For: www.wireville.com
"Heard On The Street" Column
Issue: November 2009
By: Frank Bisbee
BISBEE’S BUZZ
Chemical
Reaction
by Frank Bisbee
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The dangers a fire can put in the air
US building
codes have emphasized flame spread and smoke generation. On the surface, this
seems to adequately address fire safety. However, in the European Union (EU),
codes also address toxic gases that can kill and incapacitate building
occupants before they can safely exit a burning structure.
Today’s
workplace is a canned environment. Most new high-rise buildings, especially
those more than five stories, have sealed windows, part of a sophisticated air
quality system intended to make occupants more comfortable and productive. If
there is a fire, the smoke detectors should activate the air system dampers to
keep the smoke from spreading. But, what about the deadly gases that are, most
often, clear and odorless? Those threats are not recognized or controlled by
smoke detectors and dampers.
In a typical
office building, there are carpets, desks, furniture, paper and a host of
modern plastic materials that are flammable and could generate toxic gases.
However since they all lie below the drop ceiling, the office sprinkler system
would douse flames before dangerous heat levels are reached. Above the drop
ceiling, there is a return air plenum space. The ducted cool or heated air is
vented into the space below, and the return-air flows back through the open
area above the ceiling. All building materials used in the return-air plenum
space are supposed to be labeled limited combustible, except communications
cabling, which is plenum rated (CMP).
In case of fire …
During a fire, occupants of the structure should try to exit
immediately. However, they may be blinded and choking from either heavy smoke
or acids from invisible gases. Typically, fire injuries and death occur as a
result of a two-stage process. The first stage is incapacitation, which results
from exposure to fire effluent, consisting of smoke and a range of toxic
products. This is followed by the second stage of death resulting from
continued exposure to heat and toxic gases, with carbon monoxide particularly
being an ultimate cause of death.
For many years,
Since 1975, the
communications industry has installed nearly 9 million miles of communications
cable in the workplace. Most of the cable is CMP, which has never been tested
by code-making organizations for toxicity in a fire. But, communications
consumers aren’t likely to pull out 9 million miles of toxic cables from air
systems in the workplace.
So what is the
safest alternative? Toxic gas sensors can be added to the same system used for
smoke detectors. Several manufacturers of gas sensors identify carbon monoxide
and chlorine gases. In addition, a few sensors will identify toxic gases
generated by fluorine materials.
Several of the
world’s leading sensor manufacturers are exploring products that will identify
hydrogen fluoride (HF) gases. HF is perhaps the most reactive material known to
man. It can change to hydrofluoric acid on contact with moisture (even
humidity) and can even eat glass. Imagine what it would do to the eyes, nose
and throat of a building occupant trying to escape a fire.
Honeywell
Analytics,
Sierra Monitor
Corp.,
Honeywell
Analytics said the company would be happy to work with designers or installers
on identifying the optimum solution for a given application. This is an
exciting opportunity that can significantly enhance life safety and also
provide a wide-open opportunity for forward-looking contractors.
Reprinted
with permission from Electrical Contractor Magazine www.ecmag.com
….
BIG PROBLEM
We were told that in the past, both domestic and foreign
manufactured CMP & CMR cable have been retested and failed, neither the
public nor the distributors were notified by the testing service.
We asked both the major testing services and numerous cable
manufacturers for specifics on past failures on retesting and what actions were
taken. No one would comment except to say “no comment”.
Universal policy seems to be “DON’T ASK. DON’T CARE.”
None of the distributors we polled had ever been notified of
retest failures on CMP or CMR cables.
And as a final
point, In the
We feel that the testing services should make the information
available to the public if they find any cables in distribution that fail when
retested.
But that’s just my opinion,
Frank Bisbee
"Heard On The Street" Monthly Column
www.wireville.com
4949 Sunbeam Rd, Suite 16
Jacksonville, FL 32257
(904) 645-9077 office
(904) 645-9058 fax
(904) 237-0365 cell
frank@wireville.com
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Megladon® Announces Node Tails with HLC® SCRATCHGUARD™ Terminations Are Sold Exclusively Through Draka Communications
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.
About
Megladon® Manufacturing Group Ltd.
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
*********************************
Siemon’s Headquarters Goes Zero Landfill as Part of Its “Greener Cabling” Effort
October,
2009
As
part of extensive efficiency and environmental management programs, Siemon
maintains a 95% recycling rate on all waste material, including manufacturing
by-products and office scrap. These
ongoing recycling efforts ensured that over 900 tons of waste materials were
reused in 2008 alone. All remaining
non-recyclable items are transported to a local waste-to-energy plant, where
they are incinerated under carefully controlled conditions to produce
electricity. A small amount of ash, the
by-product of the waste-to-energy process, is all that reaches a landfill.
This
program combines extended recycling capabilities with strong employee support.
Clearly marked recycling stations are located throughout the facility to help
separate waste material into proper containers - even compost bins are provided
to ensure that food scraps do not end up in the trash.
According
to Paul Knickerbocker, Siemon’s Plant Engineering and Facilities Manager,
achieving the zero-landfill benchmark was not a function of a single effort,
but years of full-scale efficiency and waste management initiatives. “Since
2006, and perhaps even earlier, 97% to 98% of our waste was being repurposed,”
explained Knickerbocker. “To get beyond
99%, we looked hard at our garbage and found that with the right recycling
programs, we could divert even more from the garbage waste stream.”
Carl
Siemon, the company’s President and CEO, was quick to point out the employees’
role in the zero-landfill achievement. “This is a team effort all the way,” he
explained. “To make it work, everyone at
Siemon has truly stepped up their recycling efforts. While that has paid great dividends here, we
also hope it encourages more recycling at home and beyond.”
While
zero-landfill status is viewed as a progressive and far-reaching environmental
achievement, Knickerbocker cautioned that it is only one element of a
comprehensive green effort, joining Siemon’s implementation of a renewable
solar energy program, forestland conservation efforts and more. “When you have made environmental
stewardship a matter of corporate culture for as long as we have, it is hard to
look at any one benchmark and say ‘we’ve made it.’ We’re proud to be
zero-landfill, but we can’t lose sight of Siemon’s other, equally-important
green initiatives.”
For more information on
Siemon’s environmental initiatives, visit www.siemon.com/green.
About Siemon
Established
in 1903, Siemon 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 active
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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Intelligent Industrial Campuses: Platforms for Global Commerce - CABA
By
James Carlini
Over
20 years ago, intelligent buildings were talked about as a new concept to add
technology to a building to make it more effective and efficient in the areas
of communications, information technologies and building automation.
Many
in real estate have yet to understand this paradigm shift to intelligent
amenities that include broadband connectivity, diverse power sources and other
communications-based applications in single commercial properties, let alone
newer campuses of synergistic businesses and functional operations, where
intelligent buildings have now been clustered instead of built in a stand-alone
environment.
Some
of these concepts were ahead of their time, by the virtue of price, performance
and acceptance. Today, those who
understand the demands of today’s tenants, and who must succeed in competitive
global markets, use these concepts in building clusters on business campuses
and parks.
Economic
development equals broadband connectivity
Ten
years ago, site selection teams did not have “broadband connectivity” in their
“top 10 list” for choosing a location.
In the last couple of years, it has risen to being one of the top three. Hence, the importance of “location, location,
location” has evolved to “location, location, connectivity”. Areas that do not have adequate access to
broadband connectivity are starting to feel the loss of interest by
organizations that are locating or re-locating their facilities to regions that
can provide a better infrastructure.
Further,
more municipalities and regions are also trying to become established centers
for economic development, global trade and job growth. To facilitate this phenomenon, municipalities
around the world have been promoting the idea of the intelligent building
campus.
The
concept of the intelligent business campus has come of age as industry seek out
high-performance real estate platforms to launch and maintain state-of-the-art
facilities that support their core businesses.
In this case, high performance means high profitability through high
occupancy, a defined theme, and utilization of redundant power grids and
diversified broadband connectivity as well as high security for the entire
development.
This
approach confirms my observation that economic development equals broadband
connectivity, and that broadband connectivity equals jobs.
A
great example of an intelligent industrial campus is the
Corporate
executives, corporate site selection committees, real estate executives as well
as municipal leaders see value in the campus.
Municipalities see the benefits of highly connected industrial
facilities and are reaping the economic benefits that others are losing as
companies locate to such locations that can provide broadband
connectivity. Those cities and regions
that don’t attract such facilities are suffering job erosion and losing
regional sustainability.
This
is also a concept that is beginning to appear globally. Examples are emerging in
One
of the key ingredients is broadband connectivity and the ability to add this
amenity upfront along with power requirements as part of the overall master
planning of a campus environment.
Broadband connectivity should be multiple-gigabit per second or above in
an intelligent business campus.
The
bottom line is that broadband connectivity is becoming a major differentiating
amenity for sophisticated business tenants choosing one location over the
other. Property
managers cannot escape from this fact.
Besides
specific amenities, the concept of fast-track build-out capability facilitated
by a streamlined development process from the municipalities and the master
developer working together is important.
“One-stop shopping” morphing into “one-stop support” after corporate
tenants move in is a concept that has traction with corporate site selection in
the
Best practices are a moving
target
All
the hype of building and managing various types of real estate structures using
“best practices” can be discounted by simply understanding that best practices
are a moving target, especially when it comes to network and power
infrastructures. What was
state-of-the-art one year ago could be completely obsolete today.
The
question becomes how do you “future-proof” your real estate holdings whether
you are a commercial real estate company or a multinational corporation with
various real estate holdings around the world?
The
answer is by understanding global commerce as a platform that can leverage
emerging intelligent industrial campus infrastructure.
James Carlini is President
of Carlini & Associates. Carlini can
be contacted at 773.370.1888 or james.carlini@sbcglobal.net.
Reprinted
with Permisssion from CABA- Continental Automated Buildings Association www.caba.org
The
Continental Automated Buildings Association (CABA) is a not-for-profit industry
association dedicated to the advancement of intelligent home and intelligent
building technologies in
The
organization is supported by an international membership of nearly 400
companies involved in the design, manufacture, installation and retailing of
products relating to home automation and building automation. Public
organizations, including utilities and government are also members.
CABA's
mandate includes providing its members with networking and market research
opportunities. CABA also encourages the development of industry standards and
protocols, and leads cross-industry initiatives.
The
organization was originally founded in 1988 as the Canadian Automated Buildings
Association. The founding members included
In
2006, CABA integrated the Internet Home Alliance, an association of technology
companies committed to research and development within the intelligent home
sector. The working group now exists as CABA's Connected Home Research
Council.
*********************************
2009 NECA Industry Partner Award Given to NAED
NAED
- National Association of Electrical Distributors received the 2009 National
Electrical Contractors Association (NECA) Industry Partner Award during NECA's
2009 Convention and Trade Show in
The
NECA Industry Partner Award was established in 1996 and has been presented
annually to recognize individuals or organizations associated with the
electrical construction industry whose decisions, actions, or cooperation with
NECA contribute to the industry's success. NAED and NECA have worked together
for more than a century to the mutual benefit of our respective members.
This
past year, NECA and NAED entered into our most ambitious joint venture to date,
the Anti-Counterfeit Products Initiative (www.counterfeitscankill.com).
The purpose of the initiative is to bring the serious consequences of
counterfeiting to the attention of everyone involved in the electrical
industry.
*********************************
ANIXTER net income of $22.1 million declined by 63 percent as compared to $59.7 million of net income in the year ago quarter
Anixter
Third Quarter – Continued declining results
Sales
of $1.27 billion decreased 20 percent compared to sales of $1.59 billion in the
year ago quarter.
Third
quarter operating income of $58.4 million declined 51 percent compared to
$117.9 million reported in the year ago quarter.
As
a result of the decline in operating profits, third quarter operating margins
were 4.6 percent compared to 7.4 percent in the year ago quarter.
Net
income of $22.1 million declined by 63 percent as compared to $59.7 million of
net income reported in the year ago quarter.
Third Quarter Sales Trends
Commenting
on third quarter sales trends,
*********************************
CABA Newsbrief Is Just One of The Reasons CABA Is One of The HOTTEST Groups To Join
For
more than twenty years, The Continental Automated Buildings Association (CABA)
has been a not-for-profit industry association dedicated to the advancement of
intelligent home and intelligent building technologies in
The
organization is supported by an international membership of nearly 400
companies involved in the design, manufacture, installation and retailing of
products relating to home automation and building automation. Public
organizations, including utilities and government are also members.
CABA's
mandate includes providing its members with networking and market research
opportunities. CABA also encourages the development of industry standards and
protocols, and leads cross-industry initiatives.
The
organization was originally founded in 1988 as the Canadian Automated Buildings
Association. The founding members included
In
2006, CABA integrated the Internet Home Alliance, an association of technology
companies committed to research and development within the intelligent home
sector. The working group now exists as CABA's Connected Home Research
Council.
Verizon,
Motorola unveil the Droid
Verizon Wireless customers will soon be able to get their hands on the much
anticipated Google Android phone called the Droid. The companies officially
unveiled the device at an event here. Like most smartphones of its class, the
phone will cost $199 with a two-year contract. And it will be available to
consumers starting November 6. Customers can pre-order the device now. CNet
(10/28)
First
LEED log home certified in U.S.
The first LEED Platinum log home in the
Electronics
survey highlights 30-somethings
A recent survey revealed that customized-electronics dealers used to working
with men in their 40s will need to adjust to cater to younger clients.
According to the survey, men in their 30s place less emphasis on HD and audio
products, while 70% want online media via their TVs. CEPro.com
(10/27)
New
report outlines home automation trends in Asia
According to In-Stat the Asia/Pacific home automation services market is
expected to grow quickly in 2008 and 2009; however, the market development
within the region is uneven.
Ericsson,
Samsung make LTE connection
The flood of pro-long term evolution (LTE) in mobile communication announcements
continued late last week with news that Ericsson AB and Samsung Corp. have
"successfully achieved interoperability between the world's first
commercial LTE device from Samsung and the live network from Ericsson in
Stockholm, Sweden." Light
Reading's Unstrung (10/23)
uControl
and SMC Networks partner on home security, monitoring, automation
uControl, a leading provider of next-generation home security and automation
solutions, and SMC Networks, a specialist in providing high-quality, reliable
customer premise equipment to service providers, announced an industry-changing
partnership that will result in accelerated innovation and manufacturing
efficiencies within the security, energy management and automation space. PRWeb
(10/28)
New
material could dramatically boost computer data storage, save energy
North Carolina State University engineers have created a new material that
would allow a fingernail-size computer chip to store the equivalent of 20
high-definition DVDs or 250 million pages of text, far exceeding the storage
capacities of today's computer memory systems. ScienceDaily
(10/20)
HAI
adds touchscreen control/energy management to DSC panels
Home Automation, Inc. (HAI), a leading manufacturer of integrated security and
home automation products has announced the improved integration between HAI's
Lumina central lighting and home automation product line and Tyco's DSC
PowerSeries security panels, allowing touchscreen control and energy
management. HomeToys.com
(10/27)
Intruder
alarm transmission systems poised for growth in U.K.
