Innovative Subsea Solutions

Houston, Texas (PRWEB) May 15, 2012

OPERATING RESULTS

For the first quarter of 2012, Deep Down reported a net loss of $ 0.3 million (including $ 0.1 million in equity in net loss of joint venture), or $ 0.00 loss per diluted share, compared to a net loss of $ 1.8 million (also including $ 0.1 million in equity in net loss joint venture), or $ 0.01 loss per diluted share, in the first quarter of 2011.

Revenues for the first quarter of 2012 were $ 4.9 million. Revenues for the first quarter of 2011 were $ 6.3million. The $ 1.4 million decrease in revenues in the 2012 period compared to the 2011 period was due primarily to a $ 0.9 million reduction caused by decreased demand for our ROV and topside equipment rental services. During the first quarter of 2011, we were still renting equipment and performing services related to Macondo well cleanup activities.

Gross profit for first quarter of 2012 was $ 1.9 million, or 40 percent of revenues. Gross profit for the first quarter of 2011 was $ 1.2 million, or 19 percent of revenues. The $ 0.7 million, or 21 percentage-point, increase in gross profit in the 2012 period compared to the 2011 period was due primarily to a $ 1.2 million increase related to our subsea solutions operations, due to strong demand for our services, partially offset by a $ 0.4 million decrease related to our ROV and topside equipment rental operations due, as previously mentioned, to a much weaker demand in the 2012 period than in the 2011 period.

Selling, general and administrative expenses (“SG&A”) for the first quarter of 2012 was $ 2.0 million. SG&A for the first quarter of 2011 was $ 2.6 million. The $ 0.6 million decrease in SG&A in the 2012 period compared to the 2011 period was due primarily to a reduction in accounting and auditing fees. The 2011 period included accounting and auditing fees associated with the restatement of the Company’s 2010 quarterly financial statements and resultant increased scope related to the 2010 audit of the Company’s annual financial statements.

The Company’s management evaluates its financial performance based on a non-GAAP measure, Modified EBITDA, which consists of earnings (net income or loss) available to common shareholders before net interest expense, income taxes, depreciation and amortization, and other non-cash and non-recurring charges. Modified EBITDA was $ 0.5 million in the first quarter of 2012. Modified EBITDA was $ (1.0) million in the first quarter of 2011. The $ 1.4 million increase in Modified EBITDA in the 2012 period compared to the 2011 period was caused primarily by increased gross profit before depreciation expense of $ 0.8 million, and decreased selling, general and administrative expense before share-based compensation of $ 0.6 million.

WORKING CAPITAL

The Company had working capital of $ 4.5 million at March 31, 2012, an increase of $ 0.5 million from the $ 3.9 million of working capital at December 31, 2011. We believe our current cash balance, in addition to cash we expect to generate from operations, will ensure that we have adequate liquidity to meet our future operating requirements.

EXECUTIVE MANAGEMENT

Ronald E. Smith, Chief Executive Officer stated, “This was the Company’s strongest first quarter performance since 2008. We are extremely satisfied with what our subsea solutions business was able to achieve in the first quarter of 2012. We added approximately $ 10 million to its backlog and essentially doubled its gross profit margin. On the other hand, we are very disappointed in the performance of our ROV and topside equipment rental business. Going forward, we are committed to the continued success of the subsea solutions activities and we are doubly committed to returning our ROV and topside equipment rental activities to profitability.”    

About Deep Down, Inc.

Deep Down, Inc. is an oilfield services company serving the worldwide offshore exploration and production industry. Deep Down’s proven services and technological solutions include distribution system installation support and engineering services, umbilical terminations, loose-tube steel flying leads, buoyant solutions, ROVs and tooling, marine vessel automation, control, and ballast systems. Deep Down supports subsea engineering, installation, commissioning, and maintenance projects through specialized, highly experienced service teams and engineered technological solutions. The company’s primary focus is on more complex deepwater and ultra-deepwater oil production distribution system support services and technologies, used between the platform and the wellhead. More information about Deep Down is available at http://www.deepdowncorp.com.

