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When RedChip followers were first introduced to Asure Software, Inc. (NASDAQ: ASUR) at our November Small-Cap New York Conference, the Company’s stock was trading under $4. Since then, ASUR’s share price has more than doubled, reaching a closing high of $8.85 on January 11.

Those familiar with ASUR’s story shouldn’t be surprised that the market is beginning to assign the Company’s stock a more fair valuation. Asure, based in Texas, provides cloud-based workplace software solutions that manage and automate functions such as time and attendance tracking and enterprise meeting room scheduling.

Below are three reasons why investors should consider building a position in ASUR:

Huge market opportunity: The human capital management (HCM) applications market is expected to surpass $8.1 billion by 2015, according to IDC.

Time and attendance systems represent approximately $1.5 billion of the broader HCM market. Approximately $500 million of the market is composed of small and mid-sized businesses using outdated technology. This sweet spot is ripe for cloud-based solutions such as that offered by Asure.

Another area where the Company is quickly gaining market share is the meeting room scheduling market, which is currently estimated to account for $150 million of the broader HCM market and lacks a dominant player.

ASUR is strengthening its position in the HCM market through strategic acquisitions that expand its industry penetration, improving the Company’s ability to generate referral business from leading partners such as payroll processing vendors.

In the fourth quarter, the Company acquired ADI Time and Legiant, providers of cloud computing time and attendance software and management services. These acquisitions give ASUR penetration into industries that the Company hadn’t yet reached and add further client depth in industries they already serviced.

High-profile client base: ASUR’s products are used by numerous blue-chip multinationals such as Microsoft (NASDAQ: MSFT), GE (NYSE: GE), Lockheed Martin (NYSE: LMT), Dell (NASDAQ: DELL), and McDonald’s (NYSE: MCD). ASUR’s clients also include well-known legal, education, and healthcare organizations, including the American Red Cross, MD Anderson Cancer Center, Cornell University, and Duke University.

Classic turnaround story: When its current management took over in late 2009, they took ASUR from a substantial operating loss to profitability by divesting nonperforming business lines and implementing other cost-control measures. This impressive turnaround reflects the skill and expertise of ASUR’s executive team. With these measures in place, 2012 should be an even stronger year for ASUR. The Company recently raised its 2012 revenue and EBITDA guidance to $18.0 million and $4.0 million, respectively.

While the market is beginning to recognize these catalysts, as evidenced by the recent run-up in the Company’s share price, ASUR still trades at a steep discount to its peers. In fact, at today’s prices the Company trades for barely more than 2x its trailing sales while companies such as Salesforce.com (NYSE: CRM) and Concur Technologies (NASDAQ: CNQR) trade at 6x to 7x trailing sales.

Going forward, ASUR expects to achieve annual organic revenue growth of 20% to 25% with gross margins of 20% to 25%. With more than 80% of ASUR’s revenues being recurring payments from customers, the Company has a stable foundation from which to grow market share.

ASUR’s high growth potential, blue-chip client base, and intriguing turnaround story make a strong case for investing in this rising tech stock. You can learn more about ASUR by watching the Company’s presentation from our latest virtual conference.

Disclosure: The subject security is a client of RedChip Companies, Inc. RedChip Companies, Inc., employees and affiliates may have positions and affect transactions in the securities or options of the issuers mentioned herein. For full financial disclosures for all RedChip clients, please visit http://www.redchip.com/disclosures.asp?src=rcv.

Pat Goepel, Asure’s Chief Executive Officer, stated, “As we enter a period of strong revenue and earnings growth, we believe it’s time to take a more proactive approach to our investor outreach efforts. Having firsthand experience using RedChip’s conference platform, we are pleased to have selected their organization to spearhead this initiative. Since my first interaction with RedChip I have been impressed with the professionalism of their organization and the quality of the retail and institutional investors they introduced. They have a solid track record of success in building long-term investor relationships for small-cap companies, and we are confident their robust communications platform will have a positive impact for Asure.”

