The Latin month Ianuarius derives from ianua (“door”), since it was the opening of the year. It was also associated with Janus, the two-faced Roman god of doors and openings who guarded the gates of heaven. Janus could simultaneously face the year just past and the year to come.

What a wonderful way to end the year and start another.

http://www.counterfeitscankill.com/

Regarding Anti-Counterfeit Products Initiative Site

WOW!!    BULLS EYE.

This website has more potential value to the marketplace than anything we have seen in years. The additional safety and security factor recognized here is testimony to the diligent and focused work of Electrical Contactor Magazine (www.ecmag.com) and TED –The Electrical Distributor Magazine (www.tedmag.com ). Well Done. Keep bringing us the information that we can use to make better buying and hiring decisions.

The ugly face of modern day piracy is “counterfeit products”. They look like the real deal, but they aren’t. The savings, you thought you got, go down the drain in legal fees and lost business. You better make sure that the products that you are buying aren’t too good to be true.

If you are looking for the real deal on anti-counterfeiting efforts read the December issue of either Electrical Contactor Magazine or TED –The Electrical Distributor Magazine.

We will be attending the BICSI Conference in Orlando, and we hope to see many of our readers, while we’re getting all the news that you can use.

But that’s just my opinion,

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

Counterfeiting Can Kill

Special update

Identify the Problem ;Modern-Day Piracy

By clark silcox

The view that buying counterfeit products can be a victimless crime is a fantasy. There are victims, and there is criminal profiteering, not unlike that of the of 17th-century buccaneers.

In  almost every significant CITY in the world, some consumers will go out of their way for a deep-discount purchase of a brand-name, luxury good, perhaps to a room on the upper floor of a nondescript building where they may buy products that bear counterfeit trademarks of well-known manufacturers. These consumers know they are buying fake goods and that the quality is likely to be inferior to the genuine product. But still, they feel satisfaction about their bargain purchases and justify their conduct on the theory that no one is harmed. After all, they would never buy the pricey, genuine goods, so sales are not lost, and no one’s health or safety is impaired by their purchases of a fake handbag, shoes or bottle of perfume.

A recent documentary from National Geographic based on the book by Dr. Moises Naim, “Illicit: The Dark Trade,” addresses global commerce in illegal trade of all types and these justifications. The film captures the role of organized crime in the global distribution of counterfeit goods and shows why consumers looking for counterfeit handbags or athletic shoes should consider where the money goes and how their behavior is financing criminal activity throughout the world.

Damage done

Seven-year-old Connor O’Keeffe brought his Nintendo Gameboy on a family vacation to Thailand. He forgot to pack his Nintendo charger/adapter, and after arriving in Thailand, his father purchased what he believed was a replacement Nintendo charger. Later that evening, Connor’s parents found him dead on the floor of the hotel room, clutching the charger that electrocuted him. A British inquest found the following:

• Wires within the charger were dangerously close together, which meant it could easily become live and electrocute a user, said Landesgewerbeanstalt Bayern (LGA), the German electrical laboratory that conducted the tests.

• Noting the charger was far below European safety standards, LGA discovered the gap between the primary and secondary circuits was 1 millimeter wide, compared to European standards, which require a 4.6-mm gap.

Nintendo did not make this product. It was counterfeit.

There are many other examples of injuries and damage caused by counterfeit electrical products: House fires in Indonesia and Egypt have been linked to the failure of counterfeit circuit breakers to protect electrical circuitry from overcurrent or short circuits. Counterfeit cell phone batteries have been reported to explode, damaging devices and property. Kitchen workers at an Iraqi housing facility for U.S. Embassy guards suffered minor electrical shocks, and electric wires began to melt because of counterfeit electrical wires installed in the facility. These and similar reports found on the National Electrical Manufacturers Association’s (NEMA) Web site confirm that counterfeit electrical products are typically substandard and unsafe.

Modern-day pirates may still use ships to export their stolen booty, but the 21st century weapons of choice are CAD machines, high-speed printers, digital cameras, e-mail and the Internet. This equipment enables high-quality copying of the exterior look of a product and the labels and packaging that accompany it. Images of the copied product are posted on Chinese English--language Web sites, and NEMA has found that some of these Chinese Web sites actually copy word-for-word the text of the product’s description from the genuine manufacturer’s Web site. The photo and the text are a fraud: they do not describe how the internal properties of the copied product vary from the product they purport to be.

There are counterfeit circuit breakers that have no internal parts that would terminate the current to a wire in danger of overheating. There are counterfeit batteries without the vents that enable built-up gases to escape and permit batteries to fail safely. There are counterfeit grounding rods with only a small fraction of the copper coating required to prevent corrosion by elements in the soil, giving the ground rod a useful life of only a few years to protect property from electrical surges instead of the 30 to 40 years one would expect from a product built to safety standards. And then there are the counterfeit electrical power cords—for which safety standards specify a 12-gauge AWG wire-—that only have a 24-gauge wire typically found in speaker wire. The cord’s jacket deceptively states it has a 12-gauge wire, but it will not safely carry the electrical current for the purpose it falsely represents.

These hidden variations are not unintentional. These inferior products are intended to be made and sold cheaply to appeal to those primarily interested in purchasing an electrical product at a price that not even a wholesaler of genuine electrical products can sell at for a profit. The purchaser is buying these products either knowing that they are not the same quality as the genuine electrical product—consciously avoiding the question whether they are as safe, as durable or providing the same level of performance as the genuine product— or buying them unwittingly, a victim of the desire to buy a product at an unheard-of price.

“Counterfeit products pose serious health and safety hazards to consumers and put unsuspecting distributors in the middle of a very dangerous situation,” said Jim Pauley, vice president of industry and government relations for Schneider Electric’s North American Operating Division, Palatine, Ill. “Anyone near one of the counterfeit breakers when it explodes is going to be subjected to extreme heat, sprays of molten metal and a powerful blast of energy. Further, even if the breaker does not have a catastrophic failure, it may not properly operate to protect the home or building’s electrical system from an electrical fault, significantly increasing the likelihood of an electrical fire.”

Most counterfeit electrical products found in the United States are copies of electrical products made in the United States, Mexico, Canada or the Caribbean. Schneider Electric North American CEO David Petratis told the U.S. Chamber of Commerce in October 2007 that Schneider Electric can still make residential circuit breakers in Lincoln, Neb., at a landed cost that is less than the same product delivered from China. It’s also important to note that genuine NEMA-style residential circuit breakers are made in this hemisphere and are not sold on Chinese English-language Web sites.

The same is true for many other electrical products. A recent visit to eBay uncovered offers from Hong Kong sellers of counterfeit lithium batteries for as little as 99 cents for an order of 10 batteries. The counterfeiters copy the labels of the genuine batteries, but the real versions of these batteries sold in the United States actually are made in the United States.

While it is difficult to quantify the amount of counterfeit electrical products that have reached the United States, data reported by the U.S. Customs and Border Protection and Immigration and Customs Enforcement Unit indicates the number of electrical products seized is on the rise. Electrical products are catalogued as “consumer electronics” by customs, and in fiscal year 2006, these products represented 5 percent of total seizures valued at about $7 million. In fiscal year 2007, these products represented 8 percent of total seizures valued at about $16 million. The consumer electronics classification does not include computer hardware or computer games. This figure also does not include product that is seized as a result of private civil litigation or counterfeit product that is never found. The increase in counterfeits seized is consistent with what NEMA is learning about increased reports of counterfeit electrical products in the marketplace.

Common counterfeits

Counterfeit products touch on a range of interests: injury or death of consumers from a product defect or malfunction, deception of buyers of electrical products, improper use of intellectual property rights, and the loss of tax revenue. In addition,  reputations are at stake: Tying a fire or injury to a wrongly branded counterfeit product can give the unsuspecting manufacturer an unwarranted black eye. NEMA is aware of at least one member company that learned it had a counterfeiting problem because it was named as a defendant in a product liability lawsuit for a product it did not make or sell.

In a recent report covering product liability issues for its members, the National Association of Electrical Distributors (NAED) reported that documented cases of counterfeit electrical products reaching the market include the following:

• Conduit fittings installed in a hazardous location, marked with a brand and certification marks bearing the manufacturer’s part number of a product designed for use in hazardous locations without actually meeting the design requirements suitable for those locations

• Circuit breakers bearing a brand name not providing protection

• Defective control relays bearing a counterfeit certification mark, causing a machine to malfunction

• Extension cords bearing a brand name and certification mark for a product designed for a 12-gauge wire but actually employing a smaller 24-gauge wire, which catch on fire when the cords are used as the manufacturer intends

• Imported dry-cell batteries containing mercury, when U.S. law prohibits sale of them

• Electrical products bearing the certification marks of third-party test labs without authorization

• Counterfeit ground-fault circuit interrupters

• Cell phone batteries

•Electrical receptacles

Risk of product liability claims

Who in the distribution chain of a product—manufacturers, distributors, retailers or contractors—is open to product liability suits when a product malfunctions or otherwise fails to perform as expected and causes injury? Most of the time, according to NAED reports, the manufacturer is the first focus of a claim or lawsuit based on the malfunctioning or defect of an electrical product and will stand behind its products. Claims most often associated with product liability include the following:

• Negligence

• Strict liability, where the injured party must show only that the product was defective (unsafe if used as intended) or unreasonably dangerous (likely to cause harm)

• Breach of warranty: a warranty is a statement by a manufacturer concerning the traits or operation of a product.

When the product is determined to be counterfeit, however, the manufacturer will generally avoid liability for a product that it did not make or sell. The focus then shifts to the distributors, retailers, electrical contractors and installers. The hunt is on for those who introduced the defective counterfeit product into the supply channel in the first place. Finding that entity, particularly if it is in Asia, may be a difficult task, leaving the local distributor or electrician holding the bag for liability because, unwittingly or not, they are the only known entity in the chain of distribution who can be sued. Given the difficulty of detecting look-alike counterfeits, the risk-averse strategy to avoiding counterfeits is to source electrical products from entities that are authorized and known to trade in genuine products of the branded manufacturer (for more on liability, see page 38i).

A collaborative solution

The Prioritizing Resources and Organization for Intellectual Property Act of 2008 (HR 4279) passed the House of Representatives in May 2008, and legislation pending in the U.S. Senate explicitly recognizes the importance of a public-private partnership.

NEMA and several of its members impacted by counterfeiting are pursuing public-private partnerships with the government on intellectual property enforcement. NEMA also meets with customs officials, helping them understand from where the dangerous fake electrical products are coming, and with criminal law-enforcement officials, asking them to bring cases where it is believed someone has knowingly trafficked in counterfeit electrical products. In addition, NEMA talks with trade and safety agencies to make them aware of the correlation between counterfeit products and substandard products. NEMA has written to the U.S. Trade Representative to support its World Trade Organization case against China for inadequate enforcement of intellectual property laws.

NAED and the National Electrical Contractors Association support efforts to combat counterfeit electrical products, and the efforts of Underwriters Laboratories and Canadian Standards Association International (to combat counterfeit electrical products) have not gone unnoticed. The product liability risks and the risks to the public from the unsafe counterfeits drives a mutual recognition among all groups in the electrical channel and the government that collaboration in eliminating this insidious side of global commerce is the only possible strategy. For more on the solution, see the “What’s Being Done” section, starting on page 46i.

Silcox is general counsel for NEMA. He can be reached at
Cla_Silcox@nema.org. This article first appeared in the June 2008. issue of the NEMA publication, “electroindustry.”

Reprinted with full permission of Electrical Contractor Magazine www.ecmag.com 

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Reprinted with full permission of The Electrical Distributor Magazine www.tedmag.com  

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Counterfeiting and Piracy: How Pervasive Is It?

By cheryl d. smith

Industry experts and government officials estimate that counterfeiting and piracy is growing worldwide, and the cost to the nation, companies and consumers is alarming.

From counterfeit prescription drugs and automotive parts to computer software and electrical extension cords, the market for bogus products is increasing and is of particular concern to electrical manufacturers, distributors and contractors that stand behind the products they make, sell and install. While one of the biggest challenges facing the electrical industry is the physical danger counterfeit products pose to consumers, there also is the economic impact to consider. When intellectual property rights are infringed upon, it undermines the ability to innovate and create breakthrough technological solutions that bolster the global economy and create jobs for millions of Americans.

Counterfeiting and piracy cost the U.S. economy approximately $250 billion in annual revenues and have led to the loss of more than 750,000 American jobs. The automotive industry, for example, could employ an additional 250,000 workers if counterfeit auto parts sales were eliminated, according to the U.S. Federal Trade Commission. It is estimated that phony auto parts cost the global automotive industry approximately $12 billion annually.

Small businesses also suffer because many lack the resources to bring a claim against a perpetrator, and a malicious attack to steal a trademark or copyright could ultimately destroy the company. In 2005, the U.S. Patent and Trademark office found that only 15 percent of small companies that conduct business abroad are aware that a U.S. patent or trademark only protects them in the United States. On the global economy, the impact of intellectual property theft accounts for $500 to $600 billion in lost sales each year, or 5 to 7 percent of world trade.

“There are estimates that intellectual property in the United States is worth between $5 trillion and $5.5 trillion and accounts for approximately half of U.S. exports with roughly 40 percent driving U.S. economic growth,” said Alex Burgos, representative for the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Global Intellectual Property Center. “The impact of intellectual property on the U.S. economy is undeniable.”

Health and safety risks also are mounting as counterfeit prescription drugs account for 10 percent of all pharmaceuticals, according to the World Health Organization. The Center for Medicine in the Public Interest reports that imitation drug commerce is expected to grow 13 percent annually through 2010.

Data compiled by the U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) and Immigration Customs Enforcement Unit (ICE) shows a dramatic increase in seizures of counterfeit and pirated goods in recent years. In fiscal year 2007, CBP and ICE conducted 1,295 seizures of counterfeit goods that posed potential safety and security risks with a domestic value of $27.9 million. Seizures of hazardous counterfeit goods more than doubled year-to-year in both value and number. The types of products seized included electrical equipment, pharmaceuticals, perfume, cigarettes, batteries, auto parts, food and sunglasses. By midfiscal year 2008, CBP and ICE had confiscated 796 shipments of products with possible safety risks with a domestic value of $24.8 million—a 28 percent rise in seizures and 30 percent increase in domestic value compared to 2007. (These numbers show the magnitude of counterfeiting as a whole and not just electrical components.)

“The size of the counterfeit electrical market is difficult to determine because we don’t know that a product is counterfeit unless it has been previously tested, inspected or failed to perform its intended function,” said Bernd Heinze, president and CEO of the Philadelphia-based Sequent Insurance Group. “Most estimates, although conservative, project the amount of global counterfeiting of electrical products between $11 billion and $20 billion annually and between $300 million and $400 million in North America.”

Heinze has represented and defended electric utilities, distributors, suppliers, installers and manufacturers in product liability and contract matters. He recently produced a white paper on behalf of the National Association of Electrical Distributors (NAED) to help distributors assess legal and risk exposures of doing business overseas. Based on his study, “Product Liability Exposure: How to Manage and Mitigate the Risks in Today’s Global Market,” Heinze said the growth of products being contracted overseas and purchased from unauthorized dealers has contributed to an increase of recalled electrical goods and claims filed against electrical distributors and manufacturers.

“With global trafficking of counterfeit electrical products on the rise, distributors and manufacturers can minimize the risk of being sued by exercising due diligence to verify the legitimacy of the manufacturer,” Heinze said. “Representatives in the electrical distribution channel must conduct business with reputable sources in order to have confidence in the integrity of the product.”

Square D, the flagship brand for Schneider Electric’s North American Operating Division, Palatine, Ill., has filed several lawsuits against U.S. companies that were selling counterfeit Square D circuit breakers and obtained permanent injunctions barring distributors from selling and importing Square D products.

 “Five years ago, we were unaware of any counterfeit Square D products in the United States, but there has been an influx in recent years of trafficking counterfeit goods,” said Tracy Garner, anti-counterfeiting manager for Schneider Electric/Square D. “Based on our lawsuits, hundreds of thousands of counterfeit Square D circuit breakers were sold in the United States. Other manufacturers’ products are being negatively affected as well. Counterfeiting is a huge issue for our industry.”

Consider that as many as 250,000 circuit breakers could fit into a 40-foot container shipped into the United States. An average home may contain about 15 circuit breakers, which means more than 16,000 homes could be dangerously affected by just one container of counterfeit circuit breakers. CBP reported the seizure of 500,000 circuit breakers in the United States between January 2006 and June 2007.

