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BISBEE’S
BUZZ WIRING THE SKIES This year, we have seen several
cases of U S commercial air fleets being grounded to check on safety issues.
Then, we saw a news item on CNN about the wiring dangers that were uncovered by
their investigative staff. The fire dangers seem to be wide spread and the fix
is elusive. Who is responsible for
this safety breach and how can it be corrected? You need to start with a Google
advanced search for aircraft wiring and follow the results. You will think
twice before boarding your next flight. Fact Sheet on Aircraft Wiring
Problems The Project On Government
Oversight follows a rich tradition of assuring that the government continues to
work for the people it represents. Our nation was founded on the very principle
that representation and accountability are fundamental to maintaining a strong
and functioning democracy. Today, these principles espoused by our founding
fathers are under attack as our federal government is more vulnerable than ever
to the influence of money in politics and powerful special interests. In the beginning, POGO (which
was then known as Project on Military Procurement) worked to expose
outrageously overpriced military spending such as the $7,600 coffee maker and
the $436 hammer. After many successes reforming the military, POGO expanded its
mandate to investigate systemic waste, fraud, and abuse in all federal
agencies. http://www.pogo.org/p/contracts/ca-021102-wiring.html
Cloaking the Arc with a Coat of
Many Colors By Richard Reek
Monday July 24, 2006 Article from Aviation Today Magazine http://www.aviationtoday.com/asw/categories/commercial/2785.html Kapton
Wiring: The Silent Menace, by Lt. Jim
Schmitt Summer 2002 http://www.safetycenter.navy.mil/media/mech/issues/summer02/kaptonwiring.htm
This is an
official U.S. Navy Web Site A Dangerous Aircraft Wiring
Product implicated in AIRCRAFT ELECTRICAL FIRES http://www.vision.net.au/~apaterson/aviation/kapton_mangold.htm
Completely rewiring old jets is not an economic proposition due to
the difficulty of getting at the location of much of the wiring in aircraft
once they have been built. RELATED
WEBSITES: KAPTON: 'Die by Wire' -
transcript of Panorama TV documentary exposing the dangers of Kapton. KAPTON:
Why Aircraft Fall out of the Sky - expose of the dangers of Kapton wire
insulation. AIRCRAFT
ELECTRICAL WIRE TYPES by Alex Paterson Fact Sheet on
Aircraft Wiring Problems - Project on Government Oversight (POGO) Aircraft Wire Arc Tracking
- by Patrick Price (deceased) - A resource guide to aircraft wiring. International
Aviation Safety Association (IASA) - A resource guide to aircraft safety
and aircraft wiring. RAF report into Kapton
Wiring posted online by IASA An
Analysis Of The Conventional Wire Maintenance Methods by Susan Jeruto
Kiptinness (PDF file 1mb) 'Aircraft
Design Features that Enhance Safety' by Alex Paterson But the warnings were not just
limited to Aircraft Wiring, what about the nuclear reactors? Information Notice No.
88-89: DEGRADATION OF KAPTON ELECTRICAL
INSULATION The U.S.
Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) was created as an independent agency by Congress in 1974 to enable the
nation to safely use radioactive materials for beneficial civilian purposes
while ensuring that people and the environment are protected. The NRC regulates
commercial nuclear power plants and other uses of nuclear materials, such as in
nuclear medicine, through licensing, inspection and enforcement of its
requirements. http://www.nrc.gov/reading-rm/doc-collections/gen-comm/info-notices/1988/in88089.html Remember: SAFETY
IS TOO IMPORTANT TO IGNORE Hopefully, the drafters of the
NEC – National Electrical Code will learn from this safety issues in the
airplane wiring and extrapolate the situation for additional testing of the
wiring in buildings. Please note that
the communications cable used in the air systems in the workplace has never
been officially tested for toxicity and related dangers. But that’s just my opinion Frank Bisbee Industry News UN Launches Plan for Safe Disposal of Computers Old computer equipment can now
be disposed in a way that is safe to both human health and the environment,
thanks to a new initiative launched June 27 at a United Nations meeting on
hazardous waste that wrapped up in The Partnership for Action on
Computing Equipment (PACE) will provide a forum for governments, industry
leaders, non-governmental organizations (NGOs), and academia to tackle the
disposal of old computer equipment, including through global recycling schemes.
Its launch comes at the end of
the ninth meeting of parties to the 1989 Basel Convention on the Control of
Transboundary Movements of Hazardous Wastes and their Disposal, which met to
consider new guidelines for getting rid of old computer equipment, mobile
phones, and other "e-waste" in an environmentally sound manner. Among other things, PACE will
develop technical guidelines for proper repair, refurbishing, and recycling of
old computer equipment, including criteria for testing, labeling of refurbished
equipment, and certification of environmentally sound repair, refurbishment,
and recycling facilities. "All stakeholders,
including original equipment manufacturers, consumers, and recyclers, have a
role in promoting environmentally sound management of used and end-of-life
equipment," according to a news release about the initiative, which said
that 100 tons of used computers could generate up to 39 tons of steel and 21
tons of other metals such as copper, aluminum, and gold. "The technology and skills
are available to promote proper repair and refurbishment that can extend use,
provide employment, and make valuable equipment available to the poor," it
added. ********************************* Corning Cable Systems Introduces OTS-600 Series for Simplified Optical Network Certification in LAN Applications Corning Cable Systems LLC, part
of Corning Incorporated’s (NYSE:GLW) Telecommunications segment, introduces its
new OTS-600 Series optical sources, meters, testers and kits with data storage
capabilities. Designed with ease of use as a top priority, the series of units
maintains all the functionality one expects from an optical tester. Corning Cable Systems’ OTS-600
Series units have data storage for 10,000 results, USB data transfer interface
and a video inspection probe port. Both the OT-600 and OS-400 units come
standard with a 650 nm visual fault locator (VFL) for convenient
troubleshooting of optical networks. Ease of use has been achieved using a
large color LCD screen, soft-key menus and a testing wizard. The OTS-600 Series features an
intuitive certification wizard which takes the user step-by-step through
testing. During the testing, the results are shown in tabular format making it
easy for the user to view results. The table conveniently shows any saved data
for a specified fiber, making reviewing and updating results simple and
efficient. The OTS-600 Series comes with
OTS-View reporting software for creating comprehensive certification reports.
