"Manufacturing is vitally important to the Massachusetts economy"

Rep. Jeffrey Roy (D- Franklin) visited Pierce Aluminum's manufacturing,
distribution and national headquarters in Franklin to commemorate Manufacturing Day.
Manufacturers from across the country opened their doors on Friday to demonstrate the potential of modern manufacturing, while fostering an interest in manufacturing careers. 

Rep Roy at Pierce Aluminum

"Manufacturing is the sixth largest employment sector in Massachusetts, and is helping to lead
us out of the recession," noted Rep. Roy after the visit. "My visit with Pierce today, and the
many other manufacturers in the area over the past several months, is part of an effort to support and recognize our manufacturers as leaders in advancing the Commonwealth's economy. The manufacturing of today involves a lot more expertise and training in technology, programming and streamlined production. We need to prepare and train people to work in this vital sector." 

Rep Roy at Pierce Aluminum

"I am proud to say that the Legislature has made thoughtful investments in the state's
manufacturing industry," said House Speaker Robert A. DeLeo, D-Winthrop. "Whether through the gaming law or the 2012 economic development legislation, Massachusetts is increasingly becoming the place for manufacturing jobs. Manufacturing Day is a call to action for legislators, business leaders and employers. I urge you to pursue new ways to incorporate these jobs - for employees of all skill levels - into existing and emerging industries. I believe this is essential in furthering our state's development and will help make Massachusetts a better place to live, work and do business." 

Rep Roy at Pierce Aluminum

"Manufacturing is vitally important to the Massachusetts economy," stated Senate President Pro
Temporc Richard T. Moore, D-Uxbridge, Senate Chairman of the Legislature's Manufacturing
Caucus. "What were once dark, gritty factories, are now high-tech, innovative facilities that
provide good paying jobs to skilled and educated employees. Partnering with manufacturing
leaders to ensure that their companies have the tools and highly trained workforce they need to
grow is an essential component of our strategy for economic growth." 

"In light of very positive competitiveness trends in both domestic and global markets,
Massachusetts manufacturers are experiencing a welcomed and sustained resurgence of business activity that is favorable to our entire state's ongoing recovery," said Rep. John V. Fernandes, DMilford, House Chairman of the Legislature's Manufacturing Caucus. "These large and small sized manufacturing companies often provide meaningful jobs for thousands of new and retrained workers, offer middle-class level wages, and energize regional suppliers and ancillary businesses for long-term growth. We must do what we can to facilitate that growth and develop a strong nexus between educational and training opportunities and the specialized worker skills required by these companies to ultimately succeed." 

Rep Roy at Pierce Aluminum

Manufacturing Day is a national event designed to addresses common misperceptions about
manufacturing by giving manufacturers an opportunity to showcase their efforts in a coordinated
fashion. The goal of Manufacturing Day is to begin addressing the national skilled labor shortage that manufacturers face, connect with future generations, take charge of the public image of manufacturing, and ensure the ongoing prosperity of the whole industry. 

In Massachusetts, manufacturing contributes to more than 10 percent of gross state product
(GSP). Currently there are 7,680 manufacturing establishments in Massachusetts that employ
more than 275,000 residents. Over the next five years, manufacturing establishments are
expected to expand their employment by an estimated 65 percent. 

State Senators and Representatives are supported by the Legislature's recently-formed, bipartisan Manufacturing Caucus which serves as a link for legislators cutting across issues that
affect the manufacturing industry. Rep. Roy is a member of that caucus.

For more about Pierce Aluminum visit their website  http://www.piercealuminum.com/


Photos provided by the office of Rep Roy

"There was never really any consideration of going far away"

The move is effective Jan. 1. Terracon, located at 5 Boynton Road, has 14 employees. The company will move to a new 18,000-square-foot-facility at 1376 West Central St. in Franklin. 

Company President Rob Jewett said in the press release the move is necessary because of significant growth in the last few years. 

"As our products and solutions have become better known in the industry, demand has risen – and quickly," Jewett said in the release. "Our new office and manufacturing space is 50 percent larger than our previous offices and offers a more efficient layout. It will support our continued growth and expansion, and provide a better work environment for current and future staff."

