$380 million acquisition of Baxa IV pharmacy technology

Baxter International announced its acquisition of Baxa Corporation, a privately held global company based in Englewood, Colo., for a cash consideration of $380 million.  

Baxa develops pharmacy technology that enhances the efficiency and safety of oral and IV dose preparation and delivery.

"The acquisition of Baxa demonstrates Baxter's long-term commitment to nutrition and patient safety and it allows us to offer a broader range of solutions for the safe preparation and delivery of IV medications," said Robert M. Davis, president of Baxter's Medical Products business.  "We believe Baxa's expertise in safely preparing IV and oral liquid medications, and their shared commitment toward improving patient care through innovative drug preparation and delivery technology will benefit patients around the world."

Among the product offerings now part of the Baxter portfolio are the ExactaMix^®; Compounder, devices that automate multi-ingredient solution compounding; ExactaMed^® Syringes, dispensers that provide greater accuracy for dosing oral liquid medications; NeoThrive^® Enteral Feeding System, enteral syringes and accessories; and the DoseEdge^® Pharmacy Workflow Manager, an integrated system for managing IV and oral dose preparation activities.

Annual sales for Baxa were $157 million in 2010, and Baxter expects the top-line growth of this business to be accretive to the company's future sales growth.  In addition, Baxter expects this transaction to be dilutive to 2012 earnings by $0.03 to $0.05 per diluted share primarily related to acquisition-accounting and transaction-related expenses.  Excluding these items, the acquisition is neutral to full-year 2012 earnings and increasingly accretive thereafter.  

Baxter's Medical Products business develops and provides products used in the delivery of fluids and drugs to patients.  These include IV solutions and administration sets, premixed drugs and drug-reconstitution systems, IV nutrition products, infusion pumps, inhalation anesthetics and products and services for people with end-stage kidney disease.  At the forefront of IV nutrition, Baxter's ongoing advancements include multi-chamber containers, lipids, amino acids, vitamins and admixing technology.

5 ways AT&T can apply global smart messaging for health care today

Text messaging has a variety of uses, one of which is in creating more efficient and faster communication between doctors, health care staff, clinics, hospitals and their patients. 

AT&T Global Smart Messaging is a mobile messaging platform with a modular suite of integrated applications, including:

1. Reminder — An automated solution including confirmation to provide reminders of appointments, procedures or other important events.
2. Campaign Manager — Manages opt-in and opt-out permissions for SMS and e-mail marketing.
3. Inbound — Useful tool to manage SMS queries, multi-question campaigns, voting, polls and surveys.
4. Staff Safe — Automates staff safety checks via SMS and confirms status and staff safety in the field.
5. Staff Match — Two-way communication tool that automates the process of contacting staff to fill shifts.

In addition, Vitality Glowcap is a medication adherence solution, powered by AT&T 3G connectivity, that consists of a universal pill-bottle-cap and hub system. The pill bottle cap "glows" to remind patients to take their medications.  Patients' non-adherence to their medical therapies — not taking their drugs as prescribed — is a well recognized issue in health care, resulting in billions of dollars in excess medical costs due to unnecessary hospital admissions and ER visits. 

I'm glad to see technology and communications companies work closely with health providers to develop medical applications for the future -- to improve the quality of patient care and help manage costs.

360-degree communications theme for DuPont: "a global collaboratory"

Earlier this year, DuPont named Scott Coleman VP-chief marketing and sales officer, succeeding Cynthia Green, who retired from the position in January after a 31-year career at DuPont. Coleman joined DuPont from energy company Dresser Inc., where he served as senior VP-marketing.


He was interviewed by Kate Maddox of trade journal BtoB.

Coleman discussed his marketing vision for DuPont and how he plans to execute it.

BtoB: What are your goals as chief marketing and sales officer at DuPont?

