KNAACK launches Weather Guard 2008 “Tough Truck Driveaway” sweepstakes
For the third year in a row, WEATHER GUARD will give away a 2008 Toyota Tundra to one grand prize winner. Knaack’s new Weather Guard 2008 Tough Truck Driveaway promotion will run through November 30, 2008. The truck will be fitted with Weather Guard storage equipment and accessories including an aluminum saddle box, aluminum lo-side boxes and an ATR ladder rack with accessory side rails, all valued at $2,700.

Participants may enter the contest at www.weatherguard.com/toughtruck.

“This year marks the third WEATHER GUARD Toyota Tundra truck giveaway, and we anticipate record participation,” said William Zbylut II, vice president of marketing, Knaack LLC. “We look forward to continuing our partnership with Toyota with this exciting and successful promotion of WEATHER GUARD products.”

The grand prize winner will be announced at the 2009 World of Concrete Show at the Las Vegas Convention Center, Las Vegas, Nev., which will be held February 3 to 6, 2009.

For more information, contact Knaack at 800-456-7865; Web site: www.weatherguard.com.

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MAPI Quarterly Report: Soaring prices for energy, elevated food and raw materials costs stir global inflation concern
Startling jump in crude oil price a key issue for global economic outlook in 2008; exports offer some help for U.S. economy
A dramatic surge in energy prices together with elevated food and raw materials costs have created a global inflation concern, complicating the world outlook amidst continuing worries surrounding the U.S. economy and financial situation, according to a new report.

In the MAPI Quarterly Forecast of U.S. Exports, Global Growth, and the Dollar: Third Quarter 2008 Through Fourth Quarter 2009 (ER-657e), economist Cliff Waldman writes that moderate export demand has buffered the U.S. economy from a growing portfolio of risks and has been the primary reason that the much-feared emergence of a significant recession has yet to occur.

“While U.S. data have been modestly above expectations, the risk of an imminent downturn remains and the U.S. financial system is still grappling with significant structural issues,” Waldman said. “Over the near term, U.S. troubles will continue to impact the growth outlook for key trading partners as well as the stability of global financial markets.”

MAPI expects the growth of total U.S. goods and services export demand to accelerate modestly from 8.1 percent in 2007 to 8.3 percent in 2008. Following that, the lagged impact of a continued dollar decline should combine with stronger industrialized country growth during the second half of next year, and MAPI predicts that total U.S. export growth will accelerate to 9.7 percent in 2009.

Gross domestic product (GDP) growth in non-U.S. industrialized countries, which include Canada, the Eurozone (plus Denmark, the United Kingdom, and Sweden), and Japan, will grow by 1.8 percent during the third and fourth quarters of 2008 before slowing to 1.7 percent during the first half of 2009. Growth should reaccelerate, albeit to a still modest 2.1 percent, during the second half of 2009.

Weaker growth in India, the continued expectation of an inevitable slowdown in China, and the risk to a number of Asian economies from global price turmoil underpins the outlook for developing countries. The report indicates developing country aggregate GDP growth will slow from 5.2 percent during the third and fourth quarters of 2008 to 5.1 percent during the first half of 2009. Further weakness is likely in the second half of the year, with growth expected to decelerate to 5 percent during the third quarter of 2009 and to 4.9 percent during the fourth quarter of 2009.

MAPI expects the dollar to continue its depreciation against both the industrialized and developing country currencies through the balance of 2008 and 2009.

Waldman forecasts that the dollar will decline by 3 percent on a compound annual basis against the currencies of industrialized trading partners during the third and fourth quarters of 2008 and in the first quarter of 2009. The dollar depreciation will slow to 2 percent during the second and third quarters of 2009 before a flat performance during the fourth quarter of 2009.

Against the currencies of the developing countries, MAPI forecasts a decline of 10 percent during the third quarter of 2008 and then a moderation to a 7 percent decline during the fourth quarter of 2008 and the first quarter of 2009. MAPI expects a further decline to 5 percent for the last three quarters of 2009.
“Persistent weakness and continued downside risks for the U.S. economy likely mean that the dollar will continue on a path of depreciation well into 2009,” Waldman added.

To request a copy of the complete report, visit www.mapi.net.

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SME and EMCI establish unifying industry standard for engineering management certification
New collaborative effort launches July 15, 2008
The Society of Manufacturing Engineers (SME) announced today that it has signed an agreement to establish a partnership with Engineering Management Certification International (EMCI), a certification program that both facilitates and maintains competence in engineering management among qualified engineers, scientists and technologists. This new collaboration continues the creation of unifying a standard for this in-demand certification.

Effective July 15, SME will close its Certified Engineering Manager certification and merge it with the EMCI program. All previously SME-certified CEM's will become certified through the Engineering Management Certification Fundamentals (EMCF) or Engineering Management Certification Professional (EMCP) designation.