Estimates supported by the British Security Industry Association suggest that
the annual cost of crime to
Analyst
predicts as many as 46 million 3-D TVs in homes by 2013
By 2013, there could be as many as 46 million homes worldwide with 3-D-capable
TV sets, according to GigaOM Pro analyst Alfred Poor, who added that the rate
of uptake would be greatly affected by cost considerations. Sony and Panasonic,
both of whom have said they will launch 3-D HDTVs next year, are likely to lead
the way. Yahoo!/The
Associated Press (10/26)
Vizio
expects flat-panel growth
Vizio Inc., a supplier of low-cost flat-panel-display TVs in the
In-Stat:
Renters willing to pay more for remote access, home automation
In-Stat expects the number of households paying a remote access fee to control
or monitor their automation or security system in
A
"to-drool-for" home theater
For newly minted lottery winners with an appreciation for home theaters, check
out this report. It details the creation of a to-drool-for, nautically
inspired, 5,600-square-foot home-theater setup that's tucked into a home in
NIST
accepts CableLabs specs for smart grid of the future
The National Institute of Standards and Technology has accepted the initial
specifications for the cable industry's participation of the Smart Grid of the
future. Among the specs that were accepted are CableLabs' PacketCable
guidelines for home automation, home security and energy management, according
to a draft report from the NIST. CEDMagazine.com
(10/23)
Best
Buy offers Blu-ray player that streams Netflix, too
Best Buy in-house brand Insignia has introduced the NS-BRDVD3, a Blu-ray player
with a twist: With a firmware update, it is capable of streaming Netflix
content. Best Buy currently is offering the player for $99, which puts it in
direct competition with the Roku media player. CEPro.com
(10/26)
Solar
community on track to dramatically reduce energy costs
Initial testing of the effectiveness of
fifthplay
selects Linux for home automation gateway
Wal-Mart
offering home theater installation
In an attempt to position themselves as an alternative to Best Buy’s Geek
Squad, Wal-Mart is stepping up its consumer electronics offering by providing
installation services. For a cost of anywhere from $99 to $339, customers can
have their new television, computer, network or home theater set up by
Wal-Mart’s team. The service includes a pre-purchase consultation and a
tutorial on how to use the newly purchased equipment once it is set up. High-Def
Digest (10/27)
Microsoft:
Built-in Blu-ray not in Xbox 360's future
Microsoft has no plans to redesign its Xbox 360 video game console to include a
Blu-ray player, according to a company spokesman. The software giant, which
supported Toshiba's HD DVD platform in the high-definition format battle with
Blu-ray, has been bulking up the VOD capabilities of its console through the
Xbox Live service. Digital
Trends (10/23)
Sony
PS3 users get Netflix access at no extra charge
Looking for a competitive edge against Microsoft and its Xbox 360 console, Sony
has announced a deal in which owners of its PlayStation 3 system will get
access to Netflix's library of TV shows and movies for instant streaming. The
key difference with the Xbox 360, which offers Netflix access for $50 a year,
is that Sony will provide the Netflix gateway at no extra cost to Netflix
service subscribers. Reuters
(10/26)
Toshiba
first major CE maker to launch methanol cell charger
Toshiba ended years of research and development in finally introducing a
charger in
3-D
TV is getting closer, but business model remains elusive
While the technologies needed for 3-D TV production are ramping up -- and their
cost is coming down -- a business model that is profitable for providers and
fair to subscribers does not appear to have emerged yet. At a panel discussion,
Steve Necessary, the vice president of video product for Cox Communications,
said he was not fond of creating a dedicated 3-D channel that would be paid for
by subscriber fees, adding, however, that "if enough consumer interest is
generated, then, of course, we are interested." Broadcasting
& Cable (10/21)
Video:
Windows 7 hits stores
Microsoft last week officially released Windows 7, the much-hyped, highly
anticipated successor to the company's
*********************************
Commscope 3Q Earnings Drop and Revenue Plunged to $750.4 Million from $1.06 Billion A Year Ago
CommScope
reports third-quarter net income of $45.8 million, down from $84.7
million, in the same period last year. Excluding special items, the
Hickory-based cable manufacturer earned $63.3 million, or 61 cents per diluted
share, in the latest quarter.
Revenue
plunged to $750.4 million from $1.06 billion a year ago.
Chief
Executive Frank Drendel said. “During this tough economic period, we have
reduced working capital and lowered costs while continuing to fund key research
and development projects.”
*********************************
Distributor Sees Recovery Under Way = CSC
Success
comes to those who wait, as long as they work their tails off while they wait
WESCO
at Nine Months: Sales Down last quarter. Improvements are underway thanks in
part to outstanding customer service and competitive prices.
Through
nine months of calendar 2009, WESCO’s sales were down a bit more than 25% from
year-earlier results. In Q3, “WESCO faced weak overall end-market demand and
highly competitive conditions,” said John Engel, CEO.
Sales
included a 1.4% “negative impact from foreign exchange rates and .5% for one
less workday.”
Q3
sales were $1.15 billion, down 29.2%. Gross margin in Q3 was 19.2%, down from
19.4% in last year’s same quarter. Gross margins over the nine-month period:
2009 19.6%, 2008 19.7%.
See
WESCO’s Q3
release here and the transcript of its conference call with analysts here.
Among
items TedMag learned from reading the transcript:
“Backlog,
which consists of firm construction orders for future delivery, ended the
quarter down 8% from year-end and 1% from the second quarter.” (Richard Heyse,
vice president/CFO)
In
calendar 2009, WESCO will have “$140 million of operating expense reduction in
2009. Approximately $70 million…is related to lower headcount, branch closures
and other permanent actions. Approximately $45 million are related to
incentives and freight costs that vary with business activity.” (Heyse)
“Our
data communications geographic expansion program utilizing existing WESCO
facilities has resulted in the opening of nine communications supply locations
since this program started in 2008. We are planning on significant further
expansion of this program in 2010. This branch within a branch expansion strategy
increases cross-selling and service opportunities into our blue chip customer
base.” (Steve Van Oss, senior vice president/COO)
Pricing:
“…to characterize the pricing environment…it is very competitive. We’re seeing
a similar dynamic in the third quarter as we saw in the second. That is, there
are many more—I’ll call it contractors bidding for new projects. And those
projects that are underway really increased pressure to look at price reduction
and/or additional re-bids.
“So
if you step back and take a look at it, a lot of capacity came out of the
industrial market, the destocking [that’s] been occurring it’s not quite
finished on the construction side.…[A] large number of competitors are still in
the market competing for a smaller number of opportunities. And the pricing
dynamic, I’d say in the third quarter is very much similar in the second, which
is highly competitive.” (Engel)
Acquisitions:
“…they’ve been an integral part of our growth and value creation strategy,
having done over 30 since 1994 when we spun out of Westinghouse. We see
ourselves as a good acquirer. We have a pretty stringent process in terms of
how we identify acquisitions. We have a very healthy pipeline.
“Look
at the capital structure transactions we did this year. It would position us to
continue to be positioned to take advantage of outstanding acquisition
opportunities. And as we mentioned, we think the challenging market conditions
and this expected duration of the downturn is going to give us opportunities to
continue to do acquisitions that are very powerful additions to our portfolio
and our accretive.
“So
the takeaway should be we’re well positioned to do it and it’s a matter of
right deal, right time, right place. We have a rigorous process.” (Engel)
WESCO/CSC
continues to lead the electrical and communications distributor sector in the
recovery, as they introduce high value technology in packages that drive bigger
benefits for the contractor and their customers.
Many
electrical contractors are adding communications and security offerings to
their quiver of capabilities.
SECURITY IS HOT
Security
is hot as many municipalities, colleges, hospitals, and retailers are adding
enhanced surveillance systems to protect their “communities”. Choosing the
proper server has always been a challenge in the security system.
Communications Supply Corporation - CSC has introduced a new program that
allows the buyer to properly “size my server” using their innovative and unique
Faster Than Light™ Server and Storage Solutions.
CSC
will actually “show” customers their server and storage solution is 100%
optimized before they buy it.
In
September 2009, Communications Supply Corporation (CSC), a subsidiary of WESCO
International, Inc., announced the availability of its all-new exclusive line
of Faster Than Light (FTL) Server and Storage Solutions.
Frank
Bisbee, editor of the monthly e-zine “HOTS - Heard On The Street” commented,
“We think this revolutionary server and storage technology will literally
change the way security professionals and integrators design and build IP
security systems. No need to fear failure with this kind of resource. VERY
IMPRESSIVE.”
The
FTL Server and Storage Solutions are fully customized and optimized for a
customer’s unique environment using CSC’s IP Optimization Portal™
(www.cscoptimizationportal.com). This incredible and exclusive configuration
and optimization portal leverages complex algorithms that analyze software and
hardware configurations, camera system load, storage requirements, system resources,
and other technology to determine if an FTL Server and Storage solution has
been fully optimized.
The portal then uses CSC’s exclusive Surveillance Performance Index™ (SPI)* to
calculate the server and storage optimization level based on its current
configuration. SPI is the only true performance index that assesses and
analyzes the entire chain of surveillance technology to ensure a surveillance
system is 100% optimized before the customer buys it.
CSC’s
IP Optimization Portal also “future proofs” the FTL Server and Storage Solution
by showing the customer the current camera system load, remaining storage, and
system resources that are available as additional surveillance equipment is
added over time.
“Many
contractors have been frustrated for years with the deployment process and
fluctuating performance levels of IP video surveillance solutions, added Frank
Bisbee. “ Now we can get answers easily and quickly. CSC is solving the
surveillance performance problem by fundamentally changing the way security
professionals and integrators configure the entire chain of technology in a
surveillance system.”
The
Faster Than Light (FTL) Server and Storage Solutions combine the reliability of
Dell™ hardware with optimized computing technology from Iomnis. These fully
customized sever and storage solutions are available exclusively through CSC
and are specifically optimized for video surveillance recording and monitoring.
All hardware and software has been configured to maximize performance by using
a complex “pixel seconds per frame” methodology and storage solutions range
from 3TB to 334TB for a single system. The FTL Server and Storage Solutions
have been customized for use with solutions from Milestone, OnSSI, IPConfigure,
Strand
Another
big benefit is a rock-solid warranty. Every FTL Server and Storage Solution
comes with a 3 year Manufacturer Warranty and next business day on-site
hardware replacement services. Bundled FTL Server and Storage Solutions are
also available and can include Video Management Software, cameras, switches,
patch cords, cabinets, monitors, keyboards, UPS, and more.
About Communications Supply
Corporation (CSC)
Communications
Supply Corporation (CSC), a subsidiary of WESCO International, Inc. (NYSE: WCC)
distributes a full range of IP infrastructure products and solutions. Together,
CSC and WESCO form the largest electrical and data communications network in
North America, with 400 full service branches, a full-suite of global
distribution capabilities and annual sales of over $6 billion. With vast
resources at their fingertips, the CSC sales team does more than just provide
product. Their nation-wide team has been intensively training to help each
customer and contractor add successful security solutions to their quiver of
capabilities. www.gocsc.com.
*********************************
Dupont Predicts A Continued “Losing Streak” for About Two-And-A-Half to Three Years
DuPont
says it does not expect to match last year's profit levels until at least 2012,
according to a filing with
Executive
Vice President Mark P. Vergnano told investors on Tuesday that he doesn't
expect the company to return to 2008 profit levels for about two-and-a-half to
three years.
DuPont
is the largest supplier of Teflon® FEP in the world. FEP is used (in the
http://www.wireville.com/news/Datacom%20Cabling%20Safety%202004.pdf
*********************************
Graybar and Rockwell Automation Receive Richard Buzun Award from IDEA
IDEA presented Graybar and Rockwell Automation with the third annual Richard
Buzun Award for Leadership and Innovation in eCommerce during the IDEA E-Biz
Forum 2009 in
The
distributor award winner, Graybar, was recognized for using eCommerce to
improve the customer's user experience. Rockwell Automation, the manufacturer
winner, was acknowledged for their work on data quality programs and valuing
all of their data as intellectual property.
The
award is named after the late Richard Buzun, former IDEA Chairman, and former
president and CEO of Siemens Energy & Automation, Inc.
*********************************
General Cable Fiscal 3Q Crashed 68 Percent
General
Cable posts 68 percent drop in fiscal third-quarter profit
HIGHLAND
HEIGHTS, Ky. (AP) -- General Cable Corp. said its fiscal third-quarter profit
fell 68 percent as the recession slashed demand for its fiber optic and metal
cable products.
General
Cable also issued fourth-quarter guidance well below Wall Street expectations
and shares plunged.
For
the three months ended Oct. 2, net income fell to $16.4 million, or 31 cents
per share, compared with $50.5 million, 94 cents per share, in the year-earlier
period. General Cable Corp. issued initial fourth-quarter guidance that
reflects weak demand for its fiber optic and metal cable products.
Sales
crashed to $1.08 billion from $1.63 billion.
"The
company is facing a demand environment in North America which is much worse
than the last recession earlier this decade, while demand in
*********************************
IPC To Tackle New China Rohs Laws
Unfortunately,
US laws do NOT require RoHS for cabling. US law and code makers continue to
ignore testing results for Toxic and Hazardous Materials used in some
domestically produced communications cable. The chemical cartel has deep
pockets and a powerful lobby against the clean-up. http://www.wireville.com/news/Datacom%20Cabling%20Safety%202004.pdf
October
28, 2009 -- On November 10 in Irvine, CA, IPC
will host a conference titled “It’s Not Easy Being Green: Complying with Global
Environmental Regulation,” a detailed discussion of China’s Ministry of
Industry and Information Technology’s (MIIT’s) initial list, or Catalogue, of
products subject to lead, cadmium, hexavalent chromium, mercury, polybrominated
biphenyls (PBBs) and polybrominated diphenyl ether (PBDE) restrictions. The new
restrictions, released
on October 9, will be discussed along with the criteria for future
products to be added to the catalogue.
Tad
Ferris, partner at law firm Holland & Knight, will offer key insights on
issues such as expected mandatory premarket certification and required
laboratory analysis. Ferris has more than 15 years of experience working with
Chinese government agencies, multinational corporations and multilateral
institutions through Holland & Knight’s
In
addition to covering recent changes to
Presentations
by key industry experts will offer critical updates on global environmental
regulations and trends, including Registration,
Evaluation, Authorisation and Restriction of Chemicals (REACH), and
California’s recently proposed Green Chemistry Policy. Afternoon highlights
include halogen-free electronics, conflict metals restrictions and the tools
available to help companies measure their eco-environmental impact.
“Not
merely interesting politics, the issues being debated this year could have a
substantial impact on the global electronics industry,” says Fern
Abrams, IPC director of government relations and environmental policy.
“Green nongovernmental organizations (NGOs) are continuing to push for
additional substance restrictions and compulsory testing and labeling under the
CE mark.”
For
attendees wanting more in-depth information on REACH, an afternoon workshop on
November 9 will offer a primer on the EU’s regulation. Lead by Michael
Kirschner, president of Design Chain Associates, this workshop will serve as an
introduction and background to the REACH update being presented during the
full-day technical conference the following day.
A
companion Materials Conference on November 11 will feature comprehensive
sessions examining performance and reliability issues related to halogen-free
laminate and lead-free alloys.
For more information on
IPC’s “Its Not Easy Being Green” conference or the Materials conference, visit www.IPC.org/Compliance-Materials-Conference. To register, go to www.IPC.org/Compliance-Materials-Register
or call (847) 597-2861.
*********************************
GREAT Offer from CSC - Download the AXIS Whitepaper on HDTV & Be Entered To Win A Free Network Camera
http://www.gocsc.com/AXIS1031wFP09/
*No
purchase necessary. Drawing for ONE (1) AXIS M1031-W to take place
on Nevember 15, 2009, entry must be time stamped no later than 11:59 PM
CST November 14, 2009. Flash drives will be awarded to the first TWENTY (20)
respondants to fill out form, based on submittal time stamp. Flash drive
winners WILL BE ELIGIBLE for camera drawing. A purchase will not improve the
chances of winning. Enter only online. Only one entry is allowed per
person. Winner will be contacted within 14 days of drawing. This offer is not
open to CSC, WESCO or AXIS employees and their families. To receive name
of winner please email your request to info@gocsc.com after August 5,
2009. Offer void where prohibited. Supplier brand names and
promotional items are the trademarks of their respective companies.