Coleman: One of the bigger ones is helping to transform the image of DuPont from what I think has been that, in recent history, of predominantly a chemical company to what it is today, which is a science company. Any time you have a company that's been around for 200-plus years, it has had to adapt and change over time. We are at that adaptive, critical changing point for DuPont. In recent history, I think most people still believe it's a chemical company. If you go back just a few years ago, the vast majority of the company—80% to 90%—was a chemical company, and today less than one-third of the company is a chemical company. It has changed to a science company—everything from seeds to photovoltaic [solar power] to renewable materials. It truly is a science-based company in a lot of different areas today.

BtoB: How will you execute that?

Coleman: One of the things is we will be launching a 360-degree communications theme, and the theme is around a science company, being an inclusive innovator and being a global “collaboratory.” There is a multitude of different types of media we will be doing that with. We have a major media partner, and we'll be coming out with that announcement in the next 30 to 60 days. And there will be a bunch of different social and other types of media, which is one aspect of that. We'll be launching an internal campaign and an external campaign. The external campaign is a significant investment for DuPont. It is probably a three-to-five-times spending increase compared to what we have done in recent history. 

BtoB: Can you talk about the external campaign?

Coleman: It's a little early to talk about it. We have a major media company we've aligned with. The campaign is global in nature, and there will be social elements to it. It will not be so much of an advertising campaign where I'm doing a major media buy across the world, but there will be different types of media associated with it. We're spending a lot of the money on different social aspects as well as some online efforts.

BtoB: Is Ogilvy still your ad agency?

Coleman: Yes. There are partners. For the television spot—there's a major media property we'll be working with—that we worked with Ogilvy to form a partnership with. We can't share any more details for another 30 to 60 days.

BtoB: How will you use social media?

Coleman: The campaign will be based around this concept of us being a global collaboratory and taking our science and getting it with the right industries, the right markets and the right thought leaders to solve some of the world's most difficult problems, such as feeding the world, alternative energy, and safety and protection. One aspect of it is we are in the process of putting together some global collaboratories around the world so customers on different continents can communicate in real time with our scientists from around the world. So you could have eight different sites all coming together in a rich-media experience so that it feels like they are all in the same room, working on the same issues. We are starting to build that infrastructure out now, and it will probably take the course of two years to get it in as many spots in the world as we want. 

BtoB: Where else are you investing marketing dollars?

Coleman: If you look at the e-infrastructure of DuPont, there is a significant investment in a multiyear program that we're working on to really leverage and take advantage of the various social media-type markets. One chunk of the spend is on much richer, deeper content and being able to have platforms so, as we go out into the social world, we don't have to replicate the same content in multiple places—so we can replicate content one time and then use it on everything from a mobile platform to video vignettes across the space. Social media in and of itself doesn't cost a lot of money; but, to give someone a rich experience with a deeper understanding, we think it's important to invest in that infrastructure and platform capability.


BtoB: Will you be ramping up your people resources as well?

Coleman: In our global marketing and sales organization we have about 400 [corporate marketing and sales] people today, so there is not a significant incremental need for people. But certainly from a productivity and tools standpoint, some of the things we're putting in place will allow them to be much more productive, so we'll be able to get a lot more good content out and other things without adding a lot to head count. Now with that said, more than 60% of our business is international today, and more than 50% of our people are in the U.S. So one of the things we'll be looking to do is add marketing and sales talent that is more internationally based. We have over 600 websites around the world, and we do business in hundreds of countries. We want to be able to take this content we're developing and make it local. So we're really going to endeavor where we can to have the ability to do things in local languages—not only in written content, but in videos and other ways.


Here are some links to the work that Coleman was describing.

DuPont and Repshel Use Polymer Science to Help Build Affordable Housing in Mexico  

DuPont Helps Promote Workplace Safety In India While Being Sensitive To Cultural Change 

DuPont Food Science Uses Local Food Sources to Help Fight Malnutrition in Africa With Sibusiso  

Concert Review: Bob Seger doesn’t rely on flash to deliver decades of hits

Bob Seger proved that he is one rocker who’s not ready for the rocking chair after his lengthy, entertaining concert of Old Time Rock and Roll on Friday night at Nationwide Arena.

