January 2009 Houston Business Connections Newspaper

BUSINESS CONNECTIONS www.peopledoingbusiness.com

Houston

Published By Aubrey R. Taylor • Serving The Houston Community Since 1998

• Email: news@houston-businessconnections.com • SPECIAL 2009 PROMOTIONAL

AMERICA! “Now is the time to remind all Americans what ordinary people can accomplish when we stand together.” – First Lady Michelle Obama

CRIME

POLITICS

Top FBI Crime News Stories For Last Year

Together We CAN:

FBI’s Year in Review: This review highlights the work of the FBI and their many partners throughout the year and is a testament to the hard work and dedication of the agency and its crime fighting partners.

JANUARY 2008 01/04/08: Detroit: Eleven Indictments in International Illegal Spamming and Stock Fraud Scheme - Eleven individuals were indicted in a wide-ranging international fraud scheme which manipulated stock prices through illegal spam e-mail promotions.

Commander

“We are one people; We are one nation; and together, we will begin the next great chapter in America’s story.” in Chief

Recalls His ‘Great Days’ “The decision to send troops into harm’s way is by far the most difficult decision for a president, because the consequences of war can lead to death – people will die.” – President Bush CONGRATULATIONS MR. PRESIDENT

Review continued on page, P.4

OBAMA:

BEST WISHES

Continued Vigilance Critical in Protecting American People are safe. “Homeland security always has to be our number one priority,” he said.

“We are going to have to stay vigilant.

ASHINGTON The That is something that does not change United States must remain from administration to administration.” vigilant to Iran will be among the defend against big security challenges INTERVIEW terrorists and other potential Obama said he will have to threats such as Iran, President-elect confront. “We have a situation in which Barack Obama said on ABC News’ “This not only is Iran exporting terrorism Week” in a recent interview.

Obama said his top priority as presiObama continued on page, P.3 dent will be ensuring the American people

By Donna Miles American Forces Press Service

W MRS. SENATOR: “We would like to thank our newly-elected Texas Senator Joan Huffman for believing in our mission and our goals and for reaching out to the entire business community in the recent runoff election.”

– President-Elect Barack Obama

UPCOMING: Our Keepsake Issue of Houston Business Connections magazine will be released next month. Call 832.212.8735 to GET IN IT!

BULLETIN Texas Southern University Optimistic About SACS HOUSTON - Texas Southern University is looking forward to the opportunity to prove its strength in handling university governance and fiscal integrity so that the University can be removed from probation by the Commission on Colleges of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (SACS).

MORE INFO ON PAGE • 21

CenterPoint Energy Receives Approval to Deploy Interactive Meters New Meters Will Provide Consumers Powerful New Tool to Better Understand and Manage Electric Usage in Near Real-Time HOUSTON – CenterPoint Energy, Inc.'s (NYSE:CNP) electric transmission and distribution subsidiary, CenterPoint Energy Houston

Electric, has received approval from the Public Utility Commission of Texas (PUC) to deploy an advanced metering system (AMS) across its service territory over the next five years. The company plans to begin installing meters in March 2009. This innovative technology should encourage greater energy conservation by giving Houston-area electric consumers the ability to better monitor and manage their electric use and its cost in near real time.

“We’re pleased that the PUC approved the settlement agreement to

deploy this new technology,” said Tom Standish, Regulated Operations group president for CenterPoint

Energy. “We’d also like to thank the month; thereafter, the surcharge is parties for working collaboratively to scheduled to be reduced to $3.05 per find an equitable solution. We strong- month. These amounts are subject to ly believe that this new upward or downward adjustment in future metering technology is ENERGY the first step in moving proceedings to reflect the electric grid into the actual costs incurred digital age.” and to address required changes in The company will recover the scope. CenterPoint Energy projects cost for the interactive meters capital expenditures of approximately through a monthly surcharge to all $640 million for the installation of the REPs over 12 years. The surcharge interactive meters and corresponding for each residential consumer for the communication and data management first 24 months, beginning in systems over the five-year deployFebruary 2009, will be $3.24 per ment period.

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Bulletin Don’t Look Back!

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ure, we’re living in difficult times. But, I urge you to forge forward into this New Year with a new hope; a renewed vision; new expectations; a renewed mind; and a new outlook for your business and your personal life.

Whether a small business or a multi-billion dollar corporation, we all have to survive this economic crisis. That’s why I’m asking business owners all over the country to proceed forth cautiously.

