Issue: August 2012
By: Frank Bisbee

Bisbee's Buzz

Smartphone Technology & Next-Generation Real Estate: A Pragmatic Perspective

I have known James Carlini, President of CARLINI & ASSOCIATES, for two decades.  He was one of the first national authorities on Intelligent Buildings from his work with companies like Santa Fe Southern Pacific in Silicon Valley and JMB Realty’s properties in Century City, Beverly Hills, and Seattle as well as his articles in the mid-1980s which appeared in Real Estate Review (Fall 1985), Government Data Systems (May 1985) and even the cover of Telecommunication Products Plus Technology (November 1985) where he pioneered the concept of “Measuring a Building’s IQ”. 

Today, he has moved on to planning and implementing campus-wide intelligent amenities for leading-edge business campuses in order to compete in the global markets.  He has written white papers on Intelligent Business Campuses as well as Intelligent Infrastructure: Securing Regional Sustainability for the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (2009).  He will be giving a workshop at the upcoming National Electrical Contractors Association at the end of September on his latest concepts based on his work with this next-generation approach to Intelligent Business Campuses (IBCs) and most currently, Intelligent Retail/ Entertainment/ Convention center Complexes (IRECs) utilizing Smartphone Technology.

Bisbee:  What has happened in the last couple of years that has gotten you excited about the application of network technology to real estate?

Carlini:  Those who own commercial real estate have to realize that we have moved far beyond the 1980s as well as the “turn of the Century 2000.”  In order to compete on attracting first-class tenants, they must add new “intelligent amenities” to their properties like broadband connectivity or suffer the consequences: accepting second and third-class lessees if they want to get properties leased up.

Bisbee:   Has it become that bad in the commercial real estate sector?

Carlini:  It has become very competitive out there to secure new tenants as well as maintain the ones that are already occupying commercial spaces.  About a decade ago, broadband connectivity was not even in the Top Ten concerns that corporate site selection committees looked at when reviewing possible sites for opening up new facilities.

Today, corporate site-selection committees are focusing on broadband connectivity, or providing multi-gigabit speeds, as a must-have amenity.  It has become one of the top three criteria in commercial real estate.  If you own commercial space and you don’t understand this, you are way behind in commercial real estate strategies.

Bisbee:  Wow.  That sounds like if you don’t have it, you won’t land the sophisticated tenant.

Carlini:  That’s exactly right.  Today, regional economic development equals broadband connectivity and broadband connectivity equals jobs.  Or very simply put, the three most important words in real estate today are “Location, Location, Connectivity”.  If you are in the communications or cabling industry, you better be identifying this as a key growth market for your business.

Bisbee:  Is this still in the conceptual stage in most markets or?

Carlini:  Absolutely not.  We have next-generation business parks going up around the world and we need to keep up in the United States or we will fall farther behind when it comes to global competition.  One new park I worked on in Illinois began with 40Gbps connectivity coming into the park across several carriers.  They are now looking at moving up to 100Gbps capabilities.

Bisbee:   Why is this so important to supply all this speed into the market space?

Carlini:  Because this is where the industry has wound up.  Companies are moving great amounts of data as well as all these video-based applications that are becoming more popular – and more addictive. 

We are also seeing a real impact in other areas as well.  The use of Smartphones in any stadium to order meals, order team jerseys or other merchandise is becoming the norm.  If you don’t have it in a stadium, the public will start asking why are you so far behind?

Bisbee:  Is this being adopted today or is it just at a discussion phase at most places?

Carlini:  We are well beyond the discussion phase at many venues.  We have different stadiums already putting these types of networks up to handle high-capacity data from a concentration of Smartphones and we see the carriers gearing up to add more capacity to the networks that connect up into these venues.

Bisbee:  What about all this talk about using Smartphones at NFL football games and other venues?

Carlini:  The NFL Commissioner (Goodell) has said they are going to make it a strategic initiative to get all of this implemented at every stadium.  He understands the impact of this technology on his core business.

Bisbee:  Are others jumping on the bandwagon or are they taking a wait-and-see?

Carlini:  Anyone in the entertainment field:  concert venues, sporting events, and even large religious events should be very focused on how this technology can impact their audiences.  People are looking for an “experience” when they go to these events.  Having capabilities like ordering merchandise or getting premium services because they can use their Smartphone is becoming a must have, and not a hoped for.

Bisbee:  Can you tell me any rules-of-thumb in this area?

Carlini:  Funny you ask that.  I have asked the same question of some of the vendors and carriers.  They said it is all in the beginning stages.  That tells me there are NO rules-of-thumb and there is definitely no cookie-cutter approach in doing a stadium or other venue.  Each one is a custom approach.

Bisbee: How can you explain the extra value in having this offered in a stadium or concert venue?

Carlini:  Think of it this way.  If you can give people the experience of having a $500 ticket with all the ancillary benefits even if they only spent $50 on the ticket, you will have them coming back for more.

Having the ability to order team wear, drinks and food from your seat and then just go pick them up will give people a much more enhanced experience. 

Bisbee: Knowing you, I am sure you are trying to put together a more structured view on these concepts.  How do you see things evolving?

Carlini:  Well, one thing I would say is that you have to press all the vendors and carriers on providing real numbers and capacities.  It is not enough to have “coverage” in an area, you really need to have capacity when it comes to trying to service a concentration of people with Smartphones all trying to download that last play of the game.

Bisbee:  Is understanding traffic a big thing when it comes to designing these systems for stadiums?

Carlini:  Yes and when It comes to understanding how many voice calls equal a video call or how many video calls can a system handle simultaneously versus voice calls, the answers get pretty fuzzy from the engineers.  You cannot design anything, if you don’t have some parameters you can look to, to be fairly representative of traffic.

Bisbee:  How have the carriers worked on that issue?

Carlini:  Basically, they have gone back to many of these stadiums and have reconfigured them to handle a lot more traffic than what they initially designed them for.  Real traffic exceeded their design expectations.  That tells me no one is an expert in upfront design and increased traffic has caused some to re-engineer their design every year.

Bisbee:   Are you going to write a white paper on this?

Carlini:  Actually, I think I am going to incorporate this into a book I am writing.  The book will be covering all these concepts as well as the issues and concerns I have uncovered.  We need to update the way people look at real estate strategies as well.

Bisbee:   It sounds like you are becoming an expert on these issues.

Carlini:  Like I used to tell students at Northwestern University: “There are no experts in this industry.  The best you can be is a good student –always learning.” 

Things are moving too fast to claim you are an expert.  The same goes for “Best Practices”.  What was considered a great design two years ago is obsolete today and designers are having to go in and change things out.

Bisbee:   What’s in your future?

Carlini:    I am writing a book on this paradigm shift and calling it “Location, Location, Connectivity” because those are the three most important words in Real Estate today. 

At the upcoming NECA Convention on September 29^th, Carlini’s workshop will focus on all these concepts and implementations.  If you have never heard Carlini speak, this is a great opportunity to hear someone that has nailed many ideas long before the industry adopted them.  He was one of the first proponents of going to gigabit speeds as a baseline service and I am sure you will gain a lot of insights from his presentation.  His quote in 1984 has stood the test of time, “Leading-edge organizations will not maintain their position using trailing-edge technologies.”  Go listen to him as he points out, “20^th century solutions will not solve 21^st century problems.”

FRANK BISBEE

IDEAS THAT SAVE MONEY AND CUT EXPENSES

Nothing goes to the bottom-line faster than reduced expenses.

But that’s just my opinion,

Frank Bisbee - Editor

"HOTS - Heard On The Street" Monthly Column

www.wireville.com

4949 Sunbeam Rd, Suite 16

Jacksonville, FL  32257

frank@wireville.com

Visit www.communicationplanning.com - our home website

Virtualization – A Powerful Driver for Fiber Optical Cables by Tim Kraft

Copper cabling infrastructure is no longer the major technology player it once was. While it will never go away, it’s a glass world now. Virtualization has changed the world we live in. 

Article By Tim Kraft

Virtualization is the technology that will leave the copper cabling industry reeling and a mere shadow of its once vibrant existence. The first major impact to copper cabling is VoIP which continues to gain market share and no longer requires two cables per workstation, one data and one voice. The telephone has a 3 port switch to support the PC and phone. The general adoption of VoIP effectively eliminates 50% of the current and future copper cabling market.  Certainly copper patch cables will continue to exist at the desktop. But not the traditional dual 100 meter cables.

The data center is another lost market segment for copper cabling. Virtualization, server and desktop, has dramatically increased data volume and changed the flow of data within the data center and to the end user device. Data speeds between virtual servers are increasing dramatically. Network vendors, in order to meet the dynamic bandwidth growth are all supporting Top of Rack (TOR) network distribution solutions. These TOR distribution systems are primarily fiber optic backbone with copper cables patch cords. The new norm is that of a fiber optic infrastructure being the primary communications method. The days of pulling copper cables from a server to a central patch panel are things of the past. I am not proposing that copper will be eliminated from data connectivity technology. However, its vibrant existence as the core for IT connectivity is now a thing of the past.

Virtualization enables decoupled computing which will have another major effect upon the copper industry. In a decoupled computing model, the end user device has a proxy at the data center. A proxy works in behalf of another device. That proxy makes inquiries and computations for the end user device. Only the results are then sent to the end user device. In a decoupled computing model, data transfer between virtualized servers and proxy is significant. However, between the end user or workstation device and its proxy the data transfers are significantly smaller.

Contrast decoupled computing to a traditional Client Server architecture, our current model, wherein the data is stored on a centralized server. The end user device or workstation (Client) requests data from a centralized server. That server sends the end user (client) device all the data. The end user device then does the computations and displays the results. The results of the computation can then be sent back (saved) to a centralized server for storage. As you can see, traditional client server is bandwidth dependent between server and client or end user. The available bandwidth directly impacts the application’s performance. The Client Server architecture has been the driver for the cyclical necessity for upgrading copper infrastructures, CAT3 à CAT5 à CAT5e à etc.

In a decoupled computing environment, the bandwidth requirements to end user devices or workstations is significantly reduced, thus reducing or eliminating the cyclical nature of cabling rebuilds.

An example of virtualization and decoupled computing, we can look at web pages and cell phone technology. Web browser based technology can be considered a form or decoupled computing. Data can be entered on the page (buy a movie ticket) the processing occurs in the “cloud” the results are displayed to the end user. The end device did very little computing, except human input. This communication was probably done wirelessly. The smartphone is another excellent example of decoupled computing. The connectivity of 4G LTE is less than 1 Gig, a relatively low speed connection between the end user device and the “Cloud” data center proxy. iPhone and android applications offer a complete suite of office products and mobility support that require very little processing on the end user device, whether that is a desktop or a mobile phone. In a decoupled computing model;

There is not the tremendous bandwidth requirement between end user and cloud.

Most of this connectivity can be delivered wirelessly.

The end user device, while computationally strong and getting stronger, is really a human interface.

It may no longer be a desktop computer as we know them (iPad).

Client Server will never totally be gone. However, its roll as a copper technology driver is severely diminished.

As culture and economics impact IT infrastructure, copper cabling will significantly diminish from the network. Market indicators foretelling this transition is the Bring Your Own Device (BYOD) interest, the success of iPhone, iPad, Android etc. Dell has completed the purchase of WYSE computing, a thin client manufacture. The world has changed again.

Where is their emerging opportunity? Lots of places, some I have not thought of.

Data center revitalization is a potential market. You can shrink an existing data center into a very small foot print of an existing data center. With ASHRAE TC9.9 and Facebook’s Open Compute we can reduce energy and environmental costs substantially, making older data centers economically viable again.

Fiber optic cable installation and management is another growth opportunity. Most enterprises are not ready, to handle and manage the fiber cabling requirements of a large virtualized data center.

POD (Purpose Optimized Data Center) computing or distributed micro data centers are now possible and certainly a new computing evolution. There are multiple branding names for this market segment, Computing manufactures, Dell, HP, SeaMicro and others are building purpose driven self contained virtualized environments for turnkey designs. These solutions are designed for medium to large businesses. These PODs need installation, maintenance and the underlying infrastructure to support this environment.

Glass infrastructure is a key growth segment, different, but not unlike the cable TV build out of the 70’s. The number of buildings with fiber optic connectivity is minimal. The infrastructure currently in place will need augmentation and growth. Building owners, commercial and residential, will require fiber access in order to be commercially viable. Installation, both premise and outside construction is a booming opportunity. Google has it right, everything has to have glass to be competitive or relevant in our modern world (http://googlefiberblog.blogspot.com/2012/04/construction-update.html).

Copper cabling infrastructure is no longer the major technology player it once was. While it will never go away, it’s a glass world now. Virtualization has changed the world we live in. 

The glass world model has other major personal and business implications… I will discuss in future articles.

Tim Kraft is president and CEO of Gt Gith, a private consulting company in New York. Tim has over 25 years in Information Technology. Gt Gith has practices in IT management, infrastructure, network design, data security, voice and data convergence.

Tim has a Bachelors degree in Telecommunications Management from Rochester Institute of Technology. He holds several BICSI certifications, Cisco certifications and has written numerous technical articles and presented IT conferences nationally.

Timothy J. Kraft -CEO GtGith LLC tel.518-330-1188 email: tkraft@gtgith.com

Fiber Optics in 2012 – Deploy With Confidence Using The Highest Quality Rated HLC® Fiber Optic Patchcords From Megladon Mfg.

BUSINESS CRITICAL …When your reputation is on the line and it has to work.

SCRATCHGUARD^TM
HLC^® Fiber Optic Patch Cords

SCRATCHGUARD is available ONLY with Megladon's HLC fiber optic patch cords. HLC, Hardened Lens Contact is Megladon's patented process that gives our fiber optic patch cords unmatched durability. These cables are Scratch Resistant giving them a distinct advantage over other patch cords on the market today. Fiber optic cables are easily damaged by environmental factors such as dust and dirt, as well as normal wear caused by continually plugging into hardware ports or test equipment. Because damage to cable end faces results in signal loss and even network failure it's easy to see why a more durable cable will save you time, money, and improve customer satisfaction. Accept nothing less. This unique product and technology has begun to sweep the market for carriers and data centers.

Your network is valuable, but your time is more valuable. Spend your time managing your network instead of maintaining your fiber optic patch cables? Megladon’s HLC products featuring SCRATCHGUARD hardened lens contacts or HLC provide you that option.

Today’s high speed networks demand the highest quality connections to ensure reliable performance. Contamination, scratches and poor geometry degrade network performance and cause failures during peak traffic. As a network provider, you need a reference quality connection with durable mating surfaces to improve network performance and reduce system failures. Your customers demand it.

HLC Patch Cords are available in many configurations including single and multi mode, angle polish and bend insensitive.

The Hardened Lens Contact (HLC) surface is what makes Megladon's cables more durable than standard patch cords. The patented laser tempered surface of the cable endface is resistant to scratches from dust, contact with foreign objects, and other potentially damaging environmental factors. These cables have been tested and used in the harshest conditions and most rigorous applications. They can withstand multiple matings with minimal signal loss.

Megladon's HLC SCRATCHGUARD® connection technology has been known for a decade for its durability and repeatable performance. It is a one of a kind product that enables business critical applications to operate with minimal connectivity issues. The repeatability of the Hardened Lens and its properties also allows Megladon to bit error rate test and certify the terminated product with an extremely high first pass yield.

"The market has been taught that any multimode fiber patch cable with an aqua jacket will perform in a 10GIG system. The truth is the glass is designed for such a system but the finished patch cable has not been tested with a bit error rate tester. We have not found one manufacturer that will provide bit error rate data with the product. That changed today" said John Culbert, President of Megladon.

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 minimizing installation time and maintenance cost. As technology innovators, Megladon created the HLC® (Hardened Lens Contact) connection, which has changed the market and taken it to the next level. For additional information on Megladon and their patented processes please visit the company's website at www.megladonmfg.com.

For additional information regarding Megladon's variety of fiber optic products please contact John Culbert at 512.615.4687 or by email at scratchguard@megladonmfg.com This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .

ELECTRICAL CONTRACTOR magazine’s Bimonthly Integrated Systems Contractor Supplement is a huge success

ELECTRICAL CONTRACTOR magazine, the leading publication in the power and integrated building systems market, rolled out Integrated Systems Contractor, a supplement serving a hot growth opportunity for the electrical construction industry in February 2012. Since the first issue, the readers have been turned on by the coverage of this emerging technology in the industry.

As the market evolved, so did ELECTRICAL CONTRACTOR magazine.
In 2003, ELECTRICAL CONTRACTOR launched the bimonthly special report: Security + Life Safety Systems (S+LSS) to address the shifting informational needs of the electrical contracting community. More electrical contractors have expanded into low-voltage systems, and S+LSS was designed to educate this information-starved market; no other traditional media outlets were keeping them updated on new products and informed on enhanced applications.

S+LSS met those informational needs, but this new market continues to evolve. So, starting with the ELECTRICAL CONTRACTOR magazine February 2012 issue, S+LSS transformed into Integrated Systems Contractor. Andrea Klee, Editor, is doing a masterful job of offering a wide range of subjects designed to enhance the knowledge and revenues of the “players” in this new area of emerging technologies. She has a powerful team of knowledgeable contributors to this publication.  There are so many valuable topics addressed in those pages-- you don’t get it all the first time you read it. I can’t put my copy down!

This “Integrated Systems Contractor” already exists.
More than 85 percent of ELECTRICAL CONTRACTOR magazine’s 86,000+ readers (about 67,900) are actively involved in low-voltage systems, (according to the June 2011 BPA audit and independent market research studies that queried electrical contractors).

Be sure to check out the July 2012 issue of ELECTRICAL CONTRACTOR magazine www.ecmag.com and read the 2012 PROFILE OF THE ELECTRICAL CONTRACTOR. The information in that study confirms that once-emerging trends have become mainstream in this industry sector. One thing for certain, the Electrical Contractor (EC) has captured the lead role as the source to electrify, illuminate, communicate, and integrate the places where we work and live.

Why?

Many vendors are getting the message that this publication is number one for a host of reasons.  The advertisements are growing with the content.

• Systems technology has evolved, becoming more cost and energy efficient, which enables a building’s systems and controls to be totally integrated and intercommunicative. Today, the overall building has become “the system”. This differs from the traditional setup where each system operated in a silo format (i.e., each was individually optimized, but unable to communicate with other systems located within that structure). Imagine the challenge to take this integration and expand it to a campus or even a network of other remote sites.

• Building owners are seeking single-source responsibility to handle every building system, including both electrical power and integrated low-voltage systems. Many building owners commented that they looked to the EC as their most dependable Design-Install- Maintain and Service resource.

• Construction market players now prefer various collaborative design methods (design/build, BIM, integrated project delivery), strengthening the electrical contractor’s purview.

All of this has opened the market for electrical contractors that can do it all. And, they are the only ones who can.