Here's what Columbus Dispatch writer Gary Budzak had to say this morning:

The 66-year-old Rock and Roll Hall of Famer is on tour to promote his Ultimate Greatest Hits album out later this month. Genuinely pleased to be in town, Seger recalled singing Ramblin’ Gamblin’ Man decades ago at the Sugar Shack, an old Columbus bar. That was before my time, but that same song still sounded good in 2011.

Eschewing video screens and other gimmicks, Seger’s leathery voice held out to sing many of the hits that were the soundtrack to many a listener’s life. It’s an impressive body of work that is by turns fun and reflective; songs from the heartland for every man and woman.

Seger mostly stood and sang last night, but he also strummed a six-string on songs like Mainstreet and Night Moves or piano on We’ve Got Tonight. He didn’t have the Mick Jagger moves, but he moved around enough that you knew he meant it when he said he needed a seven-minute intermission to change his shirt.

For more than two hours, many of Seger’s best songs were heard: Feel Like a Number, Tryin’ To Live My Life Without You, Travelin’ Man, Beautiful Loser, Come to Poppa, Turn the Page, Sunspot Baby, Katmandu, the motorcycle song Roll Me Away and Her Strut. Seger said of the latter, “I wrote this song about Jane Fonda.”

A few cover songs, including Tom Waits’ Downtown Train, Tina Turner’s Nutbush City Limits and an early Little Drummer Boy were thrown in.

Seger’s encores included Against the Wind, Hollywood Nights and the summation for this night of music, Rock and Roll Never Forgets.

No review of a Seger concert is complete without mentioning his Silver Bullet Band. The standouts for this show included the awesomely-named saxophonist Alto Reed, Grand Funk Railroad drummer Don Brewer, three female background singers and the Motor City Horns. And although Columbus’ Mark Chatfield, a Silver Bullet veteran, wasn’t on hand, Ohioan Kenny Greenberg was fine on lead guitar.

Frankie Ballard, a country-rocker formerly from Michigan, opened for 40 minutes. His raspy voice was OK on originals like A Place to Lay Your Head, Tell Me You Get Lonely, A Bunch of Girls and John Mellencamp’s Pink Houses.

Every song tells a story

The Old Town School of Folk Music in Chicago's Lincoln Square has celebrated various forms of music and other cultural expressions for more than five decades.

Now, it's making its first foray into the world of theater with its commission of the world premiere of "Keep a Song in Your Soul: the Black Roots of Vaudeville."

Set in the Great Migration era of 1910 - 1930, "Keep a Song in Your Soul: The Black Roots of Vaudeville" tells the story of a young woman who is lured from the rural South by the promise of a better life in a northern city, followed by her devoted boyfriend. There, the two encounter further challenges, finding the realities behind the city's false gleam.

The show was developed by the Grammy Award winning Carolina Chocolate Drops, MacArthur Foundation "Genius" Award honoree Reginald R. Robinson, best known for his performances of Ragtime era music, and legendary Chicago tap icon Reggio "The Hoofer" McLaughlin, all of whom will perform in the show. Featuring more than 20 historic songs written and performed by African-Americans between 1830-1930 on the Chitlin' Circuit, as well as original music and new arrangements of the classic songs by the creative team, the production explores Vaudeville's African-American heritage through music and dance to reclaim the spirit and substance of this rich taproot of American entertainment.

I constantly look at all mediums and senses to express a brand through my technique called, C.H.E.M. (Connect, Honest, Easy, Motivating). Thinking about the insights from vaudeville, what song (or what kind of music) could be used to better communicate the story of your brand? 

45-rpm adapter: you either get it or you don't

I get more comments on my new hat.

And there is definitely a generational divide on those who get it...and those who don't.

But it's definitely a symbol recognized by all music enthusiasts.

Graham Paterson for Nampa Meridian Irrigation District Director from Boise Precinct

I'm writing to support my good friend, Graham Paterson, who is running for the Nampa Meridian Irrigation District as Director from the Boise Precinct.

