All persons that manufacture, process, pack, transport, distribute, receive, hold or import food; foreign persons that transport food in the U.S.; and persons who place food directly in contact with its finished container are covered under these regulations. Firms must comply on the following dates: December 9, 2005--500+ employees, June 9, 2006 -- 10-499 employees, and December 11, 2006 -- fewer than 10 employees. ITAC and the Southwest Brooklyn Industrial Development Corporation will be offering a seminar on this topic on March 14, 2006. For more information, contact Jane Tabachnick, Business Development Manager at 212-442-2990 or jtabachnick@itac.org.

ITAC's New Online Resources: Tools for Your Business

ITAC is now offering services that NYC businesses can use from the comfort of their own desk; E-Learning and ITAC Online Solutions. Both can be found at the following page on the ITAC website: http://www.itac.org/business_resources/Resource_Network.htm

ITAC Online Solutions
Have you ever had a technical question, or needed research assistance, but you didn't know where to turn or who to ask? ITAC provides the answers you need.

ITAC is pleased to introduce the ITAC Online Solutions. ITAC Online Solutions is a NO-COST technical assistance service that provides technical, business, research and information assistance quickly and easily. ITAC Online Solutions is provided at NO-COST because we value our relationships with customers.

The ITAC Online Solutions service includes an on-line library of information with a database of technical business and engineering documents and resources. You can browse through the library topics or use the powerful keyword search engine to find the information you need. The on-line portal also includes targeted research tools (for patent searches, MSDS documents, company profile information, workplace posters, and more) and benchmark industry data.

If you can't find exactly what you need in the library, ITAC Online Solutions includes a technical, marketing and problem-solving "Ask an Expert" hotline service that ITAC also provides FREE to our customers. There is no usage limit, all questions and answers are held in strict confidence, and answers are typically issued within 24-48 hours.

Register now for the ITAC Online Solutions to get answers to your questions on:

Facilities Systems and Equipment
Process Technologies
Energy Fundamentals and Management
Facility and Manufacturing Management
Business Development
Access to an archive of articles about a wide range of business issues.

To gain access to or sign-up for the ITAC Online Solutions service, please click on the ITAC Online Solutions link. If you receive ITAC Update by e-mail, you have been pre-registered as a courtesy.

E-Learning
E-learning is education via the internet, a network, or stand alone computer using electronic applications and processes to learn. E-learning is also known as "internet-based training" or "web-based training".

ITAC's E-learning is delivered via the internet utilizing text, audio and video content. It provides customized training for individual employees. Many courses are available in multiple languages. E-learning can provide measurable results such as increased productivity and reduced employee turnover. Training is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Staff can access training over the Internet, at work, at home or at the local library.

ITAC has partnered with SkillPort/NYWired(TM) a world class developer to deliver a reliable, flexible platform. To learn more about how E-learning can benefit your business, read their brochure here or call Jane Tabachnick at 212-442-2990.

Energy Efficient Signs; Funding Opportunity for Innovative Projects

NYSERDA is offering funding to firms wishing to develop energy efficient displays and digital signage. The goal of this funding opportunity is to develop and/or demonstrate energy-efficient displays and digital signage or component technology and obtain a better understanding of the display industry and market trends that may impact energy use in NYS. Applications are due March 21, 2006. For more information about the funding opportunity, visit the NYSERDA website. If you are interested in obtaining partners to develop an innovative demonstration project in response to this funding opportunity, contact Stefanie Feldman at 212-442-2990 or sfeldman@itac.org Energy Efficient Signs; Funding Opportunity for Innovative Projects

A Call to Local Innovators: TechNYC Census

Is your firm conducting research and development in NYC? Then stand up and be counted! TechNYC, a program of the Industrial and Technology Assistance Corporation (ITAC) is conducting a census of New York City technology businesses. Register at www.technyc.org/registration.html to ensure that your business is counted among the thousands of other technology firms in NYC! The first 200 firms to register will receive a free USB memory stick! For more information, or to register your business, visit www.technyc.org or contact Leah Archibald at 212-442-2990 or larchibald@itac.org. ITAC is a non-profit economic development organization that works one-on-one with manufacturing and technology firms in NYC--visit www.itac.org for more details.