Forward-Looking Statements

Any forward-looking statements in the preceding paragraphs of this release are made pursuant to the safe harbor provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Investors are cautioned that such forward-looking statements involve risks and uncertainties in that actual results may differ materially from those projected in the forward-looking statements. In the course of operations, we are subject to certain risk factors, competition and competitive pressures, sensitivity to general economic and industrial conditions, international political and economic risks, availability and price of raw materials and execution of business strategy. For further information, please refer to the Company’s filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission, copies of which are available from the Company without charge.

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Vocus, PRWeb, and Publicity Wire are trademarks or registered trademarks of Vocus, Inc. or Vocus PRW Holdings, LLC.

San Diego, CA (PRWEB) May 13, 2012

While such “connectedness” can be a boon to employers it also has its downside because it increases the risk of outsiders accessing confidential business data and the personal information of clients or customers. According to a PricewaterhouseCoopers survey, only 43% of employers have implemented procedures that govern the use of personal electronic devices.

Research by McAfee and the National Cyber Security Alliance found that nearly three out of four adults fail to protect their smartphones with security software making these devices susceptible to hackers and allowing access to data if the devices are lost or stolen.

Employers have found it increasingly difficult to prohibit the use of personal electronic devices but are faced with a tradeoff between convenience and productivity versus the increased security risks of having confidential data compromised. Providing duplicate devices increases expense and employees may find it inconvenient to carry extra devices. However, when employers allow the use of personal devices they still retain the obligation to protect data from being improperly accessed.

Investment Advisors (“IAs”) and Broker-Dealers (“BDs”) (as well as other businesses) are governed by strict regulations that require the protection of confidential client or customer information (i.e. SEC Regulation S-P and increasingly restrictive state laws, particularly from Massachusetts and Oregon). BDs and IAs must maintain strict policies and procedures for securing, managing and disposing of confidential information by controlling client files, storage media and firm or associated-person owned personal computers and electronic devices (whenever they are permitted to be used for business purposes.)

Businesses are beginning to use software designed to remotely erase all data from any employee personal device that is lost or stolen. Data security products that provide for remote wipes, kill switches, locking SIM cards, and GPS locators that can be used with smartphones and computers are now being offered. GPS software can be used to locate devices and programs can then be remotely activated to disable them or erase all data.

In addition to physical and electronic safeguards IAs and BDs must implement policies and procedures regarding the use of personal electronic devices.

A data security program should at minimum include the following elements:

    Procedures for the use and security of personal electronic devices
    Training for every employee that has access to confidential information that includes maintaining client information security when working outside of the office and prompt notification whenever a personal electronic device is lost or stolen
    Procedures for notifying clients and the proper authorities whenever it is suspected that confidential information has been compromised
    Procedures for maintaining and destroying electronically stored client information (maintained on hard drives, laptop computers, cell phones, flash drives, photocopier data storage, etc.) including the ability to remotely erase all data from any device that has been lost or stolen

BDs and IAs should be sensitive to these issues and implement an appropriate data security program before confidential information is compromised through the unauthorized use of personal electronic devices. Business Compliance Partners offers advice and consulting services that can help IAs and BDs with reviewing and updating their programs to secure and protect confidential business information and client records.

©Copyright 1997-

, Vocus PRW Holdings, LLC.
Vocus, PRWeb, and Publicity Wire are trademarks or registered trademarks of Vocus, Inc. or Vocus PRW Holdings, LLC.

Deckards Diablo 3 Guide

(PRWEB) May 10, 2012

Diablo 3 players have been placed on notice that there’s a powerful new power leveling and gold guide launching now: Deckard’s Guide covers every facet of the game with its innovative, extremely detailed, easy to learn approach that will get a Diablo 3 character to Level 60 in the shortest time possible.

The launch of Deckard’s Guide is an important Diablo 3-related event that should cause all players take notice – at least those who want plentiful success and excitement in the game, earn lots of gold, and be powerful in PvE up to the levels of Inferno. Deckard’s Guide makes power leveling, obtaining great gear, and mastering Diablo 3 highly accessible to even the most average of players.

The upper levels of Diablo 3 are the most fun. A character’s powers blossom into much greater variety and flexibility than the few abilities at low levels. The most epic weapons and armor, and the most dreadful opponents to gloriously overcome with those instruments of war, await a player at level 60 – the level Deckard’s Guide shows how to attain in a week or two of lightning-fast play.

