Saturday, April 30, 2016
May Brings Voting for Small Business Book Awards
The month of May is almost bursting with great small business events. There’s an expo in Atlanta plus other great events in New York City, Charlotte, North Carolina, and Miami.
But before you do any of that stuff, why not take a minute to pop over to the Small Business Book Awards page and vote for your favorite book or small business resource. Only about a week and a half remains. See details below.
May Brings Voting for Small Business Book Awards
Warren Buffett admires fellow billionaire Jeff Bezos - Apr. 30, 2016
Live from Omaha ... it's Warren Buffett and Charlie Munger!
For the first time ever, Berkshire Hathaway's annual shareholder meeting was webcast live on Yahoo Finance for anyone to see.
Warren Buffett admires fellow billionaire Jeff Bezos - Apr. 30, 2016
For the first time ever, Berkshire Hathaway's annual shareholder meeting was webcast live on Yahoo Finance for anyone to see.
Warren Buffett admires fellow billionaire Jeff Bezos - Apr. 30, 2016
United's former CEO got $36.8 million after resigning because of federal probe - Apr. 30, 2016
The former CEO of United Airlines got $36.8 million in severance pay and other benefits when he stepped down, according to filings released Friday.
Jeff Smisek left his role as CEO, president and chairman in September after a federal corruption probe into United's (UAL) relationship with the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey.
United's former CEO got $36.8 million after resigning because of federal probe - Apr. 30, 2016
Jeff Smisek left his role as CEO, president and chairman in September after a federal corruption probe into United's (UAL) relationship with the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey.
United's former CEO got $36.8 million after resigning because of federal probe - Apr. 30, 2016
Onewheel Skateboard Replaces Hoverboard in Weird Toy Category
There are some really weird products out there. But if you think that toys like the trendy “hoverboard” are as weird as it gets — you’re wrong. A new toy item that has recently hit the shelves is adding a whole new level of weird to the boardsport category.
Onewheel Skateboard Replaces Hoverboard in Weird Toy Category
Onewheel Skateboard Replaces Hoverboard in Weird Toy Category
The Three Box Solution: Innovation in 3 Little Boxes
The constant call to innovate can infuriate even the most tech-savvy business owner out there. Not only do businesses have to maintain an online presence. They are expected to constantly monitor the market and correctly use those insights to amaze, delight and capture their future customers (who are already inundated with other businesses trying to do the same).
As a business owner, how do you make sense of this? How do you balance the need to stay competitive now with the need to stay competitive in the future?
The Three Box Solution: Innovation in 3 Little Boxes
GE Drives Innovation in Naval Engineering as Sponsor of INEC 2016
From GE:
GE Drives Innovation in Naval Engineering as Sponsor of INEC 2016
April 28, 2016
- GE Published Five Technical Papers at the 13th International Naval Engineering Conference and Exhibition (INEC) 2016
- GE is a Global Partner to Many Leading Military Forces around the World
BRISTOL, UNITED KINGDOM—April 29, 2016—Technology has pushed global military powers to become stronger and more capable. At this year’s International Naval Engineering Conference and Exhibition (INEC), GE’s Marine Solutions business (NYSE: GE) has showcased its extensive capabilities and innovation in naval technologies through the publication of five technical papers. The themes cover from smart product design and system integration to digitalized naval solutions, facilitating dialogue and driving debate on how innovation in naval engineering is continuously steering the industry forward.
1. Advanced hybrid systems and new integration challenges
We have seen a marked shift for naval ships to adopt a hybrid propulsion system, which offers efficiency, fuel savings and flexibility for varying mission profiles. This paper focuses on the benefits and challenges presented from a combined diesel eLectric or diesel (CODLOD) hybrid system, with lessons learned to address newly arisen challenges.
2. Developments in shore-based testing to meet latest marine power system integration challenges
As navies continue to look for greater functionality of naval vessels, testing has become more prominent to provide confidence in vessels’ operation readiness. However, the complexity of systems, the functional flexibility and cost pressure have proved a hurdle to deliver a system at an acceptably low risk. This paper mainly discusses the latest development in full-scale shore-based testing (FSSBT) and how it can help to de-risk significant challenges in naval electrical propulsion through maximization of equipment re-usage and platform fidelity.