According to www.ul.com, Underwriters Laboratories (UL) has experienced counterfeiting of its UL mark, which certifies that products have been tested and considered safe for use by consumers. Products that usually bear a counterfeit UL mark are high-volume, low-cost items, such as extension cords and power strips. UL estimates that a small percentage of its mark is being illegally affixed to products, but UL has a zero-tolerance policy for any goods with counterfeit marks. UL has worked with CBP on thousands of seizures valued at more than $150 million (for more on this, see page 52i).

The upsurge of counterfeiting and piracy also is having an overwhelming affect on electrical contractors, according to Electrical Contractor magazine’s “2008 Profile of the Electrical Contractor.”

The survey, published by the National Electrical Contractors Association (NECA), revealed that 60 percent of contractors are extremely or very concerned about the effectiveness of counterfeit products, while 43 percent were unsure if they have encountered counterfeit electrical goods over the past year. To address electrical contractors’ concerns, the magazine convened a one-hour session, “Counterfeit Products: Are You Liable?” at NECA’s 2008 Convention and Trade Show in Chicago.

How are counterfeit products getting into the marketplace?

Shoddy products can enter the United States and infiltrate the legitimate supply chain through a variety of distribution channels. One popular method that counterfeiters use to transport illegal goods is through imports.

“The U.S. government serves as the first line of defense for counterfeit products coming from abroad, and the majority of them originate from China,” Burgos said. “We encourage industries and businesses to manage their supply chain and share intelligence with government officials and law enforcement to improve and defend our U.S. ports.”

A more contemporary vehicle used by counterfeiters to sell fake products is through e-commerce, auction sites and e-mail solicitations on the Internet. According to “The Economic Impact of Counterfeiting and Piracy,” a study by the France-based Organisation for Economic Development and Co-operation, online environments are appealing for a number of reasons, including anonymity, flexibility, the size of market, market reach and deception.

The Internet has a wide-reaching global audience that creates substantial opportunities for perpetrators to conduct illegal sales. Counterfeiters also can conceal their identity and establish online merchant sites that can be quickly removed and relocated. The overwhelming number of e-commerce sites makes it hard for enforcement agencies to track and capture the culprits, and the high level of software available to build sophisticated and professional Web sites allow counterfeiters and pirates to deceive consumers and businesses.

“The Internet is a major issue with pharmaceutical companies because almost 50 percent of counterfeit medications are trafficked through illicit Web sites,” Burgos said. “Companies or industries that are most affected by illegal online commerce generally have departments within their organizations specifically designed to monitor unlawful activity.”

A major concern for the international market is free trade zones. OECD reports that traders can store, assemble and manufacture products that are moving across borders with minimum regulation. Merchandise that passes through the zones provides unlawful opportunities for shipping documents to be “sanitized” to conceal their original point of manufacture. Goods also can be repackaged with counterfeit trademarks prior to being exported to other countries.

As the enormity of the counterfeiting and piracy problem continues to increase, the battle to save lives, safeguard intellectual property and advance global economic growth requires collaboration across industries and partnership with government and law enforcement agencies. Counterfeiting and piracy undercuts the investment that electrical manufacturers make in their brands to meet and exceed electrical safety standards. It also damages distributors in the wholesale and retail market that legitimately promote quality brands and shatters the confidence that contractors expect to have in the products they install in homes and businesses.

“Strong business relationships are essential as the problem of counterfeiting and piracy intensifies,” Heinze said. “Creating awareness and working together is the greatest weapon to prevent injuries, damages and losses attributed to counterfeit electrical products.”

For more information on counterfeiting and piracy, visit the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Global Intellectual Property Center on the Web at www.theglobalipcenter.com and the Coalition Against Counterfeiting and Piracy at www.theglobalipcenter.com/gipc/cacp.           

Smith is a freelance writer in Upper Marlboro, Md. She can be reached at accd.smith3@comcast.net.

Reprinted with full permission of Electrical Contractor Magazine www.ecmag.com 

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Reprinted with full permission of The Electrical Distributor Magazine www.tedmag.com

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Identify the PROBLEM

By john paul quinn

The ChinaChallenge

China’s immense size and its history as a closed society have made it the subject of a number of urban legends and fanciful speculations. However, there are some current, verifiable statistics about China that should be believed—they are about counterfeiting and intellectual property rights (IPR), and they’re alarming.

According to U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP), China—out of all U.S. trading partners—accounted for 85 percent of the total value of counterfeit products seized, valued at $96.7 million at midyear 2008. This was up 9 percent from a year ago.

CBP also notes that overall, consumer electronics/electrical articles represent 9 percent of the total value, or $9.7 million. And 11 percent of the safety and security hazard seizures were electrical/-electronic goods, valued at $2.8 million. The report further notes that almost 90 percent of seizures that pose a safety and security risk to the United States were of Chinese origin.

“China remains a special challenge for us,” said Wayne Paugh, who heads an interagency task force called the National Intellectual Property Law Enforcement Coordination Council (NIPLECC).

“Last year, the U.S. filed two World Trade Organization (WTO) cases against China for violations of their obligations as a permanent WTO member,” he said. “One involved impeding market access, the other IPR violations. As we proceeded with the litigation, our negotiations on trade issues with the Chinese broke down at the leadership level, with little being accomplished. Recently, we have re-engaged with them, but this is symptomatic of the nature of this issue.”

Many believe the situation will only deteriorate because too many politicians around the world have held back too long on taking aggressive actions to effectively combat Chinese counterfeiting.

Speaking off the record at an intellectual property rights conference in Brussels earlier this year, a leading official of the anti-counterfeit section of the World Customs Organization (WCO) made a sobering observation.

“It would be a bit naive to expect China to do anything serious about counterfeiting when some 30 percent of its citizens are involved in making products that are questionable from the IPR standpoint,” he said. Do the math.

A worsening situation

The consensus in the European Union (EU) and the United States is that the China situation continues to get worse. This is especially frustrating in Europe, where the EU is currently involved in a 15 million-euro three-year project to train judges and prosecutors in China on IP protection law. The EU is contributing 12 million euros; China is paying 3 million euros.

But some observers are guardedly optimistic that things may begin to improve.

“IP laws are in place in China,” said Candice Li, external relations manager for anti-counterfeiting at the International Trademark Association (INTA) in New York. “But prosecution and enforcement are hindered by the size of the country and the rapid growth of the economy. We believe that, overall, the Chinese government is opposed to counterfeiting and is trying to cooperate and engage the problem.”

The argument for possible gradual improvement is based on the belief that the global economy may, to some extent, curtail the proliferation of counterfeiting in China.

As the country’s economy continues to expand, there is a likelihood of ongoing rising inflation that will not be limited to legitimate trade.

As counterfeiters see their costs rising, they may weigh the risks involved in pursuing their clandestine operations.

Reportedly, the Chinese government has already started to feel pressure from its own manufacturers, who are also being victimized by fakes.

Couple this with the arguments by the WTO and other international bodies that protecting IPR is a prerequisite for attracting foreign investment capital, and enlightened commercial self-interest may gradually kick in.

Political priorities

Others are less sanguine about any consistent improvement in China.

“China could do more if they wanted to,” said David Dossett, chief executive of the British Electrotechnical and Allied Manufacturers’ Association (BEAMA), based in London. “The problem is that they tend to shift their priorities and juggle their varying and political and economic interests, so at times they’re tacitly pro-counterfeiting and at times con.

“At this time, the Chinese authorities are very good if we take them evidence that a factory is making counterfeits. They’re efficient and helpful and raid the location and seize the products. But they’re not allowed to be proactive and do their own investigation and close an operation down of their own accord.”

BEAMA has been engaged in anti-counterfeiting activities in China since 2001. Working with local authorities, it has focused annually on two areas: Wenzhou, the country’s electrical manufacturing center, and the Canton Fair, where association members hit the purveyors of counterfeit articles.

The Canton Fair operators learned from experience and went undercover, so BEAMA shifted its attention this year to another exhibition at Yiwu, a massive distribution and consolidation center for both domestic and overseas markets, where export shipments are containerized.

The move produced impressive results. In the six months from April to September of 2008, BEAMA seizures doubled over those of 2007, with 850,000 products valued at 1 million euros confiscated.

Counterfeit hub

Individual manufacturers tracking the China scene continue to be skeptical.

“I don’t see any improvement near-term in controlling the amount of Chinese counterfeit products entering world markets,” said Kevin Harris, international policy manager, Eaton Corp. “And I’m embarrassed because it seems that trade associations are taking more action than national governments, or WTO or WCO.

“Most observers agree that China is the hub of counterfeit manufacturing, but there doesn’t seem to be any coordinated political strategy to stop this. Aside from associations like BEAMA taking a stand, we don’t see any action being taken without our industry involvement.

“Many of the sites raided in BEAMA’s operations in southeast China are factories without names, unlicensed, operating illegally, and apparently previously unknown to the authorities,” he said.

In Eaton’s experience, there has been little penetration of its U.K. market by Chinese knockoffs of its products. The real threat lies in these products being introduced into the company’s export markets in Africa, the Middle East and Asia, where the company’s brand name, and those of many of its major competitors, could be seriously compromised if this situation is not controlled.

“There may be IP laws in place in China,” Harris said, “but the real issue has to do with the low level of enforcement and the lack of political will to ensure that there will be serious deterrent penalties to discourage counterfeiting.”

Meeting the challenge

Meanwhile, in the United States, manufacturers have had some heartening successes in facing up to the challenge of Chinese counterfeits.

Probably the highest profile and most successful anti-counterfeit litigation in the electrical equipment industry that has taken place in the United States has been a series of lawsuits instituted by Schneider Electric/Square D, Palatine, Ill., involving the company’s line of circuit breakers, and the back trail led to China (for more on this, see sidebar on page 40i).

According to Brian Lewis, outside counsel for Square D at Wildman Harrold in Chicago, who prosecuted these cases, in the course of the U.S. litigation and two raids conducted in China, a network of 33 unauthorized manufacturers, importers, and distributors was uncovered, more than 250,000 counterfeit products were seized or quarantined, and approximately 300,000 products are under recall by order of the Consumer Product Safety Commission.

“In one facility that was raided, with the assistance of the Chinese authorities, some 19,000 counterfeit breakers were seized, knockoffs of both Square D and other U.S. brands,” said Stephen Litchfield, assistant general counsel, Schneider Electric/Square D. “In the investigators’ opinion, this plant was geared up to manufacture 3 million pieces a year and had been in operation since 2004, meaning that before they were shut down they could have generated 9 million pieces of counterfeit and highly dangerous product.”

But the evidence continues to point to unabated production of counterfeit electrical/electronic products in China.

“Last year, we participated in a NEMA survey which covered many of the products we manufacture and sell,” said Dave Griffith, electrical distribution channel manager, GE Consumer and Industrial U. C. Division, Nela Park, Ohio. “This included lamps, power distribution products, motors, switchgear, relays and circuit breakers. If you tallied up our competitors’ and our input, it was estimated that 90 percent of all the counterfeits of these products entering the supply chain comes from China.”

Griffith also advises manufacturers to be careful with what lines they choose to produce in countries with a counterfeiting reputation, because that represents an ideal opportunity for reverse-engineering and copycatting.

In this ongoing confrontation, the Chinese government apparently perceives that its importance as a pre-eminent and sought-after emerging market will limit international sanctions against it, and other governments will constantly be reluctant to take a strong stance against them on an individual basis.

“The bottom line is that this is not a manufacturer problem, and it’s not an electrical industry problem. It’s the China problem,” Lewis said. “This is a multibillion-dollar industry for that country, and it has been established that this involves automotive, aviation, electrical and electronic, drug and food products.

“Until the United States and the European Union and other global bodies become more aggressive, it’s up to all of us in our industry associations and in our individual companies to be proactive in this anti-counterfeiting fight,” Lewis said.      

Quinn reports on a wide range of business topics for journals in the United States and Europe. He can be reached at 203.323.9850 or at mirabel@snet.net.

Reprinted with full permission of Electrical Contractor Magazine www.ecmag.com 

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Reprinted with full permission of The Electrical Distributor Magazine www.tedmag.com  

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Channel Responsibilities

BY darlene bremer

Shared Responsibility

 Everyone in the supply chain—from manufacturers to distributors, electrical contractors and
end-users—has a responsibility to try to identify, avoid and report counterfeit products.  Mid-fiscal year (FY) 2008 statistics released by U.S. Customs and Border Protection this past May show that seizures of consumer electronics and electrical products that infringed on intellectual property rights (IPR) accounted for 9 percent of the total seizures made by the agency for the first half of the year.

Although total IPR seizures decreased by 1 percent between mid-FY2007 and mid-FY2008, the number of seizures of consumer electronic and electrical products rose 3 percent—from
more than $9.4 million worth of products at mid-FY2007 to more than $9.7 million for the same time period in FY2008.

IPR violation is really a fancy term for counterfeit. After all, manufacturers invest a lot of money in researching, developing and manufacturing their trademarks and testing laboratory-certified products. A counterfeiter is actually stealing that investment. To avoid abetting that theft, everyone in the supply chain has a responsibility to try to identify, avoid and report counterfeit products.

Manufacturer musts

According to Brian Monks, vice president of anti-counterfeiting operations for Underwriters Laboratories (UL), Northbrook, Ill.,  manufacturers of electrical products need to understand their component or assembly supply chain to make sure it contains pure,   untainted products.

“Electrical product manufacturers should ensure that they are dealing with reputable vendors that they know,” he said.

Knowing the company or companies that the manufacturer is dealing with means performing due diligence when beginning relationships with new suppliers, asking questions about component sources and asking for certifications of authenticity.

“Manufacturers do have to guard against counterfeit components within their own supply chain to avoid errors in manufacturing and to protect their reputations,” said Dave Moeller, national market manager, construction, Graybar, St. Louis. However, he said, while everyone in the chain has a vested interest in identifying, avoiding and reporting counterfeit products, manufacturers have the ability to readily compare legitimate product against counterfeit.

“We know our suppliers can stand behind their products,” Moeller said. “That’s one of the reasons Graybar has taken a public stance against private labeling, and we encourage the rest of the industry to do the same.”

A major responsibility held by the manufacturer concerning counterfeit products is maintaining communication through their distributors, according to Bernie Bush, purchasing manager for Valley Electrical Consolidated, Girard, Ohio.

“That’s the best channel for manufacturers to let the entire chain know if one of their products is being counterfeited,” Bush said.

For example, Valley Electrical learned about Square D’s problem with counterfeit circuit breakers through information that its distributor relayed to the company.

Ken Narod, vice president, channel at Eaton Electrical Group, Cleveland, said manufacturers’ responsibilities include having a formal anti-counterfeiting program in place, including authentication processes for trademarks and labels, as well as offering a training program to advance education throughout the industry.

“Manufacturers should also have the ability and staff to work with federal authorities to help identify and prosecute violators and to educate law enforcement on how various electrical products are being counterfeited and how they are potentially entering the country,” he said.

Manufacturers also can advance education by working and communicating with trade associations, organizations and other manufacturers to curtail counterfeiting.

Distributor to-dos

“Distributors need to perform due diligence, as well, by asking questions about sourcing, requiring certifications of authenticity for the products they purchase for distribution, and making sure

they know who is responsible for problems that occur with products,” Monks said.

Distributors also have a responsibility to understand the supply chain and to only deal with reputable manufacturers. In addition, Monks advises distributors to perform spot checks to ensure counterfeit products have not accidentally gotten into the chain.

“Counterfeiting is a criminal activity, and counterfeiters are ingenious at getting around the system,” Monks said.

However, in economic downturns, it is tempting to procure products the distributor knows are too cheap, a key indicator that a product is counterfeit. This is a temptation the entire supply chain needs to avoid.

“It is the distributor’s responsibility to not let competitive pressures lure them into ignoring the warning signs of a counterfeit product, such as prices that are too low, when choosing whether to carry a new manufacturer’s product,” Bush said.

Distributors need to buy products directly from the manufacturer to avoid finding themselves distributing counterfeit material.

“Distributors must make a commitment to training their personnel on the safety and liability risks of distributing counterfeit products and to report any suspicious products to the manufacturer,” Narod said.

According to Larry Wilson, senior communications manager for Fluke Corp., Everett, Wash., the company has not had much trouble in terms of direct knockoffs, but rather with test meters that are similar enough that people think it is a Fluke product.