Dave Gentry, President of RedChip, stated, “Asure is positioned for strong growth in the human capital management applications market, which is expected to grow considerably over the next few years to surpass $8.1 billion by 2015. The Company’s products improve workplace efficiency for its corporate clients, which include numerous blue-chip multinationals such as Microsoft, GE, Nike and McDonald’s. We look forward to launching an effective investor relations campaign and introducing the Company to our retail and institutional investor network.”

You can learn more about Asure Software by viewing the Company’s presentation from our recent Small-Cap New York Conference. An interview with CEO Pat Goepel is available via the same link.

Disclosure: The subject security is a client of RedChip Companies, Inc. RedChip Companies, Inc., employees and affiliates may have positions and affect transactions in the securities or options of the issuers mentioned herein. For full financial disclosures for all RedChip clients, please visit http://www.redchip.com/disclosures.asp?src=rcv.

Trained dogs have been shown to sniff out lung cancer with over 70% accuracy. But for medical facilities that don’t have Lassie on staff, breath tests could revolutionize the diagnostic process. Lung cancer usually isn’t diagnosed until its late stages; a breath test could save lives by enabling doctors to catch the disease earlier. For diabetics, a breath test could replace the standard finger-stick test for checking blood glucose levels. Doctors could use breath tests to distinguish between patients with viral and bacterial respiratory infections, which could help avoid unnecessary antibiotic prescriptions. “My sense is that breath analysis is the future of medical testing, complementing many of the blood and imaging steps we do today,” Dr. Raed Dweik, director of the pulmonary vascular program at the Cleveland Clinic, told the New York Times last summer.

Applied Nanotech Holdings, Inc. (OTCBB: APNT), a Texas-based nanotechnology company, is at the forefront of diagnostic breath testing. APNT recently patented a technology platform that could put breath-based disease detectors in doctor’s offices and laboratories across America.

APNT’s EZKnowz platform has the potential to detect a wide variety of gases and diseases, including lung cancer, influenza, pharmaceutical contamination, wound healing/infection and plant diseases. In addition, the system has been shown to identify body odor biometrics for use in military and homeland security applications, including the detection of explosives. The system is highly sensitive, capable of detecting gas levels in the range of parts per billion, and in some cases, parts per trillion.

The EZKnowz platform has another big advantage over currently available breath detection systems. Current systems are large in size, limiting their use to laboratories and facilities that have the space to house them. In contrast, EZKnowz is portable, making it small enough for use in a variety of settings, including laboratories, doctor’s offices and home-health environments. This opens up a huge market opportunity for APNT.

EZKnowz is just one of 300 patents (150 issued, 150 pending) in Applied Nanotech’s IP portfolio. The Company is entering a period of accelerated growth resulting from the introduction of a number of breakthrough products powered by its technology. Much like EZKnows, this technology has applications in a variety of high-growth sectors, including medicine, defense and consumer goods. APNT counts Japanese sporting goods giant Yonex, chemical company Ishihara and the U.S. Departments of Defense and Energy among its customers.

The strength of APNT’s technology portfolio is just one of several reasons RedChip Research rated Applied Nanotech a “Buy” in its recent initial report on the Company. To learn more about APNT, you can watch CEO Doug Baker’s presentation from our recent New York conference.

Disclosure: The subject security is a client of RedChip Companies, Inc. RedChip Companies, Inc., employees and affiliates may have positions and affect transactions in the securities or options of the issuers mentioned herein. For full financial disclosures for all RedChip clients, please visit http://www.redchip.com/disclosures.asp?src=rcv.

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The Times Square News Year’s ball is now energy-efficient, PC Mag reported Wednesday. When the famous sphere drops on New Year’s Eve, it will be lit with over 32,000 LED bulbs manufactured by Philips (NYSE: PHG). The new bulbs consume 80% less energy compared to traditional incandescent light bulbs, which the federal government will phase out starting January 1.

The upgrade of the classic New Year’s icon reflects the growing mainstream adoption of energy-efficient lighting technology. In addition to LED lights, homes and businesses are installing “smart” lighting controls such as dimming systems and building automation products to save on energy costs. The lighting controls market in North America & Europe is projected to reach $3.8 billion by 2015, according to Global Industry Analysts.

