Heard On The Street

More than 80 percent of Americans have cell phones and these days a growing number of people spend more time communicating via text messages than they do talking.

The Governors Highway Safety Association (GHSA) is a nonprofit association representing the highway safety offices of states, territories, the District of Columbia and Puerto Rico. GHSA provides leadership and representation for the states and territories to improve traffic safety, influence national policy and enhance program management. Its members are appointed by their Governors to administer federal and state highway safety funds and implement state highway safety plans.

www.gsha.org

Cell Phone Driving Laws

June 2009

Current state cell phone driving law highlights include the following:

Handheld Cell Phone Bans for All Drivers: 5 states (California, Connecticut, New Jersey, New York and Washington), the District of Columbia and the Virgin Islands prohibit all drivers from talking on handheld cell phones while driving.

With the exception of Washington State, these laws are all primary enforcement—an officer may ticket a driver for using a handheld cell phone while driving without any other traffic offense taking place.

All Cell Phone Bans: No state completely bans all types of cell phone use (handheld and hands-free) for all drivers, but many prohibit cell phone use by certain segments of the population.

Novice Drivers: 21 states and the District of Columbia ban all cell use by novice drivers.

School Bus Drivers: In 18 states and the District of Columbia, school bus drivers are prohibited from all cell phone use when passengers are present.

Text Messaging: 13 states and the District of Columbia now ban text messaging for all drivers.

Novice Drivers: 10 states prohibit text messaging by novice drivers.

School Bus Drivers: 2 states legally restrict school bus drivers from texting while driving.

Preemption Laws: 8 states have laws that prohibit local jurisdictions from enacting restrictions. In 6 other states, localities are allowed to ban cell phone use.

Some states, such as Utah and New Hampshire, treat cell phone use as a larger distracted driving issue.

Utah considers speaking on a cellphone to be an offense only if a driver is also committing some other moving violation (other than speeding).

Sources: American Automobile Association (AAA), Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) and State Highway Safety Offices.

http://www.statehighwaysafety.org/html/stateinfo/laws/cellphone_laws.html

Employers need to reinforce this safety message to all of their staff. DWT is illegal in some locations and unsafe any place.

But that’s just my opinion,

Frank Bisbee
"Heard On The Street" Monthly Column
www.wireville.com
4949 Sunbeam Rd, Suite 16
Jacksonville, FL 32257
(904) 645-9077 office
(904) 645-9058 fax
904-237-0365 cell
frank@wireville.com

ADC sales continue to fall and workers will be axed

ADC Telecommunications Inc. reported (June 3,2009) a net loss for its fiscal second quarter and said it will shed workers to cut costs. Sales dropped 30 percent to $275.1 million from $393.2 million.

ADC said strong sales in China boosted results, with the government investing to help service providers expand high-speed networks. The U.S. showed some signs of recovery, with spending from carriers up.

But spending in Europe remained "significantly below the prior year due to the ongoing impact of the recession." The downturn, combined with a strengthening U.S. dollar, continued to hamper sales in Latin America as well, ADC said.

The company will be cutting staff from operations in Europe, the Middle East and Africa, but said details have not been finalized. It expects to take $15 million to $25 million in restructuring charges over the third and fourth quarters of fiscal 2009 and the first quarter of 2010.

BICSI 2009 BICSI Fall Conference & Exhibition Las Vegas - Sept 20-24

Request your digital copy of the 2009 BICSI Fall Conference & Exhibition Final Announcement.

The electronic version of the Final Announcement is a fast and convenient way for you to get the important information you need to schedule your trip to Las Vegas. Find out about everything this conference has to offer. Educational seminars, networking events, a top-notch Exhibit Hall—the Fall Conference has it all!

Click here now to request a digital Final Announcement. A link with access to the digital book will be sent in a future e-mail. www.bicsi.org

General Motors = Good Move or Big Government Mistake?

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

CHICAGO – Now that the government is a major owner in GM, what would you like to see changed there? I said in Dec. 2008 that they should have let the market take its course and let GM go into bankruptcy back then. I wrote:

Nothing is going to change once the automakers get their bailout of billions of dollars. Once they get it, will that change the buying habits of the populace? Is it going to change your buying habits?

Bailouts don’t create customers. They guarantee the status quo to those that should be making drastic changes.

Taxpayers pumped more money into it to let it gasp a couple more months. In that time, great strides were made to come to some type of agreed-upon deal for its survival. It really didn’t come out well.

The company is still shutting down plants. Those who thought they were immune to getting laid off are now trying to figure out how they’re going to get anywhere near the pay and benefits they got at GM. Many people will still lose jobs.

Other union organizations that have used the automobile industry to base their salary and benefits demands on better see what’s happening. The “gold standard” of the private sector has become fool’s gold. Salary and benefits have gotten way out of hand. Deep cuts and layoffs have become common because the company can no longer deliver on what was promised.

Do You Have Your New Car on Order?

How many people are honestly going to go out and buy a GM car to support this renaissance? For that matter, how many people are going to go out and buy any new car to boost the economy?

The economy is still wavering. The key element that’s missing to build a stronger economy is jobs. Without solid jobs that pay a decent wage, big-ticket items aren’t being purchased. Those who thought the consumer is going to buy our way out of this recession (or depression if you’re one who has lost a job) are completely wrong.

Stimulus jobs? Those are all short-term jobs in more or less one-shot projects. What happens after the road is paved or the bridge is put up? Some analysts are starting to raise these questions as others still believe the stimulus will help turn around the automobile industry and everyone will start buying cars again.

While car markets are stagnant, there are some interesting developments since GM declared bankruptcy. A Chinese company named Sichuan Tengzhong Heavy Industrial Machinery Co. is planning to buy Hummer.

This might become a company to watch as China gets a direct foothold into the American car market as well as an established name within the international market. As for GM, it was also mentioned that they are trying to spin off Saturn and Saab. Would you go out and buy one right now?

Transparent Urban Factories

GM didn’t run an efficient company. When the comparisons are made, they made twice as many cars as Chrysler yet had four times as many employees. If any new plants were built in the United States today, they would look very different and employ a lot less people.

The Volkswagen plant in Dresden, Germany is very different. It looks more like a modern art museum than it does a factory. You have to watch the video on it to get a full appreciation on what could be built in an urban setting.

They began building Volkswagen Phaetons there and also build Bentley Continental Flying Spurs that share the same body frame. The Bentleys outsell the Phaetons even though they are double the price. Not many people want a $90,000 Volkswagen, but many more want a Bentley for $180,000. Go figure.

Could GM build a factory like this in Chicago or Milwaukee? If I saw this being built in an urban setting and quality cars being manufactured, I would gain more faith in GM’s future and the residual benefits promised by the stimulus package.

Carlinism: No matter what mileage you get, buying a used car that has already been built saves more energy than buying a new one. More energy is spent building the car rather than driving it.

Watch James Carlini’s interview with the Illinois Channel Network on broadband connectivity and economic development that’s currently being broadcast to more than 1.4 million homes. Check out Carlini’s blog at CarlinisComments.com.

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

AGENTIS ENERGY™ TO UNVEIL SMART GRID TECHNOLOGY AT NPE2009

Innovative Wireless Sensors and Software Quantify Use and Cost in Real Time for Devices that Consume Electricity, and Identify Opportunities for Energy Efficiency in Many Industries

ELMHURST, ILLINOIS, U.S.A., June 3, 2009: The new company Agentis Energy™ will make its debut at NPE2009 with a web-based interface that enables plastics processors and other manufacturers to monitor the energy consumption of every electrically powered device in the plant and use the information to save on energy costs. The company will participate in the NPE exhibit of Fast Heat Inc., a partner company of Agentis Energy (Booth 122008).

After raw material, energy is typically the second- or third-largest operating cost for a processing plant. The new Agentis Energy technology, called The Acuity Solution, tracks kilowatt-hours of electricity usage in real time on a per-device or per-job run basis, and calculates costs according to whether the usage took place during the electrical utility’s peak or off-peak times.

“Until now, processors have paid their monthly utility bills with little or no knowledge of the factors contributing to what is, after all, a really big expense,” said Tim Stojka, CEO of Agentis Energy. “The Acuity Solution is an easy-to-install, easy-to-use system that enables them to account for every kilowatt-hour of energy use and, for the first time, to confidently manage their energy consumption and reduce utility costs.”

The data-gathering units in the Acuity Solution are sensors that are readily installed on any electricity-using device in a processing plant, including all of the equipment making up a production line. These sensors are connected to multi-channel nodes, which convert the information wirelessly over the Internet to the Acuity server. The company’s specific energy consumption data can then be viewed through a secure connection via any web browser.

Details on the Agentis Energy and The Acuity Solution, including a soon-to-be-completed website and software demonstration, will be available at the Fast Heat exhibit at NPE2009. The trade show takes place June 22-26 at Chicago’s McCormick Place.

AGENTIS ENERGY supplies a web based interface solution coupled with wireless power sensors that enable any business using multiple electrical powered devices to monitor electricity consumption in real time, calculate electrical costs on a per-device basis, and use the resulting analysis to manage associated expenses. Called The Acuity Solution, the technology provides customers with electricity visibility, peak vs. off -peak cost reporting, and customizable alerting and analytics. Agentis Energy is based in Elmhurst, IL, U.S.A.

USGBC's Greenbuild Conference and Expo Three Time Recipient of IMEX Green Meetings Award

June 3, 2009 (Washington, DC) – The U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC) today announced that it has been awarded the IMEX Green Meetings Award in recognition of the 2008 Greenbuild International Conference and Expo, which took place in Boston, Mass. This is the third time that the USGBC has accepted this honor for demonstrating an unwavering dedication to minimizing the show’s impact on the environment. Greenbuild is the world's largest conference and expo dedicated to green building, and convenes the building industry for three days of outstanding educational sessions, renowned speakers, green building tours, seminars and networking events.

“While this is our third year receiving the prestigious IMEX Award, we’re even more humbled by this accomplishment given that our Boston show was the largest conference in Greenbuild’s seven year history, hosting nearly 30,000 attendees and featuring the largest exhibit hall yet with 1,400 exhibits,” said Kimberly Lewis, Vice President of Conferences and Events for the USGBC. “We’re looking forward to continuing to help transform the global meetings industry at this year’s Greenbuild show in Phoenix, Ariz.”

The IMEX Green Meetings Award is presented in partnership with the Green Meeting Industry Council (GMIC). The Award sets stringent standards and judges applicants against their ability to demonstrate innovative efforts to significantly minimize the environmental impact of a meeting or conference. A judging panel, which consists of senior industry experts, examines a variety of success measures. They include energy efficiency, air and water quality, water conservation, waste minimization and environmental purchasing criteria. Judges also ask applicants to explain their economic indicators, if and how their meeting helped commitment to change within the local community, and also how it aided conservation.

Kimberly Lewis accepted the award on behalf of the Council last week at an IMEX Gala Dinner in Frankfurt, Germany. This past March, USGBC’s Conferences and Events team was recognized as the first organization in North America to receive certification under BS 8901:2007, the world’s first certifiable sustainability management system standard for the events industry.

The U.S. Green Building Council’s Greenbuild International Conference & Expo convenes the industry’s largest gathering of representatives from all sectors of the green building movement. Three days of extensive educational programming, workshops, a vast exhibition floor and ample networking events provide unrivaled opportunities to learn about the latest technological innovations, explore new products, and exchange ideas with other professionals. Greenbuild 2009 will be held on Nov. 11-13, 2009, in Phoenix, Ariz. This past year’s conference in Boston, Mass. drew more than 28,000 attendees and featured more than 800 exhibit booths. Visit www.greenbuildexpo.org for more information. To view last year’s Greenbuild show, go to www.greenbuild365.org.

The Interactive Book of Lists is a searchable, online version

The Interactive Book of Lists is a searchable, online version of the Book of Lists featuring local ranking information, constant updates by onscreen or email alerts and customer relationship management functionality. It gives users essential information on the leading buyers, businesses and employers in over 40 of the U.S.'s most dynamic markets. The price of a stamp is now 44¢. You have to make every letter count. This tool is very effective.

Besides the content featured in the print version, the Interactive Book of Lists provides the most currently available address, executive contact information, company description, recent news and press releases, along with additional supplemental information and links to other sources. Prospective users can learn more at www.bizjournals.com/ibol .

IDEAL Introduces LanTEK II Cable Certifiers

IDEAL Introduces LanTEK II Cable Certifiers Next generation testers allow technicians to certify LAN cabling to TIA, ISO and IEC performance standards up to 1GHz in as little as 14 seconds

SYCAMORE, IL, March 11, 2009 -- IDEAL INDUSTRIES, INC., a global leader in data communications technology, today announced its latest generation of LAN cable certifiers - the LanTEK® II. This new family of three certifiers provides performance certification of LAN cabling to TIA, ISO and IEC performance standards, making it the most comprehensive line of cable certifiers in the industry.

"With three models to meet copper certification requirements from 350 to 500 to 1000 MHz, and full fiber optic certification of multi-mode and single mode fiber optic cabling, our new line of LanTEK® II certifiers offer an all-inclusive solution for installation, maintenance and certification of LAN cabling," said Dan Payerle, Business Unit Manager of IDEAL's DataComm Test Division.

IDEAL LanTEK® II certifiers deliver outstanding performance, diagnostics and speed. Complete Category 6/ISO Class E tests are performed in only 14 seconds, including the saving of full graphical data. Test results are displayed on an ultra-bright, high-resolution LCD that facilitates faster analysis and easier navigation of the graphical user interface.

LanTEK® II cable certifiers supersede the LanTEK® series and represent the sixth generation of LAN cable certifiers offered by IDEAL following its 2001 acquisition of the LAN Certifier Division of Wavetek.

THREE TEST MODELS

The three models of the LanTEK® II allow users to certify all LAN cabling performance categories:

LanTEK® II-350 certifies applications up to 350 MHz which includes Category 5E and 6 (ISO Class D and E);

LanTEK® II-500 with a frequency range of 500 MHz supports Category 6A and ISO Class EA;

LanTEK® II-1000 sweeps to a full 1 GHz for ISO Class FA and other mixed media applications such as CATV over twisted pair.

The hardware of the LanTEK® II achieves many dramatic improvements over its predecessor, such as the large 4.3" WQVGA display with bright, energy-efficient white LED backlighting that is viewable in any lighting condition and at a nearly 180 degree viewing angle. In addition, a new lithium ion battery reduces weight and increases work time to an amazing 18 hours between charges. The batteries feature two charging modes: a standard 8 hour charge when the battery is charged in the handset, or for a fast 4 hour charge, simply remove the battery from the handset and plug the power cord directly into the battery.

To meet the expanding storage needs of technicians, the LanTEK II features a large internal memory with capacity for up to 1,700 Category 6 measurements with graphs. Plus, the certifier's standard USB interface supports USB keychain memory drives for quick offloading of saved tests. Push-to-talk (PTT) functionality with the included talk sets eliminates annoying noise.

Like the previous generation, LanTEK® II still features the patented measurement system which unlike any other certifier allows both channel and permanent link measurements with a single universal test adapter. Users can simply replace the high quality patch cords with a new set of off-the-shelf cords rather than replace costly proprietary modules or hard-wired link adapters.

LanTEK® II also continues to offer the patented DualMODE measurement system that allows a copper link to be tested against two different performance standards with a single Autotest. This makes it easy to test a link to current standards as well as measure the performance margin against future standards with higher performance requirements, all while adding only 1 second to the Autotest time.

IDEAL LanTEK II cable certifiers are immediately available with models starting at $6,414 (U.S.). All are packaged in a lightweight carrying case that features a hard yet flexible outer shell and a form fitting EVA foam interior to protect the instruments during transport.

IDEAL INDUSTRIES, INC. has been serving the electrical industry since 1916. IDEAL is one of the world's leading manufacturers of professional quality tools and supplies serving installation professionals in the construction, maintenance, data communications and original equipment manufacturing industries. www.idealindustries.com.

INSTALLER OF THE YEAR ANNOUNCED AT BICSI CONFERENCE

Reigning Champion Jessie Spearman takes home title for second year.

Baltimore, Md., May 13, 2009— The second annual Cabling Skills Challenge came to end during last night’s BICSI Exhibition and Reception. In total 24 BICSI-certified competitors participated in the challenge:

Steven Hartley, ITS Installer 1, Staley, Inc.