Read more: Holliston company announces move to Franklin - Franklin, MA - Wicked Local Franklin http://www.metrowestdailynews.com/news/x719504533/Holliston-company-announces-move-to-Franklin#ixzz2EpjSCGRc

You can visit the Terracon web page here   http://www.terracon-solutions.com/

Alan Procknow: Franklin's Industrial Revolution

Alan Procknow, a senior majoring in History at Dean College, presented this study during the Holiday Stroll at the Franklin Historical Museum, Thursday Nov 29, 2012.

Franklin's role in the industrial revolution presentation from Franklin Matters

The Franklin Historical Museum web page can be found here:
http://www.franklinhistoricalmuseum.com/

or on Facebook http://www.facebook.com/FHM02038

"needs to open its doors in Franklin within 18 months"

Steve Senna, a project manager with National Development in Newton, said Hamilton Storage Technologies wants to combine its Hopkinton and Milford offices into a new, 50,000-square-foot building at the intersection of Rte. 140 and Forge Parkway. 

"We thank you for the opportunity to present what we think is a very exciting and in these times very rare development opportunity," Senna told the board. 

The company, which manufacturers refrigerators used in laboratories and also has its European headquarters in Switzerland, was attracted to the 8-acre, 3 Forge Parkway lot because it is close to Interstate 495, commuter rail and a hotel, Senna said. 

Many of Hamilton Storage Technologies' employees live nearby and its clients often come from out-of-state for a week to see how its refrigerators operate, he said.

Read more: http://www.milforddailynews.com/archive/x1757338933/High-technology-company-eyes-move-to-Franklin#ixzz1Pu42d2CG

In the News - headquarters moves

Franklin company Echo moves headquarters south

by Brian Benson/Daily News staff

Franklin, MA

In the News - snow melt, romance

Franklin firm wants to lighten their load

by Brian Benson, Daily News staff

Whirlwind romance in Franklin: The story of Pat and Mike Perkins

by GateHouse Media, Inc.

Franklin, MA

"You can't be a best plant and not be a safe plant"

"The success is driven by a great work force," plant manager Jim Clark said yesterday at an event celebrating the recognition.

In 2005, when General Cable purchased the plant, it was on the verge of closing. But plant officials, attracted to Franklin by its proximity to regional highways, improved efficiency without laying off any workers, Clark said.

The magazine noted plant leaders have transitioned to a flexible work force which has employees shift among several jobs and who are encouraged to come up with their own ideas for improvements.

The magazine praised the plant for developing charts at each workstation that provide step-by-step instructions for how to resolve common issues that may affect quality, such as properly measuring each cable to make sure it is the correct diameter.

Read the full article in the Milford Daily News here

You can find the Industry Week article here with additional details on the recognition for General Cable's Franklin facility.

The General Cable website can be found here


Franklin, MA

"The move to Franklin has been everything we had hoped"

"There is no other community that has put on such an effort," said Jack Lank, president of the United Regional Chamber of Commerce. "People here in Franklin get it, they really do."

The summit highlighted the town's ability to offer tax incentives to businesses that expand within six so-called economic opportunity areas designated over the last two years.

The areas include Forge Park, Franklin Industrial Park, North Grove Street, South Grove Street and Pond Street. There are about 100 parcels available, totaling more than 900 acres.

Read the full article about the economic summit held yesterday in Franklin:
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/x370072951/Franklins-focus-on-business-applauded


Franklin, MA

In the News - QintinQ armor

Franklin company's net armor saving lives in Afghanistan

by Joe O'Connell/Daily News staff

Soldiers reported the netting-style armor, which was recently installed on their new all-terrain vehicles, worked exactly as advertised when they were ambushed by insurgents in the Ghazni province during a patrol.

The platoon's story was told in a newsletter article written by U.S. Army 1st Lt. R.J. Peek, which caught the attention of employees at the QinetiQ facility in Franklin where the protective net was manufactured.

"We were absolutely thrilled to get the news, seeing as this is one of our most exciting products," said Andrew Rogers, group director for QintiQ North America's survivability division.

Read the full article on the Milford Daily News with the link above. Visit the QintiQ company website here:
http://www.qinetiq-na.com/


Franklin, MA

Chamber Event: Manufacturing Our Future Summit

Having trouble viewing this email? Click here

YOU'RE INVITED.... MANUFACTURING OUR FUTURE SUMMIT FEATURING US REP. JAMES MCGOVERN The United Regional Chamber of Commerce is partnering with Mass MEP to present "Manufacturing Our Future Summit." Register online or by calling 508-222-0801.