Blue Earth (OTC BB: BBLU) is well on its way to becoming an important player in this space. The Company performs energy efficiency upgrades on lighting controls as well as refrigeration, heating, ventilation and air conditioning systems. M&A is a key element in the Company’s growth strategy: BBLU acquires companies with established customer bases in one technology area, and then cross-sells its other technologies to those customers. The two acquisitions BBLU completed in 2011 (one of which has a $500 million project pipeline) provide the Company with a strong foundation on which to grow its business.

BBLU is quickly ramping up its deal activity heading into the new year. US Energy Affiliates recently signed an agreement with the Company to finance energy efficiency upgrades to gas stations and hotels in California, the latter marking BBLU’s entry into the lucrative hospitality sector. BBLU is also partnered with Gexpro and eCORE Technology on the eecoStation program, which is expected to help more than 2,000 gas stations and convenience stores in North America implement energy-saving technology. With energy efficiency technology hitting the mainstream, BBLU has the potential to generate strong revenue growth in 2012 as these programs gain traction.

You can gain more insight into BBLU’s growth potential by watching a video interview with the Company’s CEO, Dr. Johnny R. Thomas, from our recent Small-Cap New York Conference. BBLU also presented during our latest virtual conference; click the link to watch the presentation.

Disclosure: The subject security is a client of RedChip Companies, Inc. RedChip Companies, Inc., employees and affiliates may have positions and affect transactions in the securities or options of the issuers mentioned herein. For full financial disclosures for all RedChip clients, please visit http://www.redchip.com/disclosures.asp?src=rcv.

What are the implications of this shift? For one, expect to see more consumers recycling their Yellow Pages into stepstools, booster seats and funky living room furniture. Second, local businesses are adjusting their advertising strategies accordingly. Over the next five years, 39% ($5.1 billion) of the ad spending on print yellow pages will vanish as small businesses shift their marketing budgets online.

Since its founding in 1999, Local.com Corp. (NasdaqCM: LOCM) has been a major beneficiary of the trend toward online advertising. The Company started out as a hyperlocal search engine, growing revenues at a 40% CAGR by connecting local businesses with online consumers. While this growth was briefly interrupted in the first half of 2011 due to issues related to the Yahoo/Bing integration, LOCM appears to be back on track to achieve strong revenue growth and profitability. In recent months, the Company has signed a deal with Google and also diversified its revenue stream with the introduction of several new product offerings:

• Spreebird, a daily deals website we’ve discussed previously
• Exact Match, a recently expanded suite of advertising solutions for small- to medium-size businesses
• Krillion, which provides real-time information on where specific products are sold, which local retailer has them in stock, and at what price
• Rovion, which enables businesses to quickly build their own rich-media ads without the use of Web code

LOCM’s third-quarter results, highlighted by 34% sequential revenue growth, demonstrated that the Company’s new initiatives are working. “The new relationship with Google has set revenues back on an upward trajectory,” RedChip analyst Paul Resnik wrote in his recent initial report on LOCM. “A return to profitability is expected by mid-2012 while new initiatives are projected to enable rapid growth with more revenue diversification in coming years.”

The Company’s stock currently trades around $2.30, an absolute bargain compared to its brokerage firm Morgan Joseph’s $4.95 price target. The shift toward online ad spending is only going to continue, and as a national leader in the local advertising space, LOCM provides an excellent profit opportunity for the fast-acting investor. To learn more about LOCM, view the Company’s presentation from our virtual conference, held November 30 and December 1.

Disclosure: The subject security is a client of RedChip Companies, Inc. RedChip Companies, Inc., employees and affiliates may maintain positions and affect transactions in the securities or options of the issuers mentioned herein. For full financial disclosures for all RedChip clients, please visit http://www.redchip.com/disclosures.asp?src=rcv.

Commercial buildings accounted for 20% of U.S. energy use last year, and a growing number of companies are looking to offset rising energy costs by implementing energy efficiency upgrades. Green building activity grew 50% between 2008 and 2010, according to Green Outlook 2011: Green Trends Driving Growth by McGraw-Hill Construction. Nonresidential green construction activity is expected to triple between 2010 and 2015—which should bring an influx of customers for prominent energy efficiency service companies such as Johnson Controls (NYSE: JCI), Ameresco (NYSE: AMRC), Lime Energy (NASDAQ: LIME), and Orion Energy Systems (NYSE Amex: OESX), as well as newer players such as Blue Earth, Inc. (OTC BB: BBLU).

