12/5/2011 Emsys Closes Out a Fantastic 2011 in Shanghai and New Orleans

The year 2011 has been an extremely busy year for the commercial maritime activities at W R Systems, Ltd. (WRSystems). Emsys has been introduced to marine markets all over the globe, and, as 2011 comes to an end, two teams from WRSystems finished off the year at Marintec (Shanghai, PRC) and the International Workboat Show in New Orleans, Louisiana, US.

This year's Marintec show was the largest ever, comprising six halls and featuring a 'Who's Who' of maritime suppliers and shipyards from the worldwide maritime community. Currently, Emsys is targeted at the larger shipyards and ship-owners in China; however, as the 2016 Tier III deadline approaches, this market is expected to grow significantly throughout the Chinese maritime marketplace.

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12/1/2011 WRSystems Named to List of 2012's Best Places to Work in Virginia

WRSystems is excited to announce being named as one of the 2012 Best Places to Work in Virginia. The annual list of "Best Places to Work" was created by Virginia Business and Best Companies Group.

• Be a for-profit or not-for-profit business or government entity;
• Be a publicly or privately held business;
• Have a facility in the state of Virginia;
• Have at least 15 employees working in Virginia;
• Must be in business a minimum of 1 year.

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11/21/2011 Emsys Selected for Prestigious 3 Rig Contract

W R Systems, Ltd (WRSystems) have been awarded a prestigious contract to supply its cutting-edge laser-based Emsys Emissions Monitoring System (EMS) to a major offshore drilling contractor for three drilling ships/rigs located in the Gulf of Mexico.

The EMS will be incorporated into the vessel's proprietary data management technology, to provide compliance with each vessel's EPA Air Permit requirements.

WRSystems are also carrying out a significant Engineering Design Package to ensure the EMS system is properly integrated into each vessel's sophisticated data network.

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11/16/2011 Europort 2011 Launches Emsys to the Benelux Shipping Community

Rotterdam was buzzing this week as the global maritime community descended upon the Ahoy Conference Centre. This year's event was the first time Emsys, WRSystems' advanced Emissions Monitoring Systems (EMS), had been on display, being part of the highly impressive booth of our Benelux partners, 'Ruysch Technical Agencies'. Their excellent industry reputation gained over many years combined with their profile of promoting 'green' products assisted Emsys greatly with the high volume of quality enquiries received.

The Dutch maritime community is highly knowledgeable and there are many ship owners and operators with fleets of specialist vessels as opposed to simply cargo transportation. These types of vessels are ideal candidates for Emsys due to its ability to deliver assured compliance and provide data to assist in improving vessel operational performance.

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11/14/2011 JP Jones receives CISSP and IASO Certifications

WRSystems is pleased to announce and congratulate JP Jones on being recognized as both a Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP) as well as an Information Assurance Security Officer (IASO).

CISSP is an elite certification that is recognized world-wide amongst Information Assurance Professionals. Obtaining the certification requires a minimum of 5 years of professional experience in the information systems security field, an IS college degree, passing a 6+ hour exam, an investigation, and an endorsement by other Information Assurance professionals. The exam for CISSP is very difficult and many professionals have to take the test several times before they pass; however, JP passed the exam on his first attempt. IASO is a designation that is given by the Army both to military and contractors that take a 40 hour course on Information Assurance and pass a 2 hour exam.

With foreign countries continuously launching cyber-attacks against our nation the demand for Information Assurance professionals continues to increase exponentially. The Information Assurance certifications that JP has obtained helps demonstrate our expertise in this growing field. Congratulations JP!

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10/31/2011 Emsys Debuts at Kormarine

Representatives from W R Systems, Ltd. (WRSystems) are delighted with the response received from WRSystems booth visitors at Kormarine 2011. This is the first time WRSystems have exhibited in Korea. Their booth was part of a larger display organised by WRSystems partners in Korea, 'World Ocean Company'.

WRSystems representatives attended the exhibition to reinforce the promotional activity of Emsys within the world's largest shipbuilding market. To date in 2011, the Korean new-build market represents over 50% of the Emsys orders placed (USD) worldwide.

