It's certainly got to be a little frustrating for the company. Their Tactical 'BrightEye' LED lighting system has been in demand from several military branches. 

On the other hand, it's probably been even more frustrating to investors; the company swung back to a loss last quarter. ..familiar territory for shareholders.

Since we've described this arrangement in great detail a couple of times already in recent weeks, we'll be brief today. 

Rather than a local phone number each restaurant manager would have to promote and service themselves if they wanted to take delivery orders, SUBWAY Restaurants have opted to use one nationwide phone number. It's easy for customers to remember the number, so they won't have to look it up wherever they go. The individual restaurants also like the one-number system, since they don't have to actually man the phones and take the orders themselves ; all they have to do is make the delivery. UDS Group answers the phone number, in addition to providing the logistics of the process (like ordering, and mapping the driver's optimal route). 

SUBWAY is already using the UDS system in Manhattan, and we already know they're looking to do the same in some West Coast locations. Today we finally learned where the second 'live' market has been established. 

The message to be gleaned from all the recent news is relatively clear - SUBWAY seems to be happy with the way the relationship is working out. Why else would they continue to expand the utilization of Universal Delivery Solutions? 

Here's the compelling part though ....Manhattan, Boston, and whatever West Coast locations are on the way are big markets, but still only a fraction of the potential market. There are more than 29,000 SUBWAY restaurants worldwide. 

That's still not the really compelling part, however. What are the odds other restaurants are going to see SUBWAY's new customer-friendly offer and are not going to want to mimic it? Just so you know, there are just under a billion restaurants in the United States. That's a lot of opportunity for UDS Group.
 

It's baa-aack

Remember Broadcast International (OTCBB: BCST) ? We first mentioned it back on November 8th when we saw a huge move on high volume. Shares were trading at $3.00 at the time, and looked like they were trying to repeat a major rally like the one that got them up from under $1.00 just a few weeks prior. 

Sure enough, the stock took off. BCST hit $4.40 by November 20th , and we recommended locking in the 46% gain for anybody who acted on the idea . Good thing we did too - Broadcast International peaked at $4.65 on November 29th, and fell all the way back to a low of $2.30 an early April.... where the cycle started all over again. The stock hit $4.87 in late April 

As we mentioned in January , this stock has the knack for staying on our radar as a good 'trading' stock. What got our attention within the last few days was support seen at the 200 day moving average line. 

What's that got to do with anything? The 200 day moving average line was also pretty much where the early April reversal took place. The nearby chart tells the tale. 

We don't know if it will play out again as it did then. Maybe it won't. We just wanted to pass the notice along to you so you could make your own decision about the stock's merits at the moment. We will say this however ....the company has continued to advance their technology - as well as the number of partnerships - between now and the last time we looked at them. 
 

The U.S. organic food & beverage industry continued to show dramatic growth in 2007, reaching $18.9 billion in consumer sales. [1] As this dynamic growth continues, reliable sourcing of top quality, certified safe, and certified organic ingredients is a major problem for manufacturers.  While 2007 was another year of stellar expansion for the U.S. organic industry, with most organic product categories experiencing double-digit growth, the supply side of the industry has not kept up with the growing organic demand.

The primary business of Organic Alliance, Inc. (Pink Sheets: ORGC) , our featured company today, is to source and sell various organic farm crops through arrangements with farmers, co-ops and other growers, to food processors, grocery stores and food retailers internationally. 

Organic Alliance is poised to become a leader in this massive, ultra-hot sector because of its commitment to deliver products that are certified top quality, safe tested, and certified organic at the source.  And they've done it before!  The company's CEO, Tom Morrison, was formerly the CEO of Superior Farming, the largest organic farming company in the world.  Additionally, ORGC board member, James Haworth was recently promoted to Chairman of Lotus Supercenters, China's 4th largest hypermarket chain.  Lotus, through its subsidiaries, are engaged in the operation of large scale one-stop hypermarkets, mainly located in the north and south of China.
 