The EMCI program will also align SME with other leading engineering and management associations, which include founding partners ASME (American Society of Mechanical Engineers), ASCE (American Society of Civil Engineers), ASEM (American Society of Engineering Management), AIChE (American Institute of Chemical Engineers) and AIME (The American Institute of Mining, Metallurgical and Petroleum Engineers).

SME's announcement comes after a thorough comparison of its own CEM program and the EMCI program. Strong synergies between the programs were identified, and SME determined that by merging its program with EMCI it could provide its members and customers with a more powerful, widely accepted credential that is highly endorsed by other engineering societies. SME Executive Director and General Manager, Mark C. Tomlinson said, "SME frequently collaborates with other engineering societies to develop the most beneficial results for members and customers. In that spirit, we are pleased to announce this partnership."

Tomlinson also reassured those currently holding the CEM credential, "that the merger of the CEM and EMCI programs will provide a more perfect union of SME's strengths with those of the founding organizations. Members will also find that the EMCI program offers a more robust curriculum and therefore, a greater body of knowledge."

To complement this announcement and ease the transition between the certifications, all current CEM holders will be notified by letter throughout July and August. Notifications will also be posted online at both www.sme.org, www.asme.org and www.engineeringcertification.org. For more information, please call SME at 1-800-733-4763 or ASME at 1-212-591-8463.

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Stanley Vidmar achieves ISO 14001:2004 certification
Stanley Vidmar, a manufacturer of premium custom storage solutions for use in a wide range of industries, has been awarded ISO 14001:2004 certification by DNV (Det Norske Veritas) Certification.

As outlined by ISO (International Organization for Standardization), ISO 14001:2004 certification is awarded to organizations that demonstrate conformity to ISO 14001:2004 standards by establishing, implementing, and maintaining ongoing environmental management systems that address both environmental aspects that these organizations can control and aspects that they can effectively influence.

A process that began over three years ago, Stanley Vidmar's procurement of ISO 14001:2004 certification began with an internal analysis of each of the environmental aspects relating to its production materials, manufacturing processes, and working environment and their impact on the company's internal environment as well as the areas surrounding Stanley Vidmar's production facility.

"As we began our certification process, we started by taking a close look at each of our manufacturing processes and determining what impact they had on our region as far as air emissions, water discharges, and waste were concerned. We also analyzed what danger these items posed in the case of a spill or leak," said Lou Heller, Stanley Vidmar's Environmental, Health, and Safety Coordinator. "We then generated operating instructions to make sure that all high-risk aspects and impacts were addressed with regular inspections."

Heller continued, "As part of the certification process, we were required to have at least two environmental projects in process at all times. Examples included the installation of energy-efficient lighting and heating units, which cuts down on electricity usage, and the usage of natural gas."

In particular, Stanley Vidmar initiated the following operational changes as part of its DNV accreditation effort:
• In preparation for accreditation, all cabinet painting was switched to a powder system, eliminating the use of high-solid paints. This switch reduced more than forty tons of VOC (volatile organic compounds) emission to zero.
• Lighting within the Stanley Vidmar facility continues to be replaced with low-energy lighting, reducing emissions.
• Gas heaters within the Stanley Vidmar facility will continue to be replaced and updated with more energy-efficient models in an effort to reduce NOX gas emissions. Since 2003, Vidmar has reduced its NOX emissions by 46%.
• Stanley Vidmar abides by a strict ongoing waste management program and recycles all skids, cardboards, and paper products.
• Stanley Vidmar worked with the Pennsylvania Environmental Department to secure a permit verifying that Vidmar maintains clean parking lots and grounds and that no waste is permitted to leak into the Little Lehigh Parkway (a high-quality watershed located next to the Vidmar facility).
• A new roof was installed on the Stanley Vidmar facility that features 1-1/2 inches of insulated material, a move which will save 1000 MCF of gas per year.

Beyond the actions listed above and Stanley Vidmar's strict adherence to a long list of environmental guidelines, a big part of the company's ISO 14001:2004 certification effort was the establishment of an internal culture that reflected the company's ongoing commitment to environmentally sound work practices. As part of this cultural shift, Vidmar established a "Green Card" program that involved each employee receiving a wallet-sized card that reminded them of Vidmar's ISO 14001:2004 effort and the ways in which they could contribute to Vidmar's environmental mission.

"The 'Green Cards' were a great way for our ISO 14001:2004 certification effort to personally touch each of our employees and give them a daily reminder of what each of them could do, on an individual basis, to contribute to that effort," said Jim Cannon, Stanley Vidmar's President and General Manager. "The Stanley Vidmar 'Green Card' reminds all of us to take advantage of every opportunity to reduce waste, reuse materials, and recycle, the cornerstone of our ISO 14001:2004 commitment. It also reminds us that this truly is a group effort, and one that we will continue to improve on as we look toward the future."

