Hots : Text 03/2008

Wireville was a blog before there were blogs. The Heard On The Street (HOTS) Monthly Column is complimentary to the PRINT MEDIA

Truth is, traditional print will continue to be the medium of choice for most professional audience markets for the foreseeable future. To abandon or deny the viability of PRINT MEDIA is folly (or much worse). To deny print's legitimate and dominate place in the information stream is business suicide. (Didn't we have a “dot com” bust recently?) Hasn't the WSJ highlighted the fact that the highly touted "blogs" even on Google etc are having real trouble gaining revenue traction??

Electronic is great and will continue to grow in importance in the overall information and revenue stream. It has allowed publishers to broaden their market, exposure to it and their audience...but notice that among all the hype...they still talk in increases in % rather than in real dollars vis a vis their total revenue stream???. ie: You can go from $1. to $3. and claim a 300% increase. But where's the bottom line that will pay the bills?? If we go in print from $8M to $8.6M, guess the 11.6% seems comparatively puny...As a publisher, which would you rather have??? Truth is, you need to sustain, grow and invest in that which "brung you to the dance"...and not ignore the obvious profitable partner just waiting for the next dance.

What I believe will (needs to) happen is that various electronic info sources will continue to proliferate, grow in sophistication and breadth of offering...unique to their growing capabilities (beyond trying to replicate what is already in print). They will become economically viable as a true partner with print in delivering a complete menu of critical, and unique information as well as reliably measurable advertising results to their audience. Today, except in rare circumstances, the electronic media sites simply are not profitable, and increasingly, not well measurable. Lot of hype, mixed with hope. If used and measured properly, traditional print will ultimately work synergistically with electronic media to help drive more traffic, more quickly (sales starts...not just traditional "leads") to legitimate advertiser web sites and direct contact than any other current vehicle.

The real need is to establish a marketing synergism between what print uniquely offers and the additional unique contribution of enhanced web efforts. Too many people become enamored with "the latest" in technology, assigning it an out of proportion influence...way too early in the overall education process...and probably more damaging long term...promulgating the latest as the ultimate "savior" for a medium that up to now is not in need of a "savior". What is really needed is intelligent dissemination of critical information to a well-defined audience using print where appropriate, and electronic where applicable, and delineating the differences, and utilizing the potential synergy. They are different...not antagonistic.

Anyhow, we continue to develop methods to deliver our information package based on providing the most complete, diverse, and appropriate to the specific medium capabilities possible. Our goal is to insure that our readers...using whatever single or combination (most likely) of media resources comfortable to them, can use PRINT MEDIA as their primary source of information critical to their success. Jumping on current "bandwagons" and effectively "changing horses in mid stream" is in my opinion, very risky business. Sometimes they get "flat tires in the middle of the stream or the parade". Not good.

That's why PRINT MEDIA is taking time to develop the most comprehensive, easy to use, most responsive web site to offer their customers as much information...sometimes like...sometimes quite different from the print product as possible based on their needs, The PRINT MEDIA’s ability to deliver whatever is pertinent in the most efficacious way and continue to update and expand its content to keep it viable...and profitable.

PRINT MEDIA continues to invest serious monies and people resources to maintain., improve and grow their market leading print products.

There is no single answer to supplying credible, incisive, and current information to this ever so rapidly changing $130B market. Granted, there are cheaper ways to do it...but then, that's just not the PRINT MEDIA style.

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

The Craig Consulting Services training center, in Dallas, Texas is up and operational. Attached are our training schedules for both BICSI and Belden for the first half of 2008. I have conducted classes for the BICSI Technician certification as a night class for Able Communications of Dallas and for individuals from the Fort Worth Independent School District this month. In addition we have a PM125 TPMA class scheduled for March 17 – 21, 2008.

I have received a tremendous amount of support from Distribution and Manufacturers in getting the facility equipped with the required materials and products. We have as a result been able to incorporate several real world scenarios for the students such as wall mounted workstations for 66, 110, BIX, Krone, GIGABIX and S210 blocks as well as multiple rack configurations for horizontal and backbone cabling of both copper and optical fiber with the appropriate testing.

With the upcoming changes BICSI plans in the Installation Program upon release of the new 5^th Edition of the Installation Transport System Installation Methods Manual (ITSIMM) we feel that we are well positioned to provide quality training in the ever changing ITS Industry to individuals within the South Central Region. Utilizing our facility students can obtain BICSI Certification without incurring expensive travel and lodging expenses. We have within walking distance of our facility four hotels (with special rates for our students), restaurants and easy access to major thoroughfares of North Dallas.

ADC (NASDAQ: ADCT) (www.adc.com) announced that it will unveil its expanded line of OmniReach fiber-to-the-x (FTTX) solutions at the 2008 Optical Fiber Communication/National Fiber Optic Engineers Conference & Exposition (OFC/NFOEC), held February 26-28 at the San Diego Convention Center in San Diego, Calif.

ADC will introduce the OmniReach(R) 4x3 configuration MultiPort Service Terminal (MST) and the OmniReach plug-and-play WDM modules at the conference. These new FTTX solutions, along with the company's extended portfolio of fiber optic network equipment, will be featured at booth #3538.

"Our new OmniReach 4x3 MST and plug-and-play WDM modules are the latest innovations in our comprehensive line of FTTX solutions," said Jaxon Lang, vice president of Global Connectivity Solutions Americas for ADC. "As with all of our OmniReach FTTX solutions, these new products are designed to help simplify FTTP network installation, maintenance and management, and to provide increased flexibility to transition to new technologies in the future."

The new OmniReach 4x3 MST continues ADC's innovations in fiber access terminals. In providing a compact, yet technician friendly terminal, carriers can optimize installation and customer turn up expenses in the deployment of FTTP services. ADC's family of MST products incorporate hardened connector technology, providing a durable, reliable, and cost effective plug-and-play service connection in the outside plant/drop segment of the network.