“Distributors are responsible for understanding that Fluke owns the trade dress and that they should not be purchasing or distributing meters that violate the visual appearance of a Fluke product or its packaging,” he said.

If a distributor discovers counterfeit products being sold, then the distributor is responsible for letting the manufacturer know.

“It’s then up to Fluke to pursue the matter by notifying the seller that they are violating our trade dress,” Wilson explained.

Graybar’s responsibilities for identifying and avoiding counterfeit products starts with communicating awareness of the issue throughout the company, Moeller said. As a distributor, Graybar also goes through great effort to represent known, reliable manufacturers and to deal with suppliers that have good business practices and that are financially sound.

“Graybar has a long history of actively seeking out the brands that customers are most interested in purchasing and then becoming the preferred distributor of those brands,” Moeller said.

Distributors can lessen the chance of counterfeit product lines getting into the supply chain by recognizing those areas from where counterfeit products are likely to appear and by only dealing with suppliers with a history of making the original product.

Unfortunately, it has not historically been the norm for distributors or contractors to investigate who is supplying the product, according to Warren Janes, vice president of sales and marketing for Maurice Electrical Supply, Washington, D.C. There are many ways a distributor can get counterfeit product on its shelves without knowing it, and investigating authenticity creates an extra step in the buying process that not everyone has been willing to take.

“To ensure that the door remains closed to counterfeiters, distributors should buy products only from authorized sources,” Janes advised. Internet sourcing in particular, he added, is so wide open that it is easy to unknowingly find and source counterfeit products because the trail is too hard to follow.

Contractor checklist

Contractors, according to Monks, are the last link in the supply chain and the least likely to think they need to perform diligence and ask questions about product sources.

“The reality is that contractors rely on their distributors for that,” Monks said.

A contractor’s problems could begin when it doesn’t buy from reputable distributors and purchases products outside the normal chain from places such as flea markets, overstocks, discount stores or through the Internet.

“Contractors, however, are responsible for being aware of the issue and for realizing that if the price is too low, it really is too good to be true. And, if a counterfeit product is discovered after installation, the end-user is probably going to go after the contractor first,” Monks said.

“Contractors need to deal with reputable distributors. We rely on them to authenticate products,” Bush said.

In addition, contractors must educate field electricians about key indicators of counterfeit products and encouraging them to examine products closely before installation and to become familiar with the look, feel, packaging and trademarks of legitimate products.

“Identifying counterfeits can be difficult, however. Sometimes it only becomes apparent after the installation,” Bush said.

Electrical contractors that are aware of what they are buying and from whom should be able to avoid counterfeit products.

“Contractors working in commercial and industrial applications need to use high-quality meters that are appropriately designed, manufactured, and tested to meet safety guidelines for those environments,” Wilson said.

Even though safety standards are not law, contractors are responsible for providing a safe workplace and should, therefore, report counterfeit safety products to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration.

All together now

Obviously, if a manufacturer, distributor or contractor is selling or buying counterfeit products and something goes wrong, it creates safety issues, liability risk, brand delusion, customer complaints and can destroy the public’s faith in the industry.

“The public is being defrauded when given counterfeit products, even when the contractor or distributor does so unknowingly,” Monks said.

Counterfeiters have improved their goods so much that it is difficult to determine authenticity when the product is not purchased from a known source. However, by communicating up and down the chain, joining coalitions, talking to law enforcement, and understanding the testing and certification, standard development, and distribution processes, all members of the chain can work together to combat the problem.

“Communication is the key,” Moeller said. “Everyone in the chain has to be clear about what they want to purchase and only do so from reputable sources.”

Channel partners can get involved with the National Association of Electrical Distributors, the National Electrical Contractors Association, the National Electrical Manufacturers Association, the National Association of Wholesalers, and other industry organizations and trade associations to stay informed. These associations also have government affairs platforms and are in contact with political leaders concerning these issues and filter the information to members and other interested parties.

“Get vocal and talk about the issue accurately all along the chain,” Moeller said.

Wilson advises channel partners to be aware of trademark, trade dress, and intellectual property laws and learn how to differentiate between legitimate and counterfeit products.

“Be active in industry groups to learn about the issues,” Moeller said. “Trade associations support their members with education and with networking opportunities that promote the exchange of information about issues, such as counterfeiting, the danger of these products, and how to avoid them.” 

Bremer is a freelance writer based in Solomons, Md., and a frequent contributor to ELECTRICAL CONTRACTOR and TED magazines. She can be reached at darbremer@comcast.net.

Reprinted with full permission of Electrical Contractor Magazine www.ecmag.com

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Reprinted with full permission of The Electrical Distributor Magazine www.tedmag.com

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Ignorance Is No Excuse

With counterfeit products, the burden may be the installer’s.

By william j. ferguson

It is clear that THOSE WHO SELL and/or install a counterfeit electrical product will be exposed to potential legal liability. Counterfeit electrical products bring unique safety risks associated with their components. The most common counterfeit electrical products include circuit breakers, smoke alarms, electrical cords, decorative light strands, lighting fixtures, power adapters and surge protectors. Such counterfeit products are almost always of inferior quality and not built to the rigid standards and codes legitimate manufacturers adhere to.

This results in increased risks of fire, shock and other hazards that threaten life, safety and the property of consumers. For those who sell or install a counterfeit electrical product and damage results, at stake is nothing less than their company’s goodwill and reputation in the industry, and possibly even its existence.

Moreover, counterfeit products infringe upon intellectual property rights, such as trademarks, patents and copyrights. The inevitable result of counterfeit products is a loss of market share to the legitimate manufacturer, distributor and supplier, as well as the corresponding risks associated with the failure of such products.

If an electrical contractor is associated with a counterfeit electrical product, the legal ramifications can be severe. The inadvertent installation of a counterfeit product almost always will result in a breach of contract, since the product will not meet plans and specifications, nor will it comply with applicable codes and standards, including a valid Underwriters Laboratories (UL) certification. This means that, in the first instance, the cost of replacing the counterfeit product likely will be borne by the electrical contractor who installed it. Even if the product works properly throughout the warranty period, there is the potential for a claim to be brought later if the product fails under theories of latent defect or, worse, fraud. In many states, the applicable statutes of limitation are tolled with respect to defects not apparent on visual inspection by owners and inspecting authorities.

Of course, counterfeit products are intended to create the appearance of legitimacy. Manufacturers of counterfeit products, wholesale distributors, retail suppliers and others who put a counterfeit product into the stream of commerce also will share potential liability. It is common, however, that the manufacturer of the counterfeit product cannot be reached or is located in a country not easily subject to the jurisdiction of the U.S. courts. These unscrupulous manufacturers are often undercapitalized and lack appropriate insurance or other assets to assume responsibility for their wrongdoing.

Liability

In addition to potential contract liability, those involved in selling or installing counterfeit electrical products face claims from third parties under a variety of legal theories. Should personal injury or property damage result, one can expect to be sued for negligence, gross negligence, intentional misrepresentation, strict liability in tort, unfair and deceptive trade practices, and fraud. Ignorance is no excuse with respect to breach of contract, negligence and even strict liability in tort actions.

Even worse, if an installer or someone else in the organization had knowledge or reason to know that the purchased and/or installed product was counterfeit, it is possible—if not likely—that claims of fraud and unfair and deceptive trade practices will be pursued. This will expose both the company and individuals not only to a penalty of direct damages but, potentially, to punitive damages and attorneys fees in favor of a claimant.

Of course, those who knowingly participate in the trade of counterfeit products also are exposed to criminal liability. Accordingly, distributors, suppliers and contractors must be vigilant. If an unknown counterfeit product fails, each entity will be exposed to liability, and recourse back against the manufacturer of the product may not be possible.

In today’s market, with many transactions occurring on the Internet, it is difficult, if not impossible, to know exactly with whom one is dealing. Counterfeit products almost always are represented as being genuine, but are offered at a much lower price. The saying, “If it seems too good to be true, it probably is,” certainly applies in the case of counterfeit products. For those duped, it can be very difficult to reach the online seller or original manufacturer.

Supreme Court Justice Oliver Wendell Holmes Jr. often is credited with the phrase, “the law is a seamless web.” When it comes to counterfeit products, international markets and imperfect foreign legal systems tear a hole in the web. When counterfeit electrical products are introduced into the North American marketplace, an innocent distributor, supplier or contractor may be held solely responsible for any defects and problems if recourse to the fraudulent manufacturer cannot be established. Moreover, the genuine manufacturer of the product bears no responsibility and is, in fact, a victim of the counterfeit crime.

Unfortunately, in many states, the concept of joint and several liability can result in one party bearing a disproportionate share of legal responsibility for the damages caused by a counterfeit product. For example, if an electrical contractor is found 1 percent negligent for not identifying a particular product that it installed as being counterfeit and 99 percent of responsibility is placed on other parties who are not subject to the jurisdiction of the court (e.g., an Internet-based seller), the electrical contractor could be required to pay 100 percent of the damages suffered as a result of the failure of the counterfeit product. If there were loss of life or substantial property damage, the liability likely would be in the millions of dollars.

Combat the risks

There are ways to combat the risks associated with counterfeit electrical products. First, make sure you are purchasing from an authorized distributor or supplier. UL has built its reputation on the integrity of the UL mark. However, recently, manufacturers of counterfeit products are attaching counterfeit UL labels to their products (for more on counterfeit UL and CSA labels, see page 52i).

The good news is UL is fighting back. It recently developed a new labeling system that uses holographic technology, making it difficult for counterfeiters to duplicate its mark. In addition, UL is working closely with the Department of Justice, United States Customs and Border Protection, Immigration and Customs Enforcement, and local law enforcement to combat the importing and trafficking of counterfeit products. Seizures of products bearing counterfeit UL certification marks now number in the thousands.

In addition, penalties for trafficking in counterfeit products are becoming increasingly severe. An individual who intentionally traffics or attempts to traffic in goods or services and knowingly uses a counterfeit mark could be fined up to $2 million, face up to 10 years in prison or both.

In March 2006, President Bush signed the Stop Counterfeiting in Manufactured Goods Act into law, strengthening laws against trading counterfeit labels and packaging as well as penalties for counterfeiters. It also gave prosecutors new tools, including requiring courts to order the destruction of all counterfeit products seized and ordering convicted counterfeiters to turn over their profits and pay reparations to their victims.

There also are organizations such as the International Anti-Counterfeiting Coalition (IACC), whose mission is “to combat counterfeiting and piracy by promoting laws, regulations and directives designed to render the theft of intellectual property undesirable and unprofitable.” The Washington, D.C.-based nonprofit is composed of business and industry members. The IACC notes that counterfeiting costs United States business between $200 billion and $250 billion per year and represents approximately 5–7 percent of the world’s trade. In addition, the IACC said the global trade in counterfeit goods has increased dramatically in recent years, from approximately $5.5 billion in 1982 to $600 billion in 2008.

International cooperation

There is increasing cooperation in the international community to stop the trade in counterfeit products. The France-based Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development recently completed a 30-nation study to determine what countries are doing a good job in combating intellectual property theft. The top performing countries were the United States, United Kingdom, Germany, France and Japan. China and Russia bear significant responsibility for the international trade of counterfeit products, followed by India, Brazil and Indonesia. It has been estimated that approximately 20 percent of all products currently being manufactured in China are counterfeit products, often supported by organized crime and international pirates. In 2005, almost 70 percent of the counterfeit products seized at United States borders were found to have originated in China.

The insurance industry also is hurt by counterfeit electrical products. General liability and completed operations policies inevitability will evolve to address the increased risks associated with counterfeit products. Insurance carriers face huge exposures to claims involving personal injury or property damage associated with a failed counterfeit product. The obvious solution for insurance carriers is to add exclusions to the policies to eliminate coverage for counterfeit products used by their insureds, or if coverage is to be provided, there will be large premium increases associated with purchasing such coverage.

The electrical industry must band together to stop the flow of counterfeit products into the marketplace. Those in the electrical industry should actively support government agencies and local law enforcement in the prevention of trafficking in counterfeit products. Aggressive pursuit of the offshore manufacturers of counterfeit products also is needed.

The World Trade Organization is actively combating the illicit trade in counterfeit goods. With international cooperation and expanding free trade agreements, the ability to prevent the marketing of counterfeit products across international borders is improving with time. In addition, extradition treaties are making it possible to reach criminal counterfeiters in foreign countries and bring them to justice. Counterfeiting hurts workers, undercuts honest competition and rewards illegal competitors while exposing the public to serious health and safety risks, including property damage. The electrical industry needs to use its resources in concert to combat this threat.    

Ferguson is the vice president of administration, general counsel and secretary of Babcock Power Inc. with responsibility for all of the legal affairs of the company. He specializes in construction law.

Reprinted with full permission of Electrical Contractor Magazine www.ecmag.com

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Update: The Stop Counterfeiting in Manufactured Goods Act

By ronald rucker and ben mcintosh

The electrical supply channel can better protect itself from counterfeit products by sharing information and encouraging active prosecution of counterfeiters around the globe.

 ‘‘Counterfeiting is the new drugs,” said Barbara Kolsun, former chair of the International AntiCounterfeiting Coalition. Kolsun may be on to something: Some estimate that counterfeiting represents more than 5 percent of all world trade and costs the federal government $200 billion per year. Global counterfeit products total $500 billion per year, while the FBI believes pirating and counterfeiting cause U.S. companies to lose $250 billion per year.

The Stop Counterfeiting in Manufactured Goods Act became law on March 16, 2006. Among other things, it aimed to strengthen the nation’s counterfeiting laws by eliminating loopholes exploited by criminals. While there are only a few significant court cases interpreting the act, the cases can help one determine whether more legislation is needed.

In the case of United States v. Beydoun, the U.S. Fifth Circuit court held that a counterfeiter’s jail sentence would be determined, at least in part, by the number of counterfeit items produced, rather than the number actually sold.

Wajdi Abdulaziz Beydoun and his associates imported cigarette rolling papers falsely labeled as “Zig-Zags,” a registered U.S. Trademark. Beydoun was apprehended by U.S. officials and pled guilty to conspiracy to traffic in counterfeit goods and trafficking in counterfeit goods. At the sentencing phase, the U.S. government sought to imprison Beydoun for 46 to 57 months, the severity of the punishment due in large part to the fact that the government believed the “infringement amount” exceeded $1 million. In addition to the jail time, the government asked the court to order Beydoun to pay $1.85 million in restitution to the owner of the Zig-Zag trademark.

The lower court agreed with the government’s estimate and sentenced Beydoun to 46 months of imprisonment and three years of supervised release. However, the court set restitution at $566,267, multiplying the 1 million counterfeit booklets by the trademark owner’s gross profit per booklet.

Beydoun appealed his sentence and the restitution order. Beydoun’s argument was that his sentence was too high because it was based on the lower court’s use of the number of counterfeit booklets produced. Beydoun felt that since 32,640 booklets were shipped for distribution, only that amount should be considered. The appeals court rejected Beydoun’s argument, reasoning that the issue was not how many counterfeited items Beydoun sold, but how many he produced with the intent to sell.

The court went on to state that since the crime of “trafficking in counterfeit goods” is complete when counterfeited items are produced with the intent to sell, it was proper to consider the 1 million counterfeit booklets made, not the 32,640 sold.

Beydoun also asked the court to set aside the lower court’s $566,267 restitution order. The court sided with Beydoun and held that the victim’s loss should be determined by multiplying the number of items actually put into the market by the victim’s lost net profit. Accordingly, the Fifth Circuit decided that the lower court was wrong to determine the restitution amount by multiplying 1 million booklets by the trademark owner’s gross profit per booklet.

The Beydoun holding reveals that courts will do their part to make sure counterfeiters serve sentences equal to their crimes. Even though we have made strides in the fight against counterfeiting, it is clear that those within the electrical supply industry have to work together.

“Collaboration of all parties in the electrical supply channel is critical to keeping the supply channel clean,” said Clark Silcox, general counsel for the National Electrical Manufacturers Association and an architect of the Stop Counterfeiting in Manufactured Goods Act. “By keeping the supply channel clean, we can protect the public from dangerous, inferior products while avoiding liability for items we didn’t manufacture.” 

Rucker is a managing shareholder in the law firm of Carmody MacDonald P.C., St. Louis, and serves as general counsel to NAED. He can be reached at 314.854.8677 or rer@carmodymacdonald.com. McIntosh is an associate with the law firm of Carmody MacDonald P.C., St. Louis. He can be reached at 314.854.8600 or bdm@carmodymacdonald.com.

