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Himax Technologies, Inc. (HIMX) Announces Share Buyback Program, Reiterates Quarterly Guidance
Taiwan based semiconductor company Himax Technologies announced a $25 million share buyback program, after reiterating its second quarter guidance. Although the share buyback program does not require a specific purchase, it authorizes the company to buy up to $25 million of Himax American Depository Shares in the open market or through private transactions.
Himax President and CEO, Jordan Wu, commented on anticipated earnings for the company and the associated buyback program. “As of today, we expect our second quarter revenues to go up 10% to 15%, in line with the guidance we previously provided in our last earnings call on May 9, 2011. While we reiterate the second quarter guidance, the actual results remain subject to market changes and other future events that may occur before the quarter end. We remain firmly confident in our long-term business outlook. Our ADSs are undervalued, currently trading below book value of approximately US$2.3 per ADS as of May 31, 2011. We believe a share buyback program demonstrates the strong commitment from the Board and the management team to enhance shareholder value.”
Himax Technologies designs, manufactures, and markets key semiconductors, such as display drivers, used in large and small flat panel displays, including displays for monitors, notebooks, televisions, mobile handsets, digital cameras, DVD players, and various other displays. The company now also offers timing controllers, touch controllers, power management chips, image sensors, and 2D to 3D conversion solutions.
Most recently, Himax unveiled a 3D timing controller for naked-eye 3D panels, suitable for handheld applications such as tablet PCs and gaming devices. The innovative Himax conversion technology approach utilizes human visual perception characteristics to convert 2D images into 3D formats in real time.
In addition to Taiwan, Himax has offices in China, Japan, South Korea, and also in California. For additional information, visit the company’s website at: www.Himax.com.tw
Roomlinx, Inc. (RMLX) Signs Agreement with Hyatt Regency New Orleans to Install Interactive TV
Roomlinx, Inc., a provider of in-room media and entertainment solutions along with wired networking solutions and Wireless Fidelity networking solutions (Wi-Fi), recently announced that it has signed a deal with Hyatt Regency New Orleans to provide its Interactive TV (iTV), Free-to-Guest TV programming, and High-Speed Internet Services for its hotel guests. The installation will include 1,240 iTV systems, HSIA services, and HD free-to-guest television programming for all of the hotel’s 1,193 rooms, exhibit hall, and meeting rooms.
With the award winning Roomlinx Interactive TV platform, Hyatt Regency New Orleans guests will be able to access, through the HDTV, Internet apps such as Netflix, Google Apps, Pandora, YouTube, Hulu, and Facebook; room service, unrestricted Internet, Email and Email attachments, International and U.S. television programming available on demand, documents, spreadsheets, and presentation management, printing, dinner reservations and restaurant reviews, and local directions and attraction, which will be able to be forwarded to their smart phones.
The Hyatt Regency New Orleans will be the city’s premier convention and meeting hotel upon its planned opening on October 19, 2011. Having increased their meeting and exhibition space by double, the 32-story hotel will provide for the most meeting space of any hotel in the city, along with the unique ability to self contain group events of various sizes. This will include two 25,000 square foot ballrooms, 21 executive level meeting rooms, seven permanent boardrooms, 64 versatile banquet and meeting rooms, and more than 80,000 square feet of exhibition space, which will be highlighted by a new 50,000-square-foot exhibit hall.
Roomlinx will also be integrating their proprietary convention center App, which will enable companied to expand their reach beyond their exhibit booth and into each of their hotel rooms.
“At Hyatt, we have been extremely impressed with Roomlinx’s ability to develop smart applications and deliver an interactive TV platform that allows our hotels to generate strong revenues beyond Video on Demand, while improving the guest experience,” said Tom Smith, vice president, rooms, and North America operations, for Hyatt Hotels & Resorts. “They have been terrific to work with both on the Andaz 5th Avenue hotel and now Hyatt New Orleans.”
“We are excited to provide this cutting edge technology solution,” said Michael Smith, general manager, Hyatt Regency New Orleans. “This is a great example of the latest and greatest in technology that we will offer our guests.”
“We are honored to be working with Hyatt Regency New Orleans during this exciting time,” said Mike Wasik, CEO of Roomlinx. “This is a premium hotel and we look forward to showcasing our convention center App and our ability to drive revenues beyond traditional Video on Demand.”