3. Moving from planned to condition-based maintenance
This paper explores how analytics can be used to help in predicting the future condition of a vessel’s assets. By enabling condition-based maintenance (CBM), performing maintenance when there is evidence of need, data analytics can potentially reduce downtime and create significant cost savings. The paper covers two key topics, which are necessary in realizing the potential benefits: 1) data collection and centralization, 2) diagnostics of asset health and future prognosis. Considerations for the implementations of CBM, including benefits, challenges and examples are also provided.
4. Integration, optimization and benefits of energy storage for marine applications
This paper provides an overview of potential applications and describes control strategies used and then considers methods to improve the available technologies related to power system control and protection, diesel engine response to network fluctuations and design of modern E-storage systems. The paper will also present the multiple energy store configuration, the main challenges and top-level topologies considered to meet these requirements.
5. Earth fault detection and protection for transformer-less active front-end converters
Electric propulsion is preferred for many vessel types due to a number of merits. However, the system is also vulnerable for experiencing the common mode voltage caused by an earth fault, which will consequently bring thermal stress and damage to components. In this paper, a novel detection method based on an equivalent circuit approach will be presented. It is able to identify the earth fault at any location and discriminate the faulty drive. Its implementations and settings of the protection will be suggested, and experimental results will be presented.
“GE is continually setting industry standards and is at the forefront in providing innovative solutions. As a long-term global partner for some of the largest navies in the world, GE’s technology is among the most reliable and advanced available for building the advanced naval capabilities necessary for the 21st century,” said Tim Schweikert, president & CEO, GE’s Marine Solutions business. “GE has also been an active sponsor for the INEC event, one of the foremost professional events in naval engineering. We value the opportunity to connect minds of various leading stakeholders in the military space and drive the debate for building a more reliable and capable future for the navy.”
* Indicates a trademark of the General Electric Company and/or its subsidiaries.
About GE
GE (NYSE: GE) is the world’s Digital Industrial Company, transforming industry with software-defined machines and solutions that are connected, responsive and predictive. GE is organized around a global exchange of knowledge, the "GE Store," through which each business shares and accesses the same technology, markets, structure and intellect. Each invention further fuels innovation and application across our industrial sectors. With people, services, technology and scale, GE delivers better outcomes for customers by speaking the language of industry. For more information, visit the company's website atwww.ge.com.
About GE’s Marine Solutions
GE's Marine Solutions is dedicated to power and propulsion systems for customers in the workboat, merchant, offshore and naval industries. Through smart engineering, coupled with software analytics, we provide customers with data-driven efficiency. Connecting the physical and digital worlds, GE helps power, propel, position and predict the marine industry for operational excellence. www.gemarinesolutions.com
GE to Provide Wastewater Treatment Technology for Chinese Coal-to-Chemical Plant
From GE:
GE to Provide Wastewater Treatment Technology for Chinese Coal-to-Chemical Plant
April 26, 2016
- Shaanxi Future Energy Chemical's Hongdun Wastewater Treatment Facility in Yulin City to Use GE Zero Liquid Discharge System to Meet New Regulations
- Project is GE’s Sixth Chinese Order for ZLD in Recent Years
TREVOSE, PA.—April 26, 2016—To help meet new regulations governing wastewater treatment at Chinese coal-to-chemical plants, a facility in Yulin City will install GE’s (NYSE: GE) advanced zero liquid discharge (ZLD) technology. GE’s ZLD evaporator and crystallizer system will eliminate liquid discharge of waste and enable water reuse at the Shaanxi Future Energy Chemical Co., Ltd. coal-to-chemical plant in Shaanxi Province, China.
China is one of the world's largest producers of coal, and coal-fired power plants provide the majority of the country’s electricity. Coal also serves as a vital feedstock and is converted into a wide variety of chemical and petroleum products. Under China’s new regulations, including the Water Pollution Action Plan, the New Environmental Protection Law and China’s 13th Five-Year Plan, these plants must eliminate the liquid discharge of wastewater into the environment and a ZLD system must be installed to obtain a permit for these plants.
The Hongdun facility is a coal-to-liquid project where Shaanxi Future Energy Chemical converts coal into a variety of oil products. GE’s wastewater treatment system includes a vapor recompression brine concentrator followed by a crystallizer, providing a proven and cost-effective ZLD solution. The equipment is expected to be delivered in mid-2016, with commissioning in March 2017. Once operational, the HongDun Wastewater Treatment Facility will treat wastewater feed at a rate of 40 m3/hr.
