Free Minority Certification Seminar at the Kissimmee Incubator on January 30, 2013

Governor Scott Announces 2012 Innovators in Business Award Winners

For Immediate Release December 10, 2012

Contact: media@eog.myflorida.com (850) 717-9282

Governor Scott Announces

2012 Innovators in Business Award Winners

TALLAHASSEE, FL – The winners of the 2012 Governor’s Innovators in Business Awards were announced today by Governor Rick Scott. The winners will be honored this evening during a reception at the Governor's Mansion.

Governor Scott said, “I am proud to announce another group of award winners. My number one mission is to grow jobs for Florida families, and the successes these companies have experienced represent the job opportunities being created in Florida.”

The awards recognize outstanding contributions toward improving and diversifying Florida's economy plus distinctive community investment efforts, particularly relating to industries targeted for economic development and high wage job growth. Enterprise Florida coordinates this annual program, formerly the Governor’s Business Diversification Awards, now in its 29^th year.

Each winner represents one of the following markets:

Mid Market: County population up to 150,000

Major Market: County population 150,001 to 800,000

Mega Market: County population 800,001 and higher

The Award winners for each category are as follows:

·         Governor’s Business Expansion Award: For Florida companies that expanded their operations in 2011, investing capital and creating jobs for Floridians.

o   Mid Market: Galaxy Home Solutions, Inc. (Sumter County)

o   Major Market: Embraer Executive Aircraft Inc. (Brevard County)

o   Mega Market: JPMorgan Chase & Co. (Miami-Dade County)

·         Governor’s Newcomer Award: For new-to-Florida companies that began business operations in 2011.

o   Mid Market: ALM Technologies Inc (Nassau County)

o   Major Market: AAR Airlift Group, Inc. (Brevard County)

o   Mega Market (tie): Prime Therapeutics (Orange County)

o   Mega Market (tie): Time Warner Business Services LLC (Hillsborough County)

·         Governor’s Export Excellence Award: For Florida companies with new or significant increases in documented export sales in 2011.

o   Mid Market: Girard Equipment, Inc. (Indian River County)

o   Major Market: AppRiver (Santa Rosa County)

o   Mega Market: Q4 Services LLC (Orange County)

·         Governor’s Innovation & Entrepreneurship Award: For Florida start-up companies (less than five years old or with a product less than three years old) that have set a standard for entrepreneurship and creativity.

o   Mid Market: B4C Technologies, LLC (Martin County)

o   Major Market: LearnSomething Inc. (Leon County)

o   Mega Market: Flagship Solutions Group (Palm Beach County)

·         Governor's Innovators Under 40 Award: New this year, this award recognizes Florida residents under 40 who own or lead a Florida company with annual revenue of $1M or more and who have created at least 10 jobs since January 2011. This category is well-represented in its inaugural year.

o   3Cinteractive, Mike FitzGibbon, co-founder and president (Palm Beach County)

o   City Advertising, Darren Cleveland, president and CEO (Palm Beach County)

o   Cybis Communications, Jeff Douglass, founder and CEO (Orange County)

o   Datum Corporation, Tom Frost, CEO (Sarasota County)

o   Envy Labs, Gregg Pollack, CEO and founder (Orange County)

o   Hewes & Company, LLC, Allan Bell, partner (Escambia County)

o   Modernizing Medicine, Daniel Cane, CEO and co-founder (Palm Beach County)

o   ndtArtemis, Travis Proctor, CEO (Brevard County)

o   RP Funding, Inc., Robert Palmer, president (Seminole County)

o   Utilipath, LLC, Lindon Hayes, founder and managing member (Duval County)

o   Voalté, Trey Lauderdale, chief innovation officer (Sarasota County)

Companies that have been denoted as the top job producers in the state of Florida will also be recognized at tonight’s event. These organizations represent various industries, including information technology, life sciences, agriculture and hospitality. The top job producers come from all regions of the state, including Miami, Panama City, Naples and Jacksonville.

* * *

The 2012 Governor's Innovators in Business Awards program is co-sponsored by Bank of America and Florida Trend magazine. For more information about the awards, please visit http://eflorida.com/govawards.

* * *

Enterprise Florida, Inc. (www.eflorida.com) is a partnership between Florida's business and government leaders and is the principal economic development organization for the state of Florida. Headquartered in Orlando, Enterprise Florida’s mission is to facilitate job growth for Florida’s businesses and citizens leading to a vibrant statewide economy. In pursuit of its mission, Enterprise Florida works closely with a statewide network of economic development partners and is funded both by the State of Florida and by private-sector businesses.

# # #

SPIE urges Congress, President to avoid fiscal cliff, support technology

SPIE urges Congress, President to avoid fiscal cliff and support science and technology to strengthen economy

SPIE leaders have joined other science, engineering, and STEM education organizations in urging the President and Congress to develop a bipartisan solution to avoiding the fiscal cliff that supports crucial American investment in science and technology. Deep cuts in federal R&D investments would threaten national competitiveness, the organizations are saying in a letter to U.S. leaders.

