Press release news from the public relations clients of Tiziani Whitmyre, Inc.

September 26th, 2011

Fluid Automation: Unsung Contributor to Plant Economic Performance — New Management Brief from ASCO Numatics

FLORHAM PARK, N.J. — Sept. 26, 2011 — While fluid automation products — valves, pneumatics actuators, and similar components — control the flow of a process liquid or a supply of compressed air, they can also help control the flow of profits, according to a new management brief from ASCO Numatics.  Titled “Fluid Automation: The Unsung Contributor to Plant Economic Performance,” the brief is available for download at http://goo.gl/9MMkH.

The speed and reliability of fluid control products can provide competitive economic advantages in industrial operations worldwide. This is due to their ability to extend overall equipment service life, reduce warranty costs, cut maintenance/repair/operations (MRO) inventories, and increase production uptime and productivity.

But the choice of fluid automation technology is critical. For end users, judicious selection of fluid automation components must play a key role in their performance improvement plans. For original equipment manufacturers (OEMs), the right fluid automation choices provide significant cost, time-to-market, and product competitive advantages.

The new management brief examines available solutions and discusses how they  have maximized both speed and reliability — and provided surprisingly strong contributions to the economic performance of industrial operations.

The contents of the brief include:

• Changing the Rhythm
• Feeding the Bottom Line
• The Benefits of Reliability
• The Power of Speeds
• Advantages for the OEM
• Advances for the End User

Download the new management brief, “Fluid Automation: The Unsung Contributor to Plant Economic Performance,” from http://goo.gl/9MMkH.

Follow ASCO Valve on Twitter at http://twitter.com/ascovalve and on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/ascovalve.

About ASCO Numatics

ASCO Numatics, a division of Emerson, offers comprehensive fluid automation solutions, including fluid control and fluid power products, for a wide range of industry-focused applications. The ASCO Numatics product line in North America consists of more than 50,000 valves, an extensive selection of air preparation equipment, and a full line of actuation products. ASCO products include solenoid pilot valves, angle body piston valves, linear indicators, redundant control systems, and pressure sensors. The Numatics line covers valve manifolds, cylinders, grippers, filters, regulators, and lubricators. For more information about ASCO Numatics products, visit www.asconumatics.com

About Emerson

Emerson (NYSE: EMR), based in St. Louis, Missouri (USA), is a global leader in bringing technology and engineering together to provide innovative solutions for customers in industrial, commercial, and consumer markets through its network power, process management, industrial automation, climate technologies, and tools and storage businesses. Sales in fiscal 2010 were $21 billion. For more information, visit www.Emerson.com.

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Press Contact: Don Goncalves, 781-793-9380, dgoncalves@tizinc.com

 

Tags: fluid automation, fluid control products, Manufacturing, plant, pneumatics actuators, process industries, valves

September 21st, 2011

Building, Validating & Maintaining Controlled Environment Facilities is Focus of Oct. 18th Seminar in Boston Hosted by Microtest Laboratories

AGAWAM, Mass. — Building, validating, and maintaining a controlled environment facility is the subject of a daylong seminar on Oct. 18, 2011, hosted by Microtest Laboratories at the MIT Endicott House in Dedham, Massachusetts.

Titled “Keeping It Clean? The Building Blocks of Facility Control,” the seminar will focus on the clean room testing, disinfection validation, and related contamination testing issues that arise from manufacturing of medical devices or pharmaceuticals, as well as sterile compounding in hospital pharmacies.

In each seminar program, industry experts will present practice advice and sound solutions in an interactive format that will encourage a high level of engagement by participants for questions, answers and discussion. The topics will include:

• Killing The Bugs Without Killing Yourself: Disinfectant Qualifications
• Feeling Like A Fish Out of WFI?: Water System Validation and Maintenance
• Got A Lot On Your Plate: Clean-room Validations and Maintenance
• The Old In & Out: Considerations On Insourcing vs. Outsourcing

“Keeping It Clean? The Building Blocks of Facility Control” will be presented 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. on Tuesday, Oct. 18, 2011, at the MIT Endicott House, 80 Haven Street in Dedham, Mass., just outside of Boston. Registration and a complimentary continental breakfast is at 8 a.m. Lunch will be served at Noon. The cost is $149 per person and includes meals, refreshments, and workshop handouts.

