Job Seekers Learn Tips for Job Search, Get Support and Encouragement, Share Job Leads
February 29, 2008, Colorado Springs, CO – According to Sarah E Needleman and the Wall Street Journal Online, job seekers should expand their jobs network beyond the usual suspects (from CareerJournal.com http://executivewoman.com/jobhunting/networking/20080108-needleman.html).
“You've reached out to everyone in your network of contacts -- just short of the family dog -- for help getting a job. Who else can you turn to?”
The Pikes Peak Workforce Center Networking Groups are a job search resource available to residents of El Paso and Teller Counties. In March, PPWFC will offer the following networking groups:
The Executive Networking Group meets Mondays from 10:00 a.m. to noon and is for those persons who have held senior management or executive level positions for an extended time, and who may be in need of specialized services. This group will be on March 3, 10, 17, 24, and 31.
The Professional Networking Group meets Wednesdays from 10:30 a.m. to noon and is for any individual seeking new employment. This group will meet on March 5, 12, 19, and 26.
The 50+ Networking Group meets Thursdays from 10:30 a.m. to noon and is for people age 50 and over who are seeking employment. This group specializes in addressing issues facing older workers. This group will meet on March 6, 13, 20, and 27.
The Veterans Networking Group meets the first, second and fourth Wednesday of each month is for veterans seeking employment, including active duty, retired and transitioning veterans. This group will meet on March 5, 12 and 26.
There is no charge to attend these networking groups. All groups meet at the PPWFC main office, 2306 East Pikes Peak Avenue, Colorado Springs, 80909.
The official blog of SouthSideBusiness.com
Friday, February 29, 2008
HealthGrades Partners with Google
Provides Independent Information on Doctors and Hospitals
GOLDEN, Colo.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Health Grades, Inc. (Nasdaq:HGRD), the leading independent healthcare ratings company, announced today that it is partnering with Google to help individuals find the best healthcare providers. HealthGrades will make independent information on doctors and hospitals, based on quality and cost, accessible via Google Health – a new product that is currently being tested in a pilot with the Cleveland Clinic.
The announcement comes on the heels of a keynote address delivered today by Google Chief Executive Officer Eric Schmidt at the Healthcare Information and Management Systems Society (HIMSS) annual conference in Orlando.
“HealthGrades’ goal is to guide Americans to better healthcare,” said Kerry Hicks, HealthGrades’ CEO. “For researching healthcare, more Americans turn to Google to start their search than any other source, so we are proud to be providing Google users with independent, objective quality ratings and cost information so that they can choose the best possible doctor and hospital.”
HealthGrades provides unique and exclusive content on the quality of virtually all of the nation’s hospitals and practicing physicians. Some of this content is already appearing in Google Maps today, including expanded profiles of healthcare providers, with more content to be added in the months to come.
HealthGrades maintains cost and quality reports for 700,000 physicians, nearly every practicing physician in the country. Reports include patient-satisfaction ratings, detailed education and training information, disciplinary action information, malpractice judgments (in 15 states), board certification, affiliated hospital quality ratings, comparisons to other physicians, specialty and national averages comparisons and more.
In addition, HealthGrades independently rates the quality of care at each of the nation’s nearly 5,000 nonmilitary hospitals, using star ratings to reflect patient outcomes for procedures and treatments ranging from bypass surgery to total knee replacement. HealthGrades also rates the quality of care at virtually every nursing home and home-health agency in the country.
About HealthGrades
Health Grades, Inc. (Nasdaq:HGRD) is the leading healthcare ratings organization, providing ratings and profiles of hospitals, nursing homes and physicians. Millions of consumers and many of the nation’s largest employers, health plans and hospitals rely on HealthGrades’ independent ratings, advisory services and decision-support resources to make healthcare decisions based on the quality and cost of care. More information on the company can be found at www.healthgrades.com.
GOLDEN, Colo.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Health Grades, Inc. (Nasdaq:HGRD), the leading independent healthcare ratings company, announced today that it is partnering with Google to help individuals find the best healthcare providers. HealthGrades will make independent information on doctors and hospitals, based on quality and cost, accessible via Google Health – a new product that is currently being tested in a pilot with the Cleveland Clinic.
The announcement comes on the heels of a keynote address delivered today by Google Chief Executive Officer Eric Schmidt at the Healthcare Information and Management Systems Society (HIMSS) annual conference in Orlando.
“HealthGrades’ goal is to guide Americans to better healthcare,” said Kerry Hicks, HealthGrades’ CEO. “For researching healthcare, more Americans turn to Google to start their search than any other source, so we are proud to be providing Google users with independent, objective quality ratings and cost information so that they can choose the best possible doctor and hospital.”
HealthGrades provides unique and exclusive content on the quality of virtually all of the nation’s hospitals and practicing physicians. Some of this content is already appearing in Google Maps today, including expanded profiles of healthcare providers, with more content to be added in the months to come.
HealthGrades maintains cost and quality reports for 700,000 physicians, nearly every practicing physician in the country. Reports include patient-satisfaction ratings, detailed education and training information, disciplinary action information, malpractice judgments (in 15 states), board certification, affiliated hospital quality ratings, comparisons to other physicians, specialty and national averages comparisons and more.
In addition, HealthGrades independently rates the quality of care at each of the nation’s nearly 5,000 nonmilitary hospitals, using star ratings to reflect patient outcomes for procedures and treatments ranging from bypass surgery to total knee replacement. HealthGrades also rates the quality of care at virtually every nursing home and home-health agency in the country.
About HealthGrades
Health Grades, Inc. (Nasdaq:HGRD) is the leading healthcare ratings organization, providing ratings and profiles of hospitals, nursing homes and physicians. Millions of consumers and many of the nation’s largest employers, health plans and hospitals rely on HealthGrades’ independent ratings, advisory services and decision-support resources to make healthcare decisions based on the quality and cost of care. More information on the company can be found at www.healthgrades.com.
Thursday, February 28, 2008
LEGENDARY GUITARIST JOHNNY WINTER TO APPEAR!
Colorado Springs, CO, Considered by many to be the foremost Texas style blues guitarist; Johnny Winter will be performing at the Crystola Bar and Grill, 20918 US Hwy 24 in Woodland Park, on Saturday March 8th. Opening the show will be local favorite, Jake Loggins Band. Showtime is 9pm. This concert was originally scheduled to be at the Silver Moon Event Center in Colorado Springs.
The Texas guitar tradition runs deep. It's a gutsy school of blues playing, marked by thick tones, aggressive attack and tons of technique, all delivered in a flamboyant, swaggering style that is endemic to the Lone Star State. From T-Bone Walker and Clarence Gatemouth Brown on through Albert Collins and Freddie King, Billy Gibbons and the late Stevie Ray Vaughan, the tradition of the Texas guitar slinger has lived on. One name that ranks atop that exclusive list is Johnny Winter, the international ambassador for rocking Texas blues for the last thirty years.
His latest Grammy nominated disc titled "I'm A Bluesman" out on Virgin Records, adds to his Texas-sized reputation. For this release, Johnny has again paired with his long-time producer Dick Shurman (Robert Cray, Albert Collins, Roy Buchanan), as well as Tom Hambridge (Susan Tedeschi, George Thorogood). Performing with him on this CD are members of his scorching road-tested touring band consisting of guitarist Paul Nelson, bassist Scott Spray, and newly added drummer Tony Beard with guest appearances by such friends as ace harmonica player James Montgomery, keyboardist Reese Wynans (from Stevie Ray Vaughan's celebrated backing group Double Trouble) among others. Don't miss Johnny and his band on their current worldwide tour as he introduces audiences to his new material while reacquainting them with his iconic guitar playing.
Tickets are $30 in advance and $35 the day of the show. There is a very limited number of VIP tickets being offered for $60 and includes a reserved table (up to 6 people), dinner and drink.
Tickets may be purchased on-line at www.amusiccompanyinc.com or at the Crystola Bar and Grill. KRCC members may purchase limited discounted tickets at KRCC , 912 N. Weber St.
