Events/Noteworthy
Please come back and visit this page frequently to stay abreast of RSL news of interest, events, conferences featuring RSL Fiber Systems and its people.
Gladis Chosen for National Science Foundation Panel
(February, 2012) RSL Fiber Systems Director of Marketing Peter Gladis has once again been selected to serve on a select National Science Foundation panel of 
technology industry and organizational leaders tasked with evaluating cutting-edge research and development work proposed by small, innovative companies across the country. This is the third consecutive year that Gladis will take part on the panel on behalf of the federally funded Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) program. Research grants are ultimately awarded to the most deserving companies. The panel will convene on February 29 at National Science Foundation headquarters in Arlington, Va. Gladis started with RSL Fiber Systems as a consultant in 2009 and has been with the company as its full-time marketing chief since 2010. He has more than 30 years of industrial and high-tech marketing experience, including 25 years with GE managing the marketing and sales of a wide variety of products and equipment.
RSL Takes Part in NDIA Special Operations Conference
(February, 2012) RSL Fiber Systems was among the large gathering of defense industry contractors to attend the 23rd Annual National Defense Industrial 
Association (NDIA) SO/LIC (Special Operations/Low Intensity Conflict) Symposium & Exhibition in Washington February 6-8. The symposium examined the changing roles of Special Operations Forces (SOF) and General Purpose Forces (GPF) in the new world dynamic. The company engaged fellow defense contractors and military personnel about its remote source lighting technology, which offers a variety of tactical advantages for military Special Operations teams including stealth, safety, durability and portability/ease of deployment.
RSL Fiber Systems at the 2012 Surface Navy Symposium
(January, 2012) RSL Fiber Systems was among more than 75 exhibitors providing goods and services to the U.S. Navy and its partners to take part in the Surface Navy Association's 24th National Symposium in Arlington, Virginia, January 10-12. The symposium brought together military, government and industry in a dynamic environment spotlighting surface navy technology and capabilities past, present and future. RSL demonstrated its remote source lighting technology and services and highlighted its role as a lighting solutions provider to the United States fleet, including innovative solutions for waterline security lighting and LED navigation lights thanks to the company's new partnership with Lopolight ApS of Denmark. Below left, RSL's Alex Tomasi, Pat Garrett, Peter Gladis and Dennis Buden. Below right, Mr. Gladis and Mr. Garrett discuss waterline security lighting technology with a visitor.
RSL Collaborates with Leading UK Fiber Optics Company
(December, 2011) RSL Fiber Systems held exploratory discussions this month with Universal Fibre Optics, a leading-edge developer and manufacturer of 
complete fiber optic lighting solutions for a wide variety of applications, headuartered in Coldstream, Scotland. UFO has a prestigious list of clients and high-profile applications, including Westminster Abbey, Bentley Motors and Cunard Cruise Lines; UFO lighting systems illuminate the display cases for the crown jewels, as well as the huge name sign alongside the RMS Queen Mary II. RSL is working with UFO on the development of components for RSL's safe, high-performance fiber optic lighting systems for the mining and petrochemical industries and other hazardous environments. For more information on UFO, click here.
Frost & Sullivan Technology Alert Features RSL, FREMM Contract
(October, 2011) RSL Fiber Systems and its technology have once again been placed in the spotlight. The renowned Frost & Sullivan research group has featured, in 
a detailed Aerospace and Defense Technology Alert that is subscribed to by leading technology innovators and business executives around the globe, RSLs' remote source fiber optic lighting systems that will be installed on the Italian Navy's FREMM Class frigates. RSL announced its agreement with Italian shipbuilder Fincantieri in April. In the published alert, RSL Chief Executive Officer Giovanni Tomasi explains the technological challenges RSL faced in developing its remote source lighting technology, and how Fincantieri will apply this technology on the FREMM frigates. The research paper is the second such Technology Alert that Frost & Sullivan has published in the last year featuring RSL. Last November, F&S published an Advanced Manufacturing Technology Alert featuring RSL technology. For more than 30 years, F&S's Technical Insights Research Group and its team of highly qualified emerging technology analysts have provided leading business executives worldwide with insight and intelligence on emerging technology trends and companies poised for breakthrough growth. To view a copy of the Alert, please click here.
Thank You, Tom Redmerski
(September, 2011) A powerful voice and influence within the RSL family has retired. Tom Redmerski, RSL's Director of Engineering and an important contributor to the 
company's growth and success, has completed a nearly 40-year career as an engineer, entrepreneur and consultant. Redmerski has been with RSL since 2008, when his long-time "understudy", RSL CEO/CTO Gio Tomasi, lured him out of semi-retirement to assist the company with its DDG 1000 contract. That part-time work soon grew into a 60-hour per week job, and the RSL family is ever grateful to Tom for his long hours, dedication and tell-it-like-it-is style. "Tom's contributions to our company's success and my personal and professional growth are too numerous to list," said Tomasi, who was hired by Redmerski nearly 30 years ago at Brand-Rex and considers Tom a mentor. "We are going to miss him greatly." RSL wishes you all the best, Tom, and encourages you to live life in your retirement years to its fullest - as you always have.
