DANA POINT, Calif., Oct. 29 /PRNewswire/ --
Red Herring magazine editors unveil their picks for the "Top Ten Trends of 2002" at Red Herring's fourth annual NDA conference. The complete feature will be published in the November issue of Red Herring (on stands Nov 13th). The entrepreneurs, CEOs, venture capitalists, and business leaders attending the conference will have a chance to debate the choices with the magazine's editors at this invitation-only conference.
The "Top 10 Trends" for 2002 as chosen by Red Herring's editors are:
-- Data Centers: Data centers will become the hubs of Internet computing,
jumpstarting the development of real-time computing, the wireless web,
and grid computing. They will be more than a patch to today's
inadequate Internet infrastructure; they will become the central office
of the future.
-- Military and Security Technology: Billions will be spent on military
technology and homeland security innovations during the war on
terrorism. With products like facial recognition technology and bomb
detectors currently in production, civilian spending will initially
outpace military developments. But, a fully networked military manned
by information-empowered soldiers is in our future.
-- Nanotechnology: Once the stuff of science fiction, now the darling of
venture capitalists. Investor interest will mirror that of
biotechnology, which took 25 years to find itself. And like biotech,
discovery and hype will fuel several cycles of boom and bust before
this field finds its equilibrium. Ultra high-power, low-cost chips for
smart I.D. cards and inventory tags are likely to be the first products
to market.
-- Wireless Services: Red Herring predicts that 2002 is the year for
wireless business in the form of MVNOs (mobile virtual network
operator). By using powerful brands and customer service satisfaction,
MVNOs will compete against wireless carriers. The industry will split
with some operators serving MVNOs and some selling services directly
from their networks. Carriers that are slow to adapt will miss this
trend.
-- Mergers And Acquisitions: The deflated market has created a host of
bargain technology companies ripe for buyout by large institutions.
Shareholders eager for a return on faltering investments will likely
approve them.
-- Renewable Energy: Renewable energy sources like wind, solar and fuel
cells will become a cost effective alternative to oil and coal.
Developing countries looking to improve their infrastructure will this
technology, purchasing from manufacturers in North America and Europe.
This will spark new investment.
-- European Regulation: The increasing intervention of the European
Commission must be carefully understood by large American companies.
The Commission acts as both prosecutor and judge. The courts have no
input until after a decision is made. Some companies will be deterred
from acquiring European companies or investing in Europe because of the
regulatory costs. Red Herring believes small technology companies in
Europe will be the winners in this process; non-European multinationals
the losers.
-- Neurogenomics: Central nervous system (CNS) disorders afflict seventy-
three million people in the U.S. As a result, venture capital is
flowing rapidly into the neurogenomics sector. The sky is the limit
for CNS drug therapies if the ethical issues of developing them can be
overcome.
-- Portable Computing Devices: The ultra low cost of chips is driving the
retail prices down on multifunction, portable computing devices. The
obstacle will be what format the consumer will choose to embrace.
-- Digital Media: Big business has learned valuable lessons from the
flameouts of large media corporations and small rogue startups focused
on the consumer. Companies such as Yahoo!, Microsoft, Mercedes-Benz
have employed streaming media for a host of business-only practices.
The consumer is not even in the picture.
NDA 2001, the two-day executive forum being held at the St. Regis Resort and Spa in Dana Point, Calif., Oct. 29-30 is Red Herring's marquis business strategy event. Its attendees include hundreds of C-level executives, venture capitalists, entrepreneurs, and business leaders. Red Herring's signature "rapid-fire" presentations will be given by eighteen privately-held companies selected for their ability to innovate and change the status-quo business. The event is sponsored by Korn/Ferry International and Compaq.
About Red Herring Communications, Inc.
Red Herring Communications, Inc. is an integrated network of media properties connecting the people, companies and industries whose ideas and technological innovations are inspiring and reshaping the world of business. Founded in 1993, Red Herring magazine, the company's flagship platform, provides in-depth analysis and reporting on the business of technology, innovation and entrepreneurialism. Red Herring conferences offer a unique access to leaders of emerging technologies and markets. A privately held company, Red Herring Communications, Inc is headquartered in San Francisco and has offices in New York, Los Angeles, Boston and London.
Contact: Deirdre Hussey, Red Herring Communications
415-250-0234; dhussey@redherring.com
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SOMERSET, N.J.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Feb. 2, 1999--
- Milestone Partnership with General Electric Lighting for Solid
State White Light
- Backlog increases to all-time record of $41.8 million
EMCORE Corporation (Nasdaq: EMKR) today reported results for the first quarter of fiscal 1999 ended December 31, 1998.
Revenue for the first quarter was $10.1 million, up 19% sequentially from $8.5 million in the quarter ended September 30, 1998. For the first quarter of fiscal 1998, revenue was $12.4 million. The Company reported a net loss for the first quarter of fiscal 1999 of $6.1 million, or $0.65 per diluted share. Sequentially, these results compare to a net loss of $6.7 million, or $0.71 per diluted share, for the quarter ended September 30, 1998. The Company reported a net loss of $4.15 inclusion of the one-time charge of $29.3 million related to the acquisition of MODE in the year-ago quarter ended December 31, 1997.