Steve Hecht, director of Piedmont Talent, contacted local music-production company A Music Company Inc. to see if arrangements could be made to pick up the date after the concert was canceled at the Silver Moon.
We�re thrilled to be able to bring Johnny Winter to the area instead of disappointing his legions of fans� says Amy Whitesell of A Music Company Inc.
Tickets purchased for the Silver Moon date, will not be honored at the new location. Those holding tickets will need to get a refund from the location where they were purchased.
Crystola Bar & Grill 719-687-7879. KRCC 719-473-4801. A Music Company Inc. 719-576-5945
The Texas guitar tradition runs deep. It's a gutsy school of blues playing, marked by thick tones, aggressive attack and tons of technique, all delivered in a flamboyant, swaggering style that is endemic to the Lone Star State. From T-Bone Walker and Clarence Gatemouth Brown on through Albert Collins and Freddie King, Billy Gibbons and the late Stevie Ray Vaughan, the tradition of the Texas guitar slinger has lived on. One name that ranks atop that exclusive list is Johnny Winter, the international ambassador for rocking Texas blues for the last thirty years.
His latest Grammy nominated disc titled "I'm A Bluesman" out on Virgin Records, adds to his Texas-sized reputation. For this release, Johnny has again paired with his long-time producer Dick Shurman (Robert Cray, Albert Collins, Roy Buchanan), as well as Tom Hambridge (Susan Tedeschi, George Thorogood). Performing with him on this CD are members of his scorching road-tested touring band consisting of guitarist Paul Nelson, bassist Scott Spray, and newly added drummer Tony Beard with guest appearances by such friends as ace harmonica player James Montgomery, keyboardist Reese Wynans (from Stevie Ray Vaughan's celebrated backing group Double Trouble) among others. Don't miss Johnny and his band on their current worldwide tour as he introduces audiences to his new material while reacquainting them with his iconic guitar playing.
Tickets are $30 in advance and $35 the day of the show. There is a very limited number of VIP tickets being offered for $60 and includes a reserved table (up to 6 people), dinner and drink.
Tickets may be purchased on-line at www.amusiccompanyinc.com or at the Crystola Bar and Grill. KRCC members may purchase limited discounted tickets at KRCC , 912 N. Weber St.
Steve Hecht, director of Piedmont Talent, contacted local music-production company A Music Company Inc. to see if arrangements could be made to pick up the date after the concert was canceled at the Silver Moon.
We�re thrilled to be able to bring Johnny Winter to the area instead of disappointing his legions of fans� says Amy Whitesell of A Music Company Inc.
Tickets purchased for the Silver Moon date, will not be honored at the new location. Those holding tickets will need to get a refund from the location where they were purchased.
Crystola Bar & Grill 719-687-7879. KRCC 719-473-4801. A Music Company Inc. 719-576-5945
ADTI Launches SkyNet™, a Revolutionary Digital Display
DENVER--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Advance Display Technologies, Inc. (OTCBB: ADTI) announced the introduction of SkyNet™, a revolutionary, flexible, outdoor digital display product developed, manufactured and sold by ADTI.
Matthew W. Shankle, the President and CEO of ADTI, stated, “I am very excited with SkyNet™’s prospects and the impact it will have on the large format signage markets. I expect this revolutionary digital display technology will significantly alter the market for the large format, outdoor advertising, entertainment, sporting venue and architectural lighting industries.”
SkyNet™ is a brand new medium for the direct delivery of digitally created signage, video content and architectural illumination on a physical scale previously unimaginable. Utilizing the latest high intensity Light Emitting Diode (LED) components, SkyNet™ creates a full palette of colors viewable in full direct sunlight. SkyNet™’s proprietary lightweight LED mesh technology flexibly wraps the corners of buildings and easily scales up to wrap an entire high-rise building with video and graphics. ADTI’s SkyNet™ product theoretically has no size limitations.
Jody Thomas, ADTI’s EVP of Sales & Marketing, added, “ADTI’s proprietary SkyNet™ product is highly suited to enable massive visual display applications never before envisioned. With SkyNet™’s flexible structure, innovative transparency, negligible weight, stunning video/graphics performance, and redundant systems architecture, ADTI’s entire management team is very proud to have put SkyNet™ in position to serve both existing digital display markets and enable entirely new markets to develop using this product. SkyNet™’s value proposition also includes excellent cost of ownership savings and attractive ROI’s for our customers as operating downtime is minimized with this revolutionary digital display product.”
SkyNet™’s 60% transparency and thickness of only 3 centimeters allows natural light and ventilation to pass through SkyNet™ thereby addressing the architectural requirements of structures with windows or structures requiring air circulation. The highly modular redundant system architecture of SkyNet™ allows its components to be easily assembled in the factory and serviced in the field.
Matt Shankle added, “SkyNet™ digital displays can be built to any height and any width creating a display specifically sized to suit the desired building, structure, framework or other display surface. Traditional “fixed-frame” outdoor digital displays require heavy obtrusive cabinets to conceal power supplies, controls, cabling and provide structure. With our new design, all SkyNet™ components are either part of the lightweight semi-transparent mesh structure or they are concealed in small power control enclosures at the top or bottom of the display. These power control enclosures may alternately be located remotely in convenient visually discrete locations. SkyNet™’s 60% open mesh structure also minimizes wind loading, a very serious structural loading consideration for outdoor signage installations of all types.”
SkyNet™ additional design features include:
* Designed to withstand temperature extremes and operate at full luminous intensity at up to 115 ° Fahrenheit, neither the coldest of winter climates nor the hottest of desert climates are a challenge for SkyNet™.
* Fully moisture-proof; SkyNet™ can withstand driving rain, heavy snow, icing, condensation, and even pressure washing!
* Redundant power and signal distribution architectures enable fully, remote programming, remote control, remote diagnostics and remote proof of play authentication.
* Multi redundant systems architecture makes truck rolls for emergency or scheduled servicing highly infrequent.
ADTI’s EVP of Manufacturing, Jim Martindale, who managed the SkyNet™ product’s research & development program, stated, “SkyNet™ has been designed from the ground up to withstand the extreme environmental conditions of outdoor installations from New York City to Las Vegas or even Dubai to Oslo. Heat, cold and precipitation challenges are easily met by SkyNet™’s proprietary design attributes. This product is purposefully designed for the serious digital display owner who expects a good ROI and knows the true value of controlling ownership costs over time. ADTI has invested heavily in designing the SkyNet™ product to be affordable, durable, reliable and virtually maintenance free. These are the design attributes ADTI’s SkyNet™ customers can expect from this revolutionary digital display product.”
Advance Display Technologies, Inc. (ADTI) is engaged in the business of developing, manufacturing, and selling proprietary outdoor digital display products for the outdoor advertising, entertainment, sporting venue, and architectural lighting markets. ADTI was originally formed to develop and manufacture fiber optic display screen systems and, since December 2004, ADTI has also engaged in the business of the technological development and manufacture of proprietary Light Emitting Diode (LED) display screen systems. ADTI is headquartered in Centennial, Colorado with additional Company operations in New York City, New Jersey, North Carolina and Southern California.
For more information regarding ADTI and the SkyNet™ product see the Company’s web site at http://www.adtimedia.com or email to info@adtimedia.com.
Matthew W. Shankle, the President and CEO of ADTI, stated, “I am very excited with SkyNet™’s prospects and the impact it will have on the large format signage markets. I expect this revolutionary digital display technology will significantly alter the market for the large format, outdoor advertising, entertainment, sporting venue and architectural lighting industries.”
SkyNet™ is a brand new medium for the direct delivery of digitally created signage, video content and architectural illumination on a physical scale previously unimaginable. Utilizing the latest high intensity Light Emitting Diode (LED) components, SkyNet™ creates a full palette of colors viewable in full direct sunlight. SkyNet™’s proprietary lightweight LED mesh technology flexibly wraps the corners of buildings and easily scales up to wrap an entire high-rise building with video and graphics. ADTI’s SkyNet™ product theoretically has no size limitations.
