Valpar International Corporation Acquires Popular Career Exploration Product from ETS
SIGI PLUS is a computer-based career exploration tool for university students and adult populations. It was created by Educational Testing Service (ETS) over 30 years ago and was one of the first computer products of its kind. ETS upgraded and enhanced SIGI over the years and the current version (SIGI PLUS) operates on the Internet and on personal computers. Valpar has been in the business of creating and manufacturing work-skills assessement tools since 1973 and acquired SIGI PLUS to augment its product line of career exploration software.
Tucson, Arizona (PRWEB) July 29, 2004 -- This month, Tucson based Valpar International Corporation purchased the successful SIGI PLUS (System of Interactive Guidance and Information) Education and Career Planning software product from Educational Testing Service (ETS) in Princeton, NJ. Valpar plans to take over complete operation of the product by September. However, "work is already underway to upgrade SIGI PLUS with new features and a new look while retaining the core ideas that make SIGI PLUS such a great product," said Alex Swartz, CEO of Valpar.
SIGI PLUS is a program designed to help people make informed career decisions. Self-assessments and in-depth, current job information provide users with realistic choices for educational and career options best suited for them. ETS introduced SIGI in 1970, bringing computerized career guidance to 4-year colleges, universities, and community colleges across the country. In the mid-1980s, SIGI became SIGI PLUS when it was reprogrammed for microcomputers and other enhancements were added. The program was modified for Windows in 1996, and then in 2001 ETS developed a web version. Today, over 375 institutions of higher education are currently using SIGI PLUS in their career guidance centers.
"When ETS pioneered this field in the 1970's we felt strongly that the power of the computer could be brought to bear on helping students and adults make informed career choices," said Mari Pearlman, Senior Vice President of ETS's Higher Education Division. "We still believe this, but today ETS has other priorities in the higher education market. Valpar is the right company to continue building this highly valued advisement program."
"We are delighted to be adding SIGI PLUS to our line of assessment and career exploration products," said Swartz. "It is a perfect fit for our company, and nicely complements our other career products."
"Explaining what Valpar does to the curious outsider has always been a bit challenging," said Swartz. "Put simply, we are manufacturers and software developers. The tricky part is explaining the products to the general public. Generally speaking, our products measure work-related skills, and provide job-specific information to help people find direction when making career decisions. Historically, we've sold to niche markets -- occupational and physical therapists, vocational rehabilitation specialists, and the like. Over the years our market has expanded to middle and high schools, prisons, and various other government entities. Now, with SIGI PLUS, we are reaching out to the higher education market. Our philosophy is that helping students explore viable job options for themselves and getting them excited about their futures will motivate them to be more successful in school. And thats good for everybody."
Thirty-one years ago, Valpar International Corporation got its start in a small trailer at Glenn and Oracle Road in Tucson with only 5 employees. At that time, Valpar manufactured work samples for vocational testing and rehabilitation. Over the years, software products were developed and added to the Valpar line, which is how Swartz, a software engineer by trade, got his start in the company.
Today the company has offices in Tucson and Milwaukee, dealers worldwide, and boasts of sales to over 8000 facilities in all 50 states of the U.S. and in over 40 foreign countries.
Contact: Alex Swartz
Valpar International Corporation
P.O. Box 5767, Tucson, AZ, USA
Telephone: 520-293-1510
Fax: 520-292-9755
Online at: www.valparint.com
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