The software allows the user to save, upload, manage and print reports. The
software automatically transfers the unit model, serial number, date tested and
other data from user input fields. The output of the report can be printed or
stored electronically in HTML format for viewing with any web browser, CSV
format for viewing with MS Excel or TXT for viewing with a document editor. The OTS-600 Series comes ready
for connector inspection with a built-in video probe port and software. The
video inspection probe (VIP) allows for the inspection of a fiber optic
connector’s end-face quality. The resulting images can be used as documentation
of end-face quality and cleanliness. Corning Cable Systems will be
featuring the OTS-600 Series at the 2008 ACUTA Conference and Exhibition, July
13-17 in About ********************************* Corning Cable Systems Introduces Fusion Splicer for the Next Generation of LAN Applications Corning Cable Systems LLC, part
of Corning Incorporated’s (NYSE:GLW) Telecommunications segment, introduces its
new OptiSplice® M90e Fusion Splicer, a feature-rich machine for
networks where low-loss performance and high-end accuracy are imperative. The latest addition to the
OptiSplice Fusion Splicer product family, the M90e Fusion Splicer offers the
active core alignment accuracy of Corning Cable Systems’ LID-SYSTEM™
Unit, along with the speed and versatility of a passive core-alignment
technology known as the core detection system (CDS). The M90e provides an
advanced set of features, yielding precise performance, while reducing training
and maintenance costs, all in a compact, user-friendly fusion splicer. The
splicer offers the industry’s fastest total splice cycle time (splicing and
heatshrink) for a core-alignment fusion splicer, and it utilizes automatic
fusion time to optimize each splice. The accuracy of the LID-SYSTEM
Unit and its power-through splice loss measurement method eliminates the
time-consuming task of evaluating splices with an OTDR. The single-mode
LID-SYSTEM Unit first optimizes core alignment in each of the X, Y and Z axes.
When the fusion process begins, the OptiSplice M90e Fusion Splicer's unique
auto fusion time control monitors the
power level through the splice and completes the fusing process when splice
loss is at a minimum – ensuring an optimum splice. Finally, the LID-SYSTEM Unit
measures splice loss by comparing power levels before and after the fusion
process. The M90e Fusion Splicer is
equipped with a secondary method for core alignment (CDS) based on
three-dimensional cameras. This technology allows for fast (13 seconds)
single-mode core-alignment on 250 or 900
micron-coated fibers, bend-insensitive fibers such as ClearCurve™ or
fibers with live traffic. The M90e is also capable of automatically choosing
the best alignment method for the application at hand. The splicer contains precise and
durable (P&D) electrodes, which are maintenance-free and can reduce the
average splice loss up to 50 percent when compared to standard electrodes. Corning Cable Systems will be
featuring the OptiSplice M90e Fusion Splicer at the 2008 ACUTA Conference and
Exhibition, July 13-17 in ********************************* Corning Cable Systems to Highlight Innovation in LAN and Data Center Applications at 2008 ACUTA Conference and Exhibition Corning Cable Systems LLC, part
of Corning Incorporated’s (NYSE:GLW) Telecommunications segment, will feature
its innovative local area network (LAN) and data center solutions at the 2008
ACUTA Conference and Exhibition, July 13-17 in Las Vegas. In its interactive exhibit
(booth #900/902), Corning Cable Systems will feature an environmental
representation of a LAN and data center network deployed with Corning Cable
Systems products. Throughout the exhibit, customers will be able to see exactly
where the products fit into their network. The LAN exhibit will feature
Corning Cable Systems’ Plug & Play™ AnyLAN™ Systems
for both indoor and outdoor applications, which can be installed up to 50
percent faster per splice or termination point than traditional field
installations. Plug & Play AnyLAN Systems feature a multimode or
single-mode optical cable pre-installed with network access points at
customer-specified intervals and a tethered, environmentally hardened MT connector.
Once distance measurements for network access point locations are obtained, the
preterminated system is manufactured and tested. The entire system is then
packed and shipped to the customer on a cable reel for immediate deployment in
the desired indoor or outdoor application. The exhibit’s data center
section will showcase Corning Cable Systems’ Plug and Play Universal Systems, a
preterminated optical fiber cabling system that dramatically streamlines the
process of deploying an optical network infrastructure in the data center
environment. It greatly reduces fiber polarity as a factor in system design,
redesign or installation through a value-added wiring solution. Corning Cable Systems’ Plug
& Play Universal Systems are 100G Ethernet ready, capable of
reliably supporting transmission speeds up to 100G with laser-optimized 50um
multimode fiber (OM3 fiber). The requirement for higher data rates is being
driven by many factors, including video applications, virtualization and
convergence. This increased bandwidth demand will result in the migration from
10G, to 40G and 100G, evidenced by the IEEE’s recent approval of a task force
to develop guidance for 40G and 100G Ethernet data rates. Corning Cable Systems
has completed testing to provide assurance that the deployment of its Plug
& Play Universal Systems can support 100G Ethernet in accordance with the
IEEE 802.3ba Standard. (more) The interactive exhibit will
also contain: Plug & Play Systems
Integrated Trunk Module, a pre-terminated 12-fiber MTP Connector trunk assembly
integrated into a Plug and Play Systems module, in which the trunk cable is
stored in the module and can be pulled out and deployed to meet exact length
requirements, eliminating the need for precise pre-planning of cable length. Plug & Play Systems Media
Converter Module, which enables network cabling managers to use existing copper
electronics while taking advantage of the data transport properties of
high-density optical systems. UniCam® Pretium™
Performance Connectors, offering exceptional optical performance in a
fast, easy field-termination solution. Zeux™ Panel pigtail
and assembly, factory-terminated patch panels that are compact, durable and
secure. Combined with factory-terminated patch cords, the Zeux Panel eliminates
the need for on-site terminations, resulting in fast, easy and cost-effective
installations. OptiSplice® M90e
Fusion Splicer, offering the active core alignment accuracy of Corning Cable
Systems’ LID-SYSTEM™ Unit, along with the speed and versatility of a
passive core-alignment technology known as the core detection system (CDS). The
M90e Fusion Splicer provides an advanced set of features, yielding precise
performance, while reducing training and maintenance costs, all in a compact,
user-friendly fusion splicer. OTS-600 series tester with data
storage capabilities, ideal for optical network certification. The unit has
been designed with ease of use as the top priority, while maintaining all the
functionality one expects from an optical tester. For additional information on
Corning Cable Systems products and services, contact a customer service representative
at 1-800-743-2675, toll free in the About ********************************* FIBER OPTIC INSTALLER CERTIFICATION (5 Days) $1,038.00 CAD: This
five day, 60% hands on program takes the person from the point of knowing
absoluetly nothing about fiber optics to the point where they can: Install
cable indoors and outdoors Fusion
and mechanically splice fibers Install
connectors of fibers Troubleshoot,
Document and Estimate a fiber optic system and all to the latest industry
standards. NOTE:
THERE IS A SERIES DEMAND FOR CERTIFIED PEOPLE: Students
write the Fiber Optic Certification exam on the last day of the course and
leave the course with their certificate and FOA registration number. We
have trained and certified more than 2,000 people in the Canadian military,
government departments, telephone companies, Cable TV companies and installers
from all industrial sectors. Over 1,000 installers are listed on our
website http://www.fiberoptictraining.com/installersx.html as well as about 140 of our customers http://www.fiberoptictraining.com/clients.html. We also have done in-house courses from Northern
Scotland to <><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><> FIBER
TO THE HOME (FTTX) (2 Days) $619.00 CAD: Oh
yes, fiber to the home is here with many of the small Canadian Telcos and cable
companies aggressively installing fiber to the home to offer triple play