Beyond level 60, Inferno difficulty beckons for the ultimate challenge, fun, and bragging rights. Reaching level 60 is a springboard to even more exciting adventures in Sanctuary’s haunted lands!

Achieving true mastery over Diablo 3 involves getting characters to level 60 in the shortest possible time, but also includes understanding and gaining expertise throughout this complex game. Empowering game play is deeply satisfying and also essential if a player aspires to make a name in Diablo 3, a big cash profit at the RMAH, or both.

Deckard Cain is the last of the Horadrim, a living fount of wisdom – and Deckard’s Guide has the all-inclusive, success-endowing scope that one would expect from Horadric counsel. For power levelers, this report from Jake M. shows how successful this design goal is: “the step-by-step guide is helping breeze through the levels!”.

Sanctuary is a tough, unforgiving game world, so if a player takes the wrong approach, it will hamstring their game. But with Deckards Diablo 3 Guide, any player will be leveling at lightning fast speeds, earning tons of gold (or real cash), and creating a powerful character with more than a fighting chance in Inferno difficulty. Deckard’s Guide identifies many potential problems and guides players away from them towards successful approaches:

Limited mastery harms the enjoyment of the game as much as no mastery. Knowing how to get to the endgame quickly but failing to win excellent gear along the way will leave a player with an underpowered character at level 60, struggling to catch up to others and cannon fodder in Inferno. Deckard’s Guide illuminates how to build all parts of the Diablo 3 character simultaneously, making them powerful and effective in all situations.

Focusing too much on a few major factors and neglecting secondary but still important matters can leave a character underachieving, even if they are moderately successful. With the attention Deckard’s Guide pays to artisans, gems, and fully developing your followers, players won’t miss out on any triumphs, gold, or real cash that might have lost out on without even realizing it.

Using excessively generic methods can also make under performing characters. There is no “one size fits all” approach to either power leveling or reaping vast profits of gold or a comfortable dollar income on the RMAH. Deckard’s Guide gives a player full details on each class, including level by level skill builds and tactics to create hard-hitting, powerful characters every time you roll one up.

Filled with videos and pictures, giving the knowledge needed to make a killing on the auction house (taking your profits in gold or actual money), Deckard’s Guide covers much more than these three points with its kaleidoscope of powerful modules. As Danielle Sung, a user, states, “with [these] great guides, players will know just where to go for the best loot and what to do for the best gold”.

With a steady flow of free updates to keep subscribers at the cutting edge of total Diablo 3 mastery, Deckard’s Guide is a guide that no player can afford to be without at the launch price of $ 37. While there are several other guides in the market, such as Inferno Codex, care must be observed when purchasing them as some may not be as what they seem and under deliver what they promise.

This proven guide with a flawless track record is ready to be downloaded instantly at http://www.DeckardsGuide.com.

©Copyright 1997-

, Vocus PRW Holdings, LLC.
Vocus, PRWeb, and Publicity Wire are trademarks or registered trademarks of Vocus, Inc. or Vocus PRW Holdings, LLC.

Buffalo, NY (PRWEB) May 07, 2012

Fairwood Studios has officially launched the first Indie Allstars music bundle. The bundle of fifteen albums aims to raise money for both the Electronic Frontier Foundation and VH1 Save the Music, as well as bring high-quality music to more music fans.

The Indie Allstars bundle offers a diverse collection of independently-released music, created by a group of fifteen artists and musical groups from around the world. The collection includes the 1999 re-recording of Buckner & Garcia’s gold-certified Pac-Man Fever album, as well as 2006 Salon.com National Song Search Contest winners The Main Drag. Other highly-awarded bands participating include Toronto Fringe Festival winner Stagehands and Guitar Center Fresh Cuts contributor The Blue News. These artists were selected as high-quality representatives for a wide mix of genres, including both popular genres, such as hip-hop and blues, and specialized niche styles, such as instrumental heavy metal and Latin gypsy folk. Full information about the artists can be found at http://www.indie-allstars.com/.

The bundle is available in a flexible name-your-own-price format, with a $ 0.59 minimum purchase price. Buyers have the option to send some or all of their purchase amount to the Electronic Frontier Foundation and/or VH1 Save the Music. All purchases include ten full-length albums in high-quality MP3 format, compatible with iPod and similar media players. Buyers who pay above the average payment also receive five EP albums, along with FLAC copies of all albums. These copies, meant for enthusiast listeners, are an even higher quality than is available in many digital music stores.