*********************************
NECA 2009 Annual Conference Set the Bar HIGH. Next Year Will Be Even BETTER
THE
NECA SHOW
CONTRACTORS
CONNECTING THE WORLD WITH POWER + LIGHTING + INTEGRATED SYSTEMS
October
2009 Volume 2 • National Electrical Contractors Association • Convention - Exposition Dept
2009
NECA POST-SHOW Report
New
Energy Audit Workshop...a Resounding Success in
Energy
Audit: A Portal to Green Projects offered contractors their first
look
at a brand-new resource developed just for them by NECA – a
step-by-step
guide to evaluate the energy conservation, efficiency and
alternative
power opportunities for an existing
building. More…
NECA
SHOW 2010 UPDATE
NEW
THIS YEAR! We are offering two package upgrades, above the Basic
Booth
Package, for our exhibitor’s consideration.
BOOTH
PACKAGE UPGRADE #1 - $150
-
Expanded website listing (1000 characters, approx.100 words)
-
Expanded printed official show guide listing (1000 characters)
-
Company logo added to website listing and official printed show guide
listing
-
Up to ten (10) Press Release uploads
BOOTH
PACKAGE UPGRADE #2 - $300
-
All the Above, plus...
-
PREMIERE POSITIONING at the TOP of the "Exhibitor List" page in
addition
to your "alpha" location. Stand out from your competitors, and
make
sure your customers & prospects find you FAST & FIRST!
For
More Information Contact:
770-632-0044
T
770-632-7922
F
They're Still Talking About
Us...
“Graybar
wants to clearly communicate our strong support for NECA and
its
contractors. NECA contractors are our
best customers. As a Premier
Partner
of NECA, our exposure at The NECA Show improved our show experience
far
beyond our expectations.
The
warm recognition we received at events such as the Opening Ceremony
and
the Board of Governors Meeting, and the graphics recognizing us around
the
show activities were very good for Graybar.
The floor at this year’s
NECA
Show was very busy, and we saw more key contractors than ever.
Graybar
has supported The NECA Convention from the first show in 1954,
but
this year’s was the best show yet.” Dave
Moeller, Graybar
NECA
SHOW 2009 ATTENDEE SURVEY RESULTS
-#1
Reason for Attending the NECA Show: Looking for New Products &
Services
-98%
are Very Satisfied or Satisfied with the 2009 NECA Convention & Show
-Experienced
Record Attendance in Management Seminars
NECA
SHOW 2010 EXHIBIT HALL FILLING UP FAST
View
the Trade Show Floor Plan Here
THE
ANNUAL SHOW FOR THOSE WHO POWER THE WORLD!
NECA
• 3
www.necaconvention.org • www.necanet.org
*********************************
NAED Learning Center Upgraded
The
Some
of the improvements include:
An
updated web-based platform offering state-of-the-art technology and a more
responsive and secure user experience
Customized
company home pages and role-specific dashboards
An
enhanced reporting engine with more comprehensive data filtering, analysis
tools, and output options
The
ability for users to enter comments about industry training completed on the
Implementation
of online course evaluations and reports for analyzing user feedback
Company-specific
libraries for hosting internal documents, PDFs, files and other resources
For more information,
please visit www.naedlearningcenter.org. To sign up for the
*********************************
NECA Requests Extended Comment Period for OSHA Minimum Approach Distance Rulemaking
The
National Electrical Contractors Association has filed a request that the
Occupational Safety and Health Administration extend the time period for
comments on proposed rulemaking regarding minimum approach distance.
Minimum
approach distance (MAD) refers to OSHA’s guidelines for the safe proximity
between a worker and exposed electrical parts and the protective equipment that
should be used in such proximity. OSHA’s current proposal included revised
minimum approach distances for how close a worker or an object that the worker
is holding can get to an electrical part.
“OSHA
is to be commended for reaching out to the industry for comments,” said Michael
Johnston, NECA Executive Director, Standards and Safety. “When we work
together, we can develop sound regulations that can be implemented practically
and benefit the end-users. Given the technical complexity of the issues related
to minimum approach distances, NECA must advise OSHA to extend the comment
period for an additional 60 days, which will allow for further industry
analysis and review.”
NECA
recommended that OSHA hold on making changes to minimum approach distances
until the National Electrical Safety Code (NESC) Subcommittee 8 had completed
its review of the issue. NESC is the code-making organization for transmission
and distribution (high-voltage) electrical work. Including NESC’s
recommendations in the OSHA regulations would help ensure that effective and
meaningful regulations are adopted.
“NECA
believes that to integrate any changes to MAD at this time prior to the
Subcommittee 8 work would be premature,” said Jerry Rivera, NECA Director,
Safety. “The established review sequence for making changes to MAD has been
IEEE 516 first, followed by NESC, and then OSHA. To alter this established
sequence would cause a great disservice to the regulatory process and
jeopardize successful implementation of any changes.”
*********************************
Tom Naber - The President and CEO of NAED to Receive Award from IEC
The President and CEO of NAED, Tom Naber, will receive the Independent
Electrical Contractors (IEC) President's Award for Advancement of the
Electrical Industry during the 52nd Annual IEC National Convention and Electric
Expo in
Naber
joined NAED in 1997 as publisher of tED magazine (www.tedmag.com),
was named president of NAED in 2001, and was promoted to president and CEO last
year. www.naed.org
IEC
was founded in 1957 and is a national trade association for merit shop
electrical and systems contractors. IEC has more than 3,700 members in nearly
70 chapters around the nation. To learn more about IEC, please visit www.ieci.org.
*********************************
USGBC UPDATE Pilot Credit Library Allows Teams to Guide the Improvement of LEED
The
strength of the LEED green building certification program lies in its ability
to constantly grow, adapt and improve through a process driven by consensus,
innovation and feedback from LEED users. This week, USGBC launched the LEED Pilot Credit
Library, a new tool that will add to the flexibility of that continuous
improvement process.
The ability to introduce proposed new credits and prerequisites to LEED through
a credit-by-credit pilot process was a key component to LEED v3, the newest
version of LEED that was released in April 2009. Credit piloting allows LEED to
adhere to a predictable improvement cycle while remaining adaptable. Because
innovation doesn’t follow a schedule, the ability to introduce new ideas to
LEED without waiting for the launch of an entirely new version of the rating
systems is critical to the ability of LEED to continue to raise the bar and
drive the marketplace toward greater sustainability. With the introduction this
week of six proposed new LEED credits, the LEED Pilot Credit Library is now up
and running – and ready for your help to ensure the highest level of integrity.
LEED project teams that find any of the proposed credits suitable to their
projects are encouraged to participate in pilot testing those credits. All
participating project teams will submit evaluation forms, providing input on
the proposed credit’s strengths and weaknesses. This feedback will be reviewed
by a Pilot Working Group established by the LEED Steering Committee and will
help inform improvements to the content of the credit or prerequisite or
determine whether it is suited for introduction into LEED. Any new credit or
prerequisite will go before the USGBC membership for balloting before it can be
introduced into LEED.
Each project that participates in a credit’s pilot and submits feedback will
receive one Innovation & Design or Innovation in Operations credit,
regardless of whether it would have achieved the actual credit being piloted.
Because the credits are in pilot and are not yet part of LEED, points will not
be awarded for achieving the pilot credit itself.
The credits currently being piloted are:
Pilot
Credit 1: Life Cycle Assessment of Building Assemblies and Materials.
Pilot
Credit 2: PBT Source Reduction: Dioxins and Halogenated Organic Compounds.
Pilot
Credit 3: Medical and Process Equipment Efficiency.
Pilot
Credit 4: Innovative Ventilation.
Pilot
Credit 5 & 6: Preliminary Integrative Project Planning & Design.
To
read the proposed credit language, learn more about the credit piloting, or
register your project to participate in a pilot, visit the Pilot
Credit Library »
*********************************
What Every Company Should Know About ACUTA (It Is A Big Value & It’s Growing)
ACUTA,
the Association for Information Communications
Technology Professionals in Higher Education, is an international
non-profit educational association serving colleges and universities.
Attention ACUTA Corporate Members: Tips on FREE Benefits.
Our Members are Your
Customers
We have over 1700 institutional members from nearly 800 campuses throughout the
Our Events Put You in Touch
with Your Customers
There are exhibit and sponsorship opportunities at all 4 of our national events
each year. From a survey of our 2009 Annual Conference attendees, we
learned that 94% expect to meet with vendors they already have a relationship
with and 97% expect to meet new or potential vendors. For information on
our upcoming events, go to the tradeshow section of our Corporate Participation
page.
Membership is Affordable
Membership starts at just $595. And members receive discounts on exhibit
booths, advertisements in our ACUTA Journal, and access to free membership
benefits such as our Press Room, Special Deals Webpage, Free Audio/Web Seminar
Webpage, Listserv, and Annual Membership Directory. For more
information on corporate membership and the application to join, visit our Corporate
Membership Page.
You Can Reach Out to our
Members by Renting a Mailing List
Our membership mailing list (mailing addresses only) are available on labels
for non-member companies at a fee of $600, and electronically for member
companies for $50-75. Contact Michele West, mwest@acuta.org for
information on how to obtain a mailing list.
We Have Free Online Resources
for Corporate Members
Press
Room: Corporate Members can post their press releases for free on the ACUTA Online
Press Room. Go here for more information.
RFI/RFP
Webpage: Our school and corporate members can post and access active RFIs and
RFPs on our RFI/RFP Webpage.
Special
Deals Webpage: Post your company's special deals and discounts to ACUTA school
members on the Special Deals Webpage
Listserv:
Be a part of our members' daily conversations by joining the ACUTA Listserv.
Contact Aaron Fuehrer, afuehrer@acuta.org for information on how
to join.
Free
Audio/Web Seminar Webpage: Advertise your company's Free Audio/Web
Seminars to ACUTA members. For more information check out the webpage at http://www.acuta.org/?2518.
We
Have Advertising Space in our Journal
We sell advertising space
in our popular Journal of Information Communications Technology in Higher
Education which is mailed quarterly to our full membership. And corporate
members receive a 15% discount.
We Have Corporate Member
Logos
Corporate members can advertise their support of ACUTA with official member
logos. Contact Amy Burton for more information (aburton@acuta.org,
859/278-3338 x240).
Have
Questions about ACUTA?
Contact Amy Burton, Manager of Membership Marketing & Corporate
Relations at 859/278-3338 x240, aburton@acuta.org. It's Your Market,
Your Moment, Your Move.
ACUTA
152 W.
Zandale -
Voice - (859) 278-3338 - Fax (859) 278-3268
*********************************
10 Tips for Success with Video Analytics
Date:
Wednesday, November 18, 2009
Time:
2 PM (EST), 11 AM (PST)
Register
Today at:
http://www.1105info.com/t.do?id=3557118:2935042
Overview:
Video
analytics are bringing new levels of intelligence to the security world and are
having a wide-ranging impact. Starting with improved protection at the most
critical infrastructure sites and high-risk facilities, video analytics are
making their way into broader commercial markets and transforming many aspects
of the industry.
However,
when it comes to choosing an architecture, vendor or product to properly
implement an intelligent video surveillance system, there are key
considerations to keep in mind.
Join
us for this live Webinar during which we will explore the essential tips to
help you make the best choices to successfully employ intelligent video
systems. Together, we will take a look at real-world companies of all sizes who
have used intelligent video surveillance systems with great effect.
In
this Webinar you will learn:
*
The top 10 tips for success with video analytics
*
What to look for in an intelligent video surveillance system
*
Various applications of video analytics across different companies and
industries
*
How video analytics can both maximize your technology investment and proactive
security protection
Speaker:
Doug
Marman, Chief Technology Officer and Vice President, Products, VideoIQ
A
25-year security industry veteran with 25 security patents under his name, Doug
Marman drives VideoIQ's advanced technological solutions and strategic product
development as Chief Technology Officer and Vice President of Products. Prior
to joining VideoIQ, Marman served as CTO for GE Security, Inc., where he
focused on identifying critical technologies that would impact the security
industry and developing strategic plans for research and development, licensing
and acquisitions.
A
Q&A session will be held during the last 15 minutes of the Webinar.
Date:
Wednesday, November 18, 2009
Time:
2 PM (EST), 11 AM (PST)
Register Today at:
http://www.1105info.com/t.do?id=3557119:2935042
*********************************
Christmas BONUS - A Reel Deal on the DTX CableAnalyzer
Fluke
Networks and Cable Leaders Team Up to Offer the DTX Reel Deal
The
cabling business is looking up and the DTX Reel Deal
will help you take advantage of installation jobs in 2009. Fluke Networks is
working with these leaders to make it easier to install and certify copper or
fiber cable:
ADC
Belden
Berk-Tek
Corning
General
Cable
Mohawk
Cable
The DTX Reel Deal
is simple: Purchase 30,000 feet of copper cable or 3,000 meters of fiber-optic
cable by December 31, 2009 and you can get a cash rebate of up to $2,250 on a
new DTX CableAnalyzer.
All
cable and DTX purchases must be made between September 8, 2009 and December 31,
2009. There is no limit on the number of DTX CableAnalyzers that qualify for a
rebate once you purchase the minimum amount of copper or fiber cable.
Details,
forms, and a full list of eligible cable brands can be found at www.flukenetworks.com/ReelDeal
*********************************
2010 BICSI Winter Conference & Exhibition January 17-21, Orlando, Florida
Where Content Comes to Life — Conference for ITS Champions
Announcing
the Premiere ITS Event of 2010!
Become
a champion of the industry at the 2010 BICSI Winter
Conference & Exhibition this January in
Conference Highlights - Top
Technology Topics
Electronic Safety and
Security
“CCTV
Deployment: Understanding the Whole Picture”
“Video
Analytics—Promise and Practicality”
“CCTV
Deployment: Understanding the Whole Picture”
“Layer
Zero: Your Network Revolution”
“Case
Studies of Emergency Communications within Higher Education Institutions”
“Fiber’s
Role in the Video Security and Surveillance Network”
“Protecting Critical Infrastructure: IP Security Networks Go Beyond the
Enterprise”
“Security
System Integration”
“Using
the Structured Cabling System for Security Applications”
Data Centers
“Layer
Zero: Your Network Revolution”
“40Gbps
Over Twisted-Pair Cabling: Planning for a New Ethernet Application”
“An
Expanded Role of the Rack in the ‘Future Proofing’ of a
“The
Importance of Cabinet Level Power Monitoring in a
“
“
“
Optical Fiber
“Contemporary
Considerations When Precision Cleaning Fiber Optic Connections”
“Fiber’s
Role in the Video Security and Surveillance Network”
“
“AV
System Design Using Twisted-Pair and Fiber Optic Technologies”
“Developing a Green and Sustainable Fiber Optic Infrastructure with Air-Blown
Fiber Technology”
Cabling Skills Challenge
Competitors
will be racing against the clock and each other in several fast-paced events
such as Fiber Termination, Cable Assembly and SCS Installation. The Challenge
with will be held in the Exhibit Hall during the evening exhibition and
reception on Sunday, January 17, Monday, January 18, and Tuesday January 19.
The winners will be announced during the BICSI Annual Awards Banquet on
Wednesday, January 20.
Annual Awards Banquet,
Wednesday, January 20, 7-10 p.m.
The
Awards Banquet, featuring entertainment by artist David Garibaldi and the Jake
& Elwood Blues Review, will recognizes some of the industry’s finest,
committed to advancing the information transport systems industry.