Vincent Santucci, ITS Installer 1, Vision Technologies

James Sundy, ITS Installer 1, Staley, Inc.

John Barczak, ITS Installer 2, RKB Electric and Supply LLC

Brant Carson, ITS Installer 2, Varia Systems, Inc.

Jason Caviness, ITS Installer 2, IES Commercial

Andrew Davis, ITS Installer 2, Vision Technologies

Jeffrey Johnson, ITS Installer 2, Staley, Inc.

Nicholas O'Connell, ITS Installer 2, Staley, Inc.

Olen Brown, ITS Technician, Union Pacific Railroad

Alex Castillo, ITS Technician, ACE Contractor

Joseph D'Urso, ITS Technician, Vision Technologies

Daniel Dosch, ITS Technician, Netcom Technologies Inc.

Frank Gonsalves, ITS Technician, Union Pacific Railroad

George Henderson Jr., ITS Technician, Information Innovators Inc.

Christopher Honeycutt, ITS Technician, MTM Technologies

John McDonnell, ITS Technician

Sydney Mortiniera, ITS Technician, Stout Communication

Onyeka Okafo, ITS Technician, James Electrical Control, Inc.

David Redrow, ITS Technician, Echo 24

Timothy Roberts, ITS Technician, Access Communication Services

Jessie Spearman, ITS Technician, Vision Technologies

Stephen Stamp, ITS Technician, James River Communications

Kevin Whittle, ITS Technician

After completing several events—including structured cabling; copper cable terminations; fiber termination; cable assembly; cable troubleshooting, technical support; professionalism; and a written competency exam—winners of each level were named during Wednesday morning’s award ceremony.

ITS Installer 1

1^st— Vincent Stantucci, Vision Technologies

2^nd — James Sundy, Staley, Inc.

3^rd — Steven Hartley, Staley, Inc.

ITS Installer 2

1^st— Andrew Davis, Vision Technologies

2^nd — John Barczak, RKB Electric and Supply LLC

3^rd — Jeffrey Johnson, Staley, Inc.

ITS Technician

1^st — Jessie Spearman, Vision Technologies

2^nd — Timothy Roberts, Access Communication Services

3^rd— Stephen Stamp, James River Communications

The overall winner with the highest score of the competition was rightfully named BICSI Installer of the Year. Jessie Spearman, ITS Technician, of Vision Technologies walked away with the honor, and $5,000, for the second year in a row. Other awards included a UniCam Toolkit and a Deluxe Fiber Toolkit donated by Corning, a Testifier Pro and Optical Probe from JDSU, a Rhino 6000 Hard Case Kit from DYMO, a two-year BICSI membership and various other gift cards, tools and packages from Unique Firestop, Siemon, STI, Sumitomo, Mohawk, Abesco , Kitco, Klein and RANDL. In total, the grand prize was worth over $15,000. First place winners in the other categories won prizes totaling over $2,000.

“I couldn’t believe that I won again,” said Spearman. “But win or lose, being here is a great experience. Before the competition, I thought BICSI was just a training organization, but through these conferences I’ve learned BICSI is more about career development and helping people grow. Since the last competition, I was promoted from foreman to supervisor and now I oversee Vision Technology’s Virginia office operations.”

www.bicsi.org

Cabling without a license is risky and costly

In Florida and Georgia statewide, you must have at least a low voltage or Limited Energy Electrical license to install or maintain telephone or data cabling. NO EXCEPTIONS except for the operating telephone and cable television companies. We hear “I didn’t know” all the time… or they want to argue with me and say they don’t need to have a low voltage license for what they do. But ignorance is not an excuse for unlawful activity.

We clipped this information from a website of low-voltage resources. I thought it may help with understanding the “rules of the road” for communication cabling

Did you also know that if you are caught installing cabling without a license you can be fined and or have a cease and desist put on your activities.

Did you also know hiring a person with a license does not qualify your business and is still unlicensed activity.

You must have your own license and the business must be qualified by the state.

You also cannot sub contract a licensed person to do a job on another persons property. Per the State of Florida and Georgia.

Licensed person must perform the work and bill the customer that owns the site directly.

Now 38 of 50 states require low-voltage licensing for voice/data.

For more information, please visit MyFloridaLicense.com.

http://www.myfloridalicense.com/dbpr/os/News/JointSting.html

IMPORTANT NEWS...

Joint Unlicensed Contracting Sting Yields 14 Arrests

May 7, 2009

CLAY COUNTY—The Department of Business and Professional Regulation, in partnership with the Clay County Sheriff’s Office, completed a two-day contracting sting operation, resulting in 14 arrests (notices to appear) by the CCSO and 23 citations issued by DBPR.

“We are committed to taking proactive measures to keep the public safe and protect them from unlicensed and unscrupulous contractors,” said Secretary Charles W. Drago. “We will continue our partnerships with local law enforcement to ensure Floridians are protected.”

DBPR targeted individuals found advertising via the Internet. The suspected unlicensed contractors were asked to submit bids for work including, plumbing, roofing, home theatre installation, security surveillance, electrical outlets and installation of electrical panel boxes. When the individuals arrived to deliver the bids, they were asked to provide proof of licensure. Those who could not provide proof were arrested and issued citations.

“This operation involves even more than our agency helping DBPR enforce unlicensed contractor violations,” said CCSO Lt. Barry Abramowitz. “We also worked to protect our citizens from individuals who would enter their home or business with illegal narcotics, or in one case, a registered sex offender representing himself as a licensed contractor. We discovered both during this operation this week.”

Citation amounts varied based on whether the individuals offered to do both construction and electrical work or only one of the services. Individuals issued notices to appear by the CCSO and cited by DBPR include:

Name	Age	Citation Amount
Christopher M. Rogers	33	$2,500
Eric D. Keathly	27	$2,500
Daniel J. McKenzie	54	$5,000
Steven Darby Ford	29	$5,000
William Samual Turner	29	$5,000
Robert Allan J. Dooley	29	$2,500
Roy Efrat	35	$5,000
Walter Robert Laun	63	$5,000
Christopher Wayne Mann	29	$5,000
Bubby Mern Shepherd	47	$2,500
Jacob Oval Perry	35	$2,500
James Ervin McGhee III	32	$5,000
Victor Daniel Davila	52	$5,000
Dereck Coleman	36	$5,000

Here are some tips to help consumers protect themselves against unlicensed activity:

Always ask to see the State of Florida license.

· Note the license number and verify that the license is current and in good standing. To check a license, call 850-487-1395 or visit MyFloridaLicense.com.

· Ask for references and check each one.

· Do not pay cash and be cautious of writing checks made payable to individuals, especially when dealing with a company.

· Get everything in writing, including a detailed description of the work to be completed, a completion date and the total cost.

The department’s mission is to license efficiently and regulate fairly. The department licenses more than one million businesses and professionals ranging from real estate agents, veterinarians, and accountants to contractors and cosmetologists. For more information, please visit MyFloridaLicense.com.

###

You can run but you cannot hide!!!! There are groups that insist on compliance with the laws that govern our industry

What can I do? The NLVCA says there is a lot you can do…

According to the National Low Voltage Contractors Association website, enforcement of State licensing statutes has become their top priority. “This illegal activity has got to be stopped” says Mr. Steve Dale the President of the NLVCA. According to Mr. Dale stopping unlicensed activity is an issue the NLVCA is passionate about. Many unlicensed individuals and companies lack the proper training, experience, frequently violate safety codes, do not comply with continuing education requirements, or carry the required insurance such as worker compensation, general liability, errors and emission, and in most cases they don't pay their required taxes. Their contracts with consumers are also invalid and unenforceable in the courts. Mr. Dale says “Its not just the consumer or public that is hurt by unlicensed activity, it’s the legally licensed contracting company who is greatly effected. It’s their livelihood that’s being negativity impacted. How much work is lost to illegal activity? According to Mr. Dale he say’s he frequently speaks with licensed contractors who tell him of work they have lost to an unlicensed competitor and how angry they are about it. It not easy sometime to “Do the Right Thing” anyone can sell a service for less, when they don’t have to follow the rules and requirements legal business owners have to. According to Mr. Dale… “We as licensed contractors must take a strong stand and only then will unlicensed activity subside. We have to bring together consumer awareness and product venders, installing and service companies and develop strong relationships with licensing boards and the licensed contractor for support and to expose and combat the issue head on.” One voice in the dark does not resonate much but many voices speak loud and clear, and we all need to work together to get the message out.

Combating this issue has been an ongoing problem for many State licensing boards. For example; the State of Florida has more unlicensed activity than many other states due to its economic growth and the transient nature of the population . According to Mr. Dale many low voltage companies residing outside the State of Florida conduct business in Florida illegally without a state, county or city electrical or low voltage license.

So what can you do? Report unlicensed activity to your state’s licensing board or to the NLVCA website http://www.nlvca.org/file_complaint.php. The NLVCA has begun a program to track down unlicensed individuals that install low voltage systems illegally and are a danger to the safety of the public and hurt the industry. The program is designed to work with the company or individual to help them become legally licensed. Until they become licensed they are required to stop any business activity in that state. There is no reason not to become legal, it can take as little as two months to get licensed in most states. The NLVCA acts as the conduit between the company, consumer, the legal low voltage contractors and the state, county, and city licensing boards. The NLVCA works with state, county and city licensing boards and the state attorney general. In continued and repeat unlicensed activity cases provide the necessary information and evidence for legal action and prosecution. www.nlvca.org

We support licensing because it adds to an increased level of public safety.

https://www.flrules.org/gateway/readFile.asp?sid=0&tid=6467298&type=1&File=61G6-7.001.doc

61G6-7.001 Specialty Electrical Contractors.

The following types of specialty electrical contractors may apply to be certified under the provisions of Part II, Chapter 489, F.S., and Chapter 61G6-5, F.A.C., above. In order to be admitted to a specialty contractor examination, the person must show 6 years of comprehensive training, technical education, or broad experience on the type of electrical or alarm system work for which certification is desired.

(1) Lighting Maintenance Specialty Electrical Contractor. The scope of certification of a lighting maintenance specialty contractor is limited to the installation, repair, alteration, or replacement of lighting fixtures in or on buildings, signs, billboards, roadways, streets, parking lots and other similar structures. However, the scope of the certification does not include the provision of, or work beyond, the last electrical supplying source, outlet, or disconnecting means.

(2) Sign Specialty Electrical Contractor. The scope of certification includes the structural fabrication including concrete foundation, erection, installation, alteration, repair, service and wiring of electrical signs and outline lighting. The scope of certification shall not include the provision of, or any electrical work beyond, the last disconnect mean or terminal points. However, a contractor certified under this section may provide the electrical entrance requirements for metering and main disconnect of remote billboards or signs which are independent of any structure or building and which require no more than twenty-five (25) kilowatts at two hundred fifty (250) volts maximum.

(3) Residential Electrical Contractor. The scope of certification includes installation, repair, alteration, addition to, replacement of or design of electrical wiring, fixtures, appliances, apparatus, raceways, conduit, or any part thereof, in a 1, 2, 3, or 4 family residence not exceeding 2 stories in height, and accessory use structures in connection with the residence. The electrical service installed or worked upon is limited to single phase, 400 ampere single service.

(4) Limited Energy Systems Specialty. The scope of certification of a limited energy systems specialty contractor includes the installation, repair, fabrication, erection, alteration, addition to, or design of electrical wiring, fixtures, appliances, thermostats, apparatus, raceways, conduit, and fiber optics (transmission of light over stranded glass) or any part thereof not to exceed 98 volts, when those items are for the purpose of transmitting data, proprietary video (satellite systems which are not part of a community antenna television, cable television, or radio distribution system), radio frequency, central vacuum, or electric locks, data distribution networks, home theater systems, surround sound systems, public address systems or telephone systems.

(a) The scope of certification is limited to electrical circuits and equipment governed by the applicable provisions of Articles 725 (Class 2 and 3 circuits only), 770, 800, 810, and 820 of the National Electrical Code, 1984 Edition, or 47 C.F.R. Part 68.

(b) The scope of certification shall not include work performed by public utilities exempt under the terms of Section 489.503(5), F.S., or exempt due to the regulatory jurisdiction of the Florida Public Service Commission.

(5) Utility Line Electrical Contractor. The scope of certification of a utility line electrical contractor means a utility contractor whose business includes all types of transmission electrical circuits, distribution electrical circuits, and substation construction done for investor owned electrical utilities, city municipal electrical utilities, and cooperatives under the rural electric authority between point of origin and point of delivery.

Specific Authority 489.511(5) FS. Law Implemented 489.503(14), 489.505(19), 489.511(5) FS. History–New 1-2-80, Amended 7-29-84, 10-14-84, Formerly 21GG-7.01, Amended 2-23-86, 12-24-87, 6-21-89, 3-3-92, Formerly 21GG-7.001, Amended 1-28-96, 12-25-96, 6-11-97, 12-24-97, 7-19-98, 10-7-99, 2-17-00, 4-30-01, 4-30-03, 9-16-07, 12-2-08.

We support licensing because it adds to an increased level of public safety. Safety is too important to ignore. Frank Bisbee

IBS and low-voltage licensing State by State

From The Electrical Contractor Magazine www.ecmag.com – the official publication of NECA (National Electrical Contractors Association) www.necanet.org

State by State

by Edward Brown
Published: July 2008

IBS and low-voltage licensing

Licensing for integrated building systems (IBS) work is a pretty confusing subject—not too surprising for a field experiencing rapid expansion and change. In fact, the very idea of something called integrated building systems is new. It encompasses fields of work that have, until recently, been considered separate. On the other hand, licensing for electricians has been around for a long time, and even though there continue to be changes in power wiring technology, the basic structure remains fairly constant.

The first question that needs to be asked regarding IBS work is, “Which areas of work are to be covered by the license?” A review of licensing requirements quickly reveals this question is far from settled. For power wiring, it’s generally understood that the National Electrical Code (NEC) is the accepted code that is the basis for licensing. But for low-voltage work, the laws vary from state to state and can even vary within states from county to county and city to city. So rule No. 1 is you must check the state and the specific locality where you’re planning a project that includes any kind of low-voltage work to make sure you meet the requirements well in advance.

Before going into the details of licensing, it’s important to understand the difference between “licensed” and “certified.” A government agency issues a license according to the laws of a specific locality. A certification is issued by an independent organization that specializes in a particular area of work.

A look at the state-by-state listing on www.neca-neis.org makes very clear the level of variation. One pattern that can be seen from reading through these requirements, however, is the most common requirements are for fire and security systems.

There are some exceptions. Starting with the easiest, there are no statewide low-voltage licensing requirements in Iowa, Kansas, Mississippi, New Hampshire, North Dakota, Ohio and Wisconsin. While Colorado, Indiana, Missouri and Pennsylvania have no statewide requirements, localities in these states do have them.

Simple?

South Carolina, for example, has pretty straightforward requirements. They also are typical, in that the license requirements are for fire alarms and burglar alarms.

A contractor can apply to the state for a burglar alarm license, fire alarm license or both. According to the instructions posted on South Carolina’s Web site, www.llr.state.sc.us, Document #130, all applicants must pass a technical exam plus an exam on the South Carolina Code of Laws that regulate alarm businesses. In addition to the specific exams required by the state, burglar contractors must be certified to NTS Level I by the National Burglar & Fire Alarm Association National Training School (www.alarm.org). NTS Level I requires that the applicant take a three-day Certified Alarm Technician course followed by a two-hour, multiple-choice examination. And “[a]ny owner, partner, officer or employee of a licensed burglar alarm business who accesses a client’s property or burglar alarm records must be registered with the department and must submit a criminal background report for each employee.”

Fire alarm contractors need National Institute for Certification in Engineering Technologies (NICET) Level II certification (www.nicet.org). That level of NICET certification requires two years of supervised work in the field in addition to an extensive exam. The exam to achieve Level II includes 30 different subject areas, including basic metric units and conversions and such topics as National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) standards, system acceptance and periodic tests, detector spacing and signal processing.

A few other clauses of note:

“All licensees must designate a primary qualifying party who • has passed the required examinations and is a full-time employee holding a managerial or supervisory position.”

“The alarm business must conduct business in the name in which • the license was obtained. The license belongs to the alarm business, not the qualifier.”