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10/24/2011 Technology Firm Puts Spotlight on PM and Black Carbon Emissions

A technology firm says its emissions sensor, which can measure particulate matter (PM) as well as other pollutants, may also help operators who want to identify and mitigate emissions of black carbon (BC).

The recent revisions of MARPOL Annex VI "were primarily based around switching to cleaner, lower sulphur fuels, and were seen as the solution to many of the maritime industries' air pollution issues," Simon Brown, Director of International Marine Business at WRSystems told Bunkerworld and Sustainable Shipping.

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10/17/2011 MAERSK LINE LIMITED Uses Emsys™ for U.S. Navy Biofuel Trials

W R Systems, Ltd (WRSystems) has been asked to supply its Emsys™ laser based Emissions Monitoring System (EMS) for the purpose of emission verification for an ongoing fuel trials on board the AP Moller Maersk vessel Maersk Kalmar.

WRSystems was asked to provide the Emsys™ system installation as part of a wider project between Maersk Line Limited (Maersk) and the US Navy to test biofuels for their long term suitability for maritime applications. Emsys™ was requested by Maersk following successful trial installations on two US based Maersk container vessels. Previous trials were used to prove system efficacy and aid the comprehensive marine Type Approval process under the supervision of the American Bureau of Shipping (ABS).

The Emsys™ system will collect comprehensive emissions and Particulate Matter (PM) data. This data will be included in a comprehensive performance report to be prepared by Maersk and audited by Lloyds Register (LR). Data collected will include Nitrogen Oxides (NOX), Sulfur Oxides (SOX), Carbon Dioxide (CO2), and PM. Additionally the report will detail findings of the effects of biofuels on the engine of fuel system performance and normal wear and tear.

The Emsys™ system is unique in its measurement of emissions by Quantum Cascade Laser (QCL) technology. The system is highly accurate, stable, and suitable for the harsh environment experienced in the vessel's upper funnel space. PM measurement takes place outside the stack, which allows a single optic to measure multiple stacks.

Emsys™ is designed to be virtually maintenance free, affording the lowest cost of ownership of any EMS systems currently available. Measuring the exhaust gas 'hot and wet' also removes the requirement for costly and maintenance intensive gas conditioning equipment. The system carries full Type Approval from ABS for MARPOL Annex VI NOx and SOx regulations. It also has been comprehensively tested and Type Approved for the measurement of PM, Mass Emissions, and the CO2 Operational Index, as detailed in IMO Circular MEPC 471.

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9/23/2011 WRSystems included in US Navy contract award

WRSystems has been included on a team being awarded an indefinite-delivery/indefinite quantity, cost-plus-fixed-fee, multiple award contract in the amount of $91,474,687 for services to support hull, mechanical, and electrical machinery and systems on Navy vessels. 45% of the work is to be performed in Norfolk, VA. and is expected to complete in September 2016.

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06/03/2011 Royal Caribbean selects Emsys™ Emissions Monitoring System for the 'Independence of the Seas'

WR Systems (Norfolk Va.) has been awarded the right to supply its Emsys™, Emissions Monitoring System (EMS) to the Royal Caribbean International (RCI) vessel 'Independence of the Seas'.

The system will be installed to monitor performance and provide emissions compliance data for an EcoSpec Exhaust Gas Cleaning System. The technologies will be installed during mid-2011 as part of a pilot test aimed at reducing RCI's environmental footprint.

The Emsys system is based on solid-state Laser technology and has been awarded full Type Approval from the American Bureau of Shipping (ABS) in line with the International Maritime Organization's (IMO) MARPOL Annex VI NOx Regulations, and the IMO Exhaust Gas Cleaning System Guidelines. The system also carries the MED wheelmark.

Launched in September 2010, the Emsys System has been specifically developed to introduce new sensing technology into marine exhaust emissions measurement. The system is designed to be virtually maintenance free, and is inherently stable requiring only regulatory 'calibrations'. Mounted in the funnel space, Emsys can monitor up to 10 engines or boilers from a single sensor, allowing very compact and rapid installation for retrofit applications.