Jody Thomas, ADTI’s EVP of Sales & Marketing, added, “ADTI’s proprietary SkyNet™ product is highly suited to enable massive visual display applications never before envisioned. With SkyNet™’s flexible structure, innovative transparency, negligible weight, stunning video/graphics performance, and redundant systems architecture, ADTI’s entire management team is very proud to have put SkyNet™ in position to serve both existing digital display markets and enable entirely new markets to develop using this product. SkyNet™’s value proposition also includes excellent cost of ownership savings and attractive ROI’s for our customers as operating downtime is minimized with this revolutionary digital display product.”
SkyNet™’s 60% transparency and thickness of only 3 centimeters allows natural light and ventilation to pass through SkyNet™ thereby addressing the architectural requirements of structures with windows or structures requiring air circulation. The highly modular redundant system architecture of SkyNet™ allows its components to be easily assembled in the factory and serviced in the field.
Matt Shankle added, “SkyNet™ digital displays can be built to any height and any width creating a display specifically sized to suit the desired building, structure, framework or other display surface. Traditional “fixed-frame” outdoor digital displays require heavy obtrusive cabinets to conceal power supplies, controls, cabling and provide structure. With our new design, all SkyNet™ components are either part of the lightweight semi-transparent mesh structure or they are concealed in small power control enclosures at the top or bottom of the display. These power control enclosures may alternately be located remotely in convenient visually discrete locations. SkyNet™’s 60% open mesh structure also minimizes wind loading, a very serious structural loading consideration for outdoor signage installations of all types.”
SkyNet™ additional design features include:
* Designed to withstand temperature extremes and operate at full luminous intensity at up to 115 ° Fahrenheit, neither the coldest of winter climates nor the hottest of desert climates are a challenge for SkyNet™.
* Fully moisture-proof; SkyNet™ can withstand driving rain, heavy snow, icing, condensation, and even pressure washing!
* Redundant power and signal distribution architectures enable fully, remote programming, remote control, remote diagnostics and remote proof of play authentication.
* Multi redundant systems architecture makes truck rolls for emergency or scheduled servicing highly infrequent.
ADTI’s EVP of Manufacturing, Jim Martindale, who managed the SkyNet™ product’s research & development program, stated, “SkyNet™ has been designed from the ground up to withstand the extreme environmental conditions of outdoor installations from New York City to Las Vegas or even Dubai to Oslo. Heat, cold and precipitation challenges are easily met by SkyNet™’s proprietary design attributes. This product is purposefully designed for the serious digital display owner who expects a good ROI and knows the true value of controlling ownership costs over time. ADTI has invested heavily in designing the SkyNet™ product to be affordable, durable, reliable and virtually maintenance free. These are the design attributes ADTI’s SkyNet™ customers can expect from this revolutionary digital display product.”
Advance Display Technologies, Inc. (ADTI) is engaged in the business of developing, manufacturing, and selling proprietary outdoor digital display products for the outdoor advertising, entertainment, sporting venue, and architectural lighting markets. ADTI was originally formed to develop and manufacture fiber optic display screen systems and, since December 2004, ADTI has also engaged in the business of the technological development and manufacture of proprietary Light Emitting Diode (LED) display screen systems. ADTI is headquartered in Centennial, Colorado with additional Company operations in New York City, New Jersey, North Carolina and Southern California.
For more information regarding ADTI and the SkyNet™ product see the Company’s web site at http://www.adtimedia.com or email to info@adtimedia.com.
Wednesday, February 27, 2008
PPWFC OFFERS PILOT LEAN/SIX SIGMA TRAINING
Local Employers Benefit from Trained Workforce
February 28, 2008, Colorado Springs, CO – To ensure that local employers have access to workers with the right skills, the Pikes Peak Workforce Center (PPWFC) and the Colorado Association for Manufacturing and Technology (CAMT) are offering pilot program that consists of a series of Lean/Six Sigma classes to workers who have lost their jobs through no fault of their own.
“Manufacturing is vital in sustaining our local economy,” says Joseph Pentlicki, Account and Program Manager for CAMT. “Because of the opportunity to provide training on skills necessary to improve manufacturing competitiveness, including Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma and other problem solving techniques, and Internal ISO auditor training, we are able to benefit local businesses by developing a pool of trained workers, needed by those businesses.”
“I am happy to be part of this program because it allows me to upgrade my skills and makes me more marketable,” says Thomas King. “With these new certifications and my past experience, I am confident that I will be able to find work more quickly than I would if I did not have the Six Sigma certifications.”
Nineteen unemployed workers applied to and were accepted into the pilot program which continues for six weeks. The classes are held on Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday, from 8:00 a.m. to noon. Upon completion of the training, the students will be certified in the following areas:
· Quality Basics Training covers using quality tools, such as fishbone and pareto charts to address problems
· Yellow Belt covers problems solving techniques
· Lean Six Sigma covers Six Sigma applications including waste reduction and efficiency
· Lean Basics covers all elements that make up Lean processes
· Root Cause is similar to Six Sigma and focuses on organized problem solving
· Statistical Problem Solving (SPC)
· ISO Auditor covers the isometric international standard for quality systems
The instructor for this pilot program, Mr. Don Boyer received his BSEE from Southern Illinois University and is a Senior Associate with CAMT. Mr. Boyer provides practical, hands on training in LEAN concepts and has held quality manufacturing, operations management and design positions in several high tech companies and has over 40 years in the industry. He has done consulting in ISO since 1992; has worked in Lean since 1995; and consulted in Lean since 1999.
About PPWFC
The Pikes Peak Workforce Center supports business and promotes employment by providing market-driven solutions for our community to succeed in the global economy. PPWFC helps businesses solve their workforce-related business problems and helps residents with career transition. More information about the Pikes Peak Workforce Center can be found online at www.ppwfc.org.
Home Builders Team Up to Market Cheyenne Mtn Area
Home Sites Scarce in Cheyenne Mountain Area
Developers and Builders Band Together to Market Remaining Sites
Colorado Springs, CO February 29, 2008---Several months ago Michelle Grove- Reiland of The Spires Broadmoor realized there might be an opportunity for builders and developers in the Cheyenne Mountain area to put together a joint marketing initiative that would benefit all parties. She invited representatives of Star Ranch by Nichols-Comito, The Canyons at Broadmoor, Bella Collina by High Country Homes and Broadmoor Ridge by Keller Homes to a meeting.
It’s real. So many people want to live in the general Broadmoor – Cheyenne Mountain area and these are the last lots available,” said Larry Nichols of Nichols & Comito. Even if other property is developed in the future it will be two to three years out and these lots will be gone, he explained. “The lots are different. The builders are different. The developments are different. The variety appeals to different peoples needs. The idea is that by promoting collectively we will generate sales for all of us,” Nichols said.
DeLay likened the venture to a “ Motor City ” type of concept. The hope is that ads and signage will draw buyers to visit available lots, talk to participants and referrals can be made between the parties. “If you want to be in this southwest area, hopefully you’ll come look at all of us,” he said. Keith Godshall of Bella Collina by High Country Homes said, “It has been helpful for us to define who we are, what we want to do and ask if we are duplicating efforts.” He believes the effort will work because everyone has a little different niche and have respect for each other.
Dana Craig, Vice President of Sales for Keller Homes, said “For the same reason, the joint venture effort complements our current initiatives because it will reinforce our message with any crossover buyers who we’ve reached with our internal campaign, while hopefully reaching some buyers we haven’t yet reached. In addition, we recognize the draw that our joint venture partners elicit with their strong reputations – we hope we might tap into a buyer who is drawn by partner names but perhaps can’t afford a custom home – either due to budget or time constraints – and will then be made aware of Keller Homes presence in the community and our more affordable offerings”.
HOW WILL SUCCESS BE DEFINED?