For more information on the Company, visit their website at: www.roomlinx.com
Fuel Tech, Inc. (FTEK) Receives $2.6 Million Contract for ASCR(TM) Advanced Project in Taiwan
Fuel Tech, Inc. announced that it has been awarded a $2.6 million contract to supply equipment and engineering services for an ASCR™ Advanced SCR project in Taiwan in the Republic of China. One of Fuel Tech’s existing industrial boiler customers ordered the project, with the intent that it will incorporate Fuel Tech’s combined Low NOx Burner (LNB), Over-Fire Air (OFA), NOxOUT® Selective Non-Catalytic Reduction (SNCR) and Selective Catalytic Reduction (SCR) technologies. Fuel Tech has scheduled delivery for the equipment in late 2011 and early 2012.
Fuel Tech’s ASCR system is a layered technology approach that offers advantages over full-scale standalone SCR systems, including lower capital costs, enhanced fuel flexibility and reduced spatial requirements. This technology integrates the three mainstream NOx control technologies (combustion modification, SNCR, and SCR) into one cost-effective, high-performance nitrogen oxide (NOx) reduction solution.
Douglas G. Bailey, Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer, commented, “We are pleased to receive this order from a repeat customer and this contract represents our third ASCR order in China. These ASCR contract awards display our unique capability to integrate technologies ranging from Low NOx Burners, Over-Fire Air and hybrid SNCR/SCR into one system that offers a competitive NOx reduction solution to power plant units of all sizes. We continue to see increased discussions with operators of power plants and industrial units as a result of more stringent NOx control regulations in the Pacific Rim market.”
RadNet, Inc. (RDNT) is “One to Watch”
The first step in treating any kind of medical problem is accurate diagnosis, a field that highlights, more than any other, the technical power of modern medicine. From the discovery of the X-ray in the late 1800s, to the MRI, PET, CT, and other advanced tools routinely used today, our seemingly miraculous ability to see inside the body without having to cut into it has largely defined our idea of medical progress, and has itself become a major and expanding industry. Today, the outpatient market for diagnostic imaging, estimated to be $36 billion, is greater than that of the inpatient market.
At the head of this growing diagnostic revolution is, from an application standpoint, Los Angeles based RadNet, a national leader in providing high quality and cost effective diagnostic imaging services. Believed to be the single largest owner and operator of fixed diagnostic imaging centers in the country, RadNet involves a network of 206 owned and/or operated outpatient imaging centers, including joint venture facilities, primarily on the east and west coasts. The company has strategically organized their facilities into regional networks focused on high-density and growing populations, and attractive payor diversity. Every year, the company performs over 3 million diagnostic radiology and imaging procedures.
RadNet offers patients and physicians comprehensive imaging exam technologies, including PET/CT, MRI, CT, Nuclear Medicine, Mammography, Ultrasound, and X-ray, as well as numerous other procedures, with most of their facilities providing multi-modality sites, combining PET/CT, MRI, CT, Nuclear Medicine, Ultrasound, X-ray, Fluoroscopy and other services. Many of their facilities are interconnected regionally through advanced computer networks, Picture Archiving and Communication Systems (PACS), and Radiology Information Systems. In addition, the company makes available a variety of non-medical operational, management, financial, and administrative services associated with diagnostic imaging.
For additional information, visit the company’s website at www.RadNet.com
Echo Therapeutics Inc. (ECTE) is “One to Watch”
Echo Therapeutics Inc. is a medical device company that specializes in transdermal technology with great expertise in advanced skin permeation technology. The company is developing its Prelude SkinPrep System as a platform technology to allow for significantly enhanced and painless skin permeation.
Needle-free drug delivery with lidocaine, a topical anesthetic, is the first application. Additional applications for painless, needle-free drug deliveries are also planned. Echo’s Prelude System was featured earlier this year in an article which appeared in the Fast Company business magazine. FDA approval is expected later this year.
Another function of the technology is analyte extraction with the company’s patented Symphony tCGM System for needle-free, continuous glucose monitoring in hospital patients with diabetes. This system consists of Echo’s proprietary SkinPrep System, with a wireless biosensor and wireless monitor or handheld device for needle-free, continuous monitoring of glucose levels.
