GSA Technology Council

Tekgraf Named Exclusive Distributer of Contex in North America

Contex Americas, a developer of wide-format scanning and imaging solutions, today announced its appointment of Tekgraf Corporation as the exclusive authorized Contex brand distributor for North America. This move is intended to unify the Contex/Vidar channel and to improve distribution and customer service to both Contex and Vidar dealers in the North American market.

Tekgraf will now hold inventory for both the Contex and Vidar brands. This new arrangement will enable larger amounts of scanner stock to be held in the United States, and is expected to reduce or eliminate stock shortages while improving delivery times. Additionally, this arrangement offers Contex dealers easy access to additional wide-format products and services from Tekgraf, providing additional sources of revenue.

The Contex Americas sales staff will be organized to support all Vidar and Contex dealers, regardless of which brand they represent.

“We are very pleased to partner with Tekgraf as our exclusive distributor. We’re confident that the combined strengths, service expertise and talent of our two companies will deliver a positive experience for dealers and end-customers alike,” said Phil Magenheim, President and COO of Contex Americas.

Tekgraf’s headquarters are located in Greenville, SC.

via Tekgraf

 

 

Duke Energy Proposes Solar Plan for NC

Duke Energy Carolinas is seeking bids from solar power companies to supply solar panels, electrical equipment and installation services as part of the utility’s proposed $100 million North Carolina solar plan.

Starting in early 2009, Duke Energy wants to install electricity- generating photovoltaic solar panels at up to 850 North Carolina sites, including homes, schools, office buildings, shopping malls, warehouses and large manufacturing facilities — both on roofs and on the ground.

Electricity generated through the program would total at least 16 megawatts — enough to power 2,600 homes — after the solar power is converted from direct current to alternating current.

The proposal, first announced in June, requires approval by the North Carolina Utilities Commission before it can be implemented.

Duke Energy would own and, through contractors, install and maintain the solar panels. The utility also would own the electricity generated, which would be sent to the electrical grid that serves all customers.

The company would compensate homeowners, businesses and other entities that offer their roofs or land for the program, based on the size of the installation and amount of electricity generated at any given location.

The solar plan would be Duke Energy’s first large-scale involvement in distributed generation, in which electricity is generated close to customers rather than at large, centralized power plants.

Duke Energy will begin installations in early 2009, contingent on regulatory approval. The company proposes to complete all installations by late 2010.

Each installation is expected to have a useful life of 20 to 25 years.

Duke Energy would contract with one or more companies that specialize in solar technology to supply and install the necessary materials and equipment at all sites.

Companies interested in bidding on the project can visit Duke Energy’s renewable energy web page — duke-energy.com/environment/renewable-energy.asp — then click on “North Carolina Solar Distributed Generation Program.”

In addition to its solar distributed generation plan, Duke Energy in the past four months also has announced a series of other renewable and clean- energy initiatives, including:

 

  • The purchase of the entire electricity output (16 megawatts) from what will be one of the nation’s largest photovoltaic solar power plants, to be built in Davidson County, N.C., during the next two years.
  • A partnership with General Motors and other utilities to help lay the groundwork for the large-scale launch of plug-in electric vehicles, starting in 2010.
  • The acquisition of a large wind company — Vermont-based Catamount Energy — which has 283 net megawatts of wind power in operation and another 1,750 megawatts under development.
  • A request for proposals from renewable energy developers to supply significant amounts of electricity to Duke Energy customers in Ohio.
  • The purchase of the entire electricity output from a power plant fueled by methane gas naturally emitted from decaying garbage at a closed Durham, N.C., landfill. The facility will produce enough electricity to serve 1,600 homes.

 

 

Innovision Announces 2008 Finalists

The InnoVision Technology Awards program, founded in 1999 and presented by McNair Law Firm, P.A. recognizes and honors Upstate businesses, individuals and organizations that have demonstrated significant advancements in the areas of innovation and technological progress. The InnoVision Technology Awards Advisory Board today announced the finalists for the 2008 InnoVision Technology Awards.

Innovision 2008 Finalists

Technology Application


  • Innegrity, LLC

  • Optek Systems, Inc.