Forward email This email was sent to sgsherlock@gmail.com by jack@unitedregionalchamber.com. Update Profile/Email Address | Instant removal with SafeUnsubscribe™ | Privacy Policy. Email Marketing by The United Regional Chamber of Commerce | 42 Union Street | Attleboro | MA | 02703

Plansee - "we are hiring"

The 60,000-square-foot factory specializes in special metals, known as refractory metals, and precision machining. It produces parts for X-ray machines, light bulbs, flight-safety parts and more.

It moved from Holliston to the Franklin Industrial Park in 1996, where it continues to grow with the help of experienced workers who are required to have some related skills before starting the job.

"They have to be a (computer numerically controlled) machinist. ...They have to have a capability with the machines," Okorn said.

"They have to be able to read blueprints and interpret technical drawings," added Sontgerath.

While machining skills are important, Sontgerath said training is also available.

Read more about the job opportunities at Plansee USA LLC in the Milford Daily News here:
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/x1799253025/A-Franklins-factorys-surprising-quest


You can visit the Plansee website here
http://www.stcmetals.com/en/index.htm


Franklin, MA

Franklin company earns GM award

Sent to you by Steve Sherlock via Google Reader:

Franklin company earns GM award

via The Milford Daily News News RSS by Staff reports on 4/12/10

Clark-Cutler-McDermott Company last month received the 2009 Supplier of the Year Award from General Motors at a ceremony at the Design Dome in Michigan.

The company -  which supplies acoustical insulation and interior trim parts to GM plants throughout the country - was one of 76 companies recognized out of 20,000 worldwide suppliers.

"It is certainly a privilege  and an honor for us to be named a General Motors 2009 Supplier of the Year award recipient,'' President Thomas R. McDermott said in a press release. "The commitment, hard work and dedication of all our employees is reflected in this prestigious award. We are very grateful to General Motors for this honor.''

The award program began in 1992, and each year a global team of purchasing, engineering quality, manufacturing and logistics executives determine the winners. Decisions are based on supplier performance in quality, service, technology and price.

Clark-Cutler-McDermott has three factories at 5 Fisher St.

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• Subscribe to The Milford Daily News News RSS using Google Reader
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State Approves Franklin’s Third Priority Development Site

On August 12, 2009 the State’s Interagency Permitting Board approved an application designating twenty parcels within the Town of Franklin as the Franklin Industrial Park Priority Development Site. Franklin Industrial Park Priority Development Site, Franklin’s third priority development site, consists of 20 privately owned parcels totaling 252.3+/- acres located on four roadways (Constitution Boulevard, Discovery Way, Freedom Way and Liberty Way) approximately 0.2 mile from Interstate 495’s Exit 16.

Tenants include Eagle Stainless Tube and Fabrication, Inc., Penske, Owens Minor, Fidelity Investments, Alpha Grainger Manufacturing, Inc., SMTC Manufacturing, Mid State Mold and Engineering, Wm. B. Meyer Inc., Federal Express, Barrett Distribution Centers, Lindenmeyer Munroe, Waters Distribution; William Donovan Mayflower, Schwarzkopf Technologies, Thermo Fisher Scientific, Des Lauriers Municipal Solutions Inc., Winchester Electronics, FE Knight Inc., W.J. O'Connel Company, Hilliard Precision Products, and EMC Corporation, the Town’s largest employer.

Franklin Industrial Park Priority Development Site is within the Town’s Industrial zoning district and can quickly accommodate substantial expansion and development. The Industrial zoning district allows light and medium industrial uses, warehouse and distribution uses, and business uses. Some accessory commercial uses (e.g., office park, restaurant, conference center) may be allowed by special permit. Several parcels contained within Franklin Industrial Park Priority Development Site are within the Town’s Biotechnology Use zoning overlay district.

In addition to being a priority development site, the twenty parcels are also part of the Franklin Industrial Park Economic Opportunity Area, and as such owners of these parcels are able to negotiate tax increment finance agreements with the Town for proposed projects that will result in creation of new permanent jobs, and also either result in redevelopment of empty or underutilized industrially zoned properties, or development of new research and development or manufacturing facilities.