Echo Therapeutics recently announced that it has received the key components for its next-generation Symphony tCGM system design. This newly-engineered design is currently undergoing the final phases of testing. This new design incorporates numerous technological advances required to meet market expectations for system accuracy, ease of manufacture and system cost. The updated Symphony system will be ready very soon for demonstration. Importantly, it will be further tested in a finals series of clinical trials shortly thereafter. It will then be ready for sale subject to FDA market clearance of the product.
Echo Therapeutics believes the addressable market for needle-free, continuous wireless glucose monitoring in the hospital critical care setting is quite large. It estimates that the opportunity exceeds $1 billion annually. Overall, the global glucose monitoring market exceeds $12 billion annually.
Joe’s Jeans, Inc. (JOEZ) Expands to the Middle East, Opens First Store in Dubai
California-based Joe’s Jeans Inc. designs, manufactures and sells apparel and related products to the retail and premium markets under the Joe’s brand and related trademarks. The company’s product line includes jeans for both men and women, pants, shirts, sweaters, jackets, and women’s handbags, shoes, belts, and other leather goods along with a line of children’s items.
The company announced today that it has expanded its retail store strategy through the opening of its first store in Dubai at the Mirdif City Center. This is a world-class shopping destination with over 200 stores new and unique to the United Arab Emirates. The Joe’s retail store is part of an agreement with MultiTrend International.
MultiTrend is a member of the Al-Homaizi Group which has business interests in retail enterprises including franchisee operations across various sectors like food and beverage, casual dining, and home and office furnishings. MultiTrend is also a franchisee or licensee in the Middle East for numerous brands. These include many European brands such as Destination Maternity, Custo Barcelona, Go Sport and Cath Kidston.
Joe’s Jeans agreement with MultiTrend calls for the opening of at least seven stores in conjunction with exclusive rights to operate retail locations and market the Joe’s brand in the United Arab Emirates, Bahrain, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Jordan and Egypt. Joe’s Jeans should benefit from the agreement with Multi Trend and its extensive retail experience and knowledge of the Middle East consumer.
For more information on Joe’s Jeans, please visit the company’s website at www.joesjeans.com
BioClinica, Inc. (BIOC) Releases OnPoint Platform, Notes Increased Industry Demand
BioClinica, Inc., a global provider of clinical trial management solutions (CTMS), today announced the release of its BioClinica OnPoint platform, which it acquired from TranSenda in 2010.
The company highlighted industry trends migrating toward collaborative technology that can be integrated with existing systems.
“A quiet transformation of clinical study architectures is occurring in the industry through the increased use of standard collaboration tools for clinical study management and regulatory document management,” Gartner Research Vice President Steve Lefebure stated in the press release. “Life science companies are seeking to leverage existing infrastructure, support collaboration, and create flexibility. Solutions that leverage both industry standard collaboration tools and office automation software while providing comprehensive clinical study management capabilities present significant advantages in this environment.”
OnPoint allows sponsors of clinical trials and CROs to access, share and analyze operational trial data using Microsoft® SharePoint standard collaboration and office automation tools. OnPoint’s integration with SharePoint enables users to interact with the system using Microsoft Office applications such as Outlook, Excel and Word. This feature offers organizations lower cost of ownership.
BioClinica also noted increasing demands for CTMS technology and the company’s project pipeline for the current quarter.
“We are experiencing extremely strong interest for OnPoint CTMS,” said Peter Benton, president of eClinical Solutions for BioClinica. “So far in this quarter we have already received contract awards from four pharma and device companies that range from mid to large in size. The combination of features, value and fast implementation – augmented by OnPoint’s out-of-the-box integration with SharePoint – is changing market perceptions of CTMS’ utility and cost-effectiveness.”
For more information visit www.bioclinica.com
Nano Viricides (NNVC) to Ramp Manufacturing, Leases Facility with Increased Capacity
Nano Viricides Inc., a development-stage company focused on creating nanomaterials for viral therapy, today announced it will lease new space for current Good Manufacturing Practices (cGMP) production of its nanoviricides drug candidates for the treatment of various viral diseases.
The company plans to lease the space with an option for a future purchase from Inno-Haven LLC, as it acts on its need to produce larger quantities of its drug candidates for upcoming toxicological studies.
If the studies are successful, the company said it will manufacture additional materials to conduct human clinical trials if and when approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). The production of the materials needed for the studies will be performed under cGMP, which are FDA guidelines for human clinical trials.