“The applicant must submit with the application a current • insurance Certificate of Comprehensive General Liability Insurance providing for a minimum coverage of $100,000 …”

California

Getting licensed for low-voltage work in California is more than a little different from South Carolina. In South Carolina, the only two low-voltage categories are fire and burglar alarm systems. In California, however, those are the only two low-voltage categories that don’t require a special license. According to its contractors’ licensing Web site (www.cslb.ca.gov), all you need is a general electrical contractor’s license—C10—to do fire alarm system work. But if you dig a little further, you discover that in order to pass the C10 exam, you need to study, among other resources, the National Fire Alarm Code (NFPA 72). Take a look at that code, and you’ll find that Section 4.3.3 requires using “qualified” fire alarm installation personnel.

It states: “Installation personnel shall be qualified or shall be supervised by persons who are qualified in the installation, inspection, and testing of fire alarm systems. Evidence of qualifications or certification shall be provided when requested by the authority having jurisdiction. Qualified personnel shall include, but not be limited to, one or more of the following:

1) “Personnel who are factory trained and certified for fire alarm system installation of the specific type and brand of system being installed

2) “Personnel who are certified by a nationally recognized fire alarm certification organization acceptable to the authority having jurisdiction

3) “Personnel who are registered, licensed, or certified by a state or local authority.”

So by requiring the electrical contractor license for fire alarm work, the state is calling out these specific qualifications—not so very different from South Carolina after all. But it takes probing to figure it out. Fortunately, California maintains a very useful helpline (800.321.CSLB) to answer all your California state licensing questions.

For security, in California “Individuals who install, maintain, monitor, sell, alter or service burglar alarm systems are exempt from licensure under the Contractors License Law … provided they are licensed by BSIS [Bureau of Security and Investigative Services].” The BSIS requirements include that there is a qualified manager who passes a criminal background check, has two years of experience in burglar alarm work and passes a two-hour, multiple-choice exam.

In addition, California requires a C-7 license for low-voltage system contractors. According to the requirements for this category, a “communication and low voltage contractor installs, services and maintains all types of communication and low voltage systems which are energy limited and do not exceed 91 volts. These systems include, but are not limited to telephone systems, sound systems, cable television systems, closed-circuit video systems, satellite dish antennas, instrumentation and temperature controls, and low voltage landscape lighting.”

In order to get the license, you must have at least five years of experience in your field working at the journeyman level; submit an application; and pass two 2½-hour, multiple-choice exams. The first exam, required for every category of work, is the law and business exam, which has questions relating to business management and construction law. The second exam covers low-voltage systems. You can obtain study guides and also check out the list of suggested reference books. The C-7 study guide outlines five major sections in the exam:

1) “Job Planning and Estimating

Interpretation and application of plans for low voltage • systems

Compliance with codes •

Coordination with owner, architect and other trades •

2) Cable Installation

Pre-wiring •

Termination and labeling •

Testing methods and testing equipment •

3) End Use Equipment Installation

Installation of data/voice equipment •

Installation of audio/video equipment •

Installation of other low voltage equipment •

4) System Performance Testing, Troubleshooting And Repair

Troubleshooting •

Repair/Replacement of low-voltage systems and • components

5) Worker and Job Site Safety

Identification of work site hazards •

Safe work practices” •

National codes

Regardless of legal licensing requirements, each political jurisdiction imposes regulations on the work done and who may do it. I’ve already mentioned certification requirements that may form a part of the licensing procedure. Even more certain, regardless of the legal licensing requirements, is that every locality will have codes to regulate the building trades. So for example, in Iowa, where there are no statewide low-voltage licensing regulations, a contractor who wants to install fire alarm systems would be bound by NFPA 72, which, as I outlined under the California requirements, calls for specific levels of “qualified” workers.

Summing up

If an electrical contractor wants to take on low-voltage work for the first time, he or she will have to sort through some often confusing regulations.

A good first step would be to check out the listing of state • licensing regulations at www.neca-neis.org. This listing gives a state-by-state summary of low-voltage licensing requirements and, even more importantly, contact information for the relevant state offices.

Go to the appropriate authority where you intend to work, and • research exactly what is needed, including “licensed,” “certified” and “qualified” personnel. Make sure you are clear about whether the actual installer needs to be licensed, or just supervised by a licensed person.

One important item to watch out for is that in a number of • states, such as Minnesota, the electrical contractor license also covers low-voltage work, so an electrical contractor doesn’t need any further special low-voltage licensing.

Be certain to find out how long the licensing process takes. • It usually involves an application, which may be time consuming, and studying for and passing an exam.

Licensing also will usually require personnel who have a • specified number of years of experience.

Licensing also may require certifications by national • associations in the particular low-voltage specialty for which the license is being sought.

Many licenses also call for regular renewals every so many • years and require that the license holder take a number of continuing education classes during each renewal period.

Some regulations are very general, and some are very specific with regard to particular subspecialties, which may be many. For example, Louisiana, Nevada, New Mexico, Oklahoma subspecialties, which may be too many.

For example, Louisiana, Tennessee and Arizona require different licenses for residential and commercial work. Minnesota distinguishes between contractors and technicians. In other states, e.g., South Dakota and Virginia, low-voltage work is covered by the regular electrical contractor license, but the contractor is responsible for meeting the applicable low-voltage standards.

As IBS technology expands, it is becoming increasingly crucial that the quality of workmanship in this area be ensured. It is, therefore, likely that as time goes on, low-voltage licensing requirements will become more widespread and stringent.

Researching requirements requires sorting through often confusing regulations, which can be quite different from locality to locality. It will pay off in the long run to spend the time early on to make sure that you learn exactly what has to be done.

BROWN is an electrical engineer, technical writer and editor. He has served as managing editor for SECURITY + LIFE SAFETY SYSTEMS magazine. For many years, he designed high-power electronics systems for industry, research laboratories and government. Reach him at ebeditor@gmail.com.

http://www.ecmag.com/?fa=article&articleID=9134

Reprinted with permission from Electrical Contractor Magazine www.ecmag.com

CommScope Inc. division racks up a big loss for patent infringement

TruePosition Inc. has been awarded $19.7 million in additional damages in a patent-infringement case against Andrew Corp. in U.S. District Court in Delaware. This brings the total price tag for patent infringement pay out to almost $43 million for the Illinois-based Andrew - a division of CommScope Inc. of Hickory.

TruePosition was previously awarded $23.25 million after a jury decided in September 2007 that Andrew infringed on a TruePosition patent for a technology used to determine the location of mobile-phone users.

The latest award followed a finding that Andrew continued to ship products with the infringing technology even after the trial. It comprises $10.1 million in compensatory damages, $9.6 million in punitive damages, pre-judgment and post-judgment interest, plus costs and attorneys’ fees.

TruePosition, a provider of wireless location products, is based in Berwyn, Pa. It is a subsidiary of Liberty Media Corp. of Englewood, Colo. (NASDAQ:LCAPA).

Andrew designs and makes communications equipment and systems at facilities in 35 countries.

CommScope acquired the business in December 2007 for $2.65 billion. www.commscope.com

DuPont to cut 2000 jobs

DuPont said that it plans to eliminate 2,000 — or about 3 percent — of its jobs as part of a restructuring estimated at saving the company $225 million annually by 2010.

The restructuring will primarily take place in the coatings and color technologies, electronics and communication technologies, performance materials and safety and protection segments, according to a regulatory filing Thursday.

DuPont said the program will result in a one-time pretax charge of between $340 million and $390 million in the second quarter of 2009, according to the filing. Of that amount, $225 million will be related to severance and benefit costs, and about $145 million will be asset write-offs. The company also expects to incur a $35 million cost related to the dismantlement and removal costs and accelerated depreciation associated with implementation of the plan.

DuPont expects the job cuts to be completed in 2010.

Based in Wilmington, Del., DuPont, led by Chief Executive Officer Ellen Kullman, develops products and services for the agriculture and food; building and construction; communications; and transportation markets. It has 59,000 employees worldwide, according to the company. www.dupont.com

Retrofitting Commercial Buildings

May 17, 2009

http://www.constructech.com/news/articles/article.aspx?article_id=7639&SECTION=1

According to a recent report, energy efficient retrofits in the commercial building sector will grow substantially in the coming years, especially in light of the recent American Recovery and Reinvestment Act.

Pike Research, www.pikeresearch.com, Boulder, Colo., a consulting firm for global clean technology markets, recently released the study, Energy Efficiency Retrofits for Commercial and Public Buildings, which looks at market opportunities, drivers, barriers, and best practices in commercial building.

According to the study, the total opportunity for major green renovations in the commercial building sector is approximately $400 billion throughout the coming years.

While monetary savings is a big benefit of green retrofit projects, this study shows costs will not be the primary factor for the majority of projects. The drive for energy efficient retrofits will be developed based on objectives to lower the carbon footprint, increase employee productivity, and raise property values.

“High-performance green building space experiences lower vacancy rates and commands a premium price, compared to conventional space,” says Clint Wheelock, managing director, Pike Research. “Because of this, commercial building owners are adopting green retrofits as a market differentiator. The favorable retrofit business model will fuel steady momentum until most commercial building space has been retrofitted for energy efficiency.”

According to Pike Research, the U.S. commercial building market represents one of the largest opportunities for reducing carbon emissions and saving energy.

Continental Automated Buildings Association www.caba.org

The Continental Automated Buildings Association (CABA) is a not-for-profit industry association dedicated to the advancement of intelligent home and intelligent building technologies in North America.

The organization is supported by an international membership of nearly 400 companies involved in the design, manufacture, installation and retailing of products relating to home automation and building automation. Public organizations, including utilities and government are also members.

CABA's mandate includes providing its members with networking and market research opportunities. CABA also encourages the development of industry standards and protocols, and leads cross-industry initiatives.

The organization was originally founded in 1988 as the Canadian Automated Buildings Association. The founding members included Bell Canada, Bell-Northern Research, Ontario Hydro, Hydro-Québec, Consumers Gas, Canadian Home Builders’ Association, the Electrical and Electronic Manufacturers Association of Canada, Industry Canada, Minto Developments Inc. and the National Research Council of Canada.

In 2006, CABA integrated the Internet Home Alliance, an association of technology companies committed to research and development within the intelligent home sector. The working group now exists as CABA's Connected Home Research Council. www.caba.org

New VoIP Enterprise Service Kit from Fluke Networks Reduces Installation and Problem-Solving Time for VoIP Phone Systems

Combination of three crucial test tools meets growing demand for comprehensive, affordable VoIP installation solution

Click for larger image.

EVERETT, Washington – Fluke Networks, provider of innovative Network SuperVision Solutions™ for the testing, monitoring and analysis of enterprise and telecommunications networks, announces the availability of the VoIP Enterprise Service Kit, designed to ensure successful deployment of VoIP phonesover existing network infrastructure. By using the three vital test tools included in this kit – a cable qualification tester, an inline performance tester and a digital probe – technicians can quickly eliminate the most common problems plaguing VoIP installations.

The VoIP Enterprise Service Kit fills a void created by existing test tools that only check cable integrity – without looking at VoIP performance – and tools that only look at the VoIP phone, without testing the cabling’s ability to transmit voice traffic. The new kit reduces the risk of rework and call-backs by testing both infrastructure and phone performance while the technician is on site.

The VoIP Enterprise Service Kit is built around the CableIQ™ Qualification Tester. The CableIQ tester checks cable bandwidth to ensure it will support Voice Over IP requirements. This can prevent hours of downtime and troubleshooting when VoIP equipment is installed on cabling with insufficient bandwidth.

Also in the kit is the NetTool™ Series II inline testerwith VoIP Testing Option. NetTool allows users to see into VoIP calls by placing NetTool between the IP phone and network. Users can now quickly diagnose phone boot-up and call control problems as well as measure key call quality metrics without the need of a costly, hard-to-use protocol analyzer.

The third fundamental tool in the VoIP Enterprise Service Kit is the IntelliTone™ probe. IntelliTone simplifies cable identification by responding to unique digital tones which are unaffected by sources of interference that hinder traditional tone-probe sets. Both the CableIQ Qualification Tester and NetTool Inline Tester generate digital tone that can be located by the IntelliTone probe, saving time during cable identification tasks.

The VoIP Enterprise Service Kit is one of several VoIP solutions offered by Fluke Networks. Earlier this week the company announced NetAlly VoIP Assessment and Troubleshooting Software, version 7.0. This new software package helps eliminate risk associated with deploying or expanding VoIP services by assessing the current state of the network and previewing the service before it is deployed on that network. Assessing the network, a requirement of many leading IP PBX manufacturers, makes VoIP deployments faster, more successful and less costly by reducing post-deployment troubleshooting.

Product availability
In addition to the CableIQ Qualification Tester, NetTool™ Series II inline tester and the IntelliTone probe, the VoIP Enterprise Service Kit includes six remote office IDs, used for identifying cable outlets at the far end of a link. The VoIP Enterprise Service Kit is available for immediate delivery through Fluke Networks sales partners worldwide.

About Fluke Networks
Fluke Networks provides innovative solutions for the installation and certification, testing, monitoring and analysis of copper, fiber and wireless networks used by enterprises and telecommunications carriers. The company's comprehensive line of Network SuperVision™ Solutions provide network installers, owners, and maintainers with superior vision, combining speed, accuracy and ease of use to optimize network performance. Headquartered in Everett, Washington, the company distributes its products in more than 50 countries. More information can be found by visiting Fluke Networks’ Web site at www.flukenetworks.com or by calling (800) 283-5853.

Is Blue the New Green? IDEAL Launches "Get Green With Blue" Environmental Initiative

As part of ongoing efforts to promote environmental stewardship and create healthy work environments, IDEAL INDUSTRIES, INC. today launched its new Get Green With Blue™ strategic initiative. Get Green With Blue is aimed at educating electrical distributors, architects, electricians, and data communications installers on how to properly use IDEAL products to meet criteria for the Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) Green Building Rating System™. www.usgbc.org

The LEED Green Building Rating System™ is a voluntary, consensus-based national standard for developing high-performance, sustainable buildings. It was designed by leading experts in the construction industry to encourage and accelerate global adoption of sustainable green building and development practices through the creation and implementation of universally understood and accepted tools and performance criteria. Project ratings are achieved through earning points in each of six LEED categories, including the use of products that reduce light pollution, optimize energy performance, and improve indoor environmental quality.

"Our Get Green with Blue program will focus on product choices that our customers can make in new construction or existing buildings that will result in economically profitable, environmentally friendly, healthy and productive places to work," explained Jim James, President and CEO, IDEAL INDUSTRIES, INC. "For years IDEAL has manufactured products that can be used in LEED-certified projects to help achieve certification and that are RoHS compliant. Get Green With Blue underscores this long-term commitment to the environment."

As the first step in the Get Green With Blue program, IDEAL is giving each of its 2,000 distributors a detailed guide featuring advice and resources for every aspect of an environmentally responsible construction project. This invaluable tool also shows the LEED contribution of specific IDEAL products, such as the PowerPlug™ disconnect, the VPM power analyzer, and the HeatSeeker™ thermal imager, in a matrix format to easily determine each product's LEED impact. The company also plans on posting an on-line LEED calculator on its website, as well as to host nationwide Get Green With Blue seminars for IDEAL distributors and their customers.

Inside IDEAL, the environmental movement has taken many forms. For example, its headquarters in Sycamore, Illinois recently installed energy-efficient occupancy sensors and electronic ballasts, plus has switched over to biodegradeable maintenance cleaners. Electrical forklifts have replaced gas models to prevent air pollution, while all packaging materials are now 100% recyclable. www.idealindustries.com.

Registration is Open for NAED’s 2009 LEAD Conference, Orlando, Fla., July 30 – Aug. 2
Lead Through Economic Climate Change…Prepare for the Future

ST. LOUIS… The National Association of Electrical Distributors (NAED) invites emerging industry leaders to Orlando, Fla., for this summer’s 2009 LEAD (Leadership Enhancement and Development) Conference. The LEAD Conference is developed by industry professionals who volunteer their time serving on the NAED LEAD Committee. This annual conference is an industry favorite for “up and comers” in electrical distribution and gives participants the opportunity to improve their management skills, network with peers and trading partners in small group settings, and learn from industry experts.

Education sessions for this year include:

Best Practices Sharing Round Table Discussions. Join other emerging industry leaders for LEAD’s new Round Table Discussion Session. You will have the opportunity to share ideas and best practices with your peers in a comfortable, noncompetitive environment prior to the official opening of the conference. Pre-registration is required for this session.