BELLINGHAM, Washington, USA ― 9 December 2012 ―SPIE , the international society for optics and photonics, and other science, engineering, and education organizations are urging the President and Congress to find a balanced, bipartisan plan including tax and entitlement reform to avoid the fiscal cliff ― one that ensures strong support for economy-building science and technology enterprise.

Economic growth in the industrialized world since World War II has been driven by innovation and technological progress, the letter to Congressional leaders and President Obama<http://design.spie.org/xml/Documents/AboutSPIE/PDF/Intersociety-Sequestration-Letter_11-28-12.pdf> says. Besides spawning the Global Positioning System, the laser, and the Internet, technology has enabled countless medical advances that have helped save the lives of millions of heart disease, cancer and diabetes patients, among others. Almost every national priority - from health and defense, to agriculture and conservation - relies on science and engineering, the letter notes.

Federal R&D investments account for less than one-fifth of the current discretionary budget, but discretionary spending is the only place where deep cuts would be made if sequestration goes into effect, the letter observes:  "Placing a significant burden on these crucial areas is nothing less than a threat to national competitiveness."

The letter warns that several countries in Asia and Europe have increased their research intensities substantially and at a far faster pace than the United States, threatening the nation's long-term leadership position in science, technology and innovation. "Allowing blunt cuts to R&D to go forward will only accelerate these trends," the letter says.

Much is at stake, noted SPIE CEO Eugene Arthurs. "Our nation's leaders are wrestling with our dire financial problems and we applaud their efforts. While we recognize the constraints, it would be utterly foolish to damage the best hope for economic health: our science and technology capability."

Robert Lieberman, chair of the SPIE committee on Engineering Science and Technology Policy, emphasized the importance of federal funding for STEM education and R&D on competitiveness in technologies enabled by optics and photonics.

He cited findings of the recent National Academies report "Optics and Photonics, Essential Technologies for our Nation," on "the crucial role education plays in ensuring a vibrant future," and the trend of domestic workforce shrinkage in STEM fields.

"Today, the United States has many outstanding universities that educate students from around the world in the classroom and in research laboratories," the report notes. However, the number of U.S. nationals in graduate programs at top optics schools is as low as 40 percent. "If the United States continues to shrink its STEM workforce and market share in photonics, innovations in research will bolster the economy and the defense technology of countries poised to take advantage of those advances."

Sequestration would require up to $12 billion in R&D funding cuts annually across defense and nondefense programs over the next decade, the letter says.  Among the impacts:

*       DARPA (Defense Advanced Projects Research Agency) would lose over $1 billion for cutting-edge innovation.

*       The NIH (National Institutes of Health) would lose $11.3 billion for research on medical challenges including those related to cancer, obesity, aging, and emerging diseases.

*       The Department of Energy would lose $4.6 billion through 2017 for next-generation energy research and nonproliferation R&D.

*       The National Science Foundation would lose $2.1 billion over five years for research across a broad spectrum of disciplines, most of which is cutting-edge research conducted at universities throughout the nation.

SPIE<http://spie.org/> is the international society for optics and photonics, a not-for-profit organization founded in 1955 to advance light-based technologies. The Society serves nearly 225,000 constituents from approximately 150 countries, offering conferences, continuing education, books, journals, and a digital library in support of interdisciplinary information exchange, professional growth, and patent precedent. SPIE provided over $2.7 million in support of education and outreach programs in 2011.

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ELI summer school

Orlando, Fl- Job fair Today!!!

