Both Intermountain Traffic, LLC and Southwest Traffic Systems, Inc. will provide the entire line of Aldis GridSmart traffic solutions including the Spectra 360^TM, designed for intersection traffic management utilizing video tracking and the Optima 360^TM, which adds support for vehicle counting data and pedestrian handling.  Ultra 360^TM (available in 2010) will provide a complete intersection management solution including such features as vehicle preemption and dilemma zone functionality.

“We are excited about expanding our distribution network and look forward to teaming with Intermountain and Southwest Traffic to serve our customers,” stated Eric Seabrook, Vice President of Sales and Marketing for Aldis.  “As we continue to grow our GridSmart strategic sales network, it is vital that we align with the right traffic partners with a long history of success serving the Western United States and teaming with Intermountain and Southwest Traffic was a clear choice.”

“Aldis is on the cutting edge of intelligent traffic management and our customers are looking to technology to solve the next generation of traffic management initiatives,” stated Fred Roush, President of Southwest Traffic Systems.  “They are a great fit for our growing demand in this market.”

Under the terms of the agreement, Intermountain Traffic, LLC will provide the Aldis GridSmart solutions exclusively in Colorado, Idaho, Montana, Northern Nevada, Utah and Wyoming.  Southwest Traffic Systems, Inc. will provide solutions exclusively in Arizona, California, New Mexico and Southern Nevada.  Current GridSmart customers will continue to receive sales and services directly from Aldis with the addition of local support from Intermountain Traffic, LLC and Southwest Traffic Systems, Inc.

About Intermountain Traffic, LLC
Intermountain Traffic, LLC is a traffic signal system distribution company providing sales, technical services and training.  Based in Reno, Nevada, the company has been serving the traffic and highway safety industry since 2006. For additional information about Intermountain Traffic, LLC, please visit www.intermountaintraffic.com or call +1(775) 322-6887.

About Southwest Traffic Systems, Inc.
Southwest Traffic Systems, Inc. is a traffic engineering company providing a full range of construction, signal maintenance, sales and technical services.  Based in Phoenix, Arizona, the company has been serving the traffic and highway safety industry since 1994.  For additional information about Southwest Traffic Systems, Inc., please call +1(602) 706-7987.

Aldis Teams With Intermountain Traffic, LLC And Southwest Traffic Systems, Inc. (PDF)

Electromega will provide the entire line of Aldis GridSmart traffic solutions including the Spectra 360™, designed for intersection traffic management utilizing video tracking and the Optima 360™, which adds support for vehicle counting data and pedestrian handling. Ultra 360™ (available in late 2009) will provide a complete intersection management solution including such features as vehicle preemption and dilemma zone functionality.

“We are thrilled with the opportunity to expand our products and solutions into the Canadian market with Electromega. They have an exceptionally skilled and professional staff,” stated Eric Seabrook, Vice President of Sales and Marketing for Aldis.  “As we continue to grow our GridSmart strategic sales network, it is vital that we align with the right traffic partners and with a long history of success serving Canada, it is clear that Electromega was a perfect choice.”

“Electromega’s continuous quest for new, innovative, and state-of-the-art technologies to offer its customers, has led us to Aldis.  The GridSmart system brings a fresh new solution to the present video traffic detection systems,” said Pascal Lamoureux, Director of Sales and Marketing for Electromega.  “We are delighted to formalize an agreement with Aldis.  It will allow Electromega to provide an innovative and efficient solution to help meet today’s transportation challenges”

Under the terms of the agreement, Electromega will provide the Aldis GridSmart solutions throughout Canadian provinces with offices and direct support locations in Quebec, Ontario and British Columbia.

About Electromega Ltd.
Electromega is a leader in the dynamic and static transportation field across Canada in areas of traffic control systems (vehicle, transit and railroad), data collection, detection systems (intrusive, non-intrusive and on-board), on street and off street parking systems, roadway security, dynamic or static LED message signs and also LED luminaires.  Electromega provides its expertise, products and services to municipal, provincial and federal agencies, consultants, contractors and industries across Canada. For additional information about Electromega, please visit www.electromega.com or call +1(450) 635-1020.