“I consider it successful if we can make those people who are interested aware of the limited amount of property available, getting those people thinking about it and to understand. Sales will come,” said Nichols. The venture will be a success for Keller Homes if it produces increased traffic volume and attracts a different buyer than we’ve seen to date, said Craig. We’ll measure this by our traffic documentation and feedback from the sales team, she added. In fact, as of the date of this writing, Keller has sold a lot for a home to a customer who came to their model with a copy of the advertising flyer in hand.
Grove-Reiland feels the effort will educate buyers and realtors and to that end, we can all realize more sales together, than we could alone. Godshall sees this initiative as model for other parts of town where builders and developers come together and feed off of each other. Nichols said he too would participate in a venture like this again and suggested it might be a good idea for the big developers to come together to promote the Colorado Springs region.
For more information on these developments, please contact:
The Spires Broadmoor 527-0544
Star Ranch 527-8100
The Canyons at Broadmoor 667-1111
Broadmoor Ridge 527-0200
Bella Collina 473-4735
Developers and Builders Band Together to Market Remaining Sites
Colorado Springs, CO February 29, 2008---Several months ago Michelle Grove- Reiland of The Spires Broadmoor realized there might be an opportunity for builders and developers in the Cheyenne Mountain area to put together a joint marketing initiative that would benefit all parties. She invited representatives of Star Ranch by Nichols-Comito, The Canyons at Broadmoor, Bella Collina by High Country Homes and Broadmoor Ridge by Keller Homes to a meeting.
It’s real. So many people want to live in the general Broadmoor – Cheyenne Mountain area and these are the last lots available,” said Larry Nichols of Nichols & Comito. Even if other property is developed in the future it will be two to three years out and these lots will be gone, he explained. “The lots are different. The builders are different. The developments are different. The variety appeals to different peoples needs. The idea is that by promoting collectively we will generate sales for all of us,” Nichols said.
DeLay likened the venture to a “ Motor City ” type of concept. The hope is that ads and signage will draw buyers to visit available lots, talk to participants and referrals can be made between the parties. “If you want to be in this southwest area, hopefully you’ll come look at all of us,” he said. Keith Godshall of Bella Collina by High Country Homes said, “It has been helpful for us to define who we are, what we want to do and ask if we are duplicating efforts.” He believes the effort will work because everyone has a little different niche and have respect for each other.
Dana Craig, Vice President of Sales for Keller Homes, said “For the same reason, the joint venture effort complements our current initiatives because it will reinforce our message with any crossover buyers who we’ve reached with our internal campaign, while hopefully reaching some buyers we haven’t yet reached. In addition, we recognize the draw that our joint venture partners elicit with their strong reputations – we hope we might tap into a buyer who is drawn by partner names but perhaps can’t afford a custom home – either due to budget or time constraints – and will then be made aware of Keller Homes presence in the community and our more affordable offerings”.
HOW WILL SUCCESS BE DEFINED?
“I consider it successful if we can make those people who are interested aware of the limited amount of property available, getting those people thinking about it and to understand. Sales will come,” said Nichols. The venture will be a success for Keller Homes if it produces increased traffic volume and attracts a different buyer than we’ve seen to date, said Craig. We’ll measure this by our traffic documentation and feedback from the sales team, she added. In fact, as of the date of this writing, Keller has sold a lot for a home to a customer who came to their model with a copy of the advertising flyer in hand.
Grove-Reiland feels the effort will educate buyers and realtors and to that end, we can all realize more sales together, than we could alone. Godshall sees this initiative as model for other parts of town where builders and developers come together and feed off of each other. Nichols said he too would participate in a venture like this again and suggested it might be a good idea for the big developers to come together to promote the Colorado Springs region.
For more information on these developments, please contact:
The Spires Broadmoor 527-0544
Star Ranch 527-8100
The Canyons at Broadmoor 667-1111
Broadmoor Ridge 527-0200
Bella Collina 473-4735
Colorado Tech Recognized for Service to Military
Colorado Technical University Earns High Honors
From the Council of College and Military Educators
COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Colorado Technical University (CTU) was recently awarded the prestigious 2007 Institution Award by the Council of College and Military Educators. The honor, awarded for an institution’s “dedication, leadership and numerous accomplishments in providing quality voluntary off-duty education programs” to the military, is highly respected in military circles. Greg Mitchell, president of CTU Colorado Springs, received the award on behalf of Colorado Technical University at the CCME symposium held last week in San Francisco.
The CCME award recognizes an institution for its significant contributions to the cause of military education. At last year’s CCME conference, Bob Bothel, Director of Voluntary Education for the US Coast Guard, asked, “All of you say you are ‘military friendly’. Is that the truth, or is it simply a marketing ploy?” CTU’s Mitchell noted that this year’s award “brought full circle the challenge made last year by Bothel and it inspired us to continue in our commitment to military education. There is still more that can be done, of course. We just hope the privilege of winning this award will challenge other schools to do more in their support and in their programs as well.”
Dr. Wallace Pond, Chancellor of CTU Online – the university’s Web-based virtual campus who, along with Mitchell, accepted the award said, “It is rewarding to have our efforts acknowledged with this honor. At CTU, we committed to becoming THE provider of choice to military students and we’ve aligned the university with the very special needs of highly mobile military personnel. This CCME award validates that we are moving in the right direction and that we have become a truly military-friendly institution.”
This prestigious award follows on the heels of other honors recently bestowed on the university for its support for American service men, women and their families. In 2007, CTU placed among the top 10 institutions in the Military Advanced Education Top 30 Colleges. MAE’s Top Colleges honor is awarded to the most military-friendly universities in the United States.
About Colorado Technical University
Founded in 1965 in Colorado Springs, CO., Colorado Technical University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission and a member of the North Central Association, 30 N. LaSalle St., Ste. 2400, Chicago, IL 60602-2504; www.ncahigherlearningcommissions.org. For information on the university, please visit www.coloradotech.edu or call (719) 598-0200.
CTU is a member of the Career Education Corporation (NASDAQ:CECO) network of colleges, universities, and schools.
Saturday, February 23, 2008
Payday Lending Bill get preliminary approval in CO house
By Ed Duffy
House bill 1310 would cap interest rates by Payday lenders at 45% per year while also putting a limit of $60 per 12 month period on origination fees.
A Payday loan is a small loan, usually between $300 and $500. Typically these loans are made to people who have little or no other access to credit and feel they have no alternative. They can carry effective interest rates as high as 350% or more. Many borrowers continually roll over their loans and can wind up trapped in a perpetual cycle of ever increasing debt.
Some argue that capping interest rates and fees is anti-free market. In most cases I would wholeheartedly agree. In this particular situation though, the practice of ridiculously high fees and interest rates is extremely predatory. It takes advantage of people who are not aware that they would be much better off simply not paying their bills and facing the consequences of that, whether it be late fees or even eviction. The result would be to force them to correct their budgets rather than to enter into indentured servitude.
On the other hand, these types of lenders serve a very high risk market. They make emergency loans available to people who couldn't get them anywhere else. If someone chooses to pay an exhorbatant fee for a short term loan, should we assume it's because they're stupid or should they be free to make that choice?
A better option, consistent with free-market principals would be an effort to educate people about finances and alternatives. Maybe more practical economics in public school and less "sensativity training".
The ignorance in economics is not limited to the impoverished. Look at the popularity of "factoring". This is the practice of lending money based on a business' future revenue, often from credit card sales. If you do the math on these set-ups you'll find business owners paying rates of 60% or more for loans extending 6-7 months. Of course you'd be better off just swiping your own credit card, even if it's a high rate one. You could also just have a "super sale" to raise revenue. For example if your mark-up normally gives you a 50% margin and you drop it to 20% for your sale, you're still only giving up half of what you would in a factoring deal and your generating traffic at the same time.
Protecting people from overpaying for services is not the government's job, but as long as we're paying for public education, combating ignorance is.
House bill 1310 would cap interest rates by Payday lenders at 45% per year while also putting a limit of $60 per 12 month period on origination fees.
A Payday loan is a small loan, usually between $300 and $500. Typically these loans are made to people who have little or no other access to credit and feel they have no alternative. They can carry effective interest rates as high as 350% or more. Many borrowers continually roll over their loans and can wind up trapped in a perpetual cycle of ever increasing debt.