Several buildings within Franklin Industrial Park are either empty or underutilized, and one parcel is undeveloped. The Town believes establishing large priority development sites that are also economic opportunity areas, will help create conditions favorable for business expansion, and assist property owners fill the Town’s currently empty or underutilized industrially zoned manufacturing, warehouse and office space. Creation of priority development sites within the Town’s office and industrial parks is an effective business recruitment strategy, and an important component of the Town of Franklin’s ongoing economic development plans. The priority development site designation provides a transparent and efficient process for municipal permitting, and guarantees municipal permitting decisions on priority development sites within 180 days. Franklin hopes to use the priority development site designation as an incentive to encourage existing businesses to expand, and to attract new businesses. The Town is hopeful expanding businesses will take advantage of these opportunities.

Please contact Planning and Community Development Director, Bryan Taberner, if you have questions or require additional information regarding the Town of Franklin’s priority development site initiative or other business recruitment and retainage plans.


Contact:

Bryan W. Taberner, AICP

Director of Planning and Community Development

355 East Central Street

Franklin, MA 02038-1352

Phone: 508-520-4907

Fax: 508-520-4906

Email: btaberner@franklin.ma.us

Shades IN Place - Ribbon cutting - 7/16/09

The United Regional Chamber of Commerce is organizing a ribbon cutting event at Shades IN Place, 76 Grove St., Franklin on Thurs., July 16 at 11 a.m. The ribbon cutting marks the grand opening of Shades IN Place new showroom. Established in 2006, Shades IN Place is a custom window treatment installation company that also offers a "Shop At Home" service. The business is owned and operated by Roger Magalhaes.

The United Regional Chamber of Commerce is a non-profit, business support organization serving the communities of Attleboro, Bellingham, Blackstone, Foxborough, Franklin, Mansfield, Medfield, Medway, Millis, Norfolk, North Attleborough, Norton, Plainville, Rehoboth, Seekonk, and Wrentham.

RokkSoft Launches DecisionBuilder ERP SaaS for Manufacturers

Enables Manufacturing Companies to Eliminate Startup Costs and Realize Efficiencies.

Franklin, MA, June 15, 2009 --(PR.com)-- RokkSoft Solutions Corp has partnered with Decision Software Inc. of Toronto, ON, Canada to offer the DecisionBuilder ERP, a comprehensive suite of software applications and premier ERP solution in Canada, as Software as a Service for small to mid-size Manufacturing companies in the US.

The DecisionBuilder Manufacturing Control System provides Cost Estimating, Material Requirements Planning, Resource Planning, Scheduling, Routing, Product Costing, Equipment Usage Analysis, and Labor Efficiency Analysis.

Coupled with the DecisionBuilder Distribution Control and Accounting Control Systems, MCS has proven equally effective in Job Shops as well as full MRP environments.

DecisionBuilder ERP is a comprehensive set of applications that is easy to implement and can be tailored to meet each company’s unique requirements. Quite often, this customization can be achieved by simply activating specific features enables customization to the processes and controls required by manufacturing businesses without costly software re-programming.

With 25 years of success in over 300 client companies DecisionBuilder provides fingertip access to information needed to drive increased revenues and lower costs.

Delivering DecisionBuilder as a Software as a Service eliminates the hardware, software and implementation costs of an on-premise solution as well as the ongoing support resource requirements.

An Internet web browser is all that is needed to begin realizing the benefits of DecisionBuilder.

For more information, go to http://www.rokksoft.com/decision.html or contact info@rokksoft.com (via email).

This press release was originally posted here

Business: Patco Performance Engineered Tapes

FRANKLIN, MA, June 02, 2009 /24-7PressRelease/ --

Meeting specialty tape needs for precise applications requires the right balance of experience, know-how, resources, and innovation. Patco, a division of Berry Plastics, is the industry's leading "go to" resource for the formulation and production of performance engineered tapes and delivers this very set of skills with each new product innovation. Patco has been meeting the pressure sensitive tape needs for a wide variety of industries including aerospace, medical, manufacturing, safety, construction, electronics, general industrial, and automotive for more than 44 years.

"Patco offers solutions for today's applications and the needs of tomorrow. Meeting the client's specifications and performance criteria are the starting points for product development," says Mr. Ernie Giordano, Director of Sales and Marketing, Performance Engineered Tapes, Berry Plastics Tapes and Coatings Division. "Recognizing the emerging environmental demands and the future regulations for products is an additional value component that the team excels in incorporating," he adds.

