Wednesday, November 26, 2008

What does it take to earn your customers' trust? Whether you are running a facility or a factory, it starts with good products. But customers judge companies based on a range of factors: how they treat their employees, how they treat the environment and more. The Reputation Institute recently ranked 600 of the largest firms around the world. Three companies connected to our market finished in the top 10. They are: Google (first place), Johnson & Johnson (second place) and 3M (seventh place). Congratulations to these winners for showing that it's possible to do good while doing well.

Presto has unveiled an e-mail service for people who don't have e-mail, a computer or Internet access. The service is well suited to residents, as it limits e-mails to receipts from known addressees. The e-mail service combines with a special printer that plugs into a standard phone, according to the firm.

The Good Housekeeping Research Institute has rated the BioAxxis BD1 biometric deadbolt better than others in the market. The device uses fingerprints instead of keys, which makes it easier to manage access to Alzheimer's units and other sensitive areas.

Only 17% of U.S. office chair users feel their office chair is very comfortable, according to a recent Harris Interactive online survey. Allsteel counters that its Acuity chair offers much-needed relief. The adaptive chair has easy-to-adjust controls that are within comfortable reach when seated. Its weight-activated back support mechanism automatically adapts to the user, according to the firm.

As summer approaches, ants are more likely to infest your community. By learning how ants behave and recognizing their calling cards, operators can successfully prevent the problems they cause, according to BASF. Among the most effective preventive actions: inspect the exterior perimeter of buildings for signs of ants. It also helps to eliminate access to food sources (especially grease, crumbs and sweets). Operators also are advised to rinse containers before placing them in garbage bags and routinely clean floors, countertops and around appliances. Finally, be sure to seal cracks around windows and doors and fix all plumbing leaks.

Crest Healthcare Supply recently released its latest product catalog. Among the featured items: nurse call system components, fall management products, healthcare TVs, infection control, mobility and transfer equipment, therapy, aids to daily living and many other choices.

Kimberly-Clark Health Care announced that its InteguSeal Microbial Sealant has received a 2008 Medical Design Excellence Award. InteguSeal is a microbial barrier designed to reduce the risk of skin flora contamination.