The Emsys system also includes the first sensor to measure Particulate Matter (PM) 'outside the stack'. This significant benefit reduces capital cost and eliminates installation of sensitive measurement equipment in each of the monitored exhaust stacks. The integral PM sensor has been developed to meet the requirements of the forthcoming US 'Emissions Control Area' (ECA) regulations, where PM has been included in the regulatory language.

Royal Caribbean has chosen Emsys Technology from the systems currently available because of its low maintenance and high accuracy capabilities. "It is important for RCL to demonstrate, with the highest accuracy and traceability, the emissions reduction performance of the EcoSpec emissions abatement system. As part of our on-going environmental commitment to reduce our air emissions, the Emsys system can provide the necessary data for both compliance purposes and our own internal technology evaluation criteria" stated Capt. William S. Wright, Senior Vice President of Marine Operations for Royal Caribbean International.

Following receipt of the contract award, Mr. Dave Edwards, Senior VP of WRSystems commented; 'We are delighted that Emsys has been selected for this highly important project. Our team has spent over 2 years testing and refining the Emsys System to be the most advanced technology available. The Laser sensor is fantastic, no moving parts and maintenance-free operation provides our users with a highly reliable and highly accurate compliance management tool. This latest contract success comes on the back of some further exciting news which we plan to release to the industry shortly!'

Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd. is a global cruise vacation company that operates Royal Caribbean International, Celebrity Cruises, Pullmantur, Azamara Club Cruises and CDF Croisieres de France. The company has a combined total of 40 ships in service and two under construction. It also offers unique land-tour vacations in Alaska, Asia, Australia/New Zealand, Canada, Dubai, Europe and South America.

Additional information can be found on www.royalcaribbean.com, www.celebritycruises.com, www.pullmantur.es, www.azamaraclubcruises.com, www.cdfcroisieresdefrance.com or www.rclinvestor.com

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11/12/2010 Emsys™ Awarded the MED Wheelmark!

WRSystems is delighted to announce further awards of marine certification regarding its Emsys™, Marine Emissions Monitoring System.

As of July 1, 2010, on-board NOX monitoring and recording devices have moved into Annex A1/2.8 of the Marine Equipment Directive (MED). This requires vessels operating under European Flag States to have additional certification on top of the traditional Class Type Approval, when implementing on-board marine diesel engine emissions monitoring equipment.

Following the award of ABS Type Approval for Emsys™ on September 1, 2010, the Emsys™ system has additionally been awarded the MED Wheelmark in accordance with Annex A1/2.8. This incorporates the Module "B” EC Type Examination Approval and Module "D” Quality Assessment Certification.

This latest award extends the lead that laser-based Emsys™ has taken over the first generation's analog systems, which, until September, had been the only solutions available to measure marine emissions. Emsys™ has now been certified for each and every marine air pollution regulation that is currently in force, and those yet to be introduced as part of the MARPOL Annex VI revision process.

Emsys™ Product Manager, Mr. Robert Westmont (who has managed the entire approvals process) comments, "This is the culmination of a huge approvals program that we embarked upon in February 2010. We set out with the sole intention to develop the most sophisticated and reliable emissions monitoring system available, but we were also committed to deliver added reassurance in the form of rigorous testing and industry acknowledged certification. I must pay tribute to the team of individuals who have been involved in the design, development, and testing of Emsys™. The technology is 'cutting edge' and has moved the industry on significantly. Implementing laser-based sensing and 'out of the stack' Particulate Monitoring (PM) is true cutting edge technology, allowing our customers to benefit from far lower operating costs and considerably increased reliability."

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11/3/2010 W R Systems, Ltd. Appoints "World Ocean Co. Ltd." as Korean Representative

During a recent business trip to the Far East, WRSystems Director of International Marine Business, Simon Brown appointed "World Ocean Co. Ltd." as the first exclusive sales agent for the Emsys™ Marine Emissions Monitoring product. The Korean market is strategically important to WRSystems and the week-long visit took in most of the major shipyards and Korean shipowners.

The reception received was excellent; the Emsys™ system is a second generation design delivering many benefits over the established "first generation” systems. The shipyards were extremely impressed with the compact nature of the system and its ease of installation (in the funnel space). Other important features which were discussed included the low maintenance requirements (no consumable parts or filters) and the inclusion of Particulate Matter (PM) measurement from the same stack penetration.