“How to Get and Keep the Best Customers for Life—Your Economic Future Depends On It.” Dr. Don A. Rice, professor emeritus from Texas A&M University, will help you deliver to your customers the service levels required to make them “Customers for Life”. This two–part program addresses leadership for challenging times by teaching new ways of thinking and taking positive action to get the results you need now.

“Scenario Planning for the Electrical Distribution Industry of the Future.” Lynne C. Levesque, Ed. D, consultant, researcher and author, will explore the power of scenario planning and its application to the electrical distribution industry of the future. Participants will spend time investigating possible ways the industry could evolve over the next several years. The session also explores the potential impact on the electrical distribution industry from different trends in technology, demographics, human resource issues, regulations, and globalization.

Burt Schraga, NAED chair-elect and CEO of the Santa Clara, Calif. based Bell Electrical Supply will describe how he climbed the leadership ladder by turning a job into a career. A 34-year veteran of the industry, Burt will share his take on what the electrical distribution industry will look like in the future. Brian Peters, NAED regional manager, will join Burt in updating participants on what’s new at NAED and how these new resources and benefits can impact your career.

In addition to these informative sessions, the conference also offers networking opportunities, including an opening reception at Disney’s Boardwalk Inn, Dutch Treat Dine-Around Disney, and a closing reception as the conference concludes with a sky’s view of Epcot's amazing fireworks show.

Click here to register online. The early bird registration deadline is June 25. For more information, contact the NAED Conference Department at (888) 791-2512 or e-mail Rhonda Parkinson at rparkinson@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 represents approximately 4,400 locations internationally.

Nortel breakup seems near

Nokia Siemens Networks offered to buy large chunks of Nortel Networks' businesses, including most of its carrier networks unit and a research unit developing future wireless technologies, according to the Wall Street Journal.

Additionally, an auction last week of Nortel's enterprise telecom business attracted bids from Avaya and Siemens Enterprise Communications. The moves show Nortel may indeed break itself up rather than trying to emerge from bankruptcy protection as a single entity. Nortel has until May to restructure.

Nokia Siemens reportedly made an unsolicited offer for Nortel's carrier networks business, including its CDMA group, which produced most of Nortel's operating profit. Nokia Siemens could be trying to muscle into the North American market, where Nortel had a significant presence until its struggles began. Nokia Siemens also wants to acquire the Nortel unit focused on developing LTE technology.

A Nortel spokesman did not comment on the specific deals being discussed, but did tell the Journal that "planning is underway and we are pursuing opportunities that we believe will provide maximum benefit to our key stakeholders, including our creditors, customers and employees."

Nortel was recently granted the right to pay top executives $7.3 million in retention bonuses. The company posted a $2.14 billion loss in the fourth quarter and a $5.8 billion loss for all of 2008. Its revenue declined 15 percent year-over-year in the fourth quarter, to $2.72 billion.

Wireless Patient Tracking in Disaster Management

By Mike McBride, Editor In Chief

Health Management Technology Magazine (merged with Communications NewsMagazine)

http://archive.healthmgttech.com/archives/0706/0706wireless_patient.htm

WASHINGTON STATE: An earthquake measuring magnitude 9.0 on the Richter scale rocked the Cascadia Subduction Zone. It sent 30-foot waves smashing through Puget Sound, sweeping coastal community out to sea and creating massive devastation. The main tremor knocked out power and ruptured waterlines from Bellingham to Olympia. Aftershocks, many of which were earthquakes in their own right, pummeled Washington, Oregon and British Columbia. Thousands are missing and feared dead. Thousands more may be left homeless or without power and water for indefinite periods. Hospitals and emergency services were caught unprepared.

The above scenario is fiction, but tomorrow, it could be fact. Are we ready? The events on Sept. 11, 2001 showed the world what Americans are made of. Although thousands lost their lives, including hundreds of first responders, triage at ground zero took place and under the most extreme conditions. It is a tribute to the efforts and training of those first responders that hundreds of people survived. Could America have been better prepared?

Answering the Clarion Call
“Lack of timely information-sharing and inadequate communications capabilities likely contributed to the loss of emergency responders’ lives,” said Dr. Shyam Sunder in a 2005 New York Daily News article. Sunder is deputy director of the Building and Fire Research Laboratory (BFRL) at the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST), and was the lead investigator during the building and fire safety investigation of the World Trade Center disaster.

Communications breakdown was the number one complaint made by the emergency personnel who responded to disasters at the World Trade Centers and Pentagon, and later Hurricane Katrina in New Orleans. During Katrina, EMS rescued hundreds of walking wounded from the waters and airlifted them to triage areas, only for them to become misplaced in the system, sometimes for days. In response, Congress subsequently released billions of dollars to help companies develop systems to improve communications and data sharing between first responders and hospitals during mass casualty events.

Companies of all sizes answered the call. One was Iomedex in Seattle, Wash., makers of MobileIRIS (Mobile Incident Response Information System), a wireless patient tracking system that enables first responders to track the movements of casualties through triage and treatment using bar codes. It also provides local healthcare organizations with a common database from which to exchange information and access patients’ electronic health records (EHR).

MobileIRIS consists of a network of ruggedized, hand-held computers built by Hand Held Products of Skaneateles Falls, N.Y., and powered by Microsoft PocketPC 2003. The handhelds feature bar-code scanning and Adaptus imaging technology for taking pictures of wounds, and connect by Wi-Fi or wireless data technology to dedicated servers distributed in secure locations throughout the country. The servers operate on Microsoft SQL Server 2000.

Patient Tracking
On April 17, 2006, the Boston Athletic Association, in cooperation with the Massachusetts Department of Health and Massachusetts Emergency Management Agency, used MobileIRIS technology to track 22,500 runners during the annual 26.2-mile Boston Marathon. Bar codes were imprinted on the runner’s bibs and scanned whenever they stopped for services and re-entered the race. The idea was not to track their every move throughout the race, as much as to note the locations and times they entered and exited the route. In this way, the runners were locatable within a short distance.

In a USA Today article posted April 15, 2006, Nancy Ridley, assistant commissioner for the Massachusetts Department of Public Health is noted as saying the marathon would provide a good training ground to test a patient tracking system that could be used following a disaster. A terrorist attack might be another appropriate use.

When first responders use the hand-held devices to transmit critical patient data and incident information, including photographs of the casualty’s injuries, directly into Iomedex’s database, the data is immediately accessible to multiple providers and healthcare facilities 24/7. Emergency responders perform the identification process during triage, at which time a bar code is scanned and attached to the patient’s wrist.

As the patient moves through the system, healthcare providers can access up-to-the-minute patient history—a critical advantage during life-saving procedures—and track the patient’s location simply by rescanning the bar code. The system allows ED clinicians to study a patient’s condition and secure needed resources prior to the patient’s arrival. In triage situations, where mass casualties are widely distributed, such technologies could be critical in saving hundreds of lives.

Planning for the Inevitable
Shortly after the 9-11 attacks, CEOs from across the nation converged to discuss the topic of disaster preparedness. John Todd, M.D., CEO, Stevens Hospital, was alarmed by a lecture that covered the pitfalls experienced by the local Manhattan hospitals, and discussed a hospital’s responsibility to be prepared in times of disaster. Stevens is located in Edmonds, Wash., on Puget Sound, 15 miles north of Seattle, near the Cascadia Subduction Zone—the most extensive fault line in the Pacific Northwest—prime earthquake country. Magnitude 6.0 or greater earthquakes in this area are not uncommon.

Todd assessed the risk of an unprepared Stevens Hospital being at the epicenter of a major casualty disaster, such as an earthquake, or a terrorist strike on Puget Sound’s ports or one of the area’s nuclear power plants. He focused on ensuring the hospital’s readiness as a safe haven, a vaccination point or a decontamination center. Then in 2002, following a similar federal mandate, Washington State’s Department of Health released an “All Hazards Preparation” mandate, which required the healthcare community to make all necessary preparations for a chemical, biological or environmental disaster.

Dr. Robert Mitchell, a retired obstetrician and gynecologist who is now Stevens Hospital’s bioterrorism response coordinator, had embarked on his own disaster preparedness journey. The vulnerability of Washington’s ports, military installations, nuclear power plants and borders were Mitchell’s greatest concerns. For a year following 9-11, he attended state and local government planning meetings, and late in 2002, he visited Stevens Hospital and met with Todd. Then, in 2003, Mitchell attended high-level military/uniformed first responders meetings. “It was firemen, police, EMS, the Coast and National Guards and me—the retired gynecologist,” he says.

Wanted: Specific Data Management Capability
For two more years, Mitchell traveled the country, participating in biological, chemical and radiological response training. He even spent a week at the U.S. Army Medical Research Institute of Infectious Diseases (USAMRIID) in Fort Detrick, Md. studying biological defense, while they prepared to depart for Iraq.

Mitchell discovered a common need wherever he visited first responders. “They all wanted a data management system that looked at four things,” he says. “Credentialing responders, tracking casualties, tracking expenses, and resource location and availability.”

When Mitchell returned to Stevens Hospital with his findings, Todd put him in touch with Iomedex CTO and Board Chairman Peter Simpson. Stevens Hospital had been a beta-test site during MobileIRIS’s development and had purchased the system one year earlier to address issues that arose post 9-11.

“I knew nothing about computers at that time,” says Mitchell. “I could barely do e-mail.” However, he recognized the significance of a sophisticated data management system that would interface with a hospital’s existing legacy systems, install without negatively affecting budget, and be up and running on a moment’s notice in the event of an emergency.

Standardized EMS on a Regional Scale
Stevens and Iomedex are at the heart of a regional effort to standardize EMS using the MobileIRIS system. Participants include The American Red Cross, a CERFP (chemical, biological, radiological, nuclear, or high-yield explosive enhanced response force package) unit of the Washington State National Guard, Seattle’s Public Schools District, and seven hospitals, seven fire/EMS departments, three county police departments, and Snohomish and Pierce County Departments of Health and Emergency Management.

In 2005, the White House released the report “National Strategy for Pandemic Influenza,” in which President Bush states, “A new strain of influenza virus has been found in birds in Asia, and has shown that it can infect humans. If this virus undergoes further change, it could very well result in the next human pandemic.” The report further states, “It is essential that the U.S. private sector be engaged in all preparedness and response activities for a pandemic.”

Since 9-11, many companies have taken up the disaster preparedness gauntlet, some with their own wireless communications solutions. However, Mitchell believes that limited on-the-job training and experience will hinder any system that is designed to be deployed only during emergencies. To be truly effective, he says, a disaster management solution must be integrated into all EMS and hospital ED daily activities in an entire region. That way, all of the staffs are similarly trained and highly familiar with the same technology, and can operate in unison during an emergency.

“These kinds of systems are very useful on an individual basis, but they become powerful when they become regionalized,” he says. “No individual entity is capable of responding to a disaster by itself. Unless [EMS] can enlist the help of surrounding services, it will be a disaster within a disaster in terms of response.”

Mitchell strongly supports interoperability and standardization and claims they are the two most powerful terms in the EMS industry. “That’s the concept,” he says. “To put like tools [in the hands] of people with the same training, who are using the same system, looking at the same data. That’s a force multiplier.”

Organizations such as Stevens Hospital and Iomedex are preparing for the unthinkable: disasters of such magnitude that existing EMS systems may be inadequate. Regional health institutions throughout the nation might be well advised to examine similar disaster preparedness models. What’s good for the goose may well be good for the gander.

For more information on Iomedex’s MobileIRIS,
www.rsleads.com/607ht-204

Nelson Publishing, Inc.
Attn: Health Management Technology
2500 Tamiami Tr. N Nokomis, FL 34275
http://www.nelsonpub.com

The FOA newsletter is packed with good info to grow your business

http://www.thefoa.org/foanewsletter.html

AT&T To Spend $17-18 Billion in 2009, Add 3,000 Jobs

AT&T Inc. has said it plans to invest $17 billion to $18 billion in its infrastructure in 2009 despite the recession and will add 3,000 new jobs. The carrier says it’s still seeing increased demand for mobility, broadband and video – and especially for mobility, with a veritable explosion in demand expected once the economy turns around. It wants to capitalize on what growth areas there are (wireless and IP). And it wants to be ready for the future.

“We expect demand will only escalate when the larger economy rebounds, and AT&T’s continued strong network investment will help ensure that we’re fully ready to support the next wave of economic growth said Randall Stephenson, AT&T chairman and CEO, in a statement. “We recognize the continuing importance of investing in critical network infrastructure, which plays a key role in driving commerce, innovation and job growth.”

AT&T said it will nearly double its U-verse residential fiber footprint, hoping to pass 30 million homes in 2011, up from 17 million today. The carrier will continue to expand its DSL reach as well to cater to those looking for “affordable broadband.”

It all adds up to AT&T expecting to see data traffic on its core network growing more than 50 percent year-over-year, so its global IP backbone is getting a cash infusion too, including investment in subsea fiber-optic cables.
Read More.

The Fiber Optic Association has been organized as a international non-profit professional society for the fiber optic industry. Its charter is to develop educational programs, certify fiber optic technicians, approve fiber optic training courses, participate in standards-making processes and generally promote fiber optics. The FOA has certified over 22,000 CFOTs (Certified Fiber Optic Technicians) through over 180 approved training organizations worldwide. www.thefoa.org

The NECA Show is top-rated – Sept in Seattle

Breaking News:

Seattle Exhibitor Service Manual is Now Available

Thank you again for participating in the 2009 NECA Show. The Exhibitor Service Manual has been compiled to furnish you with appropriate information necessary for the successful operation of your exhibit during the show.
IT CAN SAVE YOU TIME & MONEY. Follow the Checklist & Deadlines carefully.

As a NECA Exhibitor, your booth cost also includes:
-Free exhibition lunch tickets for all booth personnel
-Free attendance to General Sessions and Technical Workshops
-Free Show Pass invitations to the trade floor for your special customers

-Free Shuttle Service between Convention Center and listed show hotels
-Unlimited badges for Booth personnel
-Special Discounted Ticket rates for Opening Reception and Closing Celebration
-Free listing on the NECA Show website at www.necaconvention.org

Find the NECA Show Exhibitor Service Manual here

Breaking News: New & Featured Product Room is Now Open for Entries

If your company has one or more new products or services to highlight, then the New & Featured Product Room is the place you want to be. This unique location is where savvy industry professionals go to seek out industry innovations, and it provides a wonderful opportunity to showcase your product(s) in a focused setting, drawing extra special attention to them. This highly effective & cost efficient tool allows electrical contractors to see your new products one hour prior each day to the NECA trade show opening, giving attendees a heads-up on companies to seek out on the show floor. A sign with your company name and booth number is provided. The Entry Form is located on pg. 30 in the Exhibitor Service Manual.

But then You Already Know...
The NECA Show is… a cost-effective business opportunity. It is the place to close important sales with North America's most important electrical contractors, and meet strong prospective buyers you’ve had contact with but haven’t met face-to-face. The NECA show is where your company can stand apart from your competitor, to market yourself as an industry leader and to recognize your best customers.

Thank you again for your participation. http://www.necafloorplan.org/exhibits/Seattle09/index.php?p=Exhibitors

Contact Julie Duda
Exhibit Sales Manager
770-632-0044
exhibitsales@necanet.org
www.necaconvention.org

Time Warner, AOL To Separate

Time Warner Inc. announced May 28, 2009 that its board has authorized plans for the complete separation of America Online Inc. from Time Warner.

Time Warner, which owns 95 percent of AOL, expects to purchase Google's 5 percent stake in AOL in the third quarter of 2009, according to a news release.

"The separation will be another critical step in the reshaping of Time Warner that we started at the beginning of last year, enabling us to focus to an even greater degree on our core content businesses," Time Warner Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Jeff Bewkes said. "The separation will also provide both companies with greater operational and strategic flexibility."

After the proposed separation, AOL would become an independent, publicly traded company. AOL's Web brands and services reach more than 107 million domestic unique visitors a month. It will continue to operate its Internet access subscription services in the U.S.

“This will be a great opportunity for AOL, our employees and our partners," AOL Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Tim Armstrong said. "Becoming a standalone public company positions AOL to strengthen its core businesses, deliver new and innovative products and services, and enhance our strategic options. We play in a very competitive landscape and will be using our new status to retain and attract top talent.

"Although we have a tremendous amount of work to do, he said, "we have a global brand, a committed team of people, and a passion for the future of the Web."