Reprinted with full permission of Electrical Contractor Magazine www.ecmag.com

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Reprinted with full permission of The Electrical Distributor Magazine www.tedmag.com

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WHAT’s BEING DONE

By jeff gavin

United   We Stand—Divided We Fall;

An industry comes together to combat counterfeiting.

The alarm is sounding. Counterfeit electrical products threaten everybody. With the safety and integrity of the electrical manufacturing and supply industry at risk, chief associations, manufacturers, and testing and standards-making bodies have formed the Anti-Counterfeit Products Initiative.

Sponsored by major manufacturers who aggressively fight counterfeit goods, including Schneider Electric/Square D and Siemens, initiative endorsers to date include the National Association of Electrical Distributors (NAED), the National Electrical Manufacturers Association (NEMA), the National Electrical Contractors Association (NECA) and Underwriters Laboratories (UL).

Several of the associations had been campaigning against counterfeit electrical products before the initiative. The AntiCounterfeit Products Initiative will pool these existing efforts, share them throughout the supply chain and create new efforts (e.g., this special supplement), all under the initiative banner.

“We’re really at the beginning stages of our information campaign,” said Edward M. Orlet, director of development for NAED, St. Louis. “The effort will spread information about pirated electrical goods in a comprehensive way, so it reaches salespeople, field people and the consumer.”

What’s at stake

The initiative’s first industry event, “Counterfeit Products: Are You Liable?”, was a roundtable discussion presented at the 2008 NECA Convention and Trade Show in Chicago. Representatives from manufacturers and UL presented in stark terms the liability counterfeit goods present. Panel moderator John Maisel, publisher of NECA’s Electrical Contractor magazine, started the discussion with sobering words.

“This is a multimillion-dollar problem. Not only is there a loss of dollars for manufacturers, electrical contractors and distributors, but there is a loss of image, as well. More important than either of those is the loss of life when a knockoff product causes a fire or electrocutes a homeowner,” he said.

The panel spoke directly to electrical contractors, distributors and others who can protect themselves from unknowingly acquiring these goods.

Panel speakers included Kevin Yates, vice president, Residential Products Division, Siemens Energy & Automation; Stephen Litchfield, assistant general counsel, Schneider Electric/Square D; Bob Crane, lead enforcement specialist, Underwriters Laboratories; and William Ferguson, vice president of administration and general counsel for Babcock Power Inc. For panelists, the first tool in the anti-counterfeiting effort is education.

Yates said an estimated $250 billion in revenue is lost in this country due to counterfeit products. What share of that represents electrical products is hard to gauge, but other than pharmaceuticals, they remain the riskiest of pirated products.

“If you choose to install a product that is not genuine but counterfeit and causes harm, you can be held liable for personal damages and possibly face imprisonment,” Yates said. “Distributors face liability as well, especially if they purchase known counterfeit products.”

Ferguson, a former electrical contractor before entering law, fine-tuned the point.

“You will be sued for breach of contract, negligence, gross negligence, perhaps internal misrepresentation, strict liability or fraud,” he said. “Criminal liability would be leveled if you intentionally or someone in your organization conspired to bring counterfeit product into your company. In the U.S., it is not ‘a slap on the wrist’ like it is in China and other countries. You could face 10 years in prison, $5 million in fines and $10 million for the company for a first offense.”

All panel participants emphasized that the “I didn’t know” defense offers little protection in court.

“The manufacturer is in the business of protecting their good name and reputation,” Ferguson said. “However, if a counterfeiter sends a product in the United States that you purchase and/or install, these manufacturers will not be liable because they did not manufacture the product. If they can show that, they are out of the lawsuit.”

“The closer you are to the end of the supply chain, the more liability you have,” Yates said. “The electrical contractor actually has the highest liability in the supply chain.”

The potential of physical harm or property damage due to counterfeit electrical products should scare anyone in the channel.

“We did some tests on counterfeit circuit breakers,” Litchfield said. “We discovered the counterfeits had a 3,200-amp short circuit rating instead of the expected 10,000-amp. They also exhibited erratic tripping and had no calibrations. The flexible connection inside the breaker was frayed and failed. The magnetic strip was inoperable. The breakers did not meet UL or any other standards. During a UL test, a short sent through a counterfeit circuit breaker caused a tremendous explosion with molten metal spraying across the room. And what if you had a dangerous electrical problem in your home that wasn’t caught because the counterfeit circuit breaker doesn’t trip?”

A brewing crisis

“The scale of the problem is so large that it is hard to measure success,” Orlet said. “When one law enforcement seizure closes a counterfeit manufacturing plant, another invariably opens. We need collective action to strike a stronger blow against the counterfeiting industry.”

Bernd Heinze, president and CEO of Philadelphia-based Sequent Insurance Group, a claim, litigation management and auditing company, said it is hard to measure how many counterfeiters there are, but seizure statistics from the U.S. Department of Homeland Security shed some light.

“The agency, in a 2006 report, shared there were 14,000 seizures of counterfeit products, a 67 percent increase over the year previous. It is an $11 billion to $20 billion business globally, and a $300-$400 million business in the U.S. alone,” he said.

Sequent conducted a research study for NAED titled, “Product Liability Exposure: How to Manage and Mitigate the Risks in Today’s Global Market.” It lays out the problem posed by electrical counterfeit goods, including the prevalence of low-cost producers, offshore product, the volume of product coming into the United States, and its effect on the entire supply chain.

“Many more companies can find sources for low-cost products than in the past,” Orlet added. “It’s hard to pass up a bargain, but you have to think through the possible consequences. The study details the potential danger to buyers and users of counterfeit product. Some distributors operate under a misperception that counterfeit products are the manufacturer’s problem. They need to understand that liability extends to the whole supply chain.”

Heinze has presented highlights of the paper at NAED events and through webinars. The research also was the focus of a three-part article in the June, July and August 2008 issues of TED magazine.

“Now that I’m aware of the size and damage caused by overseas counterfeit electrical products, I’ve become very passionate in the efforts to combat them,” Heinze said. “We need to raise awareness and confront head-on this war against people who surreptitiously destroy the legitimacy of the supply channel.”

Heinze said there are risks in doing business overseas, even in South America or Canada, with manufacturers infringing on the intellectual property rights of other companies’ goods in all regions and countries. Going after offshore counterfeiters may prove daunting.

“The mountain is steep and extremely difficult,” Heinze said. “These are criminals traced from U.S. Homeland Security. The pipeline that pays them involves money laundering by al-Qaeda, organized crime and others who finance these operations. It’s difficult going after them, but know you are not going it alone with groups like UL, manufacturers like Square D and Siemens, and the collective organizations that make up this new initiative.”

Associations take action

NEMA and the Electrical Safety Foundation International (ESFI) have been addressing electrical counterfeiting over the past few years. The new initiative’s collective umbrella is an approach all members welcome to build awareness and add urgency.

“This issue really came to the fore when some for our members told us of dangerous ground-fault interrupters discovered in the New York area,” said Clark Silcox, general counsel for NEMA, Rosslyn, Va.

The NEMA Web site devotes an entire area to the counterfeiting issue. Educational brochures and videos, webinars and news on anti-counterfeiting progress are just a few of the features. ESFI has a similar wealth of information on its Web site. One tool of note is a joint NEMA/ESFI DVD entitled “Counterfeits Can Kill,” which addresses the problem as it affects several players in the supply chain.

“On the DVD is a counterfeit extension cord connected to a simple hair dryer,” Silcox said. “Within minutes, the cord is smoking. In a short time, it goes up in flames. Substandard performance in many other consumer goods from knockoff batteries for flash lights to no-name phone chargers is a danger we need to communicate to the consumer.”

ESFI is heading a consumer awareness effort.

“Awareness of counterfeit electrical products by consumers is almost nonexistent,” said Christopher Lindsay, director of programs for ESFI in Rosslyn, Va. “Gallup created a report with the U.S. Chamber of Commerce that revealed more than two-thirds of consumers were unaware that electrical products such as batteries and electrical cords were counterfeited.

“Our supporters who make up ESFI helped identify this counterfeiting issue as something that had to be front and center,” Lindsay said. “We all need to be working with legitimate supply channels, and we need to be aggressive in our vigilance against counterfeit products. This is a long-term effort as we look to change behavior on the supply chain. Right now, we need to let people know there is a problem. Awareness is everything.”

Silcox said to be diligent buying electrical products.

“One of the tricks counterfeiters use is announcing surplus products with a low purchase cost to move them. They play on a marketplace looking for a price point that can increase profit margins. Beware of such tactics,” he said.

What it will take

At the NECA panel discussion, participants shared what actions they have taken to combat the growing counterfeiting issue. A combination of surveillance, raids, tips and aggressive prosecutions have yielded results while exposing a problem that is bigger than anyone anticipated.

“United we stand. Divided we fall against the counterfeiters,” Crane said. “They don’t play by any rules, any boundaries, laws or regulations. Counterfeiting is high profit, low prosecution. The Internet allows for products to be shipped and sold anywhere in the world from undisclosed locations.”

The UL testing and certification mark is applied to an estimated 21 billion products every year. Though UL has seen its labels counterfeited for years, the numbers have escalated steadily with more products produced overseas.

“By the time counterfeit circuit breakers, toasters or extension cords find their way into your house, it’s too late,” Crane said. “Over the past 10 years, we’ve developed a relationship with U.S Customs and Border Protection agents, arming them with forensic tools and education to detect counterfeits entering the country. We have also helped train the U.S Chamber of Commerce, the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office, and the Department of Commerce to spot counterfeits. In cooperation with law enforcement agencies, we make undercover buys from known counterfeiters in this country and put these people behind bars. They are doing five to seven years and seeing penalties of $1 million or more.”

On the international front, UL works with international agencies such as Interpol, the Royal Canadian Mounted Police and agencies from South America.

“Global cooperation will be increasingly important to applying real pressure on counterfeiters,” Silcox added.

Litchfield noted the importance of aggressive prosecution in their successes to date.

“In 2004, we undertook a clandestine buy from an unauthorized wholesaler,” he said. “Half of those products we bought were counterfeit. We filed suit against the wholesaler. We used that lawsuit and discovery process to find out whom they bought products from and whom they sold them to, then sued both those parties. We then used the discovery process in that suit to find out who those parties bought from and sued them as well.”

Square D has settled a number its counterfeit lawsuits, adding some very tough measures for the “losing” unauthorized wholesalers.

“The defendant must notify the Consumer Product Safety Commission that they were selling the counterfeit product,” Litchfield said. “They then have to do a recall and let their customers know they were sold counterfeit circuit breakers, then go out and retrieve them, even if they’ve been installed.”

Siemens Energy & Automation, Alpharetta, Ga., has its own forceful risk management plan.

“We aggressively register our patents, making it much more difficult for someone to counterfeit our product,” Yates said. “We have ‘secret shoppers’ within our distribution channel to investigate those that might be involved in this illicit behavior, and we bring them to justice. We are getting reports from the British Engineering Manufacturers Association, other groups within Siemens and anti-counterfeiting initiatives across the globe to help monitor what might be entering the U.S.”

Lobbying in Washington also will play an important role in combating counterfeit electrical goods. While future specific legislative proposals remain to be identified, NEMA and others have already played an active role.

“We lobbied for and provided input into the drafting and passage in 2006 of the Stop Counterfeiting in Manufactured Goods Act and the Prioritizing Resources and Organization for Intellectual Property Act, which President Bush signed into law [Oct. 14, 2008],” Silcox said. “IBEW [the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers] was also one of the proponents of the Pro-IP Act, a bill that brought both business and labor together.”

The Pro-IP Act creates a new copyright enforcement division with the Department of Justice. It also allows law enforcement agents to seize property from copyright violators.

Clark added that state enforcement laws need improvement, as most enforcement takes place at the local level.

“This is one area where NECA and NAED’s local presence might prove important. NEMA has been working with the International Anti-Counterfeiting Coalition and the International Trademark Association to support model state legislation.”

An observant eye

The danger with today’s counterfeits is that, to the untrained eye, they look like the real thing.

A joint print advertisement by NAED and NEMA shows a genuine manufacturer’s circuit breaker beside an offshore knockoff. They look alike. The problem is the counterfeit is merely a toggle switch with no trip mechanism or subsequent circuit protection. The ad implores the reader to “Get your electrical products from an authorized dealer.”

Orlet said, although more counterfeiters are being prosecuted, there still is work to be done.

“It is practically impossible to catch every counterfeiter. Therefore, everyone in the supply chain should have a comprehensive risk management strategy, which starts with ‘deal only with trusted suppliers’,” he said.

In response, the Anti-Counterfeit Product Initiative has launched its own Web site (www.counterfeitscankill.com). This Web site features white papers, position statements, webinars and panel discussions. Highlights include a video of the panel discussion “Counterfeit Products: Are You Liable?” Slated for January 2009 is a follow-up anti-counterfeit webinar. The site also features direct links to the initiative partners’ respective sites including participating associations, sponsors, testing and certification, and government organizations.         

GAVIN is the owner of Gavo Communications, a marketing services firm serving the construction, landscaping and related design industries. He can be reached at gavo7@comcast.net.

Reprinted with full permission of Electrical Contractor Magazine www.ecmag.com

&

Reprinted with full permission of The Electrical Distributor Magazine www.tedmag.com

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3M to Outline Actions to Address Uncertain Global Economy

Company Adjusts 2008 Guidance; Provides 2009 Outlook

At an institutional investor and analyst meeting in New York later today, 3M chairman, president and CEO George Buckley will reiterate the company’s long-term commitment to investing in its core businesses and will outline ongoing actions to address a turbulent global economy.

Buckley will reaffirm 3M’s commitment to its core businesses and to continued investments in emerging markets, such as China, India, the Middle East and Latin America, and its efforts to improve its supply chain and capital efficiency.

He will also report on aggressive cost-reduction actions in developed economies. These actions include additional restructuring in these markets, deferred merit increases, aggressively reducing indirect costs and adjusting capital expenditures.

“Clearly, the current market challenges require intense focus on cash management and on strengthening 3M’s operational execution,” said Buckley. “3M’s strong financial position, our continued investment in R&D and our operational discipline will allow us to take advantage of market opportunities in this environment.”

In the fourth quarter alone, 3M reduced nearly 1,800 positions across the company, mainly in the developed economies of the U.S., Western Europe and Japan. These actions are expected to provide benefits of $170 million in 2009. The company is also rationalizing 10 manufacturing, technical and office facilities around the world.

“During these difficult economic times, we will continue to aggressively manage our costs,” added Buckley. “We are prepared to implement additional restructuring as economic conditions dictate.”

As a result of economic realities such as the expected 10% decline in Q4 organic volume and the negative effects of currency, the company adjusted its full-year 2008 guidance from an earlier estimate of $5.40 - $5.48 per share to a revised estimate of $5.10 - $5.15 per share, excluding special items. Refer to 3M’s October 21, 2008 press release for a complete list and explanation of special items for the first nine months of 2008.

Given the uncertain duration and depth of the global slowdown, the company estimates full-year 2009 organic volumes to decline in the range of -3% to -7%. In addition, foreign exchange impacts are expected to reduce sales in the range of -6% to -7%. 2009 earnings are estimated to be in the range of $4.50 to $4.95 per share and margins are expected to be consistent with 2008 levels, excluding special items.

About 3M

A recognized leader in research and development, 3M produces thousands of innovative products for dozens of diverse markets. 3M’s core strength is applying its more than 40 distinct technology platforms – often in combination – to a wide array of customer needs. With $24 billion in sales, 3M employs 79,000 people worldwide and has operations in more than 60 countries. For more information, visit www.3M.com.

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2009 International CES Launches

Daily Profiles to Feature First Time Exhibitors Bringing New Products and Ideas to CES Show Floor

The Consumer Electronics Association (CEA)^® today launched "30 Days of Innovation: The Countdown to CES," a new program marking 30 days until the start of the 2009 International CES by highlighting each day one of the more than 300 innovative companies that are exhibiting for the first time this year. Produced by CEA, the International CES is the world's largest tradeshow for consumer technology and returns to Las Vegas, January 8-11, 2009.

"CES is fueled by innovative companies with entrepreneurial drive, and CES helps them to make a name for themselves," said Gary Shapiro, president and CEO, CEA. "In these economic times, technology companies understand that the International CES is the most cost-effective way to meet customers, buyers, media and investors in one place. The 2009 CES will feature more than 2,700 global exhibitors, exemplifying the spirit of entrepreneurship that enables our industry to grow and thrive, and we are thrilled to welcome them to the 2009 International CES."