Jon Gordon, Opening Keynote
Speaker, Tuesday, January 19, 8:45-9:30 a.m.
Jon
Gordon is a speaker, consultant and author of the international best
seller “The Energy Bus: 10 Rules to Fuel Your Life, Work and Team with Positive
Energy,” as well as three other titles. His presentations have been sought
after by leading NFL coaches and well-known companies. He has been featured on
CNN, NBC’s “Today Show” and in Forbes, Fast Company, O Magazine, The Wall
Street Journal and The New York Times. A graduate of both Cornell and
The 2010 Winter Conference
offers world-class education, exhibits and networking, along with a group of
fantastic events you won't want to miss. We look forward to seeing you in
*********************************
Leviton Fiber Connect Joins Cisco Technology Developer Program, Completes Interoperability Testing
CHICAGO
- (Business Wire) Leviton,
Inc., a global data center integration firm specializing in the development
of connectivity products and services for the physical layer of a data center,
announced that it has joined the Cisco Technology Developer Program as part of
the program’s Data Center Storage Networking solution category. In addition,
Leviton Fiber Connect’s High
Density Data Center Port Replicated Patch Panel Series, F8xLx-576 and
interconnect components have successfully completed interoperability testing
with Cisco 3.0.
The
Cisco Technology Developer Program (http://www.cisco.com/go/ctdp)
unites Cisco with third-party developers of hardware and software to deliver
tested interoperable solutions to joint customers. Members of the program share
Cisco’s strong commitment to customer service and satisfaction and are required
to undergo interoperability testing based on criteria set forth by Cisco. With
Cisco Technology Developer Program member offerings such as Leviton Fiber
Connect’s High Density Data Center Port Replicated Patch Panel Series,
F8xLx-576 and interconnect infrastructure, customers can more quickly deploy a
broad range of Cisco Compatible business applications that can enhance the
capabilities, performance, and management of their Cisco network.
*The
interoperability testing is designed to simulate typical customer
configurations, and does not replace the need for on-site testing in
conjunction with actual implementation.
About Leviton Fiber Connect
Founded
in 1997 and headquartered in
With
deep experience on both the mainframe and networking sides of a data center,
Leviton Fiber Connect is the first company to offer a Phased Switch Focused
Infrastructure (SFI) Roadmap, a 7-10 year systems plan that results in a
flexible, efficient data center and a unified physical infrastructure. Because
the company is “switch universal”, its physical cabling can be designed around
any manufacturer’s switch.
All
Leviton Fiber Connect products are made in the
Leviton
Fiber Connect is a division of Leviton, Inc., the largest privately held
manufacturer of electrical, electronic and telecommunication devices. For more
information about Leviton Fiber Connect, please call 630-443-0500 or visit www.fiber-connect.com.
*********************************
Draka Announces Non-Zero Dispersion Shifted Large Effective Area Fiber Available in All Cable Designs
NZDS-LA readily available in a wide variety of cable designs for applications
ranging from metropolitan to long haul networks.
Draka Communications –
Introduced in 2007, Draka has expanded the application of this fiber into all
loose tube, ribbon, and central tube cable product families. “It is
important for us to offer customers a broad range of options when building or
restoring metropolitan, regional and long haul networks. Customers win by
having a full compliment of cable designs plus a wide variety of choices for
fiber types, to adapt to the diversity of legacy and newly built optical fiber
cable infrastructure”, states Greg Williams, Director of Marketing at Draka.
NZDS-LA joins Draka’s flagship Teralight fiber, a high performance, non-zero dispersion
shifted long haul fiber that has been available for 10 years in loose tube,
ribbon or central tube cable types. Teralight long haul fiber was
introduced in 1999 and meets ITU G.655 and G.656 industry standards.
In addition to meeting the ITU G.655 performance standard, Draka’s NZDS-LA
fiber cable product offers several unique features and benefits:
• A high quality glass with sharp refractive
index design manufactured using Draka’s industry leading, proprietary PCVD and
APVD processes.
• The EzPrepTM advantage – Draka’s unique cable design
recognized by installers as the most craft friendly in the industry.
The new product is available immediately. For more information contact
Draka Customer Care at (800)879-9862.
“With
DRAKA optical cable products, you have perhaps the best cable available on the
market. The proper installation guarantees the best performance, provided the
connector technology is equal to or better than the Megladon Mfg. www.megladonmfg.com
ScratchGuard™ fiber optic connector (available in all sizes). This unique
patented process by Megladon has been tested and compared to virtually all
commercially available connector products. The results show that ScratchGuard™
connectors are substantially superior to the competition in almost all areas.”
said Arthur Padgett, CATZ - Cabling A To Z Consulting.
www.cablingconnections.com
Draka Communications is a world leader in the development, production and sale
of optical fiber, cable and cable systems. The Draka fiber advantage is
rooted in the superiority of the trench assisted core profile and Plasma
Chemical Vapor Deposition (PCVD) process. This process is inherently more
flexible than other processes and, because it is Draka’s standard manufacturing
process, it ensures the compatibility of the fiber with existing
networks. Research shows that other bend insensitive fibers with unproven
designs may exhibit significant variations in performance and impact their use
in the field.
Draka Communications clients in North America are served from Draka's unique
site in
About Draka Communications –
Draka, headquartered in
*********************************
Draka’s BendBright-XS Meets New G.657 ITU Categories for Bend-Insensitive Fibers
•
Ensures end-to-end fiber consistency with higher levels of performance
from point-of-presence to customer premises
•
Future-proofs FTTH access network infrastructure roll-outs
•
BendBright-Elite complies with new sub-category for extreme applications
Draka
Communications, a global leader in the cable and optical fiber industry
announces that its bend-insensitive BendBright-XS fiber fully complies with the
ITU’s new G.657.A2 sub-category, a key component of the recently updated ITU
recommendation. The A2 category brings 100% compliance with G.652.D, as well as
a hundredfold improvement in bending performance.
The A2 sub-category raises the level of fiber consistency throughout access
networks, from the Point-of-Presence (PoP) to customer premises. This will
result in reduced footprints for outside plant cables and connectivity,
more resilient indoor cabling and end-to-end availability of full fiber
bandwidth from 1260 nm to 1625 nm in PON or point-to-point configurations. This
high level fiber standard will help future-proof FTTH access network
infrastructure roll-outs.
“Draka welcomes the latest ITU-T decision to update G.657 in line with today’s
market developments.” said Jan-Willem Leclercq, Vice-President Business
Development for Draka Communications. “BendBright-XS has always provided
double compatibility with both G.657.A and G.657.B categories, assuring
customers of state-of-the-art bending performance in total compliance with
regular G.652.D single-mode fiber. Today, sub-category A2 validates our belief
that ultimate bend-insensitivity should not come at the expense of sacrificing
any of the parameters that have contributed to the success of G.652.D.”
With access networks extending all the way to single family homes and
multi-dwelling units, the industry has welcomed the emergence of a robust, easy
to install optical fiber that can endure the rigors of traditional copper cable
installations. Draka BendBright-XS has a patented design that eliminates the
technical complications of splicing and connectivity. This year BendBright-XS
output approaches a record million kilometer mark, the most deployed
bend-insensitive fiber worldwide.
The updated ITU-T G.657 recognizes that improved bending performance will
further reduce costs for operators rolling out fiber to the home (FTTH), while
still addressing current market concerns for end-to-end fiber consistency. This
new ITU recommendation preserves fully the original A and B category structure
for total backward compatibility with the previous G.657 version. The former A
class is subsequently renamed to A1. An additional A2 category is created with
a tenfold better bending performance than A1, bringing the A category to the
level of the previous B category performance with full G.652.D compliance. The
former ITU-T G.657.B class fiber is re-named B2. A new sub-category B3
acknowledges the need for tighter bend radii (down to 5 mm) for extreme
applications in the B class, which demand exceptional bending performance yet
do not impose G.652.D compliancy. B3 authorizes fibers with a lower mode-field
diameter, or of a different construction.
BendBright-Elite Complies with New G.657.B3 Sub-category
BendBright-Elite, Draka’s ultra bend-insensitive fiber, is fully B3 compliant,
while still meeting G.652.D standards. BendBright-Elite is targeted towards
specialty applications and those indoor applications requiring extreme bending
performance. Offering a low 5mm radius, BendBright-Elite secures against
mechanical failure under extreme bending constraints and hostile environments
by doubling the proof-test level during fiber production.
“With
DRAKA optical cable products, you have perhaps the best cable available on the
market. The proper installation guarantees the best performance, provided the
connector technology is equal to or better than the Megladon Mfg. www.megladonmfg.com
ScratchGuard™ fiber optic connector (available in all sizes). This unique
patented process by Megladon has been tested and compared to virtually all
commercially available connector products. The results show that ScratchGuard™
connectors are substantially superior to the competition in almost all areas.”
said Arthur Padgett, CATZ - Cabling A To Z Consulting.
Draka
Communications clients in North America are served from Draka's unique site in
www.drakaamericas.com
About Draka
Draka (Euronext Amsterdam: DRAK), headquartered in
Draka’s activities are divided into three groups: Energy & Infrastructure,
Industry & Specialty and Communications. Draka Communications with its two
business units, Telecom Solutions and Multimedia Specials, is a global market
leader for the development, production and sales of fibers, cables and advanced
network solutions. www.draka.com.
Draka’s
BendBright-XS Meets New G.657 ITU Categories for Bend-Insensitive Fibers
The
new G.657 ITU recommendation preserves fully the original A and B category
structure for total backwards compatibility with the previous G.657
version. Category A is fully G.652.D compliant while B authorizes
fibers with a lower mode-field diameter, or of a different construction. The
former A class is renamed as A1. An additional A2 category is created with
a tenfold better bending performance than A1. This brings the A
subcategory to the level of previous B category performance with full
G.652.D compliance. The current ITU-T G.657.B class fiber is re-named B2 , with
a new sub-category B3 covering even tighter bend radii.
Draka’s
high-level description of the updated G.657 structure.
Alain
Bertaina, Draka Communications, Tel: + 33 130776306 or alain.bertaina@draka.com
Terry
Davidson, The Communications Group, Tel: +32 2 640 92 07 or terry@eurocom.be
*********************************
Greenbuild 2009 Offers LEED Professionals Numerous Opportunities for Green Building Education and Credentialing Maintenance
New this year: Professionals can take their LEED credentialing exam during the
show
(Washington,
DC) November 2, 2009 – Green building professionals seeking to earn or maintain
the LEED AP or LEED Green Associate credentials will have many opportunities to
do so Nov. 11-13 at Greenbuild 2009, the Green Building Certification Institute
(GBCI) has announced. GBCI administers the LEED Professional Credentials,
including the exams and credentialing maintenance, both of which will be
available at Greenbuild, the U.S. Green Building Council’s annual conference
and expo being held this year in Phoenix, Ariz.
The show offers attendees several types of career development activities,
including opportunities to prepare for or take a LEED professional exam, and to
attend educational sessions and events to earn credits toward maintaining LEED
credentials and other industry certifications.
“Green building professionals go to Greenbuild every year to expand their
knowledge, connect with their peers and find the resources they need to grow
their business or practice,” said Peter Templeton, President, GBCI. “The
unmatched access to continuing education opportunities makes attending this
year’s conference more valuable than ever to LEED Professionals.”
The LEED Green Associate and LEED AP specialty exams will be offered locally
during the show to eligible candidates. Testing is available for the following
LEED AP specialty credentials: Building Design + Construction (BD+C), Interior
Design + Construction (ID+C), Operations + Maintenance (O+M), and Homes.
If you have met eligibility requirements and your application has been processed
you will be able to schedule your LEED professional exam in Phoenix before,
during, or after the conference. Find times and locations online at
www.prometric.com/gbci.
In addition, all Greenbuild 2009 education sessions, workshops, and tours
offered throughout the show will satisfy GBCI’s Credentialing Maintenance
Program (CMP) requirements for LEED APs and LEED Green Associates.
Current LEED APs must enroll in CMP at www.gbci.org by Dec. 31, 2009, to earn
GBCI continuing education (CE) hours for attending qualifying programs at
Greenbuild in Phoenix. Enrolling in CMP by this date also guarantees that
approved courses and activities completed since July 8, 2009, will count toward
credentialing maintenance.
LEED Professionals will also be able to record their CE hours using GBCI’s new
online tool, scheduled to launch at www.gbci.org on Nov. 3. This
new online reporting tool will help LEED Professionals keep track of their
credentialing maintenance activities.
As LEED APs and LEED Green Associates work to maintain their credentials at
Greenbuild, there are a host of other industry credentials whose continuing
education requirements can also be fulfilled while at the conference, including
AIA, APA, ASLA, BOMI, CoreNet Global, CSI, IFMA, and IIDA. To learn more about
Greenbuild, visit www.greenbuildexpo.org.
About GBCI
The Green
Building Certification Institute (GBCI) provides third party confirmation that
specific criteria related to LEED building certification and LEED professional
credentialing continues to be developed in accordance with best practices for
credentialing and certification programs. To underscore this commitment, GBCI
is undergoing the American National Standards Institute (ANSI) accreditation
process for personnel certification agencies complying with International
Organization for Standardization (ISO) Standard 17024. Early in 2009, GBCI
assumed responsibility for administering the LEED building certification
program for the more than 30,000 commercial projects seeking third-party verification
of compliance with the industry's leading green building rating system. For
more information, please visit www.gbci.org.
*********************************
HEALTHCARE IT SPECIALIST JOINS RTKL AS PRINCIPAL
WASHINGTON,
D.C.—Oct. 20, 2009—Todd W. Taylor, RCDD, NTS, OSP, has joined the Special
Systems Design Group of RTKL Associates Inc., one of the nation’s leading
engineering and architecture firms, as a principal specializing in
healthcare. Based in the firm’s Washington, D.C. office, he will be
involved in the design and installation of structured cabling systems to
support low voltage systems in hospitals across the country and in the Middle
East.
“As
healthcare becomes more and more technology intense, the delivery of quality
patient care will be in direct relation to an institution’s IT capabilities,
said Darren L. Vican, RCDD, OSP, vice president of RTKL. “Todd’s ability
to deliver a quality project that supports the institution’s goals makes him an
excellent addition to our team.”
As
part of RTKL’s Healthcare Technologies team, Taylor will lead the firm’s
projects at several large healthcare facilities across the country, including
work at Ohio State University, Central DuPage Hospital in Winfield, Ill. and at
the Children’s Hospital Orange County in Orange, Calif.
Using
his more than 25 years of overall information technology experience, Taylor
spent the last eight years focusing on the healthcare industry. He has
provided a full range of medical communications, technology planning and design
services for community hospitals, large academic healthcare entities and
related healthcare facilities.
Taylor
joins RTKL from Smith Seckman Reid where, as technology director, he handled
quality assurance and control for projects. Some of his past work
includes comprehensive medical communications planning and design for a
600,000-square-foot expansion of Duke University Medical Center; low voltage
planning, design and specification for a 1.6 million-square-foot clinical
building at Johns Hopkins Hospital; and integration planning for the medical
communication systems at Rockingham Memorial Hospital’s (Harrisonburg, Va.)
replacement facility, as well as managing the design for the hospital’s IT operations
center and Tier III data center.
