The Micro Cap Opportunity: Before the Bell Report for Wednesday August 20, 2008 - On the Radar: AESO, VION, GWDC, FRHV, HYGS,IVAN

LOS ANGELES, Aug 20, 2008 (M2 PRESSWIRE via COMTEX) -- VION | Quote | Chart | News | PowerRating -- This morning's On the Radar' Micro Cap trading candidates include, Atlantic Energy Solutions, Inc. (OTCPK: AESO), Vion Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (OTCPK: VION), Growers Direct Coffee Co. Inc. (OTCBB: GWDC), Fresh Harvest Products, Inc. (OTCBB: FRHV), Hydrogenics Corp. (NASD: HYGS), Ivanhoe Energy, Inc. (NASD: IVAN).

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ATLANTIC ENERGY SOLUTIONS, INC. (OTCPK: AESO | Quote | Chart | News | PowerRating) Up 2.94% Yesterday

Detailed Quote: http://finance.yahoo.com/q?s=AESO.PK

Atlantic Energy, founded in 1992, is a globally accredited Energy Efficiency and Resource Company and member of NAESCO (www.Naesco.org) that identifies, implements and finances energy efficiency projects designed to improve the overall efficiency of energy, water usage and renewable resources, reducing our dependency on foreign oil and diminishing our carbon footprint.

Headquartered in Saratoga Springs, NY and with a satellite office in Fairfield, NJ, Atlantic Energy Solutions assesses the energy demands and usages of municipal, corporate and industrial complexes to improve conservation and apply measures to boaster savings at the consumer level. The company incorporates the latest technologies, including wind and solar energy generation and other renewable resources focusing on energy and financial strategies to achieve comprehensive, innovative and cost-beneficial improvements.

Recent AESO News:

August 19, 2008 - Atlantic Energy Completes $1.2M Energy Efficiency Project At Local School

Atlantic Energy Solutions, Inc (OTC: AESO | Quote | Chart | News | PowerRating) has entered into a contract to provide a comprehensive turn key energy efficiency solution at the Mechanicville Central School District located in Upstate New York.

Atlantic Energy Solutions was in direct competition for this project with at least two other very reputable NAESCO accredited companies, Siemans (NYSE: SI), and Johnson Controls (NYSE: JCI). Atlantic Energy Solutions' CEO Tim Brock said, "We are extremely excited to take on this project." When asked about some of the technical details, Brock responded, "This project includes the use of three Co-Gen units manufactured by Aegis Energy Services Inc.

www.aegisenergyservices.com These units offer a dual purpose in generating electricity while at the same time heating the school, thus saving the school district and the local taxpayers, thousands of dollars each year."

District Superintendent Michael McCarthy said " I was very glad to see Atlantic Energy Solutions come out on top, and I look forward to seeing our anticipated energy savings come to fruition. I also look forward to a continued close relationship with Atlantic Energy Solutions for a long time to come."

Atlantic Energy Solutions also obtained a $55k energy rebate from New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA) www.nyserda.org for the school.

Utility rates have increased so sharply in the few years that businesses are increasingly searching for energy efficiencies as a cheaper investment. Energy Efficiency Projects like the one at Mechanicville School have a higher rate of return.

VION PHARMACEUTICALS, INC. (OTCPK: VION | Quote | Chart | News | PowerRating) Up 40.63 Yesterday

Detailed Quote: http://finance.yahoo.com/q?s=VION.PK

Vion Pharmaceuticals, Inc. is committed to extending the lives and improving the quality of life of cancer patients worldwide by developing and commercializing innovative cancer therapeutics. Vion has two agents in clinical trials. Laromustine (Cloretazine(R) (VNP40101M)), a unique alkylating agent, is being evaluated in a Phase II pivotal trial as a single agent in elderly patients with previously untreated de novo poor-risk acute myelogenous leukemia. Clinical trials of Cloretazine(R) (VNP40101M) with cytarabine in elderly patients with acute myelogenous leukemia, with temozolomide in brain tumors, and with stem cell transplantation in advanced hematologic malignancies, are also being conducted. Triapine(R), a potent inhibitor of a key step in DNA synthesis, is being evaluated in clinical trials sponsored by the National Cancer Institute. For additional information on Vion and its product development programs, visit the Company's Internet web site at www.vionpharm.com.