(Phone, Internet & Telephone) at speeds more than 100 times faster than
ADSL or other solutions. One Company said: "WE WILL INSTALL
FIBER TO THE HOME AS FAST AS WE CAN HIRE PEOPLE TO DO THE WORK" This
two day course is an add on to the five day installer certification (CFOT)
program. http://www.fiberoptictraining.com/courses.html (14 BICSI CEC's awarded for completion of this
course). <><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><> VOICE,
DATA, VIDEO NETWORK CABLING SYSTEM INSPECTION
CERTIFICATION (3 Days) $727.00 CAD: This
three day course deals with all the standards and codes required to design,
install and inspect a Voice, Data, Video system to industry standards. A
separate module included in this course deals with writing and
responding to an RFQ (Request For Quote) You
can only inspect what you specify and understanding how to specify standards
and write a specification (RFQ) for your project can save any project thousands
of dollars. http://www.fiberoptictraining.com/courses.html (21 BICSI CEC's awarded for completion
of this course). <><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><> GROUNDING,
BONDING, ELECTRICAL NOISE, HARMONICS (1 Day) $351.75
CAD: This
intensive one day course gives the technician a new insight into the necessity
for grounding, bonding and lightning protection. We cover the National
and Canadian Electrical codes as well as IEEE and other standards to provide
solutions to old problems such as abnormal amounts of failed circuit boards, lost
data, system downtime and system destruction by lightning and other faults. This course is a must for Communications and Electronic System installers. http://www.fiberoptictraining.com/courses.html ( 7 BICSI CEC's awarded for
completion of this course). <><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><> We
also STOCK the largest amount of Fiber Optic Tools in the Greater William
Graham, owner and director of ********************************* Fiber takes the lead for the smart data center design Data
Center Roadmap to 40/100 Gigabit Transmission Speeds Read the full
article by Doug Coleman: http://datacenterjournal.com/content/view/1762/40/ 10G and Beyond in the Data Center with OM3 Fiber Read the full
article by Doug Coleman: http://www.corningcablesystems.com/web/library/litindex.nsf/$all/LAN-1016-EN/$FILE/LAN-1016-EN.pdf
********************************* Graybar Joins U.S. Green Building Council Membership Underscores
Graybar’s Support of Graybar, a leading distributor
of electrical and communications products and related supply chain management
and logistics services, today advanced its support of sustainable infrastructure
by joining the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC). As a member of the USGBC,
Graybar will have access to green building resources and training programs. The
company will also have opportunities to network with individuals from the more
than 15,000 member organizations representing the building and construction
industry. “Graybar is proud to join the
U.S. Green Building Council,” said Dick Offenbacher, Graybar senior vice
president – sales and marketing, electrical. “This membership underscores
Graybar’s commitment to providing value-added, sustainable products and
services to its customers.” The USGBC is a nonprofit
organization established in 1993 to promote sustainable building and
construction through educational resources and committee forums. In 2000, the
USGBC developed the LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design)
accreditation system as an independent benchmark for rating high-performance
green buildings. The organization also offers professional LEED certification
to individuals who demonstrate expertise in green building practices and
principles. http://graybar.com/
********************************* Molex launches new and improved website Molex Premise Networks launches
its new website, the main hub of information for end users, specifiers,
consultants and channel partners across the globe. Following extensive research with its
customer base, Molex has completely refreshed and enhanced its current web
platform to facilitate easy access to corporate, technical and product
information, and ensure maximum user-friendliness. The new comprehensive product
database now features all Molex Premise Networks products and solutions from
the Americas, EMEA and Asia Pacific regions, so that visitors anywhere in the
world can view the entire Molex global product set. Built within the website is an ‘intelligent’
functionality which “discovers” where the visitor is located and will display
product relevant to that region. Product
pages will be continuously refreshed and updated with the added benefit of
printing specification sheets directly from them or in an email friendly
version to help customers respond in a timely fashion to urgent bids or proposals. New to the site are specific
pages for data transport solutions such as 10Gigabit, Category 6, Category 5e,
IIM, Optical Fibre, Free Space Optics, Data Centres, Blown Fibre, and Plug and
Play solutions, each featuring related products, technical articles and case
studies, encompassing all relevant information in one accessible location. In addition, the website contains a support
centre with downloadable marketing literature, as well as all the usual Molex
news and events. The second phase of development,
is to transition the existing Polish, Russian and Chinese language sites over
to this new website infrastructure. Global Marketing Director, Anne Watmore,
commented that: “We are really excited about our new global website and are
confident that our customers and channel partners will be able to find the
information they need with the minimum of clicks.” Visit us and see for yourself at
www.molexpn.com. About Molex: Molex Incorporated is the
world’s second largest manufacturer of electronic, electrical and fibre optic
interconnection products and systems, switches and application tooling. Based
in Lisle, Illinois, USA, the company has over 70 years experience and operates
54 manufacturing facilities in 19 countries. For over 30 years Molex has
manufactured comprehensive UTP, FTP and Optical Fibre cabling products suitable
for the transmission of voice, data and video imaging signals. As one of the
original pioneers of structured cabling we have provided state-of-the-art
communication solutions to some of the biggest organisations in the world.: www.molexpn.co.uk ********************************* Five Square ® Box Makes Communications and Fire Protection More Reliable and Cost Effective! Imagine pulling category 6A
cable and then realizing it could not be terminated in existing technology
boxes. Then imagine having to downgrade to an older cable, only to have to
change out both the cable and the boxes within several years to accommodate
future high speed transmission rates! Research indicates that there
are multiple bend radius infractions when high speed cables such as Cat 5E and
Cat 6 are installed in old technology boxes. Modern data and video
technologies, especially the newer 10G Base T cables, require strict adherence
to cable manufacturer’s minimum bend radius requirements. Moreover, it is not
possible to install the more rigid 10G Base T cables in existing boxes and
still maintain minimum bend radii. RANDL Industries is proud to
introduce the World’s First Telecommunications Outlet Box with a self contained
cable management system! The RANDL Industries patented 5 Square ®
Telecommunications Box with cable management facilitates the minimum bend
radius requirements of cable manufacturers assuring that your cable
functionality needs of the present and the future are met today. Simply stated,
installing the RANDL Industries 5 Square Telecommunications Box with cable
management today will save you money and efforts as your need for faster
transmission rates are realized. Improving cable and connecting
hardware functionality was our top priority in developing the new 5 Square
technology. The 5 Square with a depth of 2 ⅞” and a volume up to 81 cubic
inches (double that of most boxes) supports categories 5E, 6, Augmented 6, 7,
Augmented 7 and fiber optic cables. The 5 Square has an array of knockout
arrangements with sizes from ¾” to 1 ¼” and plaster rings from flat to 1 ¼”
deep to fit all your project needs. The 5 Square for fire signaling
appliances virtually eliminates ground faults and short circuits while allowing
many additional conductors and cables to pass through; thereby, reducing
conduit and associated labor…which equates to further cost savings. After thirty years experience in
the telecommunications and electrical construction industry, we know you take
great pride in your projects. At RANDL Industries we realize the importance of