Taylor
is a Registered Communications Distribution Designer (RCDD), Network Transport
Systems Specialist (NTS) and Outside Plant Specialist (OSP) through Building
Industry Consultant Services International (BICSI). His additional
involvement with BICSI includes serving as the secretary of the Standards
Committee and as a contributor and editor to the Technical Information and
Methods Committee, which is responsible for writing and updating the
organization’s technical manuals. Taylor also serves as the chairperson
for the BICSI Healthcare design standards document. He also influences
medical communications IT standards as part of the Telecommunications Industry
Association’s (TIA) Healthcare Task Group and Healthcare Engineering Committee,
as well as the American National Standards Institute’s (ANSI) Accredited
Standards Committee C8 (wire and cable). Finally, he is a member of the
Healthcare Information and Management Systems Society (HIMSS), Association for
Computer Operations Management (AFCOM) and Association for Communications
Technology Professionals in Higher Education (ACUTA). Taylor has a
bachelor’s degree in business information systems management from Utah State
University.
About RTKL
RTKL is a worldwide architecture, engineering, planning and creative services
organization. Part of the ARCADIS global network since 2007, RTKL specializes
in providing its multi-disciplinary services across the full development cycle
to create places of distinction and designs of lasting value. RTKL works with
commercial, workplace, public and healthcare clients on projects around the
globe. www.RTKL.com
*********************************
Intel's Plan to Replace Copper Wires
A
new kind of optical cable will provide ultra fast connections between
electronic devices.
By
Kate Greene
There's
a reason that the Internet backbone is made of fiber-optic cables: photons
transport bits of information faster than electrons. But while photons and
fiber are the most efficient way of sending data across continents, it's still
cheaper and easier to use electrons in copper wiring for most data transfer
over shorter distances.
Now
Intel plans to sell inexpensive cables with fiber-optic-caliber speed to
connect, for instance, a laptop and an external hard drive, or a phone and a
desktop computer. At the Intel Developer Forum (IDF) in San Francisco
Wednesday, the company announced a new type of optical cable that it hopes will
be fast, cheap, and thin enough to make it an attractive replacement for
multiple copper wires.
By
2010, says Dadi
Perlmutter, vice president of Intel's mobility group, the company hopes to
ship an optical cable called Light Peak that will be able to zip 10 gigabits of
data per second from one gadget to another, a rate equivalent of transferring a
Blu-ray movie from a computer to a mobile video player in 30 seconds. A single
Light Peak cable will also be capable of transporting different types of data
simultaneously, meaning it will be possible to back up a hard drive, transfer
high-definition video, and connect to a network with just one line.
At
both ends of a Light Peak cable are chips that contain devices that produce
light, encode data in it, and send it on its way. The chips can also amplify
incoming signals and convert the light to an electrical signal that can be
interpreted by gadgets. The first generation of Light Peak will use chips made
with standard optical materials such as gallium arsenide. However, to truly
make optical cables cheap enough to replace copper, future versions of Light
Peak, which will handle 40-gigabits-per-second and 100-gigabits-per-second
transfer rates, will most likely need to rely on silicon-based optical chips, a
product of the maturing field of silicon photonics. Silicon photonics
researchers hope to transform computing by making high-bandwidth connectors
cheaper than ever before, not just in cables, but also eventually within
electronic motherboards and microprocessors.
"This
will be a long-term transition," says Perlmutter, referring to the fact
that it takes years to develop and adopt standards for new connecting
technologies. On stage during his IDF keynote, he held up in one hand a bundle
of cables he currently lugs around with his laptop, and in the other, a thin,
white Light Peak prototype cable. "I have a very light notebook," he
said, "but carry a huge amount of cables with me."
Intel
has already made a name for itself in silicon photonics. In 2005, the company announced a silicon
laser, an engineering feat that many thought was impossible due to the
physical properties of silicon. And within a couple of years, the company's
engineers demonstrated other silicon-based optical devices, such as
high-performing modulators for encoding data onto light, and high-performing
detectors for capturing the light-encoded data. Other researchers and
companies, including those at University of California at Santa Barbara,
University of Southern California, and MIT joined the fledgling field of
silicon photonics. In 2007, optical chipmaker Luxtera announced an optical
cable called Blazar that contained some silicon-based chips and was
designed to connect servers in data centers.
The
first generation of Light Peak cables will use the same sort of $75 optical
chips found in telecommunications devices. But Intel has employed some tricks
to drive down cost by more than a factor of 10, says Victor Krutul, director of
Intel's optical I/O team. For one, the chips don't need to transmit data over
the distances of telecom devices. For another, they don't need to last as long
or withstand harsh conditions. Because telecom chips in consumer cables won't
need to last for decades or withstand heat and humidity, manufacturing standards
can be relaxed and allow the chips to be made more inexpensively.
While
cables may not seem a cutting-edge technology, says Alan Willner, professor of
electrical engineering at the University of Southern California, it is the
ideal early application for silicon photonics because the market is potentially
huge. "Silicon-based cables provide high-bandwidth connections, and
frankly, nowadays everything is high-bandwidth." Willner adds that the
devices inside the chips, such as lasers and detectors, may not be the
highest-performing, but they don't have to be. "What they do have to be is
robust and cheap and manufacturable," he says. "From a user's point
of view, all they see is a lighter, cheaper, and faster cable than what used to
be. That's a great thing."
"We're
launching an optical technology for a mainstream platform," says Mario Paniccia,
director of Intel's photonics technology lab. "We're going to start at 10
gigabits per second and scale to 100 gigabits per second." Paniccia was
reluctant to forecast a timeframe for silicon photonics to be used in Light
Peak, but in order to achieve the higher bandwidths, he says, silicon photonics
will need to come into play.
Intel
says it will be able to make Light Peak cables up to 100 meters long. And because
new connective technologies, be they wireless or wired, require standards and
industry collaboration, Intel is working to form partnerships with various
companies. At the developer forum, Perlmutter announced that Sony is supportive
of the technology, with more announcements planned.
Copyright
Technology Review 2009.
*********************************
LEEDuser Comes to Greenbuild "Live and In-Person"
The Experts and Editors Behind LEEDuser Exchange Tips with Users at Booth #1652
Monday, October 26, 2009
CONTACT:
Jerelyn Wilson
802-257-7300 ext. 102
jerelyn@buildinggreen.com
BRATTLEBORO, VT, October 26, 2009 - Ready for a LEED jam session unlike any
other? Visitors to Booth #1652 at Greenbuild in Phoenix will get to experience
"live and in-person" the interaction and advice that's usually
available only online at LEEDuser.com.
Over the two-and-a-half days of LEEDuser Live and In-Person, many of LEEDuser's
cohort of Guest Experts will be on hand to give short presentations on the lessons
they've learned about how best to approach key LEED credits, similar to the
commentary and review available on LEEDuser.com. Conference attendees will be
able to talk with LEED experts, as well as having the opportunity to ask
questions and share tips from their own project experience. Tips and questions
will be physically "posted" to the giant message board representing
LEEDuser's online forum, and everyone will have a chance to add their own
answers.
Responding to the need for comprehensive help with the new LEED rating systems
that's based on real-world experience, LEEDuser is officially opening for
business at Greenbuild. The launch follows a beta-testing period in which over
3,000 people registered to use the site and inaugurated the user forums with
hundreds of substantive questions and suggestions for LEED implementation.
Over 10,000 individual tips and action steps in LEEDuser's "Getting it
Done" section guides users to success with credits in the LEED 2009 rating
systems. Guest experts from fifteen leading national sustainable design and
LEED consulting firms are reviewing the site's contents and responding to
comments, and many of these experts will be Live and In Person at booth #1652.
About LEEDuser
This new website, at www.LEEDuser.com, provides comprehensive credit-by-credit
guidance for teams working on LEED certification. Included are clear
descriptions of credit requirements, tips to streamline LEED submissions,
online calculators, and online user forums related to specific credits. LEEDuser
facilitates LEED certification for projects using the five LEED 2009 rating
systems: New Construction, Core & Shell, Schools, Commercial Interiors, and
Existing Buildings: Operations & Maintenance. BuildingGreen has created
LEEDuser with the support of the U.S. Green Building Council and with the help
the consultants at YRG Sustainability and a host of other LEED experts and
topic-area specialists. The creators of LEEDuser have experience on hundreds of
design teams for LEED-certified buildings, as LEED trainers, and as LEED
certification reviewers.
For more information, visit www.LEEDuser.com
*********************************
It’s Just a Matter of Facts! - ELECTRICAL CONTRACTOR Magazine
“Facts
are stubborn things, and whatever may be our wishes, our inclinations, or the
dictates of our passions, they cannot alter the state of facts and evidence.” –
John Adams, 1770
“Just
the facts, ma’am.” – Sgt. Joe Friday – “Dragnet,” Circa 1950s
“Don’t
confuse me with the facts; my mind’s made up.” – Too many of us, Circa Now
We
all deal with facts differently. We accept, ignore or rationalize around them,
depending on circumstances. As you begin to plan your 2010 marketing plans,
here are a few facts about our market that if ignored, are guaranteed to cost
you lost sales and share.
“The
Times Have Changed.”
Electrical
Contractors actively influence, design in, and specify your product. Ignore
this fact and you leave a lot of sales dollars on the table for your competitor
who knows this truth.
Electrical contractors generate more than 47% of their total revenue from
active participation in design/build projects. (In firms with more than 100
employees = +80%.) That fact, by definition, implies specification influence
and authority.
Facts prove “specs” are looser, less specific, and less complete than ever. Who
increasingly completes final design? Who decides between product choices
“specified?” (80% of electrical specs are written “multiple/or equal”) They’re
called electrical contractors. Check our exclusive 2008 “Profile of the
Electrical Contractor” research for more facts about electrical contractors (www.ecmag.com/research)
If
your 2010 marketing plan does not include the electrical contractor as a major
specification authority, it is costing you money. They play a key role in whose
product actually gets installed. That’s a fact. Here’s a couple more:
ELECTRICAL
CONTRACTOR Magazine …
REACHES over 85,300 electrical contractors responsible for over 92% of total industry dollar volume
Is READ and PREFERRED by a minimum of 3:1 over any other
DELIVERS MORE and more thoroughly documented RESULTS
COMBINED with ecmag.com, DELIVERS a TOTAL, COST/REACH EFFECTIVE market
communication package.
Please
talk with your marketing representative and, as always, many thanks for your
continued business and support.
John
Maisel, Publisher
*********************************
McCormick Systems CEO Honored With ELECTRI International Award
Jack
McCormick, founder and CEO of McCormick Systems, was honored at September’s
NECA Convention with the Wendt Award, which “recognizes exemplary leadership
and service to the electrical industry,” according to NECA.
It’s
the highest award bestowed annually by ELECTRI International, the electrical
contracting industry’s research organization. [To see NECA’s release on the
award, go to http://tinyurl.com/yl2exp5.]
McCormick
Systems provides software used in estimating and project management for
electrical construction and automated building systems. The company and its
founder have been involved with ELECTRI International since 1992.
Over
the years, the company has contributed $350,000 in cash to the research
organization, including $100,000 in 2009. Additionally, McCormick Systems has,
according to Jack McCormick, provided “an in-kind investment of close to $900,000
by giving colleges and universities access to our software.”
Jack
McCormick was an electrical contractor (and member of NECA) in 1978, when he
founded the company that would eventually become McCormick Systems. One of the
first efforts made to promote the company’s products was to exhibit at the 1981
NECA Show in
After
receiving the award at NECA’s Seattle convention, Jack McCormick left
immediately to return to
About McCormick Systems
Privately
owned McCormick Systems (
More
information: www.mccormicksys.com or
800-444-4890.
*********************************
BICSI FALL CONFERENCE AND EXHIBITION SERVES 3,500 ITS PROFESSIONALS
Las
Vegas, Nev., September 24, 2009—BICSI, the association supporting the
information transport systems (ITS) industry with information, education and
knowledge assessment, closed its 2009 Fall Conference and Exhibition today. The
event marked the release of the Telecommunications Distribution Methods Manual
(TDMM), 12th edition, the Electronic Safety and Security Specialist Program. A
total of 34 individuals passed the design exams—including the Electronic Safety
and Security (ESS) credential by BICSI President, Edward J. Donelan, RCDD, ESS,
NTS, TLT.
“This
conference has been enlightening. The information I picked up on security
surveillance and building automation integration will be put to good use by me
in the near future,” said Ted Sievert, Allstate Insurance Co.,
More
than 30 educational and motivational sessions took place throughout the week.
Pre-Conference seminars were sold out and rooms were “standing room only” in
concurrent breakout sessions on Wednesday. The Exhibit Hall was bustling while
the thousands of attendees and visitors walked the hall.
“Despite
the economic downturn the BICSI Fall Conference in
The
conference closing activities included a panel presentation on the trends of
the ITS industry, moderated by
In
addition, the Closing Keynote Speaker was Rick Searfoss, one of less than 100
people who have ever commanded a human space mission. In his presentation,
Searfoss shared fundamental ideas for teamwork and success in business that
translated well from space to the work of information transport systems
professionals responsible for laying out the infrastructure for the future.
“The
Fall Conference concludes with a major opportunity,” said Donelan. “Never
before have we in the ITS industry been afforded an opportunity to engage with
IP convergence, integration and commissioning of technology-based IP systems.
Education, training and knowledge assessment is paramount to continued career
advancement. BICSI leads the way as the trusted resource in this regard. On a
personal note, my newly acquired ESS credential will help my company engage the
new business opportunity with confidence and a high degree of competence for
our new customer base.”
BICSI
is a professional association supporting the information transport 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.
About BICSI
Headquartered
in
For
more information, visit www.bicsi.org.
*********************************
NECA 2009 Seattle Delivers Results for Electrical Contractors
The
convention and trade show of the National Electrical Contractors Association
(NECA) wrapped up an event full of education, inspiration and innovation on
Sept. 15. More than 6,900 industry professionals took in the exposition,
technical workshops, management seminars and special guest speakers during the
three-day event.
“As
our industry shifts to meet new market conditions and customer demands, NECA
2009 Seattle provided a forum to discuss the impact these changes are having on
how we do business,” said NECA president Rex Ferry.
More
than 50 pre-convention and management workshops focused on workforce training,
smart tools for productivity, safety instruction, and new market development,
especially green energy solutions. Industry experts led sessions on the
building trends and technology shaping electrical construction today, including
energy
auditing and lean construction.
“I
learned a lot at the education sessions about what to expect in the coming
months and years, but what mattered the most to me at NECA 2009 Seattle was the
opportunity to meet other contractors,” said Marion A. Hayes, III, CEO, BRK
Electrical Contractors LLC, St. Louis. “It’s a chance to learn from individuals
from other areas, ask what strategies have worked for them, and maybe form a
business relationship.”
Hayes
also pointed out the business opportunities offered by the NECA Show,
the industry’s leading exposition, with over 240 exhibitors featuring products
and services specifically for electrical contractors. The Northwest Naval Band,
sponsored by Helmets to Hardhats, opened 2009
NECA Show with great fanfare on Sept. 12.
In
addition to the trade show and educational opportunities, NECA 2009 Seattle
also hosted NECA's student summit, finalist
presentations and winner announcement in the Green Energy Challenge, and
inspirational presentations by former Starbucks president and blind adventurer Erik
Weihenmayer.
Recaps
and photos from the event are posted on the NECA 2009
About NECA
NECA
is the voice of the $130 billion electrical construction industry that brings
power, light, and communication technology to buildings and communities across
the U.S. NECA’s national office and 119 local chapters advance the
industry through advocacy, education, research and standards development. For more
information, visit www.necanet.org.
*********************************
NAED Education & Research Foundation Kicks Off Annual Contribution Campaign
Industry Contributions Support the Foundation’s Professional Growth and
Development Mission
ST. LOUIS… The National Association of Electrical Distributors (NAED) Education
& Research Foundation announces the kick off of its 2009-2010 Annual
Contribution Campaign. The funds collected from the campaign are used to
develop the industry-specific training programs and education that NAED offers
its members. This year’s campaign runs through June 2010.