As of December 31, 1998, EMCORE's backlog was $41.8 million, an all-time record for the Company. This increase primarily relates to system bookings in Asia, the initial order for solar cells from Space Systems/Loral and an increase in average selling price of the TurboDisc production systems.
"As our record backlog and recent announcements of agreements with major strategic partners such as GE, Loral and Optek demonstrate, we have a pipeline of opportunities that should turn the Company's performance around after a year of unusual challenges," said Reuben Richards, EMCORE's President and Chief Executive Officer. "We are moving ahead with several exciting developments that are key to our strategy for returning EMCORE to operational profitability."
These developments include EMCORE's:
- Joint venture with GE Lighting. In January 1999, Emcore agreed,
subject to certain conditions, to form GELcore LLC, a joint
venture with GE lighting to develop and market white light and
color high-brightness light-emitting diode (LED) lighting
products.
- Long-Term Purchase Agreement with Space Systems/Loral. In
November 1998, Emcore signed a long-term purchase agreement,
with Space Systems Loral, a wholly owned subsidiary of Loral
Space and Communications. Under this agreement, which is
contingent upon our compliance with Loral's product
specification requirements, we will supply compound
semiconductor high efficiency gallium arsenide solar cells for
Loral's satellites.
- Introduction of the first VCSEL array. On December 14, the
Company's MicroOptical Device division (MODE) announced the
introduction of Gigarray(tm), the first 850nm vertical cavity
surface-emitting laser (VCSEL) 1x12 array designed for the
gigabit data communication and telecommunication switching
marketplace. Gigarray's advanced functionality meets the
increasing demand, led by the explosive growth of the Internet,
for optical internetworking products with bandwidth-intensive
applications.
- Partnership with OPTEK. In October 1998, Emcore formed EMTECH
SENSORS LLC, a joint venture with OPTEK Technology, Inc., a
packager and distributor of optoelectronic devices to market an
expanded line of magnetoresistive sensors to the automotive and
related industries.
- Opening of its new Albuquerque facility. On October 9, EMCORE
officially opened its new facility, EMCOREwest, at Sandia
Science and Technology Park. EMCOREwest expands the Company's
compound semiconductor production capacity.
- Completion of the private placement of $21.7 million of
redeemable convertible preferred stock. Net proceeds of the
private placement, which EMCORE announced November 30, have been
used to equip the new Albuquerque facility and for other
corporate purposes.
Gross profit for the quarter was $4.1 million and the gross profit margin was 41.0%, as compared to $6.0 million and 48.4% in the year-ago period. Sequentially, gross profit increased by 28% from $3.2 million to $4.1 million and the gross profit margin improved from 38% to 41%.
EMCORE Corporation is a leading provider of compound semiconductor wafers, devices process technology and production systems. Manufacturers throughout the world use EMCORE's MOCVD production systems and processes as the enabling technology behind a variety of advanced photonic and electronic applications. The Company's headquarters in Somerset, NJ recently attained ISO 9001 certification and its Pegasus device division attained QS 9002 certification. For further information about EMCORE, visit http://www.emcore.com.
The information provided herein may include forward-looking statements relating to future events, such as the development of processes, the commencement of production, or the future financial performance of the Company. Actual operating results may differ from such projections and are subject to certain risks, including, without limitation, risks arising from: changes in semiconductor industry growth, increased competition, delays in developing and commercializing new products, labor actions against the Company's customers or vendors, and other factors described in the Company's filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission.
EMCORE CORPORATION CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS (In Thousands, Except Per Share Data) (Unaudited) Three Months Ended December 31, 1998 1997 Revenue............................ $ 10,125 $ 12,357 Cost of sales...................... 6,016 6,376 Gross profit....................... $ 4,109 $ 5,981 Operating expenses: Selling, general, and administrative................. $ 3,143 $ 3,003 Goodwill amortization........... 284 71 Research and development: One-time acquired in-process............... - 29,294 Recurring.................. 5,924 2,836 Total operating expenses........... $ 9,351 $ 35,204 Operating loss..................... ($5,242) ($29,223) Other expense: Stated interest expense, net..... $ 230 $ 70 Imputed warrant interest expense, non-cash............... 316 96 Equity in net loss of an unconsolidated affiliate....... 276 - ------------------------------- ------------------------------- Total other expense................ $ 822 $ 166 ------------------------------- ------------------------------- Net loss........................... ($6,064) ($29,389) =============================== =============================== Per share data: Net loss per basic share........... ($0.65) ($4.15) =============================== =============================== Net loss per diluted share......... ($0.65) ($4.15) =============================== =============================== Shares used in per share data calculations...................... 9,390 7,075 =============================== =============================== EMCORE CORPORATION CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEET (In Thousands) At December 31, At September 30, 1998 1998 ------------------------------- ------------------------------- (Unaudited) ASSETS Cash and cash equivalents.......... $ 1,780 $ 4,456 Restricted cash.................... - 62 Accounts receivable, net allowance for accounts of $580 and $611 at December 31, 1998 and September 30, 1998, respectively................. 4,553 7,438 Accounts receivable, related party.. 