The OmniReach plug-and-play WDM modules are designed to allow providers to deliver higher data rates and additional services to customers. CWDM and DWDM devices in ADC's plug-and-play package enable such applications as WDM-PON, dedicated gigabit Ethernet, fiber to the cell site, FTTN node splitting and remote DSL applications. Plug-and-play WDM modules can co-exist in traditional G-PON/B-PON networks to expand services provided. The modules are easy to insert and remove without affecting existing customers, and their rugged package is designed to protect delicate WDM devices from mishandling and extreme outside plant environments.

Industry professionals are invited to attend two presentations from ADC's featured speakers to learn about the latest network solutions for multiple dwelling unit (MDU) applications:

-- Tom LeBlanc, FTTX Product Manager: Deploying Reduced bend Radius Fiber into MDUs. LeBlanc will explain how to deploy reduced bend radius fiber into multi-dwelling units, providing tips for efficient network reconfigurations, troubleshooting and maintenance.

-- Robert Bachtell, ADC Principal Systems Engineer: Multiple Solutions for Connecting MDUs. Bachtell will detail the special considerations required when installing FTTP networks within MDU structures. His presentation will discuss fiber cable interconnection to terminal equipment, and the diverse structures and conditions found throughout the country. www.adc.com

Anixter International Inc. Announces Retirement of CEO Robert W. Grubbs and Appointment of Robert J. Eck as New President and Chief Executive Officer

Anixter International Inc. (NYSE: AXE - News) announced that Robert W. Grubbs will retire as President and Chief Executive Officer at the end of June 2008, following a 30-year career with the company. Mr. Grubbs, who has held those posts since 1998, will continue to serve on the company's Board of Directors.

Effective July 1, 2008, Robert J. Eck will become President and Chief Executive Officer. Mr. Eck, age 49, has served as the company's Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer since September 2007. During the last 17 years, Mr. Eck has served in a variety of senior management positions with Anixter Inc., the company's operating subsidiary, most recently as Executive Vice President -- Enterprise Cabling and Security Solutions (2004-2007) and Senior Vice President -- Physical Security Products and Integrated Supply (2003).

Commenting on the transition, Sam Zell, Chairman of the Board, said, "During Bob Grubbs' tenure the company has seen tremendous growth in sales, profitability and shareholder returns. Under his leadership, the company has successfully evolved into one of the world's truly global distribution businesses. We are especially pleased that Bob will continue to serve on our Board of Directors, allowing Anixter to continue benefiting from his many years of company and industry experience."

In discussing his upcoming retirement, Mr. Grubbs said, "During my 30 years at Anixter the company has gone through an incredible amount of change and I have a real sense of pride in what the company's leadership team has accomplished during my tenure as CEO. The company is well positioned for the future and I look forward to continuing to contribute to the future success of the company as a member of the Board of Directors."

Mr. Zell continued, "The company has worked hard over the years to successfully develop future leaders who could continue to drive the ongoing growth and success of our business. Bob Eck brings many years of increasing responsibilities and successful leadership to his new role at Anixter. The Board of Directors has confidence that, under Bob Eck's leadership, the company can continue its consistent track record of driving strong growth and shareholder returns."

"I am honored to have the opportunity to lead the company and further build on its past successes," commented Eck. "Our priorities as a company will continue to center around building on our strategic initiatives of growing our customer base, expanding our product and service offerings and enlarging the geographic presence of our electrical wire & cable and OEM supply businesses. I am very excited about the future and the opportunities that lie ahead for Anixter."

Anixter International is the world's leading distributor of communication products, electrical and electronic wire & cable and a leading distributor of fasteners and other small parts ("C" Class inventory components) to Original Equipment Manufacturers. The company adds value to the distribution process by providing its customers access to 1) innovative inventory management programs, 2) more than 400,000 products and over $1 billion in inventory, 3) 220 warehouses with more than 6 million square feet of space, and 4) locations in 249 cities in 49 countries. Founded in 1957 and headquartered near Chicago, Anixter trades on The New York Stock Exchange under the symbol AXE.

Additional information about Anixter is available on the Internet at http://www.anixter.com

The Board of Directors of Belden (NYSE: BDC - News) has appointed Judy Brown as a Director and member of the Audit Committee of the board. Ms. Brown, age 39, is Executive Vice President, Chief Financial Officer and Chief Accounting Officer of Perrigo Company, a post she has held since July 2006. She joined Perrigo in September 2004 as Vice President and Corporate Controller. Perrigo (NASDAQ: PRGO; TASE) is a leading global healthcare supplier that develops, manufactures and distributes over-the-counter and prescription pharmaceuticals, nutritional products, active pharmaceutical ingredients and consumer products for the store brand market. Before joining Perrigo, Ms. Brown held various senior positions in finance and operations at Whirlpool Corporation (1998 to August 2004) in Italy and the US and at Ernst & Young (1990-1998) in both the US and Germany. She received a B.S. degree from the University of Illinois and an M.B.A. from the University of Chicago.

John Stroup, President and Chief Executive Officer of Belden, said, "We are delighted to welcome Judy Brown to Belden's Board of Directors and the Audit Committee of the board. Her financial expertise and her background in European operations make her a valuable addition to our board."

Belden is a leader in the design, manufacture, and marketing of signal transmission solutions for data networking and a wide range of specialty electronics markets including entertainment, industrial, security and aerospace applications. To obtain additional information contact Investor Relations at 314-854-8054, or visit our website at http://www.belden.com.

Published on 2/13/2008 at www.MidwestBusiness.com where you always read REAL perspectives

Carlini’s Comments, MidwestBusiness.com’s oldest column, runs every Wednesday. Its mission is to offer the common man’s view on business and technology issues while questioning the leadership and visions of “pseudo” experts.

CHICAGO – EDUCAUSE’s latest white paper on America’s lack of broadband doesn’t shed light on the real issues.