Patco's unique manufacturing and insightful formulations are demonstrated in some of its most recent products. "Ski tape," developed for use during the manufacture of snow sports equipment, provides a high temperature protective mask. UV-Protek, a new outdoor grade tape with a first-to-market regenerative U.V.I. system, combats and blocks 100% of the U.V. rays from the surface on which the tape is applied. And when the aircraft industry needed a unique tape to meet environmental regulations, Patco engineered a flame retardant protective tape free of Halogen and PBDE's.

"We are very proud of Patco and the exceptional products that are ingeniously developed by our formulators. We are committed to producing the optimal products to meet the most challenging applications." states Mr. Ernie Giordano. "Patco boasts an impressive track record with hundreds of unique performance engineered tape solutions for client applications," he adds.

All Patco products are manufactured domestically in its certified ISO 9001:2008 facility and offer the unique combination of high performance, competitive pricing, and engineering support that are unmatched by other specialty tape manufacturers.

For further information on how Patco can meet your application needs please contact Ernie Giordano at erniegiordano@berryplastics.com or by calling 508.918.1684.

About Berry Plastics

Berry Plastics is a leading manufacturer and marketer of plastic packaging products. Berry Plastics is a major producer of a wide range of products, including open top and closed top packaging, polyethylene-based plastic films, industrial tapes, medical specialties, packaging, heat-shrinkable coatings, specialty laminates, and FIBCs. The company's 13,000 plus customers range from large multinational corporations to small local businesses. Based in Evansville, Indiana, the company has 66 manufacturing facilities worldwide and nearly 13,400 employees. For more information, please visit www.berryplastics.com.


---
Press release service and press release distribution provided by http://www.24-7pressrelease.com

Echo Therapeutics Licenses Needle-Free Prelude SkinPrep System

In our continuing series on companies doing business in Franklin we find this PR Release from Echo Therapeutics. For additional entries in this category, please check this link

FRANKLIN, Mass., May 28 /CNW/ -- Echo Therapeutics, Inc. (OTC Bulletin
Board: ECTE) announced today that it has signed a license agreement with
Ferndale Pharma Group ("Ferndale"), under which Echo granted Ferndale the
right to develop, market, sell and distribute Echo's Prelude(TM)  SkinPrep
System ("Prelude") for painless, needle-free skin preparation prior to the
application of topical 4% lidocaine cream for fast-acting, local dermal
anesthesia prior to a wide-range of needle-based medical procedures in North
America and the United Kingdom.  Echo's non-invasive Prelude SkinPrep System
incorporates patented skin permeation control technology which allows for
quick and painless removal of the outermost layer of the skin for both
transdermal drug delivery and glucose measurement.

 "Completing this first Prelude licensing agreement was one of our top
priorities," stated Patrick T. Mooney, M.D., Chairman and Chief Executive
Officer of Echo Therapeutics. "Ferndale is a market leader specializing in
advanced skincare and topical therapeutic products.  This collaboration
combines our skin permeation technology platform and Ferndale's leadership in
the fast-growing topical anesthetic market based on LMX4, its topical 4%
lidocaine cream."

 Dr. Mooney continued, "Importantly, this licensing transaction
demonstrates the drug delivery capabilities of Prelude.  We believe that there
are numerous additional partnering opportunities for both Prelude and our
Symphony(TM) tCGM System for needle-free, transdermal continuous glucose
monitoring.  We are actively engaged with and interested in finding additional
partners as we leverage the use of Prelude as a transdermal drug delivery
platform and Symphony for continuous glucose monitoring in the many
territories around the world."

 Michael Burns, Ph.D., President of Ferndale added, "We are extremely
excited about using Prelude to expand our presence in the important topical
dermal anesthesia market in hospitals, clinics and with plastic surgeons and
dermatologists. We expect Prelude to allow much more rapid onset of
effectiveness for our topical anesthetic product, thereby significantly
increasing the size of our market opportunity."

 Under the terms of the agreement, Echo will receive an up-front licensing
fee of US $750,000. Echo will also receive $750,000 upon FDA clearance of the
product and additional milestone payments based on the achievement of certain
net sales targets and guaranteed minimum royalties totaling an additional
$12.6 million. Echo will also receive an escalating royalty on net sales of
the product.  Ferndale will also be responsible for all product development
and regulatory costs for the final development of the Prelude SkinPrep System
for topical analgesic/anesthetic drug delivery applications.