“We’re very excited to launch our first bundle,” said Robert Witko, founder of Fairwood Studios. “These projects are a great asset to independent content creators of all stripes, as well as helping charities that do great work for the online creative world. We try to apply whatever ideas we can to show people music they didn’t know they’d like, and we’re confident this bundle will do precisely that.”

The bundle will be available for two weeks. Music fans can purchase the bundle through May 19th at the bundle’s website, http://www.indie-allstars.com. A sampler of the albums included in the bundle is available on the website, along with additional information on the artists and charities.

About Fairwood Studios: Since 2009, Fairwood Studios has worked to bring independent and interesting music to Harmonix’s Rock Band video game franchise through the Rock Band Network. Their years of digital music production and promotion have made Fairwood Studios a highly respected name in their field. More information about Fairwood Studios and their projects can be found at http://www.fairwoodstudios.com.

©Copyright 1997-

, Vocus PRW Holdings, LLC.
Vocus, PRWeb, and Publicity Wire are trademarks or registered trademarks of Vocus, Inc. or Vocus PRW Holdings, LLC.

Cayman Enterprise City is developing a state-of-the-art campus of innovative and sustainable architecture in Grand Cayman, designed to complement and respect the local environment.

Grand Cayman, Cayman Islands (PRWEB) May 04, 2012

Cayman Enterprise City (CEC) the first technology-based Special Economic Zone of its kind in the Caribbean is aggressively pursuing channel partnerships to extend its reach in Latin America, North America and the Caribbean region. Latin American Corporate Property Services Inc. (LACPS), a real estate service and consultation company based in Panama, has signed on as the first partner in Latin America. The company began operations in Venezuela in1978 and it has a proven 34-year track record of providing clients in 48 countries with a broad range of real estate related services.

“We are excited about working on a cutting edge development−one that is a new generation for the region and will set a standard that others will follow,” says CEO of the company Ann Usher of their new partnership with Cayman Enterprise City. LACPS has business affiliations with 15 companies in Chile, Argentina, Uruguay, Brazil, Bolivia, Perú, Ecuador, Colombia, Venezuela, Costa Rica, Nicaragua, Honduras, Mexico, Puerto Rico and the Dominican Republic.

“We are signing up specialist organizations that have access to the kinds of companies we want to see in CEC and we are starting to see significant traction,” said Cayman Enterprise City CEO Jason Blick. “We want to drive knowledge-based industries to the Cayman Islands − Global Fortune 500 IT companies, Global Fortune 500 Commodities groups, the same with the derivatives market and indeed in the media industry as well.”

CEC’s tax and regulatory advantages are designed to attract companies from five high-tech sectors covering biotechnology, Internet and media ventures, commodities and derivatives, and academics. Benefits include, economic freedom in a virtually tax-free environment, a 10-day streamlined setup, exemption from import duties, and guaranteed protection of intellectual property. Businesses trading within Cayman Enterprise City and benefiting from the tax-neutral zone of the Cayman Islands may be able to reduce their operational costs by as much as 50%.

Anne Usher expects a challenge recruiting Latin American companies comfortable with their current arrangements, but she is looking forward to showing them why CEC is better for business than other SEZs in the region. “Firstly, the benefits and exemptions are guaranteed in law for 50 years,” she said. “Secondly, the legal framework supporting the protection of industrial and intellectual property is well established, backed by precedent and being improved.”

Usher says that from conversations with clients to date it appears that most are excited about CEC, but the current climate makes them reluctant to leave their comfort zones. Latin America has shown now almost a decade of financial stability and probity, making it an investment destination of choice for many overseas investors and encouraging inter-regional investment she adds. In the last decade, China has become the number one trading partner of Brazil, Chile and Peru, and the second trading partner of Argentina.

“It is exciting to see Latin America mature past the disapproval and derision that it provoked in the 20th century,” she said. “There is great improvement in the democratic institutions; the dictators have gone, although the memories are still fresh. There is more macro-economic stability. The boom and bust cycles have been leveled out with financial regulation and improvements to the legal framework. There is still a lot to do, which is possibly the most exciting element.”