When they say “integrated systems,” what are they talking about?
And… to what extent are ECMAG readers involved?  Well, that’s easy. Take a look at these key findings from the 2010 Profile of the Electrical Contractor research study and a June 2011 BPA Audit:

• Low-voltage lighting (controls and/or ballasts) (90%)

• Building automation (74%)

• Communications systems/connectivity (62%)

• Voice-data/fiber optics/premises wiring (56%)

• Power quality systems (55.8%)

• Systems integration or data or telecom centers (41%)

• Building automation systems (55.1%, according to BPA)

• Fire and life safety and security systems (69.6%, according to BPA)

Almost all (96%) electrical contractors had performed some type of low-voltage work in 2009. Altogether, electrical contractors do much more than just security and life safety systems work these days.

Unprecedented Market Changes

Integrated Systems Contractor better reflects the current state of the market. Through this evolution from S+LSS, the publication’s staff has continued to keep pace with the industry.  Integrated Systems Contractor keeps track of the electrical construction market and emerging technologies. “ELECTRICAL CONTRACTOR magazine will help electrical contractors progress from the traditional model into one that we call an integrated systems contractor.” commented John Maisel, Publisher.

FINDING THE GEMs

For more on Integrated Systems Contractor, check out the latest issues – June 2012 and July 2012  and especially August 2012 ECMAG issue, which, if you're a subscriber, you should have received by mail. If you are interested in great advertising opportunities, see the media kit. This kit includes additional market information, what to expect from the supplement, the editorial calendar, rates, specs, and more. While much of our momentum is slowed by a struggling economy, we see no roadblocks ahead for the new EC. Look at the rapid development and changes taking place in the GEM sector. Government, Education and Medical is pushing a huge part of their budgets into implementing emerging technologies. Today’s electrical contractors are seizing the opportunities.

To the staff at ELECTRICAL CONTRACTOR magazine:  WELL DONE for a smooth move. Change is full of risks, but ECMAG nailed this change.

But that’s just my opinion,

Frank Bisbee - Editor

"HOTS - Heard On The Street" Monthly Column

www.wireville.com

Federal Jury awarded one billion dollars to Monsanto for patent-infringement by DuPont - August 2012

DuPont Told to Pay Monsanto $1 Billion

A federal jury Wednesday awarded $1 billion to Monsanto Co. in a patent-infringement lawsuit against rival DuPont Co. over Monsanto's Roundup Ready seed technology.

The jury reached the verdict at a St. Louis courthouse on the same day that it started deliberations, ending a trial that began July 9.

The jury found DuPont willfully infringed Monsanto's patent for herbicide-resistant seeds. Roundup Ready seeds grow into plants able to survive exposure to glyphosate, the active ingredient in the Roundup weedkiller made by Monsanto.

St. Louis-based Monsanto filed suit in 2009 over DuPont's Optimum GAT soybean seed, which included a DuPont transgenic trait that enabled the crop to withstand applications of glyphosate.

DuPont and its seed subsidiary, now known as DuPont Pioneer, initially explored developing the seed as an alternative to Monsanto's Roundup Ready, but ultimately paired the Monsanto trait with its own trait in the Optimum GAT product. DuPont said it abandoned plans for the Optimum GAT product last year and never sold the seed.

Monsanto, the world's largest seed company, claimed that by stacking the gene onto its own product, DuPont violated the terms of a 2002 licensing agreement. DuPont countersued, alleging anticompetitive practices.

During the trial, DuPont, based in Wilmington, Del., argued that Monsanto misled U.S. government officials to obtain the patent.

"This verdict highlights that all companies that make early and substantial investments in developing cutting-edge technology will have their intellectual property rights upheld and fairly valued," said David Snively, Monsanto's Executive Vice President and General Counsel, in a prepared statement.

DuPont said it will appeal the decision and that the damages award of $1 billion is unjustified.

"DuPont strongly disagrees with the verdict," the chemical giant said in a statement. "There were several fundamental errors in the case which deprived the jury of important facts and arguments."

The damages award is unjustified because Pioneer "never sold a single Optimum GAT seed and has no plans to do so in the future," Thomas L. Sager, DuPont's general counsel, said in the company's statement.

Monsanto's Roundup Ready technology is used broadly by farmers, as the company has licensed it to other companies. The glyphosate-resistant trait is used in crops such as alfalfa, corn, cotton, canola and sugar beets.

http://www.apfn.org/apfn/teflon.htm - a careful examination of TOXIC TEFLON

www.dupont.com

North American Cable Equipment, Inc. Announces DATATRONIX line of products

July 18th, 2012 – Las Vegas, NV – North American Cable Equipment, Inc. (NACE) is pleased to announce the DATATRONIX line of Ethernet connectivity products. The DATATRONIX product line launches with PoE switches, Cat5e and Cat6 bulk cable, pre-made jumper cables, connectors, patch panels, punch down blocks, interconnects, keystone jacks, meters and tools. The future roadmap incorporates additional items on a monthly basis.

The DTP series of patch panels come in 24 and 48 port models, all featuring Cat6 RJ45 termination ports. Optional shielded models for additional protection from external noise are available. The LED patch panel series is designed to indicate port status. Pricing is very competitive for products in this class.

ST series PoE switches are available in 5, 8, and 16 port designs with full feature sets and a very robust design. These switches were designed to power 802.af devices and have been used in very demanding environments with high reliability.

A full line of Cat5e and Cat6 bulk cable, Cat5e and Cat6 connectors, and pre-made jumper cables are available dealer direct at prices that allow the installer to pocket more profit on every job.

According to Aaron Starr, NACE President and CEO, “The DATATRONIX product line offers value greater than other similar lines in the market. The PoE switches were originally designed by DATATRONIX and sold under the SECURITYTRONIX brand name and have performed with unparalled success in the market. Dealers and Distributors can count on high quality products at value pricing.”

The DATATRONIX products are available for immediate delivery from NACE and can be seen on their website: www.northamericancable.com

North American Cable Equipment, Inc. founded in 1992 with headquarters in West Chester, Pennsylvania and sales and distribution facilities in Pennsylvania, Missouri, and Nevada is a leading supplier of electronics, cable, and installation materials to the data, security, satellite TV, CATV, audio/video, and related communications industries. www.northamericancable.com

Dror Bin Takes Helm as President and CEO at RAD Data Communications

Telecom Industry Veteran Served as Venture Capital Partner, Head of Sales,

Marketing and R&D Divisions at Comverse and Partner at Top Management Consulting Firm

TEL AVIV, Israel, August 6, 2012 – RAD Data Communications has announced that Dror Bin has assumed his responsibilities as the company’s President and CEO. He succeeds Efraim (Effi) Wachtel, who has retired after 15 years in that position.

“Dror has a broad understanding of what drives success in the global telecoms market, based on his many years of experience as a senior executive in the industry,” says Yehuda Zisapel, RAD Chairman and President of The RAD Group.

“During my transition period, I have met a team of highly professional and committed employees,” states Bin. “As a company, we have the innovation, vision, and market strengths required to grow and prosper this year and in the years to come.”

Mr. Bin, 45, was most recently a venture partner at Carmel Ventures. Prior to that he had served for over nine years at Comverse Technology in a series of positions, including President of Global Sales, President of the Products Group, and other key roles such as Vice President and General Manager of the company’s Messaging line, General Manager of the SMS division, and Vice President of Marketing for Comverse Voicemail and Call Completion.

Prior to Comverse, Mr. Bin was a partner at Shaldor, a top management consulting firm, working with carriers and telecom equipment vendors, among others.

He holds two bachelor’s degrees cum laude from the Technion – Israel Institute of Technology, one in systems information engineering and the other in industrial engineering, as well as an MBA from Tel Aviv University.

About RAD

Founded in 1981, RAD Data Communications has achieved international recognition as a major manufacturer of high quality access and backhaul equipment for data communications and telecommunications applications. These solutions serve the data and voice access requirements of service providers, carriers, and enterprise networks, as well as utilities and transportation systems. The company's installed base exceeds 12,000,000 units and includes more than 150 carriers and operators around the world, including AT&T, China Mobile, Deutsche Telekom, France Telecom/Orange, Hutchison, KDDI, Telekom Austria, TeliaSonera, Telstra, T-Mobile, Verizon, and Vodafone. RAD is an active participant in industry organizations such as the IETF, Broadband Forum, ITU, and MEF. Its customers are supported by 31 offices and more than 300 channel partners in 165 countries. RAD is a member of the RAD Group of companies, a world leader in networking and internetworking product solutions. RAD Data Communications site: www.rad.com     Twitter: http://twitter.com/RADdatacomms

Graybar to Host Series of Valuable Tech Webinars

'G2 Talk' Series to Feature Array of Speakers and Subjects

ST. LOUIS, Aug. 1, 2012 – Graybar, a leading distributor of electrical, communications and data networking products and provider of related supply chain management and logistics services, is introducing a series of webinars focused on new products and technologies used in building intelligence and energy efficiency applications. The “G2 Talk” series will feature a variety of subject matter specialists from some of Graybar’s world-class manufacturers.

“The G2 Talk webinar series will allow us to bring important information to our customers on some of the newest innovations and industry trends,” said Graybar Director, Emerging Technology Karl Griffith. “These 40-minute webinars will feature some of the most knowledgeable representatives in the industry.” At this time, virtually all emerging technologies are connected to energy in some fashion. Staying abreast of the developments is a crucial factor in the competitive marketplace. You can’t sell solutions to customer that don’t understand the issues. Knowledge is power and GRAYBAR leads the pack in empowering their customers with solutions that sell.

Registration availability for the webinars is limited, and the first 50 eligible attendees for select webinars will receive a gift card for a free cup of coffee. The webinars scheduled for 2012 are:

Aug. 16 – The Data Center as a Living Infrastructure, CommScope

Aug. 21 – The Complex Backhaul Evolution Made Easy, Transition Networks

Sept. 20 – DCIM – StructureWare, Schneider Electric

Oct. 18 – Finally!  A Way to Test High Speed Data Center Fiber, Fluke Networks

Nov. 15 – Fiber Optics: Enabling the Green, Corning Cable Systems

Dec. 20 – Intelligent Data Centers: Delivering Business Value, Panduit

To learn more about the webinars, visit www.graybar.com/techwebinars. 

Graybar, a Fortune 500 corporation and one of the largest employee-owned companies in North America, is a leader in the distribution of high quality electrical, communications and data networking products, and specializes in related supply chain management and logistics services. Through its network of nearly 240 North American distribution facilities, it stocks and sells products from thousands of manufacturers, helping its customers power, network and secure their facilities with speed, intelligence and efficiency. For more information, visit www.graybar.com or call 1-800-GRAYBAR.

LEED Is Private, Voluntary, Transparent and Democratic

Washington, DC - (July 18, 2012) - The U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC) today applauded the creation of the American High-Performance Buildings Coalition by the American Chemistry Council and others, noting that, after 20 years, it was significant that the representative groups were finally engaging in conversation about the critical importance of green, high performance buildings for America. In response to the announcement of the new coalition, Roger Platt, Senior Vice President of Global Policy and Law at USGBC released the following statement:

"We welcome the announcement of the formation of the American High Performance Building Council, but as Ronald Reagan once said, we will 'trust but verify.'

"Like the newly formed coalition, USGBC also supports the use of green building codes and standards, in addition to third party rating systems like LEED, and has proudly worked with leading code development organizations to co-release the leading mandatory green building codes.

"In the voluntary world of rating systems, LEED is transforming America's commercial real estate market, providing immediate financial benefits to building owners, operators and some of America's most admired companies through a private, voluntary, transparent and democratic process governed by the 15,000 member organizations of the USGBC.

"USGBC knows just how crucial industry participation is to high performance building success. The 1.5 million square feet per day of commercial space we certify would not be possible without the full active participation of leading architects, engineers, builders, contractors and product manufacturers.

"If this coalition is sincere in its interest to advance high-performance buildings over the status quo, we welcome them to the table and sincerely look forward to engaging together to make green buildings more valuable to Americans."

About USGBC and LEED
The U.S Green Building Council is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization dedicated to the creation of healthy, efficient green buildings. USGBC is predominantly known for the publication of the LEED Green Building Rating System . Private sector leaders established LEED in 2000 and it has quickly become the most widely used, voluntary, market-driven building rating program in the country. LEED is largely responsible for the explosive growth of energy-efficient, high-performance construction, which supports or creates nearly eight million jobs across all 50 states and contributes $554 billion to the U.S. economy annually. 48 companies in the Fortune 100 use LEED certification to reduce operating and energy costs and to increase their bottom lines. LEED-certified buildings are also saving U.S. taxpayers tens millions of dollars every day through these same efficiencies.

USGBC is working with all stakeholders, including companies across all sectors of the building industry, to ensure that LEED remains the most widely used and accepted high performance building rating system in the country. Nearly 1,300 product manufacturers - including two dozen chemical companies and the American Chemistry Council itself - are members of the U.S. Green Building Council, which oversees LEED. Manufacturers are the third largest segment of USGBC membership, behind architects and engineering firms, and builders and contractors.

Leviton Completes Cisco Interoperability Verification Testing as Solutions Developer with Cisco Developer Network

August 2, 2012 – Bothell, Washington: Leviton announced that its Opt-X^® Unity 40/100G Fiber System and FLX Series Rack PDUs have successfully completed interoperability testing with Cisco’s Prime LAN Management Solution, within the Enterprise and Commercial Management category of the Cisco Developer Network.

The Cisco Developer Network unites Cisco with third-party developers of hardware and software to deliver tested interoperable solutions to joint customers. As a Solution Developer, Leviton Network Solutions shares Cisco’s strong commitment to customer service and satisfaction, has completed a compatibility review based on criteria set forth by Cisco, and can provide their customers 24 hour, 7 days a week customer support. With offerings such as the Opt-X Unity System, customers can more quickly deploy a broad range of Cisco Compatible business applications, devices, or services that can enhance the capabilities, performance, and management of their Cisco network.  For more information on Opt-X Unity System and FLX Series PDU interoperability with the Cisco Prime LAN Management Solution, go to https://marketplace.cisco.com/catalog/companies/Leviton-Network-Solutions.

About Leviton Network Solutions

Leviton Network Solutions delivers complete network infrastructure systems for enterprise, data center, government, education, health care and residential markets around the globe. Solutions include copper and fiber optic connectivity, power distribution units, and much more. All Leviton products are engineered to exacting standards, offer industry-leading performance and are backed by the industry’s best service and support. Builders, contractors and other industry professionals consistently rank Leviton products as the most preferred brand in the industry.  Make the smart choice for a better network. Learn more at leviton.com/ns or twitter.com/LevitonNS.

About Leviton

Leviton is the smart choice, providing the most comprehensive range of solutions to meet the needs of today’s residential, commercial and industrial buildings. Leveraging more than a century of experience, Leviton helps customers create sustainable, intelligent environments through its electrical wiring devices, network and data center connectivity solutions, and lighting energy management systems. From switches and receptacles, to daylight harvesting controls, networking systems, and equipment for charging electric vehicles, Leviton solutions help customers achieve savings in energy, time and cost, all while enhancing safety. For more information, visit www.leviton.com, http://www.facebook.com/leviton, http://twitter.com/leviton or http://www.youtube.com/Levitonmfg.

* Interoperability testing is designed to simulate typical customer configurations, and does not replace the need for on-site testing in conjunction with actual implementation.

More Than 1,200 Businesses and Organizations Commend GSA for Using LEED to Support Innovation and Save Taxpayer Dollars

Washington, DC - (July 25, 2012) - More than 1,200 leading businesses and organizations representing a wide array of industries across all 50 states today sent a letter asking the General Services Administration (GSA) to continue to use the LEED green building rating system to advance innovation in construction and save taxpayer dollars.

The signatories commended GSA for its leadership in improving the energy and environmental performance of federal buildings, citing the recently released sustainability and energy "scorecard" from the White House's budget office. That study showed that federal government investments in energy efficiency over the last four years are expected to save as much as $18 billion in lifecycle energy costs.

"Our nation's top private-sector leaders agree: The LEED high-performance building rating system saves businesses money and helps deliver higher profits through reduced operating costs. The same is true for LEED federal facilities, which are saving American taxpayers millions of dollars a year," said Roger Platt, Senior Vice President of Global Policy and Law, U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC).

Signatories of the letter are architects, engineers, builders, contractors, designers, planners and product manufacturers. These include Skanska, Tishman Speyer, and Kohler Co., in addition to other high-profile business leaders. They lauded GSA's decision to mirror the private sector in the use of LEED certification to reduce operating costs, save money and eliminate waste. They also agreed that deviating from LEED would add cost to projects. The executives urged GSA to continue to use the LEED building rating system and to focus on the "usability, market acceptance and effectiveness of rating tools rather than distractions focused on a single issue."

"Support for the continued use of LEED by GSA is both broad and deep. Our more than 13,000 member companies are fully engaged in the development and use of LEED. Businesses and organizations are certifying 2 million square feet of real estate to LEED each day. Clearly there is incredible agreement on the value of LEED and green building in general," Platt said.

For a full list of signatories, or to view the letter, visit bit.ly/GSAletter.

About USGBC and LEED:
The U.S. Green Building Council is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization dedicated to the creation of healthy, efficient green buildings. USGBC is predominantly known for the publication of the LEED Green Building Rating System. Private sector leaders established LEED in 2000 and it has quickly become the most widely used, voluntary, market€�driven building rating program in the country. LEED is largely responsible for the explosive growth of energy€�efficient, high-performance construction, which supports or creates nearly eight million jobs across all 50 states and contributes $554 billion to the U.S. economy annually. 48 companies in the Fortune 100 use LEED certification to reduce operating and energy costs and to increase their bottom lines. LEED-certified buildings are also saving U.S. taxpayers tens millions of dollars every day through these same efficiencies.

USGBC is working with all stakeholders, including companies across all sectors of the building industry, to ensure that LEED remains the most widely used and accepted high performance building rating system in the country. Nearly 1,300 product manufacturers are members of the U.S. Green Building Council, which oversees LEED. Manufacturers are the third largest segment of USGBC membership, behind architects and engineering firms, and builders and contractors.

National Association of Electrical Distributors is mobilizing its grassroots with resources for helping its 660 members – and their stakeholders – get to the polls this November

Last month, more than 40 electrical distributors took their voices to Washington D.C. for 135 meetings with their elected officials on Capitol Hill. Now NAED Government Affairs is encouraging the industry to take its voice to the voting booth.

“Those who participated in the Fly-In made a strong, lasting impression on behalf of our industry,” said Ed Orlet, vice president of NAED Government Affairs. “But you don’t necessarily need to go to Washington to affect change. Vote! And encourage your employees, business partners, friends and family members to do the same.”

As part of its “Get Out the Vote” initiative, NAED Government Affairs offers members a number of voter-education resources through its online Government Action Center, including:

Voter registration information available for each zip code;

Take-action calendars and memo templates for spreading the word to employees;

Downloadable posters for raising voter awareness in the workplace;

Links to information on top issues and local candidates, including their campaign websites and voting records.