2,517 500 Inventories, net.................... 12,483 12,445 Other current assets................ 290 208 ------------------------------- ------------------------------- Total current assets.............. 21,623 25,109 Property, plant and equipment, net.. 40,554 36,210 Goodwill............................ 2,174 2,457 Investments in unconsolidated affiliate.......................... 5,615 292 Other assets, net 1,670 2,090 =============================== =============================== Total assets....................$ 71,636 $ 66,158 =============================== =============================== LIABILITIES & SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY Notes payable - related party.....$ - $ 7,000 Accounts payable.................. 9,129 12,023 Accrued expenses.................. 3,554 4,197 Advanced billings................. 5,303 3,180 Capital lease obligations - current......................... 702 673 Other current liabilities......... 142 53 Total current liabilities....... 18,830 27,126 Bank loans.......................... 15,950 17,950 Subordinated notes, net............. 7,904 7,809 Capital lease obligation, net of current portion.................... 596 755 Other liabilities................... 568 - Total liabilities................ 43,849 53,640 Mandatorily redeemable, convertible preferred Stock, 1,550 shares issued and outstanding at December 31, 1998 (redeemable at maturity for $21,700) 21,242 - Total shareholders' equity.......... 6,545 12,518 ------------------------------- ------------------------------- Total shareholders' equity and mandatorily redeemable convertible preferred stock.................... 27,787 12,518 =============================== =============================== Total liabilities, shareholders' equity and mandatorily redeemable, convertible preferred stock.......$ 71,636 $ 66,158
M2 PRESSWIRE-July 19, 2011-: Research and Markets: Tool Distribution Market Report UK 2011-2015 Analysis - The Tool Distribution Market is Forecasted to Reach 1.1Bn Market Value in 2015(C)1994-2011 M2 COMMUNICATIONS
RDATE:19072011
Dublin - Research and Markets (http://www.researchandmarkets.com/research/c6583d/tool_distribution) has announced the addition of the "Tool Distribution Market Report - UK 2011-2015 Analysis" report to their offering.
AMA Research are pleased to announce the publication of the first edition of the Tool Distribution Market Report - UK 2011-2015 Analysis'. The report provides an informed and up-to-date review of this complex and fragmented market, and includes a review of recent market trends and forecasts of sector developments up to 2015.
This first edition of the tool distribution market provides a comprehensive analysis of the structure of the industry, and reviews the main distribution channels including DIY multiples, industrial products distributors, specialist distributors, builders' merchants and others including the Internet, garden centres, independents hardware stores and electrical wholesalers. The distributors' main product sectors are analysed including the product market sizes and trends. The report also provides a forecast of market prospects up to 2015.
Market Overview:
The health of the tool distribution market is directly related to the performance of the UK building and construction sector, influenced by both new-build and repair, maintenance & improvement activities. Until late 2007/early 2008, the UK economy experienced an unprecedented period of growth, underpinned by a buoyant housing market, low inflation and strong consumer spending. This buoyant market facilitated annual growth rates of around 4% in the distributors' market between 2005/07, reaching an estimated 1.2bn in 2007. In 2008 the UK economy entered a period of more difficult trading due to the effects of the credit crunch' and subsequent recession in 2009.
In 2011 it is expected that there will be contrasting performances from private and public sector construction, with the former recovering and the latter falling sharply. The tool distribution market is expected to recover and show growth in 2012, reaching a market size of 1.1bn in 2015.
The report covers hand and power portable tools used in the building, DIY and construction industries, as well as domestic garden tools, but excludes sectors such as automotive and industrial tools.
The report contains:
- DETAILED ASSESSMENT OF THE MARKET - analysis of the market structure and recent developments in the market.
- FORECASTS OF MARKET DEVELOPMENTS TO 2015.
- HIGHLY FRAGMENTED MARKET - key distribution channels including DIY multiples, Industrial products distributors, Tool specialists, Builders merchants and Others' including Electrical wholesalers, Garden centres and Internet & mail order etc.
- ANALYSIS BY PRODUCT GROUP - market size, product mix and distribution.
Of particular interest are the following:
- Analysis of tool distribution market performance during economic downturn to 2010.
- Factors affecting the market - analysis of key market characteristics.
- Identification of key channels
- Identification of key players in tool distribution' market.
- Key product groups - market size and trends in power and hand tools.
- Forecast of market performance in 2011 and through to 2015.
Companies Mentioned Include the Following:
- Asda
- B&Q
- Black & Decker
- Clarke Power Products
- DIYTools
- Electric Center
- Garden & Leisure Group
- Global Garden Products
- Homebase
- JCB
- Klondyke Garden Centres
- Lidl
- Metabo (UK) Ltd
- Northern Tool and Equipment Co. (UK) Ltd
- Panasonic UK
- Rexel Group
- Robert Bosch Ltd
- Robert Dyas
- ScrewFix Direct
- Techtronic Industries Co. Ltd
- Tesco
- The Power Tool Centre
- The Site Box
- THS Tools Limited
- Tool-Net
- UK Tool Centre
- Wilkinson Sword Ltd
- Wolseley UK
For more information visit http://www.researchandmarkets.com/research/c6583d/tool_distribution
CONTACT:
Research and Markets
Laura Wood, Senior Manager,
press@researchandmarkets.com
U.S. Fax: 646-607-1907
Fax (outside U.S.): +353-1-481-1716
((M2 Communications disclaims all liability for information provided within M2 PressWIRE. Data supplied by named party/parties. Further information on M2 PressWIRE can be obtained at http://www.presswire.net on the world wide web. Inquiries to info@m2.com)).
