You might need help with your Facebook page if . . .
Posted on | January 2, 2013 | No Comments
I do some work for a friend/colleague who has a communications consulting practice not unlike my own.
One of the more interesting clients I’ve assisted him with recently is a local gent who is a bullfighter (they used to be called rodeo clowns) named Lance Brittan. He once won a world championship. He is a great guy with a great story, a lovely family, beautiful wife and two darling daughters. An all American type of thing.
He does the bullfighter gig part time, and is well liked; but he frankly is looking at the latter part of his career, and he has done little to capitalize on his expertise and relative fame in his particular profession. We’ve been able to start and grow a nice Facebook presence for him, and are actively seeking opportunities to find him sponsors and other opportunities.
With the National Western Stock Show and Rodeo coming up in Denver, we’ve been looking at how we might help him leverage that and his participation to his advantage. I noticed that a fellow bullfighter, Flint Rasmussen, is actually given top billing (or at least co-star status with the bulls and riders) for some of the bull riding events this year, and wondered about how that came about. My friend/colleague thought it was that this gent had maybe been at it longer, or was older, or did it more as more of a full-time profession.
Turns out he has a similar story – lifelong cowboy, breeds horses professionally, has a nice family, pretty wife, darling daughters. He has a strong resume of awards and titles as a bullfighter. He has nearly 13,000 fans/likes on Facebook. But when I visited his Facebook page, some issues were immediately obvious.
First, he has no cover photo – which is a great, and much under-utilized, but very basic piece of real estate. Especially for as dramatic an activity as bullfighting is, that is a huge missed opportunity to post an eye-catching photo and revolve through a number of different images as days/weeks go by.
Second, he has posted mostly text updates – when tons of research shows that graphic, visual posts – photos, videos, links – are what catches eyes and leads to engagement.
And speaking of engagement – he had lots, but much of it is not good. He has posted a number of comments where, while it seems his heart is in the right place, in execution comes across as clumsy, judgmental, ill-informed, or worse.
One of the more recent posts was: “As I was sitting at the kitchen counter this morning as my kids ate breakfast, asking them how they were feeling and what their day had in store, I had a thought…maybe school breakfast should only be offered to those who truly need it. School programs have provided some good things, but they have also enabled parents to not truly be involved in their kids lives. After so many tragedies, the parents “had no idea.” We should raise our children, not the school….Stay involved!”
At a basic level, sure, stay involved. Eat meals with your kids. Ask them questions. Listen to their answers. BUT when he throws in the ditty about only offering school breakfast to “those who truly need it” and that it has “enabled parents to not truly be involved in their kids lives” he charges like a bull into a china shop; and the responses are as polarizing as you might expect.
Where to begin? Does he really think that parents are lazy, neglectful moochers who send their kids to get a breakfast they don’t really need as a way to shirk the responsibility of interacting with and raising their kids? Does he really not think that parents would rather feed their own kids and eat with them and be more involved with them? Does he not understand the challenges faced by parents today to raise kids and work a job – or multiple jobs? It smacks of a holier-than-thou attitude likely to upset and alienate a significant segment of his fans.
After the mess that post made with a long string of comments, he was unrepentant, following up with: “And arguments with my previous post have shown what we have become. I believe I stated that programs have provided some good things. I also stated that it is good to talk and have a meal with your kids. You can NOT argue with that! I judged nobody, so don’t judge me either. Some unbelievable comments looking way deeper into this than I intended. Thanks for the eye-opener…”
Tone deaf. I’d love to see his page data and how many likes he lost through this little incident – not to mention how many folks don’t buy tickets to the next rodeo he appears at near them because he same across as a judgmental jerk.
As my friend noted: “. . . what a nightmare in terms of comments, another example of why people can’t manage their own page.”
I’m not convinced that people cannot and should not manage their own pages, but it never hurts to think before you post, and get feedback from others on what you are thinking about posting. And if you step in it, it never hurts to apologize, reel things in, or at least explain further for those who might have taken a post in a way you had not intended.
It might seem likely to be boring if all you ever post is positive, but social media – Facebook pages in particular – are not the places to be provocative (intentionally or unintentionally). Unless you’re Rush Limbaugh or Matt Drudge, it is a place to be authentic and share good news, inspirational material, bad news at times, and news/events.