The Action Center also features advocacy information, letter templates and issues backgrounders to help members stay on top the issues and build strategic relationships with their elected officials.

“The tight races defining today’s political landscape show that not only does every vote count, but also that the outcome of each race impacts our industry,” said Orlet. “With issues like the threat to LIFO accounting practices and energy-efficiency incentives hinging on election outcomes, it’s critical that electrical distributors get out the vote.”

NAED members interested in conducting voter education events or candidate meet-and-greets at their companies can contact NAED Government Affairs 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. www.naed.org

BOMA, National Real Estate Organizations Host “State of Real Estate” Briefing on Capitol Hill

Industry Experts Address Factors Affecting Real Estates Recovery

 (WASHINGTON—July 24, 2012) The Building Owners and Managers Association (BOMA) International, in conjunction with the Congressional Real Estate Caucus and the National Real Estate Organizations (NREO), hosted a “State of the Real Estate Industry” briefing on Capitol Hill on July 18. Senate Real Estate Caucus Co–chair Johnny Isakson (R–Ga.) kicked off the briefing. He was followed by Lawrence Yun, chief economist for the National Association of REALTORS®, who presented an overview on the current residential market, and Calvin Schnure, vice president, Research and Industry Information for the National Association of Real Estate Investment Trusts®, who briefed the audience on the commercial real estate outlook. The meeting was designed to give Senate staff a clear perspective on the state of the residential and commercial markets. 

“BOMA International is once again honored to host this important briefing by the National Real Estate Organizations on behalf of the Congressional Real Estate Caucus,” remarked Henry Chamberlain, APR, FASAE, CAE, president and chief operating officer, BOMA International, and moderator of the briefing. “The industry is fortunate to have such strong leadership from Caucus Co-chairs, Senators Cardin and Isakson.”

The speakers and experts at the briefing offered compelling analysis of how a strong real estate industry is necessary for a healthy economy.

In his remarks, Senator Isakson addressed both residential and commercial real estate.  He noted that the housing industry is on the way back and that commercial is making a comeback as well; however, tightening lending standards are making it more difficult. 

Economist Lawrence Yun told attendees that housing is showing signs of recovery, having had the best first quarter in five years in 2012, and that rebounding home prices appear to be genuine.

Calvin Schnure discussed how the commercial real estate industry is poised for a recovery; however, financing will need to be more prevalent and stronger job growth is necessary for the office and retail sectors to fully recover.

BOMA International, in coordination with the other members of NREO, will be providing additional briefings and other educational forums to Capitol Hill legislators and staff throughout the 112th Congress. Members of NREO include: Associated General Contractors, American Hotel & Lodging Association, American Institute of Architects, American Land Title Association, American Resort Development Association, Appraisal Institute, Building Owners and Managers Association (BOMA) International, CRE Finance Council, International Council of Shopping Centers, Manufactured Housing Institute, Mortgage Bankers Association, NAIOP - Commercial Real Estate Development Association, National Apartment Association, National Association of Home Builders, National Multi Housing Council, National Association of Real Estate Investment Managers, National Association of Real Estate Investment Trusts, National Association of REALTORS®, The Real Estate Roundtable.

About BOMA International
The Building Owners and Managers Association (BOMA) International is an international federation of more than 100 local associations and affiliated organizations. Founded in 1907, its 16,500-plus members own or manage more than nine billion square feet of commercial properties. BOMA International’s mission is to enhance the human, intellectual and physical assets of the commercial real estate industry through advocacy, education, research, standards and information. On the web at www.boma.org.

Brady expands SPC product line to include Neutralizers and Kits

New products available for quick acid and base spill response

MILWAUKEE, Wis. (August 09, 2012)—Brady has expanded its SPC absorbent product line to include new Neutralizers and Neutralizer Kits. Brady’s new Neutralizer product offering is designed to counteract a wide range of acid and base spills and provide quick spill response solutions.

Brady’s SPC Acid and Base Neutralizers are used to solidify a wide range of spills. This product includes polymers which will neutralize and change the color to inform the user that neutralization has taken place.

Available in a 6.5 gallon bucket, Brady’s SPC Base and Acid Neutralizer Kits come with a variety of gear to properly respond and neutralize acid and base spills. The Neutralizer Kits include: one-two pound shaker neutralizer, 10 universal pads, two socs, two bags, goggles, gloves, Tyvek suit and a small scoop.

“The addition of Brady’s SPC neutralizers provides a solution for a spill application that is becoming much more common,” says Carlo Emanuele, product manager for the SPC product line. “In order to meet the spill response needs of our customers, we need to provide a product and kit that could round out our SPC product offering.”

The product line is available with multiple configurations allowing users to purchase either just the neutralizers in two pound shakers and/or the entire Neutralizer Kit.

For more information:

To learn more about Brady’s SPC acid and base neutralizers and neutralizer kits, visit www.BradyID.com/SPC. For more information on Brady’s complete line of products and offerings, visit www.BradyID.com. In Canada, visit www.BradyCanada.ca. 

About Brady:

Brady Corporation (NYSE: BRC) is an international manufacturer and marketer of complete solutions that identify and protect premises, products and people.  Its products include high-performance labels and signs, safety devices, printing systems and software, and precision die-cut materials. Founded in 1914, the company has millions of customers in electronics, telecommunications, manufacturing, electrical, construction, education, medical and a variety of other industries.  Brady is headquartered in Milwaukee and employs 6,600 people at operations in the Americas, Europe and Asia/Pacific. Brady’s fiscal 2011 sales were approximately $1.3 billion.  More information about Brady Corporation is available at www.bradycorp.com.

Business Management 2-Day Live Seminar with Mike Holt = VERY POWERFUL

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•    Steps for Solving a Customer Problem

Full Attendance - All Days: $175.00 [ Register ]

Date: October 26^th - 27^th 2012
Location: Orlando, FL. Exact event location to be determined

Sponsored by: Mike Holt Enterprises, Inc.
Contact: Seminar Services
Phone: (888) 632.2633
Alternate Phone: (352) 360.2620
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 www.mikeholt.com 

BOMA International Elects 2012-2014 Executive Committee Members

(WASHINGTON – July 12, 2012) The Building Owners and Managers Association (BOMA) International elected six members to its Executive Committee at the 2012 Every Building Conference & Expo, held June 24-26 in Seattle, Washington.

The BOMA International Executive Committee is responsible for developing the strategic direction and policies for the association. Executive Committee members work with BOMA International officers and executive staff to maximize the effectiveness of BOMA International, while ensuring resources are available to achieve its goals. Executive Committee members serve a minimum term of two years.

The Board of Governors of BOMA International has elected the following individuals to the Executive Committee:

Robert M. Brierley, vice president of operations, Boston Region, Brookfield Properties, BOMA/Boston

Brian D. Cappelli, RPA, vice president, Forest City Commercial Management, BOMA/Cleveland

J. Michael Coleman, vice president of marketing - commercial real estate, AlliedBarton Security Services, BOMA/Philadelphia

Brian M. Harnetiaux, vice president, Transwestern, BOMA/Orange County

Wade W. Lange, RPA, FMA, CPM, vice president of property management, Langley Investment Properties, BOMA Oregon

Keith Major, property director, Bentall LP, BOMA/Greater Toronto

In his role at Brookfield Properties Corporation, Brierley oversees Brookfield’s Boston Region portfolio. He presently serves as a member of BOMA/Boston’s Executive Committee, and also served as president of BOMA/Boston in 2007-2008. He serves on several BOMA International committees, including the Preparedness Committee, the Awards Committee and the State Government Affairs Committee, and is the chair of the BOMA 360 Council. This is Brierley’s second two-year term on the Executive Committee.

Cappelli has more than 20 years of experience in the commercial real estate industry. In his current role as vice president of operations with Forest City Commercial Group, he directs the property and asset management functions for a portfolio of office, retail and industrial properties. He served two-term as president of BOMA/Cleveland and has also served on BOMA/Cleveland’s Finance Committee and the Government Affairs Committee. Cappelli served for four years as governor of BOMA/Ohio.  He is a member of the Asset Management Council and the Energy & Environment Committee for BOMA International and served on the BOMA One Taskforce. Cappelli was elected to serve a second two-year term on the Executive Committee.

Coleman has 37 years of industry experience and has worked 25 years with AlliedBarton Security Services. He has managed substantial security operations in Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Delaware and New England for AlliedBarton and has led numerous security initiatives in security settings as a result of fire and terror-related responses. He is a two-time board member for BOMA/Philadelphia where he founded and chaired the Safety Committee for more than 11 years. He was a contributor to BOMA International’s Emergency Preparedness Guide and recipient of the 2006 Chairman’s Recognition Award for services to the organization. Coleman is the first allied member to be elected to the BOMA International Executive  Committee.

Harnetiaux is responsible for all aspects of leasing and management for 2.1 million square feet of office space with Transwestern. He is a member of the BOMA/Orange County Board of Directors where he served as president in 2010 and 2011. He is the current chair of the BOMA/Orange County Building Membership Taskforce and was named Principal Member of the Year in 2011. He is the current vice president of BOMA California’s Board of Directors and Executive Committee and is the vice chair of BOMA International’s Industry Defense Fund Oversight Committee.

At Langley Investment Properties, Lange oversees the West Coast Portfolio, including assets in Portland, Seattle and San Francisco, and is responsible for more than three million square feet of Class A commercial property. He is the board liaison to BOMA International’s Education Advisory Council, chair of the Reinventing Major Meetings Task Force and has also participated on several BOMA International committees, including the Education Committee, the State Government Affairs Committee, the Local Association Services Committee and the SOS Task Force. He served as president of BOMA/Portland in 2006 and currently serves as both a board member of BOMA Oregon and as board liaison to BOMA Oregon’s Sustainability Committee. Lange was elected to serve a second two-year term on the Executive Committee.

In his role with Bentall Kennedy, Major is responsible for the Property Management, Operations and Development activities for Bentall Kennedy in Ontario, Canada and has played an integral role in the growth of the company from six million square feet to 31 million square feet since 2000. He was an active member and past chair of the Energy and Environment Committee for BOMA/Toronto, and he represents BOMA as the consumer representative on the Smart Grid Forum for Ontario.

***

About BOMA International
The Building Owners and Managers Association (BOMA) International is an international federation of more than 100 local associations and affiliated organizations. Founded in 1907, its 16,500-plus members own or manage more than nine billion square feet of commercial properties. BOMA International’s mission is to enhance the human, intellectual and physical assets of the commercial real estate industry through advocacy, education, research, standards and information. On the Web at www.boma.org.

Coleman Cable’s sales rise 5.2% in Q2

Coleman Cable, a manufacturer of electrical and electronic wire and cable products, said yesterday that sales for its second quarter increased to $231.2 million, up 5.2% compared to the same quarter last year.

The company recorded earnings per share of $0.44 per diluted share, up 76.0 percent versus $0.25 for the second quarter of last year, and up from $0.21 for the first quarter of 2012.

Coleman Cable also declared a quarterly cash dividend of $0.02 per common share, payable on August 31, 2012, to stockholders of record as of the close of business on August 15, 2012.

For the third quarter of 2012, the company estimates sales between $235 million and $245 million and Adjusted EPS between $0.33 and $0.51.

In releasing its quarterly earnings statement, President and CEO Gary Yetman said, "We executed well during the second quarter of 2012, generating earnings that exceeded our outlook for the quarter and which represented strong growth over both the second quarter of last year and the first quarter of 2012. This significant improvement reflects a number of favorable factors, including continued volume growth across a number of our businesses, particularly with respect to our new industrial product offerings, improved marketplace pricing and contributions from our recently-acquired businesses."

New Fluke Networks MultiFiber Pro Cuts Testing Time of Fiber Trunks by 95 Percent - New product is first tool to automate testing of all 12 fibers in MPO trunks

EVERETT, Wash. – July 19, 2012 – Fluke Networks today announced the MultiFiber™ Pro Optical Power Meter and Light Source, the industry’s first MPO (Multi-Fiber Push On) fiber trunk tester that validates the performance of all 12 trunk fibers in a single test and reduces testing time by nearly 95 percent.¹ MPO fiber trunks are the backbone for 10 Gbps, 40 Gbps and 100 Gbps high-speed data centers – the fastest growing segment in the industry.

In today’s market, few MPO fiber trunks are tested in the field, given it takes an average of 6.5 minutes to set up and test each of the 12 fibers in an MPO trunk.² The MultiFiber Pro reduces that time to approximately 20 seconds (14 seconds for set up, 6 seconds for testing).³ For the average data center with 1,600 MPO trunks,⁴ the MultiFiber Pro tester can save contractors more than 155 hours of labor and $17,000 USD in costs, assuming an average burdened labor rate of $55 USD.⁵

“With growth rates of 40 Gbps in data centers expected to grow by more than 175 percent by 2016, ⁶ it’s critical that we provide our customers with a solution that makes the MPO testing process both easy and cost efficient,” said Jason Wilbur, vice president of datacom cabling and installation tools at Fluke Networks. “That need is compounded by the fact that pre-terminated MPO cables can be damaged or contaminated during transport and installation, and industry best practices dictate that validating performance is a critical step in ensuring data center performance.”

The MultiFiber Pro includes:

A single “Scan All” test function that automatically tests all 12 fibers in an MPO connector.

Built-in polarity verification for end-to-end connectivity of MPO trunk cables.

Innovative, intuitive user interface to display all 12 fiber test results.

An on-board MPO connector that eliminates the need, cost and complexity associated with a fan out cord.

A “Select Individual Fiber” function that allows the user to troubleshoot a single fiber with more precision.

A shuttered fiber connector that eliminates the need for dust caps and increases reliability by reducing contamination.

Integration with LinkWare 7 for seamless results management and reporting.

Please visit the website for more information about Fluke Networks’ MultiFiber Pro or Fluke Networks’ industry leading suite of data center solutions.

About Fluke Networks
Fluke Networks is the world-leading provider of network test and monitoring solutions to speed the deployment and improve the performance of networks and applications. Leading enterprises and service providers trust Fluke Networks’ products and expertise to help solve today’s toughest issues and emerging challenges in WLAN security, mobility, unified communications and datacenters. Based in Everett, Wash., the company distributes products in more than 50 countries. For more information, visit www.FlukeNetworks.com or call +1 (425) 446-4519.

NEMA’s general counsel weighs in on counterfeiting in the channel

Published 7/30/2012

By Bridget McCrea

When someone copycats a legitimate electrical product everyone loses. End users get inferior products and may even get hurt by the counterfeit versions. The original manufacturer and its distribution network lose sales, gain legal expenses, and wind up with damaged reputations. The industry as a whole gets a black eye as end users complain about the purchase to co-workers, friends, and family—both online and in person.

The hotter the product, the better the odds that it will be counterfeited either domestically or in a country like China where counterfeiting is big business. In fact, the Department of Homeland Security estimates that 81% of all counterfeits in the U.S. came from mainland China.

According to the National Electrical Manufacturers Association (NEMA) in Rosslyn, Va., the manufacturing and sale of counterfeit products is widely recognized by the U.S. and its trading partners as “a crime involving the theft of intellectual property rights, including patents, trade, service and certification marks, and copyright.”

There are not only economic consequences from trafficking in counterfeit goods, including injury to the reputation of the rights-holder who has made a substantial investment in the quality of its product and brand name, NEMA reports, but also to the deceived consumer, especially when health and safety is impacted, and to governments that face a loss of tax revenue.

In a recent CSA-NEMA report, the groups estimate that counterfeiters sell about $750 billion in products worldwide every year, and that the business grows at a rate of about 20 to 25 percent annually. “It’s definitely a persistent issue in our industry; it’s not going away,” says Clark Silcox, NEMA’s general counsel. On a positive note, he says electrical product manufacturers have had a “considerable amount of success in knocking out some of the counterfeiters at the source, in China.”

Unfortunately, some of those manufacturers, and their distributors, are fighting a losing battle against counterfeiters that can break down their operations (in answer to, say, a cease and desist order) and then get back into business fairly quickly. “You win one battle,” Silcox explains, “and then five or six months later you find out that someone else has started the cycle all over again.”

Silcox says electrical distributors play a key role in identifying and thwarting the crooks who copy their vendors’ products and then try to sell the inferior, and oftentimes dangerous, items to end users. These strides have been especially evident on the domestic side of the channel. “Manufacturers have had excellent cooperation from the distribution channels,” says Silcox, “in terms of ensuring that their supply chains are clean and free of counterfeits. The manufacturers appreciate that.”

The international field isn’t as easy to rein in, particularly when it comes to inexpensive consumer items like extension cords and batteries. Such products typically work their way through the hands of various importers and then wind up on the shelves of discount stores, tables at flea markets, and online outlets like eBay. “This is an ongoing problem that manufacturers have to deal with,” says Silcox. “In fact, our members are addressing this domestically, and in places like South America, Asia, and Africa.”

China is one of the biggest producers of counterfeit electrical goods, according to Silcox. Many times the culprits are apprehended after presenting the “deal of the century” to prospective customers, who are then shown product photos and offered super-low pricing on a variety of products. In some cases the pictures may feature genuine products, says Silcox, but when the shipment arrives the items in it are anything but genuine.

“If a deal is struck with the buyer, those goods work their way into our domestic supply chains and the trading continues until the item gets to the end user,” says Silcox, who points to the Internet as an enabling medium for the counterfeit deals. Sellers can effectively “hide” behind their computers, show buyers photos of genuine products, deliver the inferior goods via mail or truck, and then disappear.

To electrical distributors who pick up on such activity, Silcox says the best move is to get in touch with the real manufacturer and alert it to the fact that its products may have fallen prey to domestic or international counterfeiters. The manufacturer should be able to easily identify whether the item(s) is indeed legitimate or not.

“If you see something suspicious, report it,” advises Silcox, who adds that even a “no name” product with a test lab mark on it could be counterfeit and should be verified using an online verification system like the type offered by CSA or Underwriters Laboratories. “This can help cut down on counterfeiting and keep end users safe.”

---

McCrea is a Florida-based writer who covers business, industrial, and educational topics for a variety of magazines and journals. You can reach her at bridgetmc@earthlink.net or visit her website at www.expertghostwriter.net.

ABOUT tED Magazine - The Electrical Distributor

A monthly textbook for the electrical distribution channel.
tED Magazine is the voice for the top distributors in North America. From national chains to successful independents, tED is read by the top distribution companies in the industry. While targeted to the distributor salesperson, tED is also read by key executives. The publication is known for addressing the tough issues within the channel. If you have a message or product to get in front of the electrical channel, tED's readers are the top performers and decision makers you need to reach.

Reprinted with permission from © 2012 The Electrical Distributor. All rights reserved.