But, in doing so, don’t be so cautious that you impose a death sentence on your business. Give your business life by advertising it, promoting it, and reinforcing your brand identity and what you have to offer. And I’m not saying you have to spend one dime with me. What I am saying however, is you need to find a product that you BELIEVE can best position you in the global and or local market place - then put yourself in it. It’s that simple!

And as always, we would like to thank you for picking up our newspaper. We’re also very grateful for your support and patronage of our advertisers and supporters. Because our advertisers and supporters are the ones who make it possible for us to give back to the business community by way of our philanthropic endeavors. I thank you in advance for considering my offer!

And remember, you’re going to be just fine in 2009!

Aubrey R. Taylor, Publisher Houston Business Connections Newspaper

The Person to See always operates his/her business for growth. ometimes when our businesses don't grow as fast as we’d like them to we turn off the growth spicket prematurely to preserve resources. Being responsible is always important. However, The Person to See never confuses thoughtfulness and panic.

A mindset of abundance is the only pathway O’Brien to creating a bank account of abundance. That is why The Person to See is always on offense. He/she is willing to incur smart debt in the short term to produce long term results.

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Remember, you are your best bet!

Tim O’Brien, President/CEO The Personal Branding Group

ENTREPRENEURS CREDO I do not choose to be a Common man It is my right to be UNCOMMON...If I can I seek Opportunity - not Security I do not wish to be a kept citizen, humbled and dulled by having the state look after me.

I want to take the “Calculated Risk” to Dream and to Build, to fail and to SUCCEED. I refuse to barter incentive for a dole.

I prefer the challenges of Life to the “Guaranteed existence”, the thrill of fulfillment to the stale calm of Utopia.

I will not trade FREEDOM for Beneficence nor my dignity for a handout.

I will never cower before any master nor bend to any threat.

It is my heritage to stand erect, proud and unafraid, to think and act for myself, to enjoy the benefit of “MY CREATIONS” and to face the world boldly and say: “This with God’s help, I have done.

All this is what it means to be a ENTREPRENEUR”

AUBREY R. TAYLOR Houston Business Connections Newspaper is published by AUBREY R. TAYLOR. All right reserved. No articles may be copied, rewritten, published, or otherwise distributed without the prior written approval of the publisher. For special requests please call: 832.783.1113 or call the publisher directly at: 832.212.8735.

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Barbara Bush Texas Fund for Family Literacy Awards Disaster Recovery Grants to Nine Texas Literacy Programs The Barbara Bush Texas Fund for Family Literacy has awarded nine Texas adult and family literacy programs with grants to assist in their recovery from the recent natural disasters that affected the state of Texas, including Hurricanes Ike and Dolly and Rio Grande River floodBush ing. Mrs. Barbara Bush said, “The recent storms and flooding have turned the lives of many Texans upside-down. Their homes, workplaces, and schools, as well as the infrastructures of their communities, have been damaged or destroyed, and they must work hard to rebuild their dramatically changed lives.

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remain the same. “There’s no formula that says when profits are up, giving is up and when profits are down, giving is down,” said Margaret Coady, director of the Committee Encouraging Corporate Philanthropy.

“There are many factors that determine giving, including the commitment that companies have to communities and nonprofit partners.”

Ford Foundation to Increase Grantmaking in 2009, 2010 The Ford Foundation has announced that it will honor all outstanding commitments to its grantees and will increase, in 2009 and 2010, the percentage of its endowment that is paid out in grants. In a statement on its Web site, the foundation’s president, Luis A. Ubiñas, acknowledged that many of the communities served by its grantees face increased hardships and said Ford remains committed to ensuring that its grantees have the resources necessary “to continue the fight for social justice.” Ubiñas also noted the foundation’s portfolio was “highly liquid” going into the economic downturn, ensuring the foundation’s capacity to continue making grants without disruption. The foundation also instituted a series of aggressive internal cost controls early in 2008 that have helped make more funds available for grantmaking. “The heart of our work has always been the steady commitment to our long-term vision,” said Ubiñas. “We believe that this farsighted approach is critical, especially in difficult times. While the foundation's endowment portfolio has been affected by volatility in the financial markets, our first priority is to ensure that our grantees have the resources necessary to continue the fight for social justice.”

General Colin Powell Participates In Ceremony Recently UnitedHealth Group Executive Vice President Anthony Welters presented a $1 million check to the Washington, DC Martin Luther King, Jr. National Memorial Project Foundation, Inc. Harry E. Johnson, President and CEO of the Washington, DC Martin Luther King, Jr. National Memorial Project Foundation, Inc. and General Colin Powell, a member of the Powell Foundation’s Executive Leadership Cabinet participated in the check ceremony.