I’m sure there are plenty out there, but I’ve begun drafting a Top X list of don’ts and dos for your Facebook page – I’ll look to flesh that out and post it here soon.
Meanwhile, if you have concerns about social media and your Facbook page, or anything related to public relations or marketing communications, drop me a line at brad@shannonmarcom.com or call me at 970-461-4906 or 970-420-8793 and I’d be happy to discuss it with you.
Brad
Loveland Artist’s Work, Inspired by Cancer Cells, Showcased at Cutting-Edge Cancer Symposium
Posted on | November 16, 2012 | No Comments
As a featured artist at Genentech/Livestrong Rev Forum, Angela Canada Hopkins shared her inspiring work with global leaders in cancer care and treatment
Loveland, CO – Local artist Angela Canada Hopkins, whose work is inspired by cancer cells, had 40 pieces from her Cell Series of paintings displayed last month at the inaugural Rev Forum (http://www.rev-forum.com/) cancer symposium in Austin, Texas.
“I met an amazing variety of leaders, activists, survivors, researchers, and doctors,” notes Canada Hopkins. “It was an honor to be part of the event, and be involved in the discussion of the future of cancer research and treatment.”
The forum was an invitation-only event developed by Genentech & Livestrong that brought together thought leaders in the field of cancer research. Speakers included Siddhartha Mukherjee, cancer physician and researcher and Pulitzer Prize winning author of ‘Emperor of All Maladies’, and Dr. Jack West, cancer physician and founder of Global Resource for Advancing Cancer Education.
The event featured discussions on research and data sharing and their impact on cancer care and patient outcomes; how care providers and patient advocates can elevate patients’ voices and engage the public in the fight against cancer; and how government, industry, and non-governmental organizations (NGOs) can work together to collaborate and innovate. Canada Hopkins’ work was featured at both the day’s learning event at the Austin Convention Center, and at the evening social outing.
One of Angela’s collectors, Karin Dillon of Genentech, was also involved in planning the Rev Forum. She noted, “In addition to top-quality presenters, we were looking for featured artists to inspire attendees and renew their commitment to work together to overcome challenges the cancer community collectively faces. Angela’s cell art was a perfect addition to the event. Many attendees were moved and inspired by her creations. We appreciate her help in making the event inspirational and memorable!”
Cures Rock! (http://curesrock.blogspot.com/) Founder and Chief Advocate Julie Wescott, who participated in the event, described Angela’s work as “gorgeous” and “emotional.”
About Angela Canada Hopkins
After her father succumbed to cancer in June 2001, Angela Canada Hopkins decided the best way to overcome her new “enemy” was by embracing it through her art. Each painting begins with a slide of a cancer cell, which she then deconstructs and reinterprets using triumphant colors and bold brush strokes. Each canvas telegraphs a message of hope to cancer sufferers, cancer survivors, and their loved ones. Canada Hopkins is a full-time artist and resides in Loveland, Colorado, with her husband, James. Her work is included in numerous private and public collections including South Bend Memorial Hospital, South Bend, Indiana and Kettering Medical Center, Kettering, Ohio. It has also been featured been featured on the cover of Wavelength Journal and four issues of the Journal of Oncology Navigation and Survivorship. For more information, call 970. 689. 9841, email canadahopkins@gmail.com, visit www.CanadaHopkins.com, or connect at www.facebook.com/angelacanadahopkins and www.twitter.com/canadahopkins.
About Rev Forum
REV was co-developed by two leaders in the fight against cancer, Genentech® and LIVESTRONG™ to create a unique information and idea exchange that accelerates collaborative efforts, unconventional thinking, and innovative solutions. Attendees were an exclusive, invitation-only community of approximately 200 working to identify tangible goals and create plans to engage in change together, including opportunities for dialogue to continue beyond the event itself. Members were part of an inaugural event designed to be a driving force in advancing the fight against cancer through exchanging ideas; identifying new opportunities for collaboration; increasing awareness of activities in the fight against cancer from a wide range of expertise; relationship building/networking; and generating collaborative ideas and participating in a special event commemorating the 15-year anniversary of LIVESTRONG. Attendees used Twitter hashtags #REVforum and #REVmoments to share their experiences and insights during the event. For more information, visit http://www.rev-forum.com/.