Mark your calendars... 2012 Support Our Troops Resource & Career fair! Orlando, FL Tuesday, December 4, 2012 ________________________________________ Over 250 companies have attended the Support Our Troops Resource and career fairs since April, 2012 to outreach and promote employment & educational opportunities to veterans, active duty and military spouses. _______________________________________________ _______________________________________________ All military career fairs are FREE to job seekers and open to the public!!! 2012 Support Our Troops Resource and Career Fair! Orlando, FL Date: Tuesday, December 4, 2012 Location: Holiday Inn - Orlando International Airport, 5750 T.G. Lee Boulevard, Orlando, FL 32822 Time: 10am - 1pm Employers: Click Here to register or call Oran Brown at 800-235-2732 x800 Space is Limited.. Confirmed Companies Include: New Horizons Modis Corporation Embry-Riddle Aeronautical Everest College - Online Degree Apple One Department of Homeland Security-US Citenship and Immigration Services Florida Atlantic University EEOC D&A Building Services Troy Univesity Wyo Tech Orlando VAMC Florida Christian College ITT Technical Institute Gem Global The Dave School Rollins College Allied Barton Security Palmer College of Chiropractic Aviation Institute of Maintenance Volt Workforce Solutions Connecticut Broadcasting School Everglades University International Academy of Design & Technology US Customs & Border Protection Chancellor University Air Orlando AM K9 Detection Services Careers USA FBI Everest University Devry University Atlantic Tower Services Orange County Sheriff's Department Orlando Vet Center H.T. Services AeroTek to name a few..! About the International Academy of Design and Technology. IADToffers creative-minded students an innovative curriculum that blends design and technology. We embrace their unique talentsto help them evolve into skilled professionals ready to pursue opportunities in a variety of creative and technical fields. In today's creative workplace, design and technology go hand in hand. To ensure that what we teach is industry relevant, our curriculum has been reviewed by an Employer Advisory Board, and our faculty includespracticing professionals as well as industry-savvy academics. We believe that when students have the opportunity to learn from people who know the ins and outs of their field, they're getting what they really need to help them be workplace ready. Collaboration is a big part of our teaching approach. Students can collaborate with other students—even those from different programs—the way it's done in professional environments. As their skills evolveand their work takes on a more professional edge,they can select their best pieces to build a portfolio to showcase their talentsto prospective employers and clients.They also have an opportunity to get published in our high-quality magazine that features selected outstanding student work. Our degree programs cover a range of fields: · Graphic Design (Associate and Bachelor's) · Information Technology (Associate and Bachelor's) · Retail Merchandise Management (Associate and Bachelor's) · Fashion Design & Merchandising (Bachelor's) · Digital Media Production (Bachelor's) · Internet Marketing (Bachelor's) · Web Design & Development (Associate and Bachelor's) Campus facilities include lecture rooms, computer labs, drafting labs and design studios, and sewing and pattern-drafting rooms. The school library offers publications and audiovisual materials that support our programs, plus students have access to an extensive online CECybrary which features an expansivecollection of reference materials. As students approach graduation, our dedicated Career Services department can assist with job search preparation and opportunities. Like our students, we have evolved over the years. Our programs are industry-current and we aim to be in step with the needs of the marketplace.Anyone who would like to find out what IADT is like can call 888-846-6111 for a complimentary Class Pass to sit in on a class of their choice. ________________________________________ Register today! 800-235-2732 x800 for more details. www.vetready.org Diversity Solutions Po Box 740948 San Diego California 92174 United States

Fast, New Way to Train Your Staff in Laser Safety with LIA’s New Laser Safety Awareness Course Online
ORLANDO, FL, November 28, 2012 — So you are a newly appointed laser safety officer (LSO) with a staff to train. Now you have decisions to make. Do I train my staff myself?  Should I have someone else train them? How do I coordinate their work schedules with training so everyone can make it?  Do I have to create a PowerPoint presentation? Well, the Laser Institute of America (LIA) has just the course for you.

LIA, the recognized leader in laser safety education and resources since 1968, has created a new online Laser Safety Awareness course tailor-made for the rapidly increasing nonmedical laser workforce. LSOs or “laser area personnel” can sign up from anywhere in the world to complete this highly focused training session in about two hours. And, since LIA is the secretariat of the ANSI Z136 laser safety standards, you know you are receiving proper training from the foremost experts in the field.  At the end of your training, you will receive a certificate via email acknowledging you completed the course.

The course will address basic laser physics, beam and non-beam hazards, laser system control measures and current standards and regulations. Based on the ANSI Z136.1, Safe Use of Lasers standard, this course will detail the all-important parameters that can cause bodily harm.

Not only is the Laser Safety Awareness course convenient, it is cost-effective; while the individual cost per trainee is $70, LIA is offering a bulk discount based on the number of “seats” an LSO purchases. An LSO supervising many laser personnel at multiple manufacturing sites will not only save time by not having to create a laser safety course, they can be even more efficient by giving all their staff the same expert course no matter where they work.

To register for LIA’s new Laser Safety Awareness course online, visit www.lia.org/education or call 1.800.34.LASER.

About LIA
Laser Institute of America (LIA) is the professional society for laser applications and safety serving the industrial, educational, medical, research and government communities throughout the world since 1968. www.lia.org, 13501 Ingenuity Drive, Ste 128, Orlando, FL 32826, +1.407.380.1553.

Free Seminar: How can video marketing help your business? Presented by Steven Placey, President of Rock Your Business, Inc.