To register or for more information, visit the Microtest Laboratories website at http://www.microtestlabs.com/seminar/index.asp. Or, contact Julie Adamski at 413-786-1680, toll-free at 1-800-631-1680, or at jadamski@microtestlabs.com.

About Microtest Laboratories

Microtest Laboratories is a leader in controlled environment facility testing, laboratory testing, and contract manufacturing services for the medical device, pharmaceutical, and biotechnology industries. Based in Agawam, Massachusetts, USA, the company provides expertise and flexible processes that enhance product safety and security, accelerate time to market, and minimize supply chain disruption. For more information, visit http://www.microtestlabs.com or call 1-413-786-1680 or toll-free 1-800-631-1680. Follow Microtest Laboratories on Twitter @MicrotestLabs at http://twitter.com/MicrotestLabs.

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Press contact: Don Goncalves, Tiziani Whitmyre, 1-781-793-9380, dgoncalves@tizinc.com

 

Tags: Boston, clean room, clean room testing, cleanroom, controlled environment, Disinfection validation, environmental systems

September 16th, 2011

First Commons Bank Sponsors 2nd Annual “Free Parking Day” in Newton Centre

First Commons Bank of Newton, Mass., celebrated its second anniversary of operations by sponsoring “First Commons Bank Free Parking Day” throughout Newton Centre.

On Sept. 14^th, First Commons Bank shopping bags covered all of the city’s parking meters in Newton Centre as the bank picked up the tab on the meters to provide free parking for all residents, shoppers and visitors throughout the day.

The date represents the official opening of the bank’s headquarters in Newton Centre and its start of operations in 2009. The serves businesses and individuals in Newton, Wellesley, Waltham, and eastern Massachusetts.

Pictured below: Mark G. Jurilla, Senior Vice President and Chief Retail Officer; Lena K. Chouljian, Vice President and Newton Centre Branch Manager; and Michael J. Tallo, Chief Financial Officer.

Tags: bank, community bank, first commons bank, Massachusetts, Newton, Newton Centre

September 16th, 2011

First Commons Bank Celebrates Grand Opening of Wellesley Branch Office; Receives Official Citations from State Representative Alice Hanlon Peisch

Wellesley, Mass. — September 16, 2011 — The directors and management of First Commons Bank, along with officials from the Town of Wellesley, Mass., and the Wellesley Chamber of Commerce, joined to officially celebrate the opening of the bank’s second branch office at 161 Linden Street in Linden Square, Wellesley, Mass. on Wednesday. The Newton-based bank began operations on July 22, 2009, and serves businesses and individuals in Newton, Wellesley, Waltham, and eastern Massachusetts.

State Representative Alice Hanlon Peisch presented official citations from the Massachusetts Senate and from the Massachusetts House of Representatives to Tony Nuzzo, Chairman, President and CEO, congratulating the bank on its second branch and wishing the bank continued success.

In addition to Peisch, those participating in the festivities included Wellesley Chamber President and CEO Maura M. O’Brien, Wellesley Selectmen Owen Dugan and Terri Tsagaris, Wellesley Fire Chief Rick Delorie, Deputy Fire Chief Jeff Peterson, and Wellesley Police Department Lieutenants Marie Cleary and Jack Pilecki.

“This week we are celebrating our second new branch and the bank’s second anniversary of operations,” said Nuzzo. “Here in Wellesley, as we have done in Newton, we will strive to become long-term financial partners with our clients while offering best-in-class customer service; easy access to funds; and fast, logical loan decisions.”

Nuzzo introduced Debby Chui, Vice President and Branch Manager in Wellesley, and Brian Mann, Assistant Branch Manager. “Together, the team has 33 years of banking experience and extensive knowledge of the local community that includes more than 20 years in the town of Wellesley,” he said.

Operating hours for the new office will be Monday-Wednesday, 8:30 to 5:00; Thursday and Friday, 8:30 to 6:00; and Saturday, 8:30 to 2:00. The bank’s phone number is 617-243-4400 and the Web address is http://www.firstcommonsbank.com.

About First Commons Bank

First Commons Bank, N.A., is a new, nationally chartered, FDIC-insured full-service community bank, dedicated to serving the businesses and individuals of Newton, Wellesley, Waltham, and eastern Massachusetts. The bank, which opened for business in 2009, reports total assets of more than $136 million, making it larger than 45% of all FDIC-insured banks in the U.S.