Upcoming Events

FDA Food Regulation Workshop
Date: March 14, 2006 , 8:00 am-11:00 am
Location: Southwest Brooklyn IDC Offices, 241 41st Street, Brooklyn, NY
Cost: $35, free for Southwest Brooklyn IDC members

Learn how your food manufacturing or distributing business can get into compliance with FDA tracking regulations. Presented with the Southwest Brooklyn IDC.

MoveSmart Seminar
Date: March 22, 2006, 8:00-11:00 am
Location: ITAC Offices, 253 Broadway, Suite 302, New York, NY

The program will introduce key decision makers to the process of planning and executing a plant relocation or expansion. The workshop will cover the key phases and milestones of a complex process that involves many players, including the company, engineers, landlords, lawyers, vendors and contractors. Participants will gain basic knowledge for outlining a project plan to assure a cost effective move and new plant operation. In addition, participants will be provided with practical tools to assist them in their initial analysis and decision making, such as templates, checklists and sample documents. Visit http://www.itac.org/initiatives/movesmart.html for more information.

For more information contact Jane Tabachnick at 212-442-2990 or jtabachnick@itac.org

Lean Manufacturing 101 Workshop
Date: April 6, 2006, 8:30 am
Location: ITAC Offices, 253 Broadway, Suite 302, New York, NY
Cost: $95

Would you like to produce faster, better and less expensively with your existing resources? What if, in doing so, you could increase your sales, improve customer satisfaction and increase profitability? Principals and key managers at local manufacturing firms should attend this workshop to learn how lean manufacturing techniques help firms produce more with existing resources by eliminating non-value added activities. Workshop simulation exercises help participants experience first hand how lean techniques increase space utilization, improve quality, reduce cycle time, improve delivery performance, and reduce work-in-process. Application of lean techniques enables firms to increase profits, improve customer satisfaction and become more competitive.

For more information contact Mei Sit at 212-442-2990 or msit@itac.org

Supervisory Development Training
Date: April 19, 2006 through June 21, 2006, 6 sessions
Location: ITAC Offices, 253 Broadway, Suite 302, New York, NY
Cost: $250

Supervisory Development training is for smaller companies that cannot afford, or don't have a large enough staff to host their own training on site and want to better manage their staff. Learn how your firm can grow new supervisors, or improve the leadership and communication skills of their existing ones.

For more information or to register, contact Pamela Bradley at 212-442-2990 or pbradley@itac.org.

About ITAC

ITAC is a non-profit economic development organization dedicated to creating and retaining jobs for New Yorkers. We provide indepth one-on-one technical assistance for New York City manufacturers and technology firms to help them stay competitive in the marketplace. ITAC's unique combination of business expertise and expert resource network makes us a valuable partner to help NYC companies grow, change and thrive.

ITAC receives significant financial support from the New York State Office of Science, Technology and Academic Research (NYSTAR), New York's high-technology economic development agency, and the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST), and Manufacturing Extension Partnership (MEP). ITAC serves as NYSTAR®'s designated Regional Technology Development Center for New York City and one of nearly 350 MEP locations across the country and works directly with regional companies to increase their competitiveness and profitability.