Access to water built this valley. It is the life blood that greens our lawns, grows our gardens, and irrigates our produce. We need to extend access to irrigation water in the District to those that do not have it. And, for those who do have access, we need to work to make delivery better.

Graham cannot do this alone, so he needs your help to accomplish this goal. The vote is this Tuesday, November 8.

To read more, click and download his flyer below.

 

16-inch Sonoran flour tortilla

You can travel all over the Southwest U.S. looking for authentic Mexican food.  You can go to ethnic grocery stores in any major U.S. city.  But you will not find as good a tortilla as made by the women of Sonora Mexico.

Made in a very primitive way, these very large flour tortillas - probably 16" across - are the thinnest I have ever seen. And almost "see through."

We had a terrific time Friday night with our friends, the Gastelums from Ures, Sonora.  The homemade fajitas and beans, along with these unbelievable tortillas, made for a great supper on the patio.

7 Billion Day today

The United Nations Population Fund designated October 31, 2011 as the day on which world population will reach a population of 7 billion people.


The world had already reached the population of 6 billion on October 12, 1999 and a population of 5 billion twelve years before that on July 11,1987.

The day has been officially designated The Day of Seven Billion. United Nations Secretary General Ban-Ki Moon has been planned to speak at the United Nations building in New York City on the population size and the issues that it will raise, along with promoting the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA)'s new program named 7 Billion Actions, which will seek to: "Build global awareness around the opportunities and challenges associated with a world of seven billion people".

Learn more at http://www.7billionactions.org/

popchips - a little fun back in snacking

I really enjoyed this brand of chips on a flight last weekend.

It was new to me, and surprisingly, I liked it.








 Good copy, too:  "we don't fry it (unhealthy). we don't bake it (undelicious). we take the finest all-natural ingredients, add a little heat and pressure, and pop! it's a chip. the only thing added is a flavorful blend of seasonings for a snack so delicious and crispy, you won't even notice it's (we hesitate to say) healthier."

I plan to pick up a bag at the store.

5 techniques to beat the "Shiny Object" Syndrome

"Variety is the spice of life. But if you – like me – view the world as an exciting buffet of opportunities to learn, try and create new things, you know that variety can be dangerous," writes Jack Canfield in his latest success newsletter.







Rather than seeing things through to completion, you abandon the goals and projects you’ve already started to chase after whatever new thing has just caught your eye.

Jack calls this “shiny object” syndrome, and it has derailed the success of many people who could be very successful – if they only could maintain their focus long enough to complete a goal.

If you often abandon commitments in favor of new interests and projects, Jack offers 5 techniques he's found helpful in evaluating new opportunities.

1. Postpone Your Decision
2. Use Review Board
3. Inner Board of Advisors
4. Forced Choice Technique
5. Muscle Testing

Read the full article for details on these 5 tips to ensure that any new opportunities you choose to pursue will support, rather than detract, from your existing commitments. Click to www.jackcanfield.com/articles/beat-the-shiny-object-syndrome

As Jack sums it up, "By resisting the adrenaline rush that comes from starting something new, you’ll find it easier to complete more of what you start – delivering a sense of accomplishment that’s hard to beat."

50K Frenzy start/finish line crew

I sure had a good time with my fellow team members at the start/finish line of the inaugural Foothills 50K Frenzy in Boise yesterday. 

Rich and Wayne were on their game.  (I think they trained better than I did.)

Thanks to Michael Lebowitz of Long Run Picture Company for being on the course and at the finish taking great photos.

1st running of the Foothills 50K Frenzy in Boise

Tomorrow is the day!

The inaugural Foothills 50K Frenzy in Boise, ID.

This race is the first “official” 50k in the Boise foothills. It will feature running on one of the best trail networks in the West.


The goals for this race are to:

• Showcase the tremendous natural resources of the Boise foothills
• Give area ultrarunners a close-to-home venue for a trail ultra
• Educate current and potential trail users on proper trail etiquette
• Set an example for a quality ultra trail race in the Boise area

A portion of the proceeds will benefit the Ridge to Rivers Trail System.