First Commons Bank provides clients with superior, personalized service and the highest-quality banking through its onsite management team, experienced staff members, unique and welcoming branch environment, and advanced banking technologies. Of note: Tony Nuzzo, Chairman, President, and CEO, was named Financial Services Executive of the Year in the prestigious 2010 American Business Awards.

First Commons Bank (http://www.firstcommonsbank.com) is headquartered at 718 Beacon Street in Newton Centre, Massachusetts.

Follow First Commons Bank on Facebook at http://facebook.com/firstcommonsbank and on Twitter at http://twitter.com/firstcommonsbnk.

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Press contact: Don Goncalves, Tiziani Whitmyre, Inc., 781-793-9380, dgoncalves@tizinc.com

Download high-resolution photos for publication from: http://goo.gl/Zr4Al

Company contact: Tony Nuzzo, First Commons Bank, 617-243-4410

Tags: banking, community banking, first commons bank, Massachusetts, tony nuzzo, Wellesley

September 14th, 2011

At Shaw Industries, Personalized Ear Plug Fit Testing Overcomes Challenges to Worker Hearing Protection – New Case Study

SMITHFIELD, RHODE ISLAND, USA, September 14, 2011 – In late 2009, Kenny Dillard, faced seemingly insurmountable environmental challenges to the Hearing Conservation program at a Dalton, Ga., manufacturing facility of Shaw Industries Group, Inc., the world’s largest carpet manufacturer and a leading floor covering provider.

Although the company invests in engineering and administrative controls to reduce noise levels, and continues to look for ways to decrease the exposure in the work environment, hearing protection is still needed for many workers. Meanwhile, the local climate, which generates both extreme heat and humidity, often makes the wearing of earmuffs uncomfortable.

The solution, Dillard decided, was to “get personal” with an innovative program that integrates the Howard Leight® VeriPRO® ear plug fit testing system with one-on-one training, resulting in personal validation and self-efficacy.

At Shaw, the new VeriPRO ear plug fit testing program “represents an on-going investment in workers and their personal safety” that resulted in what Dillard believes has evolved into a true one-on-one Hearing Conservation Program. “To get where we are now meant that we had to change our whole mindset — to realize that it’s all about each and every individual — and what fits them well,” he said.

The program proved to be an overwhelming success, earning Shaw the 2011 Safe-in-Sound Award for Best Practices in Hearing Conservation, presented by the National Institute of Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) and the National Hearing Conservation Association (NHCA).

The program is also the subject of a new case study which traces Dillard’s progress through each stage of the program’s development and implementation, from “Doubling Up for Safety” to “Ear Plug Fit Testing and Verification” to “Ear Plug Selection, Protection, and Training” to “Personal Validation” – providing a detailed blueprint for safety, industrial hygiene, plant managers, and others to emulate at their own facilities.

Download the free case study at http://hearforever.org/shaw.

About Howard Leight^®

Under the Howard Leight brand, Honeywell Safety Products is a leading global provider of passive and intelligent hearing protection solutions, and is the founder of the HearForever™ initiative. For over 30 years, the company and its predecessors have pursued the prevention of occupational noise-induced hearing loss through innovation in hearing protection design, technology, performance and comfort, and the promotion of progressive Hearing Conservation Programs. Leading solutions include the highest attenuating Max^® single-use earplug; patented Air Flow Control™ technology for optimal earmuff attenuation; QuietDose™ personal in-ear dosimetry; and the industry-changing VeriPRO® earplug fit testing system. Visit the Howard Leight website at http://www.howardleight.com and follow us on Twitter at http://twitter.com/HowardLeight.

About Honeywell

Honeywell International (http://www.honeywell.com) is a Fortune 100 diversified technology and manufacturing leader, serving customers worldwide with aerospace products and services; control technologies for buildings, homes and industry; automotive products; turbochargers; and specialty materials. Based in Morris Township, N.J., Honeywell’s shares are traded on the New York, London, and Chicago Stock Exchanges. For more news and information on Honeywell, please visit http://www.honeywellnow.com.