February 2006

Attention Food Manufacturers; New FDA Food Regulations Will Affect You

ITAC's New Online Resources: Tools for Your Business

Energy Efficient Signs; Funding Opportunity for Innovative Projects

A Call to Local Innovators: TechNYC Census

Upcoming Events

About ITAC


	February 2006 Attention Food Manufacturers; New FDA Food Regulations Will Affect You ITAC's New Online Resources; Tools for Your Business Energy Efficient Signs; Funding Opportunity for Innovative Projects A Call to Local Innovators: TechNYC Census Upcoming ITAC Events About ITAC Attention Food Manufacturers; New FDA Food Regulations Will Affect You New FDA regulations will impact the way all US food processors will maintain recordkeeping. The Bioterrorism Act 0f 2002 establishes requirements regarding the establishment and maintenance of records by persons who manufacture, process, pack, transport, distribute, receive, hold, or import food. The records that must be kept for potential inspection for two years to allow the FDA to identify sources and recipients of food in order to address credible threats of serious adverse health consequences or death to humans or animals.	ITAC's Spring 2006 FastTrac session started February 22, 2006. Participants learn how to develop or improve their business model, develop strategic partners, and position their company to attract capital.
	All persons that manufacture, process, pack, transport, distribute, receive, hold or import food; foreign persons that transport food in the U.S.; and persons who place food directly in contact with its finished container are covered under these regulations. Firms must comply on the following dates: December 9, 2005--500+ employees, June 9, 2006 -- 10-499 employees, and December 11, 2006 -- fewer than 10 employees. ITAC and the Southwest Brooklyn Industrial Development Corporation will be offering a seminar on this topic on March 14, 2006. For more information, contact Jane Tabachnick, Business Development Manager at 212-442-2990 or jtabachnick@itac.org. ITAC's New Online Resources: Tools for Your Business ITAC is now offering services that NYC businesses can use from the comfort of their own desk; E-Learning and ITAC Online Solutions. Both can be found at the following page on the ITAC website: http://www.itac.org/business_resources/Resource_Network.htm ITAC Online Solutions Have you ever had a technical question, or needed research assistance, but you didn't know where to turn or who to ask? ITAC provides the answers you need. ITAC is pleased to introduce the ITAC Online Solutions. ITAC Online Solutions is a NO-COST technical assistance service that provides technical, business, research and information assistance quickly and easily. ITAC Online Solutions is provided at NO-COST because we value our relationships with customers. The ITAC Online Solutions service includes an on-line library of information with a database of technical business and engineering documents and resources. You can browse through the library topics or use the powerful keyword search engine to find the information you need. The on-line portal also includes targeted research tools (for patent searches, MSDS documents, company profile information, workplace posters, and more) and benchmark industry data. If you can't find exactly what you need in the library, ITAC Online Solutions includes a technical, marketing and problem-solving "Ask an Expert" hotline service that ITAC also provides FREE to our customers. There is no usage limit, all questions and answers are held in strict confidence, and answers are typically issued within 24-48 hours. Register now for the ITAC Online Solutions to get answers to your questions on: Facilities Systems and Equipment Process Technologies Energy Fundamentals and Management Facility and Manufacturing Management Business Development Access to an archive of articles about a wide range of business issues. To gain access to or sign-up for the ITAC Online Solutions service, please click on the ITAC Online Solutions link. If you receive ITAC Update by e-mail, you have been pre-registered as a courtesy. *E-Learning* E-learning is education via the internet, a network, or stand alone computer using electronic applications and processes to learn. E-learning is also known as "internet-based training" or "web-based training". ITAC's E-learning is delivered via the internet utilizing text, audio and video content. It provides customized training for individual employees. Many courses are available in multiple languages. E-learning can provide measurable results such as increased productivity and reduced employee turnover. Training is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Staff can access training over the Internet, at work, at home or at the local library. ITAC has partnered with SkillPort/NYWired(TM) a world class developer to deliver a reliable, flexible platform. To learn more about how E-learning can benefit your business, read their brochure here or call Jane Tabachnick at 212-442-2990. Energy Efficient Signs; Funding Opportunity for Innovative Projects NYSERDA is offering funding to firms wishing to develop energy efficient