Some argue that capping interest rates and fees is anti-free market. In most cases I would wholeheartedly agree. In this particular situation though, the practice of ridiculously high fees and interest rates is extremely predatory. It takes advantage of people who are not aware that they would be much better off simply not paying their bills and facing the consequences of that, whether it be late fees or even eviction. The result would be to force them to correct their budgets rather than to enter into indentured servitude.
On the other hand, these types of lenders serve a very high risk market. They make emergency loans available to people who couldn't get them anywhere else. If someone chooses to pay an exhorbatant fee for a short term loan, should we assume it's because they're stupid or should they be free to make that choice?
A better option, consistent with free-market principals would be an effort to educate people about finances and alternatives. Maybe more practical economics in public school and less "sensativity training".
The ignorance in economics is not limited to the impoverished. Look at the popularity of "factoring". This is the practice of lending money based on a business' future revenue, often from credit card sales. If you do the math on these set-ups you'll find business owners paying rates of 60% or more for loans extending 6-7 months. Of course you'd be better off just swiping your own credit card, even if it's a high rate one. You could also just have a "super sale" to raise revenue. For example if your mark-up normally gives you a 50% margin and you drop it to 20% for your sale, you're still only giving up half of what you would in a factoring deal and your generating traffic at the same time.
Protecting people from overpaying for services is not the government's job, but as long as we're paying for public education, combating ignorance is.
Frontier, Northwest add flights from Colorado Springs
Frontier airlines has announced it will soon begin connecting flights from Colorado Springs to its Denver hub. Days later, Northwest airlines announced it will begin non-stop service from Colorado Springs to Memphis TN in mid-June.
The new services may help bring down prices for people flying out of the Springs, not to mention saving the time and hassle of driving to Denver.
The Springs airport is on a roll. Frontier is building a new maintence facility here and 2007 saw an increase in flights out of the airport. Several new hotels have been built near the airport and a number of businesses have new facilities along the southern portion of the Powers Blvd corridor.
The new services may help bring down prices for people flying out of the Springs, not to mention saving the time and hassle of driving to Denver.
The Springs airport is on a roll. Frontier is building a new maintence facility here and 2007 saw an increase in flights out of the airport. Several new hotels have been built near the airport and a number of businesses have new facilities along the southern portion of the Powers Blvd corridor.
Thursday, February 21, 2008
Business Profits Ignite With Branding
From the BBB:
No matter the size, almost every business recognizes the need to create awareness of its products or services. But as consumers are increasingly bombarded with advertisements, messages and images, coupled with an un-certain economic forecast, it is more important than ever for businesses to differentiate themselves.
On the other side of the equation, consumers want to be able to sort through the clutter in order to find a company that is trustworthy and meets their purchasing needs.
While public relations and advertising have long been used to build awareness and ultimately increase sales, branding your product or service has now become essential. Branding can take these tried and true methods to a new level.
If you are a southern Colorado business owner, or even a consumer who just wants to learn more about branding and how it influences your decision to buy a product or service, you may want to attend an upcoming special event in Pueblo hosted by your Better Business Bureau of Southern Colorado.
Branding experts Suzanne Tulien and Carol Chapman, owners of the Brand Ascension Group, will teach an innovative, highly interactive workshop on Wednesday, March 5 in the Fortino Ballroom at Pueblo Community College. The workshop is based on their book, The 6 Myths of Small Business Branding. The event is open to the public and will run from 8:00 AM to 12:00 noon, with a 7:30 AM check-in time. Below are just a few of the secrets Suzanne and Carol will share with you at this interactive workshop:
* Learn the true difference between Branding and Marketing and how they affect your bottom line.
* Find out how customers really make buying decisions.
* Discover why the first seven seconds of contact with a customer are so crucial?
* Learn how to boost your brand’s overall customer experience without going broke?
For more details, information on cost and to make reservations, contact Zella Richardson at 719-542-1605 or zellar@bbbsc.org. You can also go to www.BrandAscension.com.
No matter the size, almost every business recognizes the need to create awareness of its products or services. But as consumers are increasingly bombarded with advertisements, messages and images, coupled with an un-certain economic forecast, it is more important than ever for businesses to differentiate themselves.
On the other side of the equation, consumers want to be able to sort through the clutter in order to find a company that is trustworthy and meets their purchasing needs.
While public relations and advertising have long been used to build awareness and ultimately increase sales, branding your product or service has now become essential. Branding can take these tried and true methods to a new level.
If you are a southern Colorado business owner, or even a consumer who just wants to learn more about branding and how it influences your decision to buy a product or service, you may want to attend an upcoming special event in Pueblo hosted by your Better Business Bureau of Southern Colorado.
Branding experts Suzanne Tulien and Carol Chapman, owners of the Brand Ascension Group, will teach an innovative, highly interactive workshop on Wednesday, March 5 in the Fortino Ballroom at Pueblo Community College. The workshop is based on their book, The 6 Myths of Small Business Branding. The event is open to the public and will run from 8:00 AM to 12:00 noon, with a 7:30 AM check-in time. Below are just a few of the secrets Suzanne and Carol will share with you at this interactive workshop:
* Learn the true difference between Branding and Marketing and how they affect your bottom line.
* Find out how customers really make buying decisions.
* Discover why the first seven seconds of contact with a customer are so crucial?
* Learn how to boost your brand’s overall customer experience without going broke?
For more details, information on cost and to make reservations, contact Zella Richardson at 719-542-1605 or zellar@bbbsc.org. You can also go to www.BrandAscension.com.
Wednesday, February 20, 2008
First Light Net Acquires Fishing.org Domain Name
First Light Net, a Provider of Niche Internet Advertising for the Fishing, Hunting, Sports and Outdoor Industries, Announced That It Has Acquired the Domain Name Fishing.org
COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--After months of negotiation First Light Net is proud to announce the acquisition of Fishing.org domain name.
"This is a fundamental domain acquisition," said Michael Hodgdon, First Light Net's Chairman and Chief Operating Officer. "Our focus is to connect outdoor retailers and manufacturers to targeted customers online. The addition of Fishing.org to our network of over 350 fishing, hunting, and outdoors websites will be another big step in connecting anglers to the products and services they are looking for."
First Light Net will develop the Fishing.org website and accompanying brand to provide an engaging online community and targeted advertising to end users. Hodgdon says, "Fishing.org was targeted for acquisition due to its natural appeal to search engines and strong branding potential."
"By targeting highly relevant and broad search term domain names and web sites for acquisition we strengthen our position as the outdoor companies best choice for Internet advertising and promotion," said Hodgdon. "This transaction meets all of our key acquisition criteria, and has specific catalysts for growth."
First Light Net offers free information, free promotional giveaways, forums and social network sites to outdoor enthusiasts and monetizes this web traffic by offering clients targeted online advertising.
According to the latest "National Survey of Fishing, Hunting, and Wildlife-Associated Recreation" by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, over 82 million U.S. residents 16 years old and older fished, hunted, or wildlife watched in 2006.
Financial details regarding the acquisition were not available at the time of this release.
About First Light Net
First Light Net is a trademark of Predatorial Advertising Associates L.L.C., a marketing and advertising company that specializes in servicing the fishing, hunting, outdoor and sports industries Internet needs. They manage one of the largest online networks of outdoor related vertical niche. They offer clients a wide range of services including banner advertising, featured "Retailer Showcase" ads, Pay Per Click advertising, textual ads, targeted opt in email marketing, and newsletter sponsorship. To learn more about First Light Net, visit www.firstlightnet.com.
Tuesday, February 19, 2008
Office Evolution Acquires 3 Locations in Colorado Spings
Office Evolution Continues Expansion
Executive Suites, virtual office, and live answer receptionist provider now has largest footprintin Colorado with 14 facilities.
