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September 9th, 2010Inc. Magazine Names NK in Top 5000 Fastest Growing Companies in US
September 7th, 2010
Inc. Magazine Unveils Its Fourth Annual Exclusive List of America’s Fastest-Growing Private Companies—the Inc. 5000
Nielsen-Kellerman Company Ranks No. 4425 on the 2010 Inc. 5000 with Three-Year Sales Growth of 20%
NEW YORK, August 24, 2010 — Inc. magazine today ranked Nielsen-Kellerman NO. 4425 on its fourth annual Inc. 5000, an exclusive ranking of the nation’s fastest-growing private companies. The list represents the most comprehensive look at the most important segment of the economy—America’s independent-minded entrepreneurs. Music website Pandora, convenience store chain 7-Eleven, Brooklyn Brewery, and Radio Flyer, maker of the iconic children’s red wagon, are among the prominent brands featured on this year’s list.
“The leaders of the companies on this year’s Inc. 5000 have figured out how to grow their businesses during the longest recession since the Great Depression,” said Inc. president Bob LaPointe. “The 2010 Inc. 5000 showcases a particularly hardy group of entrepreneurs.”
Nielsen-Kellerman Company designs, manufactures and distributes waterproof instruments for active lifestyles and technical applications across three brands: Kestrel Pocket Weather Meters, NK electronics for the sport of rowing, and ClearNav soaring instruments. For more than thirty years, NK has been known worldwide for its waterproof speed measurement, timing and audio systems for competitive rowers. Virtually every shell at the 2008 Athens Olympic games carried NK equipment. Nielsen-Kellerman’s Kestrel Weather division has been researching, developing and manufacturing technically advanced portable weather instruments for more than a decade and owns multiple patents on their unique features. This is the second consecutive year NK has made the Inc. 5000 list.
The 2010 Inc. 5000, unveiled today on Inc.com, serves as a unique illustration of the profound changes taking place in the U.S. economy. The Government Services sector showed the biggest gain in terms of the number of companies on the list, up 33 percent from last year to 335 companies. Government Services was also the second-fastest-growing sector in terms of median revenue growth, posting a 202 percent gain over the 2006-2009 measuring period. More than half of these companies are based in Maryland, Virginia, and Washington, D.C. The fastest-growing sector by median revenue growth was Real Estate, now just a tiny group of 38 young, small companies, which showed 231 percent median growth over the period. (There were 121 Real Estate firms on the inaugural Inc. 5000 in 2007.) Business Products & Services is the top industry by number of companies on the list (640) and total revenue ($80.7 billion), while Health is the biggest by total employment (287,726 jobs).
Despite the fact that most of this year’s measuring period of 2006-2009 took place during the latest recession, aggregate revenue among the companies on the list actually increased to $321.6 billion, up more than 50 percent from last year. The effects of the recession are seen, however, in the median three-year growth rate, which dropped to 96 percent from last year’s 126 percent. This year’s Inc. 5000 employ a record 1.4 million people, up from one million on last year’s list. With unemployment remaining stubbornly high, policymakers and business leaders will do well to look to the Inc. 5000 companies for fresh ideas on achieving growth and creating jobs.
Complete results of the Inc. 5000, including company profiles and an interactive database that can be sorted by industry, region, and other criteria, can be found on www.inc.com/5000.
For more information, contact Monica Devlin:
610.447.1555 X 306,
Kestrel Weather Tracker with Horus Vision Ballistics: FAQ
August 25th, 2010The upcoming release of the all new Kestrel Pocket Weather Tracker with Horus Ballistics (yep, I can say that all in one breath) has triggered a decent amount of questions, comments and cyber high-fives from you. I wanted to share the latest information on the arrival of this highly anticipated Kestrel meter and answer some of your most common questions. If I missed any, please post them below and I’ll get back to you.
So, when can I get it?
The official release date is scheduled for this fall.
We make all of our own products right here at the Kestrel headquarters so we’re on top of the entire production process. We’re also perfectionists. We refuse to let you have products that aren’t up to extremely high standards. We put our Kestrel meters up against stringent NIST standards, rigid military drop-test specs, and IP-67 & MIL-STD-810 protection from dust and water damage. If you don’t know what those codes stand for, it’s basically a fancy, super official way of saying a product is darn TOUGH. Let’s just say the Kestrel is the Clint Eastwood of hand-held weather meters, or Chuck Norris even. What that means for you, is that we conduct robust rounds of beta testing and updates to ensure the product that reaches your hand is top notch. Check back for schedule updates or changes.