LightPath Technologies to Present at the LD Micro Fifth Annual Conference

LightPath Technologies to Present at LD Micro Fifth Annual Conference

LightPath to Present on December 5, 2012

(Orlando, FL, November 29, 2012) - LightPath Technologies, Inc. (Nasdaq: LPTH - News), manufacturer and integrator of precision molded glass aspheric optics, Black DiamondTM infrared aspheres, GRADIUM® glass products and high performance fiber-optic beam delivery systems, announced today that Jim Gaynor, CEO of LightPath Technologies, Inc. will present at the LD Micro Fifth Annual Conference at 10:30 a.m. (PST), Track 1, on December 5, 2012. The conference will be held December 5-6, 2012 at the Luxe Sunset Bel Air, 11461 Sunset Boulevar d, Los Angeles, Calif. LightPath management will be available during the day on December 5 for one-on-one meetings. Please contact LD Micro to schedule a meeting.
The Company’s group presentation will be available for the public to access via its corporate website, www.lightpath.com or at http://wsw.com/webcast/ldmicro3/lpth/. This webcast will be archived for 90 days following the live presentation.
About LD MICRO
LD MICRO is a by-invitation only newsletter firm that focuses on finding undervalued companies in the micro-cap space. Since 2002, the firm has published an annual list of recommended stocks as well as comprehensive reports on select companies throughout the year. LD MICRO concentrates on finding, researching, and investing in companies that are overlooked by institutional investors. It is a non-registered investment advisor. To register, please call 408-457-1042 or e-mail Chris@ldmicro.com.
About LightPath Technologies
LightPath manufactures optical products including precision molded aspheric optics, GRADIUM® glass products, proprietary collimator assemblies, laser components utilizing proprietary automation technology, higher-level assemblies and packing solutions. LightPath has a strong patent portfolio that has been granted or licensed to us in these fields. LightPath common stock trades on the Nasdaq Capital Market under the stock symbol LPTH. For more information visit www.lightpath.com

LightPath Enters into Supply Contract with Leading Digital Camera Manufacturer

LightPath Technologies Enters into Supply Agreement with Leading Digital Camera Manufacturer

Initial Orders Valued at $1.1 Million; Signals Penetration into Emerging Digital Imaging Market

(Orlando, FL, November 29, 2012) - LightPath Technologies, Inc. (Nasdaq: LPTH - News), manufacturer and integrator of precision molded glass aspheric optics, Black DiamondTM infrared aspheres, GRADIUM® glass products and high performance fiber-optic beam delivery systems, announced today that it has entered into a supply agreement with a leading global manufacturer of high-end, digital video recording and playback equipment with an initial stocking order of approximately $1.1 million. Under the terms of this agreement, LightPath will begin deliveries of lenses to this new customer beginning in the first calendar quar ter of 2013.
"The investments we made in designing optics for the digital imaging and projection market have resulted in an outstanding product line that is now being adopted by top players in this market," said Jim Gaynor, CEO of LightPath Technologies, Inc. "Digital imaging applications with capabilities that enable digital resolution in excess of 4X HD quality are just now beginning to proliferate through the video production market, and our products and technology are well-positioned to participate in this area of rapid growth. These high tech optics are a critical element in high performance camera and digital projection systems and our ability to win new business like this validates the price, performance and quality of our optics in a competitive and highly technical marketplace. Expanding into new areas i s one key element of our growth plan and shows the continued progress we’ve made in our strategy to become a leading global supplier of molded glass optics and assemblies that serve a diverse group of end-markets and applications. Our goal is to lead both the technology and price-to-performance curves, and I believe this is a good indication of our successful penetration of a market that is expected to grow to $770 million by 2018."
About LightPath Technologies
LightPath manufactures optical products including precision molded aspheric optics, GRADIUM® glass products, proprietary collimator assemblies, laser components utilizing proprietary automation technology, higher-level assemblies and packing solutions. LightPath has a strong patent portfolio that has been granted or licensed to us in these fields. LightPath common stock trades on the Nasdaq Capital Market under the stock symbol LPTH. For more information visit www.lightpath.com