Tags: Angela Canada Hopkins > cancer > cancer education > Colorado artist > Genentech > Loveland artist > Rev Forum
VetweRx Opens Pilot Companion Animal Clinic in Downtown Denver
Posted on | November 14, 2012 | No Comments
VetweRx (www.vetwerx.com), a new state-of-the-art small animal veterinary clinic offering “state of the heart” care that opened in downtown Denver last week, bringing important services to an under-served area. The $1 million facility employs 10, and has one of only 5 CAT scan machines available statewide for veterinary diagnostics. Pet parents can schedule a no-cost wellness or dental health exam, a $75 value. Food will be served, tours of the clinic given, and there will be giveaways and entertainment. Corporate headquarters/executive offices are downtown on 16th Street.
The clinic brings important services to a location convenient to the downtown area and LoDo, the Platte River Valley, Highlands, Ballpark and RINO neighborhoods, as well as surrounding areas.
With only 28 accredited schools in the USA that produce new vets, despite a tripling of the demand for veterinary services since the early 90s (U.S. spending on pets now approaches $60B per year) the overall number of small animal vets has remained flat since 1995 (about 42,000 practitioners).
Most (96%) of all vet clinics are independently owned, and as such, are placed and operated based on lifestyle reasons, rather than business reasons. There is already a national shortage of veterinary professionals, but these shortages are most pronounced in high-growth urban centers.
The founders of VetweRx, including a veteran group of veterinarians, entrepreneurs, financial and real estate professionals, believe that there is a glaring need for a brand of demographically placed veterinary clinics to service urban centers around the country.
VetweRx has one of only five veterinary CT scan machines in the state, and is able to use this diagnostic device of choice for joint and soft tissue concerns, including cancer diagnoses, as needed. The clinic is conveniently located in the small retail development at Park Avenue West and Globeville near I-25. It is just south of McDonald’s and La Quinta, near Roo Bar and Starbuck’s. The facility is an easy walk east along the South Platte River trail from City of Cuernavaca Park and the Railyard Dog Park at 19th St and Little Raven.
Location/contact info
3480 Park Avenue West, Building G
Denver, CO 80216
866-834-4145 (toll-free)
303-454-1800 (local)
VetweRx, Inc. (Corporate Headquarters)
110 16th Street, Suite 1000
Denver, CO 80211
Dr. Bethany Yurek – DVM
Dr. Yurek grew up in Peoria, Illinois where she strived to become a veterinarian since the age of 6. She received her BS in Animal Sciences at the University of Illinois. She then left the country for the first time to enter vet school at Ross University on the Caribbean island of St. Kitts. She spent 1 year of clinical rotations at Oklahoma State University and then moved to Colorado to be with her husband and finish school at CSU. Dr. Yurek has always had an interest in wildlife and exotic animals, and has spent time at multiple wildlife centers including the Denver Zoo, Greenwood Wildlife Rehabilitation Center in Longmont, and at a wildlife rescue in Phetchaburi, Thailand. Her professional areas of interest include exotic pets, especially birds and ferrets, and small animal internal medicine and cardiology. Dr. Yurek also enjoys skiing, running, and watching movies at home with her husband, cat, 2 Bernese Mountain Dogs, and Jack Russell terrier mix.
Dr. Jason Brodnik – DVM
Dr. Brodnik has over 17 years of small animal veterinary experience. Throughout his career, he has served as an associate veterinarian, has owned his own clinic and has served as a surgery trainer and mentor for a large national corporation. Dr. Brodnik is a fellow in the Veterinary Surgical Laser Society. He provides experienced laser surgical care for all small animal pets, which greatly reduces post-operative surgical pain and has revolutionized small animal surgery. Dr. Brodnik was the youngest member of his Colorado StateUniversity graduating veterinary class. In 1994, he lobbied Congress in Washington, D.C., helping to create the Veterinary Extra-Label Drug use bill, allowing all veterinarians to better treat their patients. In addition to the V.S.L.S, Jason is a member of the A.V.M.A.and C.V.M.A. He is a father of two, loves baseball, and enjoys the outdoors in Colorado.
Dr. Jamie Yurek – Chief Medical Officer
Dr. Yurek attended Ross University School of Veterinary Medicine and completed his clinical year at Colorado State University where he focused on equine lameness and medicine. Jamie worked for Boulder Valley Vet for several years before co-founding VetweRx. He currently lives in Longmont with his wife Bethany, dogs Otis, Gunther, and Ella, and cat Cooper. He has a background competing cutting horses nationally and is very familiar with the western performance horse.