Although market conditions in the global shipping industry still remain difficult, it is hoped that the resilience of the Korean shipbuilding industry will allow many opportunities for the supply of Emsys™.

Brown commented "World Ocean Co. Ltd. is a valuable addition to our sales efforts for the Emsys™ Laser based PM and Emissions Monitoring System. The Korean shipbuilding and owners market is an important strategic target and I am convinced our business is in safe hands. World Ocean Co. Ltd. is a highly professional organization with an abundance of technical expertise, which is a significant benefit when you are dealing with a high-tech product such as Emsys™. During my previous trips to Korea, I have usually been entertained with traditional Korean Karaoke, however on this trip Mr. Peter Pyon (Senior Director) challenged me to a game of 18 holes of Screen Golf I duly obliged by allowing him to comprehensively beat me! I blame this on the lack of practice with the clubs I was given, however a lack of skill and ability may have also made a contribution. I am really looking forward to working with the team at World Ocean Co. Ltd. to develop this most important market.”

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10/15/10 WRSystems begins back scanning of Civil Case files for Norfolk Circuit Court Clerk's Office

10/15/10 WRSystems begins back scanning of civil case files for the Norfolk Circuit Court Clerk's office. The back scanning effort is a continuation of the Clerk's "green” initiative. To date, WRSystems has digitally converted over three (3) million images, dating back to 1997. Case files scanned include both sealed and open records. Employing WRSystems document conversion services, the Office of the Clerk not only preserves records in the most optimum and efficient manner but also enhances its response time to its constituents, the judicial community, and the Public by providing requested information near real time with the flexibility of online capabilities. Moreover, newly created space allowed the Clerk to dedicate the open area as a Research Library for the Public.

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9/29/10 WRSystems wins Professional Employee Support Services contract with the Department of State

9/29/10 WRSystems, along with teaming partners E-9 Corporation (prime) and Indigo Technology, Inc., is awarded a Professional Employee Support Services Indefinite Delivery Indefinite Quantity Contract (IDIQ) contract with the Department of State. The IDIQ contract awarded supports the Bureau of Information Resource Management by providing both CONUS and OCONUS professional service employees to meet performance objectives and business requirements of the Bureau. The contract ceiling is valued at $100M.

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9/21/2010 Emsys™ Launches to Critical Acclaim

The Shipbuilding, Machinery and Marine (SMM 2010) trade fair in Hamburg (Germany) is widely acknowledged as the largest and most prestigious event of its type in the commercial shipping calendar. With over 50,000 visitors and 2,000 exhibitors from all over around world, it was the ideal platform to launch WRSystems Emsys™ Marine Emissions Monitoring System to the global shipping in industry.

The Emsys™ official launch party was held on Wednesday 8th September at the WRSystems booth and was attended by a host of Editors and Reporters from the premier industry journals and publications. Also in attendance were various dignitaries and industry personalities to add a touch of glamour and character to the event. Feedback regarding Emsys™ received from industry experts and the media was excellent.

WRSystems Snr. VP Dave Edwards formalised proceedings with a short speech, followed by the obligatory 'champagne' toast. The launch comes only days after the formal announcement of ABS Type Approval for Emsys™ , which saw Emsys™ stealing the technological lead from its rivals.

The 4 days of the exhibition were a resounding success for WRSystems, the interest in the combined Laser and Particulate Matter (PM) measurement technology was vast. There was also significant interest from potential distributors and 'Technology Partners' who realise the potential of Emsys™ as a tool for providing shipowners with the management data to ensure regulatory compliance, but additionally create operational efficiency.

WRSystems Director of International Marine Business, Simon Brown was also in attendance. Brown commented "It's amazing! I have attended this exhibition for many years but never seen this level of interest or excitement. Emsys™ seems to be the right product, at the right time for an industry facing numerous regulatory challenges around air pollution. Being able to deliver genuinely innovative technology is a privilege; 'innovation' is an overused word in this industry, but not in this case. The benefits Emsys™ brings to shipowners and the wider shipping community can be measured in a cleaner environment for us all, but additionally Dollars and Cents as cleaner shipping can be highly profitable shipping."