Investors should take note of BBLU in particular. The Nevada-based company is growing rapidly through a roll-up strategy, something its management team has plenty of experience with: BBLU’s founders completed 34 acquisitions in four years at their previous venture, growing the company from $29,000 to $350 million in revenues and increasing its market cap to $1.2 billion. BBLU’s most recent acquisition is Xnergy, a profitable energy services company whose clients include Abbott Labs (NYSE: ABT), Pfizer (NYSE: PFE) and Boston Scientific (NYSE: BSX).

BBLU is also partnering with Gexpro and eCORE Technology on a program that will help more than 2,000 gas stations and convenience stores in North America implement energy-saving technology. The program could generate $60 million in revenues over the next two years. To learn why BBLU is poised to become a major player in the energy efficiency space, view the Company’s presentation from our latest virtual conference.

Disclosure: The subject security is a client of RedChip Companies, Inc. RedChip Companies, Inc., employees and affiliates may have positions and affect transactions in the securities or options of the issuers mentioned herein. For full financial disclosures for all RedChip clients, please visit http://www.redchip.com/disclosures.asp?src=rcv.

During the solar panel manufacturing process, an energy-conducting metallic paste is applied directly onto solar wafers. The fragile wafer often breaks in the process, driving up production costs. APNT has developed spray-on solar inks that eliminate the problem of breakage, providing significant cost-saving potential. Among the other benefits of APNT’s technology:

• With traditional methods, solar wafers need to be thick enough to withstand the pressure of the application equipment. APNT’s non-contact technology enables manufacturers to create a thinner wafer, which substantially reduces production costs.

• Non-contact machines can print several wafers in a single pass, while conventional machines can only process one wafer per pass. Additionally, with non-contact methods, several layers of ink can be printed simultaneously without having to dry each layer between steps.

• Non-contact methods are extremely precise, only placing inks when and where needed. In contrast, conventional machines produce added waste, leaving paste on the printing components.

“Collectively, these changes in processes translate into dramatic material cost savings close to 44%, or overall solar cell cost savings potentially exceeding 27%,” writes Mr. Novak. The implementation of APNT’s technology could bring solar much closer to reaching the industry’s “$1 per watt” goal, which represents cost-competitiveness with conventional energy sources. APNT has already signed its first solar ink licensing agreement with Sichuan Anxian Yinhe Construction and Chemical Group Co., Ltd. (YHCC), a construction, manufacturing and chemical company with a 46-year operating history and $330 million in 2010 sales. Under the terms of the license, APNT will receive an upfront payment of $2.0 million and an ongoing royalty of 3% on sales of solar inks and pastes by YHCC.

Solar ink technology represents only one element in APNT’s massive IP portfolio. The Company has 300 patents (150 issued and 150 pending) in the areas of nanomaterials, nanosensors, inks and more. Having built its business providing research services to high-profile clients such as the National Institutes of Health and the U.S. military, APNT is just beginning to commercialize its technology in such high-growth sectors as renewable energy, consumer goods, and more. To learn why RedChip analysts consider the stock a great buy at current prices, read RedChip Research’s recently published research report on APNT. You can also see and hear directly from APNT’s CEO, Doug Baker, by watching the Company’s presentation from our November conference at the Harvard Club in New York.

Disclosure: The subject security is a client of RedChip Companies, Inc. RedChip Companies, Inc., employees and affiliates may have positions and affect transactions in the securities or options of the issuers mentioned herein. For full financial disclosures for all RedChip clients, please visit http://www.redchip.com/disclosures.asp?src=rcv.

But is all the hype warranted?

There’s no question the daily deal market itself is an exciting space. Technology researcher BIA/Kelsey forecasts that the daily deal market will grow from $873 million in 2010 to $4.2 billion by 2015, creating tremendous opportunity for companies operating in the space. In regards to the hype around Groupon, some investors, such as Peter Sorrentino, a senior money manager at Huntington Asset Advisors, believe “the beast is growing faster than its revenue stream.”