“This project is the sixth of this kind in China for GE in recent years and builds on our reputation as a premier ZLD solution provider worldwide. It is indicative of China’s desire to use innovative methods, such as zero liquid discharge wastewater treatment technology, to expand the coal-to-chemical industry while minimizing environmental impact,” said Kevin Cassidy, global leader, engineered systems—water and process technologies for GE Power.
About GE
GE (NYSE: GE) is the world’s Digital Industrial Company, transforming industry with software-defined machines and solutions that are connected, responsive and predictive. GE is organized around a global exchange of knowledge, the "GE Store," through which each business shares and accesses the same technology, markets, structure and intellect. Each invention further fuels innovation and application across our industrial sectors. With people, services, technology and scale, GE delivers better outcomes for customers by speaking the language of industry. www.ge.com
About GE Power
GE Power is a world leader in power generation with deep domain expertise to help customers deliver electricity from a wide spectrum of fuel sources. We are transforming the electricity industry with the digital power plant, the world’s largest and most efficient gas turbine, full balance of plant, upgrade and service solutions as well as our data-leveraging software. Our innovative technologies and digital offerings help make power more affordable, reliable, accessible and sustainable.
For more information, visit the company's website at www.gepower.com. Follow GE Power and GE’s water business on Twitter @GE_Power and @GE_Water and on LinkedIn at GE Power.
GE FOUNDATION COMMITS $250K TO FIGHT CARDIOVASCULAR DISEASE IN JACKSONVILLE, FL
From GE:
GE FOUNDATION COMMITS $250K TO FIGHT CARDIOVASCULAR DISEASE IN JACKSONVILLE, FL
April 26, 2016
- GE Foundation will help screen 10,000 Jacksonville residents for cardiovascular disease and other chronic conditions over the next two years with the One Heart community health outreach program.
JACKSONVILLE – April 26, 2016 – GE Foundation announced a $250,000 grant to The AGAPE Community Health Center Network to launch the One Heart cardiovascular community outreach program to screen 10,000 Jacksonville, FL residents for cardiovascular disease and other chronic conditions over the next two years. One Heart, a partnership between AGAPE, the Florida Department of Health in Duval County, and Florida A&M University, will host large-scale screenings and events at community-based organizations, primarily in Jacksonville’s urban core known as Health Zone 1 - an underserved community largely at-risk for chronic conditions and where more than 30% of deaths are attributed to cardiovascular disease.
Jacksonville Mayor Lenny Curry said, ”GE’s presence in our community adds tremendous economic value to our city. This grant from GE Foundation demonstrates their investment in lives and shared commitment to our efforts to improve the health and well-being of Jacksonville citizens.”
In addition to the two-year screening commitment, One Heart will also provide health education for residents and connect residents to the care they need through community health centers and other community-based organizations. Community health workers and Florida A&M University’s College of Pharmacy students will help conduct the screenings.
AGAPE Community Health Center Network Interim Executive Director, Mia Jones said, “As a community, we can address the issues that increase our risk of cardiovascular disease now, or we can suffer the costly impacts of poor health down the road. This initiative is an example of how communities can partner to address health disparities and improve the quality of life for everyone.”
Cardiovascular health is the most pressing public health challenge in Duval County and disproportionately affects underserved communities. Heart disease and stroke remain the leading causes of death and disability. The need is greatest in Health Zone 1, where according to the Florida Department of Health in Duval County, the population is comprised of 72% ethnic minorities, half of all residents under the age of 18 live in poverty, 66% of adults are overweight or obese, and less than 16% of the population has post-secondary education. A third of all deaths among African Americans in Jacksonville are attributed to cardiovascular disease and diabetes, a rate nearly 20% higher than non-Hispanic Whites.
Deborah Elam, GE Foundation President & Chief Diversity Officer said, “The GE Foundation is proud to help Jacksonville’s most underserved residents get screened for cardiovascular disease, allowing them to gain access to care that is often out of reach. We know this simple intervention will save lives. The One Heart initiative will help give those who are most vulnerable a chance to lead healthier lives.”