 About Echo Therapeutics

 Echo Therapeutics is focused on medical devices and specialty
pharmaceuticals. Echo is developing a non-invasive, wireless, transdermal
continuous glucose monitoring (tCGM) system for patients with diabetes and for
use in hospital critical care units.  Echo is utilizing its Prelude SkinPrep
platform technology for transdermal drug delivery and is developing a wide
range of novel topical reformulations of widely-used, FDA-approved products.

 About Ferndale Pharma Group

 The Ferndale Pharma Group of companies specializes in the development,
manufacture, distribution and marketing of various dermatologic products
including prescription topical drugs for the treatment of several acute and
chronic dermatoses, medical devices that support and maintain wound closures
and an extensive line of proprietary cosmeceutical products.  Ferndale's LMX 4
topical analgesic cream uses advanced formulation know how that significantly
enhances product performance.  LMX 4 is the leading brand in its class and is
widely recognized for its fast onset of analgesic action, wide margin of
safety and superior ease of use.

 Cautionary Statement Regarding Forward Looking Statements

 The statements in this press release that are not historical facts may
constitute forward-looking statements that are based on current expectations
and are subject to risks and uncertainties that could cause actual future
results to differ materially from those expressed or implied by such
statements.  Those risks and uncertainties include, but are not limited to,
risks related to regulatory approvals and the success of Echo's ongoing
studies, including the efficacy of Echo's Symphony tCGM System, the failure of
future development and preliminary marketing efforts related to Echo's Prelude
SkinPrep System, risks and uncertainties relating to Echo's ability to
develop, market and sell diagnostic products based on its skin permeation
platform technologies, including the Prelude SkinPrep System, the availability
of substantial additional equity or debt capital to support its research,
development and product commercialization activities, and the success of its
research, development, regulatory approval, marketing and distribution plans
and strategies, including those plans and strategies related to its Prelude
SkinPrep System.  These and other risks and uncertainties are identified and
described in more detail in Echo's filings with the Securities and Exchange
Commission, including, without limitation, its annual report on Form 10-K for
the year ended December 31, 2008, its quarterly reports on Form 10-Q, and its
current reports on Form 8-K. Echo Therapeutics, Inc. undertakes no obligation
to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statements.

 For More Information:
 Patrick T. Mooney, MD
 Chairman and Chief Executive Officer
 (856) 429-8778

 10 Forge Parkway
 Franklin, MA 02038, USA
 Tel: 1+ 877-476-6878
 Fax: 1+ 508-553-8760
 www.echotx.com

For further information: Patrick T. Mooney, MD, Chairman and Chief
Executive Officer of Echo Therapeutics, Inc., +1-856-429-8778 Web Site:
http://www.echotx.com

Industry: RokkSoft - VocalEZ

RokkSoft Solutions Offers VocalEZ Voice Recognition Medical Transcription SaaS with Expanded Support for Windows Mobile Devices

VocalEZ voice-enabled transcription software-as-a-service converts dictation to clinical documents in minutes at half the cost of traditional transcription.

Franklin, MA, May 14, 2009 --(PR.com)--

RokkSoft Solutions Corp has announced that the VocalEZ medical dictation transcription system now provides support for Windows Mobile equipped cell phones and PDAs.

VocalEZ Mobile for Windows Mobile enables dictation of patient encounter notes on any mobile phone or personal digital assistant (PDA) that supports Microsoft Windows Mobile® OS. This empowers the physician to quickly dictate encounter notes and medical letters while making rounds or when traveling. Or, simply use VocalEZ Mobile for all dictation as an un-tethered system user.

RokkSoft offers the VocalEZ medical dictation transcription system as a pay-for-use or “Software as a Service” (SaaS) model to physician practices and medical clinics.

Support of Windows Mobile devices enables physicians to complete dictation jobs when out of the office or on rounds for later conversion to clinical documentation by the VocalEZ voice recognition software.

VocalEZ wraps an integrated workflow around voice-enabled software and web technologies to provide a simple, cost effective dictation transcription platform delivering more accurate, timely and integrated medical documentation for electronic medical records.

For more information, visit www.rokksoft.com/vezmobile.html or call 866-509-0554.