This release contains certain statements that may be deemed “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. All statements, other than statements of historical fact, that address activities, events or developments that we or our management intends, expects, projects, believes or anticipates will or may occur in the future are forward-looking statements. Such statements are based upon certain assumptions and assessments made by our management in light of their experience and their perception of historical trends, current economic and industry conditions, expected future developments and other factors they believe to be appropriate. The forward-looking statements included in this release are also subject to a number of material risks and uncertainties, including but not limited to economic, competitive, governmental, and technological factors affecting our operations, markets, products, services and prices. Such forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance, and actual results, developments and business decisions may differ from those envisaged by such forward-looking statements.

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Press contact: Don Goncalves, Tiziani Whitmyre public relations, 781-793-9380, dgoncalves@tizinc.com

Tags: ear plug fit testing, hearing conservation, Hearing Protection, howard leight, Shaw Industries

September 14th, 2011

Robert F. Higgins Joins Advanced Practice Strategies Board of Directors

— Healthcare Investor Joins Leading Continuing Medical Education Provider —

Boston, Mass., September 14, 2011 — Advanced Practice Strategies (APS), the leading provider of continuing medical education solutions for risk management and patient safety, today announced that Robert F. Higgins, founding partner of Highland Capital Partners and Senior Lecturer at Harvard Business School, has been elected to APS’ Board of Directors.

“Bob has a remarkable track record working with early-stage healthcare companies,” said Dennis Ferrill, chief executive officer of APS. “His expertise in the healthcare industry will enable him to make significant contributions to the APS board. I look forward to working with him as APS undergoes a period of rapid growth and expansion as we advance outdated continuing medical education practices and dramatically improve patient safety.”

“APS represents an outstanding opportunity to expand the knowledge base of our nation’s medical professionals,” said Higgins. “Medical error is a massive and growing problem. APS is building the next generation of learning tools for physicians, nurses, and other medical professionals. I look forward to working with Dennis and the team to improve the performance of clinical professionals and enhance patient outcomes.”

At Highland Capital Partners, Higgins has helped build many successful companies in the healthcare service, IT, medical device, and biotechnology sectors. He has served as a director for numerous public and private firms. Higgins is a former director of the National Venture Capital Association and president of the New England Venture Capital Association. In addition, he has been recognized by the prestigious Forbes Midas List and AlwaysOn Venture Capital 100 as one of the top venture capitalists in the industry.

At Harvard Business School, Higgins co-created and currently teaches a course titled, “Entrepreneurship and Venture Capital in Healthcare.” He is a member of the Healthcare Initiative, the Social Enterprise Initiative, and the Harvard Faculty Committee for the MD/MBA program. In addition, he received the 2008 HBS Healthcare Alumni Achievement Award.

Prior to founding Highland, Higgins was the chief executive of the John A. Hartford Foundation, the Clark Foundation, and the Burden Foundation. He was also the assistant to the U.S. Secretary of Commerce and assistant to the head of the international division of the U.S. Treasury. He is a graduate of Harvard College and Harvard Business School.

About APS

Advanced Practice Strategies (APS) is building the next generation of continuing medical education for physicians, nurses, and other medical professionals. APS is dedicated to improving the lives of both patients and their caregivers through effective, innovative education solutions. APS’ flexible, state-of-the-art eLearning program has helped hospitals and clinicians reduce risk and enhance patient safety across the country. APS’ Demonstrative Evidence Group is the nation’s leading provider of visual strategies and materials for courtroom defense against medical malpractice claims. Strategic partners include the Risk Management Foundation of the Harvard Medical Institutions and the Hospital Corporation of America. APS is headquartered in Boston, Massachusetts. For more information, visit http://www.aps-web.com.

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Media Contact: Don Goncalves, dgoncalves@tizinc.com, 781-793-9380

Tags: CLE, CME, continuing medical education, elearning, Harvard Business School, Highland Capital Partners, patient safety

August 24th, 2011

New White Paper Examines Clinical Trial Material Production & Testing: What Your Contract Manufacturing Organization is Not Telling You

AGAWAM, Mass., Aug. 24, 2011 — For pharmaceutical manufacturers, delays in starting a clinical trial program due to issues involving the manufacture of clinical trial material (CTM) and the associated fill/finish and release work can make even the most dogged project managers wince in pain. A new, free white paper recommends a proven process of evaluating a cGMP contract manufacturing organization (CMO) to deliver all the required processes needed to release CTM for clinical trial use.

