Monday, July 19, 2010
Bridgevine Named To "HOTTEST COMPANIES IN THE SOUTHEAST"
Background
Each day, the Lead411 research team scours through 600+ press releases and business articles including venture capital fundings, company launches, new office openings, customer press releases, etc. This information has given insight to which are the fastest growing companies in the U.S. Their "Hottest Companies" awards have been created to recognize these fast growing companies in different geographic regions. This particular list originally started with over 2400 companies and it has been narrowed down to the top 91.
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"We have been tracking fast companies for our customers for the past 10 years," said Tom Blue, CEO of Lead411, "and we felt it was important to recognize these growing brands publicly."
Tuesday, April 20, 2010
Bridgevine Names Mickey Smith President and Chief Operating Officer

Vero Beach, FL—Bridgevine Inc. announces the promotion of Mickey Smith from Chief Operating Officer to President and Chief Operating Officer.
Mr. Smith has over 23 years of successful management experience in competitive, customer-driven environments. Mr. Smith’s expertise in developing systems and controls that deliver the highest levels of customer service has benefited Bridgevine’s goal of becoming the premier online marketing company for services and products
“As COO for the past 3 years Mickey has been instrumental to the growth and success of Bridgevine,” states Vinny Olmstead, CEO of Bridgevine. “This promotion formalizes Mickey’s expanded responsibilities and represents a commitment to our customers which has always been his focus.” “Mickey will continue to focus on internal operations as the “voice of the customers” and by providing world class service to our impressive list of advertising clients.”
“Our goal is to anticipate the needs of our customers by continually expanding our platform and offering top quality services”, states Mickey Smith.
ABOUT BRIDGEVINE, INC.
Bridgevine is an Internet marketing company that seamlessly connects its advertising clients with new, high quality customers, and its merchandising affiliates with integrated customer monetization solutions. Its proprietary, PCI-certified platform acquires leads through multiple sources, including search, e-tail and retail, and then offers consumers a variety of services and money-saving bundles from participating brands. The company has expedited more than 8 million transactions generating over $1 billion in incremental revenue for a number of world-class partners. It has been cited on the Inc. 500 list two times, as well as the Deloitte Fast 500 list, and is backed by major investors such as Safeguard Scientifics (NYSE: SFE) and Constellation Ventures/JP Morgan (NYSE: JPM).
Press contact:
Mark Ballard
Bridgevine Inc.
Main: 772-564-9871
Mark.ballard@bridgevine.com
Wednesday, March 24, 2010
Bridgevine Earns PCI Certification and Sets Security Bar for Internet Marketing Providers

Vero Beach, Fla.—March 23, 2010—Bridgevine today announced that it has earned PCI DDS certification as a PCI Level I Service Provider. The designation, granted by the PCI Security Standards Council, minimizes the company’s business risk and protects their advertiser and affiliate partner brands’ important financial processing information. The award is a testament to the high security measures put in place by Bridgevine, as it capped off an infrastructure strengthening initiative, and completed rigorous scans on firewall security and compliance.
PCI DSS is the payment card industry’s security standard for enterprises that process, store or transmit cardholder data. This comprehensive standard is intended to help organizations proactively protect customer account data.
“Obtaining Level I PCI certification is an immense accomplishment for Bridgevine, and a true validation of the security measures we’ve taken to protect our customers,” says Vinny Olmstead, Chief Executive Officer of Bridgevine. “This designation strengthens our advertiser services, and proves our affiliate Internet marketing programs are handled with the utmost care and security. We’re proud to give our customers the peace of mind that comes from knowing our internal processes and controls have been rigorously tested and validated according to industry standards.”
Companies that receive PCI DDS certification adhere to six core principles, including building and maintaining a secure network; protecting cardholder data and regularly monitoring and testing their networks.
Advertisers come to Bridgevine to generate customer relationships through world-class online marketing capabilities coupled with a proprietary services merchandising platform. Advertisers may choose to have their brands distributed through Bridgevine’s affiliate partners, gaining access to new distribution channels operated by leading players in e-tail, retail and call centers. The Bridgevine Network can generate substantial value for advertisers.
ABOUT BRIDGEVINE, INC.
Bridgevine is an Internet marketing company that seamlessly connects its advertising clients with new, high quality customers, and its merchandising affiliates with integrated customer monetization solutions. Its proprietary, PCI-certified platform acquires leads through multiple sources, including search, e-tail and retail, and then offers consumers a variety of services and money-saving bundles from its expanding base of participating brands. The company has expedited more than 8 million transactions generating over $1 billion in incremental revenue for a number of world class partners. It has been cited on the Inc. 500 list two times, as well as the Deloitte Fast 500 list, and is backed by major investors such as Safeguard Scientific (NYSE: SFE) and Constellation Venture/JP Morgan (NYSE: JPM).
Wednesday, March 3, 2010
MegaPath Honors Top Channel Partners with New Award Program