“This is the least dilutive way to obtain the cGMP manufacturing and lab space we need while avoiding capital expenditure from the company’s current cash reserves,” Dr. Eugene Seymour, MD, MPH, CEO of the NanoViricides stated in the press release. “We are now on our way to clearing a major hurdle in our path toward FDA submissions and human clinical development of our drug candidates.”
Inno-Haven has agreed to purchase certain facilities that will support NanoViricide’s objectives. Inno-Haven is owned by NanoViricides president and chairman, Anil R. Diwan, PhD, who plans to finance the purchase from his personal savings, personal borrowings, and a sale of stock of NanoViricides that he has received as a company founder.
The agreement calls for Dr. Diwan to sell up to 2 million shares of his stock over the next year; in exchange, Inno-Haven and Dr. Diwan have agreed to purchase and lease certain facilities to NanoViricides as needed.
TheraCour Pharma Inc., a drug development partner of NanoViricides controlled by Dr. Diwan, will also lease space in the same facility.
For more information visit www.nanoviricides.com
Access Pharmaceuticals (ACCP) on Track to Bring MuGard to Market in China Territories
Access Pharmaceuticals Inc., focused on developing treatments in the areas of oncology and diabetes, today announced that its MuGard partner in China, RHEI Pharmaceuticals, has received the acceptance letter from the State Food and Drug Administration (SFDA) of China, confirming that all the documents needed for marketing approval for MuGard have been submitted and accepted.
MuGard is an oral wound rinse and coating designed to manage oral mucositis, a debilitating side effect of some anticancer treatments. As part of its licensing agreement with Access, RHEI is responsible for securing regulatory approvals for MuGard.
Together with its marketing partner Jian An Pharmaceuticals, RHEI has completed all the required steps to receive marketing approval in China and its other South East Asian territories. The company said it anticipates receiving marketing approval in the second half of this year.
“The acceptance of MuGard submission is a critical step in receiving marketing approval for MuGard in China and South East Asian territories,” Phillip Wise, vice president of Business Development and Strategy for Access stated in the press release. “We knew that the SFDA would perform a significant amount of due diligence before it would accept our MuGard submission. Receiving the acceptance letter helps us, as a company, gauge more accurately the timeline to marketing approval. We are pleased with RHEI and Jian An’s ability to streamline the process thus far and their continued progress and commitment to advancing the marketing approval.”
Access and RHEI noted that they recently signed a $30 million supply agreement for MuGard that ensures the manufacturing capacity of at least $30 million of product in the licensed territories.
RHEI also recently signed a sub-license agreement with Jian An, to leverage Jian An’s sales, marketing and regulatory infrastructure for the launch of MuGard in China and Taiwan.
For more information visit www.accesspharma.com
BSD Medical Corp. (BSDM) Reports on MicroThermX Clinical Evaluations
BSD Medical Corp. develops, manufacturers, markets, and services systems to treat cancer and benign diseases using heat therapy delivered using focused radio frequency (RF) and microwave energy.
One of the company’s premier line of products is the MicroThermX Microwave Ablation System. It is a compact, mobile, state-of-the-art, proprietary system that includes a microwave generator, single-patent-use disposable antennas and a thermistor-based temperature monitoring system.
The company, on June 16th, reported positive results from the efforts of its sales and distribution network for the MicroThermX Microwave Ablation line of products. At the hospital level, more MicroThermX trained sales representatives are representing the advantages of the MicroThermX to those physicians interested in using a microwave technology platform for tumor ablations.
This increased sales activity has resulted in a full schedule of clinical evaluations in the coming weeks. These evaluations represent an important milestone in the MicroThermX sales cycle, with hospital capital budgeting, committee review and other approvals required to complete the sales cycle.
The company is excited by the initial sales from the rollout of its sales and marketing strategy. It also points to the medical facilities where BSD initially placed the systems and the reorders of the disposable microwave antennas as a positive indicator of its potential ongoing revenue stream.
For additional information on BSD Medical, please visit its website at www.BSDmedical.com
Territories
Access Pharmaceuticals Inc., focused on developing treatments in the areas of oncology and diabetes, today announced that its MuGard partner in China, RHEI Pharmaceuticals, has received the acceptance letter from the State Food and Drug Administration (SFDA) of China, confirming that all the documents needed for marketing approval for MuGard have been submitted and accepted.