The new white paper, “Clinical Trial Material Production and Testing: Is Your CMO Providing Everything You Need,” explores what pharmaceutical manufacturers must require from a CMO in terms of capabilities and expertise and the critical roles that the contractor must be able to assume in the clinical trial material manufacturing process.

The white paper is available for download from: http://www.microtestlabs.com/clinical-trial-material-production-testing-paper/.

“In order to keep clinical protocols on time and on budget in the CTM manufacturing process, it’s critical that the selected CMO has comprehensive capabilities that are both in-house and readily available,” notes Alexander Mello, author of the white paper and Director of Project Management, Manufacturing, for Microtest Laboratories, a leader in contract manufacturing, aseptic processing and full service pharmaceutical testing.

“Contracting with a CMO without complete in-house expertise will add unnecessary time to the CTM process. In these cases, performing a GMP audit of the CMO, plus all of the other companies (formulators, laboratories, labelers, etc.) that the CMO uses in the supply chain, will add significantly to the overall cost and time for the technical transfer of the product,” he explains.

The new white paper illustrates how the proper selection of a CMO can help meet product schedules and minimize potential restart activities. The paper reviews the roles that the CMO must be able to play in CTM process, from first steps through the completion, and details the key areas of Raw Materials, Formulation, and Final Drug Product (FDP).

The white paper also discusses how a fully-capable CMO will have the ability to perform all the required processes in CTM – including excipient and API release for GMP manufacture, formulation, in-process testing, environmental monitoring, filter integrity testing, and final release testing.

To download the new, free white paper, “Clinical Trial Material Production and Testing: Is Your CMO Providing Everything You Need,” visit http://www.microtestlabs.com/clinical-trial-material-production-testing-paper/.

Mello, the author of the white paper, is Director of Project Management, Manufacturing, for Microtest Laboratories. Mello’s 15 years of experience span Aseptic Fill/Finish, Microbiology, Method Transfer, Stability of Drug Product, Medical Devices/Combo Devices, and Sterilization Sciences. He holds a graduate degree in Biological Sciences and is a Specialist Microbiologist (NRM).

Follow Microtest Labs on Twitter @MicrotestLabs at http://twitter.com/MicrotestLabs.

About Microtest

Microtest is a leader in testing services and contract manufacturing for the medical device, pharmaceutical, and biotechnology industries. Based in Agawam, Massachusetts, U.S.A., the company’s expertise and flexible processes enhance product safety and security, accelerate time to market, and minimize supply chain disruption. For more information, visithttp://www.microtestlabs.com or call 1-413-786-1680 or toll-free 1-800-631-1680.

Tags: clinical trial material, CMO, Contract Manufacturing Organization, CTM, Fill/Finish, Microtest Laboratories

August 9th, 2011

ASCO Introduces Stainless Steel Pilot Valves for Offshore Applications

FLORHAM PARK, NEW JERSEY, U.S.A., August 9, 2011 – ASCO Numatics, the world’s leading manufacturer of comprehensive fluid automation, flow control, and pneumatics solutions, has introduced the 8361 Series of stainless steel pilot valves. The series’ unique design eliminates the dormancy or “sticking” problems that can occur in control valves installed in the pneumatic logic panels that control monitoring safety systems in offshore oil and gas production facilities. In addition, the valve line was launched with online tools that permit rapid product configuration and ordering.

“Corrosion-resistance and reliability are essential for safe operation in harsh offshore environments,” said Robert W. Kemple, Jr., executive vice president, sales and marketing – Americas, ASCO Numatics. “The 8361 Series’ innovative, highly reliable, and proven T-seal technology resists the dormancy issues that plague current valves using O-ring seals. O-ring designs can stick upon actuation in low-cycle demand control valve applications. Our research shows that many users routinely hammer the sides of these valves to ensure they function properly,” said Kemple.

The 8361 Series (¼-inch NPT, 3-way, 316L stainless steel) valves are offered in manually operated, air-piloted, and solenoid-piloted versions. They can be configured as breathing and nonbreathing. The non-breathing version isolates internal components from the atmosphere and is internally vented, preventing contaminants such as salt and dust to enter the valve and corrode internal components.