First Ever Partner Awards Puts the Spotlight on Top Channel Performers for 2009 Channel Partners Conference & Expo
LAS VEGAS--(BUSINESS WIRE)--MegaPath Inc., the leading provider of managed IP data, voice and security services in North America, announced the winners of the company’s inaugural 2009 Partner Awards at a private reception held Monday night during the Channel Partners Conference & Expo. These awards – Pinnacle, Best Year-over-Year Growth and Rookie of the Year – honor MegaPath’s channel partners for their dedication and successes over the course of the year by selling the company’s line of business-class broadband, voice and data and MPLS VPN services.
And the winners are…
Pinnacle Award: Telarus – As the partner that achieved the greatest overall success in 2009, Telarus embraced the true spirit of the MegaPath Channel Partner Program by providing their customers cost-effective, enterprise-level solutions that met their telecommunications needs. By utilizing innovative quoting tools and providing training and support to engage with Channel Managers and Sub Agents, Telarus offered MegaPath’s award winning broadband, MPLS and DuetSM line of services to its customers.
Best Year-over-Year Growth Award: Intelisys – Awarded to the partner with the greatest increase in growth from 2008 to 2009, Intelisys grew its revenue through a successful sales strategy by providing its customers with MegaPath’s innovative product line of broadband and voice and data services. As a Master Partner that sells through sub agents across the United States, the Company enabled the channel to close more deals and offered world class support.
Rookie of the Year Award: Bridgevine – As a new member to the Master Partner Program, Bridgevine hit the ground running in 2009 and has no intention of stopping in 2010. By taking advantage of the tools and resources provided by MegaPath, the Company was able to drive demand amongst its customers via an aggressive online marketing campaign. Since signing-on as a partner, Bridgevine’s customers have benefited by being more productive and realizing cost-savings by implementing MegaPath’s services such as its Duet and T1 offerings.
“In 2009, MegaPath put an increased emphasis on the channel by investing in programs and developing products and services that were based on partner feedback on what their customer’s were looking for in broadband and voice and data services,” said Dan Foster, Chief Sales & Marketing Officer, MegaPath. “In providing our partners with training and marketing tools, as well as innovative products, our partners have realized financial success. We applaud the winners of the MegaPath Partner Awards, and look forward to the continued success of all our partners in 2010.”
In 2009, MegaPath created the Channel Partner Advisory Council to foster communication between the company and its valued channel partners. The council is chartered with guiding the strategic direction of the channel program and helping align the goals of MegaPath and its partners. In addition, Foster was selected to PHONE+ magazine and Channel Partners Conference & Expo joint 2009-2010 advisory board.
About MegaPath Inc.
MegaPath is the leading provider of managed IP communications services in North America. MegaPath leverages its wide selection of broadband connectivity, Virtual Private Networks (VPN), Voice over IP (VoIP) and security technologies to enable businesses to lower costs, increase security and enhance productivity. Businesses of all sizes can easily and securely communicate between their headquarters, branch offices, retail locations, mobile workers, and business partners. To learn more about why 20,000 companies have chosen MegaPath’s managed IP data, voice and security services to improve their business communications, visit www.megapath.com or call 1-877-MegaPath (634-2728).
Tuesday, February 10, 2009
AOL Celebrates First Anniversary With Goowy Media, Inc.
Prior to joining AOL People Networks, Goowy created original widgets for myAOL, (http://my.aol.com), and a number of major retailers, and since has allowed third parties within AOL to create widgets including, Daily Horoscope, MapQuest, MP3 of the Day, and PopEater's Pop the Question.
"Over the past year, we've put a lot of focus at Goowy on building the most interactive and innovative widgets on our platform, and developing the tools that content creators and third-party developers need to measure engagement across the social networking community," said Gary Benitt, founder & COO of Goowy Media, Inc. "Joining the AOL family has really accelerated our ability to do this -- we've since grown our team, migrated to the AOL infrastructure and signed on with new partners. We're excited to offer unique monetization opportunities for them."
With its rich analytics, content creators have the power to better understand how their widgets are performing and being used, allowing them to serve their users more relevant content and advertising. Goowy's sophisticated measurement tools include visual representations of where users have clicked within a particular widget, illustrating interactivity as a "click heatmap", and allowing developers to visualize how users engage with their widgets.