So how can an investor play this high-growth space more effectively? One way, highlighted on stockpickr.com, is through a company like Local.com (NASDAQ: LOCM).

LOCM just entered the daily deal business in 2011 with the launch of Spreebird and its acquisition of Screamin’ Daily Deals in July. Screamin’ Daily Deals had unaudited revenues of $2.4 million in 2010 and $4.4 million during the first six months of 2011.

Unlike Groupon, LOCM is not a one-trick pony. LOCM is, and has been, a leader in local search advertising. They just reported over 90 million monthly unique visitors for the third quarter 2011, a new record. While this enormous traffic flow provides a great foundation to grow and monetize their new entrance into the daily deal space, it also provides a solid and growing revenue base for the company.

Add to this LOCM’s rollout of six new advertising products in the third quarter, including its Rovion rich media ad platform, and you have a well-diversified business built on connecting local businesses with online consumers; a perfect recipe for success in the daily deal space.

LOCM’s diversification strategy is paying off: earlier this week, the online local media company reported an impressive third quarter highlighted by 34% sequential revenue growth. The company held a conference call to discuss its third-quarter performance; a full transcript is available here. The fourth quarter should be even stronger for LOCM as the company reaps the full-quarter benefits of its new Google relationship and its other growth initiatives gain further traction. The company projects record revenues of $24 million for the fourth quarter, revenues of over $77 million for fiscal 2011, and a top-line run-rate of $96 million as they exit the year, a new annual record.

LOCM has historically maintained a 40% top-line CAGR that was only briefly interrupted earlier this year due to the Yahoo/Bing search integration. With a host of new products, a lucrative partnership with Google, and a new entry in the exploding daily deal space, the company is back on its rapid growth trajectory. Even prior to its great third quarter announcement, broker/dealer Morgan Joseph had a $5 price target on the stock, representing greater than 65% upside from current levels.

Investors interested in learning more about LOCM can view the company’s presentation from our October virtual conference or register to attend our Small-Cap New York Conference, taking place November 9th at the Harvard Club of New York City. For those unable to attend in person, LOCM’s presentation will be webcast live at RedChip.com at 9:30 a.m. Eastern time.

Disclosure: The subject security is a client of RedChip Companies, Inc. RedChip Companies, Inc., employees and affiliates may have positions and affect transactions in the securities or options of the issuers mentioned herein. For full financial disclosures for all RedChip clients, please visit http://www.redchip.com/disclosures.asp?src=rcv.

The demand for nanotech is rapidly growing, particularly in markets such as healthcare, defense, cleantech and consumer goods. Researchers at Ohio State University recently discovered a way to deliver cancer-fighting biomolecules into leukemia cells, and earlier this month, an international research team revealed an artificial muscle with the strength of an electric motor and the flexibility of an elephant’s trunk. Lux Research forecasts that the global market for nanotechnology could reach $2.5 trillion by 2015.

One pure play in the nanotech space is Applied Nanotech Holdings, Inc. (OTCBB: APNT), a Texas-based research and commercialization company. APNT’s technologies have numerous applications across a range of high-growth markets. Reaching profitability and revenues of $8 million in 2010, APNT is entering a period of accelerated growth resulting from the introduction of a number of breakthrough products powered by its technology.

APNT has historically generated revenue by providing research and development services for corporations and government agencies. Among its clients are the National Institutes of Health and branches of the U.S. military. Through its research, the Company’s technology portfolio has ballooned to over 300 patents (150 issued and over 150 pending) in the areas of nanoelectronics, carbon nanotube (CNT) enhanced composites, thermal management materials, sensors, and electron emission technology. With leading manufacturers seeking to license APNT’s various technologies, the Company is negotiating lucrative royalty agreements, enabling it to share in the sales of end products developed by its clients.

The commercialization of APNT’s technology is exemplified by the Company’s partnership with Yonex, a Japanese sporting goods giant, which uses APNT’s Nanopreme carbon composite material in its golf clubs and badminton racquets. The use of Nanopreme results in products that are lighter, stronger and more resilient than conventional clubs and racquets. In the case of golf clubs, this results in greater distance, giving golfers the edge they constantly seek. Yonex plans to release additional products using Nanopreme in the future. APNT has begun receiving ongoing royalty payments from future sales of Yonex products that use the Company’s technologies.