Time Warner seeks to complete the proposed transaction around the end of the year.

AOL and Time Warner merged in 2001 in a deal worth $147 billion.

Tyco Donates Home Fire Sprinkler System To Habitat For Humanity House

Tyco Fire Suppression & Building Products (TFSBP) partnered with the Capital District Habitat for Humanity last fall and donated a Rapid Response Home Fire Sprinkler System to “The Ted Abriel House,” a home that received its namesake from an Albany-area (New York) fallen firefighter. Its completion in October marks the first time the Capital District Habitat for Humanity utilized a residential fire sprinkler system to protect a home and its future residents.

Driving the movement behind the sprinkler installation was Anthony “Chick” Granito, a volunteer coordinator with Capital District Habitat for Humanity. Having worked with residential sprinklers since the 1970s as the director of research for the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), Granito helped design some of the first residential fire sprinkler systems. Understanding that they save lives and protect property, Granito has been a longtime advocate of their installation in homes.

“We want this house to be used as a model for other home builders in the area,” Granito said. “Residential fire sprinklers are extremely important in any home, and we’re really hoping this creates a trend in the community.”

Every new home in the Albany area may soon feature this life-saving technology. Last September, the leading building code-making body in the United States, the International Code Council, overwhelmingly approved residential fire sprinkler requirements for single-family homes. The vote passed mostly due to the support of the fire service, including many from the state of New York. It sets groundwork for cities to adopt requirements, effective Jan. 1, 2011.

The Rapid Response system is always on call, working to suppress fires rapidly and effectively. The system responds during a threatening fire when surrounding air temperature rises and the sprinkler closest to the fire activates. The sprinkler then sprays water over the flames, either extinguishing them completely or suppressing heat and toxic smoke until the fire department arrives. These systems have more than 20 years of proven, reliable performance in the field.

Albany Fire Protection Inc. donated the labor to install the fire sprinklers. On the home’s task force was owner Tom Kelly, as well as John Legault, Peter Libertucci, Paul Winaroski, Tony Caiozzo and Lou Horan.

In January 2007, Ted Abriel, acting lieutenant of the Albany Fire Department (AFD), was fighting a fire in the upper stories of a high-rise apartment building when he suffered a fatal, massive heart attack. His brother, also a firefighter, believes this is a very appropriate way to commemorate his brother after his 15 years of service.

“I think this is a great way to honor Ted, as well as all the firefighters who have fallen in the line of duty,” said Warren Abriel, executive deputy chief for the AFD and Ted’s brother. “I’m glad Capital District Habitat for Humanity decided to protect a family in need in my brother’s name.”

According to the NFPA, more firefighter deaths occur at residential fires than at any other type of structure fire. In 2007, 102 firefighters died in the line of duty. Nearly half of those deaths occurred in residential properties. In addition, 68 percent of all firefighter injuries occur in residential properties. Residential fire sprinklers are specifically designed to contain fire in its early stages, greatly reducing the risk posed to occupants, as well as firefighters arriving on the scene. www.nfpa.org

Belden Declares Regular Quarterly Dividend

ST. LOUIS, May 19, 2009, the Board of Directors of Belden declared a regular quarterly dividend of five cents per share payable on July 7, 2009 to all shareholders of record as of June 12, 2009.

About Belden

Sending All the Right Signals - from industrial automation to data centers, from broadcast studios to aerospace, from cutting-edge wireless communications to consumer electronics, Belden people are committed to delivering the best signal transmission solutions in the world. Belden associates work in copper cable, fiber, wireless technology, connectors, switches and active components to bring voice, video and data to your mission-critical application. With 2008 revenue of $2.0 billion, Belden has manufacturing capability in North America, Europe and Asia. To obtain additional information contact Investor Relations at 314-854-8054, or visit our website at www.belden.com.

Wesco says Engel to become CEO in September

Wesco says COO Engel to become CEO in Sept., replacing Haley, who will stay as exec. chairman www.wescodist.com

Electrical and industrial supplier Wesco International Inc. said Wednesday it will promote its chief operating officer to president and chief executive in September.

John J. Engel will succeed Roy W. Haley as CEO effective Sept. 1.

Haley, who has been CEO since 1994, will be executive chairman until his term as a director expires in May 2011, the company said.

Stephen A. Van Oss will succeed Engel as chief operating officer, also on Sept. 1, and will continue as senior vice president. He is currently senior vice president of finance and administration, chief financial officer and is a member of the board of directors.

Richard P. Heyse will replace Van Oss as CFO on June 15. He also will become vice president. He currently serves as CFO of Innophos Inc., the holding company of a phosphate manufacturer.

ACUTA SUMMIT TAKES IN-DEPTH LOOK AT UNIFIED COMMUNICATIONS & COLLABORATION

LEXINGTON, Kentucky, May 19, 2009 – In an event designed to thoroughly explore the evolution of unified communications and collaboration, ACUTA, the Association for Information Communications Technology Professionals in Higher Education, will host a July 12-15 summit in Denver, led by its members and by industry experts.

The 2009 ACUTA Summit on Unified Communications and Collaboration (UCC) promises to evaluate all aspects of UCC and the ways in which colleges and universities can converge their communications systems to enhance productivity and collaboration.

The Summit will feature panel discussions by representatives of schools such as Marquette University, Northern Illinois University, University of Nebraska-Lincoln, the Franklin W. Olin College of Engineering, and other institutions that are early adopters of UCC. Also presenting will be industry analysts and experts such as Jay Lassman of Gartner, Gary Audin of Delphi, Phillip Beidelman of WTC, and representatives of the industry-leading vendors.

The panelists and attendees will address high-level topics such as how UCC is currently being deployed in higher education, the most beneficial UCC applications, stumbling blocks to deployment, various approaches that vendors are taking to UCC implementation, the financial issues involved, and how to make the business case for UCC on campus.

At the Summit, ACUTA will report the findings from an extensive survey of its member institutions, reflecting the extent to which they are deploying UCC, the challenges it presents, and how they feel the technology may benefit their campuses. The survey’s findings will serve as the foundation for many of the panels throughout the Summit.

ACUTA is the only national association dedicated to serving the needs of higher education information communications technology professionals, representing some 2,000 individuals at 790 institutions.

“Unified communications and collaboration represent some of the most dramatic changes that our members must consider and accommodate over the next several years,” noted Jeri Semer, executive director of ACUTA. “This Summit will help them understand just what UCC encompasses and how they can best implement it for maximum benefit to their institutions.”

The Summit will be held at the Marriott City Center in Denver. For more information or to register for the Summit, visit the ACUTA website at www.acuta.org or call 859-278-3338.

About ACUTA

ACUTA, the Association for Information Communications Technology Professionals in Higher Education, is an international non-profit educational association serving colleges and universities. Its core purpose is to support higher education information communications technology professionals in contributing to the achievement of the strategic mission of their institutions. ACUTA represents nearly 2000 individuals at some 790 institutions of higher education, with members ranging from small schools and community colleges to the 50 largest U.S. institutions. ACUTA’s Corporate Affiliate members represent all categories of communications technology vendors serving the college/university market. For more information, visit www.acuta.org or call 859-278-3338.

Confidence is High for Security of College & University Networks, Latest ACUTA Survey Finds

LEXINGTON, Kentucky, June 2, 2009 – Security issues continue to concern the people who run higher education computer and communications networks, but despite their need to remain constantly on guard, they believe their networks are secure and that they are safer now than in the past.

These are some of the key findings in the latest member survey by ACUTA, the Association for Information Communications Technology Professionals in Higher Education, which surveyed members attending its recent Annual Conference in Atlanta.

The survey asked members to identify the threats that most concern them and what they are doing in response, as well as to grade their own networks’ security. Survey respondents, representing scores of college and universities in the U.S. and Canada, gave their networks a strong aggregate ranking of 3.7 on a scale of 1 (poor security) to 5 (best security).

Eighty-four percent of respondents said they believe their campus networks are more secure now than five years ago, with six percent feeling less secure, and the remainder seeing no change. Some have learned their security lessons the hard way. Significant security breaches were reported by 47 percent of respondents, and of those who were hit, 71 percent said the damage was at least limited to only minor exposure of confidential information, along with some inevitable public embarrassment.

The area of their networks that the largest percentage of respondents consider most vulnerable is the usage of mobile devices. Thirty-five percent of respondents see these devices as a weak link in their security chain. Other top vulnerabilities are internal controls (named by 30 percent of respondents), student downloads (29 percent), student hackers (23 percent) and Internet access (20 percent).

The most common approach to dealing with security threats is education of students and staff, which 58 percent of respondents said they are doing. Tightening internal controls and addressing problems through new and improved systems were strategies each named by 44 percent of respondents.

Asked to consider nine specific threats or weaknesses, respondents ranked them in this order, based on what they view as their comparative danger: 1) viruses and malware; 2) internal controls; 3) phishing or vishing; 4) student or external hackers; 5) student downloads, 6) physical access; 7) spam; 8) mobile devices; and 9) Internet intrusion.

In other survey findings, 72 percent of respondents said their schools do have individuals or teams who are dedicated to security, but only 18 percent of schools use enhanced login, in which a user must type letters from a graphic or identify an icon to gain access. Also, the number of schools that have delayed any technology projects out of concern over security is fairly low, at 24 percent.

“The results of this survey demonstrate that ACUTA members are standing up to the challenges of network security, by continually strengthening their networks and attacking vulnerabilities that come to light," said Jeri Semer, executive director of ACUTA. "Their goal is to protect not only the networks themselves, but also the valuable confidential information that their institutions store on those networks. The unfortunate truth about the advancements in information communications technology is that the burden of keeping networks safe has only grown more challenging.”

ACUTA is the only international association dedicated to serving the needs of higher education information communications technology professionals, with nearly 2,000 individual members at some 790 colleges and universities.

About ACUTA
ACUTA, the Association for Information Communications Technology Professionals in Higher Education, is an international non-profit educational association serving colleges and universities. Its core purpose is to support higher education information communications technology professionals in contributing to the achievement of the strategic mission of their institutions. ACUTA represents nearly 2000 individuals at some 790 institutions of higher education, with members ranging from small schools and community colleges to the 50 largest U.S. institutions. ACUTA’s Corporate Affiliate members represent all categories of communications technology vendors serving the college/university market. For more information, visit www.acuta.org or call 859-278-3338.

High-speed Internet service should be measured in gigabit speeds rather than megabit speeds

By James Carlini

Where are the corporate executives and academics who talk about the quest for excellence and the pursuit of quality in lofty speeches who rarely come up with pragmatic solutions and profitability for their organizations?

Shouldn’t they be demanding a high-quality gigabit network as part of the economic platform for corporate applications as well as academic research pursuits? If few of those people truly understand what quality translates to when it comes to working on an infrastructure that’s the platform for global commerce, I then call on the government leaders.

Where are all the politicians who are standing up and demanding an end to the status quo in network infrastructure when there is a small sliver of light called the stimulus package that can be used to fund some major projects that would have huge residual value? Perhaps the “government leader” really is an oxymoron as well.

Where are the rebels and catalysts for change out there? They could be our last hope. A former student of mine called me a “maverick” when it came to looking at solutions for economic and municipal problems. Perhaps that’s what we need more of in society. We can clearly see the status quo isn’t working.

Perhaps it’s the gamers out there playing different games who are always complaining about not having an edge because their Internet connection is too slow. Those thinking that gamers are useless may be overlooking their “need for speed” and their clear understanding of why speed is so critical in their applications to win. This can also be applied to commercial endeavors.

Bruce Montgomery – a fellow commentator on the state of the network – asked me about who should be championing the quest for a gigabit network. I thought about it for a couple seconds and said: “I guess you and me.” Who else can be demanding change except for us average people? We know that having a solid network infrastructure can only alleviate job erosion, stagnant education and other critical issues facing us in a negative economy.

It’s evident that the corporate people haven’t gotten it right. I don’t see many academics focusing on getting a stronger network platform for their work. I don’t even see good curricula out there to train the next generation of mavericks let alone catalysts for change who are focused on improving status quo applications.

Few if any politicians could differentiate broadband from a waistband. Before any funds are spent and/or wasted, we need to get them to understand the importance of high-speed networks in gigabits rather than megabits. We need to start funding only those endeavors that will leave a residual value to future generations.

Those that should have been addressing widespread network updating have taken a wait-and-see approach while other nations spent billions on infrastructure upgrades.

We used to address the digital divide in terms of who didn’t have network access as compared to those who did. That definition has hit a vortex of declining accuracy where now we can sadly say many are in a digital desert where all levels of economic strata have been hit and the road to recovery includes having a high-speed (gigabit) digital road to expand trade and commerce.

The Used to Haves

There used to be a clear definition of the “haves” and the “have nots”. There is now a whole new class called the “used to haves”. They are the underemployed. They need to get into good jobs again if this country is to really turn around.

The “used to haves” have lost homes, the ability to buy new cars and furniture and have seen huge decreases in their general spending capability. That buying power would include spending money on many things like room additions, trips and other family endeavors that also generated other people’s jobs.

Many major expenditure now have to be postponed or entirely overlooked. These are the same people who many politicians still think are working in high-paying jobs and can handle tax increases and higher sales taxes to cover bloated government budgets. Unfortunately, we aren’t still in 1999. In fact, we are 10 years past the golden age of technology.

Based on watching the doom and gloom from the major business TV channels, this new class is growing and the trend has to be stopped and reversed. The more we put “used to haves” back into substantial jobs, the better off the whole economy will be including those who are the “haves” and the “have nots”.

Be a Good Little Drone

There’s no more room for false momentum, glitzy ads and appeasing rhetoric when it comes to declaring the updating of network infrastructure to higher speeds and then not following through on it. Incumbent phone companies have been touting all the speed and access people have by just adding DSL onto copper and telling people they are well set for the Internet age.

“You have high-speed Internet access available. That should position you for all your information challenges.” I have made the observation before that putting DSL on copper is like putting a vinyl top on a stagecoach in the era of the space shuttle. You’re being told that you’re all set for today’s travel demands.

At this point, accepting the “that’s good enough” line when it comes to the network infrastructure is unacceptable. Don’t buy off on accepting the status quo. Real action must be taken now. Spending some money to develop new broadband infrastructure can only produce a solid platform to build and expand global commerce.

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

BOMA International Launches Groundbreaking Building Designation Program

The BOMA 360 Performance Program Gives Commercial Properties the Competitive Advantage in a Down Economy

(WASHINGTON—June 1, 2009) The Building Owners and Managers Association (BOMA) International today announced the launch of the BOMA 360 Performance Program, a groundbreaking new program designed to recognize commercial properties that demonstrate best practices in building operations and management. The BOMA 360 Performance Program is an online self-assessment that will evaluate properties on six major areas of building management. The program comes at a critical time, as building owners and managers are looking to differentiate themselves from competition in a tight market.

“The BOMA 360 Performance Program is a truly revolutionary program that will add value to commercial buildings at a crucial time,” commented BOMA International Chair and Chief Elected Officer Richard D. Purtell, portfolio manager, Grubb & Ellis Management Services, Inc. “This program takes a holistic view of all aspects of excellence in building operations and management, making it unique to the marketplace today.”

The holistic nature of the BOMA 360 Performance Program means that every aspect of building performance is assessed. Scores are based on how buildings measure up to an extensive checklist of best practices, including emergency and disaster planning and recovery plans, energy management, financial management, equipment maintenance and education and training. Properties are evaluated in the following areas:

Building operations and management

Life safety/security/risk management

Training and education

Energy

Environment/sustainability

Tenant relations/community involvement.

“The BOMA 360 Performance Program allows our firm to showcase and distinguish our managed properties in the marketplace,” said BOMA International Vice Chair Ray H. Mackey, Jr., RPA, CPM, CCIM, chief operating officer and partner, Stream Realty Partners, L.P. “By focusing on all major aspects of building operations and management, BOMA 360 provides a multi-faceted benchmark comparing each building to the industry’s best operating practices. Recognition as a BOMA 360 Performance Building provides validation for management teams, confidence for building owners and peace of mind for building tenants.”

The first class of BOMA 360 Performance Buildings will be honored at the June 29 General Session of the 2009 BOMA International Conference & The Office Building Show in Philadelphia, Pa.

For more information or to apply for the BOMA 360 Performance Program, visit www.boma.org/GetInvolved/BOMA360.