###

About RokkSoft
RokkSoft Solutions Corp represents companies that provide medical practices and businesses with industry-changing technology applications to improve productivity and drive down operating costs. These applications are delivered in a “Software as a Service” (SaaS) model to minimize required startup resources and eliminate capital expenditures. This enables clients to quickly realize ongoing cost savings. For more information, please visit http://www.rokksoft.com.

This press release originally was posted here

Industry: Winchester Electronics

In our continuing series on Industry operating in Franklin, I find this press release about Winchester Electronics. HD refers to "high definition". The new parts being announced would be used by the likes of Verizon, Comcast, and carriers of the HD signal until it arrives in our homes.

Winchester Electronics introduces KINGS(R) Brand Passive Optical Fiber Video Patching System

The new EL Series(TM) provides the missing link to realizing an all fiber broadcast facility. Networks no longer have to convert HD signals into copper for patching. The optical jackfield provides the same functionality and look and feel as a full normal copper jackfield.

LAS VEGAS, Apr 16, 2009 (BUSINESS WIRE) -- At the National Association of Broadcasters Show, Winchester Electronics takes the wraps off its EL Series(TM) of optical fiber broadcast cable connectors and components.

According to Jerome Farnan, Director of Fiber Optic Technology at Winchester Electronics, the EL Series optical fiber video jacks and patch cords are based on an expanded light beam connection technology that replaces existing coaxial copper components or traditional ferrule-based fiber connectors.

In addition to lower costs, smaller diameter fibers, larger carrying capacity, lower signal degradation and lower power requirement, the new EL Series connector components eliminate reliability issues associated with dirt and scratches common with traditional fiber connectors.

The expanded beam fiber connector technology is based on a non-contact method of mating optical fibers that reduces the possibility of handling damage, as well as making blind mating of components simple to do.

In this new approach, when the light beam carrying the video/audio/data enters the connector a spherical optical lens converts the light beam into a series of parallel rays that pass through a mechanical gap. The transmitted beam is then focused down on the receiving fiber end of the connector.

"The advantage of this design is that the optical fiber ends are easily maintained and more resistant to contamination in harsh environments than standard fiber optic interfaces," said Farnan. "Also, the large diameter of the light beam at the separable interface minimizes the effect of any dirt or debris on the optic surface."

Totally signal agnostic, the EL Series is equally adept at carrying HD SDI, Ethernet IP, Analog Video or any other data format traveling along the fiber.

A key design decision made early in the development of this new family, said Farnan, was to incorporate the push/pull style of mating used in previous Winchester copper connectors to allow technicians to connect and disconnect in a simple, quick, three-step process. Because the EL Series Quickconnect scheme is similar in function to that used in Winchester's copper interconnect components, the shift to optical connections is virtually transparent.

Most HD capable professional broadcast equipment is now available with optical transceivers, so the ability to switch fiber optic signals directly eliminates the need for electrical to optical conversion for long distance runs. Using fiber frames designed for telecommunications does not fit with the workflow of the broadcast environment. When there is a problem with a live-to-air signal, the technician wants to route the signal immediately, with no concern for a scratched fiber end, or fiber cable bent too tightly. The EL system allows routing in a passive manner using a fiber jackfield with the look and feel of a copper jackfield using rugged fiber patch cords made from bend insensitive fiber with expanded beam connectors.

"Just like a copper jack, when inserted into the front of the EL Series optical fiber jack, the EL Series connector will automatically switch the optical signal being routed through the back of the video jack to the front connectors," said Farnan.

In a broadcast studio environment, the EL Series DINconnect patch cord is similar in function to the traditional BNC to BNC copper wiring terminated to the rear of a copper jackfield. The patch cord has an EL Series connector on one end and an industry standard LC, SC, FC, ST, (or any single or multi-mode) fiber connector on the other end.

The EL Series Optical Fiber Video Jack's small 1.85 by 1.62 by 0.38 form factor allows easy integration into existing patch bays, up to 32 per jackfield. It uses a rear DIN 1.0/2.3 style mechanical latching for security of the Normal path. Because it is an optical rather than copper mechanical switch, the connector components require no power and are designed for 10,000 mate/unmate cycles. Customer termination of installed fiber is possible with the splice-on version of the EL connector, where a factory terminated expanded beam insert is attached to the fiber using fusion splice technology.