Express Scripts, Inc. (Nasdaq: ESRX) announced that it will present at the William Blair 2011 Growth Stock Conference on June 16, 2011 at 11:20 a.m. central (12:20 p.m. eastern) at the Four Seasons Hotel in Chicago (see also Express Scripts, Inc.).
This presentation will also be broadcast via the Internet and can be accessed on the investor relations section of Express Scripts web site at http://www.express-scripts.com RealPlayer or Windows Media Player is needed to listen to the Webcast and free downloads of these players are available at the Webcast site. The Webcast will be archived and available for replay for 14 days.
Express Scripts, Inc., one of the largest pharmacy benefit management companies in North America, is leading the way toward creating better health and value for patients through Consumerology(SM), the advanced application of the behavioral sciences to healthcare. This approach is helping millions of members realize greater healthcare outcomes and lowering cost by assisting in influencing their behavior. Headquartered in St. Louis, Express Scripts provides integrated PBM services including network-pharmacy claims processing, home delivery services, specialty benefit management, benefit-design consultation, drug-utilization review, formulary management, and medical and drug data analysis services. The company also distributes a full range of biopharmaceutical products and provides extensive cost-management and patient-care services. More information can be found at www.express-scripts.com and www.consumerology.org.
Keywords: Express Scripts, Express Scripts Inc.
This article was prepared by Pharma Business Week editors from staff and other reports. Copyright 2011, Pharma Business Week via NewsRx.com.
When Jackie Evancho took to the stage of America's Got Talent last summer, US television got its very own Susan Boyle moment. Seeming entirely without nerves, she gave a spine-tingling performance of 'O Mio Babbino Caro' (the Puccini aria made famous by the film A Room With a View) that appeared so effortless, viewers wondered whether she was miming, and the internet instantly erupted with conspiracy theories - could that really be the voice of a ten-year-old? If any doubt remains, it's blown away when I arrive to meet the Evancho family (pronounced ev-an-ko) at the Ritz-Carlton hotel in Sarasota, Florida. Jackie, now 11, is here to perform a concert that will be recorded for national broadcast in the US, but right now, she, her two brothers (Jake, 12, and Zack, eight) and little sister (Rachel, seven) have a few hours to splash around in the swimming pool. Every so often, she sings a few notes to herself and everyone turns to marvel at the self-described 'little girl with the huge voice'.
'Even for me, there's still a disconnect when I listen to the CD and look at her,' says her father Mike when he and her mother Lisa join me under the shade of the palm trees. 'We take the lip-synching thing as a compliment. It's easy to disprove, so you chuckle, and say, "She's not, but thank you."' It was Lisa who first noticed Jackie's talent, when she heard her, aged eight, sing one of the numbers from The Phantom of the Opera after they'd watched the film. Two years of talent shows followed before a YouTube video won her an audition on America's Got Talent. She was runner-up in the show, missing out on the $1 million prize, but in record sales she has already proved herself to be a major contender. Simon Cowell, judge and producer on the show, signed her to his record company Syco, and over a million copies of her debut EP, O Holy Night, have been sold - 30,000 of those in the first 15 minutes. The record went into the US charts at number two, behind Susan Boyle, and made Jackie the top-selling debut artist in 2010. Her first album, Dream With Me, a collection of show tunes and arias which includes duets with Boyle and Barbra Streisand, will be released in the UK this month, and Jackie has just performed on the final of Britain's Got Talent.
What's even more impressive, perhaps, is how unaffected Jackie seems by her sudden fame. 'I was very nervous - it just doesn't show on stage,' she insists when asked about her first audition for America's Got Talent. The best part about performing, she says, 'is hearing the audience clap. It makes me think, "I guess I'm pretty good."' She says she wasn't sorry to lose the winning spot to Michael Grimm. 'He has a really good voice. I think he deserved it,' she says.
Off stage, her parents are striving to maintain as much normality as possible. Although Mike's video security business has now shut up shop, everything else is as it was. They live in the same house, with a menagerie of pets from cats and dogs to frogs and ducks. Jackie attends the same school in suburban Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, keeping up with classes through online lessons when she is travelling. Her work schedule is kept to a minimum - if she travels for two days for a performance, her parents try to plan a solid week at home either side of it.
They also try not to let Jackie see negative reviews, and most of the positive ones, and all talk of how much money she's making is kept away from her ears ('She lost a tooth yesterday and was thrilled to get $12 [[euro]20],' says Mike).
The family, who have a strong Catholic faith, have a policy of donating all gifts sent by toy companies and the public to charity. And at school, the teachers have helped ensure that Jackie's not the centre of attention.
