The following text may have been generated by Optical Character Recognition, with varying degrees of accuracy. Reader beware!

The Canadien Champion, Tuesday, September 18, 2001-1 -'Mi*lton company listed among the country's 'hottest startups,' says PROFIT magazine By RICHARD VIVIAN The Champion T wo Stage Innovation of Milton is among the hottest new companies in Canada. according to PROFIT magazine. PROFIT recently recognized the company's efforts by ranking it 22nd in a list of "Canada's Hottest Startups." Rankings were based on sales growth between 1998 and 2000. Two Stage Innovation was founded in February 1998. "We're obviously veiy proud of that (ranking)," offeeed company President Terry Sharp. "As you're gomng day to day it's good to ait back and take a look at what you've achieved. lits kind of a stamp of approval for our employees' hard work. It's jusi good for business." Since Two Stage Innovation fsrst started in the automation and robotic design and creation field, sales have increased '752 per cent - reaching beyond $2.4 million in sales last year. "Canada's Hottest Stantups is tIhe definitive liai of this country's most dynamic new businesses and excit- ing entrepreneurs," PROFIT Editor Rick Spence stated in a press eelease. "As a geoup, these aggressive companies are pioneering new 1ev- els of innovation and customer service. They arc focused on unique new niche markets and they're targeting the world." tn addition bo sales geowth, Two Stage Innovation bas grnwn in empînyces, bumping up staff levels froin eight to 17 in thse saine two- year peniod. "'The (sales and staff) growtb is primarily froni repeat business and the company's reputation being spread to others theough word of mouth," Mr. Sharp told The Champion. "In addition to that, there's a big demand for automation and robotic systems and gond quality suppli- es." Certilication has helped Certification of their manage- ment sysîemt by the lIsternational Standards Organization's QS9000 prograni bas alan been a contrihu- tor 10 their growth, Mr. Sharp added. "Particularly in thse automotive industey. companies demand that certification." But witls the automotive sector suffering in thse recent economidc slowdown that bas meant some slower growtb in recent months. "That's been offset by some of our involvemrent in environtmental (markets)," Mr. Sharp cnntinucd. "But 1 guess tinse will tell 1 sup- pose. New technology patents are also expected to support the cnmpany's desire for sustained growtb. Thse company is currently awaiting comment on its patent application for robotic tape application tech- nology for use by major vehicle manufacturees. "That'a a brand new technology tbat's heing received quite wett by nue customters," Me. Sharp said, adding tbe technology would be used to apply two-sided adlsesive tape to side-body moldinga of vehi- dles, a peactice cuerently donc by hand. The fanfare of being named as one of "Canada's hottest startups" alan bodes well for the future, Me. Sharp said. Since the award was presented on September 9, thse company's public profile bas expanded signhf- icantly, he.said. "'lhis is kind of a milestone for us. Now we're getting invites out to different associations and such - of which we're going to take advantage to help witb network- ing." TV station opens Halton .bureau Hamilton-based television sta- tion CH officially opened its Halton News Bureau Monday. ht was the first Halton Bureau to be established by a television broadcastcr in this market. Based in Oakviîle, Halton Bureau reporter Lisa Saunders will report live on thse issues that embrace and affect Use towna of Milton, Oakville, Halton Huila and thse City of Burlington. "We're excited about nue new peogrammring initiatives," said Mike Kateycz, CH news director. "Opening the Halton Bureau was an imperative step in covering Use Hamilton-Halton-Niagara area like neyer before and complements nue long-standing Niagara Bureau." In addition to, Ms Saundee's reporting, a live camnera mounted on the bureau's rooftop wifl have Use capability to capture pictures 24 houes a day, seven days a week. lis February, CH undeewent a te- branding, coinmencing an aggees- sive local news progeamming regime. introducing new concepts in local on-air reflection and expanding its numbee of local pro- graissmting houes. Photo by GRAHAM PAINE Two Stage Innovation president Terny Sharp stands by oneO of the company'a robotlc tape application celle, uaed ta apply two-sided tape ta car body aide mouldlngs. '~ "".", Milton H-eights Acadlemy m.. A division of Safe and Sound Inc. Still looking or undecided on an alternative education to suit your childs needs? Milton Heights Academy, a private grade school is accepting students year round. Only Monday and FridayJK & SK spaces stili available. Small ratios, relaxed and motivating environment and teachers. Before and after school camp. Registered with the Ministry of Education. y (905) 896-1557 ý1. î7/J 'I