH Council Europe:
The FTTH Council Europe is an industry organisation with a mission to accelerate the availability of fibre-based, ultra-high-speed access networks to consumers and businesses. The Council promotes this technology because it will deliver a flow of new services that enhances the quality of life, contributes to a better environment and increased competitiveness. The FTTH Council Europe consists of more than 130 member companies. Its members include leading telecommunications companies and many world leaders in the telecommunications industry.  http://www.ftthcouncil.eu/

About the FTTH Council Asia-Pacific:
The FTTH Council Asia-Pacific is a non-profit organization established in 2005. The organization is building on the success of its sister organizations in the US and Europe to educate the industry and the general public on the opportunities and benefits of FTTH solutions. FTTH Council Asia-Pacific members represent all areas of broadband industries, including telecommunications, computing, networking, system integration, engineering and content-provider companies, as well as traditional telecommunications service providers, utilities and municipalities.
http://www.ftthcouncilap.org/

For more information contact:FTTH Council Asia-Pacific
Secretariat
info@ftthcouncilap.org

FTTH Council North America
David St. John
 +1-315 849 3800media@ftthcouncil.org

FTTH Council Europe
Nadia Babaali
+33-6 20 88 72 38
nadia.babaali@ftthcouncil.eu

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O'Connell's appointment as President will be officially announced at the Council's annual conference and trade show, the 2010 FTTH Conference & Expo, which will take place next week in Las Vegas, NV.

Joe Savage, the outgoing President, joined the Council as President in June, 2005.  He has forty years of executive level experience in telecommunications and optical networking, including CEO and Corporate Director positions with a number of optical equipment companies.   Joe began his career in fiber optics in the 1970's, helping to build the first fiber production facility at Western Electric in Norcross, Georgia, and worked as VP Planning and Engineering for Fujitsu Network Systems, and as VP Research for RHK, Inc.  He served as Chief Executive Officer for Geyser Networks, Radiant Photonics and Broadnet Technologies.

About the Fiber-to-the-Home Council
Now in its ninth year, the Fiber-to-the-Home (FTTH) Council is a non-profit association consisting of companies and organizations that deliver video, Internet and/or voice services over high-bandwidth, next-generation, direct fiber optic connections - as well as those involved in planning and building FTTH networks.  The Council works to create a cohesive group to share knowledge and build industry consensus on key issues surrounding fiber to the home. Its mission is to educate the public and government officials about FTTH solutions and to promote and accelerate deployment of fiber to the home and the resulting quality of life enhancements such networks make possible.  The Council organizes North America's largest annual FTTH event, the FTTH Conference & Expo, to be held September 12 - 16, 2010 in Las Vegas.   More information about the Council can be found at www.ftthcouncil.org.

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Millepede technology rules the waves

Millepede has yet again demonstrated the lead it has in High Performance Cable Management by being specified for the new British Queen Elizabeth Class Aircraft Carriers being built in the UK.

A special version of Millepede’s patented Mille-Tie was created for the fibre optic backbone for the British Type 45 Destroyer and the success of that project has made it the natural choice for a similar state of the art system on the new carriers.

“Our technology is so far ahead of any other cable management product available in the world it is really the only choice when it comes to the management and protection of sensitive cabling. There is nothing else that can compare.” Said Millepede’s managing director John Butterworth.

“The Mille-Ties patented intelligent grip system physically holds cables without ever causing undue pressure or crush, even in the case of an explosion, as proved with the Type 45 destroyers system, and is unique in the world.” Mr Butterworth went on to say.

“We are proud that our technology has helped to make the systems in these new ship world leading.”

“The ability to have communication systems that can survive under extreme conditions is probably the ultimate test any cable tie or management system can have.” Mr Butterworth said.