Katherine Jennings – Practice Manager
Katherine is an accomplished Practice Manager with extensive experience in all areas of Veterinary Medicine. She graduated fromColorado Mountain College with an Associates Degree in Applied Science in Animal Health Technology. She has worked in multiple practices in the Denver Metro area as a technician and head technician, gaining management skills along the way. She managed theArvada Veterinary Hospital for more than 6 years. We are excited to have Katherine on the VetweRx team and look forward to great things from her.
VetweRx also employs four additional staff members/vet techs, Leigh, Jessica, Esther and Ted, along with a radiologist and a receptionist.
Open Door HR Solutions Partners with TLC Payroll, jobZology™, Local Insurance Brokers to Bring Clients a Complete HR Solution
Posted on | November 6, 2012 | No Comments
Open Door HR offers options to provide local companies with custom service packages
November 5, 2012 – Fort Collins, CO – Open Door HR Solutions, LLC, a company focused on providing tools and resources for savvy employers, is launching new partnerships with TLC Payroll, jobZology™, and local insurance brokers to create more strategic HR solutions for local Colorado businesses. Open Door HR Solutions is excited to work with exceptional service partners to provide strategic human resources consulting, making HR and related services easier, more effective and more affordable for companies looking for answers to their HR challenges.
Through partnerships with experienced companies that offer strategic solutions, Open Door provides inclusive HR solutions, not just through consultation and mentoring, but also by delivering services important to business operations. Open Door HR also offers a complete HR package with payroll solutions from Fort-Collins-based TLC Payroll; and workers’ compensation and health insurance offerings from local insurance brokers. A partnership with jobZology™ – a local software firm spun off from CSU Ventures specializing in employee assessments and organizational impact – enables better employer/employee matches, as well as shaping current organizational structures to maximize productivity.
Mark Weaver of Open Door HR Solutions notes that, “By partnering with these excellent Northern Colorado companies, we are able to offer a wide range of services to meet employers’ and employees’ needs. Busy business owners and executives don’t have time to research and find the answers that this team can bring them. Many employers have historically turned to Professional Employer Organizations (PEOs) to assist in these areas. Now many are seeing increases in premiums for health insurance and workers’ compensation, as well as state unemployment tax rates that are beyond what they would be paying on their own. Some PEOs make it difficult to determine actual costs. Now, by partnering with us, employers can have access to the same kinds of service – without the confusion of co-employment – all with local expertise, frequently at a better price.”
Weaver has more than 30 years of human resources experience under his belt leading the HR function internally in organizations such as Poudre Valley Health Systems, the National Center for Atmospheric Research, and Philip Crosby Associates. He has been in the outsourced HR consulting space for the last 12 years. With his experience and expertise in HR, Weaver has developed and implemented smarter, more efficient solutions for what are normally paper-intensive processes, using cloud-based technology, to create HR solutions.
Weaver believes that HR can be done in a way that empowers managers, engages employees, and aligns everyone with the mission, vision, and values of the organizations they serve. These new partnerships, paired with Weaver’s “7-keys to an Open Door,” help redefine and reposition HR and open doors to the kind of environment where great employees thrive and businesses succeed. Open Door HR Solutions is now even better positioned to assist clients who want to be successful as an employer and build a legacy.
About Open Door HR
Mark Weaver, a Senior Professional in Human Resources, developed Open Door HR Solutions to help clients enlist, envision, and engage passionate employees who share their values, get their mission, and see their vision. We use providers with local expertise and offer cloud-based tools that get HR out of the paperwork arena. Our approach is a unique mixture of HR, operations, and quality learned directly from bestselling author and quality guru Phillip Crosby. Find out more about Open Door HR services at http://www.opendoorhr.com/home or call 970-420-3187.
About jobZology™
jobZology™, a spinoff from CSU Ventures, is a web-based service and app that provides psychological assessments to individuals to aid in career decision-making and planning; and connects employers to job applicants on the basis of psychological fit to the vocation, role, team, organization or organizational context. By centering both individual (e.g., job seeker) and corporate (e.g., industries and businesses) services on psychological fit, jobZology™ helps individuals find meaningful and satisfying careers, and helps organizations attract and retain an engaged, passionate workforce. You can find more on jobZology™ online at http://www.jobzology.com/, or by contacting Mark at 970-420-3187.