Recent VION News:

August 19, 2008 - Vion Pharmaceuticals Enters Into Agreement With HOVON to Conduct a Phase III Clinical Trial of Cloretazine(R) in Combination With Frontline AML and MDS Therapy

VION PHARMACEUTICALS, INC. (Pink Sheets: VION | Quote | Chart | News | PowerRating) announced today that it had entered into an agreement with the Dutch-Belgian Cooperative Trial Group for Hematology Oncology (the "HOVON") to conduct a clinical trial of laromustine (Cloretazine(R) (VNP40101M)) with standard remission-induction therapy in patients aged 18-65 with previously untreated acute myelogenous leukemia (AML) and high-risk myelodysplasia (MDS).

Alan Kessman, Chief Executive Officer, commented, "We are pleased to be working with HOVON, one of the most prestigious clinical groups in hematology oncology. We continue to believe that Cloretazine(R) will have broad utility in the treatment of hematological malignancies as both a single agent and in combination with other therapies. This trial will provide important data with regard to Cloretazine(R)'s utility in the treatment of AML when given in combination with standard remission-induction therapy for this devastating disease."

Dr. Bob Lowenberg, Chief Investigator of HOVON, said, "HOVON is focusing on the clinical development of new therapeutic options for patients with leukemia. Laromustine is a promising agent for that effort."

The trial has been designed as a Phase III study in two parts. Part A will determine the feasibility (based on safety and preliminary effectiveness) of laromustine administration at three possible dose levels in combination with cytarabine and idarubicin. Part A will also evaluate the pharmacokinetics and the clinical efficacy of the laromustine combination.

Part B is then designed to evaluate the clinical efficacy of the laromustine combination versus two cycles of cytarabine and idarubicin without laromustine with regard to clinical outcome ("event free survival"), the complete remission rate, disease free survival (DFS), risk of relapse and overall survival (OS), as well as the tolerance and toxicity, and pharmacokinetics of the combination.

The trial is expected to start this fall and will be conducted at various sites in the Netherlands, Belgium, Switzerland and Norway.

GROWERS DIRECT COFFEE CO. INC. (OTCBB: GWDC | Quote | Chart | News | PowerRating) Up 20.00% Yesterday

Detailed Quote: http://finance.yahoo.com/q?s=GWDC.OB

Growers Direct Coffee Company Inc. ('GWDC') is a leading distributor and marketer worldwide of whole green-bean coffee produced in Papua New Guinea, Jamaica and Ethiopia. Coffee is the second most traded commodity in the world after oil in terms of dollar value of trade. The bulk of the demand comes from North America and Europe where coffee drinking is an everyday habit. However, coffee is grown in developing and less developed countries in the tropics. GWDC is bringing together the supply and demand chains of the coffee market. Through its "Tree-to-Cup" industry leading concept which it pioneered, GWDC delivers the coffee to the end-users in the developed nations to fulfill the demand and enhance its shareholders value, and at the same instance, assists to alleviate poverty in the coffee growing regions of the world by buying coffee at favorable prices to the farmers and implementing social programs to assist and improve the livelihoods of the coffee farmers.

Recent GWDC News:

August 19, 2008 - Growers Direct Provides Corporate Update and New Management

Growers Direct Coffee Company, Inc. (OTCBB: GWDC): announced today that the board of directors have appointed Mr. Mick Rynning as the new President and CEO of Growers Direct Coffee Company Inc. Interim President JD Douthitt will serve as Chairman of the board. Nepal Muhuri remains a director and interim CFO.

JD Douthitt, Chairman, stated, "Mick certainly has the credentials to lead this company and I share his vision of growth for the future. Execution is the key to success, and with Micks' proven track record of growth and management, I am confident the future of our company is in good hands."

Mick Rynning, the new President and CEO commented, "I firmly believe that our utmost success will be achieved through genuine and mutually-beneficial relationships, guided by solid strategic planning and timely tactical execution. Using a collaborative-leadership style, I intend to meet the demands of our customers, and to facilitate the success of our business partners as we forge the future together. Growers Direct Coffee Company has a business model that is uniquely positioned in today's marketplace, one that serves our coffee growers, while meeting consumer demand for best-in-class green coffee beans and artisan roasted coffees. We are just the conduit to facilitate and, as we execute, everyone in the pipeline will share in our collective success."

The new board is currently evaluating the state of our green coffee bean wholesale business, as well as our existing strategies for growth. After the review of our current strategies, affiliations and markets is complete, the board will announce its future plans regarding our "Tree-to-Cup" distribution model.