The "30 Days of Innovation" campaign profiles a new company each day from among more than 300 companies that will display their innovations for the first time at the 2009 CES. The daily profiles can be found at www.CESweb.org/30days .

The 2009 International CES will feature the next generation of consumer technology innovations across 1.7 million net square feet of space and 30 product categories including digital entertainment, gaming, in-vehicle technologies, digital imaging and more. For more information on the 2009 International CES, including exhibitors and registration information, visit www.CESweb.org , the interactive site for CES-related news and information.

Note to Journalists:
General press and analyst registration, as well as detailed press conference information, is available at www.CESweb.org. Journalists are encouraged to arrive in Las Vegas by Tuesday, January 6, to take advantage of all the CES press events, including CES Unveiled from 4-7 p.m. on January 6.

About CEA:
The Consumer Electronics Association (CEA) is the preeminent trade association promoting growth in the $173 billion U.S. consumer electronics industry. More than 2,200 companies enjoy the benefits of CEA membership, including legislative advocacy, market research, technical training and education, industry promotion and the fostering of business and strategic relationships. CEA also sponsors and manages the International CES - Where Entertainment, Technology and Business Converge. All profits from CES are reinvested into CEA's industry services. Find CEA online at www.CE.org.

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Using the Noyes M650 Mid-Size QUAD OTDR nd C880 QUAD Certification Test Kit

AFL Telecommunications introduces the M650 mid-size QUAD OTDR and the C880 QUAD Certification test kit − two new products with a host of capabilities!

The M650 is a full-featured, compact QUAD OTDR with an integrated visual light source and optical power meter with a large transflective touch screen display suitable for both indoor and outdoor operation. With short dead zone and intermediate range specifications, the M650 is ideal for Tier 2 testing of premises networks. 

Combining two C840 certification testers, the C880 QUAD certification test kit is designed for testing and troubleshooting both multimode and single-mode fiber links. Ideal for Tier 1 testing and certification to TIA/ISO/EN/User cabling standards and applications, each tester includes a single-mode and multimode optical light source, an optical power meter and an integrated visual light source, each of which can be used independently.

For additional information including detailed product information, visit www.AFLtele.com/go/M650 and www.AFLtele.com/go/C880

About AFL Telecommunications
AFL Telecommunications is an industry leader in providing fiber optic products, engineering expertise and integrated services to the Electric Utility, Broadband, Telco, OEM, Private Network and Wireless markets. It has operations in the U.S., Mexico and the U.K. AFL Telecommunications is a division of Fujikura Ltd. of Japan

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Anritsu intros 40G/100G tester

Anritsu Company (search for Anritsu) has introduced options for its MP1800 Series that further position its signal quality analyzers as the most accurate, repeatable, and cost-efficient test options for analyzing optical and digital devices operating up to 100G, say company representatives.

The new plug-in cards--a 28-Gbps one-channel MUX/DEMUX, 28-Gbps two-channel MUX/DEMUX, 14-Gbps PPG/ED, and 14-GHz Clock Distributor--are easily integrated into the MP1800 and provide designers and manufacturers of optical modulation devices/components and other digital devices with a single, easy-to-use offering for testing their high-speed products, contends Anritsu.

The new cards take advantage of the MP1800's modular platform architecture and help create a flexible test environment for ultra high-speed bit error rate (BER) measurement. With the options, the MP1800 can evaluate next-generation IFs supporting frequencies up to 28 Gbps; direct-drive EML using high-quality, high-amplitude waveforms up to 3.5 Vp-p; and skew, emphasis, and crosstalk effects up to 28 Gbps. Anritsu says it has developed the MUX/DEMUX modules with all the key functions and performances required for accurate testing of optical modulation formats, as well as 40G and 100G designs.

Generating what the company claims are the highest quality waveforms in its class, the MP1800 Series ensures high measurement repeatability and an excellent margin for error when analyzing devices under test. The best-in-class performance makes the MP1800 Signal Quality Analyzers well suited for a variety of high-speed design and manufacturing applications, claim company representatives including:

• 100-Gbps Ethernet -- The MP1800 supports four 25-Gbps outputs to drive four channels of CWDM, as required in IEEE 802.3ba (draft), from a single chassis. Previously, multiple instruments were necessary. Additionally, the signal quality analyzers can drive four channels for DP-QPSK modulation as recommended by the Optical Internetworking Forum (OIF), with high-precision skew control for I and Q on both polarizations.

• Long-haul 40-Gbps transmission -- From a single MP1800 chassis, two independent 20-Gbps outputs with excellent skew control can be outputted for devices that utilize DQPSK modulation. The MP1800 can also control the crosspoint of optical modulators, making it well suited for directly driving optical modulators, says Anritsu.

• Ultra-fast interconnects -- Tests critical to the accurate evaluation of high-speed optical interconnects, such as skew toleration and the impact of crosstalk, can be conducted with the MP1800. A built-in jitter modulation function supports what Anritsu claims is the world's first jitter tolerance testing up to 25 Gbps.

The MP1800 Series offers multiple configurations, starting from a price of $40,000, and the new modules are available today.

http://lw.pennnet.com/display_article/348205/13/ARTCL/Display/none/1/Anritsu-intros-40G/100G-tester/?dcmp=LWDENL

Visit Anritsu Company

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Belden to cut 1,800 jobs worldwide as demand softens for its products

Belden Inc., a St. Louis-based electronics-components maker, said it plans to cut 1,800 jobs worldwide, or 20 percent of its workforce, and consolidate some manufacturing operations, as demand for its products has continued to soften.

Belden, which makes cables, connectors and other products for signal transmission, said the restructuring, announced Wednesday evening, is aimed at streamlining its manufacturing, sales and administrative functions worldwide. It wasn't clear where the manufacturing consolidations would occur, and a calls to the company weren't immediately returned.

The restructuring is expected to save $30 million next year and $50 million annually starting in 2011.

The company expects to post between $55 million and $65 million, or 85 cents to $1 per share, in restructuring charges, some in the current quarter. The charges include severance and other costs of $35 million to $40 million.

Chief Executive John Stroup blamed the company's woes on a continued softening in it major markets globally, and said that made it "necessary for us to further adjust our cost structure so that we can continue to be competitive under such conditions."

In October, Belden said it expected economic conditions to remain challenging and cut its 2008 revenue outlook.

Stroup, however, said Wednesday in a statement that "with Belden's liquidity, strong balance sheet and history of generating strong free cash flow, we are well-positioned to capture market share and successfully execute other strategic initiatives even in a challenging market."

Belden's shares gained 2 cents to $18.30 in Thursday morning trading.

On the Net: http://www.belden.com

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Canada’s Mississauga Training organization available for sale

After 14 years training fiber optic installers William Graham is retiring from the training business. The old bones are starting to give out.
Mississauga Training has trained over 2,400 Certified FOA installers in Canada alone and several hundred in the US, Caribbean and Scotland. Mississauga Training was certified as a Fiber optic association (FOA) School in 1997 as # 008.

It is a great way to start doing business in Canada. The week of December 8 - 12th our five-day course had 14 students. The October course had 12 students. Over 40% of our yearly sales are from the sale of Fiber Optic tools and test equipment. There is an untapped market for this in Canada.

While we have kept this one-man business alive over the years we have never really driven it. And there is a terrific potential for anyone who wishes to put the effort into the business.  Our customers are on our web site at  www.fiberoptictraining.com  and include the military, Telcos, cable TV companies, government departments and dozens of others.

A search on Google for fiber optic training also produces great first page web site results.

Any company or individual interested in purchasing this business is invited to call William Graham at:  905-785-8012 or e-mail me at:  mrfiber@canada.com. Mr. Graham added “I will offer a new owner my full support for a few months to ensure a seamless transition.”

William Graham, CFOS/T/C/S
6117 Clover Ridge Crescent, Mississauga, Ontario, L5N 7B2
905-785-8012
Alternate e-mail:  mr.bill.graham@sympatico.ca
www.fiberoptictraining.com 
We stock the largest stock of Fiber Optic hand tools in the GTA
Check our website for prices and course dates.

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Fiber Optic Training And the Recession

Mississauga Training Consultants has been in the Fiber Optic Training business for more than 12 years. We are based in Ontario, Canada but have conducted training courses from Northern Scotland to the Caribbean. We have certified over 2,400 fiber optic installers http://www.fiberoptictraining.com/installersx.html through the universally accepted Fiber Optic Association certification programs.  Our customer base numbers over 150 companies http://www.fiberoptictraining.com/clients.html   including Telcos, Cable Television providers, Electrical/Hydro utilities and Canadian Government departments. And yes we went through the recession that amplified itself with 9/11 and lasted for several years. We survived but many others did not.

Are we going to suffer the same effects with the existing recession? That is the question that everyone is asking, including myself.  My view is that we will not see a drop in training but perhaps an increase.  Why? Well there are several reasons;

1.)     Most copper installers realize that copper has reached its limit although, amazingly enough I know some unhappy copper installers who are burdened with “Category 7.

2.)     Fiber to the home is taking off at an unstoppable pace. People are getting triple play on fiber for fewer dollars and speeds several hundred times faster. How can they not go fiber.

3.)     Communications in Canada have always been more important and a major national industry since the invention of the Telephone at Alexander Graham Bell’s parent’s home in Brantford, Ontario. There are Fiber Optic links holding communities together for 6000 Km  from east to west and from our southern boundaries to the farthest points north.

4.)     Canada is the most connected country in the world with the world’s highest levels of  universal telephone service. Why Canadians have greater access to cable television service than  people of any other nation. 

Communications play a large role in all modern societies - they are particularly important to Canada.

Canadian geography, population distribution, and political organization have always required effective communication systems.  Canada's population spreads across 6,000 km from sea to sea to sea.  Communications are one of the major threads holding this country together.

Canada has excellent communications.  Canada has one of the world's highest levels of universal telephone service.  Canadian communication systems include satellite communications, national data networks, optical fibre networks, cellular telephony, cable TV, and virtually universal Internet access. 

Statistically in the 4^th quarter of 2008 we trained more Fiber Optic Installer than any quarter since 2001, The Local October class was the largest since 2001, the December class exceeded the October numbers with a full January class booked before Christmas, 2008 and registrations for February, 2009.

However, while this helps the bottom line and I can’t refuse business, I do want to get out of this business. Why?,  well two reasons;  first of all I’m closer to seventy than 65 and secondly because the bones are giving out and the ailments that come with this age are descending rapidly upon me.  I’m looking for a buyer for the business, web site, packaged courses, customer lists and goodwill.

I do want the business to survive and with someone with more fire it will grew at whatever rate they wish.  I will help them accomplish this to whatever extent necessary as long as I see the light at the end of the tunnel.  My definition of the light at the end of the tunnel is salt water, sand and warm temperatures.

William Graham, CFOS/

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Corning Expects T0 Sale Back Operations In '09

Corning expects to scale back operations amid ongoing economic slump; job cuts possible

Glass and ceramics company Corning Inc. is expected to report Tuesday that it plans to scale back operations in 2009 as most of its business segments struggle amid the ongoing economic slump.

In addition to previously announced plans to reduce capacity in the LCD-TV business and to reduce capital spending, Corning is considering consolidating manufacturing capacity and reducing operating expenses to be flat or lower than 2008 levels, as well as possible job cuts. Corning will provide an update on its decisions in January when it releases fourth-quarter results.

Corning expects to reduce 2009 capital spending to $1.1 billion, of which about $450 million stems from construction completed in 2008.

Speaking at a technology conference sponsored by Barclays, James B. Flaws, vice chairman and chief financial officer, is also expected to report that retail sales of LCD televisions in the U.S. for November were ahead of last year.

Additionally, some of the more recent monthly sales data from outside the U.S. was stronger than expected. In Japan, sales of liquid-crystal-display TV units rose 28 percent year-over-year in November. In Europe, preliminary estimates for October suggest sales increased 29 percent year-over-year, the company said.

"The demand level is lower than we had forecast earlier this year, but if this level continues, it should help correct the supply chain imbalance," Flaws said in a statement provided by the company ahead of the presentation. "We believe we could see increasing demand starting in the second quarter of 2009."

However, despite the recent strength of retail sales, the company is still correcting for excess inventory, and expects to reduce glass prices at a higher rate than in recent years during the first quarter.

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Danaher issues 2009 guidance days after announcing cuts and lowering 2008 outlook

Danaher Corp., which makes bar code readers, medical products and Sears' Craftsman tools, issued its guidance for 2009 Thursday, saying it massive restructuring has positioned the company well for the upcoming year.

Danaher expects to earn $3.70 to $4.10 for the 2009 fiscal year. Analysts polled by Thomson Reuters had expected the company to earn $4.10 for the year.

On Monday, the company cut its fourth-quarter and 2008 guidance as well as announcing plans to cut 1,700 jobs and close 13 facilities, citing weak global economic conditions.

Danaher President and Chief Executive Officer H. Lawrence Culp Jr. said in a statement that the company has taken "significant steps to prepare our businesses for what we believe will be a difficult year ahead. However, despite the current economic backdrop, we believe we are well positioned for 2009."

Danaher CEO Comments on Outlook

-- Danaher Corporation commented today on the performance outlook of the company for 2009. President and Chief Executive Officer H. Lawrence Culp, Jr. communicated the company expects 2009 earnings per share to be in the range of $3.70 to $4.10.

Danaher Corporation is a leading manufacturer of Professional Instrumentation, Medical Technologies, Industrial Technologies, and Tools and Components (http://www.danaher.com/).

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Dow Chemical cuts 5000 jobs and will close 20 plants

The good news is Dow Chemical isn't cutting its dividend. The bad news is that the company is slashing jobs and closing plants to compensate.

On Monday, Dow Chemical became the newest company to take the ax to its payroll, announcing it would slash 5,000 full-time jobs, or about 11.0% of its workforce. It will also close 20 plants and sell several businesses in an effort to control costs during the difficult business environment. (See "Congratulations, It's A Recession.")

In addition, Dow will temporarily idle 180 plants and cut 6,000 contractors from its payroll. In all, the chemical maker expects the cuts to save about $700.0 million by 2010.

Dividends are often an easy target for companies looking to cut costs. Not for Dow, though. In October Geoffery Merszei, Dow's chief financial officer, insisted the firm would further the company's 388 consecutive quarters of upholding or raising its dividend. (See "Dow Chemical Defends Its Dividend.") Its quarterly dividend has held to 42 cents since June of 2007.

Investors pushed up the stock 4.5%, or 86 cents, to $19.86, shortly after the market opened Monday. Over the past three months, the Midland, Mich.-based firm has lost 43.4% of its market value, and 42.6% over the past year.

Dow's announcement furthers the massive payroll purge occurring throughout the U.S. economy. On Friday, the U.S. Labor Department reported nonfarm payroll employment fell 533,000 during the month of November, pushing the unemployment rate to 6.7%, from October's 6.5%. (See "U.S. Layoffs Surge in November.")

Within the industry, Dow rival DuPont said last week it would cut 2,500 jobs, and warned it wouldn't be able to turn a profit.

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DuPont to cut 2,500 jobs, trim 4,000 contractors + AT&T Inc. plans to cut 12,000 jobs, about 4 percent of its work force

AT&T Inc. joined the recession's parade of layoffs Thursday by announcing plans to cut 12,000 jobs, about 4 percent of its work force.

The Dallas-based telecommunications company -- the nation's largest -- said the job cuts will take place in December and throughout 2009. The company also plans to reduce capital spending next year.

Spokesman Walt Sharp said the layoffs will be "across the company and across the country," but would not specify what departments and cities would be most affected. These layoffs come on top of 4,600 jobs the company said in April it would eliminate.

The new cuts come as AT&T finds itself pulled by two currents at once. Not only is the recession leading businesses and consumers to curtail spending, but a long-term trend in the telecom industry is also at play: AT&T, which provides local phone coverage in California, Texas and 20 other states, has been seeing many customers defect from landline phones to wireless services.

In the last quarter, AT&T basic voice lines in service dropped 11 percent.

Reflecting that shift, the company noted Thursday that even as it slashes some jobs, it would still be hiring in 2009 in parts of the business that offer cell phone service and broadband Internet access. AT&T, whose shares are down about 30 percent this year -- while the Dow Jones industrial average is off 35 percent -- remains profitable, and benefits from being the sole U.S. wireless carrier for Apple Inc.'s popular iPhone.