After speaking about broadband connectivity at 1 gigabit or more at several conferences in January, one of the other speakers sent me an EDUCAUSE white paper entitled “A Blueprint For Big Broadband,” which was written by John Windhausen.

The EDUCAUSE group is made up of about 2,200 colleges and universities. Its white paper goes into detail on how the United States has failed to keep up with other parts of the world. While it’s a good attempt at providing a warning, their solution doesn’t get us close to where we need to be.

One of the highlights of the report deals with issues that U.S. policymakers should be addressing. This is from the white paper:

1. Leadership and goals: The executives of almost every successful government initiative began by announcing a broadband plan and setting specific broadband goals.

2. Public funding: Almost every successful government program has included significant government funding.

3. Open broadband networks: One of the most popular models has been to require that big broadband network providers provide service on a wholesale basis to multiple retailers.

4. Public/Private partnerships: Another consistently successful theme is government/private sector cooperation in building broadband networks.

5. Unbundling: The policy of unbundling local copper networks has been used successfully to stimulate broadband. The application of unbundling to fiber facilities is still under consideration.

6. Fiber: Except for Japan and South Korea, which are well ahead of the rest of the world in deploying fiber, municipalities are taking the lead on fiber deployment.

7. States focus on low-speed broadband: Most of the state government initiatives have focused on expanding low-speed broadband services to unserved areas [rather than] big broadband.

Unfortunately, the majority of state programs don’t address the need to promote big broadband capability that will be necessary in the next few years. While these state initiatives are certainly well intentioned, the question is whether the low-speed services used to fill the gaps today will become the dial-up of the future.

Most state programs are largely designed to expand the reach of DSL and make cellular broadband access more widely available. There remains a need for the federal government to address the need for big broadband. The white paper goes on to make a summary of building a blueprint for big broadband connectivity and ends with:

U.S.

broadband policy should focus on the future. Cable modem, DSL and wireless technologies are unlikely to meet our future needs. The United States needs to set its sights toward the 100 Mbps speeds that are commonplace in Japan and increasingly the focus of European countries.

They discount wireless and DSL as not a solution, which has been discussed in this column for several years. There’s no earth-shattering discovery there. The 100 Mbps speed, though, is not the right goal. They have set the bar too low.

EDUCAUSE focuses on getting U.S. broadband to a higher speed, which in a way is stating the obvious. The author says 100 Mbps is a good goal. In reality, they are still aiming too low.

If you have ever planned a large-scale network, you have to have a very high objective because going from planning to implementation takes a good several years. Ask the engineers at the phone companies. They don’t plan for the next two to five years. They look at 20 to 30 years (at least they used to). Also, if you’re trying to plan for the future, you can’t assume the network traffic that’s here today.

Adopting the recommendations in this EDUCAUSE white paper will still put the U.S. behind other countries. Some would still argue that 100 Mbps is too much bandwidth for users. Those people don’t have a clue about new applications flooding the Internet including social networks as well as video applications like YouTube and its imitators. What’s on the horizon?

Though the paper started to focus on the importance of going beyond servicing the digital divide, they don’t discuss it enough.

Rural areas aren’t the only areas of interest for broadband. Keeping up with a global market means setting metropolitan areas into multiple gigabit network infrastructures. Gigabit speeds are already a requirement if you want to attract corporate facilities in intelligent business campuses. With 100 Mbps, you will be passed over to the next municipality.

The tired arguments by government affairs people at the incumbent network carriers that we don’t need that much bandwidth reminds me of the same government affairs people saying we didn’t need fiber running to the Chicago 911 center back in 1995. Now those same entities take credit for what they tried to block 16 years ago when the planning was taking place in 1992.

If you leave it up to network carrier government affairs people, we will be further behind than we are now. I always thought the incumbents would be encouraging new services and “blinding speed” network offerings. Instead, they are playing a protection game and choose to promote antiquated services. They’re trying to ring the last buck out of old, copper-based technology instead of upgrading to new infrastructure.

They also want to stifle any entity wanting to build new network infrastructure. This is incongruent with the way the market is headed. Either you lead, follow or get out of the way. While the incumbents don’t want to lead, they also want to get in the way because they don’t want to follow competition and lose market share.

In terms of their rhetoric and arguments, any network carrier’s government affairs person who doesn’t know the difference between gigabit and gigabytes when he’s talking shouldn’t be listened to.

In all marketing classes that discussed buying technology and network services from vendors, my general rule of thumb was how can they be trusted with complex infrastructure issues if they don’t have the basic definitions right in their own industry? It would be like a general manager from GM not knowing the difference between a Chevy Cobalt and a Cadillac Escalade.

You expect the person from the industry to know the industry’s basic terms and definitions. As for this blueprint for big broadband white paper, there are some good points but the speed is already obsolete on paper. Potential corporate sites have to offer multiple gigabit speeds today. For many, this means going back to the drawing boards.

Carlinism: Broadband should be viewed as 1 gigabit or more today if planning a network for tomorrow.

James Carlini is an adjunct professor at Northwestern University. He is also president of Carlini & Associates. Carlini can be reached at james.carlini@sbcglobal.net or 773-370-1888.

Coleman Cable, Inc. (Nasdaq: CCIX) introduces the Cord Runner™ extension cord now in a heavy-duty 12 gauge STW 600V cord. Featuring three evenly spaced outlets instead of just one outlet at the end, the new 12-gauge cord is UL Listed and is ideal for workshops and job-sites that demand added flexibility with multiple tasks running in different areas.

Each of the Cord Runner’s evenly spaced outlets has a power indicator light to let you know when the power is on. Outlet covers keep water and dust out, while the outdoor-rated cord is durable, reliable and flexible even in the coldest weather. The 12 gauge Cord Runner is available in 6ft. and 50ft. lengths with yellow jacket for safety and visibility.