UnitedHealth Group’s $1 million donation adds to the significant momentum surrounding the Martin Luther King, Jr. National Memorial fundraising effort,said General Powell. I challenge every American to join UnitedHealth Group and the thousands of Memorial donors nationwide by making a donation of any amount today.

Despite Tough Times, Some Retailers Increase Giving Despite sales declines that have reached double digits in some cases, many corporate retailers are pulling out the stops to maintain their charitable giving, USA Today reports. Of the eleven retailers that provided information to the Chronicle of Philanthropy for its annual report on corporate giving, which appeared in August, four - Target, Wal-Mart, Home Depot, and Costco - said they planned to increase their giving in 2008, while the other seven said their giving would

Former Talk Show Host Jenny Jones Announces Continuation of Community Grant Program alk show host and philanthropist Jenny Jones has announced that she will donate an additional $1 million to continue her Jenny’s Heroes community grant program. The Jenny’s Heroes program awards grants to individuals who submit the best ideas for tangible, lasting community projects.

Jenny’s Heroes provides grants of up to $25,000 each to fund projects that promise long-term community benefits. Through the fifty grant recipients so far, funds have been used to provide items and services such as library books, school computers, firefighting gear, nursing home upgrades, sports equipment, free dental services, wheelchairs, coats for children in domestic violence shelters, and a running track at a women’s prison. The program’s focus is primarily on smaller communities where fundraising can be difficult. For more information on Jenny’s Heroes visit their website located at: www.jennysheroes.com today!

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Kentucky Commission on Philanthropy Launched to Develop Public-Private Partnerships Kentucky Governor Steve Beshear recently announced the creation of the Kentucky Commission on Philanthropy, which will work to explore the development of publicprivate partnerships designed to increase funding to address the state’s most pressing challenges.

With the state struggling to close a $456 million budget deficit and nonprofits bracing for funding cuts, the commission will work to bolster Beshear the state’s philanthropic sector, which includes some 850 foundations that award a total of more than $120 million a year. Among other things, the commission will encourage private foundations to rally around common goals, adopt common strategic approaches, and develop high-quality programs with the potential to have significant long-term impact.

“State government can’t meet the demand for all the services required by the people of Kentucky, not under the current economic conditions,” said Beshear. “We need partners now more than ever, and we must continue to find ways to be responsive to Kentucky families and move the state forward. The time is right to join forces in an unprecedented effort for the greater good of the commonwealth.”

Houston Business Connections Newspaper is made possible by the support of our advertisers and supporters. Please support our advertisers and supporters! - Aubrey R. Taylor

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OBAMA continued from P.1 through Hamas, through Hezbollah, but they are pursuing a nuclear weapon that could potentially trigger a nuclear arms race in the Middle East,” he said.

The president-elect also expressed concern that the terrorist bombings in Mumbai, India, in November could spark copycat attacks. “So we are going to have to be vigilant in terms of our intelligence, we are going to have to make sure that we are more effective in terms of anticipating some of these issues and we have got to continue putting pressure on al-Qaeda,” he said.

Obama said he believes the United States has made progress in improving security, “but those dangers are still there, and those dangers are not immediately going to go away.”

He noted the difficulty of defending against unconventional threats. “If you have a small group of people in today’s world with today’s technology who are intent on doing harm and are willing to die, that is something that is always going to be a challenge,” he said.

While critical of some interrogation practices, Obama said he recognizes the importance of good intelligence for national security.

“My general view is that our United States military is under fire and has huge stakes in getting good intelligence,” he said.

“And if our top Army commanders feel comfortable with interrogation techniques that are squarely within the boundaries of rule of law, our constitution and international standards, then those are things that we should be able to.”

Obama also reiterated his commitment to closing the Guantanamo Bay detention facility. The challenge, he said, is to do it in a way that adheres to the law and spirit of the law but doesn’t release people “intent on blowing us up.”

“I don’t want to be ambiguous about this. We are going to close Guantanamo and we are going to make sure that the procedures we set up are ones that abide by our constitution,” he said.

“That is not only the right thing to do but it actually has to be part of our broader national security strategy because we will send a message to the world that we are serious about our values.”

Obama said the closure won’t likely happen during his first 100 days as president. “I think it’s going to take some time and our legal teams are working in consultation with our national security apparatus as we speak to help design exactly what we need to do,” he said.

Closing the facility “is more difficult than I think a lot of people realize,” he said.