“The NAED Education & Research Foundation satisfies our industry’s needs in
two critical areas: one—training and development, and—two—fact-based research,”
said James Etheredge, chair of the NAED Education & Research Foundation.
“The Foundation’s mission is to further the professional growth and career
development of the thousands of people who work in the electrical industry.
Crescent Electric Supply Company and its associates are proud to support the
Foundation and its efforts to enhance and improve our industry.”
The Foundation works to help companies develop a knowledgeable and skilled
workforce through the delivery of convenient, effective, and targeted education
and training. This year’s goal for the campaign is $112,000, all of which would
be used for important program development. The NAED Learning Center has more
than 400 courses and activities available.
Some
of the most popular courses and research include:
The
Selling Green 101 Course Series
Achieving
Superior Service Every Time (ASSET)
Electrical
Products Education Course (EPEC)
Research
in Action Webinars, White Papers, and Interactive Tools
Going
Green Inside and Out Research Study
All donations to the NAED Education & Research Foundation go directly to
program development and are tax-deductible. Those who contribute to the
campaign receive a certificate, a listing in tED magazine, and ribbon
acknowledgment at all NAED regional conferences and the National Electrical
Leadership Summit.
To make a contribution, go to www.naed.org
and download an invoice that can be mailed into the foundation or you can make
a donation online by clicking on the Foundation/Annual
Campaign Link. For more information, please call the NAED Education &
Research Foundation at 888-791-2512.
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.
NAED Launches Latest Course in “Selling Green 101”
Series: “Building Sales Momentum in the Green Building Market.”
*********************************
Learn About Green Building Certification and How to Sell the Concept to Your Customers
ST. LOUIS… The National Association of Electrical Distributors (NAED) announces
the launch of the fourth course in the "Selling Green 101" series.
“Building Sales Momentum in the Green Building Market,” is now available at an
introductory price of just $29.95 per student.
"Building Sales Momentum in the Green Building Market" explains
exactly what a green building is and the wide range of electrical products and
systems those buildings require. This course also presents facts and strategies
sales associates can use to build an effective business case for customers in
the green building market.
“This course is a great way to make green building work for you,” said Michelle
McNamara, NAED vice president and executive director of the NAED Education and
Research Foundation. “Students will gain the knowledge necessary to make a
strong business case for investing in green building.”
In this course students will learn how
to:
Define
green building
Recognize
key components of green building certification programs, including Leadership
in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED)
List
products and services that developers, builders and owners of LEED buildings
need
Build
a case to encourage customers to invest in green building
Choose
strategies and tactics to strengthen your company’s presence in the green
building market
The training series—“Selling Green 101”—is based on research commissioned by
the NAED Channel Advantage Partnership. The research study, titled “Green Goes
Mainstream: How to Profit from Green Market Opportunities,” was conducted by
Yudelson Associates.
The series will consist of a total of seven, 20-30 minute courses that build on
this overview of green markets. It will present a more tactical perspective of
the research for inside and outside sales people to identify basic terms and
drivers of the green market, and learn selling tactics for appropriate
applications and technologies.
Following is the complete list of
“Selling Green 101” course titles:
Course
1: “What Does Green Mean?”
Course
2: “Your Easiest Green Sale: Lighting Retrofits and Upgrades”
Course
3: “Grow Your Business with Lighting and Building Controls”
Course
4: “Building Sales Momentum in the Green Building Market”
Course
5: “Increase Your Bottom Line with Renewable Energy”
Course
6: “New and Emerging Technologies”
Course
7: “Build a Compelling Case for Buying Green Electrical Products”
Courses one through four are currently available on the NAED Learning Center.
To order, purchase online at www.naed.org/estore
or contact NAED Customer Service at (888) 791-2512 or customerservice@naed.org.
For additional information, visit www.tedgreenroom.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 operates in approximately 4,400 locations internationally.
*********************************
NECA NEWS
NECA
Presents: A New Webinar on NFPA 70E Essentials
10/19/2009
Join
us! Tuesday, November 17 from 2-4PM EST
Nebraska
Electrical Industry Leaders Open New Windmill Training Facility
10/15/2009
The
federal stimulus legislation will send millions of dollars to Nebraska specifically
for "green job training," but the Nebraska Chapter, NECA, and Locals
22, 265, 231 and 1525 of the IBEW did not wait for those funds. Instead,
they received a grant that made history. To celebrate becoming the first wind
training facility in the state, the organizations hosted ribbon-cutting
ceremony for a wind powered training structure today.
New NECA
Women Peer Group Organizing
10/12/2009
Special
Offer on Leading Authorities LiveCast Series
10/08/2009
NECA
has joined with Leading
Authorities to bring four LiveCast web presentations by highly-regarded
business thinkers and authors – free of charge for NECA members.
10/05/2009
The
review cycle for NFPA 70E Standard for Electrical Safety in the Workplace has
begun, and NECA members interested in submitting proposals are invited to send
in their ideas today.
Factors
Critical To NECA's Support Or Opposition Of Health Care Legislation
10/03/2009
The
Senate Finance Committee aims to vote on its version of health care reform
legislation during the week of October 5, and if that bill is approved in
committee, the full Senate may consider the legislation (or a version thereof)
before mid-October. Our Government Affairs Committee has gained the Executive
Committee’s endorsement for a list of factors regarding our association’s
support or opposition to health care legislation when it is brought to the
House or Senate floor.
ELECTRI
International Launches Partners for Progress Campaign
09/30/2009
ELECTRI
International has an ambitious new fundraising initiative called Partners for
Progress. Milwaukee Electric Tool Corp. is the first new member of the ELECTRI
Council under the program.
Welcoming
New NECA Student Chapter At Cal Poly
09/26/2009
A
new NECA Student Chapter has been established within the Construction
Management Department at the California Polytechnic State University in San
Luis Obispo, California. There are now 18 such organizations operating at
universities across the country.
New NECA
International Chapter Established In Bermuda
09/26/2009
With
the addition of the Bermuda Electrical Contractors Association into our
organization, there are now 13 NECA International Chapters.
NECA
Welcomes Sponsor Federated Insurance Company As Official Partner
09/25/2009
Federated
Insurance Company has made a long-term commitment to NECA and our members by
joining NECA's sponsorship program at the Official Partner level. Next week,
all NECA members will receive a letter from our CEO John Grau to introduce this
outstanding company.www.federatedinsurance.com
Finding the
Right LEED AP Certification for ECs
09/23/2009
New
Energy Solutions Blog Now Live -
NECA 2009
Seattle Delivers Results for Electrical Contractors
09/21/2009
More
than 6,900 industry professionals at NECA 2009 Seattle took part in the
exposition, technical workshops, management seminars and special guest speakers
during the three-day event.
Highest
Ranking Woman In IBEW Elected AFL-CIO Secretary-Treasurer
09/20/2009
A
number of items of interest occurred at the 2009 AFL-CIO Convention, including
the election of Liz Schuler to the second highest position on the AFL-CIO
Executive Council. She’s now the secretary-treasurer of the labor federation
after serving as the executive assistant to IBEW International President Edwin
D. Hill for the past decade.
IBEW-NECA
Employee Benefits Conference, January 28-29 In Naples, Florida
09/20/2009
This
article provides registration links for the IBEW-NECA Employee Benefits
Conference which will be held January 28-29 at the Naples Beach Hotel and Golf
Club in Naples, Florida. The deadline for registering for the conference and
booking hotel space before the room block is lifted is January 13, 2010.
09/17/2009
Everyone
at the airport yesterday seemed to be a face I recognized from the past four
days at NECA 2009 Seattle. We were all sporting bags from NECA Show exhibitors
(ELECTRICAL CONTRACTOR’s
bag seemed to be the most popular), and we all looked pretty tired, but happy.
University
of Washington Wins First Green Energy Challenge
09/16/2009
Following
presentations from the three
Green Energy Challenge finalist teams yesterday, the
entry from the NECA student chapter at the University of Washington was
selected as the winner. The results were announced at the NECA Student
Chapter Summit today.
Nine New
Fellows Inducted into Academy of Electrical Contracting
09/14/2009
The
2009 induction ceremony of new Fellows into the Academy of Electrical
Contracting at the Opening General Session marks the 41th anniversary of
this exceptional organization.
*********************************
NEMA Publishes VE 1-2009 Metal Cable Tray Systems
ROSSLYN,
Va., October 8, 2009—The National Electrical Manufacturers Association (NEMA)
has published VE 1-2009 Metal Cable Tray Systems. The standard is also
published by the Canadian Standards Association as CSA C22.2 No. 126.1-09.
NEMA
VE 1-2009/CSA C22.2 No. 126.1-09 is the third edition of the common NEMA and
CSA specification for metal cable tray systems for use in North America,
providing technical requirements concerning the construction, testing, and
performance of metal cable tray systems. It supersedes the second edition,
published in 2002.
Revisions
include changes to the fill depth section and requirements for load testing for
wire mesh. The load class designation table was also split into separate tables
for the U.S. and Canada.
“VE
1/CSA 22.2 No. 126.1 is a helpful resource to a variety of audiences, including
personnel at warehouses, data centers, paper mills, oil refineries, and
manufacturing plants,” said Bob Slaga, chair of the Cable Tray Technical
Committee and member of the Cable Tray Section. “Through this revision, NEMA’s
Cable Tray Section hopes to continue to promote safety of persons and property
by the proper selection and use of metal cable tray systems.”
The
contents and scope of VE 1-2009 may be viewed, or a hardcopy or electronic copy
purchased for $64, by visiting http://www.nema.org/stds/ve1.cfm,
or by contacting IHS at 800-854-7179 (within the U.S.), 303-397-7956
(international), 303-397-2740 (fax), or global.ihs.com.
NEMA
is the association of electrical and medical imaging equipment manufacturers. Founded
in 1926 and headquartered near Washington, D.C., its approximately 450 member
companies manufacture products used in the generation, transmission and
distribution, control, and end use of electricity. These products are used in
utility, industrial, commercial, institutional, and residential applications.
The association’s Medical Imaging & Technology Alliance (MITA) Division
represents manufacturers of cutting-edge medical diagnostic imaging equipment
including MRI, CT, x-ray, and ultrasound products. Worldwide sales of
NEMA-scope products exceed $120 billion. In addition to its headquarters in
Rosslyn, Virginia, NEMA also has offices in Beijing and Mexico City.
NEMA.
Setting Standards for Excellence
Visit
our website at www.nema.org
*********************************
BICSI MEMBERS ELECT NEW OFFICERS
Tampa,
Fla., October 8, 2009—BICSI members have chosen five board members to serve
two-year terms on the Board of Directors in voting that ended September 30.
President-Elect: Jerry L.
Bowman,
RCDD, NTS, CISSP, CPP, TPM
Treasurer:
U.S.
Northeast Region Director: Brian S. Ensign, RCDD, NTS, OSP, CSI (incumbent)
U.S.
North-Central Region Director: Chris Scharrer, RCDD, NTS, OSP, WD
European
Region Director: Rita Recalcati
Jerry Bowman, RCDD, NTS, CISSP, CPP,
TPM, has been a BICSI member since 1997. Bowman is currently serving his second
term on the BICSI Board of Directors as the U.S. North-Central Region Director
and is the Chair of the BICSI NxtGEN Committee. Bowman plans to spend his next
four years on the Board advancing BICSI into a new era of convergence and
globalization by focusing on members’ needs, technological advances and the ITS
market evolution. Bowman is currently Senior Vice President of Global Services
for Beacon Solutions in Cincinnati, Ohio.
Brian S. Ensign, RCDD, NTS, OSP, CSI, has
been a BICSI member since 1996 and is the incumbent U.S. Northeast Region
Director. During his second-term as Northeast Region Director, Ensign will
focus on enhancing region meetings, driving membership and supporting BICSI
programs. Ensign currently serves as the Director of Training and Technology at
Legrand North America, and he is based out of York, Pa.
Chris Scharrer, RCDD, NTS, OSP, WD, has
been a BICSI member since 1993. He has been a Subject Matter Expert Team Leader
on the Technical Information and Methods Committee since 2004 and chaired the
Network Design Reference Manual subcommittee for the 6th edition and currently
working on the 7th edition. Scharrer will focus on developing new programs that
serve the needs of our membership while working to redefine or retire outdated
ones. Scharrer is currently an independent consultant at DCS Technology Design,
LLC in Chelsea, Mich.
Rita Recalcati has been a BICSI member
since 2003. She currently serves as at the Country Chair for Italy and has previously
held the position of Interim European Region Director. Recalcati will work in
the European Region to expand BICSI’s presence outside of the U.S. Recalcati
works for Anixter as the Program Marketing Manager EMEA for mainly fiber
optical programs.
“The
BICSI nominating committee is pleased to see the results of the election and
especially encouraged to see the increase in membership voting participation,”
stated
The new officers will
officially be inaugurated in January 2010 during the BICSI Winter Conference
& Exhibition at the Rosen Shingle Creek Resort in Orlando, Fla.
About BICSI
BICSI
is a professional association supporting the information transport systems
(ITS) industry. ITS covers the spectrum of voice, data, electronic safety &
security, and audio & video technologies.
*********************************
New LineGuard™ Surge Suppressors Protect Vulnerable Data Lines
Key
application is security cameras, DVRs, and other IP-based equipment
Dallas,
TX – November 4, 2009 – Para Systems, Inc., a leading provider of comprehensive
power protection solutions, today announced the release of a new line of data
line surge suppressors designed to protect equipment from being damaged by
electrical surges or spikes. The new
Minuteman LineGuard™ products are intended to protect analog and digital
surveillance cameras, DVRs, plus other network peripherals, including devices
using Power Over Ethernet (POE).
Minuteman’s
LineGuard products incorporate solid-state surge protection technology with a
response time of two to five nanoseconds, clamping the surge to ground and
automatically resetting itself after a low-voltage surge occurs. If a catastrophic surge such as lightning
does hit a data line, the LineGuard product provides fail-safe protection,
sometimes sacrificing itself to prevent damage to the more expensive devices it
was designed to defend.
Electrical
transients can cause equipment to malfunction and can even have a catastrophic
effect, inflicting severe damage to expensive devices, some of which may be
mission critical. These electrical
disturbances can enter into a network system through data lines that create a
“back door” entrance to equipment.
Normally, these electrical lines transmit data via very low voltage
signals between devices, and by their very nature, data cables can have a
direct route into equipment when higher voltage transients find their way onto
data lines. Such damaging transients
include electrostatic discharge, electromagnetic interference, and the most
devastating of them all, lightning. When
damage to expensive equipment does occur from these types of anomalies, it is
not covered under a manufacturer’s warranty.
“Our
new LineGuard series represents an excellent value, with all units priced at
$119 or less,” stated Bill Allen, director of marketing for Para Systems. “When someone purchases expensive security
cameras, DVRs or other networking equipment and does not protect them from
potential damage, these mission critical devices are obviously at high risk. When you compare the cost of downtime and equipment
replacement expenses, these surge suppressors are an excellent investment.”
In
most applications, it is recommended that both ends of the data line be
protected with a LineGuard device to insure maximum defense against potentially
damaging surges. The seven LineGuard
models include protection for PTZ cameras (using BNC connectors or UTP terminal
blocks), analog cameras (using UTP to BNC connectors with built-in balun), CAT5
LAN (RJ-45 connectors), CAT5 Power Over Ethernet (RJ-45 connectors), CAT6 LAN
(punch-down block connectors), and CAT6 Power Over Ethernet (punch-down block
connectors).
Minuteman’s
LineGuard products are UL listed and designed for fast, simple
installation. All models are covered
under Minuteman’s limited lifetime warranty, along with a $10,000 attached
equipment protection plan. Further
information can be found at www.minutemanups.com/LineGuard,
and all LineGuard products are currently available for purchase through Minuteman’s
distribution and reseller network.