COLORADO SPRINGS – Office Evolution, a Colorado based executive suite, virtual
office, conference center and live answer receptionist provider, announces the acquisition of Executive Systems in Colorado Springs. This acquisition will add three premier locations to Office Evolution’s 11 existing Front Range facilities giving Office Evolution the largest footprint of any competitor in Colorado.
Executive Systems has been owned and operated by founder, Kimberly Moore for over
seventeen years. “The purchase of Executive Systems is an exciting development and
acquisition for all our members and investors,” says founder and president, Mark Hemmeter. “Ms. Moore has built a solid client base with three locations comprising 30,000 sq.ft. of office space and is the market leader in Colorado Springs of executive suites and virtual services. This acquisition supports our mission to provide small and mid-size businesses in Colorado with efficient, high-end, multi-location professional Office Suites, Services and Amenities throughout
the Front Range!”
Kimberly Moore echoes Mark Hemmeter by adding, “This sale represents exciting
developments for my clients by providing them with an extended network of locations,
professional staff and strong management offered by Office Evolution. This acquisition by Office Evolution, for me personally, represents an opportunity to pursue my desire to partner with a group to deploy technologies for additional efficiencies and automated solutions here in the U.S., Europe and Mexico. I believe in and have a passion for this industry; I believe Office Evolution has this same passion with greater capability and resources.”
The three new locations, Downtown at the Palmer Center, North Academy at I-25, and
West Central Garden of the Gods at Elkton Drive, adds to Office Evolution's existing 11 locations. Office Evolution currently manages 14 facilities, 120,000 square feet of office and meeting space and over 300 private executive suite offices from Fort Collins to Colorado Springs.
About Office Evolution:
Office Evolution is a comprehensive office suite and telecommunication services provider that offers complete business amenities—from suite space to live reception and conferencing. Office Evolution all aspects of a professional office environment, including an expansive network of business centers, no-call-missed technology, supportive business culture, affordability, and the scope and scalability to grow small companies. For further information about Office Evolution’s complete offices suites and telecommunications services, contact Office Evolution at 719-757-1111 or NewMember@OfficeEvolution.com.
Executive Suites, virtual office, and live answer receptionist provider now has largest footprintin Colorado with 14 facilities.
COLORADO SPRINGS – Office Evolution, a Colorado based executive suite, virtual
office, conference center and live answer receptionist provider, announces the acquisition of Executive Systems in Colorado Springs. This acquisition will add three premier locations to Office Evolution’s 11 existing Front Range facilities giving Office Evolution the largest footprint of any competitor in Colorado.
Executive Systems has been owned and operated by founder, Kimberly Moore for over
seventeen years. “The purchase of Executive Systems is an exciting development and
acquisition for all our members and investors,” says founder and president, Mark Hemmeter. “Ms. Moore has built a solid client base with three locations comprising 30,000 sq.ft. of office space and is the market leader in Colorado Springs of executive suites and virtual services. This acquisition supports our mission to provide small and mid-size businesses in Colorado with efficient, high-end, multi-location professional Office Suites, Services and Amenities throughout
the Front Range!”
Kimberly Moore echoes Mark Hemmeter by adding, “This sale represents exciting
developments for my clients by providing them with an extended network of locations,
professional staff and strong management offered by Office Evolution. This acquisition by Office Evolution, for me personally, represents an opportunity to pursue my desire to partner with a group to deploy technologies for additional efficiencies and automated solutions here in the U.S., Europe and Mexico. I believe in and have a passion for this industry; I believe Office Evolution has this same passion with greater capability and resources.”
The three new locations, Downtown at the Palmer Center, North Academy at I-25, and
West Central Garden of the Gods at Elkton Drive, adds to Office Evolution's existing 11 locations. Office Evolution currently manages 14 facilities, 120,000 square feet of office and meeting space and over 300 private executive suite offices from Fort Collins to Colorado Springs.
About Office Evolution:
Office Evolution is a comprehensive office suite and telecommunication services provider that offers complete business amenities—from suite space to live reception and conferencing. Office Evolution all aspects of a professional office environment, including an expansive network of business centers, no-call-missed technology, supportive business culture, affordability, and the scope and scalability to grow small companies. For further information about Office Evolution’s complete offices suites and telecommunications services, contact Office Evolution at 719-757-1111 or NewMember@OfficeEvolution.com.
Simtek Creates Subsidiary to Launch Breakthrough Nonvolatile RAM Solutions
AgigA Tech to Focus on the Development and Commercialization of High-Density NVRAM Products
COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Simtek Corporation (NASDAQ:SMTK), the inventor, pioneer, and world’s leading supplier of nonvolatile static random access memory (nvSRAM) integrated circuits, today announced the formation of AgigA Tech, Inc., a new subsidiary to focus on the development and commercialization of low-cost, ultra-high density, nonvolatile random access memory (NVRAM) solutions.
Ron Sartore will spearhead AgigA Tech and will serve as its president and on its board of directors. Sartore previously founded and served as President and CEO of Anchor Chips, a leading provider of USB chips, later acquired by Cypress Semiconductor in May of 1999.
“AgigA Tech products will provide customers with nonvolatile RAM solutions approaching and ultimately exceeding a gigabit of nvRAM,” said Ron Sartore. “We believe this to be a breakthrough especially in terms of cost-per-megabit of nvRAM. Targeted applications and markets for high-density nvRAM solutions are extremely large, and in high-growth emerging sectors, such as solid-state disks. We have taken steps to protect the intellectual property related to this endeavor by filing several patents in the past year.”
“This subsidiary approach will serve as a vehicle to recruit, reward, and retain people with the skills and disciplines required for AgigA Tech’s unique product developments. We expect to sample products in the fourth quarter of 2008, with production commencing in early 2009,” concluded Sartore.
“With the product focus of AgigA Tech, Simtek will extend its addressable market beyond what was previously attainable with its core nvSRAM product approach,” said Harold A. Blomquist, CEO of Simtek. “Ron’s well known successes building high-growth startup companies will continue to be a valuable asset as we pursue our growth objectives. We believe structuring AgigA Tech this way will help focus on and accelerate future growth.”
Sartore will be joined on the AgigA Tech board of directors by Harold A. Blomquist, Simtek's CEO, as chairman and Brian Alleman, Simtek’s CFO. Sartore resigned from the Simtek board of directors effective February 13, 2008 to focus on AgigA Tech.
About Simtek Corporation
Simtek Corporation designs and markets "NV + fast SRAM" nonvolatile semiconductor memory products for use in a variety of systems including RAID servers, storage arrays, GPS navigational systems, industrial controllers, robotics, copiers, avionics, metering, consumer, UPS, and networking and broadcast equipment. Information on Simtek products can be obtained from its web site: www.simtek.com; email: information@simtek.com. The company is headquartered in Colorado Springs, Colorado.
COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Simtek Corporation (NASDAQ:SMTK), the inventor, pioneer, and world’s leading supplier of nonvolatile static random access memory (nvSRAM) integrated circuits, today announced the formation of AgigA Tech, Inc., a new subsidiary to focus on the development and commercialization of low-cost, ultra-high density, nonvolatile random access memory (NVRAM) solutions.
Ron Sartore will spearhead AgigA Tech and will serve as its president and on its board of directors. Sartore previously founded and served as President and CEO of Anchor Chips, a leading provider of USB chips, later acquired by Cypress Semiconductor in May of 1999.
“AgigA Tech products will provide customers with nonvolatile RAM solutions approaching and ultimately exceeding a gigabit of nvRAM,” said Ron Sartore. “We believe this to be a breakthrough especially in terms of cost-per-megabit of nvRAM. Targeted applications and markets for high-density nvRAM solutions are extremely large, and in high-growth emerging sectors, such as solid-state disks. We have taken steps to protect the intellectual property related to this endeavor by filing several patents in the past year.”
“This subsidiary approach will serve as a vehicle to recruit, reward, and retain people with the skills and disciplines required for AgigA Tech’s unique product developments. We expect to sample products in the fourth quarter of 2008, with production commencing in early 2009,” concluded Sartore.