using products that are designed specifically to accommodate the new high speed
cabling and connecting products. After all, intelligent cabling deserves the
intelligent choice…the 5 Square Telecommunications box! www.randl-inc.com ********************************* Researchers Designing Ventilation System To Protect Buildings From Chemical Warfare, Bioterrorist Attacks Researchers at the University of
Saskatchewan (U of S) in Canada have opened a new engineering lab to design a
ventilation system that could protect schools, hospitals, and other public
buildings from chemical warfare and bioterrorist attacks. “Think of it as a complex fire
alarm for industrial chemical spills, airborne diseases, and biological warfare
strikes on vulnerable public spaces,” said engineering dean and lead researcher
Janusz Kozinski. “Whether an emergency starts
with a terrorist’s biowarfare assault or a contagious disease seeping through a
hospital’s air ducts, time is of the essence,” Kozinski said. “This system
promises to give citizens and emergency workers in these scenarios the extra
seconds they need to respond before it’s too late.” The Early Warning and Response
system (eWAR) addresses what Kozinski views as major threats to public safety
-- the release of noxious chemicals and bio-agents into public buildings either
accidentally through industrial spills or purposely through bioterrorist
assaults that target ventilation systems. It could also address the threat of
outbreaks by detecting diseases, such as chickenpox and tuberculosis, before
they spread through a hospital’s air vents. The new lab-scale set-up
includes a model HVAC system that runs different simulations of potential
building contamination scenarios. Using the model HVAC system, Kozinski and his
colleagues will further investigate how humidity, air pressure, wind, and
temperature influence the spread of noxious fumes and biochemical agents. The lab’s research will help
determine how eWAR can both filter harmful agents out of the air and activate
warnings when airborne contaminants reach a critical density. In its current
design, eWAR quickly notifies building residents about potential threats and
conserves energy by only activating in times of potential crisis. “We are expanding the scope of
eWAR applications to cover a wider base of situations that may affect civilian
populations, such as the spread of influenza, anthrax, or nerve agent sarin,”
said Andre Dascal, a McGill University associate professor of medicine,
microbiology, and immunology collaborating on the project. Once fully developed, eWAR is
expected to fill a gap in the bio-defence marketplace, where maintaining
bio-security in public buildings is not economically feasible using current
technologies. An integrated eWAR system could make detecting the myriad
chemicals and bio-agents part of normal security procedures, essentially
creating “immune buildings.” “Shopping malls, government
facilities, and commercial buildings are all waiting for a system like eWAR to
give first responders enough time to evacuate people from public places before
they are exposed to dangerous chemicals and biohazards,” said Suzanne L. Lebel,
Chairman of Alert B & C. “As partners in the eWAR project, we will use our
TRAKERTM instruments to rapidly detect and identify harmful agents.” The eWAR project is a research
consortium formed by the U of S, McGill University, Concordia University, the
Biotechnology Research Institute, the Directorate of Public Health of Montreal,
UV-Sterisource, and ALERT B & C. ********************************* Siemens cuts 16,750 jobs as it looks to save $1.9 billion Mega
conglomerate Siemens AG
will cut nearly 17,000 employees as it looks to save $1.9 billion (1.2 billion
Euros) by 2010. The
layoffs will include 12,600 administrative jobs, as well as another 4,150
positions involving restructuring projects at its various units, for a total of
16,750 position cuts, equal to about 4% of the Munich, Germany-based company’s
current 400,000 global employee base. Further,
Siemens said by 2010 it will consolidate its 1,800 separate businesses to fewer
than 1,000 and take its 70 regional companies and transform them into 20
regional “clusters” as part of its restructuring. “The
speed at which business is changing worldwide has increased considerably, and
we’re orienting Siemens accordingly. Against the backdrop of a slowing economy,
we have to become more efficient,” Siemens President and CEO Peter Löscher
(pictured) said in a statement this morning. The
only engineering-specific positions Siemens noted in its statement as impacted
are in its mobility division, from which it plans to cut a total of 2,500 jobs
worldwide. Some 700 of these jobs are in sales and administrative functions,
while about 1,800 are in engineering and production, primarily in Europe,
Siemens said. About
5,250 of the worldwide jobs cuts will be at Siemens’ Germany locations,
including its locations in Erlangen, Munich, Nuremberg, and Berlin. The
fact that most of the job cuts will take place in Germany, a country with very strong
employment unions, presents its own set of obstacles for Siemens. When Nokia in
January announced a 2,300-employee
layoff on the planned closure of a Germany plant, it faced protests and
disapproval from local politicians. And when Ulrich Schumacher resigned
his position as CEO of Munich-based Infineon Technologies in 2004, reports
pointed to local worker unions as driving the executive’s exit based on
Schumacher's management style, views on outsourcing, and comments about
possibly moving the company out of Germany. Siemens
will also contend with its already tarnished reputation in Germany, where
authorities in October 2007 ordered the company to pay fines and taxes of about
$538 million after a months-long federal probe into its "black money"
scandal. “We
want to begin negotiations with the employee representatives quickly in order
to make the cuts in a way that will be as socially responsible as possible,”
Siemens’ Chief Personnel Officer Siegfried Russwurm said in the statement. “In
this connection, we intend to consider the full range of instruments at our
disposal – for example, transfer companies and part-time preretirement schemes.
Only as a last resort will we terminate employment contracts for operational
reasons.” Siemens,
which makes a range of products, from light bulbs and medical equipment to
high-speed trains and power turbines, is no stranger to business restructuring
and layoffs. The company in February foreshadowed today’s move when it
announced the harsh telecommunications market had caused 3,800 job cuts at its
wholly owned subsidiary Siemens Enterprise Communications GmbH & Co KG
(SEN) and a restructuring plan that called for SEN to move from being a
hardware supplier to a software and solutions provider. At that time, Siemens
also announced SEN would give up its own manufacturing operations, selling its
plant in Leipzig, Germany, and selling or funneling its telecommunications
cable business into solutions involving a third party. ********************************* Telcos go to court over municipal fiber By Jim O’Neil Telecom service
providers have gone on the offensive in a broad effort to stop--or at
least delay--municipalities planning to build public fiber optic networks to
compete for Internet, telephone and cable dollars. Read more about: Qwest,
Internet
Telephone, Fiber
Optic Networks, Cox
Communications ********************************* Commentary - A new breed of information age media experts are out there Using traditional methods is not
over but it is very expensive on an individual contact cost basis. Multimedia, web design, video, CD and DVD
packages and duplication are just the beginning. There are a new class of
market gurus developing tools that use technology to lower the cost per
contact. The
Internet is bigger & better than anyone ever imagined. In 1969, four research computers
were connected to create the genesis of the Internet at the blazing server
speed of 56 Kb. By 1990, there were 313,000 servers on the Internet. Today, Google.com
by itself has more than 458,000 servers on line and some servers can operate at
speeds of 92 terabits/second (two (2)
billion times faster than the 1969 speeds). Some experts estimate that 17%
of the world population has used the Internet and the hypertext World Wide Web
(August 6,1991). We may see that user group swell to 50% in the next few years.
Internet growth has not slowed. In 1994, the Internet usage growing 2300% per
year and Internet growth has not slowed. Shocking statistics show the “The “information age” is
bombarding us with messages across many medias. Now more than ever, it’s
important to capture attention through creative, effective content delivery.