AT&T plans to take a charge of about $600 million in the fourth quarter to pay for severance costs. The company noted that many of its non-management employees have guaranteed jobs because of union contracts. All affected workers will receive severance "in accordance with management policies or union agreements," the company said.

Its shares were down 2.5 percent in pre-market trading, at $28.35.

DuPont warns of quarterly loss, to cut 2,500 jobs Thursday December 4, 2008, 9:49 am EST NEW YORK (Reuters) - Chemical maker DuPont (NYSE:DD - News) said on Thursday it expects to post a fourth-quarter loss and will cut 2,500 jobs as a steep drop in construction, car sales and consumer spending hurt its business.

The slump in the U.S. automotive markets has hurt DuPont badly, as it is one of the largest suppliers of paints to automakers. The Wilmington, Delaware-based company has also been stymied by the collapse in the U.S.

housing market, as it supplies chemicals like Corian and Tyvek used in home building.

The freeze in the global credit markets, a recession in many developed economies and a sharp slowdown in many emerging regions have further crimped growth for DuPont and its peers, which have relied heavily on emerging economies for growth in recent quarters.

The company, whose shares fell 8.3 percent in premarket trade, said it was targeting cost cuts for 2009 of $600 million, up from its previous goal of $200 million.

That improvement is on top of $130 million in cost reductions expected from its restructuring plan that will result in a charge of $500 million in the fourth quarter.

DuPont expects a fourth-quarter loss of 20 to 30 cents per share excluding one-time items, a sharp turnabout from the earnings of 20 to 25 cents it previously expected.

Analysts has expected the company to post earnings of 23 cents per share in the fourth quarter, according to Reuters Estimates.

JOB CUTS

The chemical maker said the 2,500 job cuts, which represent about 4.2 percent of its workforce, will occur in businesses that service the automobile and construction markets in Western Europe and the United States.

DuPont is also cutting the jobs of 4,000 contractors by year-end 2008 with additional contractor reductions in 2009.

In addition, the company is implementing work schedule reductions at select locations, adjusting production to market conditions and redeploying more than 400 employees to projects aimed at lowering operating costs.

For 2009, the company said its earnings would be between $2.25 and $2.75 per share.

The planned job cuts would come mostly in businesses that support the motor vehicle and construction markets in Western Europe and the United States.

(Reporting by Euan Rocha and Matt Daily, editing by Dave Zimmerman and Derek Caney)

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New Electronic Templates for RHINO 6000 and 6500 Label Printers Speed Labeling of SMP Connectivity Products

RHINO Professional Labeling Tools, a brand of DYMO and part of Newell Rubbermaid’s Technology business unit, announced today a product collaboration with SMP Data Communications. This support includes the development and distribution of pre-formatted electronic templates and was formed from a mutual goal of making the labeling of structured cabling systems easier and more efficient for installers.

Specifically, the collaboration between RHINO and SMP has resulted in electronic templates that allow the RHINO 6000 and RHINO 6500 label printers to quickly format labels for SMP connectivity products, including patch cords, faceplates, patch panels, 110 blocks, and other structured cabling system components. The electronic templates can be downloaded for free from RHINO’s website, www.rhinolabeling.com and imported into RHINO CONNECT software. Label information can then be entered into the template either manually or directly from a Windows-based PC application, then printed out onto labels that specifically fit SMP components.

“We are pleased and excited to be working with SMP Data Communications,” stated Rob Rosenquist, Director of Sales and Channel Marketing for RHINO. “SMP is a leader in connectivity components and RHINO label printers are a leader in marking and identifying these components. It was a natural fit that we work together to help installers accomplish this task faster, easier, and more cost-efficiently.”

“With the Rhino templates for SMP components, we are pleased to give installers a means to have a complete standards compliant solution that includes meeting the TIA 606 labeling requirements,” stated Brad Everette, Vice President of Sales – Western Region.  

SMP Data Communications, formerly Superior Modular Products, is a part of the Optical Cable Corporation family. SMP is an international leader in the designing and manufacturing of quality innovative copper and fiber connectivity components. It provides superior structured cabling solutions for the data communications market.

RHINO is the industrial brand of DYMO and part of Newell Rubbermaid’s Technology business unit. RHINO label printers are engineered with features that enable installers to label datacom and other systems quickly and easily, such as PC-connectivity, pre-programmed terms and symbols, built-in memory, instant “Hot Key” label formatting, industrial-strength labels and more.

About RHINO

RHINO is a brand of DYMO, a Newell Rubbermaid technology company.

Newell Rubbermaid’s innovative global technology solutions enable businesses, educational institutions, and consumers to more efficiently share, manage and organize information. Our global technology brands are organized around four platforms: The Specialty Printing and Labeling Platform includes DYMO® label/CD/DVD printers and file scanning software (www.dymo.com) and RHINO Industrial Labeling Systems (www.rhinolabeling.com). The Analog to Digital Platform includes CardScan® business card scanners and contact management software featuring AtYourService™ (www.cardscan.com), and DYMO File™, software that transforms paper documents into organized archives of electronic files (www.dymofile.com). The Internet Postage Platform includes endicia™ online shipping, mailing and customized postage solutions (www.endicia.com) and (www.pictureitpostage.com). The Classroom Technology Platform includes mimio™ interactive whiteboards and digital ink recorders (www.mimio.com). These technology brands join a rich heritage of brands at Newell Rubbermaid including Calphalon®, EXPO®, Goody®, Graco®, Irwin®, Lenox®, Paper Mate®, Parker®, Rolodex®, Rubbermaid®, Sharpie® and Waterman®.

If you would rather not receive future email messages from Optical Cable Corporation, let us know by clicking here.
Optical Cable Corporation, 33 Superior Way, Swannanoa, NC 28778 United States

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Electrical Contractor magazine Initiative Finds Decorations among Counterfeit Electrical Products

Counterfeit Christmas lights -- including those with fake Underwriters Laboratories, Inc. (UL) labels -- pose a threat to consumers for their potential inability to meet electrical safety and fire codes. The traditional holiday decorations are part of the rapidly growing crime of counterfeit electrical products in the United States -- 90+ percent of which are imported from China. Now reaching epic proportions in a $130 billion industry, counterfeiting is a crime that threatens the lives and safety of all U.S. citizens and electrical workers.

"Underwriters Laboratories Inc., like many other Intellectual Property Rights and Trademark owners, has seen a dramatic increase in the amount of counterfeited products and trademark labels on those products in the past, several years," said Robert Crane, lead enforcement manager, Anti-Counterfeiting Operations, UL, Chapel Hill, N.C. "For several decades, UL has integrated security features in many of its labels."

Crane participated in a panel discussion as part of the new Anti-Counterfeit Products Initiative hosted by Electrical Contractor magazine, published by the National Electrical Contractors Association (NECA), Bethesda, Md. at http://www.ecmag.com, and The Electrical Distributor (TED) magazine published by the National Association of Electrical Distributors (NAED), St. Louis. The new, joint industry initiative is endorsed by NAED, NECA and the National Electrical Manufacturers Association (NEMA).

A few warning signals for counterfeit lighting include surprisingly low prices, unusual labeling or certification marks and a lack of sales tax on a receipt since counterfeiters generally don't report their sales. Consumers should also be aware of street vendors and unauthorized dealers.

Crane said that holographic labels were developed to further thwart the piracy of UL labels, with the first holograms introduced in 1993 for decorative lighting strings and outfits. Since the holograms were so successful, he said that additional categories for products manufactured in China also required holographic labels and more requirements were added this year including the newest gold holograms.

Published by the National Electrical Contractors Association (NECA), Bethesda, Md., Electrical Contractor magazine delivers 85,300+ electrical contractors and more than 68,000 electrical contracting locations, more than any other industry publication. Telephone: (301) 657-3110. Web site: http://www.ecmag.com.

SOURCE Electrical Contractor magazine

http://www.ecmag.com

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New SimpliFiber® Pro Optical Power Meter and Fiber Test Kits Cut Manpower Requirements, Testing Time in Half

Fluke Networks’ new fiber test methods are optimized for front-line installers and technicians, increasing productivity while lowering equipment costs

Fluke Networks, provider of innovative Network SuperVision Solutions™ for the testing, monitoring and analysis of enterprise and telecommunications networks, announced today the new SimpliFiber® Pro Optical Power Meter and Fiber Test Kits.  These new fiber test products allow a single technician to quickly perform tasks that previously required a two-person team.  Furthermore, the SimpliFiber Pro’s ability to perform loss testing simultaneously at dual wavelengths – and save both measurements into one record – increases efficiency by cutting test times in half.  The new SimpliFiber Pro Test Kits effectively double the productivity of network technicians testing fiber links; equipment costs are minimized by including value-added capabilities needed by front-line installers and technicians.

Users of the new SimpliFiber Pro Test Kits will benefit from the first-of-its-kind FindFiber™ capability.   By plugging the FindFiber Remote ID sources into ports of a remote patch panel, an individual technician can identify the physical location of cabling runs to ensure polarity and the correct location on each fiber drop at a central panel.  This time-saving feature enables a single technician to quickly perform double-ended testing – a job that formerly required multiple technicians and a talk set, one at each end of the link. 

Also new are the SimpliFiber Pro optical power meter and sources.  In addition to time-saving dual-wavelength testing, SimpliFiber Pro offers users a new CheckActive™ capability to quickly test whether a fiber is live.  The SimpliFiber Pro power meter emits an audible tone and displays and icon whenever a live fiber is detected. This is faster than plugging into a port and setting up a complete power measurement.

The SimpliFiber Pro optical power meter also offers a new Min/Max capability that automates the precise tracking of intermittent power fluctuations.  The new Min/Max function is considerably faster than legacy trial and error methods, saving time and user frustration.

Product availability
SimpliFiber Pro, a replacement for the existing and widely used SimpliFiber product line, is made up of four unique fiber platforms: the power meter, the multimode source, the singlemode source, and the FindFiber Remote ID sources.  Each platform is available separately, or in a number of kit configurations that also include passive optical or active video inspection microscopes, a visual fault locator, fiber optic cleaning materials and carrying cases.  The new SimpliFiber® Pro Optical Power Meter and Fiber Test Kits are available for immediate delivery from Fluke Networks sales partners worldwide.  For more details go to www.flukenetworks.com/simplifiberpro.

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

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GENERAL CABLE TO UNVEIL GenSPEED^® 10 MTP^™
FEATURING MOSAIC CROSSBLOCK^™ AT 2009 WINTER BICSI

General Cable (NYSE: BGC) will unveil its new GenSPEED^® 10 MTP^™ Category 6A 10 Gig cable, featuring the new Mosaic Crossblock^™ technology, at the 2009 Winter BICSI in Orlando, Florida, January 18^th through the 21^st.  Mosaic Twisted Pair (MTP) technology provides an Unshielded Twisted Pair (UTP) cable that performs like a Shielded or Foiled Twisted Pair (STP/FTP) cable. 

“We are pleased to introduce a truly groundbreaking technology,” said Bob Kenny, Vice President and General Manager, Datacom Products, General Cable.  “With standards for
10 Gigabit over copper now complete, the timing of this innovation could not be better.”  Kenny went on to say, “End users will now have unprecedented headroom in a cable that has a significantly reduced footprint.  This is a game changer within our market.”

 If you are interested in eliminating Alien Crosstalk in your 10 Gigabit application, stop by General Cable's BICSI Booth #712 and ask for more details.

General Cable also manufactures a wide range of high performance GenSPEED^® copper data communications cables and NextGen^® Brand fiber optic cables. When visiting General Cable’s booth, also ask about our PanGen^™ Structured Cabling Solutions which, in partnership with Panduit, provide market-focused open-architecture network infrastructure solutions, as well as our in-house armoring capabilities for datacom, fiber optic and electronic cables. Visit us on the Web at www.generalcable.com. General Cable … Delivering solutions that keep you connected.

General Cable (NYSE:BGC), headquartered in Highland Heights, Kentucky, is a leader in the development, design, manufacture, marketing and distribution of copper, aluminum and fiber optic wire and cable products for the energy, industrial, specialty and communications markets. The Company offers competitive strengths in such areas as breadth of product line, brand recognition, distribution and logistics, sales and service and operating efficiency.  Energy cables include low-, medium- and high-voltage power distribution and power transmission products. The Industrial and Specialty segment is comprised of application-specific cables for uses such as electrical power generation (traditional fuels, alternative and renewable sources, and distributed generation), the oil, gas and petrochemical industries, mining, industrial automation, marine, military and aerospace applications, power applications in the telecommunications industry, and other key industrial segments. Communications wire and cable products transmit low-voltage signals for voice, data, video and control applications. Visit our Web site at www.GeneralCable.com.

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Graybar, Milwaukee Electric Tool and Westex Sign Multi-Year Sponsorship Marketing Agreement with NECA

The National Electrical Contractors Association (NECA) announced today that Graybar, Milwaukee Electric Tool Corporation and Westex, Inc. made multi-year commitments to NECA’s new elite-level Premier Partner sponsorship category. 

“We deeply appreciate these new long-term commitments made to our members and the electrical construction industry by Graybar, Milwaukee Electric Tool and Westex, Inc., companies that were already substantially involved with supporting the industry,” said NECA Chief Operating Officer Dan Walter.  “We welcome them to these new sponsorship positions with an enthusiastic sense of partnership as we work together to add value for NECA members and further advance the industry.”

The Premier Partner of NECA sponsorship category tops NECA’s new three-tier industry sponsorship structure.  It represents the most comprehensive business-to-business marketing and sales opportunity ever presented to reach the $130 billion electrical construction industry. 

As Premier Partners of NECA, Graybar, Milwaukee Electric Tool and Westex, Inc. will showcase their brands, products and services to the electrical construction industry through hundreds of NECA events, publications and digital platforms year-round, including the annual NECA Show, the industry’s premier trade show and gathering.  Financial terms of the transaction were not disclosed.

With commitments secured from Graybar, Milwaukee Electric Tool and Westex, Inc., the Premier Partner of NECA sponsorship category is now fully subscribed.  Comprehensive sponsorship opportunities are still available within NECA’s Official Partner and Official Supplier sponsorship categories.

Graybar (Graybar.com), headquartered in Clayton, Mo., has specialized in supply chain management services and the distribution of high-qualify components, equipment and materials for the electrical and telecommunications industries for more than 80 years.  Graybar procures, warehouses and delivers hundreds of thousands of electrical, communications and data products from thousands of manufacturers.  The company also offers Graybar ESP, an end-to-end electrical contractor workflow solution that improves a contractor’s labor efficiency, electrician safety and business productivity.

Milwaukee Electric Tool Co. (MilwaukeeTool.com), headquartered in Brookfield, Wis., is focused on building, selling and servicing the best heavy-duty electric power tools and accessories available to professional users with a product line that includes more than 500 signature-red power tools and 3,500 accessories.  Milwaukee Electric Tool sells its products and accessories worldwide primarily through full-line tool authorized distributors, home centers and hardware stores as well as through specialty suppliers, catalog companies and web-based retail firms.  The company was founded in 1924.

Westex, Inc. (Westexinc.com), established in 1919 and headquartered in Chicago, is the world’s largest manufacturer of durable flame resistant cotton and cotton blend fabrics for protective clothing.  Westex’s INDURA® Ultra Soft® and INDURA® fabrics are guaranteed flame resistant for the life of the garment with market-proven performance for over 20 years.   INDURA® Ultra Soft® is the premier fabric in the global marketplace today, specified by thousands of end-users with millions of garments in service worldwide for electric arc flash, flash fire and ferrous metal exposures. 

NECA  is the voice of the $130 billion electrical construction industry that brings power, light and communications technology to buildings and communities across the United States.  NECA has 4,500 member organizations and produces approximately 250 annual training, continuing education and business-management events.  NECA also has substantial publishing interests, including ELECTRICAL CONTRACTOR magazine, the leading publication for the industry's decision-makers who account for 90 percent of industry purchasing volume.

NECA’s sponsorship assets were valuated and packaged by its agency of record, SponsorLogic, Inc. (SponsorLogic.com), a sponsorship marketing firm based in Charlotte, N.C.  SponsorLogic President Mel Poole is marketing and managing the sponsorship assets of NECA.