About Cayman Enterprise City

Cayman Enterprise City is a Special Economic Zone being developed in a state-of-the-art campus of innovative and sustainable architecture in Grand Cayman, designed to complement and respect the local environment. It will include: Cayman Internet & Technology Park, Cayman Biotech Park, Cayman Media Park, Cayman Global Commodities & Derivatives Park, Cayman Outsourcing Park and Cayman International Academic Park. There will be no manufacturing or industrial businesses within the zone. International businesses establishing within the zone will not be permitted to trade in Cayman outside of the zone so they cannot compete with local businesses. For more information call 345-945-3722, e-mail info(at)caymanenterprisecity(dot)com or visit http://www.caymanenterprisecity.com.

Attachments

©Copyright 1997-

, Vocus PRW Holdings, LLC.
Vocus, PRWeb, and Publicity Wire are trademarks or registered trademarks of Vocus, Inc. or Vocus PRW Holdings, LLC.

Lendio.com, making small business loans simple

Salt Lake City, Utah (PRWEB) May 02, 2012

The pain of securing business loans is easing, according to Lendio, which set record numbers this quarter in matching business owners with the right types of business financing.

“In 2012, we’ve seen almost a 500 percent increase in successfully matching small business owners with the right lender,” said Brock Blake, Lendio CEO. “Once you’re matched to a lender, it is significantly easier to land a business loan.”

After being matched to a lender through Lendio’s platform, there’s about a 70 percent chance of getting funding. One of those who recently had success through Lendio was Jake Fackrell, CEO of Humaneyezed.

“Within minutes of using Lendio I had offers already coming in to my email box,” Fackrell said. “I was pretty impressed. We had a number of fantastic options and we were able to pick what worked best for our company. Lendio provided legitimate solutions. Now we have the ability to make our vision a reality.”

“The national approval rate for business loans is about 10 percent,” said Levi King, president of Lendio. “Our success means business owners are beating the number and getting the capital they need.”

In the first quarter of 2012, Lendio has experienced:

     475% increase small business owners getting connected to lending sources.
    265% increase in number of small business owners using Lendio loan platform
    Record number of banks who have signed up for the Lendio platform.

“The process of vetting out the right lenders and finding the right loans can be daunting, and is one of the reasons small businesses have a hard time getting enough money to grow,” Blake said. “Lendio makes it simple to quickly shop and compare rates and terms for loans you could qualify for.”

In just a year since Lendio launched its online service, small businesses requested about $ 7 billion in business financing. Lendio has added more than 3,000 business loan options from traditional banks, credit unions and alternative lenders across the country.

“Ninety-one percent of the business owners (Lendio) delivered through their loan platform were qualified, this is a strong ratio of qualified clients,” said Tom Bonneau, Marketing Director of ForwardLine, a small business lender. “It’s an above-average percentage compared to other marketing channels.”

“We’re trying to help business owners live the American Dream by helping them the get capital they need to grow their business,” Blake said. “To do that, we’re helping lenders receive qualified borrowers, and matching business owners with the right type of funding.”

To create a free Lendio profile and to be matched to a business loan, go here: https://www.lendio.com/sign_up?mission=lending

About Lendio

Lendio makes business loans simple by matching qualified small business owners with active banks, credit unions and other lending sources. Through a proprietary matching technology, Lendio also instantly helps business owners shop, compare and contrast thousands of business loans in one spot. Lendio is a free service for business owners and is venture-backed by Highway 12 Ventures and Tribeca Venture Partners. For more information, contact Lendio at press(at)lendio(dot)com.

©Copyright 1997-

, Vocus PRW Holdings, LLC.
Vocus, PRWeb, and Publicity Wire are trademarks or registered trademarks of Vocus, Inc. or Vocus PRW Holdings, LLC.

IBISWorld Market Research

Los Angeles, CA (PRWEB) April 29, 2012

The Solar Panel Manufacturing industry has experienced sunny days during the past five years. Generous government incentives for energy product manufacturers and downstream solar power generation firms have buoyed revenue. Downstream solar power generation firms buy solar panels from industry operators. According to industry analyst Justin Molavi, “without government subsidies, solar power generation firms would have a hard time competing against traditional energy-generating sources.” With incentives in place, downstream customers are demanding solar panels at an increasing pace. Furthermore, falling silicon prices have enabled US manufacturers to compete with low-cost manufacturers abroad. As a result, industry revenue is anticipated to grow at an average of 29.0% annually to $ 4.1 billion in the five years to 2012, with a 5.0% increase expected in 2012.