Goowy also offers a dynamic ad unit that includes real-time content and provides a rich media experience with greater interactivity than traditional online ads. Since its acquisition by AOL, Goowy has launched widgets as ads on both the AOL Network and third party networks for a range of leading retailers. To increase the viral nature of its widgets, Goowy lets consumers to copy widgets to social networks, blogs, and their desktops, creating both additional exposure and turning consumers into marketers.
Wednesday, January 14, 2009
Nintendo Wii – A Console for the Entire Family
Physically Involving Games
One of the main reasons so many parents are thrilled with the Wii is the fact that it is a physically demanding game system. Wii Sports, which comes with the console, includes games like baseball, golf, bowling, and tennis, which all required players to stand up and physically interact with one another as the TV acts as an interface.
Wii Fit, another extremely popular game offered by the folks at Nintendo, actually tests the balance of participants, measuring body mass index, weight, fitness age, and much more all while tracking progress over a period of time. The balance board used with Wii Fit is also used for participation in yoga exercises demonstrated on screen, which must then be performed by players. The balance board is also being used in conjunction with skateboarding and snowboarding games.
Family-Friendly Characters and Games
Nintendo has long been identified with more family-friendly games. Mario is still a character used in many of the games, which have grown far past the Super Mario Brothers games of the mid-80’s. Most games made by Nintendo are intended to encourage cooperative and competitive play, all while keeping things fun and friendly.
Besides their own games, many other companies have made games for the Wii with great success, like EA Games’ Boom Blox, designed for interactive play. Additionally, using the Wii Ware option on the online store, customers can purchase and download new Wii games directly from their console, leaving players able to enjoy new games in just minutes.
Multiple Systems in One Unit
Also available for download are many games from the systems of yesteryear, including NES, Sega Genesis, Turbo Grafix 16, and Nintendo 64. The system itself can play Gamecube games and even has ports for Gamecube controllers. Used games can be purchased at gaming stores fro as little as four dollars. In all, this system is one of the most family friendly units for a variety of reasons—including its versatility and wide selection of gaming possibilities.
This post was contributed by Holly McCarthy, who writes on the subject of an internet provider. She invites your feedback at hollymccarthy12@gmail.com
Tuesday, December 30, 2008
Bundled Service, Unbundled Customer Service
Click here for the complete story
Wednesday, December 24, 2008
Verizon Wireless Invests $155 Million to Enhance Florida Network During 2008
Florida Network Now 100 Percent 3G; Investment Totals $1.8 Billion in State since 2000
Verizon Wireless announced today that it invested nearly $155 million to further expand and enhance coverage to customers throughout Florida in 2008. The company’s ongoing network investment now totals $1.8 billion in Florida since the company was formed.
The company completed enhancements to its 3G high-speed wireless network throughout the state this year, allowing customers to access advanced wireless services more reliably and at even faster broadband speeds. The enhancements, which took nearly two years to complete, entailed installing the most advanced hardware and software on thousands of cell sites in the Verizon Wireless network in Florida, as well as updating and optimizing technology in five Verizon Wireless regional network switching facilities throughout the state.
In addition, Verizon Wireless constructed more than 90 new advanced digital cell sites throughout the state in 2008.
These upgrades help provide high-speed access to advanced services such as V CAST – which allows customers to stream video clips, play cutting-edge 3D games and download full song tracks over the air; and VZ Navigator – a location-based service offering maps, audible driving directions, traffic updates, gas station locations and pricing.
This technology also enables customers to wirelessly access their e-mail and calendars, the Internet and other information anytime, anywhere via a secure connection with the company’s BroadbandAccess service. BroadbandAccess offers average download speeds of 600 kilobits per second (kbps) to 1.4 megabits per second and upload speeds of 500-800 kbps, which means being able to upload or download a 1 Megabyte e-mail attachment – the equivalent of a small PowerPoint® presentation or a large PDF file – in less than two seconds.
Friday, December 12, 2008
Small Businesses See 10 Percent Increase on Cyber Monday