RSL Continues Mine Industry Research and Development
(July, 2011) RSL Fiber Systems' ongoing investment in developing new technologies and products to advance safety and productivity in the mining industry took yet another step forward as the company completed a successful research and development mission in West Virginia Coal Country. RSL Chief Operating Officer Rick Barnes, Director of Marketing Peter Gladis and Business Development Manager Dennis Jarvis engaged in a variety of research and testing activities with the invaluable assistance of West Virginia University's Mining Extension Service, which provides programs for the state's mining community in the areas of miner training, certification, mine safety, emergency preparedness and technology advancement. Activities took place at the WVU Academy of Mine Training and Energy Technologies' impressive simulated undeground coal mine near Morgantown, West Virginia, with the assistance of Mining Extension Service Director Jim Dean, Facility Director Josh Caldwell and Lead Technician Randy Long. In photo below left, RSL's Rick Barnes (left) and Peter Gladis (right) discuss RSL technology applications with WVU's Jim Dean. At right is an example of some of the advanced fiber optic lighting technologies that were tested in the facility. RSL Fiber Systems offers its sincerest thanks to Jim and his staff for helping to make this very productive venture possible.
U.S. Trade Mission to Canada a Success for RSL
(June, 2011) RSL Fiber Systems was one of a select number of U.S.-based energy technology companies to take part in a whirlwind, three-day U.S. trade mission to Canada June 7-9. The mission, led by the American Chamber of Commerce (AMCHAM) Canada West and U.S. Department of Commerce's Commercial Service, offered RSL an opportunity to learn about Canada's energy market and establish supplier and investor relations with major Canadian companies. The mission took place in conjunction with the 2011 Gas & Oil Expo & Conference. RSL Director of Marketing Peter Gladis represented the company as delegate. Below left, Gladis (right) is joined by U.S. Ambassador to Canada David Jacobson at a networking reception. At right, Gladis (left) greets Scott Van Vliet, Co-President of Environmental Refuelling Systems, Inc., an Alberta-based fuel management company serving the oil patch and mining industries.
RSL To Be Honored at Business Champions Breakfast
(June, 2011) RSL Fiber Systems is one of 41 Metro Hartford-area companies to be nominated as a Business Champion by the Metro Hartford Alliance and the Hartford Business Journal. The awards program, now in its eighth year, honors the fastest growing privately held companies in the region. Nominated companies must be in business for at least three years and have demonstrated significant achievement in revenue growth, workforce practices, innovation and sustainability. Nominees will be honored and winners announced in six cateories at the Business Champions Breakfast Thursday, June 9, at the Connecticut Convention Center in Hartford.
RSL to Attend LIGHTFAIR International
(May, 2011) RSL Fiber Systems will be in attendance as the commercial lighting world gathers May 17-19 for LIGHTFAIR International in Philadelphia, the world’s largest annual architectural and commercial lighting trade show and conference. More than 20,000 design, lighting, architectural, engineering and industry professionals from around the world are expected to attend this major exhibition. The event is a significant opportunity for RSL to build buzz about its groundbreaking remote source lighting technology and the almost limitless applications it can have in the commercial lighting industry. If you will be in Philadelphia and wish to learn more about RSL, plan on connecting with RSL Director of Marketing Peter Gladis at the show; Peter can be reached via cell at (860) 518-5515, or by e-mail at ppgladis@rslfibersystems.com.
White to Speak Before New England Fiberoptic Council
(April, 2011) RSL Engineer Nathan White will be the featured speaker at the New England Fiberoptic Council meeting on Tuesday, May 17 at the Sheraton Framingham in Massachusetts. The NEFC is committed to the promotion of the regional fiber optic industry and the dissemination of information about fiber optics to the general public. The group will also present its annual scholarships that evening.
White is responsible for RSL's software and control system designs, and focuses on development and implementation of RSL illumination systems for both military and commercial applications. He is presently heavily involved in testing and validation of RSL systems for the U.S. Navy’s latest advanced destroyer, the DDG 1000, and designing RSL systems for the Italian Navy’s FREMM class frigates. White also heads RSL's academic outreach programs with Three Rivers Community College (TRCC), the New England Board of Higher Education (NEBHE) and the University of Hartford.
Mitchell Honored by Connecticut Technology Council
(April, 2011) RSL Fiber Systems' Director of Manufacturing Billie Jo Mitchell was honored on Thursday evening, March 31, at the Aqua Turf Club in Southington as one of 56 nominees in eight categories for the Connecticut Technology Council's Women of Innovation Award. More than 500 people attended the event, which honors Connecticut women who are innovators, role models and leaders in their technology professions or fields of study. Mitchell, part of the RSL team since the company's founding in 2001, manages all of RSL’s production and operations.