They can develop custom content or take existing video, images and text
creating new and effective presentations. No matter which service route you
take, their talent and expertise can help you find the best possible results.” According to Ed Vaks, Market
Development Manager of Advantage Design Group ( Association News ACUTA ACUTA Recognizes Innovative Technology Projects at Four Schools with Institutional Excellence Awards Wayne State
University in Detroit, Lee College in Baytown, Texas, and Bryant University in
Smithfield, Rhode Island, have each been recognized for their information
communications technology projects with an Institutional Excellence award from
ACUTA, the Association for Information Communications Technology Professionals
in Higher Education. ACUTA announced the
awards during the organization’s 37th Annual Conference here. As the only
international association dedicated to serving the needs of higher education
information communications technology professionals, ACUTA represents nearly
2,000 individuals at some 780 institutions. Its award for Institutional
Excellence in Communications Technology is ACUTA’s premier recognition of the
work being done on college and university campuses. Wayne State
University, the award winner for schools with more than 15,000 students, was
recognized for its WSU Broadcast Messaging Service. The service is used for
emergency alerts, messages targeted to specific student groups, class
cancellations, and other notices that can be sent from administration and
faculty to students. The service was
developed internally by the university’s Computing and Information Technology
staff, and is carrier-neutral, advertising free, and tightly integrated with
Wayne State’s enterprise information, networking, and learning management
systems. Lee College, the
award winner among schools with 5,000 to 15,000 students, was recognized for
its Chambers County Community Network, or CCCnet. The network addresses the
lifelong learning needs of local citizens, and the project included the installation
of 10 minicomputer labs in underserved areas, connected by broadband wireless
technology for high-speed Internet service. The CCCnet project
involved extensive construction to create the wireless network and computer lab
facilities, as well as complex coordination efforts with local public agencies.
An innovative public-private partnership is responsible for ongoing maintenance
of the network. Bryant University,
the award winner for schools with fewer than 5,000 students, was recognized for
its Collaborative Public Safety Network, the result of a unique partnership
between the campus and first-responder agencies in three states. The project
began with a network upgrade three years ago at Bryant, which was enhanced in
2006 with an IP Interoperability and Collaboration System, to improve campus
operations and security by enabling direct radio communications between
departments using various types of devices. In 2007, the
interoperable network was extended to public safety agencies, and the result is
a virtual public safety network connecting dispatch centers and enabling
shorter response times to the Bryant campus and to the community at large. This is the second
time Bryant University has won an ACUTA Institutional Excellence Award. It also
won an award in 2005 for the initial network upgrade that has since led to the
Collaborative Public Safety Network. ACUTA
gave an honorable mention to the University of Utah, for its wireless network
providing connectivity and support applications to 45,000 users across 1,400
acres, more than 200 buildings, and some 2,200 access points. The centrally
managed network includes innovative applications such as tagging and tracking
an extensive inventory of art objects, for campus police mobile applications, and
for paperless tracking of plant operations processes. “This year’s
Institutional Excellence award winners have an important common element, and
that is the way that information communications technology is being used to
great benefit for both the institutions themselves and their communities,” said
Jeri Semer, Executive Director of ACUTA. “All of the winning applications
reflect the inclusiveness that advanced technologies are making possible.” The Institutional
Excellence in Communications Technology Awards, sponsored by PAETEC, are part
of each ACUTA Annual Conference. The conference is an opportunity for hundreds
of representatives of higher education institutions to explore and discuss
information communications strategies that support their organizations’
missions. About ACUTA ********************************* Corinne Hoch of Columbia University Moves into Presidency of ACUTA for 2008-2009 Corinne Hoch of
Columbia University is the new president of ACUTA, the Association for Information
Communications Technology Professionals in Higher Education. She officially takes
office later this week at the end of the 37th annual ACUTA Conference here. At
the conference, hundreds of representatives of higher education institutions
are exploring and discussing information communications strategies that can
best fulfill their organizations’ missions. ACUTA is the only international
association dedicated to serving the needs of higher education information
communications technology professionals, representing nearly 2,000 individuals
at some 780 institutions. Hoch, who has worked
in communications technology for 31 years, has been with Columbia University
for 20 years. At Columbia, she serves as Director of Client Relationship
Management, responsible for public relations, communications, and training. Harvey “Buck”
Buchanan of Florida State University is another new officer, taking the
position of president-elect for 2008-2009. At Florida State, Buchanan is
Director of the Office of Telecommunications and Networking Services. Also
newly elected are Board of Directors members Matt Fuoco of the University of
Kansas Medical Center and Joseph Harrington of Boston College. Fuoco is
Director of Telecommunications and Networking at the University of Kansas
Medical Center and Harrington is Director of Network Services at Boston
College. They join these
ACUTA officers: Riny Ledgerwood of San Diego State University,
secretary-treasurer; Dr. Walt Magnussen of Texas A&M, immediate past
president; Matt Arthur of Washington University in St. Louis, newly appointed
director; and directors Randal Hayes of the University of Northern Iowa and
Sandy Roberts of Wellesley College. Jeri Semer, ACUTA Executive Director,
continues to serve as an ex officio member of the Board. Hoch said she wants
ACUTA to continue to emphasize cooperation among members in helping each other
cope with the evolution of converged networks on their campuses. “Changing technology
has been an opportunity and a challenge for ACUTA members, and their evolving
roles are signified in our recent organizational name change, reflecting an
emphasis on information communications technologies,” Hoch said. “To help them,
ACUTA will do what it does best – educate, inform, and provide as many opportunities
as possible to network with their peers.” About ACUTA ********************************* AFCOM AFCOM Predicts Increase in Data Center Greening, Cooling Initiatives Despite Down Economy Data Center Institute to Disclose Member Survey Results in Keynote at
Data Center World® WHAT: AFCOM, the leading association for data center
professionals, will host its upcoming Data Center World in Orlando,
Florida. Data Center World is recognized
as the industry’s foremost conference for continuing education, professional
development and networking. WHY: Special Keynote: Members of the Data Center Institute will present a special
keynote “The
Current Economic Downturn and its Impact on Your Data Center.” The presentation, based on a recent AFCOM member survey, will addresses
the most pressing economic
issues and trends impacting the data
center, and will provide practical solutions to help companies survive, remain
competitive and even thrive. Real-time
Intelligence: The educational agenda (50+ sessions) and high concentration of data center
professionals and industry leaders presents an unparalleled opportunity to
gather real-time intelligence. Conference tracks include: Greening/Facilities, Disaster Recovery, Data Center Management and
Automation. NASA
Data Center Tour: Registration deadline: August 11, 2008. AFCOM has arranged a
rare opportunity to tour NASA’s data center at the Kennedy Space Center and to
see two space shuttles being primed for launch. The tour will be held on
Saturday, October 4, and is open only to US citizens who are end users
and conference registrants. Additional fees required; space is limited. AFCOM
is not responsible for costs associated with hotel or travel made to attend
this tour. WHEN: October 5-7, 2008 WHERE: Orlando World Center Marriott –
Orlando, Florida. To register at the Marriott with the Data Center World
discount, you must be a confirmed conference attendee. HOW: Registration is free for media and
analysts. To register and/or secure more detailed agenda information, please
visit www.datacenterworld.com or
contact Layne Maly at lmaly@afcom.com. About AFCOM: AFCOM (www.afcom.com) is a leading association for
data center professionals, offering services to help support the management of
data centers around the world.