About TLC Payroll
TLC Payroll is located in Old Town Fort Collins, CO, and is able to provide service in all 50 states and adhere rigorously to all federal, state, and local payroll requirements. TLC Payroll offers clients the complete, professional and personalized payroll service that includes check printing, laser check signing, direct deposit of paychecks, tax filings, HR compliance, 401k recordkeeping, merchant services and more. TLC hires experienced Payroll Managers rather than heads-down Payroll Processors. As a result, they have minimal staff turnover and minimal client turnover. Information about TLC Payroll is found online at http://tlcpayroll.com/, or by contacting Mark at 970-420-3187.
Coyote’s Southewestern Grill Chefs Compete in Top Chef Northern Colorado October 13, 2012
Posted on | October 11, 2012 | No Comments
3rd annual fundraiser benefits A Kid’s Place
October 12, 2012 – Greeley, CO – Coyote’s Southwestern Grill is proud to support A Kid’s Place, home of the Weld County Child Advocacy Center and the CASA Program, by competing in this year’s “Top Chef Northern Colorado” on Saturday, October 13th, 2012 at the Island Grove Exhibition Hall. Music, cocktails and a silent auction start at 5:00 p.m. and the competition begins at 6:30 p.m. Chefs Trevor Schultze and Garrett Adler from Coyote’s look forward to a rematch from last year, helping a great cause, making great food and competing for the crown.
The 3rd Annual Top Chef Northern Colorado promises heated competition with amazing food creations by local chefs. Along with newcomer to the event Chef Garrett Adler, Chef Schultze once again plans to bring his “A” game to compete for the title of NoCo Top Chef against chefs from restaurants such as Nordy’s, UNC Catering, The Tavern and last year’s Top Chef winner, Jason Rogers from Oskar Blues. Those attending will also enjoy sweet concoctions from dessert sponsor Santeramo’s. Come support A Kid’s Place with Coyote’s Southwestern Grill and make this the best Top Chef NoCo yet to support programs for child victims in the community. Tickets are $50, and include cocktails, soft drinks, appetizers, dinner, dessert, live music and a silent auction. You can get yours while they last by calling 970-353-5970 or emailing director@akidsplace.org.
Top Chef Northern Colorado Sponsors include First National Bank, Atmos Energy, Otter Cares, JBS, RE/MAX Alliance’s Debbie Calvin, First Bank, ci-media, Walmart, BMC, Kohl’s, COGA, Chiro Now!, Cache Bank & Trust, True Light Productions, Southwest Airlines, Interlock Construction Corp., Greeley HOG 1462, Girls with Guitars, Envirotech, Pepsi, Kenny’s Steakhouse, Westlake Wine & Spirits, Northern Colorado Paper, American Eagle Distributors, Fort Collins Brewery, Odell’s, New Belgium, and others.
About A Kid’s Place
On average there are 1.500 reports of abuse and neglect yearly in Weld County. A Kid’s Place is an essential partner in helping child victims and their families. The staff at A Kid’s Place works hard to make sure that a child’s life that may have been altered by abuse is not defined by it. Encompassing CASA of Weld County, which trains community volunteers to become court appointed special advocates for abused and neglected children, and the Child Advocacy Center, which is designed to be a safe haven for child victims of crime, A Kid’s Place responds to the needs of abused children and they can begin to heal. Visit www.akidsplace.org for more information.
About Coyote’s Southwestern Grill
Coyote’s serves fresh, authentic, made-from-scratch southwestern food at its 5250 West 9th Street Drive location in Greeley, Colorado, and offers catering and to-go service. The establishment’s eClub provides special discounts and insider information to subscribers. For more information, visit http://coyotesgreeley.com, or call (970) 336-1725. Like Coyote’s Southwestern Grill on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/pages/Coyotes-Southwestern-Grill/115972958432086?fref=ts.
###
Tags: A Kid's Place > CASA > Coyote's Southwestern Grill > Garrett Adler > Top Chef Northern Colorado > Trevor Schultze > Weld County Child Advocacy
International Smart Grid Conference Reaches Out To High School Students in Colorado
Posted on | September 21, 2012 | No Comments
What your parents haven’t told you: How the Smart Grid will allow you to fill-up your electric car for the equivalent of 50-cents a gallon using clean, renewable energy!