Which Kestrel meters will be available with Horus Atrag Ballistics software?
The Kestrel 4500 NV series will be available with Horus Vision ballistics. The Kestrel 4500 is the only model to give wind direction, which is important for long-range shooting and a perfect complement to an integrated targeting solutions system. The Night Vision (NV) series is the preferred model for the military because of its dim red back light that does not obscure or bleach out your natural vision in low light situations. Nocturnal or early AM hunters like this one too for the same reason.
You will also have the option to choose a model with Bluetooth data transfer or without the wireless technology. With the Bluetooth technology, you would be able to wirelessly transmit all of the Kestrel weather data to a laptop for analysis or long-term documentation. For example, tracking and comparing shooting competition performance against range conditions or for training purposes.
The available colors will be in Olive Drab and Desert Tan.
How much do they cost?
We will have more info on this going forward so be sure to check back at our site and this blog. You could also follow me on Twitter @KestrelChick. Fan us on Facebook and of course shoot me an e-mail: mdevlin@nkhome.com.
The Kestrel with Horus Ballistics will certainly cost less than the price of a ruggedized PDA and Kestrel meter combo. This new Kestrel meter eliminates the need for a PDA- all the critical data you need is right in the unit!
For more info on the new Kestrel with Horus Vision ballistics, please click here.
Know Your conditions.
Your Kestrel Weather Girl,
Monica Devlin
Can I upgrade my current unit to include Horus Vision software?
No. The Kestrel with Horus Vision ATrag software was specially designed and built to support the integrated ballistics solutions along with the Kestrel platform you’re used to- environmental data, storage and wireless data transfer capabilities. Sometimes we’re able to offer an upgrade option if it only involves a code change but in this case that is not possible. We do have a Customer Care Discount program where you may trade in your current Kestrel for credit towards the new Kestrel Weather Tracker with Horus Vision.
Here is a link to more info on Customer Care Discount program.
Your Kestrel Weather Girl & Blogger,
Monica Devlin
Wireless Weather Data: Get Connected Your Way with Bluetooth
August 24th, 2010Wireless weather data + your preferred software.
Get connected your way.
The all new Kestrel with Bluetooth® data transfer series is capable of running on various software platforms. That means now there are more ways to use Kestrel weather data to fit your needs. Storm tracking, shooting applications, Haz Mat plume modeling and fire behavior models, much more!
If you are a software developer and would like to find out more about software integration with the Kestrel Bluetooth® data transfer series, please find more information in the Bluetooth Connection guide.
http://nkhome.com/wp/kestrel-interface-protocol/
You may also contact Tech Support for additional assistance.
610-447-1555
info@nkhome.com
Post your questions and comments in our NK Knowledge center and we’ll respond within 2 business days. Here you’ll also find answers to many FAQs.
Kestrel Pocket Weather Meters Software Partners
Below is a list of our fully-integrated software partners. This is just a very preliminary list…we’re currently working with many partners. More to come soon! Join the wireless weather data wave!
Shooter
Shooter is a highly accurate ballistics calculator for the Android mobile platform (v1.6 and higher). Shooter’s primary goal is to provide accurate shot solutions quickly and easily when in the field. This is done by utilizing a proven-accurate and fast ballistics solver coupled with an advanced, intuitive user interface supporting features like firearm and ammunition profiles (so you never have to enter the same data twice) and options to use your device’s hardware (GPS, Accelerometer, Compass) to help you input shot-data both quickly and accurately.
Contact:
Sean Kennedy
Lex Talus Corporation
The Field Firing Solutions software (FFS Delta series) has become the standard for real-time, long range ballistic solutions and support, computed on rugged hand-held devices for field use. The Delta IV-K software interfaces with the Kestrel 4000 BT series weather meters for on demand or continuous atmospheric and wind serial data which the software uses to automatically update its firing solutions.
http://www.precisionworkbench.com/
Contact:
Blaine Fields
blaine@lextalus.com
HuntingLife.Com
HuntingLife.com has launched an innovative iPhone application optimized for the nation’s hunting communities that displays up-to-date radar images on an interactive Google map. The HuntingLife application, developed by weather leader Weather Decision Technologies, Inc., detects your location and uses an advanced algorithm technology for data processing to display the best quality radar data available in the United States, as well as current conditions, humidity, wind direction and dew-point data, as well as severe weather information.