The valve’s balanced design maintains the same flow characteristics when the valve is used in a normally open or normally closed configuration. This provides symmetrical flow that enables more flexible setup of the control panel’s pneumatic logic. The 1.4 Cv provides almost double the flow of comparable spool technology. In addition, the valve’s innovative pilot-selector design allows the same unit to be used as an internally or externally piloted solenoid valve, simplifying ordering and reducing inventory.

The 8361 Series’ solenoid version comes with ASCO’s renowned RedHat solenoid – recognized as the most reliable in the industry. Its 0.55-watt power consumption is three times less than competitive valves.

“Every aspect of this valve has been designed for the highest reliability, minimal maintenance, and lowest cost of ownership,” said Kemple. “For example, the valve’s body is made entirely of 316L stainless steel, and the Elgiloy^® and stainless steel spring is designed for corrosion resistance and severe service beyond 1 million cycles.”

Online Tools Enables Rapid Configuration and Ordering

An 8361 Series online toolset is available that allows customers to quickly build a valve that meets a set of specific requirements. It then displays the list price, availability, 3D CAD drawings, and specifications for the configured product. The configurator generates an order code for the valve that permits an immediate online purchase, plus greatly simplifies the reordering process.

The 8361 Series valves can be purchased from ASCO distributors or directly from the company. Most of the valve’s configurations are available through the ASCO Today or 5-day shipping programs.

For more information, contact ASCO at 800-972-ASCO, by e-mail at info-valve@asco.com, or visit http://www.ascovalve.com/Offshore.

About ASCO Numatics

ASCO Numatics, a division of Emerson, offers comprehensive fluid automation solutions, including fluid control and fluid power products, for a wide range of industry-focused applications. The ASCO Numatics product line in North America consists of more than 50,000 valves, an extensive selection of air preparation equipment, and a full line of actuation products. ASCO products include solenoid pilot valves, angle body piston valves, linear indicators, redundant control systems, and pressure sensors. The Numatics line covers valve manifolds, cylinders, grippers, filters, regulators, and lubricators. For more information about ASCO Numatics products, visit http://www.asconumatics.com

About Emerson

Emerson (NYSE: EMR), based in St. Louis, Missouri (USA), is a global leader in bringing technology and engineering together to provide innovative solutions for customers in industrial, commercial, and consumer markets through its network power, process management, industrial automation, climate technologies, and tools and storage businesses. Sales in fiscal 2010 were $21 billion. For more information, visit http://www.Emerson.com.

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Elgiloy is a registered trademark used for metal alloys and owned by Combined Metals of Chicago, L.L.C., Elgin National Watch Company.

Note to Editors:

• Press contact: Don Goncalves, 781-793-9380, dgoncalves@tizinc.com
• Download high resolution photo for publication: http://www.flickr.com/photos/ascovalve/6025696982

Tags: ASCO Numatics, comprehensive fluid automation, control valves, flow control, offshore, offshore gas, offshore oil, offshore valves, pneumatics solutions, stainless steel pilot valves

July 28th, 2011

First Commons Bank Assets Top $136 Million in Eighth Quarter of Operations

- New Newton-Based Bank Surpasses More Than 45% of All FDIC-Insured Banks Nationally in Less Than Two Years -

Newton Centre, Massachusetts – July 28, 2011 – First Commons Bank of Newton, Mass., today reported that its assets have grown to more than $136 million during its eighth quarter of operations ending June 30, 2011. This reflects a 44% increase or over $42 million versus the asset level of $94 million for the quarter ending June 30, 2010. The bank began operations on July 22, 2009 and serves businesses and individuals in Newton, Wellesley, Waltham, and eastern Massachusetts.

“With more than 7,500 FDIC-insured banks in the U.S. filing reports for the quarter ended March 31, 2011, First Commons Bank assets have now surpassed those of more than 3,400 other banks, or more than 45 percent, after just 8 quarters of operations,” said Tony Nuzzo, Chairman, President and CEO.

“Although we are pleased with our asset growth over the first 23 months of operations, we remain focused on achieving sustained profitability. Within this context, we are very pleased that our net loans have grown to $93.8 million versus $37.5 million at the end of June in 2010 for a 149% increase or over $56.2 million. This has resulted in a loan to deposit ratio of 80.3% versus 47.2% last year,” Nuzzo said.

“First Commons Bank will open its second branch in Wellesley, Massachusetts later this summer which will allow us to expand our ability to fill the consumer and business voids created by the large banks,” Nuzzo said.

