RTKL Associates Inc. Promotes New Principal
RTKL Associates Inc. has promoted Peter O’Connor, RCDD, to principal.  O’Connor is based in the firm’s Chicago office and leads the healthcare practice of RTKL’s Special Systems Design Group.  In this new position, O’Connor will lead the growing practice focused on designing technology infrastructures for the healthcare marketplace, furthering the firm’s commitment to provide design expertise to its clients with a multi-disciplined and integrated design approach. “Peter joined our group three years ago as an associate and has contributed greatly to the rapid growth and success we’ve experienced in this market,” said David P. Labuskes, RTKL vice president and director of the Special Systems Design Group.  “Since then, he’s taken on the leadership of a national consulting team as we provide technology solutions to some of the largest healthcare facilities, both in the United States and internationally.  We’re pleased to recognize his success with this promotion.” Specializing in the integration of operating rooms, patient entertainment systems and nurse call systems, O’Connor uses his 17 years of experience with hospital communication systems to ensure clients’ needs are met with the proper scheme.  

Graybar Introduces Security Catalog
Graybar has published a new catalog of security solutions. The Graybar Security Solutions Catalog features more than 1,400 products from 44 brand-name suppliers in six categories: surveillance; access control; intrusion; audiovisual notification; cabling, installation and tools; and fire systems. It also includes products incorporating the latest IP technology solutions. An electronic version of the catalog is available for viewing or for download from the Markets Served Security section of Graybar.com.

 

Leviton Saluted by Healthcare Provider
Leviton Manufacturing Company was hailed by healthcare services provider Blue Cross and Blue Shield of North Carolina (BCBSNC) for the quality and success of its employee wellness programs. Leviton was one of three member organizations to be recognized at its Healthcare Symposium earlier this month in Pinehurst, NC.

With awareness of the health risks posed by smoking, eating a high-fat diet and leading a sedentary lifestyle on the rise and with healthcare costs escalating steeply over the past few years, Leviton has sought innovative ways to inspire its workforce to achieve greater health and well-being. This includes offering on-site health fairs and smoking cessation seminars, programs to defray the cost of heath club membership and incentives to exercise. These initiatives have resulted in a significant reduction in the company’s paid medical claims during the one-year period 2006 and 2007.   Leviton has an exciting roster of future activities planned to encourage employee health and fitness. This summer, Leviton will participate in the 32nd annual JP Morgan Chase Corporate Challenge®, a 3.5 mile race, where corporate teams compete against each other in New York’s Central Park. Also in the works, a weight reduction and fitness program modeled after NBC’s reality TV hit series “The Biggest Loser.”  For more information about Leviton, visit www.leviton.com.

FOA Creates New Certification
The FOA (Fiber Optic Association) has created a new certification program covering "Fiber Optic Network Design." This certification covers the particulars of how fiber optic networks are designed within the context of complete communications systems or construction projects. It is intended for contractors, installers, architects and engineers, project managers and all others who are involved with projects that include fiber optics.
The FOA Certification is focused on the unique aspects of fiber optic network design, assuming the fiber optic designer works with project managers overseeing the complete project design. Prerequisites for the certification include having a FOA CFOT (Certified Fiber Optic Technician) certification to ensure knowledge and experience in fiber optic technology and installation.  The certification is offered through many of the 200-plus FOA-approved schools, which will provide appropriate training. Industry professionals with appropriate experience may apply directly to The FOA. Additional information can be found at www.thefoa.org.