One Heart is funded as part of GE Foundation’s Developing HealthTM initiative, which aims to deliver better health to more people. Developing HealthTM programs work to increase access to primary care for underserved populations through partnerships with independent, non-profit community health centers.
This grant adds to GE’s existing investment in Jacksonville. GE has 1,300 employees and operations across various business units in Jacksonville, including a GE Aviation facility that produces components and a recently opened $75 million GE Oil & Gas advanced manufacturing facility in the city’s west side. The GE Oil & Gas site opened in 2015 and is now incorporating software-defined machines, enhanced testing capability and Research & Development (R&D) space to foster the innovation of oil and gas products.
About AGAPE:
The AGAPE Community Health Center Network is a non-profit organization that collaborates with public health agencies and non-governmental organizations to enhance the health of the uninsured, underinsured, and medically underserved populations throughout Jacksonville.
About GE Foundation:
GE Foundation, the philanthropic organization of GE, is committed to building a world that works better. We empower people by helping them build the skills they need to succeed in a global economy. We equip communities with the technology and capacity to improve access to better health and education. We elevate ideas that are tackling the world's toughest challenges to advance economic development and improve lives. The GE Foundation is powered by the generosity and talent of our employees, who have a strong commitment to their communities. We are at work, making the world work better. Follow the GE Foundation at www.gefoundation.com and on Twitter at @GE_Foundation.
Sky Global One Power Plant in Texas Opens, Featuring First of GE’s 60-Hertz J920 FleXtra Gas Engines in the US
From GE:
Sky Global One Power Plant in Texas Opens, Featuring First of GE’s 60-Hertz J920 FleXtra Gas Engines in the US
April 26, 2016
- The Sky Global Power One Power Plant Provides One Solution to Help Solve Texas’ Energy Challenges
- Due to Increasing Installed Base of Renewable Power in ERCOT Region, Plant Must Provide High Flexibility to Offset Volatility of Wind and Solar and Ensure Grid Stability
- Six-Unit Order Represents Largest North American Power Project for GE’s 60-Hertz J920 FleXtra Gas Engine Technology
ROCK ISLAND, TEXAS—April 26, 2016—GE (NYSE: GE) today announced the opening of Sky Global Partners, LLC’s “Sky Global Power One” power plant, which features six of GE’s Jenbacher J920 FleXtra gas engines—representing the first six 60-hertz, 8.6-megawatt (MW) units to be in commercial operation in the United States. The plant is located in Colorado County, Texas, and will supply peaking power to meet the power demands of the 18,000 members of San Bernard Electric Cooperative (SBEC) in an eight-county region of south Central Texas.
GE provided six of its 60-hertz, Ecomagination qualified, 8.6-megawatt (MW) J920 FleXtra ultra-fast response, natural gas-fired engine generator sets for the 51-MW Sky Global Power One project, including a multiyear service agreement to increase asset availability. The plant will use no more water than a single residence. Sky Global Partners will sell peaking power generation to the San Bernard Electric Cooperative, Inc. (SBEC), which supplies electricity to more than 18,000 members. This partnership between Sky Global Partners and SBEC allows SBEC to participate in the value of the project through its investment in the purchased power over time.
“This project is a testament to our strong relationship with Sky Global Partners. The plant will not only serve the electrical needs of our membership when needed, but it also will be a merchant plant for others when not serving our needs,” said Billy Marricle, president and general manager of San Bernard. “This is a significant part of our power strategy going forward and provides us with protection from electricity exchange price spikes and the opportunity to increase the value of our cooperative.”
Due to the increasing installed base of renewable power generation in the Electric Reliability Council of Texas (ERCOT) region and the intermittent nature of these energy sources, the power plant must be able to provide a very high degree of flexibility within a short period to offset the volatility of the wind and solar resources, thus ensuring grid stability.
While GE supplied the core equipment consisting of six engines and the exhaust emission reduction systems, Sky Global Partners contracted with Haskell to design and construct the overall power plant. Sky Global Partners is the managing partner. SBEC’s participation in the project includes not only purchasing power, but also active participation in the management of the power plant. The financial collaborators for the plant are Sky Global Partners, Prudential Capital Group and The Lincoln National Life Insurance Company.