First Commons Bank financial results are available on the FDIC’s Web site at http://goo.gl/dchRM.

About First Commons Bank

First Commons Bank, N.A., is a new, nationally chartered, FDIC-insured full-service community bank, dedicated to serving the businesses and individuals of Newton, Wellesley, Waltham, and eastern Massachusetts. The bank, which opened for business in 2009, reports total assets of more than $136 million, making it larger than 45% of all FDIC-insured banks in the U.S.

First Commons Bank provides clients with superior, personalized service and the highest-quality banking through its onsite management team, experienced staff members, a unique and welcoming branch environment, and advanced banking technologies. Of note: Tony Nuzzo, Chairman, President, and CEO, was named Financial Services Executive of the Year in the prestigious 2010 American Business Awards. First Commons Bank (http://firstcommonsbank.com) is headquartered at 718 Beacon Street in Newton Centre, Massachusetts.

Follow First Commons Bank on Facebook at http://facebook.com/firstcommonsbank and on Twitter at http://twitter.com/firstcommonsbnk.

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Press contact: Don Goncalves, Tiziani Whitmyre public relations, Inc., 781-793-9380, dgoncalves@tizinc.com

Company contact: Tony Nuzzo, First Commons Bank, 617-243-4410

Tags: bank, banking, community bank, eastern Massachusetts, first commons bank, Newton, Waltham, Wellesley

July 25th, 2011

Advanced Instruments Introduces A2O Advanced Automated Osmometer Featuring Breakthrough Automation and Performance Levels

NORWOOD, MASSACHUSETTS, USA, July 25, 2011 - Advanced Instruments, Inc., today introduced the A₂O^TM Advanced Automated Osmometer, a multi-sample instrument that sets new benchmarks for analytical performance, ease of use, and true walk away operation capabilities in osmolality testing. The announcement was made at the American Association for Clinical Chemistry’s 2011 Clinical Lab Expo.

“The A₂O represents a major step forward in osmometry technology and offers clinical laboratory customers an exceptional opportunity to enhance their productivity and workflow,” said Kelly Peterson, product manager, Advanced Instruments. “It combines a highly functional design, exceptional performance, and an intuitive software control package that is both powerful and elegantly simple to operate.”

A₂O Eliminates Time-Consuming Manual Pipetting

With its intelligent liquid handling, the A₂O is the first osmometer to eliminate time-consuming and labor-intensive manual pipetting – the leading cause of sampling errors and inaccurate test results. The instrument fully automates sample processing to achieve dramatic gains in laboratory productivity and efficiency.

The instrument’s flexible software brings exciting new features and benefits to clinical laboratories:

• Intuitive touchscreen interface provides easy-to-use functionality and operation
• Integrated quality control features include automated system calibration, statistical monitoring and reporting, method control limits for controls and patient samples, and built-in system linearity checks
• Selectable system operation and access levels provides operator login and password protection
• Positive sample identification eliminates transcription errors
• Sample testing protocols can be customized specifically for each laboratory’s unique test requirements

“Advanced Instruments has leveraged its 50 years of freezing-point technology experience to revolutionize osmolality testing,” said Peterson. “The A₂O’s technology will allow clinical laboratory users to achieve more results, faster – and more efficiently.”

For more information on the A₂O Advanced Automated Osmometer, visit http://www.aicompanies.com/A2O or call +1 781.320.9000.

About Advanced Instruments, Inc.

Advanced Instruments, Inc., and our subsidiaries, Delta Instruments and Mart^® Microbiology, design and manufacture instrumentation for clinical, pharmaceutical, biotechnology, microbiology, and food laboratories. Our quality brands include Spiral Biotech, Fiske Associates, and D & F Control Systems. The products we make help healthcare providers improve their quality of care, and industrial companies enhance their quality and productivity.

Advanced Instruments products are available from a worldwide distributor network. For more information on our products and services or to find your nearest distributor, visit us at http://www.aicompanies.com or e-mail us at info@aicompanies.com.

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Note to Editors:

• Download high-resolution photos for publication from: http://www.aicompanies.com/documents/image/A2O.jpg

Tags: Advanced Instruments, clinical laboratories, clinical laboratory, Osmolality, osmometer, osmometry

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