EBCI: Business Conditions Deteriorated in July, But Improvement Expected in Second Half of the Year

ROSSLYN, Va., July 25, 2012—The same downdraft afflicting the broad economy appears to be spilling into the electrical manufacturing sector as the industry pulls back from its earlier rebound. NEMA’s Electroindustry Business Confidence Index (EBCI) for current North American conditions fell to 38.6 in July from 52.4 in June. The index has been sliding since reaching a recent year high of 72.5 in February, but July’s reading was the first below 50 – the level indicating an equal number of panelists see conditions improving as see them deteriorating – since August 2011. The survey’s measure of the degree of change in current North American conditions also slipped into the red in July, declining to -0.4 from a neutral 0.0 in June. Meanwhile, the EBCI for future North American conditions remained solidly in positive territory, even climbing modestly in July to 61.4 from 57.1 in June.

Click here for the complete July 2012 report.

NEMA is the association of electrical equipment and medical imaging manufacturers, founded in 1926 and headquartered in Arlington, Virginia. Its member companies manufacture a diverse set of products including power transmission and distribution equipment, lighting systems, factory automation and control systems, and medical diagnostic imaging systems. Worldwide annual sales of NEMA-scope products exceed $120 billion.

LEED-Certified Building Stock Swells to Two Billion Square Feet Worldwide

Healthy, high-performing buildings continue to crop up in every corner of the world

Washington, DC - (July 26, 2012) - The U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC) today announced that the total footprint of commercial projects certified under its LEED green building program surpassed two billion square feet. An additional seven billion square feet is currently in the pipeline across the globe as registered projects.

"In communities around the globe, leaders from every sector of the building industry are reinventing their local landscapes with buildings that enliven and bolster the health of our environment, communities and local economies," said Rick Fedrizzi, President, CEO & Founding Chair, USGBC. "The journey to this milestone has energized our economy-funneling $554 billion annually into the U.S. economy alone-and has helped support 7.9 million jobs across the U.S."

As the most widely recognized and used green building program, LEED is certifying two million square feet of commercial building space each day in more than 130 countries. Today, nearly 50,000 commercial projects are currently participating in LEED, comprising nine billion square feet of construction space. Additionally, nearly 23,000 homes across the U.S. have earned certification through the LEED for Homes program, with nearly 86,000 additional units in the pipeline. That's more than 159,000 registered and certified projects in LEED.

Since the beginning of July, over 300 projects have earned LEED certification in more than 20 countries worldwide. Notable projects include a LEED Platinum commercial interior for Google in Mumbai; the Vestas Technology Center in Lem, Denmark; Ernst and Young Plaza in Los Angeles, Calif., which earned LEED Platinum for the operations and maintenance of an existing building; and Warrensburg Elementary, a LEED Gold school in Warrensburg, Mo.

U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC)
The U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC) is committed to a prosperous and sustainable future through cost-efficient and energy-saving green buildings. USGBC works toward its mission of market transformation through its LEED green building program, robust educational offerings, a nationwide network of chapters and affiliates, the annual Greenbuild International Conference & Expo, and advocacy in support of public policy that encourages and enables green buildings and communities. For more information, visit usgbc.org and connect on Twitter, Facebook and LinkedIn.

LEED
The U.S. Green Building Council's LEED green building system is the foremost program for the design, construction, maintenance and operations of green buildings. Nearly 50,000 projects are currently participating in the commercial and institutional LEED rating systems, comprising nine billion square feet of construction space in all 50 states and 130 countries. In addition, nearly 23,000 residential units have been certified under the LEED for Homes rating system, with nearly 86,000 more homes registered.

By using less energy, LEED-certified spaces save money for families, businesses and taxpayers; reduce carbon emissions; and contribute to a healthier environment for residents, workers and the larger community. Learn more at usgbc.org.

The NECA Show – Sept. 30-Oct. 2 in Las Vegas = Largest Electrical Construction Show Offers Education, FREE Admission

The NECA Show – Sept. 30-Oct. 2 in Las Vegas, in conjunction with the association’s annual convention – is (by far) 2012’s largest electrical construction industry trade show. To celebrate this status and “pay it back” to the industry, all electrical professionals are now offered FREE admission to the Show floor. This no-charge admission includes:

Access to the people, products, solutions, and ideas displayed by more than 275 exhibiting companies and organizations.

Admission to the Show on Sunday (11:30am to 5pm), Monday (11:30am to 4pm), and Tuesday (10:30am to 2:30pm) – one, two or all three days.

Free admission to any one or all 17 of the Technical Workshops. See a list of them at http://bit.ly/MGhpII.

Why has NECA made this available to the industry? Here’s how President Dennis Quebe (of Chapel Electric LLC in Dayton OH) explained it:

            “Our mission includes educating the entire industry, elevating the general knowledge level of all electrical contractors, and to expand the depth and breadth of what customers come to expect when they think of ‘electrical contractors’ – including lighting assistance, structured cabling, integrated systems, security, and much more.”

Free admission is limited to the Show itself and does not include access to NECA Convention events, which are reserved for the association’s members.

HOW TO GET A FREE ADMISSION PASS:

Go to www.necaconvention.org and click on “Register Now” in upper right.

Click on “Click Here if you have a Special Admission Code.”

Enter the code P112 into the box that appears.

NOTE: Show dates/hours were designed for busy contractors. One can get to Las Vegas Saturday, attend Sunday (the Show’s longest day, with 330 minutes and 8 free Technical Workshops) – leave that evening – and be back at work sometime the following day.

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.

“Maybe you can’t fix the pain at the pump, but you can learn how to reduce the pain at the plug!”

Education / Tracks

NECA 2012 Las Vegas features the best educational opportunities around for electrical contractors, estimators, and project managers. From heavy power distribution to low voltage systems, from putting together winning proposal to dealing with difficult business decisions, NECA has a management or technical course that answers your questions.

Educational Programs are arranged by three tracks — Pre-Convention Workshops, Management Seminars, and Technical Workshops.

NECA's Management Education Institute is authorized to offer IACET CEUs for its programs that qualify under the ANSI/IACET 1–2007 Standard.

To avoid any confusion or problems at the state level, NECA strongly recommends you check with your state authority prior to the Convention to find out whether they will grant CEUs for management education programs held at NECA 2012 Las Vegas. Find information on your state electrical contractor licensing boards.

All Sessions to be held at the Mandalay Bay.

Pre-Convention Workshops

* This also entitles you to all three days on the NECA Show floor and all technical workshops and entry into the New and Featured Product Room.

For more info on a session click on the session’s title.

Friday, September 28, 2012

Saturday, September 29, 2012

Sunday, September 30, 2012

Management Seminars

* This also entitles you to all three days on the NECA Show floor and all technical workshops and entry into the New and Featured Product Room.

For more info on a session click on the session’s title.

Sunday, September 30, 2012

Monday, October 01, 2012

Tuesday, October 02, 2012

Technical Workshops

* This also entitles you to all three days on the NECA Show floor and all technical workshops and entry into the New and Featured Product Room.

For more info on a session click on the session’s title.

Sunday, September 30, 2012

Monday, October 01, 2012

Tuesday, October 02, 2012

Teflon Chemical C8 - Probable Links To Diseases And Cancer. DuPont Still Using C8 To Make Teflon?

C8 Science Panel Announces Probable Links between C8 and Ulcerative Colitis, Thyroid Disease

July 30,2012

The C8 Science Panel met with press today to announce the latest results in their Probable Link findings related to C8 and human health. They first announced that their studies found a Probable Link between C8 and ulcerative colitis. Ulcerative colitis is a relatively rare disease characterized by chronic inflammation of the lining of the digestive tract. It causes chronic pain and discomfort, and generally cannot be cured. Ulcerative colitis is similar to, but not the same as, Crohn’s disease, another disease of the digestive tract. The evidence for the Panel with regard to ulcerative colitis comes from the study the Panel carried out of 32,000 Mid-Ohio Valley residents and DuPont employees who were interviewed regarding their medical history. Medical records were obtained to validate self-reported diagnoses. There were about 160 validated cases of ulcerative colitis considered by the Science Panel. Among these cases, there was a strong pattern of more disease occurring among those with higher PFOA exposure.

The Panel also found a Probable Link between C8 and thyroid disease. Thyroid disease is a common condition related to an imbalance in thyroid hormones. It can usually be well-controlled by treatment with thyroid hormones. There were over 2000 validated cases of thyroid disease in the Science Panel study of Mid-Ohio Valley residents. The Panel also analyzed data on thyroid hormones among Mid-Ohio Valley residents and considered other reports in the scientific literature. While the evidence on thyroid disease was mixed, the Panel concluded overall it was more probable than not that C8 was linked to thyroid disease.

The Panel reported on a number of other diseases and concluded that there was no Probable Link between C8 and the following diseases: chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, asthma, childhood and adult infections such as influenza, neurodevelopmental disorders in children, stroke, and five other autoimmune diseases (lupus, rheumatoid arthritis, Type 1 (juvenile) diabetes, Crohn’s disease, and multiple sclerosis). They will return in October of this year to deliver final Probable Link reports.

In February 2005, a West Virginia Circuit Court approved a class action settlement in a lawsuit about releases of a chemical known as C8, or PFOA, from DuPont’s Washington Works located in Wood County West Virginia. One major piece of the settlement was the creation of the C8 Science Panel consisting of three independent epidemiologists to determine whether there is a Probable Link between C8 exposure and human disease.

The Panel is composed of three epidemiologists with a long history of studying the relation between environmental exposures and disease. The three panelists are Dr. Kyle Steenland of Emory University in Georgia, Dr. David Savitz of Brown University in Rhode Island, and Dr. Tony Fletcher of the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine in London. The Panel has been working since 2006 on its own studies of exposed persons in the Mid-Ohio Valley. Most of its work has taken place since 2008 when it received the final version of a list of participants in the C8 Health Project in 2005-2006. In the Project, the level of C8 in the blood was measured and a medical history collected. About 2/3 of the participants in the C8 Health Project agreed to participate in C8 Science Panel studies. A list of the Science Panel studies, and findings to date, can be found at www.c8sciencepanel.org.

April 16, 2012

C8 Science Panel Announces Probable Links between C8 and Testicular, Kidney Cancers

The C8 Science Panel announced today that it is more probable than not that exposure to C8 in the Mid-Ohio Valley was linked to testicular cancer and kidney cancer. Citing the largest study ever undertaken between cancer and those with C8 exposure levels above general population background levels, the Panel found no other links between C8 (also known as PFOA) and any other of 21 cancer sites. They also found no links to adult onset diabetes.

In February 2005, a West Virginia Circuit Court approved a class action settlement in a lawsuit about releases of a chemical known as C8, or PFOA, from DuPont’s Washington Works located in Wood County, West Virginia. One major piece of the settlement was the creation of the C8 Science Panel consisting of three independent epidemiologists to determine whether there is a probable link between C8 exposure and human disease.

The Panel is composed of three epidemiologists with a long history of studying the relation between environmental exposures and disease. The three panelists are Dr. Kyle Steenland of Emory University in Georgia, Dr. David Savitz of Brown University in Rhode Island, and Dr. Tony Fletcher of the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine in London. The Panel has been working together since 2006. Most of its work has taken place since 2008 when it received the final version of a list of participants in the C8 Health Project in 2005-2006. In the Project, the level of C8 and other clinical markers in the blood were measured and some medical history collected.

About 2/3 of the participants in the C8 Health Project agreed to participate in C8 Science Panel studies. "This is a very good consent rate for agreement to participate in follow-up studies," said Dr. Savitz. "We were fortunate to have such a large body of data to work within our research. Without this high degree of community participation we could not have done this study." A list of the Science Panel studies, and findings to date, can be found at www.c8sciencepanel.org.

The Science Panel considered all studies to date of the relationship between C8 and either cancer or diabetes. One of the most important studies on which today's findings were based was a Science Panel follow-up study of 32,000 people (28,000 community residents and 4,000 workers). Interviews with these 32,000 were conducted in 2009-2011. Medical history was collected and the Science Panel sought medical records confirming any diseases reported.

3636 of these study subjects reported having had cancer classified into 21 different types in interviews carried out during 2009-2011. Of these, the Science Panel was able to validate 2420 (70%) diagnoses of primary cancer through medical record review and state cancer registry data. Some cases were not validated because the Panel did not receive consent to review medical records, while others were not validated because medical records failed to confirm the self-reported diagnosis. Dr. Kyle Steenland said, "We didn’t include people simply because they told us they had cancer. We had to back it up with official records, and that took time and great attention to detail."

The Science Panel estimated the level of C8 in the blood of study subjects over time before cancer occurred, relying on records of past emissions from the DuPont plant and the residential history of study subjects. The Panel then determined whether those study participants who had higher levels of C8 in their blood over time had higher levels of cancer. The only two cancers where the Panel found a reasonably consistent and strong relationship between past exposure and cancer were testicular cancer and kidney cancer. Both these cancers are rare. In the Science Panel data there were 19 confirmed cases of testicular cancer and 113 confirmed cases of kidney cancer. After dividing the population into four categories ("quartiles") of increasing level of cumulative C8 in the blood, the kidney cancer rate in the upper categories of the population was 20%, 40%, and 60% higher for the 2nd, 3rd, and 4th quartile compared to those with the lowest exposure. For testicular cancer the corresponding numbers were 80%, 120%, and 170% higher for the upper quartiles compared to the lowest.

A second Science Panel study which looked at cancer was a geographical study. Here the Panel looked at data from all registered cancers supplied by the Ohio and West Virginia Health Departments. They compared cancer rates in exposed areas in the Mid-Ohio Valley versus other non-exposed areas. The Panel found that areas with the highest rates of testicular cancer were the areas with the highest exposure. A similar but less consistent and less pronounced result was found for kidney cancer. "The major effort to map the history of water distribution, combined with comprehensive cancer registration data, provides a valuable resource for our research program," commented Dr. Tony Fletcher.

Regarding diabetes, the same study of 32,000 people described above was able to look at diabetes. 4883 study subjects reported having Type 2 or adult-onset diabetes, and the medical record confirmation was obtained for 3899. The Panel considered exposure before the date of diabetes occurrence. There was no trend of increased diabetes occurrence in those with more exposure. In analyses based on cases confirmed through medical records, there was no trend of increased risk across categories of increasing cumulative PFOA serum levels. While the Science Panel noted that there are other reports which provide some evidence of such a link, they were smaller and based on diabetes mortality, which is not so useful for studying diabetes compared to disease onset. The Science Panel’s new data on diabetes onset from the Mid-Ohio Valley involved a much larger study population and thus provide the strongest piece of evidence against there being a probable link between PFOA and adult-onset diabetes. The Science Panel will consider Type 1 or juvenile diabetes, an auto-immune disease, in a later report. Type 1 diabetes represents about 5-10% of all diabetes.

The Panel announced a probable link with pregnancy-induced hypertension in Dec 2011, while finding no other links with reproductive outcomes. The complete document delivered to the court this past week can be found at www.c8sciencepanel.org, as well as additional documentation of the past work of the panel. Final decisions of the Panel with respect to other diseases are due by the end of July.

For More Info: Lisa Collins, 304/483-1355

A list of the Science Panel studies, and findings to date, can be found at www.c8sciencepanel.org.

tED Magazine Article - WESCO still on the acquisition trail

Published 7/30/2012

By Jack Keough

WESCO is often referred to as the largest publicly-traded electrical distributor in the U.S. But in reality the Pittsburgh, Penn. -based distributor sells much more than electrical distribution products. Over the years, WESCO has expanded its reach and product categories into many more markets, particularly the MRO, OEM and safety areas.

WESCO has more than 400 locations across the U.S. with eight distribution centers. It grew through excellent management under recently retired top executive Roy Haley and its current chairman, president and CEO John Engel. Both men are widely respected distribution veterans.

Through a series of acquisitions, organic growth and new markets, WESCO continues on its path to success. Some of these acquisitions have been in specialized smaller niche market customer segments such as RECO, automation, controls and electrical distributor. RECO added $25 million in sales from six branches. RECO was purchased in March 2011 and since then WESCO has purchased several more companies. The company clearly indicated recently that it will seek further acquisitions.

Recent acquisitions include Brews Supply in Canada, which had about $50 million in sales from the industrial, utility and other markets. Then there was RS Electronics in Livonia, Mich., which recorded sales of about $60 million. The company services the auto industry and other markets. Trydor Industries Ltd., a British Columbia company that distributes and services high-voltage electrical products was also purchased this summer. The acquisition of Trydor, which has $35 million in sales, is designed to bolster WESCO’s presence in Canada. And in July, WESCO completed its acquisition of Conney Safety Products, a provider of MRO and safety products, headquartered in Madison, Wisc. The company has sales of approximately $85 million.

The Conney acquisition raised a few eyebrows in the MRO industrial sector as WESCO expanded its reach in that area, rather than just electrical.

Engel talked about the company’s acquisition strategy in a call with analysts following release of WESCO earnings for the second quarter in which sales rose about 10 percent.

“We had highlighted several years ago categories outside of core electrical, “Engel said according to a transcript provided by www.seekingalpha.com . “We had four different categories highlighted. Electrical was highlighted, but so was industrial and so was safety and so was one additional category, so it’s been in our sights and we think our business model extends horizontally to other product categories that we can sell to our existing customers to service their MRO, OEM and capital projects.”

The company makes it clear there is an opportunity for distributors to grow substantially in the highly-fragmented MRO market. It also sees tremendous growth for selling its existing core products to new customers from its acquired companies.

WESCO also emphasized that it is far from finished when it comes to acquisitions. “We have the capacity and financial flexibility to continue to fund our strategy of above-market organic growth plus accretive acquisitions. Our acquisition pipeline remains robust and we see excellent opportunities to further expand and strengthen our portfolio, “Engel said.

“In summary, as we reach the midyear point of 2012, we’re operating with a stronger and more diverse business—stronger and more diverse in terms of customers in end markets, products and suppliers and geographies. Our long-term outlook remains unchanged. We expect the economy to continue to recover slowly over the next several years. We expect the industrial and utility end markets to continue to grow this year and construction to continue its move through a bottoming process in the second half and well into next year. ”  He later added : “Our pipeline’s in terrific shape…with the shape of our capital structure and balance sheet entering a third quarter, we’re extraordinarily well positioned to continue to work the acquisition opportunities.”  www.wescodist.com and www.gocsc.com

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Jack Keough was the editor of Industrial Distribution magazine for more than 26 years. He often speaks at many industry events and seminars. He can be reached at john.keough@comcast.net or keoughbiz@gmail.com

ABOUT tED Magazine - The Electrical Distributor

A monthly textbook for the electrical distribution channel.
tED Magazine is the voice for the top distributors in North America. From national chains to successful independents, tED is read by the top distribution companies in the industry. While targeted to the distributor salesperson, tED is also read by key executives. The publication is known for addressing the tough issues within the channel. If you have a message or product to get in front of the electrical channel, tED’s readers are the top performers and decision makers you need to reach.

Reprinted with permission from © 2012 The Electrical Distributor. All rights reserved.