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9/15/10 WRSystems completes back-file redaction of Land Records for Norfolk Circuit Court Clerk's Office

9/15/10 WRSystems completes the redaction of digital Land Records spanning years 1968 thru 2009. The scope of work required the redaction of social security numbers from greater than four (4) million land records. Land records included judgments and deeds. WRSystems also performed redaction of signature and financial account numbers.

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9/7/2010 Emsys™ leaps to the top of the class

WRSystems, Norfolk Va. announces the completion of its Emsys™ Type Approval programme with the American Bureau of Shipping (ABS) by receiving successful award of Product Design Assessment (PDA) on September 1st 2010.

Emsys™, is the world's first Quantum Cascade Laser (QCL) based emissions monitoring system to receive Type Approval for on-board verification of marine diesel engines and Exhaust Gas Cleaning Systems (EGCS) in line with the Revised MARPOL Annex VI and the NOx Technical Code (2008). The approvals cover both NOx and SOx emissions and additionally, Particulate Matter (PM).

The system was formally launched at the SMM 2010 Exhibition in Hamburg to complete the commercial development phase on a project that commenced in early 2009.

Emsys™ is unique in its design by incorporating 2nd generation laser based emissions sensing technology, combined with an 'outside the stack' PM sensor (Patent applied for). The system can sample from multiple stacks and provide highly sophisticated emissions reporting.

In addition to the MARPOL based Approvals, Emsys™ becomes the first system to be certified for the calculation of totalised emissions, Particulate matter measurement and the Calculation of the CO2 Operational Index in line with the IMO Guidelines.

The extensive system assessment and testing by ABS has resulted in Emsys™ taking a significant technological lead over its competitors. With emissions reporting becoming commonplace within schemes such as TMSA (operated by OCIMF), the Emsys™ system can provide a full emissions inventory for NOx, SOx and CO2 for all installed engines and boilers. The sophisticated software suite incorporates GPS Position and time stamping to allow highly accurate report generation. Additionally the automated CO2 Operational Index Software module can simplify data collection and index generation whilst increasing the accuracy of reported data.

The integral PM sensor allows reporting of Particulate matter in various formats to provide compliance data for forthcoming Emission Control Areas and other localised regulations. The system utilises a single PM sensor to measure specific emissions in g/kWh and mg/m3, removing the need for installation of sensors in each stack, eliminating the maintenance and cleaning requirements normally associated with this technology.

The Emsys™ system has been designed to meet the requirements of all current and future marine emissions regulations. A further development to include Ammonia Slip (NH3) measurement within Selective Catalytic Reductions Systems (SCR) is planned for release subject to the finalisation of IMO Guidelines in early 2011.

WRSystems Director of International Marine Business, Simon Brown commented "I am thrilled to announce the successful completion of such a unique set of Type Approvals for the Emsys™ product. The technology incorporated in the system is a significant leap forward over the systems currently available. Emsys™ will set new standards in emissions reporting, and can be of significant financial benefit if incorporated within vessel compliance management and operational efficiency programmes."

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9/3/10 WRSystems joins the Ball Aerospace Advanced Technical Exploitation Contract Team

9/3/10 WRSystems joins the Ball Aerospace Advanced Technical Exploitation Contract Team. Ball received a contract from the National Air and Space Intelligence Center (NASIC) in 2009 to provide Measurement and Signature Intelligence and Advanced Geospatial Intelligence (MASINT/AGI) to war fighters through the Advanced Technical Exploitation Program (ATEP). The five-year, Indefinite Delivery Indefinite Quantity Contract (IDIQ) ceiling is valued at $600 million.

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8/11/10 President Obama's Science and Technology Director visits WRSystems

8/10/10 The Director of President Barack Obama's Council on Science and Technology, Christine Johnson- a graduate of Green Run High School in Virginia Beach - paid a visit to W R Systems, Ltd., in Norfolk on Thursday, where the company hosted 20 incoming freshmen science students from Old Dominion University. The students toured the WRSystems labs and got some hands-on experience. The visit was broadcast on WVEC 13 NEWS. Ms. Johnson noted that such experiences "excites and ignites a passion in these kids.”

