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Letter from the President
Dear Member of the SpeechEasy Community:
Welcome to the fifth edition of the SpeechEasy newsletter, an online publication designed to provide information about programs, issues and events to members of the SpeechEasy community. As we continue to grow and expand, our intention is to utilize the newsletter as a vehicle to connect us to each other, and to remind you that you are an important element in our fast-growing community.
Since this is our last newsletter until January 2007, we would like to take the opportunity to look back at our accomplishments in 2006, with a short glimpse at some of the items on our agenda for the coming year.
A common theme for us in 2006 has been transition, starting with the modification of our distribution network. We are now distributing SpeechEasy devices directly to our SLP network, creating an opportunity for streamlined, open communication between Janus and our expanding SLP group. We greatly value our SLP community and the important information they have to share about how we can continuously improve our products and services. As a result, we are excited about this re-structuring, and are already beginning to see how it will directly benefit our end users.
In 2007 we will add product representatives to the distribution process to help service our SLP network. We will also be sharing with you technological breakthroughs that may help enhance performance for our users, as well as launching an improved SpeechEasy packaging design and care manual.
Another way we have experienced transition this year is by moving closer to expansion into the European marketplace. In fact, we are pleased to announce we have begun finalizing contracts for partnership distribution in the Netherlands, Germany and other parts of the EU. Stay tuned for more information about our international strategic partnerships in the coming months.
We are also getting closer to launching our SpeechEasy financing and leasing program, which will provide alternatives for leasing instead of purchasing a device, and will include financing options through Janus directly. The program will be structured to include low monthly payments and is targeted to be in place by the first of the year - watch for future updates about this and other programs on our website, at www.speecheasy.com.
We have also included in this issue the recap of the results of the recently released Dalhousie study, which provides more information about the efficacy of the SpeechEasy device. We are grateful for these results, which add to the growing number of research studies available that specifically study the SpeechEasy device. This is an integral component of a very long process in continuing to demonstrate how well the SpeechEasy works.
We have updated our website to be more accessible to you -- members of our SpeechEasy community. We have given great consideration to what features might work best for navigating for key information. And we very much want it to serve the purpose of helping you find ways you might want to get involved. We hope you will take the opportunity to browse through, let us know what you think, and follow your instincts about what looks to be of interest.
Looking forward to 2007, we will begin the process of developing our non-profit foundation. For those of you with experience in non-profit or foundation work, we may need your help! Stay tuned for more information in the coming months for how you might be able to help us give back to the SpeechEasy community.
The year 2007 will be significant for individuals who want to take a more active role, since we will be officially launching our National SpeechEasy Community: a grassroots organization which will provide opportunities for users to interact with one another, to learn with one another, to share information and to mentor and coach each other. Stay tuned!
Also we would like to congratulate the 4th recipient of the Sean Anderson Memorial Scholarship, 14-year-old Ozzy Schneider of Youngstown, Florida - way to go Ozzy! The scholarship was started by Sean's Mom, and includes the award of a SpeechEasy device each year to a Florida youth in Sean's honor. We congratulate Ozzy, and thank all of you who participated in this event.
Finally, I would like to take a moment to thank Darwin Richards for being a leading force for Janus Development Group for many years. Darwin, as you transition from President to Senior Advisor your legacy is noticeable. I am certain I speak for the entire SpeechEasy team when I say we are glad you will continue to play an important role as Senior Advisor, and we thank you for your dedication and your commitment to helping to make SpeechEasy an international fluency device.
We look forward to sharing with you the next steps which will unfold in early 2007.
Until then, let us know your thoughts. We value input from each and every user ... Let's Talk!
Sincerely,
Alan Newton,
President, Janus Development Group
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