Article by Cerro Wire = Using Supplier Scorecards to Improve Profitability

By Shawn Dennison, CPA, CMA, Vice President of Finance, Cerrowire-Electrical Distribution

During the past year, I have had the opportunity to visit several electrical distributors across the United States.  Through discussions with owners and buyers on these trips, I have learned that each customer makes their purchasing decisions differently.  Some companies delegate purchasing decisions to the local branch while others centralize their purchasing.  Whether the decision was made locally or from a central office, each buyer still had their own way of evaluating the purchase decision. Some buyer’s valued the lowest price, some valued relationship, and so on.  For the purpose of this article, I have distilled the types into three categories:  1. No Score Card (Price, Price, and Price are all that matters) 2. Limited Score Card (Price, Discounts, and Rebates) 3. Complete Score Card (Overall Cost/Value Considered).  The most successful companies seemed to be the ones where the buyer considered more factors than just the selling price.

Beware the High Cost of a Low Price

Russell is an example of the No Score Card, Price, Price, Price are all that matters buyer.  He would listen to people discuss their value proposition but at the end of the day he only cared about the price.  Russell challenged me with I would love to give you more business but you are always high by 2 -3 %.  Given the competitive nature of the business that Cerro Wire is in, I inquired as to who their key building wire suppliers were.  Russell was purchasing most of his wire from a small regional player that I was not familiar with.  I asked Russell about the payment terms and rebate with this company and his response was that was handled by the owner.  Fortunately the owner was in the meeting and had an invoice and the program pulled for our discussion.  This supplier offered Net 30 day terms and they did not have a rebate program established with them versus Cerro Wire’s 2% 10^th Prox Net EOM with a 25^th Cut-off and a 3% rebate.  I showed them the difference on a million dollars that these items would have.

Russell saw that Cerro Wire’s gross price was indeed 3% higher but the overall cost was 2.1% lower.  Russell turned a little green when he realized that he lost his company $20,000 for every million purchased with the regional vendor.  We also emphasized the value of lead-time, fill rate, product quality, product guarantees, and services.

Lead-Time, Fill Rate, Product Quality & Guarantees have Value

Jack is an example of the Limited Score Card, Price, Discounts and Rebates considered buyer.  Jack consolidated the buying opportunity for his stores each month and presented it to his suppliers.  After receiving the quotes, he would generate the projected order with each supplier’s price, cash discount, and rebate to determine the net price.  The lowest net price would always win.  Jack had even reduced his suppliers down to two or three in each category.  In our particular segment, Jack had narrowed it down to a non-domestic supplier and Cerro Wire.  Jack had invited us to meet with him and some of his key managers to discuss Cerro Wire’s programs and position.

After reviewing his company and their initiatives with us the conversation turned to Cerro’s performance in the last several buy opportunities.  Cerro Wire had been close but higher than the non-domestic vendor.  We inquired about lead-times, fill rates, product quality and guarantees.  The non-domestic vendor shipment was being received about two weeks after ordering at about 90% complete with backorders taking up to a month to receive.  Cerro Wire shipments were being received 4 days after ordering at 98% complete with back orders taking a week to complete. 

We asked what impact this was having on their inventory levels.  Jack assured us that he monitored inventory very closely and it had not increased.  One of the managers present said that was because they were picking up material from a non-preferred vendor at higher prices during the month when the non-domestic vendor was used.  After further review, they realized that they were having to make about 20% of the initial purchase as fill in orders while waiting on the order.  Without considering the expense of the cash flow, labor, and cost to pick up they would have been better off paying an extra ½%.

We then inquired about the product quality, returns, and guarantees.  Cerro Wire uses a Co-Extrusion process when manufacturing its products so that the Nylon and PVC are applied at basically the same time.  This process produces a product that does not crack or horse collar when bent.  Cerro also marks its wire with a True Sequential Footage mark and guarantees its accuracy.  The non-domestic vendor did not do any of these things and as a result had poorer product quality and high returns. The customer had spent thousands of dollars a year in labor costs calling for RMAs, packing items for return, shipping, and then the costs to receive the replacement or process the credit memos with the non domestic vendor. Not to mention the intangible cost of irritating their customer with poor quality products.

A Complete Score Card Can Increase Profitability

Dave is an example of a buyer who has developed a complete score card to assist in his buying process.  Dave measures vendor volume, initial fill rate, fill rate with second shipment, number of shipments to complete an order, average days to receive first shipment, average days to receive second shipment, average days to receive final shipment, average shipments per order, average lines per P.O., average dollars per P.O., vendor uses EDI, % of P.O. sent EDI, % of lines sent EDI, total invoice volume, number of deductions (price, shortages, returns, etc.), total dollars deducted, average deductions, % invoices adjusted, cost factor to process invoices, assistance with jobs.  He sets a goal and acceptable levels to measure a vendor against.  Based on the overall performance results, vendors are classified as Gold, Silver, or Bronze.  This rating and score card are used in vendor meetings to help the vendor improve their performance, rebate programs in order to be more comparable in total thus ensuring that the company is receiving the best overall cost on purchases. The data from the score card can be fed into a comparison tool to properly evaluate the offers impact to the company.

Utilizing these types of report cards and comparison tools helped Dave put more science to the purchasing decision which led to his company being more profitable than his competitors.

www.cerrowire.com

HISTORY OF CERROWIRE

The company was established in 1920 by Hyman Cohn as Circle Flexible Conduit Co., Inc. It was first engaged in the manufacture and sale of armored cable and flexible steel conduit. By 1929 the company began manufacturing insulated wire and increased the line of various types of copper wire and cable, leading to a change in the company’s name. In 1935, the name was changed to Circle Wire & Cable Corp.

In 1938 the company constructed its main plant in Maspeth, NY and in 1951 facilities were constructed in Syosset, NY. In 1955 the company was acquired by Cerro de Pasco Corp, which led to the development of Cerro Wire & Cable Company. Cerro became a member of The Marmon Group in 1976. In 1983, Hartselle became the corporate headquarters when all operations were moved to Alabama and later manufacturing facilities were added in Utah, Indiana and Georgia.

In 2007, two segments were formed, the Electrical Distribution Division, headquartered in Hartselle, Alabama and the Consumer Markets Division, headquartered in Crothersville, Indiana. In 2008, Berkshire Hathaway Inc., acquired majority interest in the Marmon Group of companies, further solidifying Cerrowire’s future in the building wire industry for years to come. The company is now known as Cerro Wire LLC.

Bergstrom Mfg - Wiring Tool Trial. Check it out

Bergstrom Mfg Inc. manufactures and sells “THE POLE” - a tool for fishing cable through walls and ceilings … this wiring tool direct to Electricians, Security, Burglar and Fire Alarm, Cable, Satellite, Telephone, Computer Networking, and Audio Video Companies. 

Bergstrom Mfg Inc. designs and builds a tool for fishing cable through walls and ceilings.  It is something they send to companies to try in the field on a 60 day free trial.

When you compare these to fish tapes and other rods on the market you will be impressed!

The trial kit includes: 5 stiff rods, 3 flexible rods, 2 no-tape tools, and a grabber tool.
All of Bergstrom tools are covered by a full one year warranty. 

The complete cost of the kit is $129.00 … if you like it.

Please call 800-679-6681 or email mark@bergstromfg.com your contact info and

shipping address to have your trial kit sent. 

Mark Bergstrom
Bergstrom Mfg Inc.
800-679-6681
www.Bergstromfg.com

Optical Transport Market Growth Driven by New Generation Equipment

100G DWDM Shipments Forecast to More Than Double Each Year Through 2016

REDWOOD CITY, Calif. – August 14, 2012 – In a newly released Optical Transport forecast report by Dell’Oro Group, the trusted source for market information about the networking and telecommunications industries, total worldwide optical transport market revenue is forecast to grow at a seven percent compounded annual growth rate driven by the demand for a new generation of equipment.

“The optical transport market is in its next stage of transformation,” said Jimmy Yu, Vice President of Optical Transport Market Research at Dell’Oro Group.  “In each new generation of optical equipment, there have been two distinct evolutions.  The first being higher speed interfaces and the second being better packet transport capabilities.  Regarding higher speed interfaces, the market is moving rapidly to 100 gigabit DWDM and we forecast wavelength shipments to grow at greater than 120 percent each year for the next five years.  On the topic of improved packet transport capabilities, the market is moving to OTN and MPLS/MPLS-TP as is leaves SONET/SDH as a legacy network element,” added Mr. Yu.

KNOWLEDGE IS POWER - How is Technology Transforming Your World? Getting Smart About It

Do you want to be a winner? Education can increase your success rate dramatically.

In the new world of electrical work including telecom and datacom, getting the right training is too important to ignore. In the changing electrical industry, there are a few “best choices” to get that critical training. One of the best is Mike Holt.

There are thousands of successful contractors and installers who have benefited from Mike Holt’s training. The resultant revenue for his students is easily in the billions. Mike Holt training is part of a new wave. Emerging technologies are transforming our business facilities into much more efficient systems. Integrated systems are the new driving force that electrical and low-voltage contractors are discovering. Smart Grid, Intelligent Buildings, Integrated Systems are already paying big dividends for the consumers and the contractor. Mike Holt training can open the door to this dazzling set of opportunities while obsolete practices dwindle and fade. EDUCATION is crucial in order to seize the “brass ring”.

Mike Holt -The Man Behind The Name...

Mike Holt worked his way up through the electrical trade from an apprentice electrician to a master electrician and electrical inspector. In 1973, Mike was certified as an electrical instructor and in 1975 became an electrical contractor. From their inception, Mike’s electrical classes were so successful, that by 1980 he stopped electrical contracting to completely devote his time to electrical training. www.mikeholt.com

Mike did not complete high school due to circumstances and dropped out after completing 11th grade. Realizing that success depends on one’s education, he immediately attained his GED, and ten years later he attended the University of Miami’s Graduate School for a Masters in Business Administration (MBA). Mike continues today to stay current in all aspects of his education. Because of his education experiences, he understands the needs of his students, and strongly encourages and motivates them to continue their own education.

EDUCATOR

Mike is internationally recognized as one of America’s most knowledgeable electrical trainers. He has touched the lives of many thousands of electricians, inspectors, contractors and engineers. His dynamic and animated teaching style is relaxed, direct and fun. Perhaps Mike’s best quality is his ability to motivate his students to become successful.

He is devoted to providing quality training aids such as seminars, videos, books and software that enhances job performance, personal confidence and career growth. The quality that sets Mike apart from the others is his ability to motivate his students to become successful. Mike’s experiences as an electrician, inspector and contractor help him develop training programs that the electrician understands and enjoys. His ability to take the intimidation out of learning is reflected in the success rate of his students.

CODE EXPERT

Mike has devoted his career to studying and understanding the National Electrical Code, the foundation of the electrical industry. Researching the NEC all these years and understanding its background has not only made Mike an expert, but it has earned him the respect of his peers.

Companies and organizations across the United States and Mexico have used his expertise in English and Spanish to help them pinpoint the exact meaning of the NEC. In addition, his insight has been helpful in litigation problems, where the exact meaning of the Code is necessary.

AUTHOR

Mike is a well-respected author and developer of software, books and video training programs. He has mastered the art of explaining the complicated in a simple but direct style. His ability to simplify technical concepts makes him one of America’s most sought after speaker in the electrical trade. His extensive use of illustration in all of his training programs makes learning fun. His articles have been seen in numerous magazines, such as Electrical Construction & Maintenance (EC&M), CEE News, Electrical Design and Installation (EDI), Electrical Contractor (EC), International Association of Electrical Inspectors (IAEI News), The Electrical Distributor (TED) and Power Quality (PQ) Magazine.

Since 1973, Mike has written or taught on practically every subject in the electrical trade, from grounding and bonding, to estimating, to power quality and low voltage systems.

TRAINER AND INDUSTRY EXPERT

Companies across the United States have utilized the services of Mike for in-house training and expert advice. His unsurpassed speaking ability has encouraged companies such as ATT, IBM, Boeing; associations such as NECA, IAEI, IBEW, ICBO; and government agency such as Mexico, U.S. Navy, Grand Coulee Dam, etc. Mike’s appeal lies in his ability to teach a variety of subjects to individuals that have different degrees of expertise. He even has taught the NEC to the Navajo and Ute Indians, and in Spanish in Mexico!

THE MAN

Mike resides in Central, Florida, is the father of seven children, and has many outside interest and activities. In 1988 he became the National Barefoot Waterskiing Champion. He has set five national records and in 1999 he again captured the National Barefoot Waterskiing Championship. Mike enjoys motocross racing (YZ125), white water rafting, racquetball, playing his guitar, and spending time with his family. His commitment to God has helped him develop a lifestyle that places God first, then family, self and career. August 2012 - Mike Holt is now the world record holder in his class.

Mike Holt

Mike@MikeHolt.com

About Mike Holt Enterprises

Mike Holt worked his way up through the electrical trade from apprentice electrician through electrical contractor, to become one of the most recognized experts in the world as it relates to electrical power installations. He was a Journeyman Electrician, Master Electrician, and Electrical Contractor. In 1974, Mike realized there was a need for quality electrical training and opened Mike Holt Enterprises.

Today, Mike Holt Enterprises is the leader in all aspects of electrical training. Mike and his entire staff are dedicated to making the industry safer through training and state-of-the-art products. Mike’s background as a struggling student, who dropped out of high school and later went on to get his GED and eventually attend The University of Miami, has helped him understand the needs of his students and the customers using his products. As a result, he has set a standard that all products must be easy-to-understand, focused on the essentials, and include lots of detailed illustrations to help the materials come to life.

What sets Mike Holt Enterprises apart from other publishing companies is that from its very beginning it was created to serve the needs of the electrical community exclusively. Mike has always wanted to make sure that the focus was aimed at meeting the needs of electrical professionals. His books are designed to make the electrical student not only learn the material, but enjoy the process. His DVD programs bring electrical experts from across the country into livings rooms and classrooms to discuss the various aspects of each subject.

Mike has realized his vision over the last 30 years of creating a company that takes care of its customers, provides high quality training, and continues to find ways to improve the safety of the industry.

888.NEC.CODE (632.2633) 3604 Parkway Blvd, Ste 3, Leesburg Fl 34748 www.mikeholt.com

ScanSource Quarterly Results and Promotions

ScanSource, Inc. (NASDAQ: SCSC), the leading international value-added distributor of specialty technology products, today announced that sales results for its quarter ended June 30, 2012 are expected to be in the range of $750 million to $760 million, compared to $735 million for the same period one year ago. On its August 16, 2012 quarter-end and fiscal year-end conference call, ScanSource executives will provide sales results by geographies and product areas, net earnings, and a forecast for the following quarter.

Today's release reflects ScanSource's normal reporting practice whereby quarterly sales results are disclosed in a release at a practicable date soon after quarter-end. At this reporting interval, ScanSource does not comment on gross margin, the mix of its sales by business unit, or any other information that would be necessary to draw conclusions regarding net income and earnings per share. The statements in this press release are made as of the date hereof even if subsequently made available on ScanSource's website or otherwise. ScanSource does not assume any obligation to update the forward looking statements provided to reflect events that occur or circumstances that exist after the date on which they were made.

About ScanSource, Inc.

ScanSource, Inc. (NASDAQ: SCSC) is the leading international distributor of specialty technology products, consisting of seven sales units in North America, Latin America and Europe.

ScanSource POS and Barcoding in North America, Latin America and Europe delivers AIDC and POS solutions; Catalyst Telecom in the U.S., and ScanSource Communications in North America and Europe, provide voice, video and converged communications equipment; and ScanSource Security in North America offers physical security solutions. Founded in 1992, the company ranks #760 on the Fortune 1000. For more information, call the toll-free sales telephone number at 800.944.2432 or visit www.scansourceinc.com.

ScanSource, Inc. {NASDAQ: SCSC}, the leading international value-added distributor of specialty technology products, has enhanced its Finance leadership with the promotion of Gerald Lyons to Senior Vice President, Finance and Principal Accounting Officer and Mary Gentry to Treasurer and Director of Investor Relations.

In his new position, Mr. Lyons assumes significant responsibility for the Company’s financial operations, including its Reseller Financial Services, Internal Audit, Treasury, Accounting and Finance departments. Prior to this position, Mr. Lyons served as Vice President, Financial Business Systems, where he was actively involved in the implementation, management and oversight of the Company’s financial systems and processes. Mr. Lyons joined ScanSource in 2007 as Vice President, Corporate Controller, where he was responsible for guiding the operation of the accounting function, as well as the strategic direction of the accounting team. Mr. Lyons will report to Rich Cleys, CFO, ScanSource, Inc.

Mary Gentry has served as Director of Investor Relations since joining the Company in 2011, where she is responsible for implementing a comprehensive global strategy for building and strengthening relationships with investors, analysts and the financial community. In her new role as Treasurer and Director of Investor Relations, Ms. Gentry will have the additional responsibility for the treasury functions of the Company, including managing the Company’s credit facility and associated banking relationships, cash management, and foreign currency risk. Ms. Gentry will report to Mr. Lyons.

“Both Gerry and Mary have been instrumental in creating efficiencies in our processes, as well as helping to develop our financial team and strengthen our internal financial solutions and processes,” said Rich Cleys.

“As a growing international Company, it is critical to continue to enhance our leadership in regard to our financial management and oversight,” said Mike Baur, CEO, ScanSource, Inc. “While we continue our search for a CFO to succeed Rich Cleys upon his future retirement, we are extremely pleased with the leadership we have in place.”

Mr. Lyons has more than 23 years of financial and general management experience. Prior to joining ScanSource, he worked with Moen Incorporated in senior controllership and general management positions. He also served in various accounting and financial management positions with Cooper Industries. Mr. Lyons received his MBA from Cleveland State University and a B.S. in Finance from Clemson University.

Ms. Gentry has more than 21 years of financial and communications experience, including investor relations, corporate communications and financial management roles. Before joining ScanSource, she served as Executive Vice President, Investor Relations at The South Financial Group, where she built an award-winning investor relations program. While at The South Financial Group, she also served as Treasurer and Vice President of Financial Planning. Ms. Gentry received a B.S. in Accountancy from Wake Forest University and an MBA in Finance from The Wharton School, University of Pennsylvania.

About ScanSource, Inc.

ScanSource, Inc. {NASDAQ:SCSC} is the leading international distributor of specialty technology products, consisting of seven sales units in North America, Latin America and Europe.

ScanSource POS and Barcoding in North America, Latin America and Europe delivers AIDC and POS solutions; Catalyst Telecom in the US, and ScanSource Communications in North America and Europe, provide voice, video and converged communications equipment; and ScanSource Security in North America offers physical security solutions. Founded in 1992, the company ranks #760 on the Fortune 1000. For more information, call the toll-free sales telephone number at 800.944.2432 or visit www.scansourceinc.com.

WESCO International, Inc. Reports Second Quarter EPS Growth of 15%; Seventh Consecutive Quarter of Double Digit EPS Growth

Second quarter results compared to the prior year:

Earnings per diluted share of $1.15 increased 15%

Net income of $58.9 million increased 17%

Operating margins improved to 5.7%

Consolidated sales of $1.67 billion increased 9.7%

WESCO International, Inc. (WCC), PITTSBURGH, July 19, 2012 - a leading provider of electrical, industrial, and communications MRO and OEM products, construction materials, and advanced supply chain management and logistics services, today announced its 2012 second quarter results.