More information on Millepede’s web site www.millepede.com

For further information contact:

John Butterworth: Tel: UK  07703 467146 , USA : 1 813 343 4078 email: johnb@millepede.com

Picture gallery of Queen Elizabeth Class Carriers for press use:

http://www.royalnavy.mod.uk/operations-and-support/surface-fleet/future-ships/queen-elizabeth-class/photo-gallery/*/changeNav/00h00100100a003006/imageIndex/24/

Queen Elizabeth Class Carriers web site:

http://www.aircraftcarrieralliance.co.uk/the-ships.aspx

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QuickTreX^® Introduces Electricians' Wire and Kevlar Cutting Scissors

So precise that we named them "Wire Surgeon^®"

Clark, NJ – September 16, 2010   QuickTreX^®, a manufacturer of high quality datacom products, introduces Wire Surgeon^® electricians' wire and Kevlar cutting scissors, crafted in Germany of durable ice-tempered Solingen stainless steel that holds up under extreme use.

This wire and Kevlar shear is precision designed for clean cutting and is specially ground for use with wire, Kevlar, braiding, etc. Slight serrations on the blade prevent wire slippage and make dependable precise cuts possible. The ergonomically designed soft rubber handle provides fatigueless use. It is suitable for right or left-handed people and for the amateur or professional.

The QuickTreX brand objective is to design high quality products for technicians to accomplish their goals with speed, accuracy and agility. To obtain additional information on this or other QuickTreX products, call 800-642-8320 or visit the website at www.quicktrex.com.

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About QuickTrex
QuickTreX^® is a manufacturer of high quality datacom products - such as copper cabling hardware, fiber optic cable assemblies, tools and testers - catering to the low voltage cabling industry for use in premise networks, security, and electrical applications. QuickTreX was founded to fill a need for products that are in tune with the technicians who use them. The QuickTrex R&D team is continually researching, staying ahead of developing trends in the market place, in order to offer quality innovative products. To obtain additional information, call 800-642-8320, or visit the website at www.quicktrex.com.

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New E-Book for Data Center Professionals: Deploying, Managing and Securing an Efficient Physical Infrastructure

September 8, 2010, Watertown, CT — Siemon has launched a new E-Book by noted data center expert, Carrie Higbie. Developed in light of recent advances in data center hosting options and infrastructure, this comprehensive 61 page E-Book provides an in-depth overview designed to guide IT network professionals through critical data center decisions. Infrastructure-related topics include actionable strategies, considerations and recommendations on cloud and co-location facilities, cooling best practices, point-to-point vs. structured cabling, physical layer intelligence and more.

Entitled "Deploying, Managing and Securing an Efficient Physical Infrastructure", this free 61-page E-Book is geared towards data center and IT network professionals and is available at: http://www.siemon.com/go/DC_Ebook

In the free E-Book:

Strategies and Considerations for Cloud and Co-location Data Centers Facility Owners and Hosting Providers

Strategies and Considerations for Cloud and Co-location Data Center Tenants

Point-to-Point Vs Structured Cabling

Data Center Cooling Best Practices

Intelligence at the Physical Layer

Benefits of Screened and Shielded Cabling

To download this E-Book, visit http://www.siemon.com/go/DC_Ebook

Follow Siemon on Twitter:  http://twitter.com/siemoncabling/

Join Siemon on Facebook: http://www.siemon.com/go/facebook

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About Siemon
Established in 1903, Siemon (www.siemon.com) is an industry leader specializing in the manufacture and innovation of high quality, high-performance network cabling solutions. Headquartered in Connecticut, USA, with global offices, manufacturing and service partners throughout the world, Siemon offers the most comprehensive suite of copper (unshielded and shielded twisted-pair) category 5e, category 6 (Class E), category 6A (Class EA) and category 7/7A (Class F/FA), and multimode and singlemode optical fiber cabling systems available. With over 400 patents specific to structured cabling, from patch cords to patch panels, Siemon Labs invests heavily in R&D and development of industry standards, underlining the company's long-term commitment to its customers and the industry.

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ACCUTECH supports BICSI and their BLOG brings you the coverage

Some BICSI members did not make it to the Vegas venue for the FALL CONFERENCE.

Don’t despair. ACCUTECH is building a visual recap. www.accutech.com  Thanks.