“For over a decade, Sky Global had been seeking a means to improve the value of power supply for the public power sector in Texas. This project is the first to achieve that vision, which is largely due to the combined efforts of GE’s technology, Haskell’s execution, Prudential Capital Group’s unique financing structure and the strategy of SBEC’s leadership,” said Frank Rotondi, president and CEO of Sky Global Partners.
Texas produces and consumes more electricity than any other state, accounting for more than one-tenth of total U.S. energy use. Contributing factors include its large and growing population, extreme summer temperatures and extensive industrial/manufacturing sector. When compared to the rest of the country, Texas has a higher concentration of energy-intensive industries such as aluminum, chemicals, forest products, glass and petroleum refining.
“Currently, more than one in six people in the world lack access to electricity, and one in three can’t depend on the sources they have[1]. Countries like the U.S. that have reliable access face big challenges as they look to upgrade aging infrastructure while making economic, environmental and efficiency improvements. Reliable and flexible power is key to economic success,” said Heiner Markhoff, president & CEO for GE Water & Distributed Power at GE Power. “As Texas continues to grow, it must invest in more power generation to ensure a reliable and affordable supply during peak power, and the Sky Global Power One project is one solution to help solve Texas’ energy needs. The best-in-class electrical efficiency of GE’s Jenbacher J920 FleXtra gas engines adds up to big savings in fuel over the life cycle of a plant.”
About San Bernard Electric Cooperative, Inc.
San Bernard Electric Cooperative, Inc. began in 1939, when several leaders from Austin and Colorado Counties became interested in securing service for their farms. As a result of their efforts, the cooperative was incorporated in November of 1939. The cooperative derived its name from the San Bernard River, which is the common boundary between Austin and Colorado Counties. The first 89 miles of power lines were built in 1940 and energized on December 31st, 1940. They served 141 members in the rural areas of Colorado and Austin Counties. Currently the Cooperative has approximately 3,900 miles of line serving approximately 25,000 meters in eight Texas counties – Austin, Colorado, Fayette, Grimes, Harris, Lavaca, Montgomery and Waller.
About Sky Global Partners, LLC
Sky Global Partners, LLC (Sky Global) is an independent power producer founded in 2007 with a fresh approach to serve evolving energy markets today. As leaders in the power generation industry, our mission is to design, build, finance, own and operate customized special purpose electric generation for Municipal Utilities, Rural Electric Cooperatives, Oil & Gas Producers, and Large Industry throughout the United States.
Sky Global Partners, LLC was founded in 2007 by a group of individuals with over 4,000 MW of completed independent power development, financing and operational experience. The members of the management team have built and operated power plants and other energy supply sources, managed all aspects of electric generation development and presided over multibillion-dollar energy commodities trading and marketing businesses.
About GE’s Distributed Power business
GE’s Distributed Power business is a leading provider of engines, power equipment and services focused on power generation and gas compression at or near the point of use. Distributed Power offers a diverse product portfolio that includes highly efficient, fuel-flexible, industrial gas engines generating 200 kW to 10 MW each of power for numerous industries globally. In addition, the business provides life cycle support for more than 36,000 gas engines worldwide to help you meet your business challenges and success metrics—anywhere and anytime. Backed by our authorized service providers in more than 170 countries, GE‘s global service network connects with you locally for rapid response to your service needs. GE’s Distributed Power business is headquartered in Jenbach, Austria.
About GE Power
GE Power is a world leader in power generation with deep domain expertise to help customers deliver electricity from a wide spectrum of fuel sources. We are transforming the electricity industry with the digital power plant, the world’s largest and most efficient gas turbine, full balance of plant, upgrade and service solutions as well as our data-leveraging software. Our innovative technologies and digital offerings help make power more affordable, reliable, accessible and sustainable.
For more information, visit the company's website at www.gepower.com. Follow GE Power on Twitter@GE_Power and on LinkedIn at GE Power.
About GE
GE (NYSE: GE) is the world’s Digital Industrial Company, transforming industry with software-defined machines and solutions that are connected, responsive and predictive. GE is organized around a global exchange of knowledge, the "GE Store," through which each business shares and accesses the same technology, markets, structure and intellect. Each invention further fuels innovation and application across our industrial sectors. With people, services, technology and scale, GE delivers better outcomes for customers by speaking the language of industry. www.ge.com
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