Link to WVEC 13 News broadcast

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12/21/2009 WRSystems Achieves CMMI ML3 Rating

FAIRFAX, Va., December 21, 2009 - WRSystems is proud to announce that it has achieved the Software Engineering Institute's (SEI) Capability Maturity Model Integration (CMMI) Maturity Level (ML) 3 rating. WRSystems, a trusted provider of systems engineering and professional technical solutions providers in the Washington and Hampton Roads areas, attained the CMMI Maturity Level 3 rating following a successful Standard CMMI Appraisal Method for Process Improvement (SCAMPI A) appraisal.

Pursuing CMMI ML3 rating, in addition to upgrading to ISO 9001:2008, was a key corporate initiative in 2009. As a result of the teamwork of WRSystems professionals and a strong quality management system, CMMI goals were accomplished in only 10 months.

WRSystems invests heavily in the systems and processes needed to achieve continued success for its customers now and in the future. The company's mature infrastructure is reflected by its ISO 9001:2008 certification and its independent appraisal at SEI CMMI Maturity Level 3.

Go to SEI Published Appraisal Results (PARS) listing to view the posting.

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11/1/2009 WRSystems is Awarded U.S. Navy Contract

The Navy has awarded W R Systems Ltd. a $27 million contract for navigation and communications products and support for Navy vessels in the United States and worldwide. The work, 75 percent of which will be performed in Hampton Roads, will include supporting the Navy in the certification of navigation systems throughout the fleet, in research and development in drug interdiction, and in equipment and systems training for the fleet. The remainder of the work will be performed at locations including Pearl Harbor, HI, and Jacksonville, FL, as well as overseas sites.

The initial work is expected to be completed by October 2010. If all options are exercised, the completion date will be October 2014 and the total contract award could reach $140.6 million

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10/5/2009 WRSystems Tests Prototype Continuous Emissions Monitoring System

WRSystems is testing a device that could help global shipping lines meet tough new air-emissions standards. The firm has been working on a laser-based system that will extract emissions from vessels' smokestacks and - within a 2- by-3- by-5-foot box - analyze them for various contaminant levels while plotting the ship's location with a GPS device. The system will be capable of recording levels of sulfur oxides, nitrogen oxides, carbon dioxide and particulates.

Called a "continuous emissions monitoring system," the device is expected to be sold for less than $140,000 each, Senior VP, Dave Edwards said. WR Systems is testing a prototype with the help of Norfolk-based Maersk Line Ltd.

The pollution monitoring system passed preliminary tests on a run to New Jersey aboard the Maersk Georgia last month and is currently undergoing more extensive review on a trans-Atlantic trip.

WR Systems' technology, Edwards said, is the first to enable extraction and measurement of both gases and particulate matter in one system.

Read the full article in Virginian Pilot, October 5th 2009:

http://www.hamptonroads.com/2009/10/norfolk-company-tests-device-monitor-ship-emissions

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7/1/2009 WRSystems appoints Director of Culture

Debbie Odell has been appointed director of culture for WRSystems, Engineering Services Division (ESD), Norfolk, VA - Inside Business, Hampton Roads.

Debbie Odell, department head for the documentation and training department has been appointed to a new position as director of Culture for the Engineering Services Division, EDS), located in Norfolk, VA. In that position, Debbie is an employee advocate who trains and coaches employees to ensure that they are successful at WR Systems, and adhere to the WRSystems culture, which is based on a common set of values, ethics, quality, people, service and civic responsibility.

Read Debbie's interview (First Person Debbie Odell) in: www.InsideBiz.com

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6/5/2009 Dr. Terrall Perry Wins Award at ODU

Dr. Terrell Perry, part-time computer-based training specialist for WRSystems, is the recipient of Old Dominion University's Association of Administrators J. Worth Pickering Administrator of the Year Award! The Pickering Award recognizes evidence of major contributions that have made an impact on either the campus or off-campus communities.