The new board has made arrangements with several sophisticated investors to provide adequate working capital for the next six months. Further long term financing strategies will be announced upon reaching agreement with the financiers.

Management is working very hard to file the currently due 10QSB, quarterly statement, for June 30, 2008 in a timely fashion.

Date and venue for the Annual General Meeting will be announced once determined by the board of Directors.

FRESH HARVEST PRODUCTS, INC. (OTCBB: FRHV | Quote | Chart | News | PowerRating) Up 20.00% Yesterday

Detailed Quote: http://finance.yahoo.com/q?s=FRHV.OB

Fresh Harvest Products, Inc. sells, markets and distributes natural and organic food products and beverages. Under the Wings of Nature(TM) brand name, Fresh Harvest offers a line of organic snack products, which primarily include health bars, coffee bars, tortilla chips and salsa. In addition, Fresh Harvest provides a grocery product line, which includes several varieties of whole bean and ground coffees, olive oil and beverages.

The Company sells its products through specialty and natural food distributors to stores, specialty supermarkets and retailers. Additionally, Fresh Harvest represents a branded line of patent pending bio-remediation products. Fresh Harvest Products, Inc. is headquartered in New York City.

Additional information is available at http://www.freshharvestproducts.com.

Recent FRHV News:

August 19, 2008 - Fresh Harvest Products, Inc. Announces Update on Operations

Fresh Harvest Products, Inc. (OTC Bulletin Board: FRHV | Quote | Chart | News | PowerRating) announced today an update to its formal corporate operations and its acquisition and partnership strategy.

Strategy: Our business strategy has three key facets: (1) maximize our Wings of Nature(TM) Brand by increasing current distribution, expanding product offerings, and maximizing opportunities to reach the core consumer through trade promotional activities; (2) Utilize our Management Team and Supply Chain Operation to exclusively represent Companies/Brands that complement our current offerings; and, (3) pursue opportunities to partner and acquire assets that will enhance the Company's growth potential and increase shareholder value.

Brand Positioning: We have positioned our Brand across multiple category sectors through the delivery of high quality products that upscale shoppers can trust and support time and time again. We will deliver products with the highest quality organic/natural ingredients at competitive prices. Our objective is to be synonymous with the highest quality product in every sector. Our customers demand the very best and we will deliver it. Execution: Current product mix includes: Organic Fruit and Nut and Coffee Snack Bars; multiple blends of Organic Coffees; Organic Salsa and Organic Olive Oil(s).

Sales and Distribution: Our customer base will consist principally of Specialty and Natural Food Distributors and Key Target Retailers through distributors. We will continue our focus on the Natural Food Distribution Channel, both on specialty and retail store presence to meet consumer demand and awareness. Execution: Selling through targeted Specialty Food Distributors, with a plan to grow sales and increase distribution in fiscal 2009.

Distribution Plan: To reach specific consumer groups through targeted retail outlets utilizing Specialty Food Distributors. Growth will come from gaining the proper shelf placement, increasing distribution points and turnover, as well as the marketing support provided to each individual account. Execution: Focusing on target distributors/retailers for maximum household penetration in 2009.

New Product Initiatives: We consider research and development of new products to be a significant part of our overall philosophy. As such, we are committed to developing high-quality, all natural/organic products to improve today's lifestyle. We have and will continue to incorporate product ideas from all areas of our business to formulate new products and categories.

In addition to developing new products ideas, we routinely reformulate and revise existing products based on consumer feedback for improvement and new line extensions. Execution: Currently developing Brand and Product extensions.

Third Party Brand Representation: Fresh Harvest will represent (market, sell and distribute) on an exclusive contract basis, premium complimentary natural/organic Brands through our supply chain system. The objective is to gain critical mass in operations and consumer importance through retailers/distributors utilizing previous relationships. Execution: Currently developing Brand and Product line extensions.

Acquisition & Partnership Strategy: Fresh Harvest seeks to pursue opportunities to partner and acquire assets and brands that will enhance the Company's growth potential and increase shareholder value. Fresh Harvest evaluates opportunities on a case-by-case basis and generally focuses on assets and brands that complement our existing product mix. Execution:

Fresh Harvest is currently in discussions with several companies about partnerships and/or strategic alliances.

Michael J. Friedman, Founder and President, commented, "Activity continues to be positive on all of our projects in delivering our stated aim to pursue appropriate opportunities to partner and/or acquire businesses that share our approach, and whose Assets and Brands will enhance our continued growth and shareholder value. Fresh Harvest's strategy necessitates a continuation of the pursuit to deliver proper capitalization to maximize its plan."