Aldis Teams With Electromega Ltd. (PDF)

“She will help raise the profile of the company’s next generation traffic control technology among leading transportation officials,” stated Malkes, “This is a perfect fit for everyone involved,” Malkes continued.  “Secretary Peters urged the greater use of technology to fight traffic congestion when she was in Washington, D.C. and making our transportation network more efficient and cost effective which is what Aldis is all about.”

Peters commented that the Aldis technology makes sense, especially as cities and towns are facing shrinking budgets.

“We can’t pave our way out of this problem of congestion,” Peters said.  “Technology like that being developed and implemented by Aldis represents our best chance to keep people and products moving. These systems are easier to install, require less maintenance, and cost less than conventional video detection systems. They are designed to save transportation managers money and more importantly, motorist time by making intersections more efficient.”

Peters served as the nation’s 15th transportation chief from October 2006 until January 2009.  She lives in Peoria, AZ.

Mary E. Peters Joins Aldis Board Of Directors (PDF)

“We are excited about expanding our distribution network into the northeastern region and look forward to teaming with M.H. Corbin to serve our customers,” stated Eric Seabrook, Vice President of Sales and Marketing for Aldis.  “With a long history of success in traffic safety and ITS, we believe the team is the perfect fit for our rapidly expanding group of Aldis channel partners.” 

M.H. Corbin Incorporated will provide the entire line of Aldis GridSmart traffic solutions including the Spectra 360^TM, designed for intersection traffic management utilizing video tracking and the Optima 360^TM, which adds support for vehicle counting data and pedestrian handling. Ultra 360^TM (available in late 2009) will provide a complete intersection management solution including such features as vehicle preemption and dilemma zone functionality. 

Under the terms of the agreement, M.H. Corbin Incorporated will provide the Aldis GridSmart solutions exclusively in Ohio and cover other areas in the northeastern United States including West Virginia, New York, Pennsylvania, North Carolina and South Carolina. Current GridSmart customers will continue to receive sales and service directly from Aldis with the addition of local support from M.H. Corbin. 

About M.H. Corbin
M.H. Corbin Inc. is a traffic engineering and sales company providing a full range of construction, signal maintenance, sales and technical services. Based in Plain City, Ohio, the company has been serving the traffic and highway safety industry for over 20 years. The company currently represents over 35 of the highest quality manufactured in the industry operating in five states. For additional information about M.H. Corbin, please visit www.mhcorbininc.com  or call +1(614) 873-5216.

Aldis Teams With M.H. Corbin Incorporated (PDF)

“We are very pleased with the results and look forward to adding additional GridSmart systems around the city. This is an exciting new technology that will improve the way we handle traffic now, and into the future,” said Li Zheng Xi, Ph.D/VP of North China University of Technology.

The primary purpose for the GridSmart system will be focused on intersection efficiency and the city of Beijing plans to utilize some of the advanced tracking features to monitor pedestrians, bicycles and scooters. In addition, GridSmart will provide the city with rich traffic data to better understand patterns and indentify potential problem areas and find proactive solutions. The university’s ITS department will maintain the systems and collect data to further their research.

“Beijing is a great example of a city that is leading the way in deploying smart technologies to improve the safety and efficiency of their transportation system while reducing intersection wait times and emissions,” said James “Vig” Sherrill, president and CEO of Aldis.

Aldis GridSmart is available in China through partnership with China Sage Consultants, Inc. China Sage will provide the entire line of Aldis GridSmart traffic solutions including the Spectra 360^TM, designed for intersection traffic management utilizing video tracking and the Optima 360^TM, which adds support for vehicle counting data and pedestrian handling. Ultra 360^TM(available in late 2009) will provide a complete intersection management solution including such features as vehicle preemption and dilemma zone functionality.

About China Sage Consultants
CSC helps international leading-tech companies penetrate the Chinese marketplace with hands-on execution most notably in the area of sales and business development. CSC also provides supplemental services including technical personnel recruiting, IP audit, sourcing, and technical products trading support. For additional information about China Sage Consultants, please visit www.chinasageconsultants.com or call   +1(714) 656-3488. 

Aldis Extends Its Intelligent Traffic Management Solution To Eastern Asia (PDF)

Control Specialists will provide the entire line of Aldis GridSmart traffic solutions including the Spectra 360™, designed for intersection traffic management utilizing video tracking and the Optima 360™, which adds support for vehicle counting data and pedestrian handling. Ultra 360™ (available in late 2009) will provide a complete intersection management solution including such features as vehicle preemption and dilemma zone functionality.

