White Fox Ventures Inc. (AWAW)

[TJG]

Very interesting article here

http://www.knoxnews.com/business/breathe-ecig-corp-focused-on-innovation_91714550

Knoxville-based Breathe eCig Corp. specializes in making organic and naturally flavored electronic cigarettes.

But under the leadership of Josh Kimmel, the manufacturer has bigger plans, claiming to be the first socially responsible company in the tobacco and vaporizer industries.

"There is a real chance that we can become the first human company in an industry that's never been able to accomplish that," Kimmel said. "And I believe that wholeheartedly, based on the tangible items we've been able to produce."

While Breathe's core product is an e-cigarette Kimmel designed, which has more than 40 liquid flavors and is made with Tennessee tobacco, the company is focused on developing proprietary safety features and potential medical applications.

The next generation e-cigarette devices, which could be available in about six months, will incorporate the company's patent-pending designs, including a child safety lock to prevent accidental inhalation and a mechanism that dispenses the recommended amount of nicotine per puff.

"Some people just puff and puff," Kimmel said. "Wouldn't it be nice to have an indicator that lets you know you need to re-engage your device because you've just gotten the average amount of nicotine?"

The company, founded in 2012, already has secured several exclusive distribution deals including a global agreement with TNG, the country's largest periodical distributor, as well as a partnership with Native American Marketing Enterprises to distribute and sell its products in casinos.

It also has a deal with Tennessee-based distributor Ampa Group, which owns and operates more than 30 retail locations and hotels and has a distribution alliance that reaches more than 300 retailers in the East Tennessee region.

Kimmel, however, is setting his sights on the medical and pharmaceutical industry as well, for a variety of ailments and treatments.

The company has formed a wholly owned subsidiary to develop medical technologies using the company's intellectual property.

It has already identified fingerprint identification scanning and a Bluetooth lockout mechanism as a means to ensure the only person who can engage that device is the person it was prescribed to. It is also developing a three and six-chamber dispenser to hold multiple substances in one vaporizer.

Breathe is currently working with Pfizer to determine which medical substance should be first dispensed from its devices to the pharmaceutical company's distribution channel. Frank Orlowski, vice president of emerging markets for Pfizer, is on Breathe's advisory board.

"We took a gaping hole in an industry that needed some responsibility and have added to it, and will continue to innovate and create new products," said Kimmel, who maintained his commitment to consumer outreach and education.

"We're targeting people, anyone who will listen," he said "What's inside is the most addictive stuff on the planet. We don't want to pretend it's not. That's why we've taken the precautions to make our products safe."

The company launched its product line in New York City last month, and is expected to have a Knoxville event in the coming weeks.

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