A growing market for solar worldwide has resulted in industry expansion. Countries like Germany, Spain, Italy and China have taken a proactive approach to renewable energy by enacting legislation that provides healthy incentives for solar power producers. Molavi says “this trend bolstered global demand for solar panels and products.” US producers have stepped up to the plate and exported solar panels and cells to buoying markets abroad. However, these trends have begun to reverse. Many European countries that are facing debt crisis have pulled back on renewable energy incentives, hurting the industry’s growth prospects. Additionally, US producers still compete with low-cost solar manufacturing in China, resulting in heavy price competition among global players. These trends caused some industry players to exit, as they found it hard to compete with low-cost panels and shrinking demand from Europe. The most dominant firm in the industry is SunPower, but Suntech Power Holdings, First Solar and Sharp Corporation also hold market share.

During the next five years, the Solar Panel Manufacturing industry will grow on the back of continued government subsidies provided for solar power generation. Tax credits for solar power generation and investment into solar power projects are set to expire in 2016. This factor provides the basis for downstream customers to invest in generating power from solar, creating strong demand for solar panels. Low-cost production from China will weigh on industry revenue, since these players can undercut US players by offering lower prices. This trend will cause revenue growth to slow in comparison with the previous five years. Nevertheless, revenue is projected to grow steadily during the five years to 2017.

For more information visit IBISWorld’s Solar Panel Manufacturing in the US industry page

Follow IBISWorld on Twitter: https://twitter.com/#!/IBISWorld

Friend IBISWorld on Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/pages/IBISWorld/121347533189

This industry manufactures solar panels and solar cells and sells them to downstream customers. Firms in this industry also manufacture intermediate products that are necessary solar panel components, which may be sold separately or integrated into the solar panel at the time of production.

IBISWorld industry Report Key Topics

Industry Performance

Executive Summary

Key External Drivers

Current Performance

Industry Outlook

Industry Life Cycle

Products & Markets

Supply Chain

Products & Services

Major Markets

Globalization & Trade

Business Locations

Competitive Landscape

Market Share Concentration

Key Success Factors

Cost Structure Benchmarks

Barriers to Entry

Major Companies

Operating Conditions

Capital Intensity

Key Statistics

Industry Data

Annual Change

Key Ratios

About IBISWorld Inc.

Recognized as the nation’s most trusted independent source of industry and market research, IBISWorld offers a comprehensive database of unique information and analysis on every US industry. With an extensive online portfolio, valued for its depth and scope, the company equips clients with the insight necessary to make better business decisions. Headquartered in Los Angeles, IBISWorld serves a range of business, professional service and government organizations through more than 10 locations worldwide. For more information, visit http://www.ibisworld.com or call 1-800-330-3772.

©Copyright 1997-

, Vocus PRW Holdings, LLC.
Vocus, PRWeb, and Publicity Wire are trademarks or registered trademarks of Vocus, Inc. or Vocus PRW Holdings, LLC.

Minitab Inc., the leading provider of software for quality improvement and statistics education, will offer its Manufacturing Quality training series May 22-25, 2012, in Mexico City.

Mexico City, Mexico (PRWEB) April 26, 2012

Refine your quality improvement skills by attending Minitab Inc.’s public training sessions in Mexico City starting May 22.

Professionals will have the opportunity to learn from an industry-seasoned Minitab trainer, who will emphasize techniques for improving quality in manufacturing.

Minitab Inc., the leading provider of software for quality improvement and statistics education, will offer its Manufacturing Quality training series May 22-25, 2012, at Mexico City – IHR Sibils, Homero 527 PH, Miguel Hidalgo, DF 11560.

The series consists of four day-long courses:    

    Day 1: Introduction to Minitab
    Day 2: Basic Statistics
    Day 3: Statistical Quality Analysis
    Day 4: Factorial Designs

The courses are tailored for professionals working in the automotive industry, chemical production plants and other companies involved in manufacturing. The course materials include examples with metrics such as diameters, pressure and hardness.