'When I'm at home, I want to be a normal person,' she says. 'I don't want to hear, "Can I have your autograph?"' 'She loves the stage but doesn't want that recognition at school,' confirms Lisa, who also prefers to stay out of the spotlight, but has agreed to this rare interview. 'Jackie's not vain. She downplays what she does because she doesn't want to stand out - sometimes children can get jealous.' 'I think watching Hannah Montana has a lot to do with [her attitude],' adds Mike, referring to the children's TV show about a girl who leads a double life as a pop star. 'A couple of weeks ago we came back from Arizona, where she was performing, and the next day there she was with her school bag, walking down the street as if nothing had happened.' When Jackie travels, it's usually Lisa who goes with her. She gets her to do vocal exercises and helps her understand the grown-up emotions she's singing about. 'Everyone talks about how the music seems to flow out of her, but some songs have subjects that need to be explained. "O Mio Babbino Caro" is one of them - it's about a young girl who is begging her father to let her marry,' says Lisa.
By now, over a dozen people have congregated for lunch. Cowell's record label has sent five staffers to this sleepy town, and the boss of parent company Sony Records is there too. Then there's 16-time Grammy-winning record producer David Foster, who is credited with discovering Celine Dion and Michael Buble, and who produced Dream With Me. Yvie Burnett, the Scottish mezzo-soprano turned vocal coach who works with most of Cowell's acts, has flown in (Jackie had some initial lessons in vocal technique from a local teacher when she started out, but now her only tuition comes from Yvie). Then there are hair and make-up artists and a stylist - although Jackie's parents are careful to keep her looking 'age-appropriate'. As Lisa puts it, 'It's lip balm, not lipstick.' Of all the comparisons that will be drawn, Welsh child phenomenon Charlotte Church is the most obvious, but everyone is keen to downplay that parallel. 'Jackie's not a child singer, she's a singer who happens to be a child,' says Lisa, pointing out that performers as prestigious as US opera star Renee Fleming have been in touch to discuss them possibly performing together in the future.
'Jackie wants to be the classical-crossover Lady Gaga,' says Lisa, referring to her daughter's favourite pop singer - and meaning she wants that level of success rather than to emulate her wacky style. (Her favourite singer in the classical world is Sarah Brightman, with whom she duetted on the America's Got Talent finale, eyes wide with admiration.) Having sung for Oprah, Jackie's ambitions now stretch to the heavens. 'I would like to sing for the Pope. And the Queen,' she says, and begins to giggle, before adding, 'and at Simon Cowell's wedding.' Although her diva-sized entourage erupts with laughter, no one has any doubt that, where this young girl is concerned, the world could very well be her oyster.
Dream With Me will be released this month
CAPTION(S):
Jackie performing on the America's Got Talent tour in Los Angeles, last autumn, and, opposite, duetting with Sarah Brightman on the final of America's Got Talent
In this recent study, researchers in Huddinge, Sweden conducted a study "To investigate the outside school activity patterns of children with physical disabilities, and specifically their information and communication technology (ICT) usage compared with that of non-disabled children. In addition, the aim was to investigate the children's opinions on computer use and the associations between their use of the Internet and their interaction with peers."
"Questionnaire on activities outside school, answered by 215 children and youths with physical disabilities, mean age 12 years 10 months, attending mainstream schools. For group comparisons with non-disabled children, data from the survey 'Kids and Media' were used. In the analysis, two sets of activity patterns were identified, depending on whether the child was disabled or not and on the gender of the child. A higher proportion of children with physical disabilities were engaged in ICT activities, while non-disabled children tended to be engaged in a broader range of activities outside school. The activity pattern was more uniform for boys and girls with disabilities than for their non-disabled peers. Use of the Internet was positively associated with peer interaction. Outside school, the activity patterns of children and youths with physical disabilities seem to be characterized by a focus on ICT activities, which enable children to compensate for their impairment because it suits all," wrote H. Lidstrom and colleagues, Karolinska Institute.
The researchers concluded: "In addition, digital skills developed outside school engage children with physical disabilities, giving them increased access to society and for educational purposes."
Lidstrom and colleagues published their study in Child Care Health and Development (The influence of ICT on the activity patterns of children with physical disabilities outside school. Child Care Health and Development, 2011;37(3):313-321).
For additional information, contact H. Lidstrom, Karolinska Institute, Dept. of Neurobiology Care Science & Society, Division Occupational Therapy, Box 23 200, S-14183 Huddinge, SWEDEN.
Publisher contact information for the journal Child Care Health and Development is: Wiley-Blackwell, Commerce Place, 350 Main St., Malden 02148, MA, USA.
Keywords: City:Huddinge, Country:Sweden, Region:Europe, Child Care, Computers, Pediatrics, Technology
This article was prepared by Computer Weekly News editors from staff and other reports. Copyright 2011, Computer Weekly News via VerticalNews.com.
Improving Roads at the Local Level
For nearly three decades, the Federal Highway Administration's (FHWA) Local Technical Assistance Program (LTAP) has been helping local agencies build, maintain, and operate their roads and bridges. The LTAP and Tribal Technical Assistance Program (TTAP) network assists more than 38,000 cities and towns, rural and urban counties, and tribal governments by delivering targeted road-related materials, training, and technical assistance. But like many government programs today, LTAP and TTAP are striving to provide more services with limited financial resources.
To help stretch every dollar, LTAP and TTAP are focusing on sharing information through more economical, online technologies and strategies such as their shared Web site, podcasts, electronic newsletters, and social media. The central hub of these efforts is a recently updated Web site, accessible at www.ltap.org. The updated site launched in August 2010 with a new design, navigation, and features such as a photo gallery, discussion forums, podcasts, and an improved "secure" area accessible only to LTAP/TTAP center staff.