Another of APNT’s products capitalizes on the cleantech boom. The Company has developed spray-on metallic inks for solar wafers, which could make solar power more affordable. The process reduces the thickness of solar panels, is more efficient than traditional application methods, and eliminates the risk of breakage during the application process, resulting in lower production costs. The Company was awarded $1.6 million from the U.S. Department of Energy last year to develop this technology. More information about APNT’s solar ink technology is available in this recent Fox 7 news feature on the Company.

Bottom-line, APNT has a high-profile customer base, a strong balance sheet, and a 51% top-line CAGR for the fiscal years 2006 to 2010. Due to low visibility in the capital markets, its stock currently trades below $0.50, offering considerable upside for investors. With nanotechnology poised to transform everything from medicine to mobile phones, and APNT entering a phase of rapid commercialization, now is an excellent time to begin building a position in this stock.

To learn more about this exciting story, you can view an archived recording of the Company’s recent presentation at our virtual conference by clicking here.

Disclosure: The subject security is a client of RedChip Companies, Inc. RedChip Companies, Inc., employees and affiliates may have positions and affect transactions in the securities or options of the issuers mentioned herein. For full financial disclosures for all RedChip clients, please visit http://www.redchip.com/disclosures.asp?src=rcv.

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Blue Earth, Inc. (OTCBB: BBLU), a provider of energy efficiency services and technology, has signed an agreement with Gexpro and eCORE Technology to create a program that will help more than 2,000 independently owned retail gas stations and convenience stores in North America implement energy-saving technology. The new program, eecoStation, is expected to generate $60 million in revenue over the next two years, making this agreement a game-changer for BBLU. The Company’s subsidiary, Castrovilla, will coordinate and install the energy efficiency measures (which will include lighting and refrigeration improvements), while BBLU will provide financing for the program.

The Company has strong partners in both Gexpro, which will supply the equipment for the program, and eCORE Technology, which will lend marketing and sales support. Gexpro, an industry giant with a well-established national presence, began over a century ago as a division of General Electric (NYSE: GE) and was acquired in 2006 by Rexel (Paris: RXL.PA), the world’s largest electrical distributor.

Meanwhile, eCORE Technology has established close relationships with independent gas station and convenience store owners nationwide. This extensive customer base will provide an excellent starting point from which to build eecoStation’s sales.

As we discussed in a previous post on the subject, numerous businesses are concerned about rising energy prices and are seeking to cut their operating costs. According to a 2010 study by the Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, U.S. spending on energy efficiency services is expected to increase from $18 billion in 2008 to $37 billion by 2020 under a low-growth scenario, or $80 billion under a high-growth scenario. The surging demand for energy efficiency services provides an ideal backdrop for the eecoStation rollout.

BBLU has grown rapidly in 2011, executing a roll-up strategy that began with the acquisition of Castrovilla in January and continued with the recent acquisition of Xnergy, an energy services company that produced $18 million in  revenues for fiscal 2010 and currently has a $500 million project pipeline.

BBLU’s founders have proven success executing large roll-up strategies. In a previous venture they acquired 34 companies in approximately 4 years; growing revenues from $29,000 to more than $350 million. With its skilled management team spearheading the Company’s strategic expansion plan, and a potential $60 million project underway, BBLU is well positioned to capitalize on the vast potential in the energy efficiency market.

Investors interested in BBLU will have at least two opportunities in the next month to learn more about the Company and speak one-on-one with its management: Blue Earth is scheduled to present at our virtual conference today at 1 p.m. EDT and then again at our 2011 Small-Cap New York Conference on November 9^th. Register today to reserve your spot for both events.

Disclosure: The subject security is a client of RedChip Companies, Inc. RedChip Companies, Inc., employees and affiliates may have positions and affect transactions in the securities or options of the issuers mentioned herein. For full financial disclosures for all RedChip clients, please visit http://www.redchip.com/disclosures.asp?src=rcv