“The Cord Runner makes it easier and safer to power multiple tasks using just one extension cord,” said Blaine Ballard, Coleman Cable product manager. “The new 12-gauge cord has been added to the product line to provide customers with a wider choice of power solutions in delivering ‘power where you need it.’”

About Coleman Cable Inc.
Coleman Cable, Inc. is a leading manufacturer and innovator of electrical and electronic wire and cable products for the security, sound, telecommunications, electrical, commercial, industrial, and automotive industries. With extensive design and production capabilities and a long-standing dedication to customer service, Coleman Cable, Inc. is the preferred choice of cable and wire users throughout the United States. The company is located at 1530 Shields Drive, Waukegan, IL 60085. For more information, visit: www.colemancable.com.

Andrew Wireless Solutions, a division of CommScope Inc., has been awarded a contract to design and install an infrastructure system for wireless communications in Sydney, Australia.

The work will be performed at the headquarters of Optus, an Australian telecommunications company.

"With the new campus serving more than 6,000 Optus staff, it's key for the facility to have an effective and efficient wireless system for seamless communications," says Jon Wilkie, director of corporate services at Singtel Optus, parent company of Optus.

The equipment will allow workers "to communicate, interact and work anywhere within the campus," he adds.

Financial terms of the agreement weren't disclosed. Hickory-based CommScope (NYSE:CTV - News) completed its $2.65 billion purchase of Andrew in December. Illinois-based Andrew makes communications equipment and systems. The company has facilities in 35 countries.

Andrew Corp., a division of CommScope Inc., has sold its satellite-communications business to Resilience Capital Partners.

The satellite business will operate as an independent company based in Wake County called ASC Signal Corp.

Andrew will own a 17.9 percent share of ASC Signal and provide certain transition-support services to the new company.

At closing, Andrew received $8.5 million in cash and a $2.5 million note from ASC Signal that will mature in 39 months. In addition, Andrew expects to receive $2.5 million note upon completion of manufacturing-asset transfers. The company also may receive up to an additional $25 million in cash after three years, based upon ASC Signal's achievement of certain financial targets.

Hickory-based CommScope (NYSE:CTV - News) completed its $2.65 billion purchase of Andrew in December. Illinois-based Andrew makes communications equipment and systems. The company has facilities in 35 countries.

Verizon Purchases Corning^® ClearCurve™ Cable Solution Following Successful Field Trials

Corning Incorporated (NYSE: GLW) announced that Verizon Communications Inc. has purchased Corning’s ClearCurve™ rugged drop cable solution as part of the telecommunications company’s effort to roll out its FiOS services.

Corning’s ClearCurve product suite helps overcome the installation challenges in multiple-dwelling units (MDUs) by providing a bend-resistant fiber optimized for the strenuous deployment conditions in apartment buildings and condominium complexes. Verizon qualified the ClearCurve technology as an optimal solution for MDU applications following a successful series of field trials.

“This is the year that Verizon moves into high gear in deploying FiOS TV and FiOS Internet to apartment buildings, condos and similar multiple dwelling units,” said Claire Beth Nogay, senior vice president and chief network officer for Verizon Telecom. “Corning’s bendable optical fiber cable is particularly valuable in the tight spaces typical of these sorts of buildings. ClearCurve rugged drop cable is an initial product in what promises to be a family of specialized bendable fiber products we expect to use across our network going forward.”

The ClearCurve fiber solution is hundreds of times more bendable than standard single-mode fiber. Featuring Corning’s breakthrough nanoStructures™ technology, ClearCurve optical fiber can be bent around very tight corners with virtually no signal loss while maintaining backward compatibility. The robust design of ClearCurve rugged drop cable enables it to be handled in any way that copper communication cables are handled, such as pulling through wall studs and stapling to wood. For detailed Corning product information, visit www.corning.com/clearcurve.

“With more than 25 million apartment buildings in the United States, the MDU market represents a tremendous opportunity for telecommunications carriers,” said Peter F. Volanakis, president and chief operating officer, Corning Incorporated. “We’re excited to associate with companies like Verizon to deliver breakthrough solutions that enable them to provide their customers with near-infinite bandwidth.”

Verizon was the first major carrier certified by the Fiber-to-the-Home Council as providing all fiber-optic services directly to the home, including the FiOS Internet and FiOS TV services.

A circuit judge has upheld a $196.2 million punitive damages award against DuPont in a class-action pollution case.

Harrison County Circuit Court Chief Judge Thomas A. Bedell also adopted a nearly $130 million estimate for a medical monitoring plan, but ordered the Wilmington, Delaware-based chemical company to pay for those costs as they occur.

The jury had required DuPont to provide medical monitoring for 40 years to people who were exposed to arsenic, cadmium and lead from a former zinc-smelting plant in the small community of Spelter.

DuPont said it believed there were "numerous errors, both during and after trial" and it plans to appeal to the state Supreme Court.

"The scientific evidence simply does not warrant medical monitoring," DuPont General Counsel Stacey J. Mobley said in a statement. "We believe the evidence ... shows that there is no increased risk of disease to the class members as a result of the smelter."

The company said it found "particularly troubling" the decision to include biennial chest CT scans in the monitoring program, saying the risks outweigh any benefits.

Mobley also said the $130 million cost of the medical monitoring program was overestimated by "many tens of millions of dollars."

Ten residents of Spelter sued DuPont in 2004, claiming the company deliberately misled them about health risks from the pollution and delayed a site cleanup for as long as possible to maximize profits.

The lawsuit was tried last year in four phases involving property damage claims, long-term health screenings and corporate accountability. Jurors awarded the punitive damages in October in the trial's fourth phase.

In the other phases, the jury required medical monitoring and found DuPont liable for and negligent in creating the waste site. Jurors also found DuPont had created a public and private nuisance and that its pollution trespassed onto private property.