REGISTER TO ATTEND DECEMBER 11th, 2012 ENTREPRENEURSHIP WORKSHOP -

Do you need assistance with business plan development, raising capital, legal matters, customer acquisition strategies, government contracting, grant opportunities (including SBIR) and networking?   SCHEDULED WORKSHOPS Click Here for Agenda Tuesday, December 11, 2012 REGISTER NOW  Saturday, January 19, 2013 Tuesday, February 12, 2013 Saturday, April 20, 2013   What are the Benefits of Participating in a   TRDA Entrepreneurship Workshop? Immediate, honest feedback on your business plan, and its potential attractiveness to angels, venture capitalists or other sources of capital Ongoing access to a deep, statewide network of experienced "been there, done that" mentors that have walked in your shoes and raised capital for their own companies Quick-drop education on best practices for business plan development, financial modeling, market strategies and closing your first customers Access to a statewide network of critical business service providers at reduced rates What are the Criteria to Participate in these Workshops? Florida-based technology Clean Tech companies with the following criteria are eligible: Potential for rapid revenue growth within five years Relevant technical expertise on team for product strategy In the Clean Tech/Alternative Energy sectors What is the Cost to Participate? CleanTech companies in the State of Florida may qualify by location or business type for a scholarship for the workshop fees.   There will be a charge of $250 for companies outside the CleanTech arena or for those companies who do not meet the specific criteria of the two granting scholarships.  Qualification for scholarship will be determined upon registration.     Two grants provide funding for qualified CleanTech companies in the state of Florida: The Space Coast Clean Energy Jobs Accelerator (http://www.trda.org/acceleration-programs/cleanenergyjobsaccelerator) grant from Small Business Administration (SBA) provides cleantech entrepreneurs and small existing cleantech businesses with business and commercialization assistance to accelerate technologies into high growth business ventures.  This assistance is provided to 8(a) certified firms, small disadvantaged businesses, businesses operating in areas of high unemployment or low-income or firms owned by low-income individuals in the following counties: Brevard, Volusia, Seminole, and Orange counties. This initiative is a collaborative effort between TRDA and Space Florida. The Florida Cleantech Acceleration Network (FL-CAN) (http://www.flcleantech.com) is a statewide initiative that connects Florida-based universities, incubation networks, investors and industry resources together to create a network of Proof of Concept centers to accelerate the creation and commercialization of innovative clean technology research into new technology companies or to license into existing firms.  This is a collaborative program with University of Central Florida (UCF) and the Florida Energy Systems Consortium (FESC).   I want to attend - does my company qualify for a scholarship? To find out more information and to discover if you company might qualify for a CleanTech scholarship for the entrepreneurship workshops, email Ryan Greenough or call 321-872-1050 x111.    REGISTER NOW to Attend the December 11, 2012 Workshop!
"These workshops are funded by a grant from the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA).  SBA's funding should not be construed as an endorsement of any products, opinions, or services.  All SBA-funded projects are extended to the public on a nondiscriminatory basis." Reasonable accommodations for persons with disabilities will be made, if requested at least two weeks in advance.  Contact Ryan Greenough | 1050 West NASA Boulevard, Melbourne, FL 32901 |  3221-872-1050 x111 [Insert social links here - se ect the logos from the toolbar on the left side.]

Technological Research and Development Authority (TRDA) Announces Entrepreneurship Workshop Schedule

Do you need assistance with business plan development, raising capital, legal matters, customer acquisition strategies, government contracting, grant opportunities (including SBIR) and networking?   The TRDA has developed one day entrepreneurship workshops to provide small existing businesses with assistance to accelerate the migration of clean energy technologies into high growth business ventures.  The content of each of the workshops is the same to enable you to select the workshop most convenient with your calendar (including a Saturday dates in January and April 2013!) SCHEDULED WORKSHOPS: Tuesday, December 11, 2012 Saturday, January 19, 2013 Tuesday, February 12, 2013 Saturday, April 20, 2013   What are the Benefits of Participating in a   TRDA Entrepreneurship Workshop? Immediate, honest feedback on your business plan, and its potential attractiveness to angels, venture capitalists or other sources of capital Ongoing access to a deep, statewide network of experienced "been there, done that" mentors that have walked in your shoes and raised capital for their own companies Quick-drop education on best practices for business plan development, financial modeling, market strategies and closing your first customers Access to a statewide network of critical business service providers at reduced rates What are the Criteria to Participate in these Workshops? Florida-based technology Clean Tech companies with the following criteria are eligible: Potential for rapid revenue growth within five years Relevant technical expertise on team for product strategy In the Clean Tech/Alternative Energy sectors What is the Cost to Participate? CleanTech companies in the State of Florida may qualify by location or business type for a scholarship for the workshop fees.   There will be a charge of $250 for companies outside the CleanTech arena or for those companies who do not meet the specific criteria of the two granting scholarships.    Two grants provide funding for qualified CleanTech companies in the state of Florida: The Space Coast Clean Energy Jobs Accelerator (http://www.trda.org/acceleration-programs/cleanenergyjobsaccelerator) grant from Small Business Administration (SBA) provides cleantech entrepreneurs and small existing cleantech businesses with business and commercialization assistance to accelerate technologies into high growth business ventures.  This assistance is provided to 8(a) certified firms, small disadvantaged businesses, businesses operating in areas of high unemployment or low-income or firms owned by low-income individuals in the following counties: Brevard, Volusia, Seminole, and Orange counties. This initiative is a collaborative effort between TRDA and Space Florida. The Florida Cleantech Acceleration Network (FL-CAN) (http://www.flcleantech.com) is a statewide initiative that connects Florida-based universities, incubation networks, investors and industry resources together to create a network of Proof of Concept centers to accelerate the creation and commercialization of innovative clean technology research into new technology companies or to license into existing firms.  This is a collaborative program with University of Central Florida (UCF) and the Florida Energy Systems Consortium (FESC).   How Do I Apply? To find out more information and to discover if you company might qualify for a CleanTech scholarship for the entrepreneurship workshops, email Ryan Greenough or call 321-872-1050 x111.