Consumers Buying from Smaller Online Retailers Too
Network Solutions, a leading provider of small business web services, announced today that its more than 7,000 e-commerce customers saw a collective 10 percent year-over-year increase in sales on Cyber Monday, the highly anticipated start of online holiday shopping. While retailers across the country reported slow same-store sales, smaller online entrepreneurs enjoyed a jump in holiday sales this year, with more consumers shopping online in greater numbers.
As many brick-and-mortar shop owners struggle with increased costs and shrinking in-store sales, small businesses with e-commerce sites are augmenting their revenues with online sales. As more consumers search Google first to find bargains and products, local small businesses with properly marketed Web sites are benefiting from national exposure. According to a report from iProspect and Jupiter Research, 62 percent of searchers click on a link within the first page of results. Having an e-Commerce Web site and using search engine optimization tools from Network Solutions, small businesses have secured new audiences to increase holiday sales.
“With small businesses across the country struggling, Network Solutions’ is excited to see that our e-commerce customers are benefiting from greater exposure,” said Scott Ableman, Chief Marketing Officer at Network Solutions. “Whether you own a small shop or work out of your home, having a professional web site is an economical way to build sales during tough times.”
Wednesday, December 10, 2008
Bebo Launches ‘Social Inbox’

Bebo Builds on the Foundations of Social Networking to Become the First Major Network to Give Consumers a One-Stop Destination from Which to Experience Life Online
Social Media Network Opens Its Doors to Aggregated Social Feeds, Mail and Media Recommendations
Launch Companies Include Twitter, Flickr, Del.icio.us, AIM, YouTube, Gmail, Yahoo! Mail and AOL Mail
Every AOL and AIM User Now Can Now Log into Bebo Using Their Credentials
Bebo today made it easier for Internet users to manage their online life by providing users with a one-stop “Social Inbox” that combines e-mail, social networking and media recommendations in one easy-to-use interface. Designed to allow consumers to organize their lives online, Bebo’s Social Inbox makes it simple for users to keep in touch with the information and people who are important to them. The Social Inbox aggregates feeds and updates from Twitter, Flickr, Del.icio.us, YouTube, AIM and others, so users can see at-a-glance what's going on in their online world. The new experience also offers one-click access to Gmail, Yahoo! Mail, AOL Mail, as well as user-selected media favorites, such as videos, music and photos. In addition, more than 100 million* users of AOL and AIM can now log directly into the Bebo service, http://www.bebo.com, using their existing screen names.
Tuesday, December 9, 2008
Tuesday, December 2, 2008
Tuesday, November 25, 2008
Thursday, November 20, 2008
Geek Squad Announces In-Store and At-Home Gaming Set-Up and Customization Services

With Geek Squad’s gaming optimization service, parents gain the upper hand and take back control of the family’s game system
Parents, the day has come. Today tech support task force Geek Squad announced gaming set-up services and parental control customization for today’s most popular consoles. Available at Geek Squad Precincts in Best Buy stores nationwide, Geek Squad’s gaming services are an easy and affordable way to set-up a system’s parental controls and user accounts, transfer data to a new system and connect to the Internet.
Even as they’re serving the public, policing technology and protecting the world, many Geek Squad employees are also parents. They know firsthand that when it comes to video games, keeping Pac Man and the kids safe from Blinky, Pinky, Inky and Clyde is the least of a parent’s concerns. With gaming systems now offering online features that encourage interaction among players, any parent would be ill-advised to send a child out into the virtual world without the proper parental control settings.
“I love to play video games with my sons, but I can’t always be there to monitor what’s coming into our home via the gaming console,” said Geek Squad Deputy of Counter Intelligence Frances Gallup. “As a parent, I can attest to the necessity of parental controls on video game systems. And, as a Geek Squad Agent, I’m thrilled to offer an easy and affordable solution to the rigors of setting up and navigating a gaming system’s parental controls.”
“Just like with TV and film, there’s a broad diversity of video games available today, and many games now enable online competition,” said ESRB president Patricia Vance. “Geek Squad’s new gaming services are a great way to ensure that your system’s parental controls are secure and working properly, so that your children are only able to play games that you’ve deemed appropriate, at times of the day that you’ve approved and/or with other players that you know.”
Thursday, November 13, 2008
Bridgevine Ranked Number 57 on Deloitte's Technology Fast 500 list for 2008