MuGard is an oral wound rinse and coating designed to manage oral mucositis, a debilitating side effect of some anticancer treatments. As part of its licensing agreement with Access, RHEI is responsible for securing regulatory approvals for MuGard.
Together with its marketing partner Jian An Pharmaceuticals, RHEI has completed all the required steps to receive marketing approval in China and its other South East Asian territories. The company said it anticipates receiving marketing approval in the second half of this year.
“The acceptance of MuGard submission is a critical step in receiving marketing approval for MuGard in China and South East Asian territories,” Phillip Wise, vice president of Business Development and Strategy for Access stated in the press release. “We knew that the SFDA would perform a significant amount of due diligence before it would accept our MuGard submission. Receiving the acceptance letter helps us, as a company, gauge more accurately the timeline to marketing approval. We are pleased with RHEI and Jian An’s ability to streamline the process thus far and their continued progress and commitment to advancing the marketing approval.”
Access and RHEI noted that they recently signed a $30 million supply agreement for MuGard that ensures the manufacturing capacity of at least $30 million of product in the licensed territories.
RHEI also recently signed a sub-license agreement with Jian An, to leverage Jian An’s sales, marketing and regulatory infrastructure for the launch of MuGard in China and Taiwan.
For more information visit www.accesspharma.com
NeoStem, Inc. (NBS) Says it’s “Making History” with Diverse Adult Stem Cell Conference
NeoStem, Inc., an international biopharmaceutical company focused on developing and manufacturing cell-based therapies, today offered an update on the progress and nature of its partnership with Vatican’s Pontifical Council for Culture.
The partnership was established to advance adult stem cell research, with a focus on U.S. adult stem cells, China adult stem cells, and China pharmaceuticals. Its primary mission is to:
• Promote stem cell research and to explore the cultural, ethical and human implications of their use
• Create awareness regarding the potential of adult stem cell technology in concordance with ethical values
• Determine short-term and long-term opportunities in which political, scientific, educational, and religious leaders can participate in regenerative medicine
• Lay the foundation for a network of scientists and patrons who recognize the promise of adult stem cells as a solution to reduce human suffering through regenerative medicine
• Advance adult stem cell research and facilitate its safe transformation from the lab to the clinic.
In a press conference at the Vatican, several key members of both parties offered details regarding the partnership and on the international Vatican conference on adult stem cells, which is slated for November 9-11, 2011.
The November conference will include speakers, panel discussions, patient case studies, video, and breakout sessions, as well as the expected experts in adult stem cell research and recognized leaders in medicine. Where the conference differs from other similar regenerative medicine conferences, is the rest of the line-up. Attendees and presenters will also include church and scientific leaders, policymakers, ethicists, educators, ministers of health from around the world, ambassadors to the Holy See, and representatives of the stem cell therapeutic business community.
“Today we are making history. I am here with you today because of an historic collaboration between the Vatican and NeoStem which is already underway, and also to tell you about our upcoming event in November to further these efforts. We believe adult stem cells will be the answer to so many debilitating problems impacting people all over the world, of all ages, in all walks of life,” NeoStem chairman and CEO Robin Smith stated in the press release. “We look forward to working together with Father Trafny, Cardinal Ravasi and other Church leaders to be able to demonstrate that faith and technology can work together to find ethical solutions to human kind’s most ancient problems.”
For more information visit: www.neostem.com or www.stemforlifefoundation.com
Accelrys, Inc. (ACCL) Advances Partner Program to Create “Vibrant Partner Ecosytem”
Accelrys, Inc., a leading scientific enterprise R&D software and services company, today announced it has enhanced and expanded its Partner Program, which is based on the Pipeline Pilot™ platform.
The program builds on the company’s Accelrys Enterprise R&D Architecture to offer new capabilities and business opportunities for partners that market Accelrys software.
Through the Accelrys Partner Program, users combine their own products and services with Accelrys technologies on a single platform, which reduces costs, enhances organizational efficiency, optimizes IT infrastructure, and accelerates innovation in new scientific areas.
Dr. Trevor Heritage, executive vice president of software products at Accelrys, said the company stands firm that strong partnerships and integration are the driving force behind solid market positioning.