"Pushing higher quality information to the Web site was an obvious choice for making knowledge-sharing simpler and easier for LTAP/TTAP centers," says Cameron Ishaq, a strategy and management consultant for FHWA's Office of Technical Services. "Centers and their local agency customers can visit the site to find information, share materials and resources, or simply ask questions of their peers. It's a critical part of our overall strategy to find new ways to accelerate information exchange and stay ahead of the need factor."
Decentralizing Information
In addition to stretching dollars, the new Web site furthers another priority: decentralizing information. Fifty-eight LTAP/TTAP centers--one in each State and Puerto Rico, and seven regional centers that serve tribal governments--support the needs of local communities across the Nation. In the past, most resources and information were housed at a centralized location and distributed to centers only upon request. Through the Web site and other online outlets, the network now can distribute information easily on a continuous basis to the centers and transportation agencies across the country.
"Decentralizing information is key to providing centers, and ultimately transportation agencies, with the knowledge they need be successful given our limited resources,'' says Ishaq. "With the resources at their fingertips, centers don't have to redo or recreate from scratch something someone else has already done. This saves time, energy, and money that then can be put toward new efforts and capabilities."
An important component of decentralizing information is the new "Centers Only Area" of the Web site. Center staff can log onto a secure section of the site to access mandatory assessment reports, track and archive reports, upload materials and resources to share, and find best practices and ideas from other centers.
[ILLUSTRATION OMITTED]
Navigating the New Site
At first glance, site users will notice the new graphics and navigation. Front and center on the home page is a feature rotator that displays links to news, events, and materials. Users also can navigate easily to other pages on the site from navigation bars across the top and right-hand side of the home page. The page also includes four smaller feature boxes for one-click access to a resource database, photo gallery, discussion forum, and "LTAP/TTAP Interchange," which is an audio newsletter.
One of the most frequently accessed new features is the resource database that contains more than 2,600 resources from across the local roads community, including training materials and videos, tips from the field, and presentations. Site users can search the database by keyword, resource type, technical category, or contributing organization. From the secure area of the site, LTAP/TTAP centers can share their own materials by uploading to the database.
Also new is the discussion forum, where site administrators and users can collaborate, ask questions, and exchange ideas. Some discussion threads are open to all site users, while others are for specific groups, such as center staff or directors. The discussion forum replaced a limited-function listserv and allows for easier management of discussion threads.
"When planning for the new site, we tried to anticipate future needs and build capabilities [into the site] that not only can accommodate the present state of LTAP/TTAP but also grow with the program," says Ishaq.
For more information on the Web site, contact Lisa McCluskey at 202-289-4434 or lmccluskey@artba.org. For more information on the LTAP/TTAP programs, contact Jeff Zaharewicz, LTAP/TTAP program manager with FHWA, at jejfrey.zaharewicz@dot.gov.
Alicia Sindlinger is a contributing editor for PUBLIC ROADS.
WASHINGTON -- The following information was released by the American Institutes for Research:
The American Institutes for Research (AIR) website has won the Outstanding Achievement Award from the Interactive Media AwardsO (IMA) in recognition of the planning, execution, and overall professionalism of the site, the award group announced on February 24, 2011.
AIR received the award in the Nonprofit category. "We are delighted to be honored by a distinguished panel of judges for the contributions our website is making," said Patrick Riccards, executive director of Communications and Public Affairs at AIR.
The Outstanding Achievement award is presented to sites that excel in all areas of the IMA judging criteria and represents a very high standard of planning, execution, and overall professionalism. The IMA recognizes the highest standards of excellence in website design and development and honors individuals and organizations for their outstanding achievement.
Created by the Interactive Media Council, Inc. (IMC), a nonprofit organization of leading web designers, developers, programmers, advertisers, and other web-related professionals, the competition is designed to elevate the standards of excellence on the Internet and offer winners a boost in marketing and exposure. IMC serves as the primary sponsor and governing body of the IMA, establishes the judging system, and provides the judges for the competition.
About AIR
Established in 1946, with headquarters in Washington, D.C., the American Institutes for Research (AIR) is a nonpartisan not-for-profit organization that conducts behavioral and social science research and delivers technical assistance both domestically and internationally in the areas of health, education and workforce productivity. For more information, visit www.air.org.
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Sprint brings wireless speeds up to 10 times faster than today's 3G from any national wireless carrier
AUSTIN, Texas -- The wireless future just arrived in Austin. Sprint (NYSE: S) today announced the launch of Sprint 4G mobile broadband throughout the Austin area. As a result, streaming video, fast file downloads and uploads and turbo-charged web browsing are no longer just home, office or coffee shop benefits. Sprint 4G customers can enjoy a blazing fast wireless mobile broadband experience across the city, whether they're working at a remote location, taking a break on campus, sitting at a favorite eatery, or as a passenger on the freeway or public transportation.
Austin is one of the first communities in Texas to enjoy 4G wireless connections from Sprint, the first national wireless carrier to test, launch and market 4G technology. Sprint 4G delivers download speeds up to 10 times faster than 3G.1 Sprint 4G is like a hotspot designed to reach across Austin. View 4G coverage at www.sprint.com/4G.