The following are results for the three months ended June 30, 2012 compared to the three months ended June 30, 2011:

Consolidated net sales were $1,672.7 million for the second quarter of 2012, compared to $1,524.5 million for the second quarter of 2011. The 9.7% increase in sales includes a 2.2% positive impact from acquisitions and a 0.7% negative impact from foreign exchange rates, resulting in organic sales growth of approximately 8.2%. Sequentially, sales increased 4.2%.

Gross profit was $335.6 million, or 20.1% of sales, for the second quarter of 2012 compared to $306.8 million, or 20.1% of sales, for the second quarter of 2011.

Selling, general & administrative (SG&A) expenses of $231.2 million, or 13.8% of sales, for the second quarter of 2012 improved 30 basis points, compared to $214.2 million, or 14.1% of sales, for the second quarter of 2011.

Operating profit was $96.0 million for the current quarter, up 13.0% from $85.0 million for the comparable 2011 quarter. Operating profit as a percentage of sales was 5.7% in 2012, up 10 basis points from 5.6% in 2011.

Total interest expense for the second quarter of 2012 was $11.5 million, compared to $13.9 million for the second quarter of 2011. Non-cash interest expense, which includes convertible debt interest, interest related to uncertain tax positions, and the amortization of deferred financing fees, for the second quarter of 2012 and 2011 was $1.4 million and $2.4 million, respectively.

The effective tax rate for the current quarter was 30.3%, compared to 29.4% for the prior year second quarter.

Net income of $58.9 million for the current quarter was up 17.3% from $50.2 million for the prior year second quarter.

Earnings per diluted share for the second quarter of 2012 were $1.15 per share, based on 51.1 million diluted shares, and was up 15.0% from $1.00 per share in the second quarter of 2011, based on 50.3 million diluted shares.

Free cash flow for the second quarter of 2012 was $49.1 million, or 83% of net income, compared to a use of $19.6 million for the second quarter of 2011.

Mr. John J. Engel, WESCO's Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, stated, "Our second quarter results reflect the continued execution of our growth strategy and our ability to deliver solid sales and earnings growth in a challenging economic environment. We generated positive momentum and increased sales to customers in each of our Industrial, Construction, Utility and CIG end markets resulting in overall sales growth of 9.7%. Operating margins improved to 5.7%, and earnings per diluted share increased 15%, demonstrating the effective operating leverage of our business model. Free cash flow exceeded 90% of net income in the first half of 2012, and we exited the second quarter with financial leverage below 2.0 and record liquidity."

"Additionally, we are very pleased to have completed the acquisitions of Trydor Industries and Conney Safety Products earlier this month. These two transactions are expected to be accretive to earnings by at least $0.15 per diluted share on a combined basis over the next year."

The following results are for the six months ended June 30, 2012 compared to the six months ended June 30, 2011.

Consolidated net sales were $3,278.7 million for the first six months of 2012, compared to $2,955.8 million for the first six months of 2011, an increase of 10.9%. Acquisitions positively impacted consolidated sales by 2.4%, while one additional workday positively impacted sales by 0.8% and foreign exchange provided a 0.5% negative impact resulting in a normalized organic growth rate of approximately 8.2%.

Gross profit of $655.4 million, or 20.0% of sales, for the first six months of 2012 was down 10 basis points, compared to $592.9 million, or 20.1% of sales, for the first six months of 2011.

SG&A expenses of $459.3 million, or 14.0% of sales, for the first six months of 2012 improved 50 basis points, compared to $428.0 million, or 14.5% of sales, for the first six months of 2011.

Operating profit was $179.6 million for the first six months of 2012, up 19.9% from $149.7 million for the comparable 2011 period. Operating profit as a percentage of sales was 5.5% in 2012, up 40 basis points from 5.1% in 2011.

Total interest expense for the first six months of 2012 was $20.4 million, compared to $26.5 million for the first six months of 2011. Cash interest expense was $20.9 million for the first six months of 2012. Non-cash interest expense, which includes convertible debt interest, interest related to uncertain tax positions, and the amortization of deferred financing fees, amounted to $0.5 million of income as a result of a favorable adjustment of $3.2 million of previously recorded interest related to uncertain tax positions. This adjustment was a result of a favorable Internal Revenue Service appeals settlement in the first quarter of 2012 related to the years 2000 to 2006.

The effective six-month tax rate was 29.7% for 2012 compared to 29.0% for 2011.

Net income of $111.9 million for the first six months of 2012 was up 27.8% from $87.5 million for the first six months of 2011.

Earnings per diluted share for the first six months of 2012 were up 25.3% to $2.18 per share, based on 51.2 million diluted shares, versus $1.74 per share for the first six months of 2011, based on 50.4 million diluted shares. The adjustment of previously recorded interest related to uncertain tax positions in the first quarter of 2012 positively impacted year-to-date 2012 earnings per diluted share by approximately $0.04.

Free cash flow for the six months of 2012 was $102.9 million, or 92% of net income, compared to $6.6 million in the comparable prior year period.

Mr. Engel continued, "Our long term outlook remains unchanged as we expect the economy to continue to recover slowly over the next several years. We are continuing to invest in our eight growth engines and our six operational excellence initiatives, and we remain focused on executing our One WESCO strategy of providing customers with the leading products, services and supply chain solutions they need to meet their MRO, OEM, and Capital Project requirements around the world."

WESCO International, Inc. (WCC), a publicly traded Fortune 500 holding company headquartered in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, is a leading provider of electrical, industrial, and communications maintenance, repair and operating ("MRO") and original equipment manufacturers ("OEM") product, construction materials, and advanced supply chain management and logistic services. 2011 annual sales were approximately $6.1 billion. The Company employs approximately 7,500 people, maintains relationships with over 18,000 suppliers, and serves over 65,000 active customers worldwide. Customers include commercial and industrial businesses, contractors, government agencies, institutions, telecommunications providers and utilities. WESCO operates eight fully automated distribution centers and approximately 400 full-service branches in North America and international markets, providing a local presence for customers and a global network to serve multi-location businesses and multi-national corporations.

USGBC To Co-Host National Affordable Green Homes & Sustainable Communities Summit at Greenbuild with Institute for Professional and Executive Development, and Enterprise Community Partners

Washington, DC - (Jul. 31, 2012) - The U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC) today announced it will co-host the National Affordable Green Homes & Sustainable Communities Summit with the Institute for Professional and Executive Development (IPED) - an affiliate of Nixon Peabody LLP and Enterprise Community Partners, Inc. (Enterprise). The two-day summit will take place Nov. 13 - 14, 2012 in San Francisco, Calif. at the Greenbuild International Conference & Expo, the world's largest conference and expo dedicated to green building.

"Greening the affordable housing sector is a critical priority in our mission of transforming the built environment, and over half of all LEED-certified homes are affordable housing," said Nate Kredich, Vice President, Residential Market Development, USGBC. "The Summit will be educational and inspiring for those who are new to the sector, and to those who are already heavily engaged."

The two-day summit will feature a keynote presentation and various educational sessions focused on successfully planning, financing, developing and managing green affordable housing projects, and how this urgently important work addresses the needs of stakeholders, the environment, and community resilience.

"IPED's collaboration at Greenbuild reflects our shared commitment to providing professionals with knowledge, tools and inspiration to achieve a sustainable future," said Jeffrey Lesk, IPED Board Member. "It's a unique opportunity to connect green development with community development. By showcasing thought leaders in both of these industries, we can present the most innovative ideas and best examples of achieving cost-efficient, energy-saving green affordable housing and community development."

"We are thrilled to offer this high-caliber event at Greenbuild as a continuation of our long history with IPED to host conferences on this important topic," said Dana Bourland, Vice President of Green Initiatives, Enterprise. "Enterprise is committed to working with our partners to bring the benefits of green building to all affordable housing and low-income communities by 2020 and views this summit as an important part of that strategy."

This summit is made possible through the generous support of the John D. and Catherine T. MacArthur Foundation, which is providing overall program and scholarship funding, as well as Wells Fargo, which is funding recipient scholarships as well as the networking reception.

"This summit puts affordable housing at the center of efforts to green the built environment. The result is better living conditions, and improved operations, which lead to long-term affordability," said Julia Stasch, Vice President of U.S. Programs, MacArthur Foundation. "Sustainable housing policy for the future will be created by interaction among the industry leaders here at the summit."

"Wells Fargo seeks to ensure that as we do business natural resources are protected and environmental, social and economic needs are considered as part of our everyday decisions," said Mary Wenzel, director of Wells Fargo Environmental Affairs. "We're proud to support this summit because we believe healthy ecosystems are vital to the well being of communities, and when our communities do well, we do well."

Greenbuild 2012 will feature three days of networking, educational sessions, green building tours, master speakers and plenary events, combined with the largest expo hall in the 11-year history of Greenbuild. Registration for Greenbuild and the National Affordable Green Homes & Sustainable Communities Summit at Greenbuild is currently open. For more information on Greenbuild 2012, visit greenbuildexpo.org.

U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC)
The U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC) is committed to a prosperous and sustainable future through cost-efficient and energy-saving green buildings. USGBC works toward its mission of market transformation through its LEED green building certification program, robust educational offerings, a nationwide network of chapters and affiliates, the annual Greenbuild International Conference & Expo, and advocacy in support of public policy that encourages and enables green buildings and communities. For more information, visit usgbc.org and follow us on Twitter @USGBC and Facebook.

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 2012 show will be held on Nov. 14-16, in San Francisco, Calif. Last year's conference in Toronto, Ontario, drew more than 23,000 attendees and featured a sold out exhibit hall floor with more than 1,700 exhibit booths. For more information, visit greenbuildexpo.org and follow us on Twitter @Greenbuild and Facebook.

Institute for Professional and Executive Development (IPED)
The Institute for Professional and Executive Development, Inc. (IPED) is a Washington, DC-based seminar company and affiliate of Nixon Peabody LLP that provides high-quality continuing education for professionals working in a variety of industries. IPED is best known for its conferences on topics such as affordable housing, community development, tax credits, renewable energy, and other aspects of government-assisted development. The instruction-based educational seminars are designed to serve professionals from many industries, including real estate development, accounting, law, government, management, energy, and financial services, including lending and equity investment.

Enterprise Community Partners, Inc. (Enterprise)
Enterprise is a leading provider of the development capital and expertise it takes to create decent, affordable homes and rebuild communities. For 30 years, Enterprise has introduced neighborhood solutions through public-private partnerships with financial institutions, governments, community organizations and others that share our vision. Enterprise has raised and invested more than $11.5 billion in equity, grants and loans to help build or preserve nearly 300,000 affordable rental and for-sale homes to create vital communities. Visit www.EnterpriseCommunity.org and www.EnterpriseCommunity.com to learn more about Enterprise's efforts to build communities and opportunity.

John D. and Catherine T. MacArthur Foundation
The MacArthur Foundation supports creative people and effective institutions committed to building a more just, verdant, and peaceful world. In addition to selecting the MacArthur Fellows, the Foundation works to defend human rights, advance global conservation and security, make cities better places, and understand how technology is affecting children and society. More information is at www.macfound.org.

Wells Fargo & Company
Wells Fargo & Company (NYSE: WFC) is a nationwide, diversified, community-based financial services company with $1.3 trillion in assets. Founded in 1852 and headquartered in San Francisco, Wells Fargo provides banking, insurance, investments, mortgage, and consumer and commercial finance through more than 9,000 stores, 12,000 ATMs, the Internet (wellsfargo.com), and has offices in more than 35 countries to support the bank's customers who conduct business in the global economy. With approximately 265,000 full-time equivalent team members, Wells Fargo serves one in three households in United States. Wells Fargo & Company was ranked No. 26 on Fortune 's 2012 rankings of America's largest corporations. Wells Fargo's vision is to satisfy all our customers' financial needs and help them succeed financially.

EDGE Investment Partners Completes First Acquisition in Brazil

LADDER AUTOMAÇÃO of Sao Paulo to give EDGE a foundation for growth in Latin America

EDGE Investment Partners LLC has acquired a majority interest in LADDER AUTOMAÇÃO INDUSTRIAL LTDA which operates primarily in the Brazilian states of Sao Paulo and Rio de Janeiro. Ladder is an authorized distributor for Belden, Cognex, Comtrol, Data-Linc Group, Fluke, Fluke Networks, Panduit, ProSoft Technology, Rockwell Automation, Rockwell Software, Shimpo and Tektronix. www.edgeglobalsupply.com

The LADDER headquarters in Sao Caetano do Sol, the branch locations in Sao Jose dos Campos and Sorocaba and the Rio de Janeiro branch are included in the acquisition. Additional branch locations will be considered as a part of the growth plan for the business.

Speaking on behalf of the EDGE members, Elaine Gerrie, CEO of Gerrie Electric elaborated, “We are excited to have LADDER to be the first EDGE company partner. They have a strong team which in combination with support from the EDGE members creates the foundation for tremendous growth.”

EDGE Investment Partners is a Limited Liability Corporation developed and owned by a group of North American based distributor members. The focus of EDGE, an acronym for Electrical Distribution Global Enterprise, is to build a network of distribution company partners outside of North America.

As the industrial market in Brazil continues to grow, the demand is increasing for electrical distributors to fill the supply chain and technical value-add needs of customers. The EDGE members have significant experience that can accelerate the capabilities of potential partner companies like LADDER to serve those needs.

The founding members of EDGE are French Gerleman Electric Company, Gerrie Electric Wholesale International Inc., Horizon Solutions LLC, Kendall Electric Inc., Kirby Risk Corporation, McNaughton-McKay Electric Company, North Coast Electric Company, Revere Electric Supply Company, The Reynolds Company, Van Meter Industrial Inc. and Werner Electric Supply Company.

For more information please contact John Burke, President of Kirby Risk Electrical Supply (765-446-3014, JBurke@EDGEGlobalSupply.com) or Elaine Gerrie, CEO of Gerrie Electric (905-681-3656, egerrie@gerrie.com)

2012 HURRICANE SEASON HEIGHTENS THE NEED FOR A GOOD BACKUP PLAN

Wise words from Huff Technologies (a well-respected IT firm in North FL) – A plan for unthinkable is a wise investment in your future.

The 2012 Atlantic hurricane season is an event in the annual cycle of tropical cyclone formation. The season officially began on June 1, 2012 and ends on November 30, 2012. These dates conventionally delimit the period of each year when most tropical cyclones develop in the Atlantic basin.

The season experienced an early burst of activity followed by an extended period of silence. Tropical Storm Alberto and Tropical Storm Beryl both developed several days before the official start of the season, an occurrence not seen since the 1908 Atlantic Hurricane Season, When Tropical Storm Debby formed on June 23, it was the first time ever that four storms formed before July since record keeping began in 1851. Despite the early start, no further storms formed through all of July. This streak ended in early August with the formation of Hurricane Ernesto and Tropical Storm Florence.

You Don’t Need A Hurricane To Generate A Data Disaster

Within your business plan you probably have included some sort of Computer Data Backup Plan. More than likely it includes some sort of process for getting your digital computer files (documents, spread sheets, etc.) saved or backed up. Not only should you backup your files, but also think about how your business will function in the event of a catastrophe. In other words, most companies think of their backup plan as “my IT person said all of my files are backed up”. So, if a disaster happens, and by chance you have saved the tapes, disks, etc… do you know how to get your data back? Maybe find out what the process would be if your server and all of the information was gone and you needed it back. How long would it take to purchase new equipment and put everything back together? You might want to discuss this with your IT person, but I know it takes a week or two to get a server from Dell, and then a few more days to rebuild and restore data. Also, what if your data backup media is damaged or destroyed in the same disaster? Then what? I have heard horror stories of after the data restore “some of my stuff is missing”… and many times it is gone forever.

So what are the alternatives? Today, you hear about the “Cloud”. Cloud Storage is where you use another company’s servers that are connected to the internet to store your data and files. Google, Microsoft, Amazon (and the list goes on) are all well known Cloud providers. However some other providers specialize in backup and disaster recovery. So instead of backing up your digital information locally to tape or other media, you can backup to “The Cloud”. One of these providers is called Carbonite You can back up the files on your personal computer for as little as $59.00 per year. This is a great option especially if you travel and use a laptop. However for business PCs, laptops, or if you want to backup your business server the price is higher. In addition, these providers are able to not only backup the files but also backup the entire server including operating system, email, databases, accounting information and files.  As an example, one company that does this is called Doyenz Included as part of their service, with each backup they also test the data to make sure it was transferred from your server to their cloud servers correctly, and that it can be restored correctly. And last, as a part of the service if you do have a disaster they can restore your server and make it available in the cloud over the internet. So, as part of a Business Continuity Plan, you and your co-workers could continue to access your server and continue your operations by accessing your information in the cloud. Think of it this way, you and your employees have access to your server, data, etc. and you are able to work from a remote location until normal operations can be restored.

End result is that there is a better alternative to the old tape backup system and hoping your data is safe. You are now able to backup over the internet to the cloud, and in the case of a major disaster, keep your business functioning from a remote location. A year or two ago, this type of service was incredibly expensive. However, now like any other technology, cloud backup is becoming more common place, and… it’s now affordable for most everyone. Call us to discuss your plan.

Walter Huff

Huff Technologies

9310 Old Kings Road Suite 1301

Jacksonville, Florida 32257

904-396-4170

whuff@hufftech.com

Huff Technologies has been serving the greater Jacksonville Florida area for more than a decade. We are committed to our local economy and community, helping small to medium businesses grow and prosper. We understand that all companies are not created equal and strive to provide individually tailored technology solutions. Partnering with our clients, we understand that their success leads to our combined success. www.hufftech.com

Siemon Adds Angled Patch Panels to its MapIT G2 Line of Intelligent Infrastructure Management (IIM) Solutions

New Smart Patch Panel combines onboard infrastructure monitoring intelligence with an angled configuration designed to facilitate high-density patch cord routing without the need for additional rack-mount cable management.

August 13, 2012. Watertown, CT – Siemon adds new angled Smart Patch Panels (SPP) to their full MapIT G2 intelligent infrastructure management (IIM) solution.  Designed to help network and data center professionals manage, monitor and secure their physical IT infrastructures, the MapIT G2 system integrates a powerful combination of innovative intelligent connectivity, user-friendly Master Control Panels and MapIT software to provide real-time tracking and reporting of network-wide physical layer activity.

Designed with a higher degree of intelligence, all MapIT G2 SPPs, including the new angled versions, feature an onboard LCD screen that provides connection status, diagnostics and dynamic label information. The LCD display provides more detailed instructions to technicians versus simple LEDs or traditional non-intelligent panels.  The ability to monitor and display patching fields in real time and perform diagnostics through this onboard interface reduces troubleshooting time and speeds the completion of work orders.