“Part of the challenge that you have is that you have a bunch of folks that have been detained, many of whom who may be very dangerous who have not been put on trial or have not gone through some adjudication,” he said. “And some of the evidence against them may be tainted even though it’s true.”

So the challenge, he said, is “how to balance creating a process that adheres to rule of law, habeas corpus, basic principles of Anglo American legal system, by doing it in a way that doesn’t result in releasing people who are intent on blowing us up.”

Q&A TAYLOR: What is your outlook this year for your industry? What about your business? MCKINNEY: I have a positive outlook for the legal field. My business is personal injury, criminal and family law.

TAYLOR: Do you have anything positive or inspirational that you could say to business people or professionals who may be struggling? MCKINNEY: I would tell business people that in order to be successful, you have to have a “hustler” mentality. Promote yourself everywhere you go. I recently read a marketing book that said that you should give a business card to everyone you give your money to, be it Wal-mart clerk or Reliant Energy.

TAYLOR: What kind of impact do you think the new President (Barack Obama) will have on the economy in his first year? MCKINNEY: I think President Obama will dig us out of this economic hole at a steady pace. I don’t know how fast he will dig, but I believe he will be consistently making progress to get this country above ground.

TAYLOR: Did you ever think America would elect an African-American as President in your lifetime? MCKINNEY: No, I never thought I would live to see a black President in the U.S. This is the first time I considered to buy an American flag! The night of the election, I left my home four times because I could not sit still.

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SPOTLIGHT 2009 PEOPLE DOING BUSINESS SERIES

Carlos de Santos

President and founder of Catdi, Inc.

ECO-FRIENDLY

PRINTING Houston Area Commercial Printer to Go Green

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Houston printing firm Catdi, Inc. recently expanded its eco-friendly printing options into a full division of green commercial printing services. This expansion has been the result of two critical factors.

The first of these factors was increasing awareness of environmental concerns in large segments of the Houston marketplace. Many energy companies in Houston have come under increasing social pressure to improve their environmental image. New companies as well have moved into Houston from other cities that were already pursuing green initiatives, bringing their environmentally friendly focus into the Gulf Coast marketplace.

Over the last 18 months, orders for recycled paper and printing with soy ink have risen exponentially.

WELL ESTABLISHED: Catdi, is a well established Houston printing, graphic design and direct mail marketing advertising agency. As a Houston based commercial printer Catdi has all the tools and resources that are sure to deliver the results you desire. Interested in meeting with Catdi? Call Catdi today and receive a free consultation at one of their offices at 713.882.4629.

President and founder of Catdi, Inc., Carlos The most obvious benefit that green commerde Santos is also an ardent supporter of environ- cial printing offers is reduced clearing of forests. As mental initiatives, has proactively responded to this the quality of recycled paper rises, the need to cut new community interest in green printing. Rather down existing trees diminishes. Recycling also greatthan simply taking green printing orders on a case ly reduces the amount of paper going into landfills. by case basis, Alonso has segmented and duplicated However, Alonso is quick to point out that people his entire service offerings with eco-friendly equiv- often forget to recycle and throw print media into the alents. As of now, all products and trash without thinking. If and when services offered by Catdi can be this does happen, however, the soy TEXA S obtained on recycled paper and soy ink. base of the ink and the water coating To be cost competitive for smaller used to give print media a “glossy” clients on a budget, the paper can be a blend of as lit- look is completely biodegradable and non-toxic. tle as 10% recycled pulp, or it can range all the way to While discarding something that could be recycled 100% recycled content. does on one level constitute a waste, it nevertheless Alonso took a risk when he calculated that the is waste that does not damage to the ecosystem. marginally higher price of soy ink and 100% paper Everything from print collateral, business would be something that public relations consult- cards, folders, sales sheets, brochures, and business ants and Earth conscious clients would be willing to cards can be ordered from Catdi’s green commercial pay. He was right. Since so many organizations are printing services division. Even the electricity Catdi now using green printing services as a form of use (Green Mountain Energy) is eco-friendly. As a branding, marketing, and public relations, they company already established in the Houston marketactually come to the table already aware that the place as a turnkey, rapid delivery source of custom price point they pay carries with it a return on print media solutions, Catdi’s new green commercial investment. Because the quality of both recycled printing services is poised to take a leadership role paper and soy ink now rivals that of new paper and very soon in Houston’s print media and advertising petroleum-based ink, the differentiation is deter- community that is beginning to realize both the mined by product benefits, not product image. ethics and the benefits of going green. – PR.COM

Democracy is a charming form of government, full of variety and disorder, and dispensing a sort of equality to equals and unequal alike. — Plato

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FBI’s Year in Review: Top News Stories of 2008 JANUARY 2008 01/04/08: Detroit: Eleven Indictments in International Illegal Spamming and Stock Fraud Scheme - Eleven individuals were indicted in a wide-ranging international fraud scheme which manipulated stock prices through illegal spam e-mail promotions.