Established in 1980, AFCOM currently boasts more than 4,000 members and
32 chapters worldwide, and provides data center professionals with unique
networking opportunities and educational forums and resources through its
annual Data Center World® conferences, published magazines, regional
chapters, research and hotline services, and industry alliances. ********************************* AFCOM® Expands Chapter Program in U.S. and Abroad AFCOM, the leading association
supporting the data center industry, continues to expand its presence as a
local resource for data center professionals with the addition of nine new
chapters to its global chapter program.
The new U.S.-based chapters
include Greater Houston, Wisconsin, Western Pennsylvania, Omaha, Greater
Minnesota and Northern California. New international chapters have been formed
in the United Kingdom, Mexico City, and Melbourne, Australia. Northern California, Mexico City and
Melbourne will be officially chartered at the Data Center World®
conference next spring. “The chapter program helps our members to interact
with and learn from other data center
professionals at the local level” said Michelle Morrissey, AFCOM’s member
services manager.
“The program is considered by many to be our most valued platform for continuing education, networking and
sharing solutions to challenges in the workplace.” The total number of AFCOM
chapters is now 32, up from six in 2003, representing a 500-plus percent
increase. Five more new chapters are
expected to be formed in the coming months.
For the full list of chapter
locations, with contact information and meeting schedules, visit www.afcom.com. # # # About AFCOM: ********************************* CABA FUNDING PARTNERS SECURED FOR CONVERGENCE OF GREEN AND INTELLIGENT BUILDINGS PROJECT The Continental
Automated Buildings Association has secured funding partners for a research
study that addresses the operation, energy savings and long term benefits
associated with commercial, institutional and multi-residential facilities that
implement both intelligent and green building technologies. The final report
will provide the funding partners with a means to showcase their technologies
and their contributions towards both intelligent and green buildings through
CABA's unique collaborative research model. In the United States, buildings account for 45 per cent of total
energy use, 25 per cent of water consumption, 70 per of electricity consumption
and 38 per cent of total carbon dioxide emissions. CABA's objective through
this study is to provide strategic recommendations that will demonstrate the
positive environmental impact of today's intelligent, integrated building
systems and building technology solutions. In other words, this research will
determine specific methods in which property owners and building designers can
reduce energy consumption and costs, increase the profitability of their
building stock through investments in intelligent building technologies, while
at the same time reducing the deleterious effects of energy consumption such as
pollution and emissions. About CABA ********************************* FOA New “Virtual Hands-On” Tutorial For OTDRs Includes Free Download Of OTDR Simulator Lennie Lightwave’s Guide To Fiber
Optics, the place many users and installers get started learning about
fiber optics, has added a new “Virtual Hands-On” Tutorial For OTDRs (optical
time domain reflectometers) which will allow readers to see how to use an OTDR
properly. In addition, the site offers a free download of an OTDR Simulator. OTDRs have traditionally been
used in outside plant fiber optic installations to verify splices or for
troubleshooting in long concatenated cable runs. Recently, OTDRs have been
developed with better resolution which are being promoted for premises
applications. In addition, manufacturers have developed autotesting software
that promises to do all the hard work of OTDR test analysis. These two
developments have led to more widespread use of OTDRs by techs who are not well
versed on OTDRs and are causing problems in installations that could be avoided
by user education. To educate users – and potential
users – of OTDRs, Lennie’s Guide
has developed a step-by-step guide to OTDRs, showing how to set up the
instrument, take data (which are called traces) and analyze them properly. In
addition, readers may download a free OTDR Simulator to their PC which allows
them to see on their PC how the OTDR is used for analyzing fiber. Reading this “Virtual Hands-On”
Guide For OTDRs and following the virtual guide with the OTDR simulator will
allow users to better understand OTDRs, their proper application and their
limitations. The “Virtual Hands-On” Guide For
OTDRs and OTDR simulator can be found at
http://www.vdvworks.com/LennieLw/. Since 1994, “Lennie Lightwave’s Guide To Fiber
Optics” has been the most popular fiber optic website for those getting started
in fiber optics, at http://www.vdvworks.com/LennieLw/. “Lennie’s
Guide” and “Uncle Ted’s Guide To Communications Cabling” at http://www.vdvworks.com/UncleTed/
are provided by VDV Academy as a service to the communications industry. VDV Academy offers complete
instructional curriculum packages for teaching fiber optics and communications
cabling. For more information on the VDV Academy curriculum, contact VDV Works
at 760-451-3655, info@vdvworks.com or http://www.vdvworks.com ********************************* FOA Offers New Guide to Fiber Optic Installation On The FOA “Tech Topics” Website The FOA has added a new technical bulletin to its website that offers
guidance for those installing fiber optic networks. The document was written
for all contractors, installers, architects and engineers, project managers,
network users, or others who are involved with projects that include fiber
optics. This 20 page PDF document covers the fiber optic cable plant process in
7 separate topics from planning the fiber optic cable plant installation
process through how to install,
terminate and test the cable plant and, after installation, manage the fiber
optic network. The material covers both premises and outside plant networks for
almost any application. “Installing Fiber Optic Cable Plants” is one of a series of Technical
Bulletins that includes guides for designing fiber optic cable plants,
installing, testing and troubleshooting and restoration. All can be downloaded from the FOA Tech
Topics website at http://www.thefoa.org/tech. The Fiber Optic Association, Inc. is an nonprofit educational
organization chartered to promote fiber optics through education, certification
and standards. Over 200 FOA-Approved schools around the world have certified
over 24,000 fiber optic technicians since 1995. The FOA offers free online
introductory fiber optic tutorials for everyone and training for instructors at
FOA-Approved schools. For more information on the FOA, see the organization's website http://www.thefoa.org/, email
info@thefoa.org or call
760-451-3655. ********************************* NAED NAED Releases White Paper on Streamlining Distributor-Into-Stock Cost Communications The
Distributor-Into-Stock Cost Communications Process Efficiencies Task Force of
the National Association of Electrical Distributors (NAED) recently made
available the white paper, “Recommended Best Practices in
Distributor-Into-Stock Cost Information Communication,” which outlines ways to
improve the communication of product and pricing information. The
recommendations allow members of the electrical distribution channel to avoid miscommunications
and errors, increase efficiencies, and enhance customer satisfaction. When
distributor-into-stock cost information is not 100% accurate, it impacts almost
every department in a distributor’s and manufacturer’s organization including
information technology (IT), customer service, marketing, accounts receivable,
sales, and more. Errors add costs to the channel because purchase orders must
be corrected, invoices must be adjusted, and deductions must be reconciled
manually. Further, multiple shipments and invoices may occur for the same
order, deliveries may be delayed, and out-of-stock situations may surge. The task force
identified three basic strategies for streamlining distributor-into-stock cost
communications: standardize the information provided, standardize the format of
the information, and automate the transmission and processing of the
information. In May 2007, the
NAED Board of Directors passed a resolution stating their support of the task
force’s efforts. The target date for manufacturers and distributors to
implement the task force’s recommendations industry-wide is October 1. Bernard T.