By dramatically increasing download speeds for photos, videos and large files, Sprint 4G is enabling innovative applications now. With Sprint 4G, you can download a favorite song, picture, sitcom or large video in seconds, not minutes, or watch live streaming video - all while on the go, not just from the home or office.
Businesses are discovering that Sprint 4G is an effective, flexible alternative for Internet connectivity that can both increase productivity and expand their capabilities. For example, retailers can implement cost-effective wireless voice and data solutions for their outlets; real estate agents can conduct virtual property tours; construction teams using 4G in the field can save valuable time by sharing schematics with engineers online; insurance companies can speed their claims management through real-time communication with on-site adjusters; educators can enhance distance learning with two-way interactive live video; health care professionals can improve their ability to remotely monitor patients; emergency first responders can rapidly assess and coordinate disaster action with real-time on-site video and audio; and photo-journalists can instantly transfer high-resolution images to the newsroom.
Sprint 4G extends the web experience to meet each person's moment-to-moment mobile needs by using 4G data cards and routers and, in the future, laptop solutions and mobile phones that deliver rich content, larger file transfers, streaming video and low-latency remote access.
"Sprint continues to lead the charge in rolling out wireless 4G in cities across America and the momentum continues to build," said Todd Rowley, vice president of Sprint 4G. "Our aggressive expansion of Sprint 4G will include many new devices and capabilities that create increased performance and productivity while enhancing personal lifestyles on the go."
Sprint 4G powered by WiMAX is expanding across the country
Sprint made history by launching 4G in Baltimore in September 2008. In addition to Austin, Sprint is also launching 4G service today in San Antonio. Earlier this year Sprint 4G launched in the Texas cities of Dallas and Ft. Worth; Abilene; Amarillo; Corpus Christi; Killeen and Temple; Lubbock; Midland and Odessa; Waco; and Wichita Falls. Sprint 4G has also launched in Atlanta; Chicago; Las Vegas; Philadelphia; Portland, Ore.; Bellingham, Wash.; Boise, Idaho; Milledgeville, Ga. and several cities in North Carolina, including Charlotte; Greensboro (along with High Point and Winston-Salem) and Raleigh (along with Cary, Chapel Hill and Durham). Sprint also plans to deploy Sprint 4G service in these additional markets in 2009: Honolulu; Maui, Hawaii; Salem, Ore. and Seattle.
In 2010, Sprint expects to launch service in multiple markets, including Boston, Houston, New York, San Francisco and Washington, D.C.
Sprint customers in Austin can start enjoying 4G today with the 3G/4G USB Modem U300, the first device from any national wireless carrier to offer access to both 3G and 4G - practically future-proofing wireless technology for its customers. Sprint customers can take advantage of America's most dependable 3G network2 when outside of 4G coverage. For a limited time, customers can benefit from a 4G promotion allowing them to get the dual-mode device for free after a $50 mail-in rebate for consumers and instant rebates for business clients (excludes taxes) with a two-year agreement. Sprint is currently offering new 4G/3G data plans for consumers at $69.99 monthly with unlimited 4G and 4G/3G data plans for businesses at $69.99 with unlimited 4G and unlimited 3G on the Sprint network3 (price plans exclude surcharges and taxes).
For those who live and work outside of a Sprint 4G service area, but find themselves in a 4G service area, Sprint offers a 3G-only plan at $59.99 per month with the U300. Customers can then purchase a 4G day-pass when they visit any Sprint 4G service areas. The $9.99 day-pass enables Sprint 4G on their device for 24 hours.
Customers in Sprint 4G service areas can purchase the U300 and sign up for 4G/3G plans at select Sprint retail stores, select Best Buy stores and local retailers. Customers who are not yet in a current Sprint 4G service area can purchase the dual-mode U300, 3G plans and 4G day passes via Sprint telesales at 1-800-Sprint-1 or online at www.sprint.com/4G.
Sprint has several new 4G devices planned for 2009 and 2010, including a single-mode 4G data card, embedded laptops and a 4G phone.
Sprint is harnessing the power of 4G as the largest shareholder of Clearwire with a 51 percent stake in this independent company that is building the WiMAX network. Sprint is the only national wireless carrier to offer 4G services on the Clearwire WiMAX network.
ABOUT SPRINT NEXTEL
Sprint Nextel offers a comprehensive range of wireless and wireline communications services bringing the freedom of mobility to consumers, businesses and government users. Sprint Nextel is widely recognized for developing, engineering and deploying innovative technologies, including two wireless networks serving more than 48 million customers at the end of the third quarter of 2009 and the first and only 4G service from a national carrier in the United States; industry-leading mobile data services; instant national and international push-to-talk capabilities; and a global Tier 1 Internet backbone. The company's customer-focused strategy has led to improved first call resolution and customer care satisfaction scores. For more information, visit www.sprint.com.
1) "Up to 10x faster" based on download speed comparison of 3G's 600 kbps vs. 4G's 6 Mbps. Typical published 3G avg. speeds (600 kbps-1.7 Mbps); 4G avg. speeds (3-6 Mbps). Actual speeds may vary. 4G currently available in select areas /devices; check Sprint.com/4G for Sprint 4G coverage/device info.