  • Sealed Air Corporation

  • Techtronics Industries North America

Technology Development


  • Flora and Associates, LLC

  • Michelin Americas Research and Development Company

  • Zipit Wireless, Inc.

Innovation in Education


  • Carolina First Center for Excellence

  • Furman University

Small Enterprise


  • CreatiVasc

  • Gnoso, Inc.

  • iTography, LLC

  • KeyMark, Inc.

Community Service


  • Enallage Communications, LLC

  • Susan G. Komen for the Cure

  • Urban League of the Upstate

Winners will be named at the 2008 InnoVision Technology Awards Dinner at the Carolina First Center on November 19, 2008. The achievements of finalists and winners will be highlighted in videos at the event. The recipient of the Dr. Charles Townes Award will also be announced at the Awards Dinner.

“This year was an outstanding year for applications with many first class companies and entries. Our judging committee was very impressed with the variety of creative and innovative entries. I am sure that our Awards Dinner on November 19, 2008 at the Carolinas First Center will be another great event. We are also excited with this years keynote speaker who we will announced shortly.” Doug Kim, InnoVision Advisory Board Chair.

via: Innovision Awards

Errata - Today’s newsletter

There was a hiccup in the publishing of today’s newsletter which put out one story under another’s headline. Our apologies to the chaps at Worthwhile. The story should have read like this:

Cody Webster Returns for Worthwhile

The Worthwhile Company, Inc. of Greenville, SC released the second episode of “The Adventures of Cody Webster” as a continuation of its video marketing campaign.

The campaign involves brief, animated video clips featuring The Worthwhile Company’s superhero mascot, Cody Webster. The first episode in the series for the Greenville company resulted in thousands of views worldwide. It also has continued to translate to new business as people have seen it.

More

Deltex Medical Group to Expand Operations in Greenville

 

The Greenville Area Development Corporation, the South Carolina Department of Commerce and Deltex Medical Group PLC have announced the expansion of the company’s North American operations in Greenville, South Carolina, including the addition of 10-20 jobs over the next 2 years, as part of Deltex Medical’s strategic growth initiatives in North America.

Founded in 1989 in Chichester, West Sussex, England, Deltex Medical produces medical monitors that help patients recover more fully and quickly from the effects of major surgery. The use of Deltex Medical’sCardioQ esophageal Doppler monitor reduces complications and shortens lengths of hospital stay associated with surgery. The CardioQ is used to ensure that patients receive the right amount of the right fluid at the right time during their surgery (known as Targeted Volume Management, or TVM).

Deltex Medical’s CardioQ monitor works toward improving patient outcomes and reducing length of hospital stay,which has been demonstrated in repeated, rigorously controlled clinical trials. A US Government-commissioned technology assessment published early in 2007 stated that its use in surgery leads to a “clinically significant reduction in major complications”, “a clinically significant reduction in the total number of complications” and “to a reduction in hospital stay”. At this time all Deltex Medical products are researched, developed and manufactured in the U.K.

The Greenville operation initially will provide sales, marketing and clinical training support to U.S.-based customers, primarily hospitals and medical centers, according to Andy Hill, CEO for Deltex Medical. New capital investment in the domestic operation is estimated at $2 million, and Hill expects the Greenville operations to generate “substantial sales revenues within two years, with significant opportunity to grow from there.”

The CardioQ’s unique value derives from its ability to measure blood flow in real time with every heartbeat. Blood flow is an earlier and more sensitive indicator of changing or deteriorating cardiac and circulatory performance than blood pressure. Following extensive trials, the U.S. government’s Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services ruled the technology “reasonable and necessary” for patients having surgery or in intensive care on a breathing machine, thus paving the way for reimbursement of doctors using the technology.

“Clinical studies have repeatedly demonstrated that Targeted Volume Management using the company’s CardioQ monitor results in significant reductions in complications associated with surgery and up to 30-40% reductions in the length of hospital stays,” said Hill. “Deltex Medical expects that the CardioQ monitor will become a global standard of care for patients at risk from haemodynamic compromise.”

“Our vision is to establish the Greenville County operations to serve our rapidly expanding customer base here in North America, then to grow into additional markets over time,” said Hill.