“We look forward to working with Control Specialists and their skilled staff to serve the southeastern region,” stated Eric Seabrook, Vice President of Sales and Marketing for Aldis. “As we continue to grow our GridSmart strategic sales network, it is vital that we align with the right traffic partners and with a long history of success servicing the southeast, it is clear that CSC was a perfect choice.”

“Aldis is the perfect complement to our strategy of non-invasive, cost effective technology for the smart highway,” stated Robb Bingham, National Sales Manager for Control Specialists. “Moreover, GridSmart adds to our solution set for safe and efficient intersection control.”

Under the terms of the agreement, Control Specialists will provide the Aldis GridSmart solutions exclusively in central and northern Florida, Georgia and other areas in the southeastern United States. Current GridSmart customers will continue to receive sales and service directly from Aldis with the addition of local support from CSC.

About Control Specialists
Control Specialists Company is a traffic engineering and sales company providing a full range of construction, signal maintenance, sales and technical services. Based in Winter Park, Florida, the company has been serving the traffic industry for over 40 years. For additional information about Control Specialists, please visit http://controlspecialist2.com or call +1(407) 628-1965.

Aldis Teams With Control Specialists Company Streamlining GridSmart Sales And Service For The Southeastern United States (PDF)

Mr. Vanderhoofven is the Executive Vice President and a member of the board of directors of Eclipse Management, LLC, which is the General Partner of Meritus Ventures, and he holds similar positions with Southern Appalachian Management Company, LLC, which is the General Partner of the Southern Appalachian Fund, L.P.  The two venture capital funds make equity investments in low income and rural areas in central and southern Appalachia. Mr. Vanderhoofven has been involved with several local start-up companies and held an advisory role for Aldis prior to his appointment.

“We are thrilled to have Grady joining the board of directors for Aldis,” stated Glenn Kline, Chairman for Aldis and general partner at Battelle Ventures/Innovation Valley Partners. “His experience and vision as an advisor has been a great asset and a driving force behind our growth and we look forward to his continued contribution in this expanded role.”

Mr. Vanderhoofven is currently a member of the boards of directors for Protein Discovery, Smart Furniture, and Tricycle, and he was recently appointed to the Tennessee Capital Formation Board (TCFB). He is also a Board observer for SemiSouth Laboratories, and Zipit Wireless, Inc.

Prior to working in venture capital, Mr. Vanderhoofven held several positions at Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL) in Oak Ridge, Tennessee. He began his career at ORNL as an engineer, subsequently moved into business development, and ultimately became a leading player in technology transfer and commercialization.

Mr. Vanderhoofven has a bachelor’s and a master’s degree in mechanical engineering from Yale University and has also completed an Executive Education Program in private equity and corporate governance at Harvard Business School.

Local Leader Grady Vanderhoofven Joins Aldis Board Of Directors (PDF)

With the ability to combine vision and logic, GridSmart may be used for stop-bar actuation (loop replacement), advanced pedestrian safety, rich pedestrian and traffic data (including vehicle types, speed, turn-counts, etc.), emergency vehicle identification, E-911 notification of collisions and adaptive traffic management.

GridSmart combines a 360-degree ultra-wide angle lens, numerous patents and proprietary software to create a single-camera solution that sees the entire intersection and several hundred feet in all directions.  GridSmart software integrates multiple data streams to make intelligent, immediate intersection management decisions, maximizing traffic flow and reducing wait times at the intersection.

“We are thrilled to be introducing GridSmart to a national audience,” said Bill Malkes, Chief Operation Officer of Aldis.  “Our system keeps track of every car, truck, motorcycle, bicycle and pedestrian approaching the intersection. GridSmart is a gigantic technological leap ahead of traditional wire loops that are cut into the pavement at intersections to detect the presence of cars. The high failure rate of loops generates higher costs and greater congestion on the roads. GridSmart is a low cost alternative for cities of all sizes.”

A newly installed GridSmart system hangs above 34^th Street and 8^th Avenue in Manhattan, just outside the Javits Center where the ITS World Congress is being held.  Attendees who visit Aldis’ booth are able to see first hand the flattened images and real-time data that the system produces. 