Latest Research Shows Strong Consumer Demand for Organic Foods

Study released at global food conference indicates that despite price inflation, more consumers are buying healthy foods than ever before

SAN ANTONIO, Texas, June 24 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Today, Organic Alliance, Inc. (Pink Sheets: ORGC - News) highlights a new study released at the Healthy Foods International Exposition and Conference which indicates that more consumers than ever before are turning to healthy and organic foods. This comes at a time when US Consumer Confidence readings are reaching historic lows.

The study -- which solicited feedback from the industry and from more than 1,000 consumers in November 2007 and again in May 2008 -- found that respondents indicated they were spending approximately 7.7% more on healthy foods in May than they did in November -- $191.45 per household per month, compared with $177.69. "This appears to be both an acceptance of actual inflation in organic food prices and a deepening desire to find alternatives to conventionally produced goods," the study noted. The survey indicated that 97.7% of respondents spent a portion of their grocery budgets on healthy foods in May, up from 96.5% in November.

"The study supports what we are hearing from the major food companies," said Tom Morrison, Organic Alliance CEO. "Today's consumer is highly motivated to consume healthy, organic foods and will pay the premium for the inherent benefits," said Morrison. "Organic Alliance is prepared to help the food manufacturers and retailers meet this demand through our existing and future global organic strategic sourcing arrangements," stated Morrison. MORE

Other News From Organic Alliance, Inc.

Press Release Source: Organic Alliance, Inc.
Wednesday June 18, 9:15 am ET

Organic Alliance Board Member Named Chairman of China's Fourth-Largest Hypermarket Chain

James Haworth to chair Lotus Supercenters, a next-generation supplier 
of organic product to end customers

SAN ANTONIO, Texas, June 18 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Today, Organic Alliance, Inc. (Pink Sheets: ORGC - News) is pleased to announce that Jim Haworth, company board member and Director, has been promoted to Chairman of Lotus Supercenters, who through its subsidiaries are engaged in the operation of large scale one-stop shopping centers, mainly located in the north and south of China.  MORE
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About Organic Alliance Inc.

"An alliance is an agreement between two or more parties,
made in order to advance common goals and to secure common interests."

Organic Alliance Inc., ("Organic Alliance""OA""ORGC")   The primary business of Organic Alliance, Inc. is to arrange trades between farmers, co-ops and other growers of various organic crops to OA customers internationally.

"We were ready to go public and grow," says Organic Alliance CEO, Tom Morrison.
"We are, after all, in the Agri-business and growing is foundational to all of us involved."

The HALLMARK of Organic Alliance is top quality, safe tested and certified organic at the source.

Leading an exceptional management team is Tom Morrison, past CEO of Superior Farming, at one time the largest organic farming company in the world; Jim Haworth, CEO of China?s Lotus Super Centers, and recently, EVP at WalMart; and Alicia Kreise an experienced international marketing executive and former partner of Austin-based GSD&M.  Additionally, Bill Gallagher, a seasoned senior business leader with a wealth of food experience has joined the company's advisory board.
 

"We will serve primarily two industry groups," says Morrison.
"U.S. consumer goods manufacturers such as Kraft, Unilever, Sara Lee and Kellogg?s 
and the retail grocery industry with firms such as Kroger, Costco and Safeway in the U.S. 
and global organizations like Lotus Super Centers operating in China."

OA-sourced products easily meet or exceed the recent European and Asian traceability and labeling regulations. Organic Alliance is dedicated to providing quality food essentials that are environmentally friendly and safe.
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"Our philosophy at Organic Alliance is relatively simple," says Tom Morrison of OA. "We will only deliver to our customers organic foods that meet our high certification standards. We help ensure this by staying very involved in our suppliers? soil care initiatives and post-harvest crop rotation strategy."