Westapher, senior vice president of Panduit Corp. served on the task force and
feels industry-wide standards for automating this process are paramount to the
success of the industry. “Processing of shipment debits and credits is a huge
cost for both the manufacturer and the distributor, and it’s absolutely
essential to automate this process,” shared Westapher. “The process will
never be automated without specific standards and guidelines for the industry
to follow. These costs cannot be taken out of the supply chain with proprietary
systems. It has to be an industry-wide standard.” added Westapher. OSRAM SYLVANIA
Senior Sales Operations Manager Jerry Hagerman feels the greatest benefit of
streamlining distributor-into-stock cost communication processes is that it
frees up distributors’ and manufacturers’ time and resources to focus on what’s
important. “Accuracy and speed is money – and money is resources and time.
Neither the distributor nor the manufacturer has the excess resources to devote
to making sure that we’re accurate. The old process of making sure we were
accurate was deductions, and that’s all rework. We don’t have time for that
anymore. We’ve got to let the systems manage the accuracy.” Added Hagerman, “Of
course, we need to manage the systems, but the systems need to communicate
about the day-to day-stuff. Then distributors and manufacturers can take their
resources that they used to devote to rework and put them into a much more
profitable part of their businesses. That is to sell product. That's what the
supply chain is all about - to sell current product offerings, add value to the
supply chain, and bring value-added upsell products to the ultimate customer,
thereby giving the customer the opportunity to improve their business." To download the
paper, visit NAED’s website, www.naed.org.
The white paper is listed on the home page under “Defined Standards.” ABOUT THE TASK FORCE In fall 2006, NAED
formed the Distributor-Into-Stock Cost Communications Process Efficiencies Task
Force to meet the industry’s demand for improved communication of product
pricing information. Led by Dakota Supply Group, CEO Todd Kumm and Square
D/Schneider Electric, Channel Management/Operations Manager Ann Adams, more
than 20 volunteers traveled to Chicago at their own expense for a two-day,
face-to-face meeting hosted by Schneider Electric/Square D in January 2007. The
task force members’ remaining interactions took place via conference calls. “One of the
beautiful things about serving on this task force was seeing both manufacturers
and distributors working together toward a common goal. Of course, it happens
all the time but this was a much more public example. The cooperation was very
good and everyone on the task force helped out. It was refreshing because we
accomplished a lot. It just shows what the power of a committed group can do,”
shared Task Force Leader Todd Kumm. For more information
about the NAED Distributor-Into-Stock Cost Communications Process Efficiencies
Task Force, visit the NAED website at www.naed.org
or contact NAED’s Customer Service at 1.888.791.2512 or customerservice@naed.org. 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. ********************************* 2008 NAED HR & Training Conference September 15-17 in St. Louis
Conference Focuses On Mixing Generations, Managing Priorities, Mobilizing
Technology
ST. LOUIS... The National Association of Electrical Distributors (NAED) invites
industry professionals in human resources and training roles to the second
annual HR & Training Conference. This year's theme is "Mixing Generations,
Managing Priorities, Mobilizing Technology." Attendees will hear speakers
tackle critical issues facing organizations; learn valuable new skills; share
and learn what works in best-practices panel sessions; and make and strengthen
key industry connections in planned networking sessions. The conference takes
place at the Sheraton at Westport Plaza in St. Louis, Mo., September 15-17. "Zap the Gap! How to Solve the Multi-Generational Puzzle" – Meagan Johnson, generational humorist,
puts a hilarious spin on how to attract, train, market, manage, and retain
people from every generation and not strangle someone in the process. Johnson
will share tools to improve multi-generational relationships with clients,
customers and co-workers. "Time Management & Personal Leadership" – Steve McClatchy, founder, Alleer
Training & Consulting, leads an interactive and entertaining session,
examining the difference between personal management and personal leadership,
showing how to effectively manage, plan and prioritize time. "Tech Tools to Revolutionize Your Efficiencies" – Jeff Greene, executive director of
client services for Gold Group, delves into the new technology tools that are
currently on the market. This session will cover the most productive tools to
help HR and training professionals get more done. Participants will learn how
to connect with new employees and the mobile systems they use to navigate their
world. Other education
sessions will focus on emerging trends in HR law, succession planning for
smooth transitions and continued productivity, successful sales and management
trainee programs, safety programs, incentives, and more. Certain sessions may
qualify for HRCI Credits Education. ********************************* Celebrate NAED’s Centennial Year at www.naed100.org The NAED Centennial culminated
in grand style at the 2008 National Electrical Leadership Summit held in May in
San Francisco. From a keynote on electrical icons Edison, Tesla, and
Westinghouse, to a closing party with legendary band Foreigner, the 2008
National Electrical Leadership Summit provided attendees with a
once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to celebrate a century of association success. Whether you attended or not, you
can now recapture some of the centennial magic through event videos and a photo gallery at www.naed100.org. While you’re at the centennial
site, see a list of more than 35 new distributors who have joined
NAED through a special centennial membership drive, and be sure and check out
the association’s first ever e-book “Lessons in Leadership, A Legacy for 100 Years and
Beyond” as well as the commemorative issue of TED
Magazine. ********************************* NAED’s AdVenture 2008 Offers the “Inner Secrets of Success” to Industry Sales and Marketing Professionals, August 10-13 2008 “Do you know the inner secrets of sales and
marketing success?” That’s the focus of AdVentureTM 2008, the
National Association of Electrical Distributors’ (NAED) annual electrical sales
and marketing conference, August 10-13 at the Wyndham Chicago Hotel. AdVentureTM
features high-impact sessions facilitated by a series of presenters who are
experts in industry consultation, sales, media, marketing, or other related
fields. Ron Rosenberg, nationally recognized, award-winning expert on marketing
and customer service, will deliver the keynote address, “The Inner Secrets of Outrageous
Sales & Marketing: How to Dominate Your Market Niche”, on Monday, August
11. Rosenberg has authored several books and learning systems, and his expert
commentary has been featured in The New York Times, The Washington Post, Smart
Money, and Real Simple magazines. The AdVentureTM
line-up includes a number of powerful education sessions and panel discussions
such as: “Questions That Sell: The Powerful
Process to Motivate Customers to Buy From You” – Paul Cherry, President of
Performance Based Results, Author “Meeting the Sales Manager’s
Challenge: A New Approach to an Old Problem” – Robert Nadeau, Managing
Principal of Industrial Performance Group, Inc. “The 4Cs of Truth in
Communications™” – Isabelle Albanese, Author, principal of Consumer Truth® Ltd.