Congratulations to Jenny for organizing such a terrific event.  Good luck to the 141 runners.  And kudos the the 75 volunteers who will on the course in support.

End anti-LGBT bullying

Wear purple & make your profile pic purple for #SpiritDay 10/20 at twb.ly/brKAjY #LGBT

HEALTH MEGA-TREND #4: Consumers value peace of mind from financial security

Lately I’ve been sharing some highlights from Datamonitor’s global consumer trends report.

TREND #4: In their financial well being, consumers value the peace of mind that emanates from financial security

All of the financial anxiety in recent years has led consumers to seek the “economics of happiness” which more heavily influences their emotional well being.  Financial anxieties increase consumers’ focus on the short-term.

As a result, they prefer financial moderation, exercising more financial prudence and control.  The implication is that growing levels of financial moderation will place additional pressure on the growth of upscale premium products and further intensify value consciousness.

3 personalities of my Honda CR-Z

Honda has been my car brand for more than 3 decades.

And today, my Honda CR-Z is almost like 3 cars, with its unique personalities for “Sport", "Hybrid”, and "Econ".

The instrument panel of my CR-Z is a perfect reflection of this. There is a specific purpose and philosophy behind the 3-color lighting. When used effectively, it can be an incredible tool for enhancing my driving experience.

Watch the video and you'll see why I love it so much.

honda.com/cr-z/videos

Dr Pepper 10 is For Men Only

Dr Pepper 10 is For Men Only [Video]

Now that's brand positioning.  State who the brand is NOT for.  Nice.

6 Methods of Practice-Focused Research for New Product Conception

We all must keep up with trends – and even attempt to stay ahead – of new developments in health science, patient management, technology, evidence-based guidelines, reimbursement, and regulations.


That’s what makes the understanding of a physician’s practice such a critical component of product innovation.

Read about six techniques I propose on my company's blog at www.gsw-w.com/blog

5 insights on pricing & reimbursement of diagnostics

The reimbursement of diagnostics is a key consideration for both diagnostic providers and payers.  This is true because while 5% - 7% of the hospital cost is incurred through the use of diagnostics, they are used in about 70% of healthcare decisions.

It has been very challenging to develop an optimum price, especially for emerging diagnostic technologies such as molecular diagnostics – because evidence-based pricing does not suffice for such technologies.  This complicates the scenario for early movers in diagnostics.

Moreover, there has been an on-going issue with respect to existing technologies, as companies have an immense need to re-consider their pricing strategies to deal with cost and demand versus reimbursement issues.

Hence, it is crucial to identify the best pricing strategies to maintain reimbursement for innovative diagnostics.

In a recent report from BusinessInsights, the analysts conclude:

1. A procedure has a higher chance of getting insurance coverage, if it reduces the overall treatment costs.
2. The recent reduction made by the CMS in the reimbursement amount for non-facility units is expected to impact the diagnostic devices market especially in the form of a lack of innovation.
3. Reimbursement structures are restraining the growth of innovative technologies such as molecular diagnostics.
4. An OEM’s pricing is fundamentally based on its desired Return-on-Investment and the overall cost of manufacturing its equipment.
5. Fair Value Pricing and Risk Sharing Pricing are the new methods of pricing within healthcare diagnostics.

Read more in the full report.

HEALTH MEGA-TREND #3: Ethical well being reflects convergence of ethics and emotions

I’m continuing my series of updates from the Datamonitor’s report on New Developments in Global Consumer Trends.

TREND #3: Ethical wellbeing reflects a convergence of ethicality and emotional well being.

The survey shows that “direct altruism” has been negatively impacted by financial pressures and a sense of being overwhelmed by everyday lifestyle responsibilities.

On the other hand, “indirect altruism” is gaining momentum as time-poor consumers want to feel good about themselves through consumption rather than what they do in terms of behavioral & lifestyle sacrifices.  Taken together, this means environmentalism and health are more inter-related than many realize.