In addition to food safety and environmental responsibility, Organic Alliance and its affiliated growers and alliance members are dedicated to yield and cost control, helping educate farmers about market availability and bulk supply purchasing. OA is using a strict and formal selection process to ensure only the most experienced and capable suppliers will be part of their supply network. 

OA is dedicated to beating any given supply gap with the latest crop information from specific climates, encouraging better product protection, and advising its alliance members on merchandising support and point-of-sale materials.

Management at Organic Alliance Inc.

a

Tom Morrison , Chairman & CEO
Former CEO of Superior Farming, which in the 90?s was the largest organic farming company in the world.

Jim Haworth , Director
Current CEO of Lotus Supercenters, the #3 discount store chain in China. Prior to this position, he was EVP of Wal-Mart.

Alicia Kriese , Director
One of the top independent international marketing executives.  Her client?s include Coles Group, the #2 retailer in Australia with a 30% plus share of all retail spending in the market.
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Recent NEWS from Organic Alliance

Press Release Source: Organic Alliance, Inc.
Wednesday June 18, 9:15 am ET

Organic Alliance Board Member Named Chairman of China's Fourth-Largest Hypermarket Chain

James Haworth to chair Lotus Supercenters, a next-generation supplier 
of organic product to end customers

SAN ANTONIO, Texas, June 18 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Today, Organic Alliance, Inc. (Pink Sheets: ORGC - News) is pleased to announce that Jim Haworth, company board member and Director, has been promoted to Chairman of Lotus Supercenters, who through its subsidiaries are engaged in the operation of large scale one-stop shopping centers, mainly located in the north and south of China.

Lotus Supercenters provide customers with an extensive grocery selection including fresh produce, along with clothing and household items, enabling true one-stop shopping for its customers. Hypermarkets have been the fastest growing retail channel in mainland China, and are expected to grow at an annual rate of 12% during 2005-2010, outpacing average retail growth sales of 6%.

"We are excited for Jim and congratulate our colleague on this outstanding achievement," said Tom Morrison, Organic Alliance CEO. "We are very fortunate to be able to leverage Jim's extensive experience, expertise, and vast network in the food industry to help accelerate our company's growth. His industry insight and relationships are key enablers of our business plan," said Morrison.

Mr. Haworth will remain as board member and Director for Organic Alliance.  MORE

Press Release Source: Organic Alliance, Inc.
Monday June 16, 10:25 am ET

Organic Alliance, Inc. Sees Increased Interest in Organic Produce 
from Restaurants After Salmonella Outbreak

SAN ANTONIO, Texas, June 16 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Organic Alliance, Inc. (Pink Sheets: ORGC - News; OAI) . If you have been watching the news lately or been to any restaurant, you would have noticed there are no tomatoes. Tomatoes are being pulled because of a salmonella outbreak.

"Restaurants are scrambling to find replace source and I believe OAI will be the one to fill their needs," says Tom Morrison, CEO of OAI. In addition to food safety and environmental responsibility, Organic Alliance and its affiliated growers and alliance members are dedicated to yield and cost control, helping educate farmers about market availability and bulk supply purchasing. Organic foods are produced according to certain production standards, meaning they are grown without the use of conventional pesticides, artificial fertilizers, human waste, or sewage sludge. Furthermore, these foods are processed without ionizing radiation or food additives. Livestock are reared without the routine use of antibiotics and without the use of growth hormones. In most countries, organic produce must not be genetically modified. MORE

Press Release Source: Organic Alliance, Inc.
Tuesday June 10, 4:00 pm ET

Organic Alliance Announces Plan to Open in August an Executive Sales & Marketing Office 
in Bakersfield, California

Company targeting large food processors as customers for over 50% of its gross revenues through multi-carload, multi-year contracts with organic crop growers

PRINCETON, N.J., June 10 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Today, Organic Alliance, Inc. (Pink Sheets: ORGC - News; formerly NBDL) released details on its plans to become one of the world's leading providers of USDA certified organic crops to many of the country's leading consumer packaged goods manufacturers, food processors, grocery, and retail restaurant chains. The company is also announcing that its sales & marketing headquarters will open in Bakersfield, CA in August 2008. Bakersfield is centrally located for organic trading, according to company CEO Tom Morrison.