***

About BOMA International

Founded in 1907, the Building Owners and Managers Association (BOMA) International is an international federation of more than 100 local associations and affiliated organizations. The 18,000-plus members of BOMA International own or manage more than 9 billion square feet of commercial properties in North America and abroad. BOMA’s mission is to enhance the human, intellectual and physical assets of the commercial real estate industry through advocacy, education, research, standards and information. On the Web at www.boma.org.

ELECTRICAL CONTRACTOR Magazine Offers Tips to Boost Hospital Security

Proper Video Surveillance Extends Security Staff’s Range, Offers Valuable Information

BETHESDA, Md., May 21, 2009 — New statistics on hospital security show that updated video surveillance can help reduce crime in hospitals — where workers are four times more likely to be assaulted on the job than workers in other private-sector industries. In “The Power to Heal and More,” columnist Frank Bisbee (frank@wireville.com ) outlines equipment recommendations based on FBI and Federal Bureau of Labor findings in the current issue of ELECTRICAL CONTRACTOR’s supplement, Security+Life Safety Systems magazine. www.ecmag.com

“Frank reports that properly located video surveillance cameras in these 24/7 environments can extend the range of the security staff and provide valuable incident information,” said ELECTRICAL CONTRACTOR Publisher John Maisel. “He offers specifics on where and how updated video surveillance cameras can improve safety, reduce crime and make existing security personnel more productive,” he said.

According to Bisbee www.wireville.com , FBI statistics show that health care professionals who deal with psychiatric patients, work in admissions, emergency rooms and crisis and acute care units along with emergency medical response teams experience the largest number of Type 2 assaults. To increase their safety, recommended video camera locations include:

Main entrance of emergency rooms, waiting rooms and non-treatment areas within the examination/treatment space

All hospital entries: that offer other ways to gain entry into the emergency room where patient disputes may continue from the streets; visible public monitors that put all entrants on notice also offer a deterrent

Admissions desks and elevator banks

Pharmacy: where controlled substances abound, including receiving docks

Nursery, psychiatric and geriatric wards: to prevent kidnappings and patients from wandering off.

Parking garage: with many hiding places for an attacker to hide

The column said that all hospital video should be transmitted to a central security station to be recorded for crime investigations, and recommends live monitoring for immediately response. Mass notification is also important in a full system, along with access control, intrusion detection, lighting control, emergency phones and alarm points such as door and window sensors.

For the full article, go to: http://www.ecmag.com/index.cfm?fa=article&articleID=10050

ELECTRICAL CONTRACTOR magazine is published by the National Electrical Contractors Association (NECA), Bethesda, MD

BuildingGreen and ecoScorecard Announce Partnership

Comprehensive product platform helps architects and designers evaluate environmental attributes of building products

Brattleboro, VT (May 18, 2009)-BuildingGreen LLC, publisher of the GreenSpec® Directory and Environmental Building News™ today announced a partnership with ecoScorecard, an Atlanta-based organization advancing green building by organizing and simplifying the product evaluation and documentation for important environmental rating systems.

This partnership pairs a respected and independent source of green building information with a platform that enhances the usefulness of green product information. The GreenSpec Directory helps the green building community find sustainable products, while ecoScorecard offers an effective way to identify and evaluate products against every significant environmental rating system. ecoScorecard also provides documentation of third-party certification for the products in its database.

"The ecoScorecard platform provides a deeper level of functionality to our GreenSpec Directory," explained Nadav Malin, President of BuildingGreen. "The value for our clients is having all of this information in one place."

BuildingGreen's online GreenSpec Directory will provide links to ecoScorecard sites; likewise, ecoScorecard will identify manufacturer's products that are also listed in the GreenSpec Directory.

"We've built a system that makes product evaluation easier" said Martin Flaherty, President of ecoScorecard. "And we're excited to partner with BuildingGreen to offer ecoScorecard to their committed audience of green builders and product manufacturers."

"We'd like to see manufacturers that are truly committed to sustainability work together to help simplify the product evaluation process for the architecture and design community, through platforms like ecoScorecard or other means. We need to eliminate the confusion around green building products," said Malin, "and today BuildingGreen is taking that step with ecoScorecard."
For more information, visit http://ecoscorecard.com/.

Editors: Nadav Malin is available for interviews about the partnership between BuildingGreen and ecoScorecard. To arrange an interview, contact Jerelyn Wilson at 802-257-7300 ext. 102 or jerelyn@buildinggreen.com

About BuildingGreen
BuildingGreen, www.BuildingGreen.com, has provided the building industry with quality information on sustainable design and construction since its founding in 1985. It is headquartered in Brattleboro, Vermont. Its publications include Environmental Building News; the GreenSpec Directory; the residential design and construction resource GreenBuildingAdvisor.com; and the integrated, online BuildingGreen Suite. For information, visit www.BuildingGreen.com or call 802-257-7300.

About ecoScorecard
ecoScorecard is a Web-based tool that supports a manufacturer's web site by cataloging its green products and providing architects and designers with the ability to evaluate each product based on its environmental characteristics. ecoScorecardSM does the calculations necessary for six environmental rating systems; (LEED, GGHC, Labs 21, CHPS, NAHB, Re:Green and third-party certifications) and produces the product documentation in a saved project folder or as a PDF necessary for inclusion in the submission process. For additional information visit ecoScorecard or call 866.527.0225.

Jerelyn Wilson 802-257-7300 ext. 102
jerelyn@buildinggreen.com

Future Electrician Needs, Per Bureau of Labor Statistics Projections

The table below was assembled from data generated by the Bureau of Labor Statistics (unit, U.S. Department of Labor). Every two years, BLS projects – for the entire U.S. economy – future employment by occupation and by industry. The table below comes from data BLS fashioned for 2006 (actual) and 2016 (projected) for electricians, for electrical power-line workers, and for helpers (which goes with electricians, not line workers).

Occupation	Total employment (000's)		2006-2016 change in total employment		2006 self- employed Percent	2006-2016 average annual job openings (000's)		Percent		2006 Median annual earnings (Dollars)	Median annual earnings quartile*
Occupation	2006	2016	Number (000's)	Percent	2006 self- employed Percent	Due to growth and total replacement needs	Due to growth and net replacement needs	Part-time workers quartile*	Unemployed workers quartile*	2006 Median annual earnings (Dollars)	Median annual earnings quartile*
Electricians	705	757	52	7.4	10.7	79	23	VL	H	43,610	H
Electrical power-line installers and repairers	112	120	8	7.2	0.6	6	4	VL	H	50,780	VH
Helpers-Electricians	105	112	7	6.8	2.9	35	3	L	VH	23,760	L

Legend: VH = Very High; H = High; L = Low; VL = Very Low; n.a. = not available

Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics

Some notes:

The table has to be landscape. You really can’t view it any other way.

The figures for ELECTRICIANS are for journeymen electricians (professionals) in all lines of work, NOT JUST electrical contracting. This is important to remember. I do not know if the numbers of power-line workers are for those working for line contractors ONLY or include those working for electric utility companies.

The 10-year forecast is for the number of professional electricians needed by the U.S. to increase from 705,000 to 757,000, a gain of 52,000 or 7.4%. But that’s not the important number!!!

Note (in passing) the self-employment number. The government is reporting that more than 70,000 electricians work for themselves. This is a stunning number. We can get back to it at some point in the future, if you like.

The “average annual openings” data is divided into two columns. If the BLS has got its hands on the pulse of things (and – who knows?) – there are going to be 230,000 job openings for professional electricians between 2006 and 2016.

If we’re adding only 52,000 professional electricians in that period, what does that mean?

It means there will be 178,000 job openings caused by that many electricians – people employed in the trade in 2006 – who will LEAVE THE TRADE for the following reasons:

Retirement (there’s no specific projection of retirement made, but you have to believe it’s the major factor)

Death (a relatively minor factor, I certainly hope!)

Incompetence (i.e., electrician fired by employer, found something else to do).

Injury (the electrician got hurt, can no longer do the work, now does something else or is on disability)

Personal preference (the guy/gal tried electrical work, didn’t like it, went off to become a plumber).

The “other” number there (79,000 job openings annually over the 10-year period, or 790,000) includes people leaving one company to work for another, layoffs, people fired by one company who are hired by another employer, etc. The electrician has a secure future.

There’s a lot of NOISE in the 790,000 number, which is why I prefer (and highlighted in red) the “net” number. On the other hand, it seems to indicate that companies that employ electricians (including but not limited to electrical contractors!) are going to go through that many hiring exercises over a 520-week period.

I have a hard time believing the numbers for electrical power-line workers. I think they are going to be a lot higher. Why?

Have you heard about the smart grid?

Are you aware of the dire state of repair of the power lines now installed?

Are you aware that we need to add TENS OF THOUSANDS of miles of new power lines, just to accommodate wind and solar installations, as well as new power plants?

Something NO ONE can know is how many electricians who (once upon a time, four years ago) planned to leave the trade at age 59 or 62 and retire (or move on to a job that’s physically less challenging) have had to change their plans due to a big shortfall in their 401(k) plans or other retirement savings. That number is NOT reflected in the table below. God knows the answer, but he’s not telling (at least, he’s not telling the BLS).

Finally, a comment on a key factor also not embedded in the data: The downturn in construction is causing many local union apprenticeship programs to cut back on the number of NEW apprentices indentured in the five-year programs that turn out (graduate) electrical journeymen. I don’t know a lot about the non-union apprenticeship programs, unfortunately. But I do know that the union side, while relatively smaller than the non-union in “market share,” trains a much bigger percentage of future journeymen electricians.

Therefore, one might conclude that if there is a future shortage of skilled electricians, we are right now making it worse.

Joe Salimando - 703-255-1428 - EFJ Enterprises
PMB #803, 2961-A Hunter Mill Rd,
Oakton VA 22124 - fax 703-940-5986
www.eleblog.com + www.tedmag.com

How Many Electricians Work For Electrical Contractors?

Earlier, I sent to you a table with BLS projections for professional electricians working in the U.S. in 2006 and projected to be needed for 2016.

An obvious question I left unanswered was: How many of the 705,000 professional electricians working in the U.S. in 2006 were employed by electrical contactors? And how about 2016?

To get to that answer, I used the BLS doo-hickey to generate the table that’s below. It shows “Total, all occupations” of the people employed by electrical contractors in 2006 (and projected for 2016). It also shows the Top 10 Occupations.

Occupation	2006 employment		Projected 2016 employment		Change, 2006-2016
Occupation	Number	Percent distribution	Number	Percent distribution	Number	Percent
Total, all occupations	903,700	100.00	971,300	100.00	67,600	7.5
Electricians	443,111	49.03	481,763	49.60	38,652	8.7
Helpers-Electricians	92,278	10.21	97,774	10.07	5,497	6.0
First-line supervisors/managers of construction trades and extraction workers	38,588	4.27	40,462	4.17	1,874	4.9
Telecommunications line installers and repairers	24,428	2.70	25,614	2.64	1,187	4.9
Telecommunications equipment installers and repairers, except line installers	23,031	2.55	32,602	3.36	9,571	41.6
Office clerks, general	21,095	2.33	21,792	2.24	697	3.3
Bookkeeping, accounting, and auditing clerks	18,305	2.03	19,194	1.98	889	4.9
Security and fire alarm systems installers	16,172	1.79	16,957	1.75	786	4.9
Cost estimators	15,964	1.77	18,085	1.86	2,121	13.3
General and operations managers	15,274	1.69	14,414	1.48	-860	-5.6

Note: Total, all occupation is presented for comparison purposes.

Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics

Electrician, as you might imagine, is the #1 occupation. Here’s the sitch:

BLS said in 2006 there were 705,000 professional electricians. It below identifies 443,111 of them working for electrical contractors (= 62.9%)

In 2016, BLS says, there will be 757,000 professional electricians. Below, it says 481,763 of them will be working for electrical contactors (= 63.6%).

If you do the math, the nation needs to add 52,000 professional electricians by 2016 and 38,652 of those new spots (74.3%) are going to be created by electrical contracting companies.

An obvious question, if you read the previous piece, is: How many of the electricians working for electrical contractors are going to be lost to attrition, etc., and ultimately need replacing? There’s no answer provided by the BLS.

Another obvious question is: Why did I put 10 occupations in the table below, if we’re talking about electricians here? And I would guess the answer is obvious, too: There are two categories of telecommunications workers given in the table below, 47,000+ of them in 2006, supposedly in the employ of electrical contractors. I thought you would find THAT of some interest.

Is BLS saying that electrical contractors employ 47,000+ telecom people? Or is it including datacom/telecom contractors under the heading “electrical contractor?” My guess is that, in reality, it’s the latter.

Thanks for asking!

Joe Salimando

703-255-1428

www.eleblog.com

ecdotcom@gmail.com.

FOA NEWSLETTER FOR INSTRUCTORS AND SCHOOLS

The Fiber Optic Association

Important News on The Fiber Optic Technicians Manual
Last week, we were informed that the list price of the The Fiber Optic Technicians Manual was being increased 25% to $90.95 US$. We have told the publishers that this price increase is unacceptable especially under the current economic conditions and at that price the FOA could no longer justify using this book, our own book, as a reference guide for our certifications!
We are currently negotiating with the publisher to see if we can get the price lowered, but since Delmar was taken over by two "private investment companies" and renamed Cengage two years ago, we have endured a continuing series of price increases with no response to our complaints.
We are now looking at alternatives.
Of course, we have the FOA Online Reference Guide for those comfortable with a digital reference source. We are examining options to provide a printed version of the FOA Online Reference Guide that can be used for those who desire a printed textbook.
We have only a few books in stock at the old price so we cannot guarantee to be able to fulfill any orders until this matter is solved. The book is available from Amazon.com at a significant discount off the new price, cheaper than the FOA could sell them to you.
We apologize for any problems this causes. We'll keep you updated on any developments.

Printable Version of Online Reference Guide
We have already added a PDF printable version of the "Basics" section of the FOA Online Reference Guide" - a complete reference for CFOT training - for teachers and students who want to have a printed version. It's for you to download - the link is just below the CFOT tests on the school download site. You may print it for distribution to your students or give them an electronic version. You should consider it as an alternative to the The Fiber Optic Technicians Manual at the new high price.

Updated CFxT and CFOS exams
The CFxT and CFOS/T, CFOS/C and CFOS/S specialist exams have been updated. For the first time, the CFOS/T/C/S exams are on the school download site.
The CFxT exam is a bit longer and includes some visual identification questions. We think you'll like it better.
The CFOS/T/C/S exams are fully updated and we have solved the problem of references for all the questions - they are all on the FOA Online Reference Guide.

Thinking About Teaching A CFOS Course?
We have changed the requirements for schools to teach for CFOS/T/C/S certifications. Previously, these were lab-intensive courses that were expensive and time consuming to teach. All that's changed. There are increased requirements for classroom sessions to ensure proper knowledge for specialist certification and more flexibility for hands-on sessions. For example, an OTDR, Unicam or Fusion Splicing course could qualify. Take a look at the new CFOS/T/C/S requirements and contact us if you have questions.

Remember: ALL instructors must have the appropriate certification for the courses they teach - plus a CFOS/I. www.thefoa.org

House Approves NEMA Premium Motor Rebate Program

ROSSLYN, Va., May 21, 2009—The House Committee on Energy and Commerce has approved an amendment creating a NEMA Premium motor rebate program. During committee work on the House of Representative's climate change legislation, Representatives Tammy Baldwin (D-WI) and Mike Ross (D-AR) offered an amendment to incentivize the adoption of NEMA Premium motors.

The amendment, which is nearly identical to an amendment the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee adopted last month, incentivizes the purchase of NEMA Premium motors by creating a federal rebate program. This amendment approves $350 million to provide $25 per horse power rebate for NEMA Premium motors. This provision also provides a $5 per horse power rebate for the proper disposal of the inefficient, non-NEMA Premium motors.

"Representatives Tammy Baldwin and Mike Ross recognize the importance of making our country energy-efficient, while listening to the needs of their constituents," said NEMA President and CEO Evan R. Gaddis. "Congresswomen Baldwin represents Wisconsin's Second Congressional District, and Congressman Mike Ross represents Arkansas' Fourth Congressional District. Both districts house America's major motor manufacturers, and these two representatives have identified their district's needs and have taken the necessary steps to address them."