Attributes extraordinary revenue growth to compelling customer value proposition, marquee partnerships, and proprietary marketing software platform.
Bridgevine today announced that it ranked number 57 on Deloitte's 2008 Technology Fast 500, a ranking of the 500 fastest growing technology, media, telecommunications and life sciences companies in the U.S. and Canada. Rankings are based on percentage of fiscal year revenue growth over five years, from 2003-2007. Bridgevine grew 4,582 percent during this period.
Bridgevine's CEO, Vinny Olmstead, credits the growth to a strong customer value proposition, marquee partnerships and a world-class performance marketing software platform. He said, "We're honored to be a part of this esteemed group of companies named to the Fast 500 list. It's a testament to the hard work and dedication of our employees and our impressive list of valued partners."
"Deloitte's Technology Fast 500 recognizes companies that have achieved extraordinary growth in North America's most innovative and competitive market sectors," said Phil Asmundson, Deloitte LLP vice chairman and national managing partner for Technology, Media and Telecommunications. "We congratulate Bridgevine on this significant accomplishment."
Fast 500 Selection and Qualifying Criteria
The Fast 500 ranks the fastest growing technology, media, telecommunications and life sciences companies in North America. It is compiled from Deloitte's regional North American Fast 50 programs, nominations submitted directly to the Fast 500, and public company database research. Companies are selected based on percentage revenue growth from 2003 to 2007.
Entrants must own proprietary intellectual property or proprietary technology that contributes to a significant portion of the company's operating revenues or devote a significant proportion of revenues to research and development of technology. Using other companies' technology or intellectual property in a unique way does not qualify. Base-year operating revenues must be at least $50,000 USD or $75,000 CD, and current-year operating revenues must be at least $5 million USD or CD. Companies must be in business a minimum of five years, and they must be headquartered within North America.
About Bridgevine
Founded in 2003, Bridgevine, Inc. has offices in Atlanta, GA, and Vero Beach, FL. The company's performance-based merchandising platform empowers marquee advertisers to efficiently market their products through multiple online and offline channels. Focused on the service industry, the company's customer base of more than 110 leading companies includes Comcast, Time Warner Cable, Qwest, Verizon, Protect America, Real Networks, Verizon, Speakeasy, Covad, and D-link. The platform powers in excess of 1,000 websites and is licensed by leading retailers, websites, and Fortune 500 companies. The company also operates Bridgevine.com, a website dedicated to consumer for comparative shopping and exclusive promotions from the leading service providers. For more information, please visit www.bridgevine.com.
Corporate Contact:
Mark Ballard
Bridgevine, Inc.
772-539-0618
mark.ballard@bridgevine.com
Monday, November 10, 2008
Monday, October 27, 2008
Comcast Begins Rollout of Extreme 50 Mbps High-Speed Internet Service

Plans to Reach More Than 10 Major Markets and Nearly 10 Million Homes and Businesses in the Next Several Months
Two New, Faster Speed Tiers Introduced and Speeds Doubled for Most Existing Customers
Comcast, the nation’s leading provider of entertainment, information and communications products and services, today announced it is making the leap from broadband to wideband with the launch of next-generation DOCSIS 3.0. With wideband, Comcast will introduce a brand new echelon of Internet speed tiers, which will redefine the customer experience online and create a platform for Internet innovation in the years ahead.
In the next few weeks, Comcast’s new services will be available to millions of residential homes and businesses in parts of New England, including the Boston Metropolitan region and Southern New Hampshire, as well as areas of Philadelphia and New Jersey. These services also will be available in the Twin Cities where wideband was launched earlier this year. Comcast plans to continue to roll out wideband across its footprint and expects to reach more than 10 major markets and pass nearly 10 million homes and businesses in the next several months.
With wideband, Comcast will offer among the fastest speeds available today, including the Extreme 50 tier at up to 50 Mbps. It also will enable Comcast to double speeds for the majority of existing high-speed Internet customers at no additional cost.
Wednesday, October 22, 2008
U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs Selects Qwest to Connect Nationwide Health Care System with Voice and Data Services