Consumers have embraced organic foods as a lifestyle change while the major food companies and retailers play catch-up to some of the niche organizations (Whole Foods, etc.) that have focused heavily on organic. There exists no question as to the strong consumer demand for organic foods with 2007 sales of approximately $19 billion. Organic Alliance, Inc. ("OAI"), led by organic farming and industry veteran Tom Morrison, intends to fill a significant and problematic void facing major food companies such as Kraft, Unilever, and Sara Lee and mainstream grocery outlets including Costco, Safeway, and China's Lotus: reliable sourcing of organic fruits and vegetables from growers. These organizations are struggling to source high-quality, source-certified, organic produce to be sold as end product to consumers or to be used as ingredients for a more complete organic food alternative. MORE

Press Release Source: Organic Alliance, Inc.
Thursday May 22, 9:15 am ET

Organic Alliance Moves Forward on Business Plan

Company in discussions to become the source of organic avocados 
for a large Mexican restaurant operator

PRINCETON, N.J., May 22 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Today, Organic Alliance, Inc. (Pink Sheets: NBDL - News) is pleased to announce that the company is in discussions with a large operator of approximately 400 Mexican restaurants to become a supplier of organic avocados.

"Through our Mexican-Canadian Consortium supplier agreement covering organic tomatoes and avocados, we are able to quickly establish Organic Alliance in the food industry," said Tom Morrison, Organic Alliance CEO. "We look forward to being able to provide our prospective clients with organic products that are certified at the source," said Morrison.

As more consumers demand high quality organic food options from their favorite restaurant, Organic Alliance is positioning itself to serve not only major and private label food manufacturers, but also the grocery and restaurant industries. MORE

Press Release Source: Organic Alliance, Inc.
Tuesday May 13, 10:49 am ET

Organic Alliance, Inc. Announces Share Exchange With NB Design and Licensing Inc.

PRINCETON, N.J., May 13 /PRNewswire/ -- Organic Alliance, Inc. and NB Design and Licensing, Inc. (Pink Sheets: NBDL - News) announced today that they have closed a definitive merger and share exchange agreement under which Organic Alliance, Inc. will be the surviving public company through a share exchange.

The primary business of Organic Alliance Inc. is to source and market organic food products through arrangements with farmers, co-ops and other growers to major international food processors and grocery chains. "The hallmark for our company is certified top quality, safe tested and certified organic farm produce at the source -- prior to shipment to our customers," said Tom Morrison, Chairman and CEO of Organic Alliance Inc. The Company has finalized an agreement with a Mexican-Canadian Consortium for continuous supplies of organic tomatoes and avocados.

The company's Chairman and CEO, Tom Morrison, was formerly the CEO of Superior Farming, one of the largest corporate farming operations and in the 90's, the largest organic farming company in the world. MORE
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Financial Information for Organic Alliance

ORGANIC ALLIANCE INC. (Pink Sheets: ORGC)

Authorized Shares: 60,000,000 as of May 13, 2008
Oustanding Common: 10,000,000 (proforma) as of May 13, 2008
Float: 800,000 as of May 23, 2008

Warrants to purchase one share of common stock (proforma)
A Warrants ? 2 million at exercised price of $1.00
B Warrants ? 2 million at exercised price of $1.00
C Warrants ? 2 million at exercised price of $1.00

Debt:
No Debt as of May 23, 2008
See audited financials on Pink Sheets.com

Tom Morrison
Chairman and CEO

July-28-2008

Bank of America Corporation, a financial holding company, provides a range of banking and nonbanking financial services and products in the United States and internationally.