In addition to its intelligent features and functionality, the 24-port, 1 rack-mount space (U) angled design of the new SPP allows patch cords to be routed directly into vertical cable managers, eliminating the need for additional horizontal cable managers and saving valuable rack space and maximizing data center density. 

In fact, Siemon’s MapIT G2 system enables 80% higher density than competing IIM systems, providing a huge reduction in the amount of critical and expensive data center rack/cabinet and floor space dedicated to physical layer infrastructure management.  For example, common IIM systems can require up to 60U of equipment to manage 20,000 ports. MapIT G2 can manage the same 20,000 ports in just 7U!

In addition to improved density, MapIT G2 dramatically reduces power consumption, using 75% less power than other IIM systems for a decided “green” advantage.  This lower power consumption also significantly cuts heat generation, improving the energy efficiency of data center thermal management systems.

Available in Category 6A (Class EA) shielded and unshielded and Category 6 (Class E) unshielded configurations, the new MapIT G2 angled Smart Patch Panel is offered as both a fully functional SPP with integrated electronics and an “Intelligence-Ready” configuration.  Designed specifically for users planning future deployment of IIM systems, these field-upgradable Intelligence-Ready panels can be installed day one as standard patch panels and later upgraded as needed to fully intelligent SPPs with the simple addition of MapIT G2 electronics.  This capability provides a simple and cost-effective IIM migration path. Electronics can be easily added to Intelligence-Ready panels without disrupting horizontal cabling and patch cords already connected to the panels.

For more information on Siemon’s MapIT G2 intelligent infrastructure management solution, visit http://www.siemon.com/us/MapITG2/

Follow Siemon on Twitter:  http://twitter.com/siemoncabling/
Join Siemon on Facebook: http://www.siemon.com/go/facebook

About Siemon - An American Icon Business

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 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.

The Fiber Optic Association - FOA - Quickstart Guide To Fiber Optic Testing

In the continuing quest by the FOA (Fiber Optic Association) to help people understand how to test fiber optic cable plants and communications systems, we've created a "QuickStart Guide to Fiber Optic Testing." It's a simple, step-by-step guide on how to test fiber optic cable plants, patchcords or single cables and optical power from transceivers. It's as straightforward as it can get - what equipment do you need, what are the procedures for testing, options in implementing the test, measurement errors and documenting the results. 
It can't get much simpler. 
Anybody who needs to know about fiber optic testing can go to http://thefoa.org/tech/ref/quickstart/test.html to learn how it's done in a few minutes.Watch for more FOA Quickstart Guides soon.

Fiber Optics Dominates Communications

Fiber optics has become the predominant communications medium, not just for telephones, but also for cable television, security systems and computer networks. Even wireless antennas are connected on fiber. Workers in all these fields are expected to understand how fiber optics technology works and how it is used and, in many cases, be competent in its installation. Training and certification in these areas has become extremely important and The Fiber Optic Association is here to help.

What is The FOA?

The FOA is an international non-profit educational organization that is dedicated to promoting professionalism in the field of fiber optics through education, certification and standards. Founded in 1995 by a dozen prominent fiber optics trainers and industry personnel, it has grown to now being involved in:

Providing technical information for everyone through our website, Guide, YouTube and social media (LinkedIn and Facebook)

Setting standards for and administering technical certification programs

Evaluating and approving training schools

Developing textbooks, courses and training programs which are given to FOA-approved schools for their use

Training and certifying instructors

Participating in industry standards activities and writing our own standards

Publishing email and online newsletters about technology and industry news

Promoting fiber optics applications and education through participation in industry forums

To date (March, 2012), the FOA has approved about 250 training programs in more than 30 countries, including technical high schools and colleges, professional training organizations, major fiber optic manufacturers and companies offering employee training programs. Over 37,000 techs have successfully completed requirements for FOA certifications. FOA certifications are recognized by the US Department of Labor and in most countries around the world.

FOA Guide: The World's Largest Compilation of Fiber Optic Information - Free

The FOA has worked since its inception to create a compilation of technical information on fiber optics and premises cabling and make it available to everyone for free. While there are thousands of pages of technical information on fiber optics on the web, most of it is marketing-oriented, making it difficult to get unbiased information. The FOA can call on its membership which includes some of the most experienced and qualified people in the industry to create technical information that is indeed unbiased, technically accurate and written in a fashion that is easily understood. The FOA Online Reference Guide has become the largest and busiest technical website on fiber optics and premises cabling and is available in printed and eBook formats. The FOA also has many videos on YouTube including lectures on fiber optics and hands-on examples of many standard practices.

FOA Certifications

The FOA recognizes the value of certification in today's job markets, where employers evaluate potential employees by their certifications. By offering certifications that are developed by a board of industry experts and are not affiliated with any particular vendor or training organization, FOA provides an independent means for them to judge potential employees.

FOA certifications are recognized by the US Department of Labor and in most countries around the world.

The FOA has focused on helping teachers add certification programs on fiber optics and premises cabling into their current curriculum. Fiber optics has been included in courses as diverse as A+ and Cisco computer training and electrical apprenticeships. Some of the companies that use FOA certification in their own training programs include Corning, AFL, IBEW/NECA, CWA, NASA, FAA, Cisco, Daimler-Chrysler and Lockheed-Martin.

What Is The Value Of FOA Certification?

Certification means that someone gets a certificate, and there are many different reasons they may receive one and from what kind of organization they get it from. The value of a certification depends on its source.

Manufacturers often offer certification to customers, sometimes requiring it as part of an affiliates program. Training focuses on the manufacturer's products and is given by applications engineers or sales personnel. Standards for qualifying for a manufacturer's certification vary, sometimes only requiring attendance at a short training course. Today many large fiber optic manufacturers offer FOA certifications.

Some companies specialize in offering certifications; they are basically testing companies that have specialists create certification exams in many different fields in which they believe there is interest in such a product. They are not specialists in the technologies for which they test. They may or may not create and sell training curriculum. Instructor qualification and training also varies.

Professional societies often offer certifications in the technology of their interest. They can call on experts in the technology to create complete programs focused on that technology that ensure the certified members are highly knowledgeable and competent. The FOA joins IEEE, ISA, SCTE and other professional societies in offering recognized technical certifications.

As the international professional society for fiber optics and cabling, the FOA goal is to improve the knowledge, skills and abilities (KSAs) of professionals in this technical field. We are recognized as a non-profit educational organization. We set standards for training, require instructors to be FOA-certified and only approve schools which meet our high academic and professional standards. We invite experienced workers to join the FOA directly but all must have proper credentials and pass the appropriate FOA certification exams. FOA advisors are experienced (many have been in the fiber business as long as fiber optics has been a business) and working in the field every day, so FOA curriculum, reference materials and certification all are the most up to date possible.

The goal of the FOA is to assure employers that an FOA-certified person is highly qualified for working in the field of fiber optics; someone you can hire with confidence.

How Can The FOA Help You?

For Instructors, Schools and Training Organizations - The FOA offers a range of services including instructor training and certification, technical and training materials and support that leads to becoming an "FOA-Approved Training Organization." The FOA lists all approved schools on the FOA website as a guide to students looking for quality training.

The FOA "Train-The-Trainer" program leads to a certification required for all FOA fiber optic instructors, the CFOS/I. This program prepares instructors for creating and teaching hands-on courses for fiber optic technician training and lab courses for university level programs. Instructors receive an extensive set of training materials for both classroom and lab sessions.

For Students of FOA Approved Schools - FOA Certification Programs open up job opportunities and assure customers of worker competence. Passing the various levels of the FOA certification program will demonstrate a level of competence in the fiber optics field to employers or customers, whether the worker is new to the industry or looking to move up. FOA certified techs can join the FOA LinkedIn network.

For Everyone In The Industry ­ The FOA website offers a monthly online newsletter covering industry news and technology. The FOA Guide section offers an extensive library of technical information and tutorials on fiber optics. Numerous links to other relevant websites are included. And full information on the FOA and its programs are available for everyone.

For More Information, check out the rest of The FOA website: www.TheFOA.org

Siemon Adds Angled Patch Panels to its MapIT G2 Line of Intelligent Infrastructure Management (IIM) Solutions

New Smart Patch Panel combines onboard infrastructure monitoring intelligence with an angled configuration designed to facilitate high-density patch cord routing without the need for additional rack-mount cable management.

August 13, 2012. Watertown, CT – Siemon adds new angled Smart Patch Panels (SPP) to their full MapIT G2 intelligent infrastructure management (IIM) solution.  Designed to help network and data center professionals manage, monitor and secure their physical IT infrastructures, the MapIT G2 system integrates a powerful combination of innovative intelligent connectivity, user-friendly Master Control Panels and MapIT software to provide real-time tracking and reporting of network-wide physical layer activity. 

Designed with a higher degree of intelligence, all MapIT G2 SPPs, including the new angled versions, feature an onboard LCD screen that provides connection status, diagnostics and dynamic label information. The LCD display provides more detailed instructions to technicians versus simple LEDs or traditional non-intelligent panels.  The ability to monitor and display patching fields in real time and perform diagnostics through this onboard interface reduces troubleshooting time and speeds the completion of work orders.

In addition to its intelligent features and functionality, the 24-port, 1 rack-mount space (U) angled design of the new SPP allows patch cords to be routed directly into vertical cable managers, eliminating the need for additional horizontal cable managers and saving valuable rack space and maximizing data center density. 

In fact, Siemon’s MapIT G2 system enables 80% higher density than competing IIM systems, providing a huge reduction in the amount of critical and expensive data center rack/cabinet and floor space dedicated to physical layer infrastructure management.  For example, common IIM systems can require up to 60U of equipment to manage 20,000 ports. MapIT G2 can manage the same 20,000 ports in just 7U!

In addition to improved density, MapIT G2 dramatically reduces power consumption, using 75% less power than other IIM systems for a decided “green” advantage.  This lower power consumption also significantly cuts heat generation, improving the energy efficiency of data center thermal management systems.

Available in Category 6A (Class E_A) shielded and unshielded and Category 6 (Class E) unshielded configurations, the new MapIT G2 angled Smart Patch Panel is offered as both a fully functional SPP with integrated electronics and an “Intelligence-Ready” configuration.  Designed specifically for users planning future deployment of IIM systems, these field-upgradable Intelligence-Ready panels can be installed day one as standard patch panels and later upgraded as needed to fully intelligent SPPs with the simple addition of MapIT G2 electronics.  This capability provides a simple and cost-effective IIM migration path. Electronics can be easily added to Intelligence-Ready panels without disrupting horizontal cabling and patch cords already connected to the panels.

For more information on Siemon’s MapIT G2 intelligent infrastructure management solution, visit http://www.siemon.com/us/MapITG2/

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 E_A) and category 7/7_A (Class F/F_A), and multimode and singlemode optical fiber cabling systems available. With over 400 patents specific to structured cabling, from patch cords to patch panels, Siemon Labs invests heavily in R&D and development of industry standards, underlining the company's long-term commitment to its customers and the industry.

Prysmian Group (the Fiber Optic Cable Giant) and DSM sign multi-year pact for fiber coatings

DSM Functional Materials, a business unit of Royal DSM N.V., and Prysmian Group say they have inked a multi-year agreement for the use of DSM's latest-generation optical fiber coating technology, DeSolite Supercoatings, in Prysmian’s bend-insensitive fiber optic cable products. The agreement extends cooperation between the two companies and pairs DeSolite Supercoatings with the BendBright-XS fiber Prysmian acquired through its acquisition of Draka.

The coatings are designed to improve signal attenuation performance by reducing the fiber’s sensitivity to microbends. The coatings therefore increase stress tolerance and improve processing and field robustness, says DSM.

"The advanced DeSolite Supercoatings that DSM supplies for the production of BendBright-XS bend-insensitive fibers are important components for the performance of these products," said Alain Bertaina, optical fiber product line manager, Prysmian Group. "When combined with Prysmian Group's advanced PCVD process technology, DeSolite Supercoating formulations help secure the enhanced bending attributes of BendBright-XS. We are pleased to extend our strategic supplier relationship with DSM on this key matter."

"We have a close, collaborative relationship that centers around a shared vision," said Ad Abel, sales director Europe for DSM Functional Materials. "Our passion is providing unique, high-performance solutions for today's telecommunications providers—and, ultimately, giving them confidence that their networks are 'future-proofed.'"

Check out their pre-terminated fiber optic cables using the amazing Megladon Mfg’s ScratchGuard™ HLC Termination/connectors www.megladonmfg.com

The Prysmian Group, the world's leading cable solutions provider.

We at Prysmian (formerly DRAKA in the USA) are powered by a clear vision and an ambitious mission. We are guided by the belief in the efficient, effective and sustainable supply of energy and information as a driver in the development of communities. We are linking the future.

Over 130 years of aggregated history, 22,000 people in 50 countries and almost 100 plants are the best possible platform for driving change and innovation. Operating through two of the industry's most respected global brands, Prysmian and Draka, we are ready to connect with our customers and help them respond to their present and future challenges. We enable them to bring their services to homes and businesses, cities and entire countries. http://www.prysmiangroup.com/

ALL IN ONE PLACE: People With Solutions, Ideas & Products for Electrical & Datacom Contractors . . . Sept. 30-Oct. 2, 2012 - NECA SHOW

WHAT IS IT?             The NECA Show (held in conjunction with NECA’s Convention – but the show is open to all)

WHERE?                   The Mandalay Bay Hotel, Las Vegas, Sept. 30-Oct. 2

WHO’S INVITED      NECA members are invited to The Convention

(YOU)

                                    Electrical & datacom professionals are invited – FREE – to The Show!

                                    . . . Yes, HOTS reader – this means you!

COMPANIES

YOU’LL MEET                      275-plus entities are already signed up, including leading

                                    manufacturers (Schneider, Siemens) and distributors

                                    (Anixter, Graybar, Rexel, GEXPRO) of electrical & datacom

                                    products. See updated Exhibitor List: http://bit.ly/NLNhcD

WHAT’S                     (1) admission to Show floor Sun. Sept. 30, 11:30 to 5

INCLUDED?             (2) Show floor admission Mon., Oct. 1, 11:30 to 4

                                    (3) Tues. Oct. 2 show floor admission: 10:30 to 2:30

                                    (4) Free admission to 17 Technical Workshops (held on

                                                the show floor).

WORKSHOPS

ON WHAT?               . . . 50-minute sessions on solar, EV charging, submetering + building automation, Lighting Controls, lightning protection,                                       LEDs, construction-specific mobile apps, Induction lighting, digital A/V, jobsite productivity MC cable & much more!

DO IT NOW!!!           A.  Go to http://bit.ly/NLjoce

                                    B.   Click on “Click here if you have a Special Admission Code”

                                    C.   To get all this for FREE – please enter code HO12

www.necaconvention.org

Stewart Connector still leading the pack on copper connectivity

Stewart Connector still leading the pack on copper connectivity - Bel Stewart Connector’s Category 7a ARJ45® Jack Integrated with Magentics to Support 10GBase-T Ethernet Transmissions

Single-Port Devices Provide Migration Path to Emerging 40 Gbps Network Speeds

Glen Rock, PA, …Bel Stewart Connector, a division of Bel Fuse Inc. (NASDAQ: BELFA & BELFB), announced enhanced performance capabilities demonstrated by its ARJ45^® Series of high-speed Category 7a modular jacks via the inclusion of integrated magnetics to support 10GBase-T performance parameters as defined by IEEE 802.3an-2006.

An industry leader in RJ45 interfaced 10GBase-T MagJack^® connectors, Bel Stewart has extended its existing magnetic technology into the Category 7a performing ARJ45^® jack, their newest twisted pair connector interface. The ARJ45 jack provides a viable connector solution for to-be-defined, next generation IEEE twisted pair Ethernet standards as the high frequency requirement of these future standards will likely exceed the limitations of existing RJ45 connectors.

The mechanical interface of the ARJ45 connector series meets the IEC 61076-3-110 standard, and the overall construction facilitates integration with the magnetics required for twisted pair Ethernet data transmission. The connector’s interface also provides the familiarity of an RJ45-style device in its use and port density, along with the performance benefits of a Category 7a connector system.

“Bel Stewart has supported passive versions of its ARJ45 connector since 2006 and we wanted to expand our product offering in this series,” said Derek Imschweiler, product manager of Interconnect Products at Bel Stewart. “Since IEEE standards for 40GBase-T or 100GBase-T do not currently exist, we felt it was appropriate to take the highest performing IEC twisted pair connector, Category 7a, and integrate it with magnetics to support the fastest twisted pair Ethernet standard available, 10GBase-T. This positions us with a clear product development path for our ARJ45 connector series toward higher speed standards as they are established.”

Bel Stewart’s standard ARJ45 connector product offering includes passive 90 degree PCB mounted jacks along with plugs and cable assemblies offering integrated strain relief boots and anti-snag features for plug tab protection. ARJ45 connectors are provided standard with gold-plated (50-microinch) contacts to ensure high-cycle life and are manufactured of UL94-VO plastics. Additional specifications include an operating temperature range of -40 degrees to +85 degrees C, and durability of 750 matching cycles. Their voltage range is 150 VAC, and current rating is 1.5 A @ 25 degrees C. For additional information, visit http://www.belfuse.com/StewartConnector/ProdList-ModularConnectors.asp?pPrLinID=9&pView=7&pPrLin=Modular%20Connectors&pCat=ARJ45%AE%20CAT7/7a%20Connectors&pReset=y&pOrder=BelPartNumber

About Bel

Bel (www.belfuse.com) and its divisions, including Stewart Connector, are primarily engaged in the design, manufacture, and sale of products used in networking, telecommunications, high-speed data transmission, commercial aerospace, military, transportation, and consumer electronics. Products include magnetics (discrete components, power transformers and MagJack^® connectors

AutomatedBuildings.com is a powerful publication that captures NEWS that you can USE about the benefits and realities of emerging technologies and integrated systems in the places we live and work

About AutomatedBuildings.com

Since 1999 AutomatedBuildings.com has been an on line magazine and web resource. We provide the news and connection to the community of change agents that are creating our present definition of smart, intelligent, integrated, connected, green, and converged large buildings. Our virtual magazine and web resource provides a searchable platform for discussion and exchange while creating opportunities for B2B for all new and existing stakeholders. The site is set up to provide current news and information with easy access to the evolutionary/revolutionary web sites in our industry.

The News Tab provides access to our On Line Magazine with News Releases and New Products.

The Resources Tab provides linkage to the industry, Archived - Industry Articles, Product Reviews, Industry Events, Training Sources as well as the ability to search the site.

The Products Tab takes you to our sponsors who allow us to provide our magazine/resource free.

The eDucate helps you learn about our industry.

The About Tab lets you know our Mission, how you can support us by advertising, how you can guide us with your interaction by email, as well as how to submit links and articles, and subscribe to our resource.