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Harger’s Ultraweld^® SureShot

Harger Lightning & Grounding proudly introduces their Ultraweld^® SureShot which is re-defining the exothermic process. SureShot utilizes a copper container which is consumed along with the weld metal making for a superior exothermic connection. SureShot utilizes an electronic ignition system fired by a long lasting rechargeable battery controller. The unique ignition system also allows the user to maintain a safe distance from the reaction. Contact our Sales Department at 800-842-7437, email us at hargersales@harger.com or visit our website at www.harger.com.

Harger Lightning & Grounding is a leading manufacturer of lightning protection and grounding equipment, as well as exothermic welding materials for the communications and electrical industries.  Harger also provides design and engineering services and specializes in offering total systems solutions for their customers.

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HCM Introduces Category 7 (Class F) Cable

Manchester, NH, December 12, 2008 – Hitachi Cable Manchester (HCM) continues to be a leader in the development of new and innovative copper and fiber optic communication cables. 

HCM is pleased to announce the launch of its new Category 7 (Class F) CMP cable. 

Tested to 600 MHz, the Category 7 cable has a construction that consists of 4 individually shielded twisted pairs surrounded by an overall braid shield.  This design permits the safe use of multiple applications, such as VOIP, Ethernet and video over one cable.   Currently available in a CMP construction, the cable is UL safety listed for use in plenum environments.

About HCM

HCM, located in Manchester, NH manufacturers a complete line of copper and fiber optic cables for the communication industry.  Over 3,300 different cable products are manufactured at this facility.  Products include Category 6A UTP cables, shielded and outdoor Category 5e and 6 cables, armored plenum-rated fiber optic cables as well as plenum-rated indoor/outdoor fiber optic cables.

To learn more about HCM products and where you can purchase them, please contact HCM toll free at 800-772-0116 or visit the HCM website at www.hcm.hitachi.com.

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Ideal In The News

IDEAL Introduces Telco Version of Popular BigFoot™ Ratcheting Cable Cutter

Building on the success of its original BigFoot™ ratcheting cable cutter introduced last year, IDEAL INDUSTRIES, INC. today introduced the new Telco BigFoot™ designed to let data communications installers easily cut up to 2,700 pair telephone cable and thick Stalpath® type communications cable with significantly less stress on their hands and forearms.

Installers who routinely cut large cables will appreciate the Telco BigFoot as a time and labor saving tool that reduces repetitive motion injuries. To use the Telco BigFoot, the contractor simply plants its over molded boot on the ground along with the cable being cut and then pushes down on the other handle, using the tool’s mechanical leverage in place of muscular force.

The IDEAL Telco BigFoot offers an unmatched combination of:

Hardened steel blades to achieve precision cuts and long-term durability

Rounded blade with five-tooth ratchet action to hold cable tight for minimal distortion

Compact dimensions for access into confined spaces

Quick release action to ease blade back-out

Locking mechanism to keep handles closed for safer storage

SmartGrip® ergonomic, slip resistant handles for sure grip, even when wet.

For more information, contact Ideal Industries, Inc., Becker Place, Sycamore, Illinois 60178. Or phone 1-800-435-0705, Fax: 1-800-533-4483. On the web, www.idealindustries.com.

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

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IDEAL Expands PowerPlug™ Luminaire Disconnect Line

Code Complaint 3-Wire Disconnect Designed for Dimming & Switching

sycamore, il, October 28, 2008 – According to the National Electrical Code, non-residential fluorescent lighting fixtures must now have power disconnects to safeguard electricians from contact with live voltage while replacing ballasts.

In response to this code change (2008 National Electrical Code 410.130 G), IDEAL last year developed the code compliant PowerPlug™ disconnect. Once installed, this simple push in device allows electricians to cut off hot and neutral ballast wiring prior to fixture servicing, with the sought after benefit of preventing shock or electrocution. To re-power the fixture, the technician simply snaps the disconnect back together.

NEW 3-WIRE DISCONNECT

To better serve the varied needs of electricians, IDEAL today launched an expanded, improved line of PowerPlugs. The latest addition is a 3-wire model (3 Amp/120V) for switching and dimming, two popular features in commercial lighting. Fitting easily through a 1/2 inch knockout, the 3-wire disconnect is perfect for the required retrofitting of installed fixtures, as well as for lighting OEMs seeking to design code compliance into their fixtures.

Like all PowerPlug disconnects, the new 3-wire model has IDEAL’s patented “push-in” locking technology, a benefit that directly reduces manufacturing time, labor costs, and repetitive motion fatigue.  It minimizes insertion force for faster, easier terminations without twisting or the use of tools.  What’s more, the simple male-female construction passes UL1977 finger probe requirements, preventing the installer from touching hot contacts.

Immediately available, the 3-wire PowerPlug comes in contractor packages of 20, 50, 100 and 1,000.

For more information, contact Ideal Industries, Inc., Becker Place, Sycamore, Illinois 60178. Or phone 1-800-435-0705, Fax: 1-800-533-4483. On the web, www.idealindustries.com.

ABOUT IDEAL INDUSTRIES, INC.

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

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IDEAL Announces Major Upgrade for SecuriTEST™ CCTV/Security Tester

-- New SecuriTEST PRO adds Video, Audio and Sync Testing, Additional PTZ Protocols, and New Lighter, Easier-to-Carry Housing Powered By
High-Capacity Rechargeable Lithium Ion Battery --

The IDEAL SecuriTEST™, the security industry’s most popular multi-functional CCTV tester, has undergone a major upgrade, and now delivers to technicians an enhanced feature set to satisfy their requirements whenever they are installing, testing and maintaining analog camera systems.

Available immediately with an MSRP of $849.00 (U.S.), the IDEAL SecuriTEST™ PRO offers the multi-function testing platform of the original SecuriTEST introduced last year, along with new IRE video level and sync testing, new sound level assessment through an integrated speaker and on-screen display, and new additional support for more PTZ camera protocols — all packaged in a lighter, more portable design featuring a high-capacity lithium ion battery.

“We know from talking to our customers that saving time and money is their number one concern,” explained Dan Payerle, Product Manager, IDEAL. “For that reason, in upgrading our SecuriTEST, we were focused on providing more productivity from a single device. The new SecuriTEST PRO allows a technician to verify and troubleshoot a complete CCTV system by himself or herself, significantly reducing labor and overhead costs.”

CCTV installers often need to carry a variety of testing tools to complete their work. SecuriTEST PRO combines the most-needed tools in one easy-to-carry package, eliminating the need to juggle several devices while on a ladder or lift, making working conditions safer and increasing productivity. SecuriTEST PRO empowers CCTV technicians to easily test video and sound, control PTZ cameras, analyze over a dozen PTZ protocols, program PTZ and static cameras, wire map UTP cables, generate video test patterns, and test electrical signals with its built-in digital multimeter.

One of the most anticipated new features of the SecuriTEST is its video and sync testing which assures each camera is set to its correct video output level. Testing determines the overall level of an NTSC video signal (30-150 IRE) and its sync-to-white ratio (30-50 IRE). PAL video can also be measured from 200-1200mV and sync ratio from 200-320mV. In addition, an audio input on the tester allows it to be directly connected to a camera to sample audio though the tester’s built-in speaker or on its 2.5-inch color LCD screen as a visible level scale.

The SecuriTEST PRO kit comes with the tester, one lithium battery pack with 5.5 hours of operating time, an AC adapter/charger, 12V auto charger, 4-foot BNC video cable, test

leads for the digital multimeter, UTP cable terminator, a neck strap and a rugged carrying pouch.

For more information, contact IDEAL INDUSTRIES, INC., Becker Place, Sycamore, Illinois 60178. Or phone 1-800-947-3614, Fax: 1-800-533-4483. On the web, www.idealindustries.com

ABOUT IDEAL INDUSTRIES, INC.

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

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©2008 IDEAL INDUSTRIES, INC.  All rights reserved.  All products and names mentioned are the property of their respective owners.  While IDEAL has made every effort at the time of publication to ensure the accuracy of the information provided herein, product specifications, configurations, prices, system/component/options availability are all subject to change without notice.

PHOTO CAPTION: CCTV installers often need to carry a variety of testing tools to complete their work. The IDEAL SecuriTEST Pro combines the most-needed tools in one easy-to-carry package — a CCTV video tester, PTZ camera controller, IRE video level and sync test, sound level testing, Digital Multi-Meter, UTP cable tester, video test pattern generator, PTZ protocol analyzer and camera programmer. Since all connections attach to a single unit, it eliminates the need to juggle several devices while on a ladder or lift, making working conditions safer and increasing productivity

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IDEAL Unveils Versatile Hand-Held Fiber Optical Power Meter and Light Source Kit

-- New IDEAL FiberMASTER™ Lets Technicians Make Simple, Accurate Measurements of Power Level and Fiber Signal Loss Under Field Conditions on Multimode and Singlemode Fiber Optic Cabling --

SYCAMORE, IL, June 10, 2008 – Designed to accommodate the expanding needs of datacom technicians, the new IDEAL FiberMASTER™ five-wavelength fiber testing kit offers a portable, all-in-one solution to measuring critical power and optical signal loss on standard wavelength windows, as well as on FTTx applications.

At the heart of the FiberMASTER is a five-wavelength power meter with calibration function that stores reference power levels for quick dB loss measurements, therefore eliminating the requirement to manually calculate loss. When joined with the included 850nm  “docking” light source, the power meter measures fiber optic power in milliwatts (mW) and decibel-milliwatts (dBm), as well as measure fiber signal loss (dB) at 850, 1300, 1310, 1490 and 1550nm wavelengths. The 850nm wavelength is encountered in most LAN, residential, commercial and campus environments, while the 1490nm wavelength is common in emerging FTTx applications such as single mode fiber to the home or curb.

“Advanced engineering allows the FiberMASTER to provide a stable platform for testing fiber cables, connections and splices on multi- and single-mode systems to identify faults that may impact network performance,” explained Dan Payerle, Product Manager, IDEAL. “FiberMASTER is a powerful troubleshooting solution that has only three buttons required for operation, making it perfect for field use. Plus, it makes loss testing very simple thanks to the decibel calibration feature.”

Pricing and Availability

Available immediately, the IDEAL FiberMASTER (Part #33-928) is future-ready with high-end capabilities, yet is low in cost. Trade price for the power meter with an 850nm source is $749, and $995 for both 850nm and 1300nm sources.

As an added value, FiberMASTER comes with universal (2.5mm) and FC adapters for the meter interface, as well as free SC, ST and FC adapters for the light source, worth $140, to suit virtually any cable plant. Test jumpers and a heavy-duty carrying pouch are included in the package. FiberMASTER runs on AAA batteries.

For more information, contact IDEAL INDUSTRIES, INC., Becker Place, Sycamore, Illinois 60178. Or phone 1-800-947-3614, Fax: 1-800-533-4483. On the web, www.idealindustries.com.

ABOUT IDEAL INDUSTRIES, INC.

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

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Job Losses: 533,000 in November 2008

Recession winds are blowing with gale force as U.S. employers shed 533,000 jobs in November, pushing the unemployment rate to 6.7%. The Dec. 5 announcement by the Bureau of Labor Statistics provided yet more evidence that the economy is losing jobs at the fastest pace in more than three decades. "It's very clear that the U.S. is in a pretty deep recession. There really aren't any safe harbors in this storm," says Adam York, an economic analyst at Wachovia (NYSE:WB - News) in North Carolina.

The November job cutting was dramatically worse than expected, with estimates by economists ranging from 220,000 to 470,000, with a median forecast of 333,000 job cuts, according to a Bloomberg survey. The cuts last month came from a variety of sectors -- manufacturing, construction, financials, retail, travel and tourism. Only a few areas recorded employment gains, including education, health care and government. The rate rose from 6.5% in October.

The news comes one day after a slew of large companies such as AT&T (NYSE:T - News), Credit Suisse (NYSE:CS - News), and others announced major layoffs. The Dec. 4 layoff announcements came from, among others, AT&T (12,000 jobs), DuPont (NYSE:DD - News; 2,500), Avis Budget (NYSE:CAR - News; 2,200), NBC Universal, Honda Motor (NYSE:HMC - News), Viacom (NYSE:VIA - News), and Windstream (NYSE:WIN - News).

Companies are cutting jobs to try to preserve profits -- or minimize losses -- at a time when consumer demand is abruptly drying up and banks are tightening lending standards. An all-out effort by the federal government to provide fiscal and monetary stimulus should get gross domestic product growing again by the second half of 2009, many economists believe. But even after GDP is growing, companies are likely to keep shedding jobs. Wachovia predicts that the unemployment rate will keep rising until mid-2010, topping out around 9%.

Drop In Shopping Impacts The Jobs Numbers

How bad are these numbers? Worse than in the 1990-91 recession, whose worst month saw 306,000 lost jobs, or the 2001 recession, whose worst month was a loss of 325,000 jobs. The U.S. economy lost 431,000 jobs in May 1980, which was the worst month of the back-to-back recessions of 1980-82. If it's any comfort, though, November's showing was better than the recession month of December 1974, when the economy lost a staggering 602,000 jobs, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics.

One factor that's likely to account for a large portion of the winter 2008 job losses is the tepid shopping season. The government's seasonal adjustment attempts to filter out ups and downs in employment caused by seasonal factors like holiday shopping. So when retailers ramp up employment less than they have in the past, it shows up as an outright employment decline in the seasonally adjusted data, notes Ellen Zentner, senior U.S. economist for Bank of Tokyo-Mitsubishi UFJ in New York.

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Frogner Named Business Development Manager For Leviton’s Expansion Into Europe

Leviton is pleased to announce the appointment of Willy Frogner to lead the company’s expansion into Europe. As Business Development Manager for European Sales, headquartered in Oslo, Frogner will spearhead sales of the company’s line of residential home networking and commercial voice and data products throughout the European continent.

Frogner brings to his new post with Leviton more than 25 years of experience developing, marketing and selling electrical products. Prior to joining Leviton, he worked for the CETgroup as a sales manager for their Norwegian operations. He also held positions as a marketing manager for Schneider Electric and as a Product Manager for Norwesco.

“Willy brings an excellent background and track record of success in the industry to his new position with Leviton, and we are delighted to have him on board leading our expansion into Europe. His strong ties with distributors and agents combined with his knowledge of the marketplace are assets that bode well for our success in this exciting new market for us,” said Bruno Filio, Leviton’s Vice President of International Business Development.

Frogner’s academic background includes studies in electrical, low-voltage and communications systems in Oslo. For more information, contact Leviton Manufacturing Co., 59-25 Little Neck Parkway, Little Neck, NY 11362-2591, or visit our Web site at www.leviton.com.

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Switzer to Lead Development of Eco-Friendly, Distributed Lighting Management Systems for Leviton

Leviton is pleased to announce the appointment of Jerry Switzer to the position of Senior Product Manager, Distributed Energy Management Systems for its Lighting Management Systems business. Switzer brings to his new post 20 years of experience in marketing, product management and business development with industry-leading companies. 

In his new role, Switzer will spearhead the development of eco-friendly distributed lighting energy management systems that combine versatile solutions for dimming, occupancy detection and daylighting control. These systems offer efficient zone control in commercial environments that provide flexible, PC-based control options for efficiently lighting an entire building, a single floor or corridor, or a private work space.

Prior to joining Leviton, Switzer worked at Hewlett-Packard, where he enjoyed a 17-year long career in the area of business development, and at GE Security, where he worked for 3 years in product and marketing management. At HP, he helped develop innovative printing and bar coding technologies, as well as create a market for the company’s industry-leading line of printers. As a Senior Product Marketing Manager for GE Security, he developed and marketed residential networking and security products.  

“Jerry’s background in design, consulting and project management combined with his formidable experience introducing technology-based products both in the US and abroad provide a strong foundation for his success in helping us launch our distributed lighting control systems, “ said Tom Leonard, Director of Marketing for Leviton Lighting Management Systems.

Switzer holds a BS in Business from Oregon State University and an MBA in International Management and is currently pursuing a doctorate in Marketing. He shares a patent for cellular technologies that was issued both in the U.S. and in Europe, served in the US Navy as am Anti-Submarine Warfare specialist, and has an impressive record of civic and community involvement.

Switzer currently is Director of the West Linn Public Library Foundation and Chairman of the Budget Committee of the City of West Linn. He also served as a member of the Board of Directors of the City of West Linn Library and as Treasurer of the Board of Directors for the HomePlug Association. www.leviton.com.