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4/30/09 - Dennis Barker nominated for Auburn University Young Engineer Award

The Engineering Services Division's Department of Homeland Security Program Manager Dennis Barker has been nominated by Auburn University's Alumni Engineering Council to receive the AU Young Engineer Award at their November 6th award ceremony in Auburn, Alabama. This award represents those demonstrating technical accomplishment and leadership in the engineering field.

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5/11/09 - Dave Edwards - Finalist for HRTC High Tech Leadership Award

Dave Edwards is a finalist for the Hampton Roads Technology Council (HRTC) High Tech Leadership Award, which honors those internal and external to high tech organizations whose personal leadership and efforts in the community have resulted in positive technology-related activity. Dave's nomination highlighted his role on the Advisory Board of Old Dominion University's Batten College of Engineering and Technology and his position as an instructor in the Advanced Technology Center's Defense and Homeland Security Industry Seminar. During this series of classes presented by industry leaders, he discusses the importance of human relations and employee advocacy.

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5/11/2009 - HRTC William Mullen Community Involvement Award awarded to WRSystems Engineering Services Division

The Hampton Roads Technology Council (HRTC) has awarded the Williams Mullen Community Involvement Award to the Engineering Services Division (ESD) of WRSystems, Ltd. The award recognizes a technology organization whose leadership has made a significant impact in the Hampton Roads community. This involvement may confront societal or civic issues, address health or environmental concerns, or promote arts and humanities. The award showcases organizational excellence in leadership as demonstrated by outstanding initiative, impact of work, and inspiration of others.

Although the description of the award emphasizes the leadership of the organization, the nomination highlighted the charitable service of our individual employees and work by the company's Community Involvement Committee (CIC). WRSystems was able to document 50 instances in the past year of support to such organizations as the American Cancer Society, the American Red Cross, Children's Hospital of the King's Daughters, ForKids, Shop with a Cop, Badges for Baseball, the Foodbank of Southeastern Virginia, Girl Scouts of America, Cycling Legs Against Multiple Sclerosis, the American Heart Association, Operation Smile, the SPCA, and Habitat for Humanity. Civic Responsibility of one of ESD's core values.

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4/5/2009 - Good Morale Essential in Bad Economy

Norfolk Virginian-Pilot
Virginian-Pilot, The (Norfolk, VA)

April 5, 2009

Good Morale is Essential in Bad Economy

Edition: VP - The Virginian-Pilot
Section: Business
Page: D2

Article Text:

These are uncertain economic times, especially for employees worried about losing their jobs. But in good times as well as bad, business leaders need to pay attention to company morale. The bottom line depends on it.

Letting employees know that we appreciate their contributions can have a huge effect on profits. For one thing, happy and engaged employees produce more. For another, their enthusiasm can carry over to customers and result in years of repeat business.

Every company is concerned about costs. But think about the long haul, not just how to save money today. Helping employees keep up their morale is as much a strategic investment as paying for good training and proper equipment. Happy and motivated employees tend to stay longer with a company and refer other good job candidates to our businesses. Consider all the costs of replacing them - recruiting, hiring, training and the time it takes to cultivate good relationships with clients.

How can companies maintain good morale, even in trying times? Here are some ideas:

Two-way communication. Keep employees regularly informed about how things are going for your company, even if rough waters loom ahead. Don't surprise them with sudden announcements of drastic actions. Also, keep your door open to their ideas and concerns. Be genuine in inviting their comments and don't hold constructive criticisms against them.

Invite their ideas. Try the old-fashioned suggestion box or an electronic box in your company's internal e-mail system. Welcome the possibilities, big and small, from new inventions to requests that vending machines offer healthy snacks. Acknowledge receipt of each suggestion, give timely responses and even send progress reports for ideas that have been accepted.

Applaud good work. Honor achievements in public arenas, such as staff meetings; display award certificates in prominent places; broadcast accomplishments on all-staff e-mails; give rewards of cash or gift certificates; have employees nominate and vote on the contributions of peers. Even stopping by an employee's work station and shaking his or her hand for a job well done sends a message that you know who they are and value their loyalty and hard work.