Contact:
Kevin Paulson
Kevin@HuntingLife.com
Altimeter, Barometer, Hygrometer…Oh My!
August 19th, 2010Check out this step-by-step guide to getting started with your Kestrel 4500 Pocket Weather Tracker. This Power Point presentation gives a comprehensive overview of the features and capabilities of the “Cadillac” Kestrel. Find out how to calibrate the compass, set the altitude and barometric pressure, turn on the Bluetooth data transfer capabilities, navigate the screens and more.
Click here for Introduction to the Kestrel 4500 guide.
For more quick tips, contests, specials and latest product news, follow us on twitter.com/KestrelChick or fan us on Facebook!
Recycle Program gives Old Kestrel Weather Meters New Life
August 9th, 2010Kestrel Pocket Weather Meters announces the launch of a new recycling initiative for all outdated models and unusable units. Scrap materials will now go to National Plastics & Manufacturing, Inc. to be processed as part of their comprehensive recycling program. National Plastics & Manufacturing, Inc. is a local Philadelphia-area company that has been recycling industrial scrap and plastics from manufacturers for more than 20 years.
Kestrel Pocket Weather Meters are designed, built and distributed by Nielsen-Kellerman, Co. in Boothwyn, PA. As a nationally recognized LEAN manufacturing company, NK not only strives to improve efficiency and reduce waste in manufacturing methods but also in all areas of business. NK has always relied on building quality, long-lasting electronics with a five year warranty, and encouraging customers to return their old products for parts recycling. Now, this latest recycling effort ensures that every piece of eligible material will be properly recycled or processed.
NK is committed to choosing sustainable business practices and currently employs strategies that support the following areas; energy conservation, waste reduction, waste and battery recycling, paper consumption reduction, shipping and packaging, employee carpooling and public transportation. For information on NK’s environmental stewardship, please go to http://www.nkhome.com/about/green.html to learn more.
- Know Your Conditions -
For more information, contact Monica Devlin at 610.447.1555 X 306, mdevlin@nkhome.com
or visit www.nkhome.com.
For more on National Plastics & Manufacturing, Inc. visit http://www.natplasticsinc.com/
PREVENT HEAT RELATED INJURY WITH A HAND-HELD WEATHER METER
August 4th, 2010BOOTHWYN, PA …As summer temperatures rise, so does the risk of heat-related illness and fatality. For outdoor activities, it’s critical to monitoring the environmental conditions to prevent heat stress. Whether you’re outside for sport or for your job, Kestrel Pocket Weather Meters provide instant, accurate information to monitor conditions when safety is at stake.
Athletic trainers, hikers, bikers, and anyone engaging in exercise outdoors can prevent heat injury by monitoring heat stress index for potentially unsafe levels. Heat Stress Index is used to measure the effects of the environment on the human body. The Heat Stress Index is a calculation based on air temperature and humidity, as well as a number of assumptions, to estimate what the current conditions feel like on the human body.
Wildland firefighters must perform in extreme summer temperatures. Knowing the relative humidity right at the scene of the fire allows them to make decisions for safety and firefighting strategy. Instantly, firefighters can get temperature, humidity, wind speed, heat index, and more. In addition to getting critical information for containing the fire, heat index provides vital data in keeping emergency personnel safe. Dave Hostler, PhD, a Research Associate Professor of Emergency Medicine at the Emergency Responder Human Performance Lab at University of Pittsburgh says, “Once we have the Heat Index in hand, we can determine the intensity of our fireground rehab practices.”
When firefighters have their heavy gear on, things can get dangerously hot quickly. “We have taken a conservative approach and decided that any temperature above 80 on the heat index requires active cooling or an air-conditioned vehicle/structure for firefighter and hazmat technician rehab,” said Hostler. “Above this temperature there is always some potential for heat injury.”
Even for those of us who won’t be spending the summer in fighting fires, its important to keep an eye on the heat index and always ensure everyone is hydrated during outdoor activities. “Prevention is always better than treatment,” says Hostler. “Even using the best practices, heat stress can take hours to correct once it occurs. Drink plenty of fluids, rest often, and think about heat stress before it occurs.”
Every Kestrel Pocket Weather Meter is backed by a five year warranty and is designed, developed, built, tested and supported here in the USA. Nielsen-Kellerman’s Kestrel Weather division has been researching, developing and manufacturing technically advanced portable weather instruments for more than twelve years and owns multiple patents on their unique features. Kestrel Pocket Weather Meters are employed by thousands of users in hundreds of different activities around the world.