On Monday, Bedell approved $127 million in attorneys fees and nearly $8 million in litigation costs, which will be taken from the overall award of $381 million. He rejected DuPont's motion for a new trial.

General Cable Corporation (NYSE:BGC - News) announced that the Board of Directors of the Company has elected Brian J. Robinson to the post of Executive Vice President, Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer effective immediately. Robinson will continue to report to Gregory B. Kenny, President and Chief Executive Officer of General Cable.

“This is a well-deserved recognition by the Board of the value that the Company places on Brian are operating and strategic leadership,” said Gregory B. Kenny, President and Chief Executive Officer of General Cable. “Since January 2007, Brian has led our Corporate Finance Team through two debt issuances totaling over $800 million, and four acquisitions, including the $1.2 billion of revenues PDIC business. He has also been instrumental in driving improved controls and best practices in our global finance organization.”

Robinson has held the title of Senior Vice President, Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer since January 2007. Robinson became Controller for General Cable in 2000 and assumed the additional responsibility of Senior Vice President and Treasurer in March 2006. He began his career at Deloitte & Touche LLP in 1991, and in 1997 moved from Cincinnati, Ohio to London, England, where he served as Audit Manager focused on accounting services for global companies. In 1999, Robinson joined General Cable as Assistant Controller.

Robinson holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Accounting from the University of Dayton and received his CPA certification in 1993.

General Cable is a global leader in the development, design, manufacture, marketing and distribution of copper, aluminum and fiber optic wire and cable products for the energy, industrial, and communications markets. Visit our website at www.generalcable.com.

H.H. Robertson Floor Systems has been chosen to install its major in-floor wire distribution system for three new casino projects. The projects are Kickapoo Casino in Oklahoma, Argosy® Casino in Indiana and The Meadows Racetrack & Casino in western Pennsylvania near Pittsburgh.

Scheduled for completion in the fall of 2008, Kickapoo Casino is expanding into a new 37,000-square-foot facility located directly behind the current casino. H.H. Robertson is working in tandem with Selser Schaefer, the casino’s architect, and its contractor, Oklahoma Electrical Supply, to complete the project.

Argosy Casino in Lawrenceburg, Ind., has tapped H.H. Robertson to work closely with architects, Lay Pitman & Associates and Browning Day Mullins Dierdorf to install the new flooring system. The company will work with Geiger & Peters, Inc., to complete the installation which is scheduled for early 2009.

The Meadows Racetrack & Casino, expected to open in early 2009, has also named H.H. Robertson as its flooring system provider. The 350,000-square-foot casino is owned by Las Vegas-based Cannery Casino Resorts. H.H. Robertson will partner with architect Climans Green Liang Architects, Inc., and contractor LP Ciminelli on the $155 million casino project.

In addition to these latest casino projects, H.H. Robertson's Cellular Floor Systems have been used for wire and cable distribution on more than 60 prestigious casinos worldwide. www.hhrobertson.com.

Based in Pittsburgh (Moon Township, Pa.), CENTRIA is an international company and the U.S.’s premier supplier of architectural metal wall and roofing systems used in commercial/industrial products. Since 1906, CENTRIA professionals have provided quality products and services for architectural and construction firms worldwide. For more information about CENTRIA call 412-299-8218 or visit www.centria.com.

Electronics Maker Hitachi Profit Surges On Utility, Telecommunications Recovery; Cuts Outlook

Japanese electronics maker Hitachi Ltd. said Tuesday its profit surged in its third fiscal quarter as its power plant, hardware and telecommunications businesses recovered.

But Japan's biggest electronics conglomerate by sales slashed its outlook for net income for the fiscal year because it plans to invest another 30 billion yen ($280.6 million) in a liquid crystal display business to produce flat-panel TVs -- an attempt to stay competitive in the market. It raised its projection for operating profit and revenue, however.

Hitachi earned 12.5 billion yen ($116.9 million) during the October-December quarter, up from 1.26 billion yen in the same period the previous year.

Group sales rose nearly 10 percent to 2.71 trillion yen ($25.35 billion) from 2.49 trillion yen a year ago, the company said. Operating profit rose 27 percent to 77.9 billion yen ($728.7 million) from 61.56 billion yen.

Hitachi's information and telecommunications operations returned to profitability on booming sales of software and hard disk drives.

"Significant improvement" in electric power business, as well as automobile parts, elevators and construction equipment contributed to the revenue growth during the quarter, the company said.

But it booked an operating loss of 15 billion yen ($140.32 million) in the consumer electronics and digital media division, though that was narrower than the loss of 19 billion a year earlier.

Hitachi cut its net income forecast for the year ending March 31 to 10 billion yen ($93.5 million) from the previous forecast of 40 billion yen.

But it lifted its outlook for operating profit -- which excludes one-time items -- to 300 billion yen ($2.81 million) from 290 billion yen, and its sales projection to 10.8 trillion ($101.03 billion) from 10.5 trillion yen.

Hitachi reported its results after the close of trade on the Tokyo Stock Exchange, where its shares rose 0.9 percent to 819 yen ($7.66).

LEVITON’S Video Monitoring System Provides An Easy Way To Keep An Eye On Home And Property

Leviton’s new IP Quad Module lets homeowners view high-quality color output from their Leviton Video Monitoring System on any TV in their home or over the Internet. The Video Monitoring System consists of an indoor and outdoor camera that connects through a Leviton Structured Media® Center (SMC) to offer a convenient, cost-effective way for homeowners to monitor their home and external grounds.

Leviton’s Indoor Camera is available with both clear and tinted lens covers for mounting in a Decora® wallplate. The Outdoor Camera and included wallplate assembly are available in white and can be painted to match any exterior trim. They mount easily to a single-gang exterior box.

