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Pre-Fire and Emergency Response Plans Made Easier
by Eric Holdeman on emergencymgmt.com
ATLANTA, GA — November 10, 2010
It has been over ten years since I took a crack at
getting pre-fire plans automated for King County
and specifically for schools. Now these can almost
be routine for those jurisdictions with the technical
know-how and will to do the work. Instead of
carrying around big three ring binders in a fire
command vehicle, you can have all the plans for a
building in your laptop.
The next progression in this is to take and
integrate pre-fire plans into your 911
Communications and Dispatch Center. I received
the following notice just yesterday:
“Intrado Inc., a subsidiary of West Corporation and
the leading provider of 9-1-1 technology solutions,
today announced that Prepared Response, Inc.
the nation’s leading provider of site specific
emergency response information, has been
certified to join Intrado’s A9-1-1 Alliance nextgeneration
9-1-1 (NG9-1-1) data partner program.
Based on 9-1-1 call location information, Intrado
and Prepared Response (PRI) will provide realtime
access to crucial information such as building
floor plans, digital imagery, hazardous materials,
fire-hydrant locations, and emergency response
plans.
“Public safety agencies need to leverage
technology to be more effective, efficient and safe,”
said Jim Finnell, CEO of Prepared Response. “We
provide first responders and infrastructure owners
with immediate and actionable information to make
fact-based decisions during emergencies. By
teaming with Intrado, we can deliver site specific
information over Intrado’s highly secure and
reliable emergency services Internet Protocol (IP)
network in a way that enables 9-1-1 call-takers
and dispatchers to process and distribute the information easily with very little training.”
This will be very cool. One of the ongoing concerns has been the security of the information that was
being entered into programs on critical elements of a facility or the emergency response plans to a
particular site. Now those can be hosted on a very secure site and integrated seamlessly into the
response mechanisms.
All of this is being made possible by next generation 911 which is digital and also higher wireless data
communications speeds. With G4 right around the corner across multiple carriers you will have the capability to do things that look like the TV Show 24, just not as fast (nothing is that fast!).
First Data Fights Fraud with Laru’s ACH Risk Management Solutions for Business Online Banking Customers
Agreement Provides for More Protection and Easier Compliance
ATLANTA, GA — November 10, 2010
First Data Corporation's FundsXpress business online banking customers can better fight automated clearing house (ACH) fraud and more easily comply with new industry requirements through a referral agreement First Data has signed with Laru Corp. Laru develops ACH risk management, compliance and fraud detection and prevention applications for financial institutions. The long-term, renewable agreement enhances First Data's business online banking risk management capabilities, making another layer of protection available through Laru's ACH Clarity product.
The ACH Clarity product automates ACH risk management, detects out-of-pattern anomalies, alerts financial institutions to possible problems, and guides operators through research and resolution steps. Convenient case management tools monitor open and closed cases, and flexible parameter-driven reporting tools streamline audit and regulatory compliance reporting.
A recent ACH rule change, effective June 18, requires financial institutions to perform risk assessments of all their ACH origination traffic. The regulation was introduced to address growing volumes of potentially risky ACH transactions at various stages in the payment cycle. The built-in reporting tools in the Laru product suite make it easier to comply with this change.
Laru's latest product, ACH Vision, which is designed to quarantine problem ACH transactions and detect ACH fraud, will be introduced in 2011 as part of the ACH fraud-fighting package available to First Data business online banking customers.
"Our goal at First Data is to seek the highest level of security we can for each and every transaction that we process," said Brent Warrington, senior vice president and general manager of Financial Services at First Data."By adding Laru's ACH risk management and fraud detection products to our arsenal, we can bring an even higher level of protection to our business online banking customers."
"In today's economic environment, risk monitoring, management and control are top-of-mind topics for every financial institution. At Laru, we continue to develop ACH risk management and fraud detection solutions that meet the financial industry's evolving risk and fraud management needs," said Rajiv Donde, president at Laru. "Working with First Data gives us the opportunity to fight ACH fraud with a partner who is as committed as we are to enabling the most secure transactions possible."
About Laru Corporation
Laru Corp., headquartered in Folsom, Calif., develops and provides ACH risk management, compliance and fraud detection and prevention applications to companies and financial institutions throughout the U.S. ACH originators and receivers use the company's products to identify, resolve, and prevent ACH fraud and network violations. For more information, please call (888) 527-8007 or visit www.larucorp.com.