About Para Systems, Inc.
Para
Systems, Inc., based in Carrollton, TX, is a leading provider of power
technologies. The company’s Minuteman
brand of comprehensive power protection solutions range from small to large-scale
uninterruptible power supply (UPS) products to a full line of unique surge
suppressors, power distribution units, and remote power management
systems. Minuteman products protect
telephone/VOIP systems, personal computers, network servers and infrastructure
peripherals, security systems, and industrial applications. The Minuteman brand
of products is sold through a large network of distributors and resellers. Para Systems is a wholly owned subsidiary of
Components Corporation of America, headquartered in Dallas, TX, whose roots
date back to 1916. For more information, visit www.minutemanups.com.
*********************************
Telecommunications Industry Association (TIA) Salutes 2009 Nobel Prize Winner Charles K. Kao for His Groundbreaking Work in Fiber Optics
Communications
TIA
Congratulates Kao, Along with Physics Award Co-Winners Willard S. Boyle and
George E. Smith of Bell Labs, Inventors of the Imaging Semiconductor Circuit
Washington,
D.C. – The Telecommunications Industry Association (TIA) salutes Nobel Prize
winner Charles K. Kao on his award "for groundbreaking achievements
concerning the transmission of light in fibers for optical communication."
The
Royal Swedish Academy of Sciences gave half of the 2009 Nobel Prize for Physics
to Kao of the United Kingdom's Standard Telecommunication Laboratories and
Chinese University of Hong Kong.
The
Academy awarded the other half of this year's prize to two more "Masters
of Light," Willard S. Boyle and George E. Smith of Bell Laboratories, for
the invention of an imaging semiconductor circuit – the CCD (Charge-Coupled
Device) sensor."
The
2009 Nobel Prize winners' scientific achievements "helped to shape the
foundations of today's networked societies," said the Academy. "They
have created many practical innovations for everyday life and provided new
tools for scientific exploration."
"TIA
wishes to acknowledge the outstanding achievements of the scientists who won
awards this year," said TIA President Grant Seiffert. "Their
achievements changed the world, enabling the global communications of today and
tomorrow, and highlight the need for continued basic and applied research and
development to continue their work. TIA extends its congratulations and deepest
appreciation for their lifetime contributions."
In
1966, Kao made a discovery that led to a breakthrough in fiber optics. He
carefully calculated how to transmit light over long distances via optical
glass fibers. With a fiber of purest glass it would be possible to transmit
light signals over 100 kilometers, compared to only 20 meters for the fibers
available in the 1960s. Kao's enthusiasm inspired other researchers to share
his vision of the future potential of fiber optics. The first ultrapure fiber
was successfully fabricated just four years later, in 1970.
Today,
optical fibers make up a huge part of the circulatory system that nourishes our
communication society, facilitating global broadband communication such as the
Internet. Light flows in thin threads of glass, and it carries almost all of
the telephony and data traffic in each and every direction. Text, music, images
and video can be transferred around the globe in a split second.
If
we were to unravel all of the glass fibers that wind around the globe, we would
get a single thread over one billion kilometers long – enough to encircle the
globe more than 25,000 times – and is increasing by thousands of kilometers
every hour.
In
1969, Boyle and Smith invented the first successful imaging technology using a
digital sensor, a Charge-Coupled Device. The CCD is the digital camera's
electronic eye. It revolutionized photography, as light could now be captured
electronically instead of on film. The digital form facilitates the processing
and distribution of these images. CCD technology is also used in many medical
applications such as imaging the inside of the human body, both for diagnostics
and for microsurgery, and has become an irreplaceable tool in many fields of
research.
Sign
up for RSS
feeds on TIA news.
About TIA
The
Telecommunications Industry Association (TIA) represents the global information
and communications technology (ICT) industry through standards development,
advocacy, tradeshows, business opportunities, market intelligence and
world-wide environmental regulatory analysis. With roots dating back to 1924,
TIA enhances the business environment for broadband, mobile wireless,
information technology, networks, cable, satellite and unified communications.
Members' products and services empower communications in every industry and
market, including healthcare, education, security, public safety,
transportation, government, the military, the environment and entertainment.
TIA co-owns the SUPERCOMM®
tradeshow
and is accredited by the American
National Standards Institute (ANSI). Visit tiaonline.org.
TIA's Board of Directors includes senior-level
executives from ACS, ADC, ADTRAN, Alcatel-Lucent, ANDA Networks, AttivaCorp,
Avaya, Bechtel Communications, Inc., Cisco Systems, Corning Incorporated,
Ericsson, Inc., GENBAND, Inc., Graybar, Henkels & McCoy, ILS Technology,
Intel Corporation, Intersect, Inc., LGE, Microsoft, Motorola, Nokia Siemens
Networks, Nortel, Openwave, Inc., Panasonic Computer Solutions Co., Powerwave
Technologies, Qualcomm, Research In Motion, Sumitomo Electric Lightwave Corporation,
Tellabs, Tyco Electronics, Ulticom, Inc., and Verari Systems. Advisors to the
Board include FAL Associates, Orca Systems and Telcordia Technologies.
*********************************
October 29, 1929 - 2009 = Big Difference
October
29, 1929 - Black Tuesday
Also
Known As: The Great Wall Street Crash of 1929;
Historical
Importance: The Stock Market Crash of 1929 devastated the economy and was a key
factor in beginning the Great Depression.
Overview of the Stock
Market Crash of 1929:
The
end of World War I heralded a new era in the United States. It was an era of
enthusiasm, confidence, and optimism. A time when inventions such as the
airplane and radio made anything seem possible. A time when 19th century morals
were set aside and flappers became the model of the new woman. A time when
Prohibition renewed confidence in the productivity of the common man. It is in
such times of optimism that people take their savings out from under their
mattresses and out of banks and invest it. In the 1920s, many invested in the
stock market.
The Stock Market Boom
Although
the stock market has the reputation of being a risky investment, it did not
appear that way in the 1920s. With the mood of the country exuberant, the stock
market seemed an infallible investment in the future.
As
more people invested in the stock market, stock prices began to rise. This was
first noticeable in 1925. Stock prices then bobbed up and down throughout 1925
and 1926, followed by a strong upward trend in 1927. The strong bull market
(when prices are rising in the stock market) enticed even more people to
invest. And by 1928, a stock market boom had begun.
The
stock market boom changed the way investors viewed the stock market. No longer
was the stock market for long-term investment. Rather, in 1928, the stock
market had become a place where everyday people truly believed that they could
become rich. Interest in the stock market reached a fevered pitch. Stocks had
become the talk of every town. Discussions about stocks could be heard
everywhere, from parties to barber shops. As newspapers reported stories of
ordinary people - like chauffeurs, maids, and teachers - making millions off
the stock market, the fervor to buy stocks grew exponentially.
Although
an increasing number of people wanted to buy stocks, not everyone had the money
to do so.
Buying on Margin
When
someone did not have the money to pay the full price of stocks, they could buy
stocks "on margin." Buying stocks on margin means that the buyer
would put down some of his own money, but the rest he would borrow from a
broker. In the 1920s, the buyer only had to put down 10 to 20 percent of his
own money and thus borrowed 80 to 90 percent of the cost of the stock.
Buying
on margin could be very risky. If the price of stock fell lower than the loan
amount, the broker would likely issue a "margin call," which means
that the buyer must come up with the cash to pay back his loan immediately.
In
the 1920s, many speculators (people who hoped to make a lot of money on the
stock market) bought stocks on margin. Confident in what seemed a never-ending
rise in prices, many of these speculators neglected to seriously consider the
risk they were taking.
Signs of Trouble
By
early 1929, people across the United States were scrambling to get into the
stock market. The profits seemed so assured that even many companies placed
money in the stock market. And even more problematically, some banks placed
customers' money in the stock market (without their knowledge). With the stock
market prices upward bound, everything seemed wonderful. When the great crash
hit in October, these people were taken by surprise. However, there had been
warning signs.
On
March 25, 1929, the stock market suffered a mini-crash. It was a prelude of
what was to come. As prices began to drop, panic struck across the country as
margin calls were issued. When banker Charles Mitchell made an announcement
that his bank would keep lending, his reassurance stopped the panic. Although
Mitchell and others tried the tactic of reassurance again in October, it did
not stop the big crash.
By
the spring of 1929, there were additional signs that the economy might be
headed for a serious setback. Steel production went down; house construction
slowed; and car sales waned.
At
this time, there were also a few reputable people warning of an impending,
major crash; however, as month after month went by without one, those that
advised caution were labeled pessimists and ignored.
Summer Boom
Both
the mini-crash and the naysayers were nearly forgotten when the market surged
ahead during the summer of 1929. From June through August, stock market prices
reached their highest levels to date. To many, the continual increase of stocks
seemed inevitable. When economist Irving Fisher stated, "Stock prices have
reached what looks like a permanently high plateau," he was stating what
many speculators wanted to believe.
On
September 3, 1929, the stock market reached its peak with the Dow Jones
Industrial Average closing at 381.17. Two days later, the market started
dropping. At first, there was no massive drop. Stock prices fluctuated
throughout September and into October until the massive drop on Black Thursday.
Black Thursday - October
24, 1929
On
the morning of Thursday, October 24, 1929, stock prices plummeted. Vast numbers
of people were selling their stocks. Margin calls were sent out. People across
the country watched the ticker as the numbers it spit out spelled their doom.
The ticker was so overwhelmed that it quickly fell behind. A crowd gathered
outside of the New York Stock Exchange on Wall Street, stunned at the downturn.
Rumors circulated of people committing suicide.
To
the great relief of many, the panic subsided in the afternoon. When a group of
bankers pooled their money and invested a large sum back into the stock market,
their willingness to invest their own money in the stock market convinced
others to stop selling.
The
morning had been shocking, but the recovery was amazing. By the end of the day,
many people were again buying stocks at what they thought were bargain prices.
On
"Black Thursday," 12.9 million shares were sold - double the previous
record.
Four
days later, the stock market fell again.
Black Monday - October 28,
1929
Although
the market had closed on an upswing on Black Thursday, the low numbers of the
ticker that day had shocked many speculators. Hoping to get out of the stock
market before they lost everything (as they thought they had on Thursday
morning), they decided to sell.
This
time, as the stock prices plummeted, no one came in to save it.
Black Tuesday - October 29,
1929
October
29, 1929, "Black Tuesday," is known as the worst day in stock market
history. There were so many orders to sell that the ticker quickly fell behind.
(By the end of close, it had lagged to 2 1/2 hours behind.) People were in a
panic; they couldn't get rid of their stocks fast enough. Since everyone was
selling and nearly no one was buying, stock prices collapsed.
Rather
than the bankers rallying investors by buying more stocks, rumors circulated
that they were selling. Panic hit the country. Over 16.4 million shares of
stock were sold - a new record.
The Drop Continues
Not
sure how to stem the panic, the decision was made to close the stock market on
Friday, November 1 for few days. When it reopened on Monday, November 4 for
limited hours, stocks dropped again. The slump continued until November 23,
1929, when prices seemed to stabilize. However, this was not the end. Over the
next two years, the stock market continued to drop. It reached its low point on
July 8, 1932 when the Dow Jones Industrial Average closed at 41.22.
Aftermath
To
say that the Stock Market Crash of 1929 devastated the economy is an
understatement. Although reports of mass suicides in the aftermath of the crash
were most likely exaggerations, many people lost their entire savings. Numerous
companies were ruined. Faith in banks was destroyed.
The
Stock Market Crash of 1929 occurred at the beginning of the Great Depression.
Whether it was a symptom of the impending depression or a direct cause of it is
still hotly debated.
Historians,
economists, and others continue to study the Stock Market Crash of 1929 in the
hopes of discovering the secret to what started the boom and what instigated
the panic. As of yet, there has been little agreement as to the causes. In the
years after the crash, regulations covering buying stocks on margin and the
roles of banks have added protections in the hopes that another severe crash
could never happen again.
Anyone
who bought stocks in mid-1929 and held onto them saw most of his or her adult
life pass by before getting back to even
EIGHTY YEARS
LATER…
Economy
Grows By Most In 2 Years
WASHINGTON
DC -- The U.S. economy grew at a 3.5 percent pace in the third quarter, the
best showing in two years, fueled by government-supported spending on cars and
homes. It's the strongest signal yet that the economy has entered a new, though
fragile, phase of recovery and that the worst recession since the 1930s has
ended.
Going
forward, many analysts expect the pace of the budding recovery to be plodding
due to rising unemployment and continuing difficulties by both consumers and
businesses to secure loans.
"This
welcome milestone is just another step, and we still have a long road to travel
until the economy is fully recovered," said Christina Romer, President
Barack Obama's chief economist. "It will take sustained, robust ... growth
to bring the unemployment rate down substantially. Such a decline in unemployment
is, of course, what we are all working to achieve."
The
much-awaited turnaround reported Thursday by the Commerce Department ended the
streak of four straight quarters of contracting economic activity, the first
time that's happened on records dating to 1947.
It
also marked the first increase since the spring of 2008, when the economy
experienced a short-lived uptick in growth.
The
third-quarter's performance -- the strongest since right before the country
fell into recession in December 2007 -- was slightly better than the 3.3
percent growth rate economists expected.
Armed
with cash from government support programs, consumers led the rebound in the
third quarter, snapping up cars and homes.
Consumer
spending on big-ticket manufactured goods soared at an annualized rate of 22.3
percent in the third quarter, the most since the end of 2001. The jump largely
reflected car purchases spurred by the government's "Cash for
Clunkers" program that offered a rebate of up to $4,500 to buy new cars and
trade in old gas guzzlers.
The
housing market also turned a corner in the summer. Spending on housing projects
jumped at an annualized pace of 23.4 percent, the largest jump since 1986. It
was the first time since the end of 2005 that spending on housing was positive.
Purchases of home furnishings and appliances also added to economic growth.
The
government's $8,000 tax credit for first-time home buyers supported the housing
rebound. Congress is considering extending the credit, which expires on Nov.
30.
The
collapse of the housing market led the country into the recession. Rotten
mortgage securities spiraled into a banking crisis. Home foreclosures surged.
The sector's return to good health is a crucial ingredient to a sustained
economic recovery.
A
top concern is whether the recovery can continue after government supports are
gone.
Many
economists predict economic activity won't grow as much in the months ahead as
the bracing impact of Obama's $787 billion package of increased government
spending and tax cuts fades.
The
National Association for Business Economics thinks growth will slow to a 2.4
percent pace in the current October-December quarter. It expects a 2.5 percent
growth rate in the first three months of next year, although other economists
believe the pace will be closer to 1 percent.
Romer,
in remarks last week said the government's stimulus spending already had its
biggest impact and probably won't contribute to significant growth next year.
Brisk
spending by the federal government played into the third-quarter turnaround.
Federal government spending rose at a rate of 7.9 percent in the third quarter,
on top of a 11.4 percent growth rate in the second quarter.
In
other encouraging developments, businesses boosted spending on equipment and
software at a 1.1 percent pace in the third quarter, the first increase in
nearly two years.
Third-quarter
activity also was helped by increased sales of U.S.-made goods to customers
overseas, as economies in Asia, Europe and elsewhere improved. The cheaper
dollar is aiding U.S. exporters, making their goods less expensive to foreign
buyers. Exports of U.S. goods soared at an annualized rate of 21.4 percent in
the third quarter, the most since the final quarter of 1996.