“With the product focus of AgigA Tech, Simtek will extend its addressable market beyond what was previously attainable with its core nvSRAM product approach,” said Harold A. Blomquist, CEO of Simtek. “Ron’s well known successes building high-growth startup companies will continue to be a valuable asset as we pursue our growth objectives. We believe structuring AgigA Tech this way will help focus on and accelerate future growth.”
Sartore will be joined on the AgigA Tech board of directors by Harold A. Blomquist, Simtek's CEO, as chairman and Brian Alleman, Simtek’s CFO. Sartore resigned from the Simtek board of directors effective February 13, 2008 to focus on AgigA Tech.
About Simtek Corporation
Simtek Corporation designs and markets "NV + fast SRAM" nonvolatile semiconductor memory products for use in a variety of systems including RAID servers, storage arrays, GPS navigational systems, industrial controllers, robotics, copiers, avionics, metering, consumer, UPS, and networking and broadcast equipment. Information on Simtek products can be obtained from its web site: www.simtek.com; email: information@simtek.com. The company is headquartered in Colorado Springs, Colorado.
Ramtron Reports Fourth-Quarter and Full-Year 2007 Financial Results
COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--U.S. semiconductor maker Ramtron International Corporation (Nasdaq: RMTR), a leading developer and supplier of nonvolatile ferroelectric random access memory (F-RAM) and integrated semiconductor products, today reported total revenue of $14.3 million for the fourth quarter of 2007, 51% higher than total revenue of $9.5 million for the same quarter last year. Net income for the fourth quarter of 2007 was $8.7 million, or $0.34 per share, compared with a loss of $180,000, or $(0.01) per share, for the same quarter a year earlier.
Fourth-quarter 2007 results include a non-cash, stock-based compensation expense of $615,000, and an income tax benefit of $7.6 million. At the end of 2007, given Ramtron’s demonstrated profitability over the past two years, the company recorded a deferred tax asset on its balance sheet that represents the estimated amount of tax loss carry forward the company currently expects to offset with future taxable income. This resulted in a non-cash income tax benefit of $7.6 million, which was recorded on Ramtron’s income statement for the fourth quarter of 2007. Without these items, fourth-quarter net income would have been $1.7 million, or $0.07 per share.
Fourth-Quarter Product Revenue Highlights:
* Product revenue was $13.7 million for the fourth quarter of 2007, 50% higher than product revenue of $9.2 million reported for the same quarter last year.
* Product gross margin for the quarter was 53%, consistent with the same period in 2006.
* Integrated product revenue grew 116% to $1.8 million, or 13% of F-RAM product revenue.
“In the fourth quarter Ramtron delivered another period of profitable growth, completing a year of solid progress toward long-term financial goals, record product sales and bottom line performance, and strong execution of our operational plan,” said Ramtron chief executive officer Bill Staunton. “Sales into automotive applications were particularly strong, followed by growth in office equipment and printer consumables, which reflected continued robust demand for Ramtron’s reliable data collection products. We adhered to our policy of disciplined spending relative to our revenue opportunities, which resulted in net income before stock-based compensation expense and income tax benefit of 12% of total revenue for the quarter.”
For full-year 2007, Ramtron reported total revenue of $51.1 million, 26% higher than total revenue of $40.5 million for full-year 2006. Full-year net income was $9.9 million, or $0.39 per share, compared with net income of $457,000, or $0.02 per share, for full-year 2006. Full-year 2007 results included a non-cash, stock-based compensation expense of $2.3 million and an income tax benefit of $7.6 million. Without these items, full-year net income would have been $4.6 million, or $0.18 per share.
Full-Year 2007 Product Revenue Highlights
* Total product revenue for 2007 was up 26%, to $49.4 million, compared with $39.1 million for 2006.
* Integrated product revenue grew 92%, to $7.4 million, from 2006 to 2007.
* Product gross margin for full-year 2007 was 53%, consistent with the same period in 2006.
“In 2007 we introduced 17 new products, which beat our goal of 13 new introductions and brought the total number of products in our portfolio to more than sixty. In addition, we continued to move up the value chain with the introduction of 11 integrated products,” Staunton added. “In 2008, we will focus on adding higher levels of functionality and value to a variety of our current products as well as on introducing new integrated, custom and stand-alone memory products. We have already announced the first wave of upgrades to our Processor Companion line and have at least 14 new products on track for introduction in 2008.”
About Ramtron
Ramtron International Corporation, headquartered in Colorado Springs, Colorado, is a fabless semiconductor company that designs, develops and markets specialized semiconductor memory and integrated semiconductor solutions used in a wide range of product applications and markets
Fourth-quarter 2007 results include a non-cash, stock-based compensation expense of $615,000, and an income tax benefit of $7.6 million. At the end of 2007, given Ramtron’s demonstrated profitability over the past two years, the company recorded a deferred tax asset on its balance sheet that represents the estimated amount of tax loss carry forward the company currently expects to offset with future taxable income. This resulted in a non-cash income tax benefit of $7.6 million, which was recorded on Ramtron’s income statement for the fourth quarter of 2007. Without these items, fourth-quarter net income would have been $1.7 million, or $0.07 per share.
Fourth-Quarter Product Revenue Highlights:
* Product revenue was $13.7 million for the fourth quarter of 2007, 50% higher than product revenue of $9.2 million reported for the same quarter last year.
* Product gross margin for the quarter was 53%, consistent with the same period in 2006.
* Integrated product revenue grew 116% to $1.8 million, or 13% of F-RAM product revenue.
“In the fourth quarter Ramtron delivered another period of profitable growth, completing a year of solid progress toward long-term financial goals, record product sales and bottom line performance, and strong execution of our operational plan,” said Ramtron chief executive officer Bill Staunton. “Sales into automotive applications were particularly strong, followed by growth in office equipment and printer consumables, which reflected continued robust demand for Ramtron’s reliable data collection products. We adhered to our policy of disciplined spending relative to our revenue opportunities, which resulted in net income before stock-based compensation expense and income tax benefit of 12% of total revenue for the quarter.”
For full-year 2007, Ramtron reported total revenue of $51.1 million, 26% higher than total revenue of $40.5 million for full-year 2006. Full-year net income was $9.9 million, or $0.39 per share, compared with net income of $457,000, or $0.02 per share, for full-year 2006. Full-year 2007 results included a non-cash, stock-based compensation expense of $2.3 million and an income tax benefit of $7.6 million. Without these items, full-year net income would have been $4.6 million, or $0.18 per share.
Full-Year 2007 Product Revenue Highlights
* Total product revenue for 2007 was up 26%, to $49.4 million, compared with $39.1 million for 2006.
* Integrated product revenue grew 92%, to $7.4 million, from 2006 to 2007.
* Product gross margin for full-year 2007 was 53%, consistent with the same period in 2006.
“In 2007 we introduced 17 new products, which beat our goal of 13 new introductions and brought the total number of products in our portfolio to more than sixty. In addition, we continued to move up the value chain with the introduction of 11 integrated products,” Staunton added. “In 2008, we will focus on adding higher levels of functionality and value to a variety of our current products as well as on introducing new integrated, custom and stand-alone memory products. We have already announced the first wave of upgrades to our Processor Companion line and have at least 14 new products on track for introduction in 2008.”
About Ramtron
Ramtron International Corporation, headquartered in Colorado Springs, Colorado, is a fabless semiconductor company that designs, develops and markets specialized semiconductor memory and integrated semiconductor solutions used in a wide range of product applications and markets
Spectranetics Appoints Thomas Rasmussen Vice President of Clinical Affairs
COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Spectranetics Corporation (Nasdaq: SPNC) today announced it has appointed Thomas M. Rasmussen as Vice President of Clinical Affairs.