The Video Monitoring System operates over Cat 5e UTP cables, which interconnect with a compact Camera Hub in the Leviton SMC. The Camera Hub provides power to up to four cameras and outputs composite video from the cameras to the IP/Quad Module and/or Video Modulators. Indoor and Outdoor Camera assemblies and the Camera Hub incorporate precision video baluns to ensure clear video output over the UTP cable. The Outdoor Camera also includes a separate power supply for applications where cable runs exceed 328 feet (100 meters). This feature facilitates local powering of cameras at entrance gates and other structures that are located a long distance from the SMC.

The new IP/Quad Module mounts in the SMC and connects to the composite video ports on the Camera Hub and an Ethernet Switch or Residential Gateway in the SMC. The Module includes a password protection feature to prevent unauthorized access. It also sends an email alert, FTP JPEGs to a network drive, or TTL output signal to an external device when motion occurs in one or more camera views. Homeowners can then investigate the source of the alert.

The IP/Quad provides an easy-to-use interface that lets users configure their browser or monitor to provide a full-screen, single camera view or up to four separate camera views in a single “quad” view. The system is easy to set up, including camera names, sensitivity settings and brightness, contrast, and saturation settings. The system provides an ideal solution for keeping a watchful eye on newborns, toddlers, children or elderly parents. It also offers an easy way to see who is ringing the doorbell after dark. With the IP/Quad Module, homeowners have the convenience of monitoring their home’s interior and external grounds while they are away at work or when they are out of town.

Leviton Network Solutions announced today that its core connectivity products are lead-free and RoHS compliant. Leviton’s advanced manufacturing processes were updated with leading-edge lead-free solder technologies to ensure that all CAT 6 and CAT 5e jacks, patch panels and patch cords meet all the requirements for RoHS compliance.

“Leviton is pleased to offer environmentally friendly, RoHS compliant products to our customers to help make green buildings a reality,” says Gary Bernstein, Leviton’s Director of Product Management. “We invested in this technology more than 2 years ago and wanted to ensure our customers were aware of our compliance.”

RoHS, also known as Lead-Free, stands for Restriction of Hazardous Substances. RoHS Directive 2002/95/EC restricts the use of six hazardous materials found in electrical and electronic products. RoHS impacts the entire global electronics industry. All applicable products sold into the European Union market after July 1, 2006 must pass RoHS compliance. California RoHS law, modeled after the European Directive, took effect on January 1, 2007.

Specifically, RoHS bans the use of lead (Pb), mercury (Hg), cadmium (Cd), hexavalent chromium (CrVI), polybrominated biphenyls (PBB) and polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDE) in products. These materials are hazardous to the environment, pollute landfills, and are dangerous to those who may come into contact with them during manufacturing and recycling. The pollutants are particularly dangerous to children, pregnant women, and the elderly. The elimination of these materials from production will reduce those risks.

Leviton is committed to doing its part to ensure the preservation of our environment and continues to take steps to make sure our products are environmentally friendly. Along with having RoHS compliant products, Leviton product waste is recycled or reused following manufacturing. For more information on these or other Leviton products, log on to www.leviton.com.

Mike is nationally 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.

Now is your chance to meet Mike in person and experience one of his live seminars. Get your ook autographed and picture taken with Mike and find out why his seminars are so popular

Atlanta, GA, March – 25: Atlanta Electrical Contractors Association - Changes to the NEC 2008. (This seminar is not open to the public)

We hope to see you at one of these seminars! If you can’t join Mike for one of these live seminars then visit www.MikeHolt.com to order one of his special 2008 Code Change packages.

Ortronics/Legrand, a global leader in high performance copper, fiber optic, and wireless structured cabling solutions, announces a new agreement to offer free network design and diagramming stencils from Altima Technologies, Inc., the leader in network design and diagramming solutions.

As part of Altima Technologies’ Manufacturer Certified Stencil (MCS) program, network professionals will be able to download Visio stencils of Ortronics^® connectivity products at no charge, directly from the Ortronics/Legrand website (http://www.ortronics.com/us). These shapes and stencils can be used in one of the world’s most popular diagramming applications, Microsoft^® Visio^®.

“This is a great service for network professionals that want to use high-quality stencils of Ortronics products,” says Marybeth Marx, vice president of marketing for Ortronics/Legrand. “With this relationship, customers will be able to build sophisticated network designs and diagrams using Ortronics-certified shapes and stencils they can access from our site, absolutely free.”

“We are pleased to have Ortronics/Legrand as a part of the Manufacturer Certified Stencil program,” says Angela Andersen, Program Manager for Altima Technologies. “They are a great addition to our network of MCS manufacturers, and we know that network professionals everywhere will benefit from this alliance.”

The alliance between Altima Technologies and Ortronics/Legrand offers a better way for I.T. professionals to design, visualize and evaluate how Ortronics network infrastructure solutions serve the needs of their network. Moving forward, Ortronics/Legrand will be able to offer additional stencils of existing and future product lines through Altima Technologies’ MCS program.

Information Systems Management Solutions (ISMS) And Ortronics/Legrand Offer High Performance Connectivity Solutions For Digitally Connected Communities

Ortronics/Legrand, a global leader in structured cabling solutions, and Information Systems Management Solutions (ISMS), a world renown leader in the design and deployment of broadband IP networks, announce an alliance to bring high performance connectivity solutions to communities looking to fulfill the promise of broadband applications within the home. The alliance will provide a collaboration of knowledge and resources not available anywhere else in the industry for consultants, systems designers, developers and planners.

The rapid rate of IP convergence, broadband services, and downloaded entertainment content is creating the need to incorporate high bandwidth networks within the home. The amount of content and number of broadband users within a home, along with the need to incorporate other home automation systems, are redefining the design of these networks. As high definition video, music downloads, on-line gaming, web-based video/picture sharing and other content-rich applications increase, next-generation homes require an infrastructure that supports the increase in data exchange without compromising quality of service.