We hope you like what we are doing. If you do, "tell a colleague in the industry". If you don't like what we are doing, or know of a better way for us to achieve our goals, tell us via email and we will try to incorporate your suggestions in our site.

AutomatedBuildings.com is intended to be an interactive process to bind our industry.

I wish us all luck in the development of your resource AutomatedBuildings.com.

Please send comments and suggestions to: news@automatedbuildings.com

Ken & Jane Sinclair

Tell all our sponsors you saw their ads on the AutomatedBuildings.com web site and thank them for supporting your free access to evolving Automated Building Industry information. Click on their ads and view their valuable products and services. Please review all Our Sponsors.

I am assembling a self-maintained global network of "Who is Who in building automation". Presently my network includes over 3680 please join us.

Please join our Group on Linkedin with over 1340 others and interact with our magazine and online resource in real time while sharing your thoughts with our editors and other readers around the world.

The news just keeps flowing thru our web site and RSS feeds daily, and of course the only way to truly find what you are looking for in the vast quantity of information on our site is with our site search engine http://www.automatedbuildings.com/search/sitesearch.htm

As always lots of new products, plus be sure to check our event calendar to see the number of events we have in our future.

August 2012 issue www.AutomatedBuildings.com is now online

Send comments and suggestions to news@automatedbuildings.com

Ken Sinclair Publisher/Owner

www.AutomatedBuildings.com

sinclair@automatedbuildings.com

Phone 250-656-5378

Our Mission - To Foster and be Part of all the evolving Connection Communities as set in June 2012

Who we are connected to and the value they bring to our products and services defines who we are and likely who we are to become. Open Connection Communities will shape building automation’s future.

AutomatedBuildings.com’s mission is to create a clear vision of not only who we are now, but a vision of who we can be if we change in a changing world.

Consensus is a cancer that creates compromise, concept collision creates change while forcing collaboration.

It has never been clearer that the true convergence and anywhere collaboration that we all seek will be found in a cloud. The marriage of social media as data and its embedded human opinion will seamlessly mesh with real time data, shoulder to shoulder in large databases in a concept now being billed as Big Data or Data as a Service “DaaS”. To move to DaaS means that data—not applications—leads. That’s a significant shift in thinking. We need to adjust our focus to making sure our clients leverage data in the best ways possible to foster innovation.

Wireless certainly provides an ideal solution for the last few hundred yards or meters, no matter how your measure it. The softness of wireless makes it a great solution for the mushiness of that part of the building that is always under renovation, the tenant space. Self-powered peel and stick sensors and wireless devices that are part of a strong mesh network that interacts with our existing networks will also radically change our industry.

CABA NewsBrief

§                     IDC Energy Insights releases smart buildings and smart grid report
IDC Energy Insights announced the availability of a new report, "Methods and Practices: Smart Buildings and the Smart Grid - Strategy for an Integrated Future". By understanding how different technologies and frameworks can support more coordinated and collaborative development of smart buildings and the smart frid, IDC Energy Insights finds building owners, utilities and vendors can generate economic gains, achieve business goals and establish grid stability. IDC Energy Insights is a CABA member. Utility Products (8/1)

§                     NIST measurement advance could speed innovation in solar devices
A new versatile measurement system devised by researchers at the National Institute of Standards and Technology accurately and quickly measures the electric power output of solar energy devices, capabilities useful to researchers, and manufacturers working to develop and make next-generation solar energy cells. NIST is a CABA Board member. NIST (7/25)

§                     From smart buildings to smart cities
A smart cities market is emerging on a global scale that dwarfs any previous notion of the value given to data about the built environment. McGraw-Hill's Engineering News Record (7/31)

§                     Security integration expands to include building automation systems
The security industry generally uses the term "convergence" to refer to the integration of security and IT systems. However, a "new convergence" of security and building control systems can provide building solutions that deliver safety, convenience, cost effectiveness and energy efficiency. SecurityInfoWatch.com (7/19)

§                     Honeywell helps Florida town go green
Honeywell and city officials in Port St. Lucie, Fla. have kicked off a $7.1 million project to improve facilities and infrastructure to enhance the city’s sustainability. The upgrades are not only expected to trim the city’s energy use and greenhouse gas emissions, but should generate enough utility and operating savings to pay for the work and related financing costs. Honeywell is a CABA member. Honeywell (7/17)

§                     Green buildings top $4 billion in venture capital invested
Venture capitalists have pumped in more than $4 billion in the race to build greener buildings. As the first wave of investments reach exits, they are now looking at new innovative technologies to further develop this space, according to Lux Research. MarketWatch (7/29)

§                     John Schulte joins NEBB as Executive Vice President
The Board of Directors of the National Environmental Balancing Bureau (NEBB) appointed John Schulte as the new Executive Vice President. John Schulte is a seasoned executive with more than 20 years of hands on experience in all functional areas of association management. NEBB (8/7)

§                     Landis+Gyr reaches 10 million advanced meter milestone
Landis+Gyr has hit the 10 million milestone with its FOCUS AX meters – a best seller for the company in North America. The E-350 FOCUS AX, a solid state advanced electric meter with integrated service switch, was launched in 2007 and production eclipsed the 10 million mark in July of this year. Landis+Gyr is a CABA member. Metering.com (8/6)

§                     SIA's Jay Hauhn receives 'most influential' recognition
Jay Hauhn, Chairman of the Board of Directors for the Security Industry Association, has been named one of Security magazine's Most Influential People in Security for 2012. SIA is a CABA member. SIA Online (8/26)

§                     Green building booms in Southeast Asia
In recent years, a number of zero-energy-consuming green buildings began to appear one after another in Singapore, Malaysia and Thailand as well as other Southeast Asian countries. A lot of green building has become building model in various regions, and are constantly "evolution" for the new building standards. People's Daily Online (8/8)

§                     Their energy makes Charlotte's buildings smarter
Long before Charlotte began touting itself as an energy hub, Tom Shircliff and Rob Murchison were helping make some of the city’s buildings into symbols of the area’s commitment to energy. Intelligent Buildings, co-founded by Tom Shircliff, left, and Rob Murchison, is a Charlotte consulting firm that helps make buildings more energy efficient. Intelligent Buildings is a CABA member. Charlotte Observer (7/14)

§                     Use intelligent design to drive energy efficiency for commercial buildings
According to Schneider Electric, power monitoring systems can help to dynamically identify and respond to opportunities, drive best practices, and provide the essential follow-up that ensures energy investments realize maximum payback. From automated bill checking to improved procurement, operational efficiencies, and power reliability, power monitoring technology offers the key to extracting true financial and competitive advantages from energy. Schneider Electric is a CABA member. PACE Today (8/3)

§                     Green buildings being built in Vietnam
Designing and building sustainable, or green, homes, office buildings and other structures to capitalize on natural energy sources wherever possible is slowly catching on in Vietnam. Viet Nam News (8/6)

§                     Will next-gen building materials eliminate the need for HVAC?
After about two years of research, scientists have come up with a platform for creating materials that can self-regulate many different factors, including temperature, light, pressure or pH balance. And they've already invented one prototype: a thin water-based gel, or hydrogel, that automatically heats up when it's cold. GreenBiz.com (8/2)

§                     New York enacts real property exemptions for green buildings
New York Governor Andrew Cuomo signed Senate Bill 1462 into law authorizing a municipal corporation to provide a real property tax exemption for improvements to Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) certified or other green initiative certified buildings. Municipal corporations will now decide whether to adopt the exemption. Companies considering construction of a potentially qualifying improvement should monitor local legislative activity to see whether the relevant localities have adopted the exemption and should start planning for construction projects scheduled for 2013. Sacramento Bee (7/18)

Click here for CABA's Industry Events Update

§                     Home automation can be achieved with smartphones, Wi-Fi networks
Little by little, home automation has crept into our houses and apartments thanks to two things many homeowners already have — Wi-Fi networks and smartphones. A home’s Wi-Fi network is the perfect low-cost, low-impact infrastructure for machines and devices to communicate with each other. And with a smartphone, you have the perfect wireless control panel that can work in your house or when you’re halfway around the world. New York Times (8/1)

§                     Leviton acquires Home Automation, Inc.
Leviton announced the acquisition of Home Automation, Inc. (HAI), a leader in home automation controls for residential and light commercial applications. HAI enhances Leviton's current home automation offerings by providing homeowners with solutions that combine security, energy management and entertainment controls, in user-friendly applications. HAI is a CABA member. Home Toys (8/2)

§                     Best Buy founder makes a bid to buy the company
Best Buy founder and former chairman Richard Schulze made an unsolicited $10 billion bid Monday to buy the consumer electronics retailer he started 46 years ago. Schulze, still the largest shareholder with 20% of the company, will need board approval before putting together an investment group and submitting a formal bid. Best Buy is a CABA Board member. Wall Street Journal (8/6)

§                     Survey: One-third bought game consoles for streaming video
A telephone survey of California residents found that one-third of the respondents bought an Internet-connected game console so they could stream Web videos on their television sets, according to Research Into Action. An additional 28% purchased Blu-ray disc players that connect with the Net for the same purpose, the market research firm reported. Home Media Magazine (8/6)

§                     Report: Affluent tablet owners tend to buy iPads
Users of Apple's iPad tend to more affluent than those who own Android tablets or Amazon's Kindle Fire tablets, according to comScore's TabLens tracking survey. The survey found that 46% of iPad users make more than $100,000 a year, compared with 32% of Android owners. MediaPost Communications/Online Media Daily (8/6)

§                     Viacom's home entertainment brings in more revenue than theatrical
The home entertainment segment of Viacom accounted for $304 million in revenue during the third fiscal quarter, which ended June 30, outdoing theatrical's $283 million in revenue. Both figures were down from a year earlier, although theatrical had a bigger decline. The company's overall revenue fell 14% year-to-year to $3.24 billion, and its quarterly profit was off by 12% to $512 million. Home Media Magazine (8/3)

§                     Sigma's Z-Wave approved for use in home control devices in Japan
Sigma Designs has announced that Japan's Ministry of Public Management, Home Affairs, and Telecommunications, has approved a radio frequency range for low-power RF device usage in Japan. As a direct result, Sigma Z-Wave-based control and automation devices for smart homes and small business can be used in the region without the need for radio station licensing. Sigma Designs is a CABA member. Virtual-Strategy Magazine (8/7)

§                     WeMo automates your home the easy way
Belkin WeMo takes the electrician out of home automation. With the WeMo Switch, you can program a lamp, coffee maker or another device to run on a schedule. The free iOS app also lets you remotely control the switches from the office, vacation home, on the road, basically anywhere you have a data connection. USA TODAY (8/4)

§                     Multipurpose rooms call for different projector installations
Home theaters are losing favor as home owners want to use such rooms for multiple purposes, Grant Clauser writes. Long-throw projectors, for example, should no longer dangle from the ceiling; they should be wall-mounted, even inside the wall, to have a less obtrusive presence, he noted. ElectronicHouse.com (8/2)

§                     Google, Rovi ink a patent-licensing agreement
Google will use Rovi technology for set-top boxes, along with mobile and online platforms, under a patent-licensing agreement signed by the companies. An immediate application will involve the Google Fiber broadband access project in and around Kansas City, which will offer ultra-fast Internet service and Internet/television packages. Home Media Magazine (8/2)

§                     Study: Number of IPTV subscribers to balloon in next five years
The number of Internet-connected television sets around the world is forecast to hit nearly 650 million by 2017, according to a study by Juniper Research. Smart-home revenue will increase from $25 billion this year to nearly $60 billion in the same period, the market research firm estimates. "The consumer electronics industry along with key players, such as the content aggregators and platform providers, needs to clearly define this device ecosystem and start working towards driving this phase of growth and turn it into a revenue opportunity," said Nitin Bhas of Juniper Research. Rapid TV News (8/1)

§                     Google said to be preparing to sell off Motorola Home unit
Google might someday use Motorola IPTV boxes as part of its Google Fiber project, but the chances of those boxes being built by a Google-owned entity are becoming slimmer by the minute. FierceIPTV (8/6)

§                     Microsoft tests "smart home" waters with HomeOS
Microsoft is looking to unify electrical appliances within the home and establish itself in the burgeoning “smart home” market with the development of HomeOS. Essentially a lightweight “smart home” operating system that aims to make it easy for users to manage their home networks and ease the creation of applications by third party developers, HomeOS is designed to provide a central hub through which various household devices can be controlled. Microsoft is a CABA Board member. gizmag (8/1)

§                     Novel home automation projects that don’t break the bank
When we think about home automation systems, we tend to think of things like lighting control, HVAC control, energy monitoring, whole house audio and video and security. A good integrator can help you solve many other everyday annoyances without breaking the bank. DSI Entertainment Systems describes some interesting projects. Home Toys (8/7)

§                     Zapped by smart meters
In the latest edition of CABA's iHomes & Buildings magazine, Ken Wacks describes the roll-out of smart meters in the United States. Smart meters are an integral part of smart grids, according to Wacks, a long-time CABA member. An electric meter measures the electrical energy delivered to a home, apartment or business. Technically, it integrates the power flowing into the premises over a specified time interval. CABA iHomes & Buildings magazine (8/1)

§                     Leading brands confirmed to participate in the debut “Shanghai Intelligent Building Technology” fair
The Shanghai Intelligent Building Technology fair starts a new phase this year at the Shanghai World Expo Exhibition and Convention Center. Jointly organised by Guangzhou Guangya Messe Frankfurt Co Ltd, a CABA member and Shanghai Hongshan Exhibition Service Co Ltd, the show will be held from 20 – 22 September 2012. The show will encompass the four themes, building automation, smart home, generic cabling as well as security and access control, and is expected to occupy exhibition space totalling 10,000 sqm. Ron Zimmer, CABA President & CEO, will .

§                     Case study: LED retrofit of a Fire Department
The Munson Township Fire department was originally formed to be a part-time, volunteer fire station. As the local community grew bigger and bigger, so did the demand for a full time fire department. The original T12 fluorescent lamps and Metal Halide fixtures installed later on to boost light output, where not fit for the job anymore. Energy Focus installed all new fixtures with our own LED Tube lamps, increasing light levels, reducing energy consumption and making sure the lights come on immediately and on demand.

§                     Webinar: Developing a Document and Content Management Strategy
Are you pulling your hair out trying to organize your real estate data? Given the extraordinary amount of information involved in real estate operations and transactions, it is not surprising that keeping it organized and getting the right information when you need it continues to be a major challenge. With data in desktops, enterprise systems, mobile devices, laptops, BlackBerrys and iPads, it's enough to drive you crazy! Come join Realcomm for a free webinar on Thursday, August 9 at 12:30 pm ET as Justin Segal of Boxer Property leads the discussion on "Developing a Comprehensive Document and Content Management Strategy". Realcomm is a CABA member.

§                     Graybar to host series of valuable tech webinars
Graybar, a leading distributor of electrical, communications and data networking products and provider of related supply chain management and logistics services, is introducing a series of webinars focused on new products and technologies used in building intelligence and energy efficiency applications. The “G2 Talk” series will feature a variety of subject matter specialists from some of Graybar’s world-class manufacturers, including CABA members CommScope, Scheider-APC and Panduit Corp.

§                     Meet the press at ShowStoppers @ IFA
ShowStoppers invites CABA members to meet the press at ShowStoppers @ IFA, the fifth-annual edition of the official media showcase at IFA, the international trade show that inspires people and moves markets – and a one-of-a-kind sales platform for the consumer electronics and home appliances industries. Shake hands with hundreds of pre-qualified journalists, bloggers, analysts and industry influencers. Score coverage. Make new connections. Promote brand. Open new business markets. Click HERE to view the event brochure. For more details contact Dave Leon at +1 845.638.3527 or at dave@showstoppers.com. Don’t forget to ask for your CABA member discount.

§                     CABA to hold industry council meetings
Everyone is welcome to join the upcoming CABA Intelligent & Integrated Building Council meeting on Tuesday, August 14 at 12 pm ET and the upcoming CABA's Connected Home Council meeting on Friday, August 17 at 1 pm ET. Agenda details for both the connected home and intelligent building technology meetings are available. CABA also invites you to join its CABA Editorial Advisory Board, which oversees the publication of iHomes & Buildings, CABA's flagship magazine. To become involved any of these industry groups, please contact George Grimes, CABA’s Business Development Manager at 613.686.1814 x226 or grimes@caba.org.

§                     Only days left to learn the secrets to writing better Bid Specifications
Join Automated Logic and Lenel; a part of UTC Climate, Controls & Security, a unit of United Technologies Corporation, BACnet International, Cadillac Fairview Corporation, Diebold Incorporated, Distech Controls, Inc., Honeywell International, Hydro One Networks, Inc., Ingersoll Rand/Trane, Johnson Controls Ltd., Ontario Power Authority (OPA), Philips, Siemens Industry, Inc., Smardt Chiller Group Inc., Telecommunications Industry Association (TIA) and Verizon in CABA's "Intelligent Buildings and the Bid Specification Process" research study. For more details, click HERE. If you would like to become a sponsor or have any questions contact George Grimes, CABA’s Business Development Manager at 613.686.1814 x226 or grimes@caba.org.

§                     CABA’s Digital Home Forum hosted by Qualcomm, lands at Miramar Air Show
CABA’s Digital Home Forum hosted by CABA member Qualcomm Incorporated takes place Thursday, October 11, 2012 in San Diego, CA. Industry leaders involved in the integration of consumer electronics and other cutting-edge technology throughout the home will have the opportunity to network and learn about current trends in the digital and connected home. The CABA Connected Home Council meeting (CHC) meeting follows the Digital Home Forum on Friday October 12, 2012 and you are invited to be a VIP Guest of Qualcomm at the Miramar Air Show. Register now at: http://www.caba.org/digital-home-forum. Please confirm your attendance at the CHC meeting and Miramar Air Show to Tony Disipio at 613.686.1814 x228 or disipio@caba.org. Note: VIP seating at the air show is limited on a first come basis and the Miramar Air Show is subject to weather conditions.

§                     CABA continues to gain, maintain industry support
The Board of Directors of the Continental Automated Buildings Association would like to thank and recognize the following CABA members that renewed their CABA Research Subscription/Membership. Your continued support of CABA is greatly appreciated.

The CABA Board would also like to recognize the following new members that joined since the last CABA NewsBrief:

As CABA is an international not-for-profit industry association, this support enables CABA to provide networking opportunities, research programs and information to the industry in regards to the advancement of connected home and intelligent building technologies.

For information about CABA Research Subscription/Memberships, please contact George Grimes, CABA Business Development Manager at grimes@caba.org or 613.686.1814 x226. To view a listing of 300+ CABA members go to: www.caba.org/members.

National Electrical Contractors Association - NECA NEWS

The Voice of The Electrical Construction Industry

http://www.necanet.org/news/

www.necanet.org

National Fire Protection Association - NFPA NEWS

NFPA News releases

Click on a title to view each news release in its entirety. You can also view our archived news releases.

http://www.nfpa.org/newsreleaselist.asp?categoryID=488

www.nfpa.org