"These workshops are funded by a grant from the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA).  SBA's funding should not be construed as an endorsement of any products, opinions, or services.  All SBA-funded projects are extended to the public on a nondiscriminatory basis." Reasonable accommodations for persons with disabilities will be made, if requested at least two weeks in advance.  Contact Ryan Greenough | 1050 West NASA Boulevard, Melbourne, FL 32901 |  3221-872-1050 x111

PW13 CREOL Alumni & Affiliates Reunion

I am pleased to announce that the Alumni & Affiliates Reunion at PW13 this year will be held on

Monday, February 4th, 5:30-7:30 pm

JILLIANS @ METREON

101 Fourth Street, Suite 170, San Francisco

OIDA: OIDA submitted a response in October to NIST regarding the proposed National Network for Manufacturing Innovation (NNMI)

OIDA submitted a response in October to NIST regarding the proposedNational Network for Manufacturing Innovation (NNMI).

OIDA suggested the formation of a Photonics Institute as one of 15 institutes of the NNMI. Foundries for photonic integration would form the “center of gravity” of the institute. The foundries would include both silicon photonics and InP-based devices. Each technology requires substantial process development to bring them to full commercial-grade production, therefore creating a real-world challenge to be solved. The barrier to entry for such commercial-grade process development is high, in terms of both time and money. A concentrated effort is therefore necessary if the U.S. government wants to establish domestic capability in this technology.

The Photonics Institute would also create a program in manufacturing workforce training that would span from management to technicians. It would leverage existing resources, but establish some new programs to fill gaps that exist today.

The Obama Administration announced the plan in March, proposing $1 billion for the 15 institutes. In August, the government announced a first, pilot institute, the National Additive Manufacturing Innovation Institute, based in Ohio.

OIDA’s document is not a formal proposal. NIST’s recent solicitation was not a request for proposals, but for ideas about how the NNMI would be structured. If the NNMI goes forward, a more formal proposal process would follow. Meanwhile, OIDA will continue to develop the case for U.S. government support in this and other proposed programs.

For more information, please contact Tom Hausken.

http://emessaging.vertexcommunication.com/hostedemail/email.htm?CID=7412674417&ch=170CE863A9A0FA57DA320EC6EAA3DFB5&h=c953e5e9995e9af0493ab727525a84d0&ei=JqdW5-sNO

OIDA: U.S. Companies Capture 25% in Photonics Sales

Companies headquartered in North America capture nearly 10% of global photonics component revenues, although the share jumps to 25% if displays are excluded from the estimate, according to recent findings by OIDA. That position is highly diversified across many photonics technologies and industry sectors, providing some cushion through economic cycles. This contrasts with the combined photonics companies in each of Taiwan, Japan, and Korea, which are expecting slower growth due to their exposure to slow markets for displays and LEDs.

OIDA estimates that European companies capture about 6% of overall component revenues, or 14% of revenues if displays are excluded. Companies headquartered in Asia capture nearly all of the remaining share.

The global market for passive optical components is an estimated $14 billion, with North American companies capturing about 22% of that, according to OIDA. One-half of the revenues are earned by about 20 companies, each with optics sales greater than $100 million. The other half is earned by hundreds of companies, mostly making just a few million dollars per year.

Tom Hausken presented the findings at a corporate networking reception sponsored by Corning, at OSA’s Frontiers in Optics meeting in Rochester, NY in October. The session also included an interview with Dr. Michael Cumbo, President of IDEX Optics and Photonics.

A video of the OIDA presentation is available to OIDA members, and more details will be documented in an upcoming OIDA market report, coming later this year. Visit the OIDA Video Library page soon to view the video.

http://emessaging.vertexcommunication.com/hostedemail/email.htm?CID=7412674417&ch=170CE863A9A0FA57DA320EC6EAA3DFB5&h=c953e5e9995e9af0493ab727525a84d0&ei=JqdW5-sNO 

Tax Planning in Uncertain Times - Thursday - November 29 - Alachua

The NORTHEAST CHAPTER presents Tax Planning in Uncertain Times

WHEN: Thursday, November 29, 2012 TIME: 12 PM - 2 PM   COST: $15 BioFlorida Members; $40 Non-Members (Cost includes lunch) Note: There will be an additional $5 charged for walk-in registrations.    WHERE: Sid Martin Biotechology Incubator 12085 Research Drive, Alachua, FL 32615

Agenda

While the 2012 election is over and your focus shifts to holiday visits with family, the last thing you want to think about is taxes! But this is the perfect time to make any last minute decisions for 2012 and begin planning for the New Year. Attend this lunch-time event and learn how to unravel the confusion associated with the expiration of the Bush tax cuts, the fiscal cliff and planned tax increases in 2013. Please join us for this informative Lunch-n'-Learn!  12:00 PM - 12:30 PM Networking, Meet the Speakers & Lunch 12:30 PM - 1:45 PM Presentation 1:45 PM - 2:00 PM Q&A  2:00 PM Workshop Concludes, Additional Networking

Workshop Panelists

Presenters: Carol Villemaire, CPA and Partner & Stacy Joyner, CPA James Moore & Co., PL

About BioFlorida

BioFlorida is the voice of Florida's bioscience industry representing more than 3,000 companies and research organizations in the biotechnology, pharmaceutical and medical device fields employing 61,000 Floridians. BioFlorida is a Statewide association. Our Regional Chapters serve the needs of our Members and the Industry as a whole. There are no additional Membership fees in the BioFlorida organization. If your company is a Member of BioFlorida, then you can attend ANY regional event at the Member price!