“Accelrys believes that a strong and vibrant partner ecosystem is essential to providing customers with the latest, best-in-class scientific tools,” Dr. Heritage stated in the press release. “The Accelrys Enterprise R&D Architecture’s unique integration capabilities support a wide spectrum of partner collaborations around innovative, science-based software and services, enabling rapid technology deployment through familiar applications like Pipeline Pilot and Symyx Notebook by Accelrys. A strong Partner Program helps Accelrys, our partners and our many mutual customers achieve success together.”
To help its customers build, extend and maintain the necessary IT infrastructure, the Accelrys Partner Program pools a network of independent but interlaced software vendors, service providers and developers; consulting partners and system integrators; distributors and value-added resellers; platform and technology partners; original equipment manufacturers; and academic institutions.
This integration and networking provides various opportunities and creativity within the IT industry.
“The combination of Microsoft’s software and services with Accelrys’ business intelligence, predictive science and industry experience creates innovative solutions that address key challenges, such as the delivery of new products to the marketplace,” said Michael Naimoli, worldwide managing director, Microsoft Life Sciences. “The expansion of Accelrys’ Partner Program will provide even more opportunities and benefits to our joint customers.”
ECOtality, Inc. (ECTY) Celebrates Blink® Pedestal Charging Stations in San Diego Metro Area
ECOtality, Inc., a provider of clean electric transportation and storage technologies in the US and abroad, recently celebrated its Blink® Pedestal charging station installation in San Diego in the metropolitan area. Local stakeholders, elected officials, EV drivers, and company representatives came together outside the Reuben H. Fleet Science Center in Balboa Park, one of the five in the series of events that will be celebrating the installations of the commercial and publicly available charging stations in the EV Project markets. Balboa Park, which is located in the heart of San Diego, currently houses 10 Blink Pedestal chargers.
“San Diego has been a terrific project market for ECOtality, and its high levels of consumer and stakeholder interest make it an excellent proving ground for electric vehicles,” said Jonathan Read, CEO of ECOtality. “The Blink charging stations installed at the Reuben H. Fleet Science Center and at the San Diego Air & Space Museum—as well as the commercial Blink charging stations appearing in EV Project markets nationwide—underscores our commitment to smart EV deployment and placing charging stations at locations that fit the lifestyle of EV drivers.”
“A well-planned charging network tears down a significant barrier to adopting electric vehicles,” Mayor Jerry Sanders said. “I’m proud San Diego will be one of the first cities in the nation to encourage residents to purchase EVs, and that we’ll serve as a model for other cities as they look to deploy their charging infrastructures.”
ECOtality initiated the installations of its Blink Level 2 Residential charging stations in EV Project areas across the nation in December of 2010, and has since then completed more than 1,400 installations. In the last few months, ECOtality has been very actively installing Blink Pedestal chargers in commercial and public sites. The company strives to have approximately 1,000 Level 2 commercial and public charging stations installed in the metropolitan areas of San Diego by the end of the year, along with 30 Blink DC Fast Chargers that are available publicly.
At Balboa Park, ECOtality has installed three Blink Pedestal chargers in the parking lot located outside of the Reuben H. Fleet Science Center and seven charging stations located outside of the San Diego Air & Space Museum adjacent to the San Diego Municipal Gym.
“The installation of electric vehicle charging stations outside of the Fleet presents an exciting opportunity to highlight the importance of environmental stewardship to our visitors,” said Dr. Jeffrey Kirsch, Executive Director of the Reuben H. Fleet Science Center. “In conjunction with two current exhibitions focused on sustainability, ‘So WATT: An Illuminating Look at Energy,’ and ‘San Diego’s Water: From Source to Tap,’ we hope to add an exhibit component within the science center where visitors will be able to learn more about electric vehicles and make real-life connections to the outside charging stations.”
The event marks the culmination of almost a year and a half of planning. Locations of the public charging stations were selected utilizing ECOtality’s Micro-Climate™ planning process, which uses the input from regional partners and takes into account a variety of factors, which include traffic patterns and the locations of regional attractions, employment centers, retail hubs, as well as input from regional partners.
“This electric vehicle project signifies the State’s commitment to diversify how California uses cleaner vehicles and fuels to transport people and goods on our state’s roads and highways. Ten years from now we will look back and remember these early charger installations as the first steps in getting one million electric vehicles on the road,” stated California Energy Commission Vice Chair James Boyd.