Fort Collins, CO September 27, 2012— Spirae’s Center for Smart Grid Advancement is hosting more than 175 high school students from various towns along Colorado’s front range to learn about our energy future — the smart grid!
Where: The Lincoln Center’s Magnolia Theater — 417 West Magnolia Street Fort Collins, CO 80521
When: Thursday, September 27, 2012, Noon—1:45 pm
What: Over the next few years, our increased reliance on new energy sources and the ways that we receive and use power will create many new opportunities for work and study in the energy sector! Students will learn how our natural energy sources will communicate with our homes, cars and businesses to meet the energy needs of our future through a smart grid simulation and a fun presentation by an international leader in energy technologies. After the workshop, students will participate in a career panel to discuss academic options and career paths with local leaders from Colorado’s top smart grid businesses and utility companies. Go to http://www.smartgrid-live.com/ for more information.
Education Program Agenda and Overview
12:00 pm — Opening remarks by Monisha M. Merchant, Senior Advisor for Business Affairs to U.S. Senator Michael F. Bennet
12:05 pm — Interactive presentation on the smart grid by Dan Bihn. Dan teaches courses on renewable energy and the smart grid for the corporate training company, Enerdynamics, Inc. While others “dumb down” the story, Dan aspires to “brighten up” the story – making the content understandable and genuinely interesting.
1:15 pm — Career panel moderated by Dele Johnson from Groundwork Colorado. The panelists are:
- Utility Perspective: Baird McKevitt, Design Supervisor, Xcel Energy
- Education Perspective: Conwell Dickey, Digital Energy Program Manager, University of Colorado, Boulder
- Industry Career Perspective: Darren Edgar, Software Engineer, Spirae—a smart grid solutions company
- Hiring Perspective: Lanie Prouse, Managing Director, Mycoff, Fry & Prouse—recruiters for the utility industries
Why Do We Need to Learn About the Smart Grid?
The City of Fort Collins will receive $18.1 million in funding from the U.S. Department of Energy to develop a smart-grid energy management system. Fort Collins and its residents will experience the following benefits from this project:
- Reduced Electricity Costs for Customers
- Increased Electricity Service Reliability and Power Quality
- Reduced Costs from Equipment Failures and Distribution Line losses
- Reduced Greenhouse Gas Emissions
References: ARRA Smart Grid Investment Grants, City of Fort Collins Award
Contact: Julie Zinn-Patt, COO, Spirae | JZinnPatti@Spirae.com
Office: 970 449 8528 | Cell: 970 213 9445
Stephanie Fry, Groundwork Colorado |stephanie@groundworkcolorado.org
Office: 303 455 5600 | Cell: 720 837 0360
Kathryn Moore Joins DataTraks as Development Engineer
Posted on | August 29, 2012 | No Comments
Loveland rail-safety company hires local CSU graduate
Loveland, Colorado – DataTraks (www.datatraks.com), which provides engineering and software solutions for companies around the world in the railroad, manufacturing and mining industries, today announced the hiring of Kathryn Moore, a Colorado State University graduate, as a development engineer.
“Kathryn is a talented developer that can provide fresh insight and grow with our team,” said Jim Bilodeau, president of DataTraks, “It’s great that we have such talent being cultivated in Colorado.”
Moore graduated from Colorado State University in 2011 with a Bachelor of Science degree in Applied Computing Technology. Her software development experience includes positions at Global Financial Review and TennisSource.net. Her work with SQL and C#/C++, as well as her experience developing mobile applications, fits in well with the work DataTraks is doing to serve its customers and make their industries safer.
“I’m excited to be working for DataTraks,” says Moore, “It’s a chance for me to help develop some cutting edge systems that can help save lives.” As a development engineer, Moore is managing all aspects of new projects including: proposals, design, documentation, implementation, troubleshooting, testing, and support. She is also helping the DataTraks team design and develop new digital signal processing and pattern recognition algorithms for complex mechanical systems to help diagnostics and decision making for preventative maintenance programs and other applications.