RSL Shines Bright at Frost & Sullivan Awards
(February, 2011) RSL's innovative remote source lighting technology has been opening eyes and generating buzz across a wide spectrum of markets. And this month, RSL was among a select group of 35 companies honored by internationally-renowned research leader Frost & Sullivan with its coveted "Excellence in Best Practices" award, bestowed annually upon companies that demonstrate outstanding achievement and superior performance in technological innovation. RSL was chosen for the award based upon an extensive independent analysis by Frost & Sullivan researchers of today's remote source lighting market. Accepting Frost & Sullivan's 2010 North American Remote Source Lighting Technology Innovation of the Year Award on the RSL Team's behalf at the February 9 awards event in New Orleans was RSL Director of Marketing Peter Gladis, left, joined by Frost & Sullivan President of North American Operations Art Robbins. For more details on RSL's big win, please click here. To view the Frost & Sullivan "white paper" regarding RSL remote source lighting technology, please click here. To view Frost & Sullivan's news release summarizing its 2010 award recipients, please click here.
Courting Coal Country
(January, 2011) RSL remote source lighting technology has exciting potential for the mining industry for mine safety, mining operations, as well as for mine rescue. An RSL executive team consisting of CEO/CTO Giovanni Tomasi, COO/CFO Rick Barnes and Director of Marketing Peter Gladis conducted a whirlwind tour of West Virginia coal country, presenting its technology to and holding exploratory discussions with a variety of key mining industry stakeholders, including the West Virginia Office of Miners’ Health, Safety and Training, the West Virginia Mine Safety Technology Task Force, TechConnect WV (West Virginia Coalition for Technology Based Economic Development), and the United Mine Workers of America (UMWA). RSL is working proactively with these and other mining interests to develop innovative lighting solutions that will heighten miner safety, streamline operations and increase productivity. In photo at left, RSL Director of Marketing Peter Gladis (left) visits with UMWA Career Training Center Coordinator Tim Nibert in the Center's Mining Simulation Lab in Beckley, West Viginia. At right, RSL CEO/CTO Giovanni Tomasi demostrates RSL technology.
RSL Hosts Italian Business Delegation
(December, 2010) RSL Fiber Systems enjoys strong business relationships with many technology companies and business innovators across the globe and is actively engaged in growing its international business and exploring mutually beneficial partnerships with like-minded companies, business leaders and government officials. RSL was pleased to open its doors at its East Hartford facilities to a delegation of business leaders representing emerging technology incubators from the Lombardy region of Italy. The group took a tour of the RSL plant and enjoyed a presentation of RSL’s remote source lighting technology by RSL CEO/CTO Giovanni Tomasi. The visit was arranged with the assistance and cooperation of Promos, the International Division of the Milan (Italy) Chamber of Commerce; the U.S. Department of Commerce; the State of Connecticut Department of Economic and Community Development; and the Connecticut Development Authority. Joining the Italian delegates in the photo at left are Elliott Ginsberg, President and CEO, Connecticut Center for Advanced Technology (far left); RSL CEO/CTO Giovanni Tomasi (third from right); and (at far right) Melissa Grosso, Senior International Trade Specialist, from the Middletown, Conn.-based Export Assistance Center of the U.S. Commercial Service (U.S. Department of Commerce). At right, Tomasi offers a demonstration of RSL technology.
RSL Honored as Fastest Growing Tech Company in State
(October, 2010) RSL Fiber Systems was honored on Thursday evening, October 28, 2010, as the fastest growing technology company in Connecticut in the advanced manufacturing category by the Connecticut Technology Council and Marcum LLP. The "Tech Top 40" awards gala took place at the Oakdale Theater in Walllingford. Basking in the limelight following the company's victory were, left to right, RSL's Rick Barnes, COO/CFO; Giovanni Tomasi, CEO/CTO; Linda Tomasi, Director of Quality and Compliance; Peter Gladis, Director of Marketing; and Nathan White, Systems Engineer.
Mining Conference Draws Interest in RSL Technology
(June, 2010) The 2010 West Virginia Mine Safety Technology Consortium's Miner's Celebration Conference drew hundreds of exhibitors, industry professionals and speakers, but RSL Fiber Systems' presentation on the technological advantages of remote source lighting for mining operations and mine safety that generated some of the loudest buzz at the show. RSL's Director of Marketing, Peter Gladis, was one of several speakers in the emerging technologies category. Since the presentation, RSL has established an ongoing working relationship with West Virignia MSTC to promote mine safety through the develoment and utilization of remote source lighting technology. As part of his visit to the West Virginia conference, Gladis rolled up his sleeves and took a personal tour of the Brody Mine, where he gained insightful knowledge from mine operators about the challenges they face working in an often harsh and hazardous environment.
In photo below left, Gladis, at left, joins Brody Mine Safety Director Donnie Pauley, center, and MSTC Director Dennis Jarvis, right, before entering the mine. In photo at right, Gladis prepares to enter the Brody Mine.