The GridSmart platform is user friendly, easily scalable, and includes a simulator allowing traffic professionals to model various scenarios based on real-world data from that specific intersection.  Data from GridSmart may be used for a variety of applications such as timing studies, evaluation of un-actuated intersections and providing real-time travel information. 

 ”This system gives states and municipalities the opportunity to cost-effectively move cars and people through intersections more safely and smoothly than ever before,” said James “Vig” Sherrill, President and CEO of Aldis.  “We are proud to be able to marry our roads with 21st Century technology.”

Aldis GridSmart System Set To Revolutionize Intersection Traffic Control (PDF)

The roundtable discussion on Intelligent Transportation Systems (ITS) was led by House T&I Highways and Transit Subcommittee Chairman Peter DeFazio (D-OR) and included Ranking Member John J. Duncan, Jr. (R-TN). Briefing the committee was ITS America President and CEO Scott Belcher as well as other representatives from government, research institutions and private industry.

During the demonstration that followed, Aldis CEO James “Vig” Sherrill demonstrated the GridSmart™ solution to Chairman DeFazio as well as other House Committee Members and staff in attendance. GridSmart™ is a vision-based technology solution for intersections and highways that provides traffic monitoring, enhanced pedestrian and bicyclist safety, stop-bar detection, signal preemption for first responders, adaptive traffic management and rich real-time traffic data.

GridSmart™ empowers traffic engineers to evaluate and model any intersection by introducing actual traffic flow data from an intersection directly into the on-board simulator, allowing for rapid signal timing optimization. Aldis’ GridSmart™ is scheduled for a third quarter release and will perpetually optimize the timing in an intersection without user interface.

“Our research indicates that GridSmart™ will improve traffic throughput at poorly functioning intersections by as much as 40 percent,” said Vig Sherrill, President and CEO of Aldis. “The result will be a significant reduction in carbon, costs, collisions and congestion.”

Other technology being showcased included advanced wireless tolling technology, real-time traffic information and navigational technologies.

“We’re honored to be a part of the ITS America community showcasing technology to the Subcommittee responsible for reauthorizing surface transportation programs,” said Bill Malkes, Chief Operating Officer of Aldis. “ITS companies are playing an important role in the future of American transportation by providing some innovative new ways to improve our nation’s transportation infrastructure.”

Aldis Demonstrates Traffic Management Technology At Congressional Roundtable (PDF)

Oak Ridge, TN - Aldis Corp., a leader in next generation traffic management systems, announced today the addition of Bay County, Michigan to the company’s SmartWay LED (light emitting diode) program. Once the installation of 159 new traffic signals is complete, Bay County will become one of the first in the state to be 100 percent converted to brighter, more energy efficient LED traffic signals.

The Aldis SmartWay program allows state and municipalities to upgrade to ITE (Institute of Transportation Engineers)-certified LED signals without the typical up-front capital required to install and maintain the assets. The program eliminates the out-of-pocket cost while the energy savings provides additional return to the county.

“The Aldis SmartWay program reduces our traffic signal maintenance time while substantially lowering the associated costs for the county,” stated James Lillo, PE, Bay County Road Commission Engineer-Manager. “Upgrading our incandescent signals with the Aldis LED’s also reduces our overall energy consumption, thus significantly lowering our energy bills, while moving us closer to achieving our conservation goal to be more green.”

The SmartWay program includes the complete retrofit of all incandescent traffic signals to LED and includes coverage and replacement of the signals for a period of 10 years. Aldis helps manage maintenance through a proprietary web-based program, Aldis TrackerTM. This system provides Bay County with real-time access to maintenance and repair records, inventory counts and the ability to generate work orders.

“We are thrilled to empower Bay County to rapidly upgrade their entire community to LED and immediately recognize the energy and cost savings,” said Eric Seabrook, Director of Marketing for Aldis. “Additionally, working with Bay County expands Aldis’ geographic reach into the Midwest for our SmartWay program and the soon to be released GridSmart advanced traffic management solution.”

Installation of the new signals will be finished in next few weeks.

Bay County, Michigan Conserves Energy By Joining The Aldis SmartWay Program (PDF)