LightPath Technologies Announces Profitable First Quarter 2013

LightPath Technologies Announces Profitable

First Quarter

6% Increase in Revenues Accompanied by 12% Rise in Backlog

Achieves Second Consecutive Profitable Quarter

ORLANDO, FL - (PRNewswire - November 8, 2012) - LightPath Technologies, Inc. (NASDAQ: LPTH) ("LightPath", the "Company" or "we"), a global manufacturer, distributor and integrator of proprietary optical components and high-level assemblies, announced today its financial results for the first quarter ended September 30, 2012.
First Quarter Highlights:
• Net income was $101,000, or $0.01 per share for the quarter compared to a net loss of $198,000, or $0.02 loss per share in the first quarter of fiscal 2012.
• 12-month backlog was $5.46 million as of September 30, 2012, an increase of 12% or $566,000 from June 30, 2012.
• Revenue for the first quarter of fiscal 2013 increased 6% to $2.89 million compared to $2.73 million for the first quarter of fiscal 2012.
• Gross margin for the quarter was 41% as compared to 40% in the first quarter of fiscal 2012.
• EBITDA increased 379% to $341,000 compared to $71,000 in the first quarter of fiscal 2012.
Jim Gaynor, President and Chief Executive Officer of LightPath, commented, "LightPath continues to execute on its business plan with improved bookings, revenue, gross margin, EBITDA and net income in the first quarter of fiscal 2013 compared to the first quarter last year. The Company’s ability to serve diverse markets has resulted in steady growth in our precision molded optics business, with higher volumes of both custom lenses and lower-cost lenses. We see the initial signs of market recovery for our industrial tools, which posted revenue growth of 30 percent in the quarter, as order volumes and customer count increased. Gross margin improved as a result of cost reductions such as glass conversion to lower cost materials and lower material prices. We committed $171,000 during the quarter in investment to fund our anti-reflective coating cost reduction project w hich remains a point of our differentiation and value proposition. We also continued developing our infrared product line which we believe will play a material role in the company’s growth in future quarters."
Mr. Gaynor added, "LightPath has continued to grow during a period in which the markets we participate in have been weak, and have grown our backlog for three consecutive quarters. Our product offerings, which serve a diverse group of end-markets, have found growth opportunities for our core business in precision molded optics and are building a presence in the infrared market. We will continue to work hard to ensure that we are positioned to capitalize on the many opportunities we see ahead for our products and technology. Subsequent to the quarter’s end we announced a new licensing deal in Asia with New HuaGuang Information Materials Company, Ltd., a major optics supplier in China for our GRADIUM® product line. This license will broaden the exposure of our GRADIUM® products in Asia and will continue to expand LightPath’s distribution network."
Financial Results for Three Months Ended September 30, 2012
Revenue for the first quarter of fiscal 2013 totaled approximately $2.89 million compared to approximately $2.73 million for the first quarter of fiscal 2012, an increase of 6%. This increase was primarily attributable to increases in sales of custom optics and an increase in our industrial tool products offset by slightly lower sales volumes in our collimator and GRADIUM® product lines. Growth in sales for the next several quarters is expected to be derived primarily from the precision molded lens product line, with an initial recovery in low cost lenses being sold in Asia and from new business with penetration into imaging applications. Infrared products, now bei ng designed and introduced are expected to accelerate the Company’s growth more meaningfully beginning in the second half of fiscal 2013 and continuing in fiscal 2014.
The gross margin percentage in the first quarter of fiscal 2013 was 41%, compared to 40% for the first quarter of fiscal 2012. Total manufacturing costs of $1.71 million increased by approximately $63,000 in the first quarter of fiscal 2013 compared to the same period of the prior fiscal year due to an increase of $163,000 in direct costs associated with the infrared project partially offset by lower fixed and tooling costs.
Direct costs overall, which include material, labor and services, were 22% of revenue in the first quarter of fiscal 2013, as compared to 29% of revenue in the first quarter of fiscal 2012.
During the first quarter of fiscal 2013, total costs and expenses decreased by approximately $88,000 compared to the same period of the prior year. Selling, general and administrative expenses were $982,000 for the first quarter of fiscal 2013. Total operating loss for the first quarter of fiscal 2013 improved to approximately $27,000 compared to $209,000 for the same period in fiscal 2012.
In the first quarter of fiscal 2013 we recognized a gain of approximately $96,000 related to the change in the fair value of derivative warrants issued in our June 2012 private placement. This fair value will be re-measured each reporting period throughout the five year life of the warrants or until exercised.
Investment and other income increased by approximately $28,000 to $63,000 in the first quarter of fiscal 2013 from approximately $35,000 in the first quarter of fiscal 2012. In the first quarter of fiscal 2013 we sold a technology license for our GRADIUM® product line in Asia and recognized the first milestone of that agreement.
