March 5, 2009

Dear friends of Med Associates, Razel Scientific Instruments, Living Systems Instrumentation, and Catamount Research and Development:

In recent weeks, we have heard from many of you who are looking to take advantage of any funding opportunities that become available as part of The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (ARRA). As you know, of the $10.4 billion that the NIH received as part of ARRA, it is reported that $8.2 billion will be used to stimulate basic research. Of special note is the “NIH Challenge Grants in Health and Science Research”program just announced, where the NIH indicates that $200 million will be used to fund up to 200 projects that have high probability of success within two years. The stimulus efforts must be undertaken by federal agencies in a manner that aims to preserve and create jobs, contribute to economic recovery, and deliver short-term investment with long-term impact. 

We have discussed this news with several of you. It appears that time is of the essence, as the availability of funds is likely to be made with short notice. Furthermore, the funds will need to be spent very quickly and accounted for in unprecedented detail. Most experts are suggesting that researchers maintain close contact with their NIH Program Officers, as funding availability is likely to vary by Institute. If anyone has NSF funding, we have also heard that PI communication with Program Officers is essential.

We want you to know that we are here to support your efforts. Our Sales team will work to ensure you get price quotations and any other necessary information in a timely and efficient manner. We can also combine quotations, or otherwise modify them as needed to suit purchasing requirements.

Furthermore, we will offer an Economic Stimulus Plan program for NIH Challenge Grant Recipients, in addition to recipients of other stimulus funds. We will have special incentives available, including matching contributions and complimentary installation services. Call us to speak with one of our Sales Representatives to discuss your situation and see how you may benefit from incentive programs we will offer to researchers receiving timely stimulus fund awards.

Our Economic Stimulus Plan incentives are designed to fit in with the spirit of ARRA by preserving and creating jobs, contributing to economic recovery, and delivering short-term results with long-term impact. We estimate from our Industry perspective that every $150,000 spent in equipment purchases will result in one new job in our industry.

Our company has been family owned and operated since 1970 in a rural setting in Vermont. The Zurn/Herrera Family Companies of Med Associates, Catamount Research and Development, Razel Scientific Instruments, and Living Systems Instrumentation make up one of Northern Vermont’s (Franklin County) major employers, with our total staff of the Zurn/Herrera Family Companies around 100. We anticipate adding new jobs to fulfill the needs created by stimulus opportunities. These jobs will go to hard-working Americans, and will serve to increase our production capacity and conduct efficient and timely field installations. Our companies have been recognized for our efforts to foster and promote the local economy in Franklin County, Vermont. Most recently, we received the “Business of the Year” award from the Franklin Grand Isle Workforce Investment Board for our work in mentoring students.  During the summer we train students in our labs and production facilities. This program has worked out very well for the students and Med Associates/Catamount Research & Development. You can read more about this award in our current issue of MedLines (click here).

Do not hesitate to contact us with any questions, and best of luck in all your research efforts.

Sincerely,

Karl R. Zurn, M.E.E.
Founder of Med Associates, Inc.

Bridget Zurn, M.S.C.S.
President, Med Associates, Inc.

Gerry Herrera, Ph.D.
Vice President of Research and Development, Med Associates, Inc.
President, Catamount Research and Development Company