2) "Dependable" based on independent, third-party drive tests for 3G data connection success, session reliability, and signal strength for the top 50 most populous US markets (including PR) from January 2008 to August 2009. Not all services available on 3G and coverage may default to separate network when 3G unavailable.
3) The Unlimited 3G/4G plan is for corporate liable accounts only. Sprint reserves the right, at our sole discretion to deny, terminate, modify, disconnect or suspend service if corporate-liable customer exceeds the off-network roaming threshold (300MB/mo.) or engages in the following prohibited uses: server devices or host computer applications, including, but not limited to, disproportionate Web camera posts or broadcasts, automatic data feeds, automated machine-to-machine connections, peer-to-peer (P2P) file-sharing applications broadcast to multiple servers or recipients such that they could enable "bots" or similar routines, or for any other reason that, in our sole discretion harms our network.
RACINE, Wisc. -- Twin Disc, Inc. (NASDAQ: TWIN), today announced that it will release its fiscal 2009 second-quarter financial results before the market opens on January 22, 2009. In conjunction with the earnings release, Twin Disc will be hosting a conference call to discuss these results and to answer questions at 2:00 p.m. Eastern Time on Thursday, January 22, 2009. To participate in the conference call, please dial 800-762-8779 five to 10 minutes before the call is scheduled to begin. A replay will be available from 5:00 p.m. January 22, 2009 until midnight January 29, 2009. The number to hear the teleconference replay is 800-406-7325. The access code for the replay is 3961116.
The conference call will also be broadcast live over the Internet. To listen to the call via the Internet, access Twin Disc's website at http://www.twindisc.com/companyinvestor.aspx and follow the instructions at the web cast link. The archived web cast will be available shortly after the call on the Company's website.
Twin Disc, Inc. designs, manufactures and sells marine and heavy-duty off-highway power transmission equipment. Products offered include: marine transmissions, surface drives, propellers and boat management systems, as well as power-shift transmissions, hydraulic torque converters, power take-offs, industrial clutches and control systems. The Company sells its products to customers primarily in the pleasure craft, commercial and military marine markets, as well as in the energy and natural resources, government and industrial markets. The Company's worldwide sales to both domestic and foreign customers are transacted through a direct sales force and a distributor network.
This press release may contain statements that are forward looking as defined by the Securities and Exchange Commission in its rules, regulations and releases. The Company intends that such forward-looking statements be subject to the safe harbors created thereby. All forward-looking statements are based on current expectations regarding important risk factors including those identified in the Company's most recent periodic report and other filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Accordingly, actual results may differ materially from those expressed in the forward-looking statements, and the making of such statements should not be regarded as a representation by the Company or any other person that the results expressed therein will be achieved.
BOSTON--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Nov. 2, 1995--With over 32,000 attendees visiting 230 exhibitors at a packed Boston World Trade Center, Fall Internet World '95 completed its three-day run as the world's largest conference and exhibition devoted to the Internet and World-Wide Web.
According to Alan M. Meckler, chairman and chief executive officer of Mecklermedia Corporation, the Fall Internet World '95 attendance was nearly triple the number of people at last year's fall show in Washington D.C.
Meckler noted that the upcoming Spring Internet World '96 in San Jose will be significantly larger in attendance and exhibition space, and that the Fall Internet World '96 show in Boston will almost triple in size, occupying both the Hynes Convention Center and World Trade Center.
"Contracted sales of exhibition space for the Fall Internet World '96 show have surpassed $3 million at the close of this week's show, and we still have 12 months of sales remaining," said Mr. Meckler. "This compares with $1,500,000 in booth unit sales for the completed 1995 fall show."
In addition to a wealth of new product and service announcements from exhibitors, the Boston show marketd the debut of the first annual Internet Bowl, a unique game show hosted by Andrew Kantor, senior editor of Internet World magazine. Playing to an enthusiastic standing room only audience, Kantor posed rapid-fire net-related questions to teams representing Apple Macintosh, Microsoft Windows '95, and IBM OS/2 ... with the answers to be found by navigating the Net.
At the end of the hotly contested Internet Bowl, the OS/2 team topped its competitors by an almost 2-to-1 margin. Both Macintosh and Windows '95 vowed to do better next year.
In addition to fall and spring shows in the USA, Mecklermedia's Internet World Conferences and Exhibitions are held in San Jose, Boston, Toronto, Sydney, Kuala Lumpur, Manila, Seoul, Tokyo, Rio de Janeiro, Sao Paolo, and Mexico City.
Mecklermedia is the largest Internet media company in the world and the leading provider of Internet information through its publications Internet World, Web Week, and Web Developer. Internet World magazine has a circulation of over 260,000 and has affiliate versions in Spanish, Japanese and Portuguese.
Web Developer/WebXpo events are held each summer and winter in Dallas and Chicago. The Internet World Home Expo will debut in New York in February 1996. Mecklermedia's iWORLD, the leading Web site for Internet information, contains online content of all Mecklermedia publications and provides detailed information about all Mecklermedia trade shows. iWORLD can be found at http://www.iworld.com.
CONTACT: Mecklermedia Corp.
Tanya F. Mazarowski, 203/341-2842
tanya@mecklermedia.com