Stanley Vidmar offers storage solutions to all industries, with modular space-saving systems that provide quick, safe access to parts, tools, and supplies. Customers can arrange for a free analysis of their storage needs by calling 800-523-9462. Detailed information about Stanley Vidmar products is available online at www.stanleyvidmar.com.

About DNV Certification
A leading international certification body, DNV (Det Norske Veritas) Certification is an independent foundation specializing in the provision of services designed to safeguard life, property, and the environment. DNV's professional auditor network spans more than 100 countries. More information is available at www.dnvcert.com.

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FREE screwdrivers for industry professionals!
PB Swiss Tools Screwdriver Challenge sponsored by Count On Tools, Inc.
Some may call it crazy, but no, it’s not a joke. We want to do something that has never been done before in the history of tools! People are always looking for the best deal around, but only PB Swiss Tools has the right price for you…FREE! That’s right; we are giving away free PB Swiss Tools screwdrivers to any industry professional willing to put our brand to the test against their current brand(s).

We are looking for every mechanic, technician, maintenance, repair, engineer…everyone needing high quality, industrial strength screwdrivers to take part in our challenge. All it takes is going online and signing up. If you qualify, we will send you a PB Swiss Tools screwdriver, free of charge, for you to use at your job. We want you to put this thing to the test…WHATEVER it takes!!! After 2-3 weeks, we will send you a short feedback survey for you to fill out and return to us. The screwdriver is yours to keep! Supplies are limited so sign up fast to ensure that you will receive your FREE PB Swiss Tools screwdriver.

Take the PB Swiss Tools Screwdriver Challenge and find out! Visit www.pbvsyours.com to sign up and get qualified for your FREE screwdriver.

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Hagemeyer launches 2008 marine products catalog
New catalog offers marine products from world class suppliers

CHARLESTON, SC; July 1, 2008 – Hagemeyer introduces its 2008 Marine Products catalog. This full-color, 448-page catalog features industrial, electrical, and safety products from Hagemeyer’s supplier partners for the Marine market.

“We carefully selected a comprehensive assortment of products that will meet the needs of our Marine customers,” says Will Lutz, Vice President. “In addition, we have made a considerable investment in inventory to ensure these products are available, allowing our customer to focus on his or her business, not on finding products.”

The user-friendly catalog is Hagemeyer’s first catalog designed specifically to support Marine and Composites customers. Product categories include: Fiberglass Working Products; Shop Supplies and Equipment; Paint Supplies & Paint; Abrasives; Adhesives, Cleaning, Chemicals & Lubricants; Power, Cutting, and Hand Tools; Electrical Products; Safety; Facility Care; and Material Handling & Storage. As another value-added component of this commitment, Hagemeyer offers services like vendor-managed inventory, on-site inventory management, and other inventory management solutions.

The free catalog is available from Hagemeyer Account Representatives or through Hagemeyer locations. It can also be ordered electronically at www.hagemeyerna.com by clicking “Resources” and then “Catalog Order Form.”

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ASSE offers clean-up tips for flood-related mold
Mold grows easily in flood-related conditions, which include standing water, humid air and wet surfaces according to American Society of Safety Engineers’ (ASSE) members. The longer these conditions remain, as in the current flooding in the Midwest, the more the mold growth can spread. To address this, ASSE offers the following tips to consider on how to clean-up mold and minimize its adverse effects. Individual circumstances are often unique so there is no one-size fits solution.

“For businesses, addressing mold and moisture after a flood disaster should be the first step to reduce the risk to others who may need to work in an affected building,” said ASSE Regional Vice President and Assistant Director of School Plant Services, Environmental & Energy Management for the Virginia Beach City Public Schools, James H. Morris, III.

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) recommends that ‘surfaces wet longer than 48 hours with “clean water” should be considered as potentially contaminated, and any surfaces in contact with “dirty water” should be considered contaminated.’ ASSE members recommend that people consult their state and local experts for more guidance regarding state and local laws and regulations addressing mold.

In addition, to lessen the chances of a mold colony growing in a store/business, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control (CDC) recommends that 1) the humidity level be kept below 50 percent; 2) an air conditioner or dehumidifier be used during humid months (depending on the climate); 3) adequate ventilation, including exhaust fans, in the kitchen and bathrooms, be used; 4) to add mold inhibitors to paints before applying them; 5) bathrooms be cleaned with mold-killing products; and, 6) not to put carpeting in bathrooms, basements, or other areas where moisture or water could be a concern.