The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) has selected Qwest Communications International Inc. (NYSE: Q) as its contractor for the delivery of voice and data services valued at approximately $60 million to connect the VA’s headquarters in Washington, D.C., and nearly 1,300 hospitals, regional offices and other facilities across the nation.
“Caring for the men and women who have defended our nation in the armed services is among the federal government’s most important missions,” said Diana Gowen, senior vice president and general manager of Qwest Government Services in Arlington, Va. “The VA has taken advantage of emerging technologies resulting in tremendous advances in medical treatment and the delivery of remote services, such as telemedicine. Qwest is proud to use our state-of-the-art, secure and converged network to support the VA’s vision of providing veterans the world-class benefits and services they have earned.”
Qwest is providing VA with voice and voice-related services and wide-area network (WAN) data services. Qwest will deliver the services under the federal Networx Universal contract, which is part of Networx, the largest government communications procurement program in the world.
Also, the VA is permitted to order additional voice and data services from Qwest that could increase the value of the 10-year agreement.
Tuesday, October 7, 2008
Leading Payroll Company Counting on LifeLock Identity Theft Protection

LifeLock Partners with AmCheck to Bring Premier Identity Protection Services to a Half Million People
Nothing puts a damper on a pay-day celebration like finding out that the dollars on your pay stub have been stolen, along with your identity. Although tiny in size, your pay stub can be pretty valuable in the hands of a criminal. Personal information printed on your check, such as your full name, address and Social Security Number, are key pieces that a thief needs to steal your identity.
Customers and employees of Phoenix-based AmCheck, a leading payroll processing company, can now take advantage of an identity theft protection offering as a result of a partnership announced today between the company and LifeLock®. With more than 1,500 clients that service more than 200,000 employees, AmCheck has added LifeLock’s services to its list of human resource benefits, giving clients and employees the opportunity to take advantage of LifeLock’s proactive identity theft protection package at a discounted rate.
“Identity theft criminals will take advantage of any avenue they can find to take over a person’s identity,” says LifeLock CEO Todd Davis. “A few weeks ago I was in the park with my family and found a piece of paper on the ground. It was someone’s pay stub that included all the information I would have needed to cause great harm to that individual. Though it may have been in trash or just lost to the wind, this important information was lost for anyone to use. It’s because this simple mistake could have cost someone dearly, that we stress the importance of placing layers of protection. This should be a tremendous partnership to spread that vital message.”
Tuesday, September 30, 2008
Clearspring Acquires AddThis to Create the World’s Largest Sharing Service for the Web

Company’s Reach Now Comparable to 7th Largest Web Property
Clearspring Technologies, the leading widget network connecting publishers and advertisers to audiences on the social Web, today announced the acquisition of AddThis, the No. 1 bookmarking and content sharing service on the Internet. Together, Clearspring and AddThis will serve over 20 billion views per month and reach more than 200 million unique visitors, creating the most widely used set of content sharing services on the Web.
Both companies achieved market leadership by delivering distinct content sharing products – AddThis providing the market’s most widely used tool for bookmarking and sharing Web pages, and Clearspring as the company that introduced the concept of point-and-click tools enabling users to easily move content between Web sites. Together the companies will offer the most comprehensive set of sharing tools available – becoming the de facto universal content sharing platform for Web publishers and end users. The collective footprint of the combined entity will reach a worldwide audience comparable to the 7th largest Web property.
“The Internet is becoming the backbone for digital communications – an essential part of our everyday lives,” said Ted Leonsis, chairman of the board at Clearspring. “With the acquisition of AddThis, Clearspring is now at the forefront of that evolution, connecting digital content publishers and consumers via a single set of universally recognizable tools that enable people to easily communicate with content.”