About First Data
First Data powers the global economy by making it easy, fast and secure for people and businesses to buy goods and services using virtually any form of electronic payment. Whether the choice of payment is a gift card, a credit or debit card or a check, First Data securely processes the transaction and harnesses the power of the aggregate data to deliver intelligence and insight for millions of merchant locations and thousands of card issuers in 36 countries. For more information, visit www.firstdata.com.
Contacts
Rajiv Donde, Laru Corp.
(916) 932-7034
rajiv@larucorp.com
Nancy Etheredge, First Data
402-222-6214
nancy.etheredge@firstdata.com
Intrado and Prepared Response Announce Next-Generation 9-1-1 Partnership
9-1-1 Centers and First Responders Will Gain Instant Access to Critical Building Specific Information
LONGMONT, CO — Nov. 10, 2010
A school is on lock-down as a person with a gun roams inside. Floor plans, aerial imagery and other important information about the school are quickly provided to the local 9-1-1 Center when the first call for assistance is made from the school. The critical information is then dispatched to SWAT teams and first responders to aid in taking control of the situation.
Intrado Inc., a subsidiary of West Corporation and the leading provider of 9-1-1 technology solutions, today announced that Prepared Response, Inc. the nation’s leading provider of site specific emergency response information, has been certified to join Intrado’s A9-1-1 Alliance next-generation 9-1-1 (NG9-1-1) data partner program. Based on 9-1-1 call location information, Intrado and Prepared Response (PRI) will provide real-time access to crucial information such as building floor plans, digital imagery, hazardous materials, fire-hydrant locations, and emergency response plans.
“Public safety agencies need to leverage technology to be more effective, efficient and safe,” said Jim Finnell, CEO of Prepared Response. “We provide first responders and infrastructure owners with immediate and actionable information to make fact-based decisions during emergencies. By teaming with Intrado, we can deliver site specific information over Intrado’s highly secure and reliable emergency services Internet Protocol (IP) network in a way that enables 9-1-1 call-takers and dispatchers to process and distribute the information easily with very little training.”
Prepared Response has joined the growing Intrado® A9-1-1SM Alliance Member Program, a managed services program designed to upgrade the capabilities of 9-1-1 centers by delivering expanded information and new life-saving services across the U.S. The Alliance program creates an open marketplace for companies to significantly improve
9-1-1 by integrating their solutions with Intrado, using industry approved open standard interfaces.
“We are very excited about the opportunity for Intrado and PRI to join forces and provide advanced building site and location specific information to public safety answering points (PSAPs) and first responders,” said Brian Davenport, Vice President of Product Management for Intrado. “Together, we will help make our communities safer places to live and work and assist public safety in saving more lives.”
The PRI solutions are based on Prepared Response’s award-winning Rapid Responder® crisis management system deployed in over 16,000 facilities across the U.S. The Rapid Responder®–911 platform is specifically designed to provide 9-1-1 operators and first responders’ instant access to critical site specific data, on demand, as emergency situations occur.
About Prepared Response, Inc.
Prepared Response Inc. develops emergency preparedness planning and response systems that enable police, fire, and other emergency responders to save lives and mitigate property damage. The company's flagship product, Rapid Responder®, runs on laptop computers and allows first responders to instantly access more than 300 site-specific data points, including tactical plans, geospatial (GIS) information, floor plans, interior and exterior photos, security IP video, hazardous materials locations, utility shut-offs, and evacuation routes for virtually any facility. Used by over 700 public safety agencies nationwide, Rapid Responder® is certified by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security under the SAFETY Act and endorsed by the National Sheriffs’ Association. Rapid Responder® protects more than 16,000 facilities and is currently deployed in educational facilities, public buildings, critical infrastructure, and private facilities across the U.S. For more information please visit www.preparedresponse.com.
About Intrado
In business for more than 30 years, Intrado, a subsidiary of West Corporation, has maintained a focus and passion for saving lives and supporting the needs of public safety. Agencies and telecommunication services providers throughout the world depend on Intrado for emergency communication services and technology. Products and services offered include emergency 9-1-1 voice call delivery, comprehensive data management, advanced call routing, emergency location and integrated call handling technologies. Intrado’s dedicated focus on emergency communications technology allows the company to continue pioneering network innovations that save lives and improve emergency response. For more information please visit www.intrado.com.
Media Contacts:
Prepared Response, Inc.
