October 20, 2002

CRS Electronics (Innovative Safety Equipment)

CRS Electronics has been a Venture Niagara client since November, 2000.  The company develops innovative electronic safety products for several industries, including student and public transportation, law enforcement and emergency, utility and road work vehicles.  The product line is sold predominately in the United States.  The client, an electrical engineer, has developed several different products including:

1.  An electronic school bus child reminder device that is installed on school buses.  The purpose of the device is to remind the bus driver to check for children left behind on the bus before locking the doors and leaving the vehicle for the remainder of the day.  In late January 2001, a four year old Niagara Falls boy was left sleeping on a school bus.  CRS President Scott Riesebosch made a donation of enough child reminder systems to the school bus contractor to protect the fleet.  The district school board of Niagara is now requiring all bus contractors to have the system installed on their buses.  Children left on school buses is a major concern of pupil transportation providers across the continent and elsewhere.

2.  Two types of LED lights for school buses.  LED lighting is becoming more popular as economies of scale lower LED costs.  Currently, 30 school districts in the U.S. are using the lights.  This warning light technology has widespread applications for school buses, emergency vehicles, construction zones and railroad crossing lights.

3.  An innovative “hand held” sign with flashing LED lights that can be used by crossing guards, police, road construction crews, utility workers, etc.  The flashing LED lights provide greater visibility and increased worker safety.

CRS Electronics’ products are designed in Canada.  While components are manufactured offshore, the various products are assembled in Canada.  To date, the majority of sales have been to the United States market.  Recently, the client obtained an order in excess of $100,000 U.S. for the sale and installation of 1,700 child reminder units in a school district in Florida.  The client has the opportunity to bid on an order for 1,300 child reminder units in another county in Florida.  The client’s ability to sell his products is hampered only by his ability to finance production.  Venture Niagara has worked closely with the client since November, 2000, providing financing and guidance.

CRS Electronics has incredible potential for rapid growth, and currently employs 4 full time and 2 part time employees.  There is significant potential for increased employment as sales escalate.

Negotiations are ongoing with potential distributors in 15 countries interested in representing the firm’s product lines.  Scott Riesebosch attends industry trade shows on a regular basis.  Late last year CRS Electronics had a booth at the IACP Show (International Association of Chiefs of Police) in Toronto.  Products were exposed to police chiefs from across the world that were in attendance.  Mr. Riesebosch regularly attends pupil transportation shows and just recently, returned from a week long show in Las Vegas.

With concern for safety increasing, Scott Riesebosch is confident for the company’s future.  Venture Niagara is proud to be working with this young entrepreneur.

CRS Electronics recently unveiled a 2002 “product line” catalogue and a CD ROM.  Please review the material for a better understanding of the company’s product lines.