About Datatraks
DataTraks was founded in 1998 to help railroad operators make critical decisions regarding the development and maintenance of safe, effective rail systems. The company provides customized engineering and software solutions for companies around world, in the railroad, manufacturing, and mining industries. DataTraks clients benefit from an experienced team of electrical, mechanical and software engineers dedicated to helping those they serve operate safer and more efficiently. Areas of focus include Positive Train Control (PTC), wireless sensor systems, custom software, non-destructive evaluation, and preventative maintenance. For more information, visit www.datatraks.com, call (970) 461-1140, or email info@datatraks.com.
Tags: Colorado company > CSU graduate > DataTraks > development engineer > Kathryn Moore > rail-road technology > software development > technology employment
Script writing – videos on how to deworm a horse
Posted on | August 28, 2012 | No Comments
Earlier this year, we were fortunate to get the call from another local marketing firm that needed some help writing scripts for instructional videos on how to administer a de-worming medication to a horse.
Fortunately, Shannon Marketing Communication’s Founder and Principal, Brad Shannon, is married to a horse expert. Jen Shannon, who runs Cornerstone Farm LLC (www.cornerstonefarmllc.com), was a key expert resource when it came to ensuring the accuracy of these videos, done for Bimeda Equine:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Lrztqqc7z4M&feature=youtu.be
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZTfX2z2L8kQ&feature=relmfu
If you need a script written, or anything else, for that matter, please contact us – we’re happy to consult with you on your needs, timeline, budget, and how we can help.
Triathlon magazine features by our principal
Posted on | August 20, 2012 | No Comments
Shannon Marcom’s Founder and Principal, Brad Shannon, has been doing more writing for consumer magazine’s lately, after a lot of work on articles for trade publications over the years.
Given his interest in triathlon, he’s written a few pieces for LAVA magazine that have been published on their website. You can find them here:
Boulder Running on Innovation – running shoe innovation in the Boulder, Colorado area
http://lavamagazine.com/
Air quality and the endurance athlete
http://lavamagazine.com/
China Procures Multiple SafeTrak Systems from Loveland’s DataTraks
Posted on | July 23, 2012 | No Comments
China Purchases Multiple SafeTrak Systems from Loveland’s DataTraks
Significant expansion for local rail-safety company
Loveland, Colorado– After years of testing in China, a recent purchase of 82 SafeTrak systems from DataTraks will be sent to China to help prevent temperature-related track buckling on high speed and non-high speed rail lines. This global partnership will help to make China’s rail lines safer and more efficient for passenger and freight trains. This large purchase by the Chinese government means a significant expansion for the DataTraks team.
The new SafeTrak systems will be installed on lines all across China’s rail systems; with 40 units purchased for passenger and general freight rail systems located in Taiyuan (Shanxi province). 34 of the SafeTrak systems are designated specifically for the Nantongpu line in Shanxi. 12 systems were purchased for the Fengshuang line in Beijing and 14 are to be distributed along high-speed lines in Shandong province. The remainder of the SafeTrak systems are designated for lines in Shanghai.
When the sun heats continuously welded rail lines, the metal rails expand. With long stretches of unbroken rail, there is nowhere for that expansion to go, which can result in a “sun kink,” where the track buckles sideways. Large temperature fluctuations, especially on hot summer days, can be detrimental to rail operations, since trains derail if they are not stopped before encountering buckled track. A derailment not only results in the loss of rail cars and miles of track, it can also injure or kill passengers and crew and damage cargo. Even if it does not cause a derailment, a stretch of rail that buckles can be closed for days, disrupting traffic and costing businesses millions of dollars.
DataTraks is proud to provide China with their innovative derailment prevention system. SafeTrak systems detect changes in neutral temperature on continuously welded rail. The sensors communicate down the track, providing a way to monitor neutral temperature fluctuations and drift. This safety net allows rail crews to efficiently identify and correct potential problem areas before they become a hazard. If crews know that an area is becoming dangerously stressed, they can be dispatched to de-stress the rail, saving time, money and lives.
About Datatraks
DataTraks was founded in 1998 to help railroad operators make critical decisions regarding the development and maintenance of safe, effective rail systems. The company provides customized engineering and software solutions for companies around world, in the railroad, manufacturing, and mining industries. DataTraks clients benefit from an experienced team of electrical, mechanical and software engineers dedicated to helping those they serve operate safer and more efficiently. Areas of focus include Positive Train Control (PTC), wireless sensor systems, custom software, non-destructive evaluation, and preventative maintenance. For more information, visit www.datatraks.com, call (970) 461-1140, or email info@datatraks.com.
###