Amy Wells
206.522.1518
awells@preparedresponse.com
Intrado Inc.
Alexis Braden
415.264.4143
alexis@abradenconsulting.com
Legend Merchant Group, Inc. www.legendmerchant.com Acts as Placement agent for Comstock Mining (LODE.OB) $35.75 Million in New Equity
New York, NY — November 1, 2010
Legend Merchant Group, Inc. is a privately-held financial services firm offering merchant and investment banking services to corporate clients, and brokerage and asset management services to high-net worth individuals, today announced that it has acted as placement agent for Comstock Mining Inc. (the "Company") (OTC Bulletin Board: LODE) in raising $35.75 million of new equity. The company has also exchanged all of the Company's previously defaulted senior secured debt and related obligations for new equity and securing integral land mineral rights. The Company will use the net proceeds to meet its capital and operating needs for production and the remaining parts of its three-year strategic plan, including exploration, mine development, and land acquisition.
The net proceeds the Company received from the sale of the Series B Preferred Stock was approximately $32.75 million after deducting commissions and the estimated expenses of the offering payable by the Company. The Company intends to use the net proceeds to meet its capital and operating needs for the first three years of its strategic plan to accelerate mine development and production and continue exploration. The common stock underlying the Series B Preferred Stock is issuable at a fixed conversion rate equal to 21.7 million shares of common stock. The Company also exchanged all of its senior secured convertible and senior indebtedness for shares of its newly created Series A Preferred Convertible Stock. The common stock underlying the Series A is issuable at a fixed conversion rate equal to 45.1 million shares of common stock. The Company has approximately 20.5 million shares of common stock outstanding.
Each share of Series A Preferred Stock has an initial stated value of $1,000, is entitled to receive dividends at a rate of 7.5% per annum on the stated value commencing January 1, 2011 and is convertible into 1,536 shares of common stock. Dividends on the Series A Preferred Stock are payable in cash or stock or a combination of cash and stock.
Each share of Series B Preferred Stock has an initial stated value of $1,000, is entitled to receive dividends at a rate of 7.5% per annum on the stated value commencing January 1, 2011 and is convertible into 606.0606 shares of common stock. Dividends on the Series B Preferred Stock are
payable in cash, stock or a combination of cash and stock.
The Series A Preferred Stock and the Series B Preferred Stock were issued in reliance upon exemptions from registration pursuant to Sections 3(a)(9) and 4(2) of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Regulation D thereunder. The Company has agreed to file a registration statement with the Securities and Exchange Commission covering the resale of the shares of common stock underlying the Series A Preferred Stock and the Series B Preferred Stock. The Company is also pursuing a listing of its Common Stock on both the TSX Venture Exchange and the NYSE AMEX.
Moelis & Company acted as exclusive financial advisor to the Company. Moelis & Company also acted as lead placement agent and Global Hunter Securities, LLC, Rodman & Renshaw, LLC, Merriman Capital Inc., Legend Merchant Group Inc., and Anderson & Strudwick, Inc., acted as placement agents in connection with the private placement.
This press release does not constitute an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy nor will there be any sale of these securities in any state or jurisdiction in which such offer, solicitation or sale would be unlawful prior to registration or qualification under the securities laws of such state or jurisdiction. This press release is also an Exhibit to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed today with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission.
About Comstock Mining Inc.
Comstock Mining Inc. is Nevada-based precious metals mining company with extensive, contiguous property in the Comstock District. The Company began acquiring properties in the Comstock District in 2003. Since then, the Company has consolidated a significant portion of the Comstock District, amassed the single largest known repository of historical and current geological data on the Comstock region, secured permits, built an infrastructure and brought the exploration project into test mining production. We continue acquiring additional properties in the district, expanding our footprint and creating opportunities for exploration and mining. The goal of our strategic plan is to deliver stockholder value by validating qualified resources (at least measured and indicated) and reserves (probable and proven) of 3,250,000 gold equivalent ounces by 2013, and commencing commercial mining and processing operations in 2011, with annual production rates of 20,000 gold equivalent ounces.