In response to this need, Ortronics/Legrand, together with its sister companies, Wiremold/Legrand, Cablofil/ Legrand and On-Q/Legrand, offers a full compliment of product solutions and delivers one cohesive solution set for digital content networking systems. The agreement between ISMS and Ortronics/Legrand allows broadband community designers and planners to have a single contact with a multitude of industry resources at their disposal. “To fulfill the promise touted by triple-play service providers and to keep up with the ever changing technology needs of the consumer, it will be critical that our industry bring infrastructure networks that efficiently and effectively deliver service. It will be equally important that these networks have the ability to adapt and adjust to the changes in technology, lifestyle requirements and content volume,” states Chris Adams, Marketing Manager for Ortronics. “Having James Hettrick and ISMS deliver our message to this market reinforces our commitment to this technology and gives it the recognition it deserves.”

“Our mission at ISMS has always been to deliver superior network solutions while lowering deployment costs,” added James Hettrick, Chairman of ISMS. “This important alliance with Ortronics/Legrand allows us to aggregate the creative talents and resources of both companies to provide more advanced product sets and targeted services for community networks across the U.S.”

About Information Systems Management Solutions, Inc.
ISMS is a global design, technology aggregation, and creative services firm specializing in fiber / wireless communications network design and deployment, connectivity business modeling, “smart home” design and implementation services, and comprehensive communications infrastructure planning (CCIP). ISMS also designs, builds, facilitates, and operates community based communications infrastructure utilities. www.is-ms.com.

Ortronics/Legrand is a global leader in high performance structured cabling solutions, services, and support. Ortronics offers a complete range of Category 5e, 6 and 10 Gig copper, fiber optic, wireless and residential/MDU connectivity solutions. In addition, Ortronics offers Cablofil® wire mesh cable tray and Wiremold® pathways. For more information, visit www.ortronics.com.

PANDUIT^®Opti-Core^® Gel-Free Outside Plant Cable Provides Superior Durability and Faster Installation

Opti-Core® Gel-Free Outside Plant Cable joins the PANDUIT Fiber Optic Cable offering to provide superior outdoor durability and faster installation. The gel-free design features water swellable tape that provides dry water blocking for standards compliance. This dry, loose tube outdoor design simplifies cable preparation, eliminates messy gel cleanup, and reduces termination time. The UV resistant cable sheathing withstands harsh environmental demands and meets the light absorption requirement by Telcordia GR-20, Issue 2 and ICEA 640.

Opti-Core® Gel-Free Outside Plant Cable is available in all-dielectric and armored cable designs to meet your specific outdoor fiber optic cabling installation requirements. All-dielectric cable, for aerial and duct applications, features a non-metallic construction that eliminates the need to ground or bond. Armored cable has corrugated steel armor to provide superior crush resistance for direct burial applications. All Opti-Core^®Gel-Free Outside Plant Cable is available in singlemode (meets OS1 and proposed OS2 standards) and multimode (OM1, OM2, and 10 Gb/s laser optimized OM3) fiber types, and in standard fiber counts up to 48 fibers as a “stranded tube” design.

The complete PANDUIT Fiber Optic Cabling System is modular and versatile for easy installation and upgrade of network infrastructures, resulting in a lower total cost of ownership and increased return on investment.www.panduit.com

Maximize pathway capacity and performance with PANDUIT PMR40 Multi-Channel Metal Raceway. Patent pending offset snap-on faceplate and divider wall design locates data terminations outside the data channel which increases data cable capacity. This fully compliant TIA/EIA-568B and 569B solution maintains a 2” bend radius throughout the system for routing high performance 10 Gigabit copper and fiber cable.

PMR40 Metal Raceway accepts both snap-on and standard NEMA double gang faceplates for increased versatility of power and data cabling terminations. Pre-punched mounting holes eliminate the need for drilling or removing knockouts to enable quick and easy installation. This system is available with an assortment of fittings, faceplates, and accessories that are available in white or almond colors.

PMR40 Metal Raceway System is part of the complete PANDUIT solution that delivers a reliable, high-performance infrastructure with the lowest total cost of ownership.

PANDUIT is a leading, world-class developer and provider of innovative networking and electrical solutions. For more than 50 years, PANDUIT has engineered and manufactured end-to-end solutions that assist our customers in the deployment of the latest technologies. Our global expertise and strong industry relationships make PANDUIT a valuable and trusted partner dedicated to delivering technology-driven solutions and unmatched service. Through our commitment to innovation, quality, and service, PANDUIT creates competitive advantages to earn customer preference. (www.panduit.com/pmr42)

The Board of Directors of Preformed Line Products (Nasdaq: PLPC - News) on February 19, 2008 declared a regular quarterly dividend in the amount of $.20 per share on the Company's common shares, payable April 18, 2008 to shareholders of record at the close of business on April 1, 2008.

Founded in 1947, Preformed Line Products is an international designer and manufacturer of products and systems employed in the construction and maintenance of overhead and underground networks for energy, communications and broadband network companies.

Preformed's world headquarters are in Mayfield Village, Ohio, and the Company operates four domestic manufacturing centers, located in Rogers, Arkansas, Albuquerque, New Mexico, Albemarle, North Carolina, and Asheville, North Carolina. The Company serves its worldwide market through international operations in Australia, Brazil, Canada, China, England, Mexico, New Zealand, Poland, South Africa, Spain and Thailand. www.preformed.com

Preformed Line Products Company (the "Company") announced today the election of R. Steven Kestner and Michael E. Gibbons to the Company's Board of Directors, bringing the total number to eight directors. With the addition of Mr. Kestner and Mr. Gibbons to the Board, the Company regained compliance with Nasdaq Marketplace Rule 4350(c)(1), which requires a majority of the directors be independent. The election of Mr. Kestner and Mr. Gibbons was by the Board of Directors to fill two vacancies on the Board. In accordance with the Company's Code of Regulations, they will hold office until this year's annual meeting of shareholders. Both Mr. Kestner and Mr. Gibbons are expected to be nominees for election to the Board by the shareholders at the annual meeting.