“The Greenville operation will focus on delivering outstanding customer service, clinical training, and just-in-time delivery of the CardioQ monitor and the disposable esophageal probes used with it to our customers in the USA” Hill added. “We are excited to establish operations here in Greenville County, and very appreciative of the support and leadership of the Greenville Area Development Corporation and Department of Commerce in making this announcement a reality.”

The operations initially will be situated in an existing facility located at 330 E Coffee Street in the heart of Greenville and will include additional capital investment of approximately $2 million to “optimize productive sales and training,” said Hill, who joined the company in 2002 and was appointed CEO in January 2003.

“Ultimately, it was the positive economic climate of South Carolina and the dedicated efforts of the area’s economic development teams that helped cinch the decision to establish operations here,” said Hill. “We considered multiple sites in the Southeast, yet we decided on this area for its balance of economic opportunity, quality of life, access to talent, and central location to a growing customer base,” said Hill. “We see an incredible opportunity in South Carolina for Deltex Medical.”

“Deltex Medical produces high-tech medical monitors used by health care professionals to help patients recover more quickly from surgery. The company’s decision to locate here is a strong testament to the state’s business-friendly environment and the strength of our workforce. Deltex’s investment will bring quality, high-paying job opportunities to residents of the Upstate. Thanks to the team effort of state and local officials, Greenville County will benefit from this investment now and in the future,” said Joe Taylor, Secretary of Commerce.

“Deltex Medical’s decision to establish North American operations here is further validation of the attractiveness and economic vitality of this area,” commented H.G. “Butch” Kirven, Jr., chairman of Greenville County Council. “Their global focus and significant growth potential affirms that Greenville County continues to be a center of opportunity for international businesses. We’re pleased to have them here in Greenville County.”

“Deltex is a great example of how a company that combines world-class medical technology with an Upstate base can grow their business in North America,” said Jay Rogers, Chairman of the Greenville Area Development Corporation Board. “The company is research-based, innovative and growth-oriented, and a wonderful reflectio n of the opportunities to be found in Greenville County and South Carolina.”

via GADC 

 

 

Leadership Presentation Coming to the Westin-Pointsett in October

Interested in what leadership challenges your business may face as it progresses through the 21st century? On October 2nd the Clemson Alliance for Ethics, Enterprise & Entrepreneurship is hosting a free presentation entitled “Values-based Leadership: Strategies for Meeting the Leadership Challenges of the 21st Century.” Here are the details:

When: October 2, 2008 

  • 5:00-6:00 pm Reception, Mezzanine
  • 6:00-7:30 pm Panel discussion, Gold Ball Room
Where: Westin-Poinsett, 120 South Main Street, Greenville, SC
Who: The event will be moderated by Dr. Bruce Yandle, Dean Emeritus College of Business and Behavioral Science at Clemson University.  The two presenters are: 
  • John Allison: Allison is the chairman and CEO of BB&T Corporation. Like its leader, the company utilizes philosophical principles and values as guiding forces. A member of the Fortune 500 list of largest corporations, BB&T has more than 28,000 employees. BB&T has been recognized as one of Americas Best Big Companies on the Forbes Platinum 400 List for six of the last seven years.
  • Will Marre: Marre is the is the co-founder and former president of the Covey Leadership Center where he translated the concepts of “The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People” into powerful leadership courses taught to over one million executives worldwide. Will recently received an Emmy Award® for the learning documentary “Reclaiming Your American Dream.”
Register:  There is no cost to attend the event but registration is required.  You can register here.
for more information please contact Debbie Allen at 864-656-7235 or spiro@clemson.edu

Worthwhile Markets with Video Campaign

 

The Worthwhile Company, Inc. of Greenville, SC released the second episode of “The Adventures of Cody Webster” as a continuation of its video marketing campaign.

The campaign involves brief, animated video clips featuring The Worthwhile Company’s superhero mascot, Cody Webster. The first episode in the series for the Greenville company resulted in thousands of views worldwide. It also has continued to translate to new business as people have seen it.

“Cody symbolizes our customers,” says Dan Rundle, The Worthwhile Company’s Chief Operating Officer. “Each one is an everyday hero who needs a little support once in awhile. We’re here to offer that hero support so our customers can continue accomplishing great things.”