Important Note to U.S. Investors
This press release uses the terms "measured resources," "indicated resources," "inferred resources," and "historical resources" which are calculated in accordance with the Canadian National Instrument 43-101 and the Canadian Institute of Mining, Metallurgy and Petroleum Classification system. The United States Securities and Exchange Commission (the "SEC") does not recognize these terms and the SEC guidelines (Industry Guide 7) provide that such terms shall not be included in a registrant's filings with the SEC (unless required to be disclosed by foreign or state law). The SEC permits U.S. mining companies, in their filings with the SEC, to disclose only those mineral deposits that a company can economically and legally extract or produce. "Inferred resources" have a great amount of uncertainty as to their existence, and great uncertainty as to their economic and legal feasibility. It cannot be assumed that all or any part of an "inferred mineral resource" will ever be upgraded to a higher category. U.S. investors are cautioned not to assume that any part or all of a measured, indicated or inferred resource exists or is economically or legally mineable. U.S. Investors are urged to consider closely the disclosure in our Form 10-K which may be secured from us, or from the SEC's website at http://www.sec.gov.
Forward-Looking Statements
This press release and any related calls or discussions may contain forward-looking statements. All statements, other than statements of historical facts, are forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements include statements about matters such as: future prices and sales of and demand for our products; future industry market conditions; future changes in our exploration activities, production capacity and operations; future exploration, production, operating and overhead costs; operational and management restructuring activities (including implementation of methodologies and changes in the board of directors); future employment and contributions of personnel; tax and interest rates; capital expenditures and their impact on us; nature and timing of restructuring charges and the impact thereof; productivity, business process, rationalization, investment, acquisition, consulting, operational, tax, financial and capital projects and initiatives; contingencies; environmental compliance and changes in the regulatory environment; and future working capital, costs, revenues, business opportunities, debt levels, cash flows, margins, earnings and growth.
The words "believe," "expect," "anticipate," "estimate," "project," "plan," "should," "intend," "may," "will," "would," "potential" and similar expressions identify forward-looking statements, but are not the exclusive means of doing so. These statements are based on assumptions and assessments made by our management in light of their experience and their perception of historical and current trends, current conditions, possible future developments and other factors they believe to be appropriate. Forward-looking statements are not guarantees, representations or warranties and are subject to risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results, developments and business decisions to differ materially from those contemplated by such forward-looking statements. Some of those risks and uncertainties include the risk factors set forth in our SEC filings and the following: current global economic and capital market uncertainties; the speculative nature of gold or mineral exploration, including risks of diminishing quantities or grades of qualified resources and reserves; operational or technical difficulties in connection with exploration or mining activities; contests over our title to properties; potential dilution to our stockholders from our recapitalization and balance sheet restructuring activities; potential inability to continue to comply with government regulations; adoption of or changes in legislation or regulations adversely affecting our businesses; business opportunities that may be presented to or pursued by us; changes in the United States or other monetary or fiscal policies or regulations; interruptions in our production capabilities due to unexpected equipment failures; fluctuation of prices for gold or certain other commodities (such as silver, copper, diesel fuel, and electricity); changes in generally accepted accounting principles; geopolitical events; potential inability to implement our business strategies; potential inability to grow revenues organically; potential inability to attract and retain key personnel; interruptions in delivery of critical supplies and equipment raw materials due to credit or other limitations imposed by vendors; assertion of claims, lawsuits and proceedings against us; potential inability to maintain an effective system of internal controls over financial reporting; potential inability or failure to timely file periodic reports with the SEC; potential inability to list our securities on any securities exchange or market; and work stoppages or other labor difficulties. Occurrence of such events or circumstances could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition, results of operations or cash flows or the market price of our securities. All subsequent written and oral forward-looking statements by or attributable to us or persons acting on our behalf are expressly qualified in their entirety by these factors. We undertake no obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statement.
Neither this press release nor any related calls or discussions constitutes an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy any securities.
Contact information for Comstock Mining Inc.:
P.O. Box 1118
Virginia City, NV 89440
Tel 775.847.4755
Fax 800-750-5740
info@comstockmining.com
www.comstockmining.com
Velico Medical Completes OrbiMed Financing
Sells Rights to Receive Royalties to Major Institutional Investor
Beverly, Massachusetts, September 14, 2010
Velico Medical, Inc. announced that it has sold to OrbiMed Advisors, LLC certain royalty rights Velico Medical has under an exclusive license agreement with a large biosurgical products company. Velico Medical retains all rights to use its technologies in its own business, the development of products for transfusion medicine.
Douglas L. Clibourn, President and Chief Executive Officer of Velico Medical, said “We are pleased to have established a relationship with an investor of OrbiMed’s caliber. This transaction validates the strategic value of our technology in the marketplace.” Velico Medical’s Chief Financial Officer, Tom Fitzgerald, added, “The funding obtained through the OrbiMed transaction enables us to continue to advance our product-candidates toward commercialization.”