“This is another example of how San Diego is leading the way when it comes to energy innovation,” said U.S. Rep. Susan Davis. “Electric vehicles provide a lower cost, cleaner alternative to transportation powered with expensive oil. Made possible by the economic stimulus bill, these federal investments in deploying public charging infrastructure—such as The EV Project—benefit all electric vehicle owners and manufacturers while enhancing our energy security and creating jobs for all Americans.”
ECOtality is currently discussing with private and public property owners for the installation of public charging stations, and has partnered with national retailer which include Sears, Macy’s, BP/Arco, Cracker Barrel and Best Buy, as well as leading commercial real estate company Jones Lang LaSalle. The company is also working with other EV Project stakeholders, which include SDG&E, to help choose site locations for charging stations and improve installation logistics.
“San Diego Gas & Electric looks forward to working with ECOtality, the City of San Diego, the California Energy Commission, SANDAG and other community leaders to make San Diego America’s Finest Plug In City,” said James P. Avery, SDG&E senior vice president, power supply.
The Blink Pedestal Chargers offer intelligent, user-friendly features that safely and intuitively charge EVs. They include a seven-inch interactive color touch screen and web-based delivery through the Blink Network.
“Vehicles like my all-electric Nissan Leaf, and the availability of charging stations across the county, will help move America away from its dependence on foreign oil, give San Diegans an exhaust-pipe free way to get around, and help to achieve the goals of our Regional Transportation Plan by reducing per capita greenhouse gas emissions,” said Encinitas Deputy Mayor Jerome Stocks, chair of the SANDAG Board of Directors.
For more information on ECOtality, Inc. and its future projects, visit their company website: www.ecotality.com
China North East Petroleum (NEP) to Join Russell Microcap Index, Increase Visibility
China North East Petroleum Holdings Ltd., a leading independent oil producing and oilfield services company in Northern China, is set to join the Russell Microcap® Index on June 24, according to a preliminary list of additions recently posted on www.russell.com/indexes.
China North East will hold membership in the index for the standard one-year placement, which will ensure its automatic inclusion in the respective growth and value style indexes. Russell considers membership for its equity indexes primarily by objective, market-capitalization rankings and style attributes.
Jingfu Li, CEO of China North East Petroleum, said the listing on the index marks a significant achievement for the company and that he anticipates the listing will drive name recognition to investors.
“Our inclusion in the Russell Microcap index is a milestone event for NEP and can increase our visibility within the investment community. We are pleased to be included among the well respected companies in this index and look forward to the continued execution of our strategic operational initiatives,” Li stated in the press release.
Russell indexes are industry leaders, with $3.9 trillion in institutional assets currently benchmarked to them. Investment managers and institutional investors use the indexes for index funds and as benchmarks for both passive and active investment strategies.
For more information visit www.cnepetroleum.com
Kopin (KOPN) Receives $23.2M Order for U.S. Army Thermal Weapon Program
Kopin Corp., a leading U.S. manufacturer of display systems for mobile consumer and military applications, today announced it was awarded $23.2 million in follow-on production orders for display systems in support of U.S. Army’s Thermal Weapon Sight Bridge (TWS-IIB) program.
Dr. John C.C. Fan, Kopin president and CEO, said the order reflects the high standards of the company’s products, and detailed how the U.S. Army utilizes the company’s technology.
“These orders from all of the TWS-IIB prime contractors are a testament to the superior quality and reliability of our display system products,” Dr. Fan stated in the press release. “Our proprietary display technologies, electro-optical system designs and manufacturing processes result in the highest performance display system for thermal weapon sights, which are used in mission-critical night operations around the world, including Afghanistan and Pakistan.”
Kopin’s TWS-IIB display products are based on the company’s patented low-power CyberDisplay® 640M display. The company has shipped more than 30 million displays for both consumer and military applications, ranging from digital cameras to thermal weapon sights.
Delivery of the products is expected to begin later this quarter and will continue throughout the next 12 months.
Kopin’s proprietary technologies are protected by more than 200 global patents and patents pending. Michael Presz, Kopin vice president of Government Programs, noted why he believes the company’s products are unrivaled.
“The proven performance, reliability and low life-cycle costs of our display products when subjected to the rugged environments of the battlefield are unsurpassed,” Presz stated.