- Know Your Conditions -
For more information, contact Monica Devlin at 610.447.1555 X 306
mdevlin@nkhome.com
or visit www.nkhome.com.
Storm Spotting with the Kestrel
August 4th, 2010Written by intern Joe Moore, Senior Meteorology student at Millersville University.
As a meteorology student, I know a thing or two about weather. So, I decided to write this handy guide to using a Kestrel to take measurements as a storm spotter. As someone with experience in the SKYWARN program of the National Weather Service, I have made this guide to align with the standards for storm spotting and reporting.
Wind
Applies to: All models (Direction: 4500 only)
To take a wind measurement, you should be in an open area, with 10 times the height of the nearest building away from you. (Eg. if you are near a 2 story home- about 25 feet tall – you should stand 250 feet away) While this is not always possible, it helps to get better measurements. It is also important to take into effect the terrain around you when taking a wind measurement.
Making the measurement with a Kestrel Weather Meter:
For 1000, 2000, 2500, 3000, 3500: You may need to scroll through the list of measurements by using the left and right arrow keys.
For 4000+: You may need to scroll through list of measurements by using the up and down arrow keys.
Instantaneous Wind Speed: This is what is displayed on the Wind Speed screen. For NWS SKYWARN purposes, it is suggested to use either MPH or KTS as units. This is the “live” display of the data.
Wind Gust/Max Wind: This is the maximum 3-second sustained value. Use the left/right arrow keys to get to this value. (Note for 4000+: You need to turn this “on” to record max and avg wind by pressing the enter (horizontal bar) key on the max/avg screen. Do this before you begin reporting!)
Sustained wind speed: Scroll to the left or right to find this value. (For 4000+: this value is on the same screen as the max wind speed). For 1000-3500, this value is the average wind speed since turning on the unit. For 4000+, this is in the average since you have selected to record the value. Note, for NWS standards, averages winds are determined over a 2 minute period.
A note about the impeller on your Kestrel: The impeller on every Kestrel is replaceable. It is suggested to replace at least every battery change (batteries are have a life 300-400 hours of active use, depending on the model). The range of the impeller is 0.8 to 89 MPH for 3% accuracy (NWS requirement is 5%), and it will work up to 135 MPH (with less accuracy).
Temperature
Applies to: All models except 1000
All Kestrel models are equipped with quick-response thermometers that can are externally mounted from the case to give the most accurate reading possible. This patented technology allows you to measure temperature quickly and accurately.
Making the measurement with a Kestrel Weather Meter:
Navigate to the temperature screen (2000-3500: left and right arrows; 4000+: up and down arrows).
For air temperature, wave the Kestrel around for a few minutes. If taking from extreme environments (eg. 78 F in a house to 25 F outside) allow a few minutes for it to adjust. In cold environments, do not breath on the unit nor touch the sensor.
For water temperature, submerge unit in water. All Kestrel units are sealed to IP67 standards, which means it can be submerged at a 3 meter depth for up to 30 minutes. Unless you have goggles, it may be useful to use the hold function (on the 2000/2500/3000/3500) or manually capture the data in the data logger (4000+).
For snow temperature, place Kestrel in snow. As with when taking water measurements, the hold/data capture function of your Kestrel may be useful.
FYI: Water and Snow temperature are usually not useful to NWS Meteorologists, but are interesting parameters to measure. (Snow temperature is used by Olympic skiers and snowboarders to determine how much wax to use on their skis/snowboards.)
Other benefits to Kestrel units to keep you safe
Many Kestrel units can also display things like wind chill (2000+) and heat index (3000+). Barometric Pressure is another useful weather parameter to measure (2500/3500/4000/4500). Kestrel units are designed manufactured in the USA (in Boothwyn, PA) and are designed to be the best portable weather meters in the world! All units come with a 5 year warranty. Even after this period, any unit that stops functioning may be repaired or replaced with an equivalent model for a discount under the Customer Care Program.
***Nielsen-Kellerman, manufacturer of Kestrel Pocket Weather Meters, offers a 15% discount to SKYWARN spotters.***
Be sure to follow us on Twitter.com/KestrelChick and www.facebook.com/KestrelMeters for all the latest on weather, Kestrel meters and giveaways!