BAC is a dividend aristocrat as well as a major component of the S&P 500 and Dow Jones Industrials indexes. The company has been increasing its dividends for the past 30 consecutive years. From 1998 up until July 2008 this dividend growth stock has delivered an annual average total return of 3.60 % to its shareholders. Despite the 60% recent jump in the share price, the stock is down almost 26% since the start of the year.

At the same time company has managed to deliver a 9.60% average annual increase in its EPS since 1998. So far this year BAC has reported EPS of $0.95 for the first half of 2008. The expectations are that the company will deliver EPS of $0.72 per quarter for the remaining two quarters of 2008.

Annual dividend payments have increased by an average of 12.70% annually over the past 10 years, which is higher than the growth in EPS. A 12% growth in dividends translates into the dividend payment doubling almost every 6 years. If we look at historical data, going as far back as 1990, BAC has indeed managed to double its dividend payment almost every six years on average.

Future dividend increases will be harder to make given the current situation of the US financial system. Management recently affirmed that it would continue with its quarterly payment of 64 cents/share. This leaves them 4 more quarters where they could keep the dividend growth unchanged before BAC loses its dividend aristocrat status. There are rumors however that the company will have to cut the dividend in order to maintain its current liquidity and conserve capital.

If we invested $100,000 in BAC on December 31, 1997 we would have bought 3289 shares (Adjusted for a 2:1 stock split in 2004). In March 1998 your quarterly dividend income would have been $625. If you kept reinvesting the dividends though instead of spending them, your quarterly dividend income would have risen to $3143 by June 2008. For a period of ten and a half years, your quarterly dividend income has increased by 237%. If you reinvested it though, your quarterly dividend income would have increased by 403%.

The dividend payout has remained stable until the deterioration in earnings in after 2007. I estimate that the payout will be at 108% if the projected earnings per share of $2.38 materialize and the quarterly dividend payment stays flat at 64 cents/share. A lower payout is always a plus, since it leaves room for consistent dividend growth minimizing the impact of short-term fluctuations in earnings.

BAC offers an above average yield, coupled with a low P/E ratio. The dividend payout is unsustainably large at this moment for me however in order to initiate a position. In addition to that, the whole uncertainty over the financial sector definitely makes it wiser to simply wait on the sidelines before jumping in.

Disclosure: I do not own shares of BAC

_________________
Source: Dividend Growth Investor

Needham Upgrades Phase Forward (PFWD) to Buy

Needham upgrades Phase Forward (Nasdaq: PFWD ) from Hold to Buy with a $21 price target.

Phase Forward Incorporated provides integrated enterprise-level software products, services, and hosted solutions for use in clinical trial and drug safety monitoring activities in the United States, the United Kingdom, France, and the Asia Pacific.

More News related to PFWD

• Needham Upgrades Phase Forward (PFWD) to Buy
• Phase Forward and AG Mednet Form Alliance to Develop Integrated Imaging Offering
• Phase Forward to Present at 44th DIA Annual Meeting
• Phase Forward Introduces Empirica(TM) Signal - Major New Release of Signal Detection and Management Product
• Phase Forward Named to FORTUNE Small Business 100 List of Fastest Growing Public Companies

Hedge Fund Trade of the Day

Multi-billion dollar hedge fund, Glenhill Advisors, accumulated a 5.2% stake in Blue Coat Systems (Nasdaq: BCSI ).   Shares of Blue Coat are down over 50% YTD and Glenhill Advisors is a known activist investors.  The position was disclosed in a 13G fiing, which indicates a "passive investment", but the invesment may scare Blue Coat management into making some changes.  Maybe a buyback!

Stock Upgrade of the Day

Deutsche Bank upgrades JC Penny (NYSE: JCP ) from Hold to Buy and raises their price target to $46.  DB said sales trends have improved, maybe due to stimulus checks or the weather.  They are calling JCP a 'value story', with a compelling risk/reward profile.

Shares of JCP are down 50% over the last year.