Businesses,
meanwhile, reduced their stockpiles of goods less in the third quarter, after
slashing them at a record pace in the second quarter. With inventories at
rock-bottom levels, even the smallest increase in demand probably will prompt
factories to boost production. This restocking of depleted inventories is
expected to help sustain the recovery in the coming months, economists said.
Even
with the third-quarter improvement, the economy isn't out of the woods yet.
Federal
Reserve Chairman Ben Bernanke and members of Obama's economics team have warned
that the nascent recovery won't be robust enough to prevent the unemployment
rate -- now at a 26-year high of 9.8 percent -- from rising into next year.
Economists
say the jobless rate probably nudged up to 9.9 percent in October and will go
as high as 10.5 percent around the middle of next year before declining
gradually. The government is scheduled to release the October jobless rate
report next week.
The
Labor Department said Thursday that newly laid-off workers seeking unemployment
insurance fell by 1,000 to a seasonally-adjusted 530,000. Analysts expected a
drop to 521,000.
The
number of people continuing to claim benefits, fell by 148,000 to 5.8 million,
steeper than analysts expected. Those figures lag initial claims by a week.
With
joblessness growing and wages dipping slightly in the third quarter, consumers
are expected to turn more restrained in the months ahead. That would put a much
heavier burden on America's businesses to keep the recovery going.
"We're
beginning to crawl out a very deep hole," said economist Ken Mayland,
president of ClearView Economics. "It will take time to get back to normal
again and there are questions about how consumers will hold up in the months
ahead. But I think the recovery will be sustained."
To
foster the recovery, the Fed is expected to keep a key bank lending rate at
record low near zero when it meets next week and probably will hold it there
into next year.
With
the economy on the mend, the Fed has slowed down some key emergency support
programs but doesn't want to pull the plug until the recovery is on firm
footing.
Even
if the economy climbs back into positive territory in the third quarter, it
will be up to another group to declare the recession over. The National Bureau
of Economic Research, a panel of academics, is in charge of dating the
beginning and ends of recessions. It usually makes it determinations well after
the fact.
*********************************
Austin, TX Is to Be the #1 Recognized Good City In America
On
August 18th, Austin Mayor Lee Leffingwell, held a press conference with a
declaration that Austin is to be the #1 RecognizeGood City in
America. This is a challenge to be shared with all the communities
in the U.S. The mayor’s press conference and its related iWitness
Goodness Contest provided an end result of some outstanding videos, pictures,
and stories about individuals, acts of kindness, charity and good deeds.
These can all be viewed on www.RecognizeGood.org,
featured in three categories, “Hall of Fame”, “Featured Goodies” and “Recent
Recognitions”.
Recognizing
individual acts of kindness, charity or in general good deeds have no
geographical boundaries. Recognizing Good is Everyone’s Responsibility.
There
is no cost to recognize individuals via the RecognizeGood website in any
community across the United States and beyond our borders as well. The
daily act of looking for good deeds will change your attitude and outlook on
business and life in general. Sharing these recognitions of good will
create a greater public awareness of the heart and positive attitude of our
communities and country.
*********************************
Siemon® Announces Ultra High-Density 48-Port, 1U Category 6A Patch Panels for Z-MAX™ 6A Shielded and Unshielded Cabling Systems
Space-saving
48-port 1U patch panels meet or exceed all 10GBASE-T and category 6A/class EA
performance requirements, including alien crosstalk.
October
14, 2009, Watertown, CT – Leading network cabling expert Siemon is proud to
announce the 48-port, 1U version of their innovative Z-MAX™ 6A modular patch
panel. Available in both category 6A/class EA shielded and unshielded options,
the Z-MAX 6A modular panels combine robust 10Gb/s performance with ultra-high
density patching. This combination
provides users additional flexibility to deploy high-performance, category
6A/class EA cabling infrastructures within strict space limitations while
saving valuable rack and cabinet space in the data center or telecommunications
room.
The
Z-MAX 6A panel outlet is central to the patch panel’s performance in
high-density applications. The outlets feature exclusive diagonally-oriented
insulation displacement connector (IDC) contact technology that maximizes
distance between contacts within side-stacked outlets compared with traditional
rectangular contact layouts. Maximizing pair-to-pair separation between
adjacent outlets enhances noise resistance in both Z-MAX 6A shielded and unshielded
systems and minimizes alien crosstalk even in the most dense category 6A/class
EA patching environments.
The
Siemon’s Z-MAX 6A patch panels also feature a unique modular Quick-Snap panel
design, which allows Z-MAX 6A panel outlets to be quickly snapped into place or
removed to speed initial deployment and subsequent moves, adds and
changes. Designed specifically for the
Z-MAX panels, Z-MAX 6A panel outlets utilize the same best-in-class termination
process as Z-MAX hybrid outlets. Using the simple, patent-pending Z-TOOL™, both
shielded and unshielded Z-MAX 6A panel outlets can be terminated in as little
as 60 seconds from start to finish, including cable preparation and can then be
easily snapped into the panel.
The
Z-MAX 6A panels’ Quick Snap design makes them ideal for use with Siemon’s Z-MAX
6A pre-terminated trunking cable assemblies.
Equipped with Z-MAX 6A panel outlets, Siemon trunks are configured
specifically to the customer need, allowing permanent links in high density
environments like data centers to be quickly deployed to minimize installation
time. This exact-fit approach, combined with the Z-MAX Quick Snap panel design,
significantly reduces installation time - up to 75% compared to individually
field-terminated channels. By
consolidating multiple cabling channels, Siemon trunks also improve cable
management and pathway space utilization in raised floor or overhead cable tray
as well as facilitating efficient moves, adds and changes.
These
durable panels are constructed of lightweight, high strength steel with
industrial black finish, scratch/fade resistant port marking and user-friendly
integrated cable management. Port
identification is enhanced through the Z-MAX panel’s innovative high visibility
magnifying labeling system.
Z-MAX
6A shielded panels feature Siemon’s integrated Quick Ground™ technology, which
automatically grounds Z-MAX 6A shielded modules to the panel upon insertion,
eliminating additional outlet grounding steps.
Both Z-MAX 6A shielded and unshielded panels are available as complete
kits including patch panel, Z-MAX panel outlets and all necessary accessories.
Empty panels are also available for use with Z-MAX pre-terminated trunking
cable assemblies.
Siemon’s
Z-MAX 6A line includes complete end-to-end category 6A/class EA systems in both
shielded and unshielded configurations.
The full Z-MAX 6A channel consists of Z-MAX 6A outlets Siemon category
6A cable and Z-MAX 6A patch panels, as well as Smart-Plug-equipped Z-MAX 6A
patch cords, which feature an exclusive design integrating a precisely tuned
printed circuit board (PCB) into every plug for enhanced signal and
unparalleled end-to-end system performance.
Z-MAX
6A systems are supported by multiple work area faceplates and surface mount
options in addition to a full suite of Siemon data center cabinet, rack and
cable management products.
About Siemon
Established
in 1903, Siemon 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 fiber
cabling systems available. With over 400 active 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.
*********************************
Snake Tray Introduces the new Independent Overhead Supporting System for Mega Snake® Cable Tray
Snake
Tray is proud to announce the new overhead self-supporting system for Mega
Snake to be used when overhead installations to the ceiling are
prohibitive. This easy to install system
allows for cabinets and other hardware to be installed underneath the free
standing Mega Snake cable path. The system is adaptable and reusable to
accommodate changes.
Mega
Snake® is a high capacity pre-manufactured cable tray system with a patented
integrated accessory mounting rail offering a complete cable management and
power distribution solution in one fast installing system.
For
further information on Snake TrayÒ products please call
800-308-6788, email info@snaketray.com,
or visit www.snaketray.com.
*********************************
TEKNOR APEX APPOINTS TWO CANADIAN SALES REPRESENTATIVES fOR VINYL, NYLON, aND SPECIALTY COMPOUNDS
PAWTUCKET,
RI, U.S.A., October 20, 2009: Teknor Apex Company has expanded its
representation in Canada through the appointment of two specialists in plastics
raw material sales to be in charge of the company’s vinyl, nylon, and specialty
compound product lines.
●
Domenic Marando, who joined the Vinyl Division of Teknor Apex in 2003 as a
sales engineer, has been promoted to sales representative for the Chem Polymer,
Teknor Specialty Compounding, and Vinyl Divisions. He will be in charge of
sales in Ontario, central and western Canada, upstate New York, and northwestern
Pennsylvania.
Marando
is based in Richmond Hill, Ontario. Prior to joining Teknor Apex, he held
sales, marketing, and technical positions during 14 years with acrylic resin
and sheet producer CYRO Canada, Inc. He holds a diploma in chemical engineering,
with a major in polymer technology, from Ryerson Polytechnic University in
Toronto.
●
Gerard Cousineau has been appointed sales representative for the same three
divisions in Quebec and the Atlantic Provinces.
Cousineau
is based in Candiac, Quebec. He brings 24 years of plastics experience,
including sales positions with the resin distributors PolyOne / Resin Direct
and GE Polymerland and technical sales and development positions with Hoechst
Celanese, GE Plastics, and Shell Canada. He holds a bachelors degree in
chemical engineering from the École Polytechnique de Montréal and a bachelors
degree in Chemistry from Montreal University. Cousineau speaks French and
English.
Chem
Polymer produces reinforced and specially modified compounds of nylon 6, 6/6,
6/10, and 6/12 under the Chemlon® brand. Teknor Specialty Compounding is a
diversified toll and custom manufacturer of thermoplastic compounds, including
polyolefin compounds and additive masterbatches and blends. The Vinyl Division
manufactures flexible and specialty rigid compounds for automotive, medical,
wire and cable, and a wide range of other consumer and industrial applications.
About TEKNOR APEX COMPANY
A
privately held firm founded in 1924, TEKNOR APEX COMPANY is an international
polymer technology company and one of the world’s leading custom compounders of
plastics. For U.S. markets, the company also manufactures chemicals such as
plasticizers and the nationally branded consumer product, Apex® garden hose.
Teknor Apex is headquartered in Pawtucket, RI, U.S.A., operates manufacturing
facilities around the world, and sells in 90 countries. Six of the eight Teknor
Apex business units focus on plastics compounding, including bioplastics; color
concentrates; nylon, PET, and other engineering thermoplastics; thermoplastic
elastomers; toll and specialty compounds; and vinyl. The company’s operations
in the U.S. serve customers throughout the Americas. Subsidiaries in China,
Singapore, and the United Kingdom serve customers in Asia, Africa, the Mideast,
and Europe. Visit www.teknorapex.com.
*********************************
The Countdown to Greenbuild Begins: World’s Largest Green Building Conference & Expo Coming to Phoenix
Washington,
D.C. – (November 4, 2009) – The U.S. Green Building Council hosts the world’s
largest green building conference and expo, Greenbuild, coming to Phoenix,
Ariz., Nov 11-13, 2009. Greenbuild will connect the green building
community to the education, innovative ideas, resources and opportunities
needed to help grow their career and the industry at large. Join the more than
20,000 pre-registered representatives from all sectors of the green building
movement for three days of extensive educational programming, workshops, an
exhibition floor with over 1,800 booths, a green jobs fair, ample networking
events providing unrivaled opportunities to learn about the latest
technological innovations, and opportunities to explore new products and
exchange ideas with other professionals.
“This year’s Greenbuild will offer more opportunities than ever for attendees
to literally connect to the conversation, whether it is through interactive
sessions and events, the vast expo floor or through social networking
platforms,” said Kimberly Lewis, Vice President of Conferences and Events,
USGBC.
A host of new and returning sessions and events provide opportunities for attendees
to plug in. The Executive Roundtable brings together some of the leading
corporate, finance, higher education and non-profit CEOs to talk about what
corporate sustainability means to them, how they make their green decisions and
what role employees can play in that process. Web audience viewers and
attendees will be able to interact with the CEOs in the hot seat by forwarding
questions through Twitter.
New to the show this year are Greenbuild Salons, innovative sessions centered
on the intersection of art, technology and sustainability, taking place
Wednesday, Nov. 11, 2:00-5:00 p.m. and Thursday, Nov. 12, 2:00-5:00 p.m.
Each salon will be an intimate, interactive conversation with cutting-edge
speakers from the art, technology and sustainability realms.
The second annual Residential Summit caters to the residentially focused sector
of the building market and provides an opportunity for professionals to network
and share best practices and ideas during two days of informational sessions
and educational tracks. This year’s Summit will feature an opening general
session on greening our new housing stock, featuring KB Home CEO Jeff Mezger,
Bensonwood Homes company steward Tedd Benson, UDR, Inc. President & CEO
Thomas Toomey, and “Renovation Nation” host Steve Thomas.
And with green jobs on many people’s minds this year, Greenbuild is opening
doors for green building professionals, connecting like-minded companies and
job-seekers at the first annual Green Building Jobs Fair on Tuesday, Nov. 10,
1-5 p.m. Additionally, a jobs Resource Center will be open Wednesday through
Friday and will offer networking opportunities, professional development
workshops, informational interviews and resume posting.
Greenbuild will offer ample opportunities to connect to the online conversation
with up-to-date information delivered through multiple social media platforms,
including Twitter, Facebook
and the new Greenbuild blog.
Attendees and exhibitors can sync up this year with Greenbuild
Connect, an online forum that allows users to communicate with others who
have similar interests, sharing tips and ideas about educational sessions they
are attending and what exhibitors are of interest and to schedule onsite
meetings to further extend the event networking experience.
The Opening Keynote & Celebration will kick off Greenbuild and will feature
a keynote by former Vice President and noted environmental advocate, Al Gore, a
musical performance by nine-time Grammy winner Sheryl Crow and an address from
USGBC President, CEO & Founding Chair, Rick Fedrizzi. The Opening
Keynote & Celebration will take place Nov. 11 at Chase Field, home of the
Arizona Diamondbacks. Key Obama environmental adviser Carol M. Browner will deliver
the keynote speech at the closing plenary on Nov. 13.
In addition to an impressive collection of master speakers, Greenbuild 2009
will also feature more than 100 educational sessions, LEED and Education
Provider workshops, off-site educational sessions, a two-day Residential
Summit, and tours of local green building sites throughout the Arizona area.
More than 1,800 exhibitors will showcase some of the leading technologies and
products in green design, construction and operations. For more information,
visit www.greenbuildexpo.org and www.usgbc.org. To see presentations made at
last year’s Greenbuild, visit www.greenbuild365.org.
About
The Washington, D.C.-based U.S. Green Building Council is committed to a
prosperous and sustainable future for our nation through cost-efficient and
energy-saving green buildings.
With a community comprising 78 local affiliates, more than 20,000 member
companies and organizations, and more than 131,000 LEED Accredited
Professionals, USGBC is the driving force of an industry that is projected to
contribute $554 billion to the U.S. gross domestic product from 2009-2013.
USGBC leads an unlikely diverse constituency of builders and environmentalists,
corporations and nonprofit organizations, elected officials and concerned
citizens, and teachers and students.
Buildings in the United States are responsible for 39% of CO2 emissions, 40% of
energy consumption, 13% water consumption and 15% of GDP per year, making green
building a source of significant economic and environmental opportunity.
Greater building efficiency can meet 85% of future
About Greenbuild
The U.S. Green Building Council’s Greenbuild International Conference &
Expo convenes the industry’s largest gathering of representatives from all
sectors of the green building movement. Three days of extensive educational
programming, workshops, a vast exhibition floor and ample networking events
provide unrivaled opportunities to learn about the latest technological
innovations, explore new products, and exchange ideas with other professionals.
Greenbuild is the three time recipient of IMEX Green Meetings Award and the
2009 show will be held on Nov. 11-13, 2009, in
REMEMBER TO RECYCLE, REDUCE AND REUSE