NEMA is the association of electrical and medical imaging equipment manufacturers. Founded in 1926 and headquartered near Washington, D.C., its approximately 450 member companies manufacture products used in the generation, transmission and distribution, control, and end use of electricity. These products are used in utility, industrial, commercial, institutional, and residential applications. The association’s Medical Imaging & Technology Alliance (MITA) Division represents manufacturers of cutting-edge medical diagnostic imaging equipment including MRI, CT, x-ray, and ultrasound products. Worldwide sales of NEMA-scope products exceed $120 billion. In addition to its headquarters in Rosslyn, Virginia, NEMA also has offices in Beijing and Mexico City.

NEMA. Setting Standards for Excellence www.nema.org

NAHB Green Building Certification: Welcome to the Big Tent
June 18 | 3pm ET

Sign up to attend this free online discussion by GBA Advisor and contributing editor Michael Chandler.

While LEED and other green building groups focus on the very best built homes in America, the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) is taking a more inclusive approach to the certified green building game. NAHB wants as many builders as possible to learn about green building and achieve at least a minimum level of expertise. Michael Chandler will provide an overview of the NAHB's green building certification program and discuss how it compares to LEED.

Michael Chandler is the president of Chandler Design-Build of North Carolina and a certified Green Professional '08, NAHB University of Housing.

NAED Announces 2009-2010 Board of Directors

Schraga to Lead as Chair in 2009-2010, Followed by Henderson in 2010-2011

ST. LOUIS – The National Association of Electrical Distributors (NAED) is pleased to announce its new Board of Directors for 2009-2010. Led by the NAED chair, the Board of Directors is a dedicated group of industry leaders who volunteer their time and efforts to improve the association and the electrical distribution channel.

The 2009-2010 NAED Board Chair is Burt Schraga, CEO of Bell Electrical Supply in Santa Clara, Calif. Schraga has worked in the electrical industry for close to 35 years.

Throughout his career, Schraga has taken on many leadership positions within NAED. He served two terms on the association’s board of directors from 1985-1987 and 1994-1996, and was also Western Region Vice President. He has also chaired both the NAED Strategic Focus and Executive Conference Committees. Schraga is currently chairman of the Elite Distributors Insurance Co. (EDIC) and is a member of the Affiliated Distributors (A-D) U.S. Electrical Board. Schraga’s new role became official at the conclusion of the 2009 National Electrical Leadership Summit, held May 16-20 in Fort Lauderdale, Fla.

“The current economic situation provides its fair share of challenges and forces us to do a little creative thinking. Dire situations inspire ingenious solutions,” Schraga said. “We must redefine how we’re doing business and make sure we’re going in the right direction as an association and as an industry. So I have selected ‘Redefining Distribution: New Challenges, New Solutions’ as the theme for my year as NAED Board Chair. Regardless the challenge, NAED will be there to help develop and supply solutions.”

Jack Henderson, executive vice president of Hunzicker Brothers, Inc., is Chair-Elect. He will work closely with Schraga to prepare for assuming NAED board leadership in 2010-2011.

Henderson has served in the industry for almost 40 years and has a long tenure on NAED’s Western Region Council. In addition, his company is active in the association, participating in many areas, including PAR, training with the NAED Foundation, and attending conferences.

Henderson earned his Bachelor of Science degree in business from Oklahoma City University before joining Hunzicker Brothers in 1970. Henderson was hired as the office manager for the company. Prior to attaining his current position of executive vice president in 1989, Henderson served as the company’s credit manager, controller and assistant vice president.

Members of the 2009-2010 NAED Board of Directors are:

Burt Schraga, NAED Board Chair, Bell Electrical Supply, Santa Clara, Calif.

Jack Henderson, NAED Chair-Elect, Hunzicker Brothers, Inc., Oklahoma City, Okla.

Richard (Dick) Waterman, NAED Past Chair, International Electric Supply Corporation Dallas, Texas

Douglas Borchers, NAED Eastern Region Vice President, Dickman Supply, Inc., Sidney, Ohio

Steve Anixter, NAED South Central Region Vice President, Advance Electrical Supply Company, Inc., Chicago, Ill.

Bill Squires, NAED Western Region Vice President, SMC Electric Supply, Springfield, Mo.

Fil Cerminara, NAED Eastern Region Vice President-Elect, F & M Electric Supply Company, Inc., Danbury, Conn.

Ray Womack, NAED South Central Region Vice President-Elect, Womack Electric Supply Company, Inc., Burlington, N.C.

Rocklan Lawrence, NAED Western Region Vice President-Elect, National Electric Supply Co., Inc., Albuquerque, N.M.

Scott Lawhead, NAED Finance Committee Chair, The Hite Company, Altoona, Pa.

Robert A. Reynolds, Jr., NAED Member-At-Large, Graybar Electric Company, Inc., St. Louis, Mo.

Christopher Hartmann, NAED Member-At-Large, International Electric Supply Corp., Dallas, Texas

Charles Loeb, NAED Member-At-Large, The Loeb Electric Company, Columbus, Ohio

Peter Bellwoar, NAED Member-At-Large, Colonial Electric Supply Company, Inc., King of Prussia, Pa.

Joe Huffman, NAED Member-At-Large, Consolidated Electrical Distributors, Inc., Westlake Village, Calif.

Jim Etheredge, NAED Foundation Chair, Crescent Electric Supply Company, East Dubuque, Ill.

Sandra Rosecrans, NAED Foundation Chair-Elect, City Electric Company, Inc., Syracuse, N.Y.

Stuart Thorn, NAED Manufacturer Representative, Southwire Company, Carrollton, Ga.

Ronald Schlader, IDEA Vice Chair, Crescent Electric Supply Company, East Dubuque, Ill.

Shaker Brock, LEAD Committee Chair, Electric Supply Inc., Tampa, Fla.

As the governing body of NAED, the Board of Directors is accountable for the effective performance and direction of the association, as well as communicating to the membership about NAED’s activities and policies. Within the framework of the association’s by-laws and policies, the Board of Directors determines measurements for success, establishes policy imperatives, defines the organization’s vision for the future, fulfills fiduciary obligations and serves as champions of the association. NAED officers attend two NAED Board meetings a year and are encouraged to attend all NAED Regional and National Electrical Leadership Summit Meetings.

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 represents approximately 4,400 locations internationally. www.naed.org

NEMA CEOs Lead Smart Grid Adoption

ROSSLYN, Va., May 21, 2009—Top executives from eleven NEMA member companies attended the White House Leadership Summit on Smart Grid sponsored by the National Institute for Standards and Technologies (NIST) on May 18. Hosted by Secretary of Commerce Gary Locke and Secretary of Energy Steven Chu, the summit gave the Obama administration a forum to discuss manufacturer priorities relative to the rapid deployment of Smart Grid. The meeting also provided industry motivation for accelerated efforts in standards development and adoption. The summit validated views expressed by NEMA President and CEO Evan Gaddis during testimony before the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee in March 2009.

Summarizing one of the manufacturer’s concerns, Gaddis said, “A primary goal is to ensure that the focus on interoperability standards for Smart Grid encourages innovation and does not penalize pro-market activities.” He further noted that “NEMA is pleased with the accelerated pace NIST has shown on the Smart Grid standardization effort, and we are working with our members to identify additional manufacturer recommendations for Secretary Locke and Secretary Chu.”

Capitalizing on the momentum from the summit, NIST convened its second two-day workshop on Smart Grid on May 19 and 20. Several NEMA staff and more than 70 representatives from 21 NEMA member companies were included in the list of almost 700 registrants invited to review and make recommendations on existing and missing standards for Smart Grid.

NEMA has been involved in the NIST Smart Grid efforts since Title 13 of the Energy Security and Independence Act of 2007 named NEMA to develop a Smart Grid interoperability standards framework. Priorities for this effort include developing better wide-area situational awareness for utilities; raising the bar on demand response performance; and incorporating emerging technologies in renewable sources, energy storage, and electric vehicles. Information about NEMA’s Smart Grid activities, including a transcript from the White House press event, is available at http://www.nema.org/gov/energy/smartgrid/secretaryChu.cfm.

NEMA Provides Input to Congress on High Performance Federal Buildings

ROSSLYN, Va., May 20, 2009—NEMA, a leader in shaping federal policies pertaining to high performance buildings and a founding member of the High Performance Building Congressional Caucus Coalition (HPBCCC), has joined other members of the coalition in issuing a report that focuses on federal buildings as principal targets to incorporate characteristics of high-performance buildings.

Representative Russ Carnahan, (D-MO), who co-chairs the HPBCCC, requested that the coalition craft a report for Congress that will help achieve high-performance in federal buildings. This report, Producing High-Performance Federal Buildings, was delivered to members of congress as a guide for upcoming legislation. A copy of this report can be found at http://www.nema.org/prod/be/upload/HPBCCC_Recommendations.pdf.

Components of this report include requirements for:

True life-cycle analysis and decision-making for the acquisition of federal buildings

Total building commissioning for the federal building stock

Integrated project delivery including whole building design, procurement, and construction for federal buildings

Building information modeling and support building data interoperability for federal buildings

Comprehensive education and training and higher levels of competence in the federal building design, property management, operations and maintenance, and procurement communities

Collection, storage, dissemination, and utilization for federal building performance data

According to NEMA President and CEO Evan R. Gaddis, Congress is looking to HPBCCC for recommendations of energy-reduction measures in federal structures.

“I am pleased that Congress feels confident in the HPBCCC’s abilities and contributions, so much so that it is willing to reach out and ask for input on such important policies as high-performance federal buildings,” Gaddis said. “NEMA joins other members of the HPBCCC in providing a wealth of expertise, proficiency, and knowledge.”

HPBCCC, a private-sector coalition, provides guidance and support to the High-Performance Building Caucus of the U.S. Congress to promote and showcase best practices in building design, including accessibility, aesthetics, cost-effectiveness, functionality, historic preservation, productivity, safety and security, and sustainability.

NETcomm Québec 2009 Rapidly Selling Out

Aurora, Ont., May 2009 — The NETcomm Québec 2009 Conference & Trade Show June 10-11 in Montreal at the Delta Centre-Ville (Official Conference Hotel) is rapidly selling out. The Early Bird rate, which gets you into NETcomm both days for nearly half off, expires at the end of May.

The Québec 2009 Conference is the second in a series of regional conferences NETcomm is conducting across Canada this year. The conference format combines a trade show-like forum with a series of educational seminars and technical workshops related to all aspects of communications networks and connectivity solutions.

Attendees consist of contractors, installers, integrators, designers, engineers, communications specialists, etc., who work in public administration, transportation, telecom, security, electrical and cabling installation, network design and installation, and purchasing and operations management.

Presentations currently lined up include:

• Triple-Play Service Assurance in a Digital Environment

• Fiber Characteristics and Outside Plant

• Effectively Managing your VoIP Network

• Component Compliance for Cat6A Performance

• High-Definition Multimedia Interface Fundamentals

• No-polish FO Connector - A Solution for Multiple Applications

• Certifying and Qualifying Your Communications Infrastructure

• Dynamic Power Architectures for Data Centres

• Remote Management for IT & Service Provider Equipment

• IP Access Control & IP Surveillance

• Deploying Wireless Local Area Networks

* N.B. Presentations subject to change without notice.

For more information, and to learn about remaining Exhibiting and Sponsorship Opportunities, visit www.netcommshow.ca and click Québec. While you’re there, be sure to sign up for our free newsletter, which includes regular conference updates.

www.netcommshow.ca

New Micro OTDR from IDEAL Certifies LAN, Campus and WAN Fiber Networks

SYCAMORE, IL, June 2, 2009 -- IDEAL INDUSTRIES, INC introduced a handheld Optical Time Domain Reflectometer (OTDR) offering high measurement precision, fast data acquisition, ease-of-use and a variety of useful features.

The IDEAL 33-960 Micro OTDR is designed for the installation and troubleshooting of LAN, campus and WAN fiber networks where increasing bandwidths require more in-depth testing and certification. Its feature set - highlighted by precise measurement, a one-button 'Autotest' function, and short attenuation and Event Dead Zones - results in a unit that provides accurate characterization of connectors and splices, as well as fast and reliable fault location even on the shortest of network links. A Manual Mode enables users to define all test parameters. There is also a Real-Time mode for troubleshooting and identification of intermittent problems.

Multilingual PC software to manage traces and test data is included with the 33-960. The software's AUTO mode makes interpretation of traces straightforward, while its EXPERT mode allows more experienced users to evaluate test data using up to 4 markers for attenuation in dB and dB/km, optical return loss and reflection. With adjustable PASS/FAIL limits, the software gives a clear indication of the quality of links being tested. Test results can be exported in Bellcore™ format, making them compatible with worldwide OTDR standards. Test results can also be printed or stored as PDF files.

OPTIONS EXTEND CAPABILITIES
Two options are available on the 33-960: the 33-960-MB Certifying OTDR and Macro Bend Detector, and the 33-960-VP Video Inspection Probe.

The 33-960-MB option turns 33-960 OTDRs into full certifying instruments. A single summary screen delivers all key measurement values. Installations that specify "Tier-2" certification will find this option invaluable as it gives instant PASS/FAIL results for every link without having to resort to cumbersome manual evaluation of traces. It also benefits less experienced users by providing clear decision points on whether a link is good or bad. The 33-960-MB option includes a Macro Bend Detector, which was developed to help users pinpoint areas along a single mode fiber where the bend radius is too small. This feature is particularly useful when troubleshooting at splicing cassettes or patch cords where macro bends can cause excessive attenuation. Without this option, macro bends are very difficult to detect or are often confused with splices.

The 33-960-VP video inspection probe helps users document and troubleshoot fiber optic installations by providing visual inspection of connectors. Unlike optical microscopes, video probes offer 100% eyesight protection as well as the ability to store connector images on the OTDR for later download to a PC via the unit's USB port. Dirty connectors are one of the primary reasons for failures in fiber optic networks.

PRICE & AVAILABILITY
The 33-960 is immediately available in two models.

The 33-960-10 MM is a multimode OTDR for 850 nm and 1300 nm. It provides accurate measurements even on very short multimode links such as backbones. MSRP is $8,299.00. (U.S.)

The 33-960-30 Quad OTDR provides all the same features as the MM version above, however it also incorporates an additional test port for 1310 nm and 1550 nm making this OTDR the all-in-one solution for multimode and single mode test needs. MSRP is $10,930.00. (U.S.)

Each unit comes in a kit containing a rugged carrying case, software, rechargeable batteries and a wall charger. The units also come with interchangeable fiber adaptors with a wide variety of available configurations.

www.idealindustries.com

Phase Track II is an ultra-thermally stable flexible coaxial cable

Phase Track II is an ultra-thermally stable flexible coaxial cable that can significantly improve performance in phase sensitive systems. The cable has the most phase stable dielectric material available to provide superior phase tracking performance from cable to cable with the lowest phase change through its temperature range.

Having the best absolute phase change characteristics in a cable allows system engineers to reduce frequent phase calibrations, simplify system error correction software, and increase system availability and accuracy.

The phase performance achievement in Phase Track II cable is the result of a newly engineered dielectric material produced by Times Microwave Systems. The material called TF5 is thermally-mechanically balanced and is the most significant breakthrough in coaxial cable technology in decades. Phase Track II’s TF5 is the most stable dielectric material available and virtually eliminates the wide phase changes that other high performance PTFE dielectric cables have with temperature changes. Phase Track II has low loss characteristics and its light weight make it well-suited for both ground based and airborne systems.

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

CEREMONIES CONCLUDE AT 2009 BICSI SPRING CONFERENCE

Baltimore, Md., May 13, 2009— BICSI, the association supporting the information transport systems (ITS) industry with information, education and knowledge assessment, officially closed its 2009 BICSI Spring Conference in Baltimore with many exciting events, great achievements and rave reviews. Over 1,700 professional attendees participated in this week’s events.

“I had a great time! I started out in the pre-conference classes and particularly liked the wireless update class. That was an amazing class and I was able to catch up on new wireless technologies,” said Bill Foy, RCDD, NTS, OSP, WD, with the Foy Group in Abington, Md. “The BICSI Conference gave me the opportunity to also catch up with my counterparts from all over the world, to trade ideas and strategies regarding customer retention and attracting new customers in our current economic situation.”