HYDROGENICS CORP. (NASD: HYGS | Quote | Chart | News | PowerRating) Up 16.52% Yesterday

Detailed Quote: http://finance.yahoo.com/q?s=HYGS

Hydrogenics Corporation (www.hydrogenics.com) is a globally recognized developer and provider of hydrogen generation and fuel cell products and services, serving the growing industrial and clean energy markets of today and tomorrow. Based in Mississauga, Ontario, Canada, Hydrogenics has operations in North America, Europe and Asia.

Recent HYGS News:

August 19, 2008 - Hydrogenics to Provide Fuel Cells to APC for Extended Run Back-Up Power in Data Centers

Hydrogenics Corporation (TSX: HYG)(NASDAQ: HYGS), a leading designer and manufacturer of hydrogen electrolyzers and fuel cell systems, announced today that APC by Schneider Electric, a global leader in integrated critical power and cooling services, will soon launch an extended-run back-up power system powered by Hydrogenics' HyPM XR Fuel Cell Power Modules. The Fuel Cell Extended Run (FCXR), developed in collaboration with Hydrogenics, provides uninterruptible back-up power for mission-critical applications.

The FCXR offers a lower total cost of ownership for runtime requirements greater than two hours when compared to lead acid batteries.

Additionally, this solution is ideal for customers with space constraints or for companies that cannot operate a diesel generator due to noise or emissions concerns. The FCXR produces highly efficient, emission-free electrical backup power using air and stored hydrogen. Using hydrogen fuel cells lowers operating costs, increases reliability, and extends runtime duration, while reducing maintenance cost, and minimizing environmental impact.

APC's next generation Fuel Cell Extended Run product, which produces emission free electrical backup power using air and stored hydrogen, is available in 10 kW increments up to 30 kW contained in a single 19-inch rack. Developed in collaboration with Hydrogenics Corporation following the completion of a multiple unit field trial program; the second generation FCXR uses Hydrogenics' HyPM XR Fuel Cell Power Modules.

Hydrogenics will be providing a turn-key critical application power systems to APC. This solution is in addition to the existing Fuel Cell Power Module agreement in place since August 2006. This solution includes power electronics, cooling, and system controls in a standard APC modular rack mount. The FCXR supports APC's 3-Phase Symmetra PX product line for uninterruptible power and adds a new dimension for extended backup time to APC's InfraStruXure architecture.

"APC's next generation fuel cell backup product represents one of the first commercial uses of fuel cell technology for data center environments," said John DiPippo, senior vice president, APC Data Center Solutions, Software and Services. "The next generation FCXR incorporates key improvements based on the successful commercial trials of our earlier fuel cell solution deployed during the past two years. We believe APC's new fuel cell product provides the right combination of power capacity and innovative hydrogen-based technology to meet market demand."

IVANHOE ENERGY, INC. (NASD: IVAN | Quote | Chart | News | PowerRating) Up 6.12 Yesterday

Detailed Quote: http://finance.yahoo.com/q?s=IVAN Ivanhoe Energy is an independent international heavy oil development and production company focused on pursuing long-term growth in its reserves and production using advanced technologies, including its proprietary heavy oil upgrading process (HTL(TM)). Core operations are in Canada, the United States and China, with business development opportunities worldwide. Ivanhoe Energy trades on the NASDAQ Capital Market with the ticker symbol IVAN and on the Toronto Stock Exchange with the symbol IE.

Recent IVAN News:

August 19, 2008 - Ivanhoe Energy confirms discussions with Ecuador's national oil company on development of Pungarayacu oil field

Ivanhoe Energy Executive Chairman, President and CEO Robert Friedland confirmed today, in response to numerous enquiries and media reports, that the company, as previously disclosed, is in detailed discussions with a number of resource owners and national oil companies. The Republic of Ecuador's national oil company, PETROECUADOR, is one such company.

Mr. Friedland said that while talks are at an advanced stage toward an agreement to develop Ecuador's Block 20, known as the Pungarayacu oil field, no final agreement to embark upon the project has been entered into either by PETROECUADOR or the Ivanhoe Energy board of directors. There can be no assurance that a final agreement will be signed.

"A final agreement would require approvals by both parties and disclosure of the terms of such an agreement would be made at an appropriate time," Mr. Friedland added.

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