Mold, ASSE members note, is a group of microscopic fungi, which also includes mildew and other organisms that rot materials on which they grow. Molds can often be invisible to the eye. A blotch of black, gray, white, red, orange, yellow, blue or violet fuzzy or slimy growth is usually the result of widespread mold growth. Besides infection and allergic reactions, excessive mold growth indoors can result in offensive, musty odors from the gases released by certain molds as they grow and die.

Morris added, “All mold cleanup operations individuals should wear proper personal protection equipment, which includes gloves, goggles and a respirator. However, the type of respirator varies on the size of the mold-affected area.”

ASSE offers the following tips for cleaning a facility/building area affected by mold:

1. Avoid direct contact with affected mold areas as much as possible.

2. If it can be thrown away, throw it away. Replacements may be less expensive in the long term (and short term) than attempting to decontaminate some surfaces.

3. If it cannot be disposed of, decontaminate and then dry as thoroughly as possible. Moisture removal is a key factor to preventing future growth.

4.Wallboard can often be cut to the point of contamination replaced with new sections.

5. Clean all tools after use, or dispose if possible, and also clean tools after each shift.

6. When in doubt about the structural integrity of a facility, obtain an evaluation by a licensed and qualified builder or structural engineer before entering. Medical clearance may also be necessary based upon the severity of mold in the area.

7. Individuals involved in mold remediation should be aware that attempts to mix chemicals to clean surfaces can cause further damage, such as the toxic gases that can be released when ammonia and bleach are mixed. Workers need to exercise caution, so as not to create additional hazards. The power supply (circuit breakers) should be turned off in the specific damaged areas/ high levels of moisture to avoid electrical shock hazards.

For ASSE’s position statement on mold in the indoor working environment click here.

For more information and resources on mold safety and remediation visit EPA’s Mold Resources webpage or download the Occupational Safety and Health Administration Mold Fact Sheet.

To obtain a draft of the ASSE/ANSI Z690, “Guidelines for Mold and Fungi Control and Remediation for Worker Protection in Indoor Work Environments,” contact ASSE Customer Service at 847-699-2929, customerservice@asse.org or click here.

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New Lean catalog provides the latest in visual workplace labeling
New literature from Brady Corporation (NYSE:BRC) assists lean manufacturers in creating a visual workplace, where critical setup, operating and inspection information is posted right at the point of use.

The brochure shows how the use of visual devices can serve to simplify training, detect abnormalities at a glance, and reinforce adherence to best practices.

Also included is a photo gallery which shows a variety of practical visual ideas for use in 5S, Total Productive Maintenance, Standard Work, and other lean concepts.

In addition, the brochure presents Brady’s complete line of visual workplace solutions, including portable and benchtop printers that enable users to create durable, professional-grade signs, labels, tags on-site and on-demand.

For a PDF of the Visual Workplace brochure or for additional information on Brady’s visual workplace solutions, visit www.bradyid.com/visualworkplace.

To order the a printed version of the brochure, call 1-888-250-3089 and ask for literature number Y875266.

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Kimberly-Clark Professional establishes hurricane preparedness portal on Web site
Information and resources are designed to ensure worker safety during response, cleanup and remediation efforts

With the 2008 hurricane season now underway, Kimberly-Clark Professional has begun providing a wealth of useful information and resources on its web site to help protect workers involved in hurricane response, cleanup and remediation efforts. The information can be found at www.kc-safety.com/hurricanerelief.

This year, experts at the National Oceanic & Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) ClimatePredictionCenter have projected a 90 percent chance of a near-normal or above-normal hurricane season.

Since hurricane awareness and preparedness are two ways to help reduce the effects of a hurricane, Kimberly-Clark Professional has included the following information on its web site:

• Recommended guidelines on how to prepare for a hurricane, from the NationalHurricaneCenter.

• Details on the kinds of protective equipment needed by workers in hurricane flood response situations, from the Centers for Disease Control (CDC).

• Hurricane tracking information via the NationalHurricaneCenter web site.

• Ways to protect hurricane relief workers from biological hazards as well as other hazards associated with severe weather cleanup and eco- remediation efforts, such as mold and infectious diseases.

• Information on hand protection for cleanup and remediation work.

• Suggestions on how to maintain personal hygiene in a severe weather situation.

• Cleaning task product recommendations.

“In severe weather situations, being prepared is crucial for the personal safety of workers involved in response and remediation efforts,” said Randy Kates, General Manager for the Kimberly-Clark Professional Safety Business. “The materials on our web site provide a full range of information on what to do to prepare for a hurricane, where to turn for up-to-date information on a storm’s progress, and information on the safety apparel, cleaning tools and personal hygiene products needed in the event of a hurricane or other natural disaster.”

For more information about the Kimberly-Clark Professional Safety Business and its KleenGuard Brand products, visit www.kc-safety.com or call 1-800-255-6401.

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