Previously, on February 6, 2008 the Company disclosed in a Form 8-K that the Company had notified the Nasdaq on January 31, 2008 that the Company was not in compliance with Rule 4350(c)(1) as a result of the death on January 30, 2008 of John D. Drinko, an independent director.

Mr. Kestner is Executive Partner and Senior Managing Director of Baker & Hostetler, LLP, and has been an attorney with the firm since 1979. Mr. Kestner serves on the Board of Trustees for The Cleveland Museum of Art, the Board of Regents for St. Ignatius High School and the Board of Directors for the Greater Cleveland Partnership. Baker & Hostetler, LLP serves as the Company's general outside legal counsel.

Mr. Gibbons is the founder of Brown Gibbons Lang & Company, and is also the chairman of Global M&A. Mr. Gibbons serves as Chairman and is a member of the executive committee for Global M&A, Dusseldorf, Germany; on the board of directors, audit committee and chairman of the finance and planning committee for Associated Estates Realty Corporation, Richmond Heights, Ohio; on the board of trustees and executive committee and Vice Chairman for Greater Cleveland Sports Commission, Cleveland, Ohio; on the board of trustees for Ohio Israeli Chamber of Commerce, Cleveland, Ohio; and on the visiting committee for Case Western Reserve University Weatherhead School of Management, Cleveland, Ohio.

Robert G. Ruhlman, Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer, said that "We are honored to have Steve and Mike join our Board. These appointments increase the number of independent directors to five, and reflect our ongoing commitment to maintaining high standards of corporate governance and improving the Board's expertise."

Founded in 1947, Preformed Line Products (Nasdaq: PLPC - News) is an international designer and manufacturer of products and systems employed in the construction and maintenance of overhead and underground networks for energy, communications and broadband network companies. Headquartered in Cleveland, Ohio, the Company operates four domestic manufacturing centers, located in Rogers, Arkansas, Albuquerque, New Mexico, Albemarle, North Carolina and Asheville, North Carolina. PLP serves worldwide markets through international operations in Australia, Brazil, Canada, China, England, Mexico, New Zealand, Poland, South Africa, Spain and Thailand.

RHINO Professional Labeling Tools announced the winners of its “Stick with RHINO” Sweepstakes, in which five Yamaha Rhino Side-by-Side 4x4 vehicles were the prizes. The sweepstakes ran from March to the end of November 2007. Entries were accepted via RHINO’s website ww.rhinopromo.com, as well as select tradeshows held throughout the United States.

Winners of the sweepstakes include Loretta Conover of Nevada, Robin Ritter of New York, Tom Showers of California, John Pawson of Pennsylvania, and Terry Honaker of Indiana.

“We are very pleased at the interest this sweepstakes created for our products and the excitement it brings to the labeling category,” stated Ernie Racenet, Global Business Unit Director of RHINO. “The event was a special promotion held to announce the release of our latest RHINO labeling tools: the RHINO 101 Reusable Label Dispenser and the PC-compatible RHINO 6000 and RHINO 6500 Label Printers. Aside from the natural tie-in with the RHINO name, we chose the Yamaha Rhino vehicles as the prizes because they are rugged, tough, and durable — the same qualities featured in our RHINO labeling products. We congratulate the five winners of our sweepstakes.”

For more information on RHINO labeling tools, visit www.rhinolabeling.com.

New SilverLine™ QMA Test Cables For Microwave Applications Now Available From Times Microwave

The excellent frequency response of the new QMA-SMA, QMA-Type N and QMA-TNC adaptors make them suitable for use up to 18 GHz for most microwave applications. SilverLine test cables with QMA plug and QMA jack adaptor exhibit a remarkably low VSWR of 1.30:1 through 18 GHz. Also improved are the ruggedness and durability of the QMA interface, doubling the mating life.

A full complement of 29 coaxial adaptors for 2-way, RF and microwave use are currently are available in both plug and jack configurations.

Times Microwave Systems has 60 years experience in designing innovative, high-reliability, coaxial cables and assemblies for demanding interconnection problems. An engineering oriented organization, the company specializes in the design and manufacture of high performance flexible and semi-rigid coaxial cable, connectors, and cable assemblies for RF transmission from HF through microwave frequencies.

Betsy Ziobron has spent the past 15 years writing quality technical copy for a variety of markets, audiences, and mediums. Betsy started her
career as a technical and promotional writer for medical, security, and environmental corporations. In early 2000, she became an independent freelance writer focusing primarily on the networking and telecommunications industries.

Today, Betsy provides freelance and ghost writing services to several leading providers of network infrastructure solutions, specializing in case studies, white papers, technical articles, and brochures. Betsy’s writing has been published in such publications as BICSI News, Cabling Business, Cabling Installation and Maintenance, Communications News, Heard on the Street, Network Cabling Magazine,TED Magazine, and several other print and online technology publications. Well versed in telecommunications and related standards, Betsy is also a monthly contributing writer to Cabling Installation and Maintenance Magazine. She has covered a variety of communications topics including standards, data centers, premise and campus copper and fiber technologies, WiFi, security systems, market trends, and more.

For writing samples, services, or other information, Betsy can be contacted at bziobron@comcast.net.

This course focuses on how to design, install, test and maintain fiber optic communication systems for voice, video and data applications. The course consists of two days of classroom content and two optional days of hands-on practices. Course material and techniques taught are based on ITU, TIA/EIA, IEEE, Telcordia and ANSI standards. Class participants will learn to understand and effectively use any manufacturer's equipment or product designed to conform to these widely accepted standards.


April 1-4	San Francisco, CA	April 14-17	Lansing, MI
	Atlanta, GA		Jackson, MS


April 7-10	Seattle, WA	April 21-24	San Antonio, TX