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MOHAWK ANNOUNCES THE ADDITION OF IRONWOOD ASSOCIATES TO THEIR SALES FORCE

Leominster, MA, December 19, 2008: Mohawk, a leading manufacturer of fiber optic and copper cable products, is pleased to announce the appointment of Ironwood Associates to Mohawk’s field sales force covering Arizona, Southern Nevada, New Mexico and El Paso.  Founded in 2002 and headquartered in Carefree, AZ, Ironwood is a unique manufacturer’s representative firm in designing and selling into the infrastructure, data communications and security markets. The combination of these elements allows Ironwood to cover the Southwestern marketplace with an experienced sales force built on customer service and strong, long-term relationships. 

About Mohawk
Mohawk, a division of Belden, is headquartered in Leominster, Massachusetts, and has been providing fiber and copper cable innovations for over 50 years. Their headquartered location dedicates 210,000 square feet to today’s most advanced facilities for the design, development and production of copper, fiber optic, and hybrid wire and cable. Mohawk, an ISO 9001 certified company, develops products to meet and support TIA/EIA, ISO/IEC, ICEA and NEMA standards. As part of the global Belden operations, Mohawk is supported with worldwide management, financial resources, and distribution capabilities.

www.mohawk-cable.com

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NAED and TED Magazine stay on top of the latest news – Cooper Plunges

Copper Headed Below $1.00/Pound?

“Copper Is Vulnerable to Falling Further” read the headline on a Nov. 24 <I< Journal Street>article (with the per-pound price at $1.57). “Upside to Copper’s Downside?” said another WSJ headline, on Dec. 8, following a Friday, Dec. 5 close (for copper futures) of $1.355/lb.

Fascinating fact: The Nov. 24 article included the information (sourced to John Gross, publisher of the Copper Journal) that copper’s price had averaged “about $1.33 for the period from January 1988 through this October.”

Fascinating fact No. 2: The price of three-month copper futures fell below $3,000 per ton on Dec. 5 “for the first time since May 2005.”

Fact No. 3: Copper last traded below $1/lb. in December 2003.

Where’s the bottom, from here?

From Michael Widmer, analyst, BNP Paribas (quoted in the Nov. 24 article): In 1993, 1997, and 2001, copper’s price “bottomed around the production costs of the 75% lowest-cost producers.” If form follows, he indicated, prices could bottom in 2009 at about $.91/lb.

From Leon Westgate, analyst, Standard Bank (quoted in the Dec. 8 article): “The metals have already priced in most of the worst-case scenario [and] we believe significant downside to prices is limited.”

And over on Bloomberg.com (Nov. 20), David Threlkeld, president of Resolved (a trading firm), said on Bloomberg TV that he saw prices falling below $1/lb. in 2009. Why? China is “sitting on a tremendous unsold inventory.”

TedMag’s Commodity Watch reports last week’s close at $1.44/pound. That’s the unofficial final-trade price as reported on www.metalprices.com, the website of the London Metal Exchange.

Reprinted with permission from TED The Electrical Distributor Magazine On-Line Newsletter www.naed.org www.tedmag.com.

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Category 6 Coupler Modules and Patch Panel

PANDUIT^® Mini-Com^® Category 6 Coupler Modules and Patch Panels are now available for installations which require modular, reliable, high performing network connections. Fast and simple to install, the couplers allow quick connection of RJ45 patch cords for faster installation. Couplers are ideal for use in engineering/testing laboratories or temporary networks during a system upgrade or maintenance, reducing costly network downtime. www.panduit.com/cat 22

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Siemens Settles Bribery Cases

BERLIN: Siemens, the biggest European engineering company, on Monday agreed to pay $1.34 billion to settle U.S. and German bribery charges, ending two-year inquiries into payments made to government officials worldwide.

Siemens will pay €395 million to settle the German inquiry, according to a statement. The Munich-based company also agreed to pay $800 million to end charges brought by the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission and pleaded guilty to violating U.S. anti-corruption laws by falsely accounting for $1.36 billion in payments.

The company appointed the former German finance minister Theo Waigel to monitor the company's compliance with the terms of the U.S. legal settlement, Siemens said in a statement.

The deal with Munich prosecutors closes inquiries against the company at the former Power Transmission and Distribution, Power Generation, Medical Solutions, Transportation Systems and IT Solutions and Services units. Siemens company has already paid €201 million of the fine.

The german agreement was announced shortly after a U.S. judge approved a settlement between Siemens, the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission and the Justice Department over related allegations.

Under the U.S. accord, Siemens will pay $800 million and submit to monitoring to ensure compliance with anti- bribery laws.

The U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia accepted the Siemens settlements with the U.S. Department of Justice and the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission on charges it violated the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act through a lack of internal controls and bookkeeping violations.

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Sony to cut 8000 jobs   4 percent of work force

`Back at square one' -- Sony to cut 8,000 electronics jobs, close plants

Sony Corp. is slashing 4 percent of its worldwide work force, reining in spending and shutting plants as it tries to ride out a looming worldwide recession that is battering Japan's export-reliant manufacturers.

Tokyo-based Sony, which is cutting 8,000 of its 185,000 jobs, said Tuesday it will shut five or six plants -- about 10 percent of its 57 factories. Sony also plans to reduce its electronics investments by about one-third by the end of March 2010, although it did not give specific numbers.

The job cuts are the most drastic here since the U.S. credit crunch hit over the summer. They are a bad twist for Sony, which has been recovering from internal problems in recent years under cost-cutting reforms led by Chief Executive Howard Stringer.

"This may mean that Sony is now back at square one," said Kazuharu Miura, electronics analyst at Daiwa Institute of Research in Tokyo. "Japanese companies are all in trouble because of this unexpected worldwide slowdown."

Miura also warned that Sony's measures might not be enough to offset its sliding profits.

Sony's U.S. shares were up 87 cents, 4.3 percent, at $20.91 in afternoon trading.

Sony said a plant in Dax, France, which makes tapes and other recording media will be among the plants to close, but it declined to list the others. The moves will deliver more than 100 billion yen ($1.1 billion) in savings a year by March 2010, the company said.

"Now we are all facing a recession together," said Senior Vice President Naofumi Hara. "It is impossible to predict how much longer the situation will last."

Sony's announcement comes amid similar news from other Japanese manufacturers, which face plunging demand at home and abroad, as well as falling gadget prices and unfavorable currency fluctuations.

Sony is particularly vulnerable to the strong yen since about 80 percent of its sales come from overseas. The dollar has dropped to about 93 yen from 117 yen last year, eroding with it Sony's foreign income.

Hara said the ways the job cuts will be carried out will vary by country, but he did not provide a breakdown. Sony's electronics business employs about 160,000 workers. The company also has movie, video game and financial businesses.

Sony has adjusted production and lowered inventories, but tough times demand more drastic efforts, it contends. The cost-cutting plan includes postponing an investment to boost production of liquid crystal display TVs in Slovakia because of a plunge in European demand for flat-panel TVs.

Sony will also trim spending in semiconductors, and will outsource a portion of the production it had planned for image sensors for mobile phones.

Apart from the 8,000 electronics job losses, Hara said Sony would cut at least 8,000 temporary jobs in the same sector by the end of March 2010. He said temporary workers are not counted in the tally of Sony's global work force.

Sony usually can count on the year-end holiday shopping season to rake in sales of gadgets such as flat-panel TVs, Blu-ray disc players and game consoles. But consumer sentiments have been dashed by the financial meltdown. Hara said U.S. sales were holding up relatively well, but he acknowledged product prices may have to be cut, especially in Europe, which would diminish profit margins.

Sony recently slashed its full-year earnings projection, citing weaker consumer demand and a stronger yen. For the fiscal year through March 2009, it is expecting a 150 billion yen ($1.5 billion) profit, down 59 percent from the previous year.

Since 2005, Stringer, the first foreigner to lead Sony, has gradually turned the company around, shedding money-losing operations and catching up in flat-panel TVs and portable music players. Hara acknowledged Stringer was sending Sony employees a sad message Tuesday.

"He has told us that the efforts will entail pain. But unless we can get over this, there is no future," he said. "We are taking a step toward the future."

Copyright © 2008 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. The information contained in the AP News report may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed without the prior written authority of The Associated Press.

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Strategies for Success in Optical Communications

Bandwidth and Applications on the Rise: Will Profits Follow?

OSA and Lightwave announce the first in a series of panels to be presented at the 2009 Executive Forum, held in conjunction with OFC/NFOEC.   This event, which provides vital information about the optical communications industry attracts C-level executives from over 100 companies

Panel I: Successful Strategies for Supporting Bandwidth-Intensive Applications
Systems and carriers address the requirements to meet the growing demands of bandwidth. The need to support bandwidth-intensive applications such as video delivery and high-end computing is clear – but how can this be done in today’s climate and maintain an adequate return on investment? A panel of carriers and systems suppliers discusses the evolution of optical networks and equipment to meet the challenge of expanding requirements. Panelists describe what role they expect their suppliers to perform.

Panel Speakers Include:

Stephen Carlton,Vice President, Planning and Product Management, Fujitsu Network Communications

Stuart Elby, Vice President, Network Architecture, Verizon

Vik Saxena, Senior Director, Network Architecture, Office of the CTO, Comcast Cable

For full speaker biographies visit the program section of the Executive Forum website.
For additional program information or to register visit www.osa.org/executiveforum.

Important Deadlines:

Register by March 5, 2009 for pre-registration savings!

Housing Deadline: February 23, 2009

OSA Corporate Members Recieve a 2-for-1 registration package.

Founded in 1916, the Optical Society of America (OSA) was organized to increase and diffuse the knowledge of optics, pure and applied; to promote the common interests of investigators of optical problems, of designers and of users of optical apparatus of all kinds; and to encourage cooperation among them. The purposes of the Society are scientific, technical and educational.

The Optical Society of America brings together optics and photonics scientists, engineers, educators, technicians and business leaders. OSA's membership totals more than 14,000 individuals from over 81 countries. Approximately 40% of the Society's members reside outside the United States. Officers of the Society are elected by the membership.

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Worthington Distribution Publishes the 2009 Training Calendar

Worthington Distribution, known for their award winning product knowledge, industry training and customer service, has published the 2009 Worthington University Training Calendar.  These trainings consist of full day and 4-day trainings on popular product combinations from top industry companies including HAI, Leviton, Russound, Philips, Centralite, Proficient, OnQ Legrand, Middle Atlantic, Techniku and others. Topics include structured wiring, cameras, DVRs, lighting control (UPB, Z-Wave, Zigbee), motorized window treatments, distributed audio, temperature control, automation, touch screens, remote controls, and home theater.  The 4^th day of University is dedicated to running a small business, putting together proposals, and selling home automation.  The next 4-day hands-on Worthington University session will be held in the newly remodeled training room in Tafton, PA on February 24-27.  This is followed by 3 additional sessions in Tafton, PA and a session in Las Vegas, NV.  In addition, Worthington Distribution will be holding single day sessions throughout the country and during industry trade shows.  For more information browse to www.worthingtonu.com.

About Worthington Distribution:

Worthington Distribution, an award winning national distributor with offices in Pennsylvania and Nevada, specializes in Home Automation, System Integration, Structured Wiring, Distributed Audio, Lighting Control, and Security. Value-added services include training, technical support, design consultation, and programming assistance.  www.worthingtondistribution.com

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Leviton Introduces GreenPack™ Bulk Connector Packaging

Contractor-friendly, recyclable packaging reduces jobsite waste

Leviton today announced the release of its new GreenPack bulk connector packaging. The new packaging was designed as a contractor- and earth-friendly solution to speed large network infrastructure installations and reduce jobsite waste.

GreenPack holds 24 connectors in individual, clear pockets. Connectors can be popped out one at a time, with remaining inventory well organized and easily counted. In addition, GreenPack offers an environmentally sound alternative to individually packaged connectors. The cardboard and plastic packaging is 100% recyclable, while the connectors are lead-free and RoHS-compliant. 

GreenPack packaging is available in 5e, 5e+ (component-rated), and 6 category ratings, with white, ivory, blue, orange, or black connectors. Leviton’s connectors, including those sold in the new GreenPack, are available through the company’s reseller network.

About Leviton Network Solutions

Leviton Network Solutions was created 20 years ago to meet the growing need for telecommunications and high-speed data technologies. Today, the division is dedicated to producing complete copper, fiber, and power network infrastructure solutions for its enterprise, data center, service provider, developer, and government customers. Category-rated connectors, cabling assemblies, and patch panels; enclosures and splice trays; PDUs and surge strips; and much more are engineered to exacting standards and offer guaranteed performance. www.leviton.com

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McCormick Enables Contractors To Do Takeoffs On Screen

McCormick Systems offers a unique new opportunity to electrical contractors:

No matter how a set of electronic drawings ends up in your computer, you can do all your takeoffs on screen – and move the results (automatically) to your McCormick estimating system.

Up until now, most contractors worked with drawings on paper. A significant exception – for those using McCormick’s CAD Estimating software – pertained only to those who could obtain CAD drawings electronically from architects and engineers.

Now, thanks to McCormick’s interface with On Center Software Inc.’s On-Screen Takeoff product, estimates can be done on screen. Quantities can then be automatically moved to the McCormick estimating system (via a special link and database).

Additionally, McCormick is now a re-seller of On-Screen Takeoff. “Our contractors prefer to have a one-stop shop when they can get it, and as a re-seller for On Center, we now offer that,” said Todd McCormick, the company’s president. “We can get contractors the software and our exclusive interface, in one bundle.”

Bottom-line: Here’s another McCormick-created avenue to raise estimating productivity for electrical contractors and their estimators.

            Important notes:

a.       This arrangement applies to drawings that come to the contractor in virtually any electronic format --.tiff, .pdf, .dwf, .dwg, .jpeg . . . and many others.

b.       Exclusive to McCormick Systems.

c.       On Center Software is no Johnny-come-lately to construction software; the company in 2008 is celebrating its 20^th year.

d.        

“Contractors we’ve talked with about this seem to love it – and there’s a ‘green’ angle as well,” said McCormick. “Contractors we have spoken with about this new arrangement told us in addition, it would save a lot of trees!”

Typically, several contractors each will obtain paper drawings for a specific project – to submit a bid for the work. When the winner is determined, the others, quite naturally, dispose of the paper. The McCormick-On Center Software interface should help make that waste (of time, resources, and money) obsolete for the savvy electrical contractor.

About On Center Software, Inc.

Founded in 1988 by construction industry professionals, On Center Software’s products eliminate the tedious task of creating takeoffs on paper plans and trying to calculate accurate results for complicated figures with a calculator. See www.on-screentakeoff.com.

About McCormick Systems

Privately owned McCormick Systems (Chandler, AZ) is the nation’s leader in software used for electrical and ABS estimating and project management. The company’s products enable contractors to quickly produce consistent, profitable estimates for electrical and voice-data-video work, and more.

www.mccormicksys.com

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Megladon® Manufacturing Group Hires Gil Perez as Business Development Manager

Gil Perez has joined the Megladon® Manufacturing Group team as the Business Development Manager. Gil recognized a golden opportunity to work with a company who offers leading edge fiber product technology to an industry with which he is already familiar.

Gil is originally from Dallas, Texas and graduated with a degree in Business Administration from the University of North Texas in Denton. Gil’s background has been concentrated in the Telecom industry specializing in outside plant and central office networks, which makes him ideally suited for his new position within the Megladon organization. Gil has previously held positions with ADC Telecommunications, Tii Network Technologies, and Thomas & Betts, focusing on the United States and Latin American markets.

When asked about his new position, Gil responds with favoring accolades, “I see Megladon as one of the leading fiber optic technology manufacturing companies within the communications industry. The product offerings of Megladon show our ability and capability to develop and provide a leading edge solution for the communications industry. My goal is to hit the ground running by expanding our market share and increase company revenue.”

“Gil Perez is known in the industry and has many long term relationships providing excellent service and support” stated John M. Culbert, President of Megladon. “There is fruit attached to his track record. We welcomed Gil into our strategic planning circle because of his knowledge, experience and character. We expect big things from him as we grow together.”

Megladon® Manufacturing Group Ltd., a subsidiary of TyRex Group Ltd.®, is recognized as a leader in the fiber optic marketplace. Founded in 1997, Megladon made it their mission to provide customers with fiber optic products that far exceed industry standards. As technology innovators, Megladon created the HLC® (Hardened Lens Contact) termination, which has changed the market and taken it to the next level. For additional information on Megladon and their patented processes please visit the company’s website at www.megladonmfg.com.

ACUTA