BICSI credentialing exams taken during the conference resulted in 24 new Registered Communications Distribution Designers (RCDDs), along with two Network Transport Systems (NTS) Specialists, three Outside Plant (OSP) Specialists, and one new Wireless Design (WD) Specialist. Under the directive of NxtGEN, the specialist credentials are now available to qualified applicants without the RCDD credential.

“A BICSI Conference is an excellent way to understand emergent technology,” said Don Phares, RCDD, NTS, OSP with

State of Nebraska in Lincoln, Neb. “It’s a great place to ask your peers for their advice, recommendations and past experiences. I enjoy the fellowship of meeting my peers over the years at BICSI conferences. I would not otherwise meet these peers in my home state of Nebraska.”

Key announcements from the association included the release of the Electronic Safety & Security Design Reference Manual, 2^nd edition, the upcoming release of the ESS credential and the Telecommunications Distribution Design Reference Manual, 12^th edition, at the Fall Conference. New BICSI social media platforms were released as well, including LinkedIn, Twitter and Facebook. Most notable were the several followers tweeting #BICSISpring during the conference.

Opening keynote speaker Martin Piplits, international business expert, spoke to attendees about the importance of remembering that it's not enough to have motivated employees, you need to have the right tools, too. He helped small and medium-sized business owners with strategies for surviving in this tough economy.

On Monday evening, attendees and exhibitors shared a unique Baltimore experience at “Springtime in Baltimore–A Taste of Fell's Point." The event was hosted by the BICSI Northeast Region and the presenting sponsor was RTKL. Supporting sponsored by Middle Atlantic Products, Great Lakes Case & Cabinet Company and Superior Essex. The Attendees enjoyed the steamed Maryland Blue Crabs from Chesapeake Bay and corn on the cob at historic Fell’s Point near the Inner Harbor.

Concluding the conference, the closing keynote speaker Scott Burrows shared an inspirational story of the accident that left him paralyzed from the chest down and diagnosed a quadriplegic, forcing him to learn survival strategies including vision, mind-set and grit. Through his amazing stage presence and motivational speech, he taught the attendees how to maximize their potential, develop more powerful beliefs and how to achieve the impossible, both personally and professionally.

The nightly BICSI Reception and Exhibits continued to draw good crowds to explore the latest ITS products and solutions, providing an opportunity for the attendees to learn new methods, practices and solutions in the marketplace. In addition to learning and networking, the attendees were able to participate in the “I Can Do That!” mini challenges provided by participating exhibitors. These gave attendees an opportunity to compete and experience the full essence of the BICSI Cabling Skills Challenge.

Jessie Spearman, BICSI ITS Technician, with Vision Technologies, Inc., won the Cabling Skills Challenge for the second year in a row. Vision Technologies, Inc. also sponsored the first-ever Skills Challenge live feed on the BICSI Web site. The three-day event featured 24 ITS Installers and Technicians testing their skills and knowledge in various cabling challenges. Many of the competitors are planning to eventually go for their Registered Communications Distribution Designer (RCDD) credential under the new NxtGEN program.

“As always, you just can’t come to a BICSI Conference without learning something in the industry,” stated Rich Thorpe, RCDD, OSP, with Communication Specialists Inc. in Woodinville, Wash. “What a great way to get CECs! I just like the socialization and networking, and to be able to compare my experience with others from around the world–it’s my favorite thing.”

###

BICSI is a professional association supporting the information transport systems (ITS) industry. ITS covers the spectrum of voice, data, electronic safety & security, and audio & video technologies. It encompasses the design, integration and installation of pathways, spaces, fiber- and copper-based distribution systems, wireless-based systems and infrastructure that supports the transportation of information and associated signaling between and among communications and information gathering devices.

BICSI provides information, education and knowledge assessment for individuals and companies in the ITS industry. We serve more than 23,000 ITS professionals, including designers, installers and technicians. These individuals provide the fundamental infrastructure for telecommunications, audio/video, life safety and automation systems. Through courses, conferences, publications and professional registration programs, BICSI staff and volunteers assist ITS professionals in delivering critical products and services, and offer opportunities for continual improvement and enhanced professional stature.

Headquartered in Tampa, Florida, USA, BICSI membership spans nearly 90 countries. For more information, visit www.bicsi.org.

HellermannTyton Announces New Assorted Fir Tree Bundling Clips

MILWAUKEE, WI (May 14, 2009) - HellermannTyton, a global leader in cable management solutions, announces the launch of the Assorted Fir Tree Bundling Clips in three variations. The bundling clips are designed to provide a straightforward and robust method for routing, mounting, and securing wire harnesses to mounting holes.

The Assorted Fir Tree Bundling Clips feature a unique staggered fir tree design that provides one of the lowest insertion forces in the industry, reducing the installer’s efforts for an ergonomically friendly installation. At the same time, the bundling clips provide a high pull out force which results in extreme longevity of the mounted wire harness in its final application in the field. The clips also feature anti-sliding bars which prevent the cable tie or tape from slipping off the clip if the bundle is in a high vibration application.

The Assorted Fir Tree Bundling Clips are available in three sizes to best accommodate the mounting requirement. The product offering includes:

TC6FT6 – Orients the bundle directly over the mounting hole. For use in applications with standard panel thicknesses between 0.7-5.75mm.

TC6FT6LG – Orients the bundle directly over the mounting hole. For use in applications with large panel thicknesses between 0.7-18.0mm.

SOC8FT6 – Orients the bundle 90 degrees from the mounting hole. For use in applications with standard panel thickness between 0.7-5.75mm.

www.hellermann.tyton.com

Success in Business and Mastering the 2008 Code Changes - A Summer Seminar

Join Mike Holt live for two days this summer and take your business to the next level. Day 1 will include Mike's dynamic presentation of how to navigate the current economic times plus how to focus on the basics to keep your business running on track. Day 2 will be the best code seminar you have ever attended, while Mike gives you an overview of the most important 2008 Code Changes. Mike will leave you motivated and inspired and ready to make concrete plans for your business. This event is held in two locations: Orlando, Florida (July) and Coral Springs (August) and satisfies the Continuing Education Requirements in many states. For more information please contact 888.632.2633 or visit www.Mike.Holt.com and click on Continuing Education.

Primary Research Group has published The Survey of College Purchasing

Managers, ISBN #1-57440-124-6.

New York, NY- Primary Research Group has published The Survey of College Purchasing Managers, ISBN #1-57440-124-6. The study presents data from 50 college purchasing departments with a mean annual budget $153 million and a range of $100,000 to $1 billion in purchasing spending. Bargaining power has shifted from sellers to buyers in many key markets and the report relates how purchasing departments are taking advantage of the shift.

The report also details their policies on a broad range of critical higher education purchasing issues, including: use of credit and purchasing cards, reimbursement and arrangement of faculty & staff travel, level of involvement in supplier selection of the purchasing department for a broad range of goods and services, use of consortiums, use of auction sites, thresh holds for bid requirements, size and remuneration of purchasing department staff, warehouse logistics, sale of surplus or used materials, green purchasing policies, and trends in purchasing in many areas.

Just a few of the report’s many finding are that:

† Mean spending on salaries for the colleges in the sample was $550,642 while the median was $307,500. Colleges with more than 25,000 students averaged $1.23 million in purchasing department salaries, and one college spent $2.3 million.

† Mean annual earnings from the sale of surplus or used materials, furniture, computers and other items was $159,111.

† Nearly 69% of the colleges sampled say that they will spend less on faculty travel to conferences in the current academic year (2009-09) compared to last year. Close to 44% said that they will spend a little less while 25% said that they would spend a lot less.

† Close to 39% of the colleges in the sample observe a percentage limit beyond which they will not reimburse for tips.

† A mean of 37.1% of travel paid for by the college is contracted through travel agents; the spread was enormous, from 0 to 100%, and the median was 27.5%.

† For more than 54% of the colleges in the sample revenues from sales of surplus or used items by the purchasing department went into a general college fund

† 54.55% of the colleges in the sample maintain vehicles that they make available to faculty, staff or both for business use.

† The mean number of cards issued for the public colleges in the sample was an astounding 1680.

† More than half of the purchasing departments in the sample are significantly involved in the selection of shipping and transportation services. More than a fifth of public colleges often make the actual supplier selection while only 10% of private college purchasing departments do so.

The 115-page report is available for $144.00 from Primary Research Group Inc. For a list of participants and complete table of contents, or to order, visit our website at www.PrimaryResearch.com or call us at 212-736-2316.

Telecommunications Industry Association (TIA) Forecasts 3.1 Percent Loss for ICT Industry in 2009

First Overall Decline TIA Has Ever Predicted, but Recovery to Begin in 2010 as Broadband Stimulus Funds Are Injected Into Economy

Washington, D.C. b For the first time in its 23 years of forecasting for the information and communications technology (ICT) industry, the Telecommunications Industry Association (TIA) is projecting a 3.1 percent decline in revenue for the overall global ICT market in 2009 due to global economic conditions. In the U.S., revenue will suffer a 5.5 percent decline in 2009.

At a press conference held today, TIA released the 2009 ICT Market Review & Forecast, TIA's annual market intelligence report filled with data and analysis. (Watch a Webcast recording that includes the narrated presentation and a question and answer session.)

While revenue will remain weak in 2010, with a modest 1.2 percent increase, the longer-term outlook is much brighter. Globally, TIA projects a strong rebound for the ICT industry after 2010, citing a 6.4 percent revenue growth in 2011 and a 7.9 percent increase in 2012.

For the U.S., telecommunications revenue is expected to decrease by 6.4 percent in the next two years, but rebound by 14.4 percent during 2011-12. The effects of the current Stimulus Package, which carves out investment dollars for broadband, will enable growth throughout the ICT industry and beyond.

"Broadband will be a driver for recovery in all areas, from healthcare IT to smart grid technology, public safety networks to education, as well as for businesses and consumers," said Grant Seiffert, TIA President. "While TIA was instrumental in obtaining the $7.2 billion for broadband, other funding for energy, health IT and R&D will also spur recovery, especially in reviving some of the hundreds of thousands of jobs lost recently. The sum of increased productivity and revenue amongst all other industry segments whose growth broadband deployment contributes to is often underrated and perhaps immeasurable."

Growing demand for high-volume data applications is driving all segments, say the independent, unbiased analysts at Wilkofsky Gruen Associates who help to develop the Market Review & Forecast. Despite the recession, TIA predicts that wireless and business data revenue will grow by 73 percent during the next four years to $110 billion in 2012 from $64 billion in 2008. years out)

The target audience includes equipment manufacturers, service providers, software vendors, content providers and the media. Sectors covered in the publication include:

Landline

Wireless

Enterprise

Network equipment

Broadband

VoIP

Data transport

Internet access

About TIA
The Telecommunications Industry Association (TIA) represents the global information and communications technology (ICT) industry through standards development, advocacy, tradeshows, business opportunities, market intelligence and world-wide environmental regulatory analysis. With roots dating back to 1924, TIA enhances the business environment for broadband, mobile wireless, information technology, networks, cable, satellite and unified communications. Members' products and services empower communications in every industry and market, including healthcare, education, security, public safety, transportation, government, the military, the environment and entertainment. TIA co-owns the SUPERCOMM^B. tradeshow and is accredited by the American National Standards Institute (ANSI). Visit tiaonline.org.

TIA's Board of Directors includes senior-level executives from ACS, ADC, ADTRAN, Alcatel-Lucent, ANDA Networks, ArrayComm, AttivaCorp, Avaya, Bechtel Communications, Inc., Cisco Systems, Corning Incorporated, Ericsson, Inc., GENBAND, Inc., Graybar, Henkels & McCoy, ILS Technology, Intel Corporation, Intersect, Inc., LGE, Microsoft, Motorola, Nokia Siemens Networks, Nortel, Panasonic Computer Solutions Co., Qualcomm, Research In Motion, Sumitomo Electric Lightwave Corporation, Tellabs, Tyco Electronics, Ulticom, Inc., and Verari Systems. Advisors to the Board include FAL Associates, Orca Systems and Telcordia Technologies.

Further analysis shows that economic recovery during 2011-12 will be driven by pent-up demand.

New NVR Brings Toshiba Versatility, Quality and Value to Megapixel Camera Recording

IRVINE, CA, May 15, 2009 -- Toshiba Surveillance & IP Network Video, a business unit of Toshiba America Information Systems, Inc., today announced the availability of its next generation of Internet-based network video recorders (NVR). With a feature-set highlighted by a space-saving 3U chassis and support for 32 IP cameras, the new Toshiba IPS Series makes it amazingly simple to create a networked video surveillance environment by delivering the ease-of-use and reliability that marks all Toshiba products.

Toshiba IPS Series NVRs are fully compatible with Toshiba IP network cameras and those of other leading manufacturers including AXIS®, Sony® and Panasonic®. Cameras are recorded at their encoded resolution, including super high-resolution megapixel cameras, without degradation in video quality. On-board software provides security administrators with simultaneous recording, playback and remote streaming of live video images retrievable on their remote or local PC, along with comprehensive search capabilities of archives. Microsoft® Windows® XP is embedded as the operating system.

To save space for other critical peripherals Toshiba IPS Series NVRs feature a sleek, black 3U chassis (5.8" x 17.25" x 19.5") that mounts into any standard rack. In addition to a 32-channel version, IPR Series NVRs are available in 16- and 8-channel versions with optional 500 GB, 1TB or 2TB hard-drive storage. Equipped with the Intel® Core™ 2 Quad 2 GHz processor, IPS NVRs efficiently handle multiple megapixel cameras simultaneously, enabling the crystal-clear recording of these bandwidth-demanding devices.

The IPS is exceptionally flexible by design. It lets users define settings on a per camera basis including their resolution, motion detection, alarm recording, and frames-per-second (fps) up to 30 fps per camera. Video can be recorded from both local and global cameras via the Internet, and is stored using efficient MJPEG compression to optimize video storage space. In addition, cameras featuring PAN/TILT/ZOOM can be remotely controllable by the IPS, bringing added versatility throughout the surveillance operation.

"With simplified user setup, the ability to coexist with a variety of other network devices, and powerful processing speeds, our new IPS delivers a real-time solution that makes it possible for locations as diverse as shopping centers or single-family homes to receive the benefits of network video surveillance," said Sergio Collazo, Director of Sales and Marketing, Toshiba Surveillance & IP Network Video. "IPS technology is a natural complement to our popular networking cameras for capturing, recording and distributing IP surveillance video."

For information on Toshiba surveillance solutions, visit www.toshibasecurity.com. Or call 1-877-855-1349.

The latest on LEED’s

LEED's Latest Overhaul: Itself

BusinessWeek, May 18, 2009

The alignment of the individual rating systems, along with the new thresholds and the introduction of the 100-point scale, should simplify the documentation and certification process. In addition, they also help establish a framework that can accommodate more building types and market-specific requirements over time. However, the goals of the overhaul are more ambitious than streamlining and rationalizing the system. The larger aim was to provide incentives for project teams to deploy those strategies with the greatest potential for environmental or human-health-related benefit, with greenhouse-gas reduction at the top of the priority list. "LEED 2009 emphasizes the critical issues of energy, transportation, and water, and makes them the most important," says Rand Ekman, AIA, director of sustainability at OWP/P, Chicago.

This prioritization is achieved by redistributing points among the various LEED credits to emphasize some over others. To formulate this reallocation, USGBC staff, committees, and consultants started with an inventory of 13 aftereffects of human activity created by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and known as "TRACI." Short for "Tool for the Reduction and Assessment of Chemical and Other Environmental Impacts," TRACI includes categories such as fossil-fuel use, ozone depletion, and global warming.

Next in the reallocation process was prioritization of the TRACI categories. To assign a relative importance to each, the LEED 2009 team relied on a tool developed by the National Institute for Standards and Technology (NIST). Ultimately, the council created a matrix that established the relationship between existing LEED credits and the TRACI categories. The matrix served as the basis of a spreadsheet for calculating the number of points each credit is worth.

Energy and transportation credits came out as big point winners in this analysis, primarily because of the importance assigned to controlling carbon emissions. For example, strategies intended to increase energy efficiency and the reliance on renewable power generated on-site can earn projects up to 26 points, versus 13 when compared to the previous LEED for New Construction. A location close to public transportation, which also has the potential to reduce occupants' energy use, counts for six points, up from only one in the old system.

Some credits with a less direct link to slowing global warming also have heavier emphasis in LEED 2009. For example, ambitious water conservation goals can help garner as many as 10 points, double the number previously available.