Legend Merchant Group, LLC served as financial advisor to Velico on the transaction.
About Velico Medical, Inc.
Velico Medical, Inc. is a clinical-stage company developing proprietary technologies intended to make blood transfusions safer, more effective and less costly. The Company’s leading product-candidate is a technology to enable the spray drying of plasma to improve its availability and eliminate costs related to frozen plasma, the current standard of care. Unlike frozen plasma, spray dried plasma may be stored in a wide range of environments without freezers or refrigerators, will be available for use by first responders at the initial point of care, and may be transfused in minutes without the 30-45 minute delay associated with thawing frozen plasma.
Separately, Velico Medical is developing a technology based on a joint invention with Boston’s Brigham and Women’s Hospital that allows platelets to be stored under refrigeration rather than at room temperature, the current practice. Platelets stored at room temperature carry a high risk of bacterial contamination, and thus may be stored generally for no more than five days. Refrigerated platelets will have a longer shelf life and little risk of bacterial contamination. Velico Medical has built an international patent portfolio comprising 41 patents and patent applications.
About OrbiMed Advisors, LLC
OrbiMed is the largest investment firm dedicated exclusively to the life sciences sector, with approximately $5 billion in assets under management. OrbiMed invests across the entire spectrum of pharmaceutical, biotechnology and medical device companies on a worldwide basis. Investments are made through venture capital funds, hedge funds, and other investment vehicles.
Since inception of its venture capital activities in 1993, OrbiMed has partnered with over 100 companies across a wide range of therapeutic categories and stages of development. OrbiMed’s global investment team includes 40 experienced professionals with offices in New York City, San Francisco, Shanghai and Mumbai. OrbiMed is a capital provider of choice, bringing the global resources required to be an exceptional long term partner for building world-class biopharmaceutical and medical technology companies. For more information, please visit www.OrbiMed.com.
About Legend Merchant Group, Inc.
Legend Merchant Group, Inc. is a diversified financial services firm headquartered in New York, NY, with offices in San Francisco, CA. The firm provides institutional, corporate and high net worth clients a wide range of advisory services, including investment banking, merchant banking, brokerage and asset management. Legend focuses on businesses and industries where its professionals bring together their capital markets expertise, investment banking backgrounds and substantial operating experience. Legend’s team combines these elements into relationships geared toward long-term growth and capital appreciation. Legend Merchant Group is an NASD Broker-Dealer, SEC-Registered Investment Advisor, and a member of the National Futures Association, the NYSE Arca and SIPC.
Contact:
Thomas A. Fitzgerald
Chief Financial Officer
978.232.8370, ext. 15
tfitzgerald@VelicoMedical.com
PanTerra Networks Named to Prestigious 2010 Inc. 500 List
SUNNYVALE, CA — August 24, 2010 — PanTerra Networks (www.panterranetworks.com), the leading provider of cloud-based Unified Communications Solutions for small and mid-sized enterprises, announced today it earned a position of 469 on the 2010 Inc. 500/5000 list, a compendium of the most entrepreneurial and fastest-growing private companies in America. With over 27 million businesses registered in the United States, the Inc. 500 list represents the top-tier businesses in America today.
Inc. magazine editor Jane Berentson was quoted, "As an Inc. 500 honoree, PanTerra Networks shares a prestigious pedigree with such notable alumni as Intuit, Zappos, Under Armour, Microsoft, Jamba Juice, Timberland, Visa, Clif Bar, Patagonia, and scores of other powerhouses." read more >>
NGAS Drills Its First Horizontal Weir Well to Exploit Oil Reserves
LEXINGTON, Ky., June 15, 2010 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- NGAS Resources, Inc. (Nasdaq:NGAS) announced today that it has set pipe on its initial horizontal Weir sandstone well in the southern Appalachian Basin. Vertical depth was 3,600 feet, with the horizontal portion extending 2,040 feet. Completion with a 10-stage water frac is scheduled for July. A second horizontal Weir well is being drilled, and NGAS is currently permitting another five horizontal Weir wells for drilling this fall.
Although the initial well has not been tested, it displayed significant oil and gas shows. This well offsets six NGAS vertical Weir wells that came on line in the early part of the year, which are producing both oil and natural gas." read more >>