displays and digital signage. The goal of this funding opportunity is to develop and/or demonstrate energy-efficient displays and digital signage or component technology and obtain a better understanding of the display industry and market trends that may impact energy use in NYS. Applications are due March 21, 2006. For more information about the funding opportunity, visit the NYSERDA website. If you are interested in obtaining partners to develop an innovative demonstration project in response to this funding opportunity, contact Stefanie Feldman at 212-442-2990 or sfeldman@itac.org Energy Efficient Signs; Funding Opportunity for Innovative Projects A Call to Local Innovators: TechNYC Census Is your firm conducting research and development in NYC? Then stand up and be counted! TechNYC, a program of the Industrial and Technology Assistance Corporation (ITAC) is conducting a census of New York City technology businesses. Register at www.technyc.org/registration.html to ensure that your business is counted among the thousands of other technology firms in NYC! The first 200 firms to register will receive a free USB memory stick! For more information, or to register your business, visit www.technyc.org or contact Leah Archibald at 212-442-2990 or larchibald@itac.org. ITAC is a non-profit economic development organization that works one-on-one with manufacturing and technology firms in NYC--visit www.itac.org for more details. Upcoming Events FDA Food Regulation Workshop Date: March 14, 2006 , 8:00 am-11:00 am Location: Southwest Brooklyn IDC Offices, 241 41st Street, Brooklyn, NY Cost: $35, free for Southwest Brooklyn IDC members Learn how your food manufacturing or distributing business can get into compliance with FDA tracking regulations. Presented with the Southwest Brooklyn IDC. MoveSmart Seminar Date: March 22, 2006, 8:00-11:00 am Location: ITAC Offices, 253 Broadway, Suite 302, New York, NY The program will introduce key decision makers to the process of planning and executing a plant relocation or expansion. The workshop will cover the key phases and milestones of a complex process that involves many players, including the company, engineers, landlords, lawyers, vendors and contractors. Participants will gain basic knowledge for outlining a project plan to assure a cost effective move and new plant operation. In addition, participants will be provided with practical tools to assist them in their initial analysis and decision making, such as templates, checklists and sample documents. Visit http://www.itac.org/initiatives/movesmart.html for more information. For more information contact Jane Tabachnick at 212-442-2990 or jtabachnick@itac.org Lean Manufacturing 101 Workshop Date: April 6, 2006, 8:30 am Location: ITAC Offices, 253 Broadway, Suite 302, New York, NY Cost: $95 Would you like to produce faster, better and less expensively with your existing resources? What if, in doing so, you could increase your sales, improve customer satisfaction and increase profitability? Principals and key managers at local manufacturing firms should attend this workshop to learn how lean manufacturing techniques help firms produce more with existing resources by eliminating non-value added activities. Workshop simulation exercises help participants experience first hand how lean techniques increase space utilization, improve quality, reduce cycle time, improve delivery performance, and reduce work-in-process. Application of lean techniques enables firms to increase profits, improve customer satisfaction and become more competitive. For more information contact Mei Sit at 212-442-2990 or msit@itac.org Supervisory Development Training Date: April 19, 2006 through June 21, 2006, 6 sessions Location: ITAC Offices, 253 Broadway, Suite 302, New York, NY Cost: $250 Supervisory Development training is for smaller companies that cannot afford, or don't have a large enough staff to host their own training on site and want to better manage their staff. Learn how your firm can grow new supervisors, or improve the leadership and communication skills of their existing ones. For more information or to register, contact Pamela Bradley at 212-442-2990 or pbradley@itac.org. About ITAC ITAC is a non-profit economic development organization dedicated to creating and retaining jobs for New Yorkers. We provide indepth one-on-one technical assistance for New York City manufacturers and technology firms to help them stay competitive in the marketplace. ITAC's unique combination of business expertise and expert resource network makes us a valuable partner to help NYC companies grow, change and thrive. ITAC receives significant financial support from the New York State Office of Science, Technology and Academic Research (NYSTAR), New York's high-technology economic development agency, and the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST), and Manufacturing Extension Partnership (MEP). ITAC serves as NYSTAR®'s designated Regional Technology Development Center for New York City and one of nearly 350 MEP locations across the country and works directly with regional companies to increase their competitiveness and profitability.