Mr. Rasmussen has nearly two decades experience managing clinical programs for cardiovascular medical device companies. Most recently he was director of clinical research for the Cardiac Rhythm Management (CRM) division of Boston Scientific Corporation, and held the same position at Guidant Corporation prior to Boston Scientific’s acquisition of Guidant. In those positions he was responsible for helping bring to market multiple CRM products, including bradycardia and tachycardia pacing leads and generators, heart failure pacing devices, programmers and software, and new therapy features. He previously held clinical program management positions at Sulzer Intermedics, Inc., and G.V. Medical, Inc. Mr. Rasmussen holds a bachelors degree in biology from the University of St. Thomas in St. Paul, Minnesota, and has performed graduate work at the University of Minnesota’s Graduate School of Pharmacology in Minneapolis.
“We are very pleased to have someone of the caliber of Tom Rasmussen join our management team,” said John G. Schulte, Spectranetics’ President and Chief Executive Officer. “He has planned and directed the development of several important Class III medical devices, and has successfully managed complex trial programs and large business and scientific teams. His combination of strategic thinking and management skills will play an important role in our development and commercialization of new products.”
About Spectranetics
Founded in 1984, Spectranetics manufactures and sells the only excimer laser approved in the United States, Europe and Japan for use in minimally invasive cardiovascular procedures. This technology treats complex cardiovascular conditions by photo-ablating multiple lesion types into tiny particles that are easily absorbed into the blood stream. The Company’s disposable catheters use high-energy “cool” ultraviolet light to vaporize arterial blockages in the legs and heart, as well as scar tissue encapsulating pacing and defibrillation leads. For more information, visit www.spectranetics.com.
Mr. Rasmussen has nearly two decades experience managing clinical programs for cardiovascular medical device companies. Most recently he was director of clinical research for the Cardiac Rhythm Management (CRM) division of Boston Scientific Corporation, and held the same position at Guidant Corporation prior to Boston Scientific’s acquisition of Guidant. In those positions he was responsible for helping bring to market multiple CRM products, including bradycardia and tachycardia pacing leads and generators, heart failure pacing devices, programmers and software, and new therapy features. He previously held clinical program management positions at Sulzer Intermedics, Inc., and G.V. Medical, Inc. Mr. Rasmussen holds a bachelors degree in biology from the University of St. Thomas in St. Paul, Minnesota, and has performed graduate work at the University of Minnesota’s Graduate School of Pharmacology in Minneapolis.
“We are very pleased to have someone of the caliber of Tom Rasmussen join our management team,” said John G. Schulte, Spectranetics’ President and Chief Executive Officer. “He has planned and directed the development of several important Class III medical devices, and has successfully managed complex trial programs and large business and scientific teams. His combination of strategic thinking and management skills will play an important role in our development and commercialization of new products.”
About Spectranetics
Founded in 1984, Spectranetics manufactures and sells the only excimer laser approved in the United States, Europe and Japan for use in minimally invasive cardiovascular procedures. This technology treats complex cardiovascular conditions by photo-ablating multiple lesion types into tiny particles that are easily absorbed into the blood stream. The Company’s disposable catheters use high-energy “cool” ultraviolet light to vaporize arterial blockages in the legs and heart, as well as scar tissue encapsulating pacing and defibrillation leads. For more information, visit www.spectranetics.com.
Sierra High School Student invited to the White House
[Colorado Springs, CO] Sierra High School Student, Jeff Gonzalez and his father, Tomas Gonzalez, Sergeant Major for the US Army, were personally invited by President George Bush and First Lady Laura Bush on Thursday, February 7, 2008, for an interview and to attend a reception held to celebrate the Third-Anniversary of the Helping America’s Youth Program.
Helping America’s Youth, founded by Laura Bush, held a national conference in August 2006 at Denver University, to listen representatives of America’s Youth and their amazing life stories. Jeff and his father were selected to represent all military families across the United States, and speak to over 700 people who attended the conference based on Mr. Gonzales’ 20 years of distinguished service. Jeff was invited to speak along with his father based on his active involvement in school, sports, and academic excellence. He spoke about being in a military family and how it has taken a toll on his life.
In his 2005 State of the Union Address, President Bush announced a broad effort to engage all Americans in helping young people become healthy adults. He asked Mrs. Laura Bush to lead this important effort, which became known as the Helping America’s Youth initiative. Helping America’s Youth is a nationwide effort to raise awareness about the challenges facing our youth, particularly at-risk boys, and to motivate caring adults to connect with youth in three key areas: family, school, and community.
Helping America’s Youth, founded by Laura Bush, held a national conference in August 2006 at Denver University, to listen representatives of America’s Youth and their amazing life stories. Jeff and his father were selected to represent all military families across the United States, and speak to over 700 people who attended the conference based on Mr. Gonzales’ 20 years of distinguished service. Jeff was invited to speak along with his father based on his active involvement in school, sports, and academic excellence. He spoke about being in a military family and how it has taken a toll on his life.
In his 2005 State of the Union Address, President Bush announced a broad effort to engage all Americans in helping young people become healthy adults. He asked Mrs. Laura Bush to lead this important effort, which became known as the Helping America’s Youth initiative. Helping America’s Youth is a nationwide effort to raise awareness about the challenges facing our youth, particularly at-risk boys, and to motivate caring adults to connect with youth in three key areas: family, school, and community.
Tuesday, February 12, 2008
FBI Identifies Recurring Fraudulent E-mail Scams Involving the Better Business Bureau
The FBI has recently developed information indicating cyber criminals are attempting to once again send fraudulent e-mails to unsuspecting recipients stating that someone has filed a complaint against them or their company with the Department of Justice or another organization such as the Internal Revenue Service, Social Security Administration, or the Better Business Bureau.
Information obtained during the FBI investigation has been provided to the Department of Homeland Security (DHS). DHS has taken steps to alert their public and private sector partners with the release of a Critical Infrastructure Information Notice (CIIN).
The e-mails are intended to appear as legitimate messages from the above departments, and they address the recipients by name, and other personal information may be contained within the e-mail. Consistent with previous efforts, the scam will likely be an effort to secure Personally Identifiable Information. The nature of these types of scams is to create a sense of urgency for the recipient to provide a response through clicking on a hyperlink, opening an attachment, or initiating a telephone call.
It is believed this e-mail refers to a complaint that is in the form of an attachment, which actually contains virus software designed to steal passwords from the recipient. The virus is wrapped in a screensaver file wherein most anti-virus programs are unable to detect its malicious intent. Once downloaded, the virus is designed to monitor username and password logins, and record the activity, as well as other password-type information, entered on the compromised machine.
Be wary of any e-mail received from an unknown sender. Do not open any unsolicited e-mail and do not click on any links provided. To receive the latest information about cyber scams please go to the FBI website and sign up for e-mail alerts by clicking on one of the red envelopes. If you have received a scam e-mail please notify the Internet Crime Complaint Center by filing a complaint at www.ic3.gov. For more information on e-scams, please visit the FBI's New E-Scams and Warnings webpage.
Information obtained during the FBI investigation has been provided to the Department of Homeland Security (DHS). DHS has taken steps to alert their public and private sector partners with the release of a Critical Infrastructure Information Notice (CIIN).
The e-mails are intended to appear as legitimate messages from the above departments, and they address the recipients by name, and other personal information may be contained within the e-mail. Consistent with previous efforts, the scam will likely be an effort to secure Personally Identifiable Information. The nature of these types of scams is to create a sense of urgency for the recipient to provide a response through clicking on a hyperlink, opening an attachment, or initiating a telephone call.
It is believed this e-mail refers to a complaint that is in the form of an attachment, which actually contains virus software designed to steal passwords from the recipient. The virus is wrapped in a screensaver file wherein most anti-virus programs are unable to detect its malicious intent. Once downloaded, the virus is designed to monitor username and password logins, and record the activity, as well as other password-type information, entered on the compromised machine.
Be wary of any e-mail received from an unknown sender. Do not open any unsolicited e-mail and do not click on any links provided. To receive the latest information about cyber scams please go to the FBI website and sign up for e-mail alerts by clicking on one of the red envelopes. If you have received a scam e-mail please notify the Internet Crime Complaint Center by filing a complaint at www.ic3.gov. For more information on e-scams, please visit the FBI's New E-Scams and Warnings webpage.
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