The full four days of training costs $ 1700; registration for individual sessions is also available. People who register for training and pay before May 8, 2012 receive a 25% early-bird discount. In addition, two or more people from the same organization receive a 10% discount if they register before May 8. Registration is available online at http://www.minitab.com/en-US/training/instructor-led/training-details.aspx?eventId=1005.

All of Minitab’s instructor-led training includes plenty of time to practice what you learn under the guidance of expert trainers with years of experience implementing quality improvement projects. Trainers make complex concepts easy to grasp, and are highly regarded for their engaging style and personal attention.

Luis Mateo, Minitab technical training specialist, will be the instructor for the Mexico City sessions. “When I teach people to use Minitab, I avoid lots of unnecessary theoretical jargon,” he says. “My goals for them when they finish the course are to know how to use the software at their jobs and to feel confident doing their own analyses.”

Mateo earned his B.A. in Physics from Colgate University in 1995 and his M.A. in Applied Statistics from Columbia University in 1998. He has more than seven years of experience applying statistics to improve the quality of consumer products at global companies such as Colgate-Palmolive, Unilever Research and Pepsi Co. As a multi-lingual statistician (English, Spanish and Portuguese), Luis has helped international laboratories implement experimental designs and statistical methods of analyses.

The skills covered in the four day-long courses are detailed below.

Introduction to Minitab

Participants learn to create, manipulate and restructure data, and how to create and interpret a wide variety of graphs and numerical measures useful for quality improvement initiatives. Topics include Charts, Histograms, Boxplots, Dotplots, Scatterplots, Tables, Measures of Location and Variation, and ODBC.

Basic Statistics

Participants learn to match appropriate statistical tools to their own applications and how to correctly interpret statistical output to quickly reveal problems or show evidence of improvement. Participants explore critical features in their processes through statistical modeling tools that help to uncover and describe relationships between variables. Topics include t-Tests, Proportion Tests, Tests for Equal Variance, Power and Sample Size, Correlation, Simple Linear and Multiple Regression, ANOVA and GLM.

Statistical Quality Analysis

Participants learn the basic fundamentals of statistical process control and how these quality tools can provide the necessary evidence to improve and control manufacturing processes. Topics include Gage R&R, Destructive Testing, Gage Linearity and Bias, Attribute Agreement, Variables and Attribute Control Charts, Capability Analysis for Normal, Non-normal and Attribute Data.

Factorial Designs

Participants learn to generate full and fractional factorial designed experiments, then interpret and communicate results to improve products and processes, reduce process variation and expedite development projects. Topics include Design of Factorial Experiment, Normal Effects Plot and Pareto of Effects, Power and Sample Size, Main Effect, Interaction and Cube Plots, Center Points, Overlaid Contour Plots and Multiple Response Optimization.

About Minitab

Minitab Inc. is one of the world’s leading developers of statistical and process improvement software. Thousands of distinguished companies use Minitab software, including Toshiba, DuPont, Boeing, Royal Bank of Scotland, Nestlé and Pfizer. Minitab products are backed by outstanding services, including training, e-learning opportunities and free technical support.

Minitab Inc., headquartered in State College, Pa., operates offices in the United Kingdom, France and Australia and has additional representatives throughout the world.

©Copyright 1997-

, Vocus PRW Holdings, LLC.
Vocus, PRWeb, and Publicity Wire are trademarks or registered trademarks of Vocus, Inc. or Vocus PRW Holdings, LLC.

Scottsdale, AZ (PRWEB) April 23, 2012

ASU Venture Catalyst will offer their second SBIR Phase 1 workshop of 2012, for grant applicants seeking Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) funding, on April 24 and 25 at ASU SkySong. ASU’s workshops will offer education and information about SBIR grants as well as teaching structured SBIR grant writing methodology that has proven to be highly successful. Individualized sessions for proposal review and assistance from coaches and past SBIR grant recipients will also be available to workshop participants during day two.

“In this workshop, participants will receive guidance in researching government organizations and topics, financial and administrative requirements, and will explore some specific steps to attract commercialization partners,” says Jessica Groeneveld, Program Manager for ASU Venture Catalyst. “Participants will learn the essential elements of their Phase I proposal outlines and will leave with a stronger understanding of next steps to take in developing their SBIR/STTR proposals.”

The Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) program and Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) program provide funding for early-stage technology ventures that are still too high-risk to attract funding from private investors. Both programs are coordinated by the U.S. Small Business Administration. ASU’s Venture Catalyst conducts these SBIR workshops to provide research, writing and submission support for entrepreneurs and high-potential startups, as well as facilitating critical connections to corporations that can provide letters of support to applicants. Phase 1 Workshops are open to ASU faculty, students and local companies. ASU also collaborates with the Arizona Small Business Development Center (AzSBDC) to provide workshops, writing support and business development for sustainable companies.

“Venture Catalyst provides phase 1 workshops because we see their value, and we have seen their success,” says Gordon McConnell, Executive Director of ASU Venture Catalyst. “Since 2008, ASU has had over 300 participants in our workshops, with 30 ASU-linked companies receiving SBIR grant awards totaling more than $ 2.2 million. Our methods work for entrepreneurs and we invite startups to come check it out at this next workshop.”

There are still seats available for this week’s workshop. For more information on ASU’s Phase 1 Workshops please visit http://www.asuventurecatalyst.org.

About Venture Catalyst at ASU (http://www.asuventurecatalyst.org)

ASU Venture Catalyst equips high potential startups for success. The Catalyst assists university students, faculty and staff, as well as local and global companies, with launching startups or accelerating existing ventures. Based at ASU SkySong, The Catalyst offers investor connections, technology road maps, go-to-market strategy consulting, mentoring opportunities, and several other programs and services, all designed to identify and develop investment-grade companies.

©Copyright 1997-

, Vocus PRW Holdings, LLC.
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Chelsea, London (PRWEB UK) 21 April 2012

Andrea’s work has always explored the paradoxes of human spirituality and its delusions of dualism and separation. Always wondering about the future of our civilization and if we will breakthrough and transform or breakdown and end? Looking for her own answers she found herself exploring the meaning of what lies behind the stone-incrusted covers of our most precious beliefs.

Born in Buenos Aires, Argentina, she discovered her vocation and love for painting at the age of 6. At age 15 she began studying with master Anselmo Piccoli, a well-established constructivism and geometric painter who quickly became her mentor. She studied under Mr. Piccoli’s tutelage for almost a decade; and he was the first to present her work to the art world. During the same period she received her master of Architecture and Urban design. Later, attracted by the imaginary worlds created by the film industry, she moved to Los Angeles in 1990.

Hollywood opened it’s arms offering her a sense of limitless. It gave her the opportunity to combine her love for painting and drawing with her love for architecture, and it provided the funding to create the incredible.

Recently Andrea formed part of the design team that created the latest generation of the Starship Enterprise. Her vision guided the design of the cityscapes for Spiderman to swing from, and her concept illustrations help envision the look and feel for many of the latest films.

Her latest paintings are heavily influenced by the work she was commissioned to create for the film Angels and Demons, designed by English production designer Alan Cameron. There she was immersed in a deeply religious subject, the mystery of the illuminati based on Dan Brown’s book.

“I was able to read the original Vatican ledgers, provided by the Getty Museum. Manuscripts inked in beautiful handwritten Italian, accounting for the art that was commissioned to Bernini by pope Urbano VIII; including how much he was paid and the conditions for the execution of his sculptures. To create a hand bound ledger; similar to what is found in the Vatican vaults, I did water color paintings to account for all the work Bernini produced in his life time.”

Andrea’s work was shot extensively for multiple full screen close–ups and later published in a companion book.

“Immersed in a make believe world, your dreams become limitless, and the contrast with the real world is self-evident. On the inside everything is possible. On the outside chaos and uncertainty seem to be driving our civilization to the blink of destruction. I think that despite all the progress made by the human race in the last 400 years, we are not so far from the controversies the world faced in the times of Bernini and Galileo. I am disturbed by the observation of this aspect. We are seemingly blind to our actions, never apologizing for an uncontrollable quest for power. It feels as if all the dreams and hopes for a different answer were fading away and the religious institutions become not a solution to our despair, but part of it.”

With her work Andrea opens a new door to keep the discussion open.

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