Net income for the first quarter of fiscal 2013 was $101,000 or $0.01 per basic and diluted common share, compared with a net loss of $198,000 or $0.02 per basic and diluted common share for the same period in fiscal 2012. Weighted-average basic shares outstanding increased to 11,771,392 in the first quarter of fiscal 2013 compared to 9,746,107 in the first quarter of fiscal 2012 which is primarily due to the issuance of shares of common stock in the June 2012 private placement, shares issued for the payment of interest on our convertible debentures and the shares issued for our employee stock purchase plan.
Cash and cash equivalents totaled approximately $2.16 million as of September 30, 2012. The current ratio as of September 30, 2012 was 2.26 to 1 compared to 3.59 to 1 as of June 30, 2012. The change was primarily due to our convertible debt moving from long term to short term debt. Total stockholders’ equity as of September 30, 2012 totaled approximately $4.25 million compared to $4.02 million as of June 30, 2012.
As of September 30, 2012, our 12-month backlog was $5.46 million compared to $4.89 million as of June 30, 2012.
Investor Conference Call and Webcast Details:
LightPath will host an audio conference call and webcast on Thursday, November 8th at 4:30 p.m. EDT to discuss the Company's financial and operational performance for the first quarter of fiscal 2013.
Conference Call Details
Date: Thursday, November 8, 2012
Time: 4:30 p.m. (ET)
Dial-in Number: 1-800-860-2442
International Dial-in Number: 1-412-858-4600
It is recommended that participants dial-in approximately 5 to 10 minutes prior to the start of the 4:30 p.m. call. A transcript archive of the webcast will be available for viewing or download on the company web site shortly after the call is concluded.
About LightPath Technologies
LightPath manufactures optical products including precision molded aspheric optics, GRADIUM® glass products, proprietary collimator assemblies, laser components utilizing proprietary automation technology, higher-level assemblies and packing solutions. The Company's products are used in various markets, including industrial, medical, defense, test and measurement and telecommunications. LightPath has a strong patent portfolio that has been granted or licensed to it in these fields. For more information visit www.lightpath.com.
The discussions of our results as presented in this release include use of non-GAAP terms "EBITDA" and "gross margin." Gross margin is determined by deducting the cost of sales from operating revenue. Cost of sales includes manufacturing direct and indirect labor, materials, services, fixed costs for rent, utilities and depreciation, and variable overhead. Gross margin should not be considered an alternative to operating income or net income, which is determined in accordance with Generally Accepted Accounting Principles ("GAAP"). We believe that gross margin, although a non-GAAP financial measure is useful and meaningful to investors as a basis for making investment decisions. It provides investors with information that demonstrates our cost structure and provides funds for our total costs and expenses. We use gross margin in measuring the performance of our business and have historically analyzed and reported gross margin information publicly. Other companies may calculate gross margin in a different manner.
EBITDA is a non-GAAP financial measure used by management, lenders and certain investors as a supplemental measure in the evaluation of some aspects of a corporation's financial position and core operating performance. Investors sometimes use EBITDA as it allows for some level of comparability of profitability trends between those businesses differing as to capital structure and capital intensity by removing the impacts of depreciation, amortization, and loss on extinguishment of debt and interest expense. EBITDA also does not include changes in major working capital items such as receivables, inventory and payables, which can also indicate a significant need for, or source of, cash. Since decisions regarding capital investment and financing and changes in working capital components can have a significant impact on cash flow, EBITDA is not a good indicator of a busi ness's cash flows. We use EBITDA for evaluating the relative underlying performance of the Company's core operations and for planning purposes. We calculate EBITDA by adjusting net loss to exclude net interest expense, income tax expense or benefit, depreciation and amortization, thus the term "Earnings Before Interest, Taxes, Depreciation and Amortization" and the acronym "EBITDA."
This news release includes statements that constitute forward-looking statements made pursuant to the safe harbor provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, including statements regarding our ability to expand our presence in certain markets, future sales growth, continuing reductions in cash usage and implementation of new distribution channels. This information may involve risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from such forward-looking statements. Factors that could cause or contribute to such differences include, but are not limited to, factors detailed by LightPath Technologies, Inc. in its public filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Except as required under the federal securities laws and the rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission, we do not have any intenti on or obligation to update publicly any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.
Contacts:
Jim Gaynor, President & CEO             Dorothy Cipolla, CFO
LightPath Technologies, Inc.                LightPath Technologies, Inc.
Tel: 407-382-4003                                Tel: 407-382-4003 x305