For more information visit www.kopin.com
Cross Border Resources, Inc. (XBOR) Updates Texas Oil and Gas Operations
Cross Border Resources released an operations update on the company’s oil and gas activity in Texas, where it is active in the Permian Basin.
Cross Border Resources signed an agreement to acquire a working interest in an oil and gas development program in Texas. The company is purchasing a 10% working interest in 320 gross acres at the Big Star Six Shooter project in Dawson County, Texas.
Cross Border Resources said that the total project area is 800 gross acres and is targeting the Wolfberry trend. The company has an option to participate in an additional 480 gross acres at the project later in 2011.
Cross Border Resources said that the first well at the Big Star Six Shooter project will be drilled in late June 2011. Other formations that may be present at the site include Dean, Canyon, Spraberry and Strawn.
Cross Border Resources reported that three wells at the company’s Tres Amigos project have undergone hydraulic fracturing operations and are flowing back fluids. The company purchased a 10% working interest in the Tres Amigos project earlier in 2011, and estimates that the property has eight remaining drilling locations.
For more information on the company, go to www.xbres.com
Voice Assist, Inc. (VSST) Enters Private Label Agreement with QOS Telecom, LLC
Voice Assist, Inc., a hosted speech service provider that offers cloud based speech recognition technology, announced that it has entered into a private label agreement with QOS Telecom, LLC. In par with the terms of the agreement, QOS Telecom will OEM Voice Assist’s speech services to provide for single voice user experiences to access video phones and mobile equipment. QOS Telecom expects to market its new speech based services in Canada, Asia, Africa, Europe, the Middle East, and in the U.S.
“Voice Assist is pleased to be chosen by QOS as the enabler for a new generation of multi-media communication solutions,” said Michael Metcalf, chairman and CEO of Voice Assist. ”Our cloud-based solution empowers QOS to provide a compelling communications service worldwide for an increasingly mobile workforce.”
“QOS is bringing high quality video conferencing and the power of voice recognition together to provide enhanced communication services to business clients and high end residential communities,” said Dr. Sameer Bashrahil, Founder and Chairman of Queen of Sheba Communications, LLC/QOS Telcom. ”The combination of our products with Voice Assist’s superior technology will give our users an excellent way to be more productive.”
With the foundation of the Voice Assist cloud-based speech platform, users will be able to amplify productivity using any IP-connected or mobile phone device (iPhone®, BlackBerry®, Android™ phones, the iPad® and other tablets for example) at work, at home, during travel, and on the road. Also, when paired with a Bluetooth® headset, the technology allows for a flawless hands-free driving solution, allowing the user to make phone calls, send or receive emails and text messages, or post to social network sites such as Twitter and Facebook, all by voice.
QOS will be selling this service within 60-90 days and plans to market the services with full force through the radio, television, direct sales, and the Internet. Future clients can activate their new accounts at www.QOStelcom.com or by calling 1-800-583-5277.
For more information on the Company and its products, visit their website at www.QOStelcom.com
Laredo Oil, Inc. (LRDC) Signs Agreements on Enhanced Oil Recovery
Laredo Oil, Inc. reported that the company has signed multiple agreements with the Stranded Oil Resources Corporation to license and provide enhanced oil recovery services on selected oil properties.
Laredo Oil utilizes the Underground Gravity Drainage method to recover oil from mature fields that have difficulty producing enough hydrocarbons to be commercially viable. This method consists of tunneling below existing reservoirs and drilling upwards into these deposits.
The Stranded Oil Resources Corporation is a wholly owned subsidiary of Alleghany Corporation. The company is required under the agreement to provide capital to fund future expenses of the venture, and plans to issue 12% Cumulative Preferred Stock and common stock.
Mark See, the CEO of Laredo Oil, Inc., will become the CEO of the Stranded Oil Resources Corporation and is required to spend substantially all of his time and effort in locating, evaluating and implementing the Underground Gravity Drainage method on oil properties leased by the Stranded Oil Resources Corporation.
In exchange for these licenses and services, Laredo Oil, Inc. will receive a royalty from the Stranded Oil Resources Corporation based on the future profits earned. This royalty will range from 17.25% to 19.99%.
For more information on the company, go to http://www.laredo-oil.com/index.php