“Selling to
Generation NeXt” – Mike Dandridge, Author, Principal of High Voltage
Performance, Columnist for TED Magazine “Create Demand
Selling™ for Sustainable Technologies” – Bill Attardi, Principal of Attardi
Marketing and Adjunct Professor at Monmouth University “How to Market Your
Value-Added” – Tom Reilly, Author, President of Tom Reilly Training “The NEW Marketing
Segmentation: How to Sell to People Not Like You” – Kelly McDonald, Principal
of McDonald Marketing, named one of 2007’s Top 50 Hispanic Ad Agencies by
Advertising Age “Improving Margins
and Customer Relationships with NAED Tools” – Ed Orlet, NAED Director of
Development, CAP Council and Jim Lowe, Manufacturers’ Membership Manager, NAED “The Nine
Least-Expensive Marketing & Sales Techniques You’re Not Doing” – Jeff
Greene, Marketing Futurist, Executive Director Client Services, Gold Group TED Magazine’s famed
Best of the Best Awards return to AdVentureTM with a special banquet
presentation, held Tuesday evening, August 12, featuring entertainment by
comedian David Naster. The conference also
offers networking opportunities, including Bobby’s Bike Hike “Lakefront
Neighborhoods” Bicycle Tour, the TED Magazine hospitality suite, and
Dine-Around Chicago. AdVentureTM
2008 was made possible through the efforts of a nine-member industry committee
consisting of electrical distributors and manufacturers. This conference is
co-sponsored by TED Magazine, Electro-Federation Canada, IDEA, National
Electrical Manufacturers Association (NEMA), and National Electrical
Manufacturer Representatives Association (NEMRA). The following manufacturers
are also supporting the event by inviting distributors to use their
co-op/market development funds to attend: Advance, Hubbell Wiring Systems,
IDEAL Industries, Panduit, Philips Lighting, Sea Gull Lighting, and Siemens
Energy & Automation. Registration for
AdVentureTM is currently underway. For more information, contact the
NAED Conference Department at (888) 791-2512 or AdVenture@naed.org. To register online,
visit http://www.naed.org/meetings/AdVenture/main.asp. NAED is the trade
association for the $70+ billion electrical distribution industry. Through
networking, education, research, and benchmarking, NAED helps electrical
distributors increase profitability and improve the channel. NAED’s membership
operates in approximately 4,400 locations internationally. ********************************* NAED Receives ANSI/IACET Accreditation The National Association of
Electrical Distributors (NAED) announces it is an Authorized Provider of
Continuing Education Units (CEUs), accredited through the American National
Standards Institute (ANSI) and the International Association of Continuing
Education and Training (IACET). NAED members who successfully complete certain
courses offered by NAED will have the opportunity to convert continuing
education and training into credits they can apply toward professional
certifications, including NAED’s new Certified Electrical Professional (CEP)
program. Students who successfully
complete NAED’s Electrical Products Education Course (EPEC), Electrical
Distributor Guided Education (EDGE), Warehouse Pro, Counter Pro, Advanced
Inside Sales, Maximize Your Profit Power, and Voice-Data-Video (VDV) will
receive one CEU for every 10 hours of instruction. ANSI and IACET officials reviewed
NAED’s course materials, facilities and procedures, and certified they comply
with the standards for quality continuing education and training established by
these organizations. “We are very pleased our
education programs fall in line with the high standards and educational best
practices set forth by ANSI and IACET,” said Michelle McNamara, NAED vice
president and executive director of the NAED Education & Research
Foundation. “Not only are we committed to making sure that NAED members have
the best materials available to them for learning about the different aspects
of electrical distribution, now their course hours can be applied to
professional certification programs to ensure their career growth.” NAED’s ability to offer CEUs
greatly benefits those seeking the Certified Electrical Professional (CEP)
certification. All those who receive inside or outside sales certification must
be recertified after three years, which requires 30 credit hours of coursework
that has been verified, transcripted or otherwise “officially” recorded. For more information on the NAED
Learning Center, courses offered or CEUs, contact NAED Customer Service at
888-791-2512, customerservice@naed.org
or go to www.naedlearningcenter.org.
Current NLC users may access the training using their regular NLC login and
password. For more information on the Certified Electrical Professional program
visit www.naed-cep.org or
contact John Kiso at jkiso@naed.org. 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. ********************************* NEMA NEMA Business Confidence Indexes Weaken in July NEMA’s Electroindustry Business
Confidence Index (EBCI) for current North American conditions fell for a second
straight month in July, declining by more than 4 points to 33.3. The index has
spent 13 of the last 15 months at or below 50 points, signaling an extended
period of weak business conditions. The survey’s measure of the mean intensity
of change in current conditions also declined in July, falling to -0.7 from
-0.3 in June (on a scale ranging from –5 [deteriorated significantly] through 0
to +5 [improved significantly]). The EBCI for future North
American conditions reversed a short string of gains in July, dropping more
than six points to 31.25. Though still in excess of April’s 19-month low of
29.5, the index continues to anticipate contraction in the sector over the next
half year. Business confidence indexes for
the other three world regions included in the survey all dropped in July
relative to June. Click here for the complete July
2008 report. The Electroindustry Business
Confidence Index gauges the business confidence of the electroindustry in Asia,
Europe, North America, and Latin America, and is based on the results of a
monthly survey of senior managers at NEMA member companies. Those companies
represent more than 80 percent of the electroindustry. NEMA is the trade association of
choice for the electrical manufacturing industry. Founded in 1926 and
headquartered near Washington, D.C., its 430 member companies manufacture
products used in the generation, transmission and distribution, control, and
end-use of electricity. These products are used in utility, medical imaging,
industrial, commercial, institutional, and residential applications. Domestic
production of electrical products sold worldwide exceeds $120 billion. In
addition to its headquarters in Rosslyn, Virginia, NEMA also has offices in
Beijing, Sao Paulo, and Mexico City. NEMA. Setting Standards for
Excellence Visit our website at www.nema.org Register now for
Illuminations Weekend, NEMA's 82nd annual meeting at the Renaissance Mayflower
Hotel, Washington, DC on October 31 to November 1, 2008.
www.nema.org/illuminations ********************************* SCTE SCTE BOARD’S STANDING COMMITTEE CHAIRS NAMED The Society of Cable
Telecommunications Engineers (SCTE) proudly announces today the names of the
dedicated individuals who will serve as the chairs of the standing committees
of the SCTE Board of Directors during the 2008–’09 term. SCTE Board of Directors Chair
Tom Gorman, vice president, field operations with Charter Communications, has
appointed the six chairs. The standing committees and their newly named chairs
are: Engineering
Committee—Charlie Kennamer, Comcast Cable
Communications Finance
Committee—Greg Allshouse, Comcast Cable
Communications Membership
Committee—Frank Eichenlaub, Cisco Systems Operations
Committee—Bob Legg, Suddenlink
Communications Planning
Committee—Dermot O’Carroll, Rogers Cable
Communications Professional
Development Committee—Rick Sullivan,
Times Fiber Amphenol The charters of the board’s
standing committees are listed in the About Us section of www.scte.org. ********************************* USBGC Certification Bodies Announced for LEED Green Building Rating System Move will expand service, eliminate backlogs and comply with ISO standards
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