Remove distractions. Consider work-schedule options, such as telecommuting and flex time, especially for employees who may be dealing with illnesses, children, or other issues at home

Encourage learning. In addition to providing work-related training, consider granting tuition reimbursement for college courses, even for classes not related to the job. New educational experiences help employees learn to use their minds in different ways, build their skills in communicating and interacting with other people, improve their knowledge of current events and expand their capacity for problem solving.

Treat employees as stake holders. People want to feel like they are part of something bigger than themselves, that they are part of a winning team.

Many of the investments in building and maintaining good morale are minimal. They also provide opportunities for employee involvement and increase workplace performance. Be consistent, though, in reaching out to employees. Taking away or neglecting an established program can be worse than never having started one.

Good employees give back to your company in many intangible ways. They know they do. They also know when your cup overflows with good will toward them. They will understand the tough decisions you face when hard times hit, but they also will be willing to step up their good work to help the company succeed.

David K. Edwards can be reached at (757) 858-6000 or dedwards@wrsystems.com.

Copyright (c) 2009 The Virginian-Pilot
Record Number: 1012424484

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3/23/2009 Michael T. Perkins Receives Certified ASQ/DON Lean Six Sigma Black Belt

Milwaukee, WI, March 13, 2009 - The Certification Board of the American Society for Quality is pleased to announce that Michael T. Perkins has completed the requirements to be named a Certified ASQ/DON Lean Six Sigma Black Belt (ASQ/DON LSSBB). As such, Michael T. Perkins has reached a significant level of professional recognition, indicating a proficiency in and a comprehension of quality inspection tools and techniques. Individuals who earn this certification are allowed to use "ASQ/DON LSSBB" on their business cards and professional correspondence. "ASQ provides certification as a way to provide formal recognition to professionals who have demonstrated an understanding of, and a commitment to, quality techniques and practices in their job and career," explains Roberto Saco, President, American Society for Quality. "This is a great accomplishment and, although not a formal registration or licensure, it represents a high level of peer recognition."

The certification is recognition that an individual has demonstrated a proficiency in and comprehension of process improvement methods, techniques and tools. In order to sit for the ASQ/DON LSSBB examination, a candidate must 1) have completed a BB training course, 2) be recommended by their command, 3) have the necessary experience (completed two Projects & one RIE/Kiazen Event), 4) have the necessary mentoring experience (mentored 2 Green Belts through one project each or two RIE/Kiazen for each), 5) pass a standardized examination (This test satisfies the "standardize examination" requirement).

Since 1968, when the first ASQ certification examination was given, more than 160,000 individuals have taken the path to reaching their goal of becoming ASQ-Certified in their field or profession, including many of who have attained more than one designation.

The American Society for Quality, www.asq.org, has been the world's leading authority on quality for more than 60 years. With more than 90,000 individual and organizational members, the professional association advances learning, quality improvement, and knowledge exchange to improve business results, and to create better workplaces and communities worldwide. As champion of the quality movement, ASQ offers technologies, concepts, tools, and training to quality professionals, quality practitioners, and everyday consumers, encouraging all to Make Good Great®. ASQ has been the sole administrator of the prestigious Malcolm Baldrige National Quality Award since 1991. Headquartered in Milwaukee, Wis., ASQ is a founding partner of the American Customer Satisfaction Index (ACSI), a prominent Quarterly economic indicator, and also produces the Quarterly Quality Report.

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3/2/09 - WRSystems, Ltd - Engineering Services Division wins APA Psychologically Healthy Workplace Award

3/2/2009 - WRSystems, Ltd., Engineering Services Division (ESD) was presented with the American Psychological Association's 2009 Psychologically Healthy Workplace Award. WRSystems, which received the APA's National Psychological Healthy Workplace Award, Small, For Profit Business 2009, was recognized for its efforts to promote employee health and well-being while enhancing organizational performance.

Psychologically healthy workplace practices fall into five categories: employee involvement; health and safety; employee growth and development; work-life balance; and employee recognition. Employee participation in decision making, skills training and leadership development, flexible work arrangements, and programs promoting healthy lifestyle and behavior choices are some of the programs and policies that contribute to a healthy workplace.

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