The Worthwhile Company, Inc. is a Greenville, South Carolina based software development, Web design and Web hosting team. 

via Worthwhile

GSATC-TV - Why you want to lunch with us in September


GSATC-TV - September 4, 2008 from Phil Yanov on Vimeo.

Yahoo! and Verizon Announce Extended Alliance

 Verizon Communications Inc. and Yahoo! Inc. today announced a new multiyear agreement to provide an integrated, co-branded Verizon-Yahoo! portal as a preferred starting point for new Verizon broadband subscribers. This new agreement extends the relationship between Yahoo! and Verizon that began in 2005.

Under the terms of the new agreement, the customizable Verizon-Yahoo! portal will be offered as the first portal choice option for all new subscribers to Verizon’s FiOS Internet and High Speed Internet services. Customers who choose the Verizon-Yahoo! portal will get Yahoo! Search, and co-branded e-mail, Instant Messenger and Toolbar applications. Yahoo! also will provide search and display advertising on the co-branded portal and e-mail application, and both companies will share the search, advertising and e-commerce revenues generated by users of the co-branded portal.

“In addition to providing consumers the fastest upload and download broadband connection speeds available, Verizon offers features and services that enhance our customers’ Internet experience,” said Eric J. Bruno, senior vice president, Verizon Corporate Marketing. “Allowing customers to select a portal and personalize their content is a key part of the Verizon broadband experience.”

Beyond news and information, the co-branded Verizon-Yahoo! portal offers access to content and tools from Yahoo!, including e-mail previews, to-do lists, sports updates, weather, finance portfolios and TV listings, as well as photos and videos from Flickr, one of the world’s leading online photo and video-sharing communities. It also offers direct, one-click access to Verizon.net and other select Verizon and third-party sites. Key features include:

 

  • Customizable Personal Assistant, where users can quickly check in for key information during their daily Internet routine, and get easy access to their own priority features, such as e-mail previews, daily horoscopes and local weather.
  • Top Picks from Your Page module that highlights key stories, chosen based on articles that a user has read on My Yahoo!.
  • Flexible customization tools and controls, such as on-page personalization options, easy drag-and-drop modules, and a variety of layout choices.
via Yahoo!

Google Releases Google Video for Business

Google Inc. today announced Google Video for business, a new application in Google Apps for sharing video in an organization. With Google Video for business, anyone can upload a video — on anything ranging from executive communications to product training to trip reports — and share it securely with individuals or the entire company. Google Video for business is now available as part of Google Apps Premier Edition at no additional cost.

With Google Video for business, companies can leverage the power and intimacy of video to communicate corporate information including:

  • Leadership communications such as business updates and corporate announcements
  • Training and how-to videos to share product knowledge and business expertise
  • Customer insight derived from site visits, interviews, or focus groups
  • Social videos that evangelize relevant activity and initiatives across an organization

 

“Productivity and other improvements driven by the telephone over the last hundred years, and email within the last 20, will now continue with broad use of video in the business environment,” said Manesh Patel, chief information officer and senior vice president of IT, Sanmina-SCI. “Cost and complexity have until now limited the effective use of video to improve business functions. The integration of video into Google Apps, combined with continuing improvements in video devices and network infrastructure, provides significant opportunities for innovation and saving throughout our global teams.”

Sharing video is as simple as clicking “browse” to find a video and “upload” to start sharing. Google Apps gives video owners multiple controls for sharing videos such as:

  • share videos with individuals, groups, or the entire organization
  • add descriptions and tags
  • embed videos in any internal web page, including Google Sites

 

Viewers across the organization can:

  • search for any video to which they have access
  • view high-quality video from popular browsers (including Safari on iPhone)
  • submit ratings, comments and additional tags
  • optionally download videos for viewing offline or on portable devices

 

Google Video for business is available now in English to Google Apps Premier Edition accounts at no additional cost. Each Google Apps Premier Edition domain gets 3GB of Video storage per user account. Existing Premier Edition administrators can enable Google Video for business immediately from the Google Apps control panel. A version for Google Apps Education Edition customers that allows faculty and staff to upload and share videos with students will be available on September 8 for free trial until March 9, 2009, at which point it will cost $10 per user, per year.

via Google