The EL Series Patch Cords are made from nickel plated brass, while its optical alignment pin is made of gold-plated stainless steel capable of 10,000 cycle performance without any signal degradation. The optical insertion loss is 1.5 dB typical for either a patched or a normal connection. Return loss is 55 dB typical and 45 dB minimum. Mechanical withdrawal force on the patch cord is 0.5 pounds minimum, while the pull force on the rear side is 20 lb. minimum.

Available in sample quantities, the EL Series evaluation kits contain optical fiber video jacks with associated patch cords.

Winchester Electronics Corporation, a 68-year old Connecticut-based company, is a leader in designing and manufacturing electronic connectors and interconnect solutions. In addition to its headquarters in Wallingford, the company maintains a global manufacturing and engineering network, and operates manufacturing facilities in Wallingford, CT; Franklin, MA; Rock Hill, SC; Nogales, Mexico; Suzhou, China; and Penang, Malaysia.

SOURCE: Winchester Electronics Corporation

Winchester Electronics Corporation
Denise Johnston, 203-741-5491 d.johnston@winchesterelectronics.com
or
Howard Geltzer, 212-362-9067 hgeltzer@geltzerco.com


Copyright Business Wire 2009

Industry: HR & Benefits Advisory Group

Always on the lookout for information on the companies doing business in Franklin, I find this press release announcing a new advisory group headquartered here.

New HR & Benefits Advisory Group to Help Employers Reduce Costs by Streamlining HR, Benefits and Payroll Processes

Newly-launched national organization of human resources and benefits advisors offers integrated local market expertise, technology services and outsourced solutions

Franklin, MA (PRWEB) March 23, 2009 -- The HR & Benefits Advisory Group (http://www.hrbagroup.com) (HRBA Group), a national group of affiliated independent Human Resources and Benefits Advisors, announced the successful launch of their organization dedicated to delivering integrated solutions that reduce employers’ operational costs and simplify the administration of human resources, benefits and payroll.

By joining forces, HRBA Group participants can better satisfy the complex and changing requirements of employers. Those who leverage the HRBA Group’s extensive set of integrated local market expertise, technology, services and outsourced solutions will yield higher returns on investment and solve the tough problems faced each day.

"Because of the changing environment and economy, our clients and prospects are not only asking us to provide them with competitive products, but to also help integrate and streamline their entire HR, benefits and payroll process, so it’s as efficient as possible," said Johnny Angelone, Principal of Benefit Commerce group (http://www.benefitcommerce.com), a division of Angelone & Associates in Scottsdale, Arizona. "As an HRBA Group Broker, we can deliver an expanded array of national, best-of-breed HR & benefit products, services and technologies at economies-of-scale costs, while still providing personalized service that employers and their employees need and appreciate."

With over 20 participant locations across the United States, and expansion plans to include 100 regional participant firms nationally by year-end, HRBA Group brokers and consultants have served thousands of employers across the country while delivering both simple and complex HR and benefits solutions. The strategy to share ideas, best practices, and local intelligence with peers around the country to ensure quality, implementation, and price brings measurable value to employers of all sizes.

"Employers are demanding more services due to the increasing complexity of managing HR and Benefits and a dynamically changing work environment," said Mark Van Den Branden, Principal of Advanced Insurance (http://www.advancedinsurance.net) of Warren Michigan. "The HRBA Group aligns us with firms in different geographic markets and with complimentary services. Our HRBA Group participation allows us to extend our commitment to provide superior local knowledge and customer service and gives us access to state-of the-art products, services and technologies at below market prices."

The HRBA Group also launched their website at http://www.hrbagroup.com. The site includes a list of service offerings and a simple way for employers to find HRBA Group Participants in their area.

About The HRBA Group

The HR & Benefits Advisory Group (HRBA Group) is a national group of affiliated independent Human Resources and Benefits Advisors. HRBA Group Participants are relentlessly dedicated to helping employers lower operational costs and solve the tough problems faced each day by delivering integrated solutions that simplify the administration of human resources, benefits and payroll. By joining forces, participants offer local market expertise and an extensive set of technology, services and outsourced solutions. Participants also share ideas, best practices, and local intelligence with peers around the country to ensure quality, implementation, and price. For more information, please visit www.hrbagroup.com (http://www.hrbagroup.com).

This press release was distributed through eMediawire by Human Resources Marketer (HR Marketer: www.HRmarketer.com) on behalf of the company listed above.

HR & Benefits Advisory Group is headquartered at 9 Summer St here in Franklin.