01/11/08: San Diego: Arrest in Hoax Bomb Investigation - Richard Sills Jr. was arrested by members of the Joint Terrorism Task Force (JTTF) in connection with the University of California San Diego hoax bomb incident.

01/18/08: Kansas City: Islamic Charity Charged With Terrorist Financing; Former US Congressman Charged With Money Laundering - The Islamic American Relief Agency (IARA) and several of its former officers were charged with engaging in prohibited financial transactions. Also charged in the case was former U.S. Congressman Mark Deli Siljander.

01/25/08: Miami: Jose Padilla and Others Sentenced on Terrorism Charges - Jose Padilla, Adham Amin Hassoun, and Kifah Wael Jayyousi were sentenced on charges of conspiracy to murder, kidnap and maim and providing material support to terrorists.

FEBRUARY 2008 02/01/08: Boston: Indictment for Threatening to Use Weapons of Mass Destruction - Michael A. Crooker was indicted on charges of possession of toxins (ricin and abrin) and threatening to use weapons of mass destruction against federal officials.

02/08/08: New York: 62 Organized Crime Members and Associates Indicted on 30 Year Crime Span - As a result of a massive coordinated law enforcement initiative, sixty-two defendants associated with the Gambino, Genovese and Bonanno organized crime families were charged with crimes spanning more than three decades.

02/15/08: Washington Field Office: DOD Employee Arrested in Chinese Espionage Case - Gregg William Bergersen, a Weapons Systems Policy Analyst at the Defense Security Cooperation Agency, Department of Defense, was arrested for passing classified documents to the People’s Republic of China.

02/22/08: Miami: Five Individuals Indicted for $200 Million Hedge Fund Fraud - Michael Lauer, founder of Lancer Group Hedge Fund, and four others were indicted on conspiracy and wire fraud charges in a $200 million hedge fund fraud.

02/29/08: Houston: Chinese Chemist Indicted for Theft of Trade Secrets - Qinggui Zeng, aka Jensen Zeng, a legal permanent resident from China, was indicted and charged with theft of trade secrets and computer fraud.

MARCH 2008 03/07/08: New Haven: Former Sailor Found Guilty of Terror Ties - Hassan Abu-Jihaad, formerly known as Paul R. Hall, was found guilty of disclosing classified information related to national defense and providing material support to an organization having ties to alQaeda.

03/14/08: Cincinnati: Financial Enterprise Executives Found Guilty in $3 Billion Fraud Scheme - Five former executives of National Century Financial Enterprises were found guilty of conspiracy, fraud and money laundering in a $3 billion security fraud scheme.

03/21/08: Richmond: Indictment in $132 Million Trust Fund Scheme - Edward H. Okun, owner of The 1031 Tax Group, LLP (1031TG), was indicted for his scheme to defraud and obtain millions of dollars in client funds held by 1031TG. 03/28/08: San Juan: Governor Indicted on Public Corruption Charges - Puerto Rico Governor Anibal Acevedo Vila and 12 associates were charged on a 27-count indictment which include federal program fraud, tax crimes, and conspiracy.

APRIL 2008 04/04/08: Chicago: Indictment for Stealing Trade Secrets Bound for China - Hanjuan Jin, a naturalized U.S. citizen born in China, was indicted on charges of stealing business trade secrets from her employer, a telecommunications company, and attempting to take them to China.

04/11/08: Washington Field Office: $960,000 Settlement in Sale of Defective Bulletproof Vests - Protective Products International Inc. has agreed to pay the U.S. $960,000 for selling defective Zylon bulletproof vests.

04/18/08: Tampa: Egyptian Students Face Terrorism Charges - Ahmed Abdellatif Sherif Mohamed and Youssef Samir Megahed were charged with possession of explosive materials, a destructive device and a bomb-making video.

04/25/08: New York/Newark: Arrest in Conspiracy to Disclose National Defense Information to Israel - Ben Ami Kadish was arrested on charges that he participated in a con-

spiracy to disclose national defense information to the Government of Israel.

MAY 2008 05/02/08: New Orleans: Guilty Plea in Federal Hate Crime - Jeremiah Munsen pled guilty for his role in using nooses to threaten marchers who participated in the “Jena Six” civil rights rally.

05/09/08: Sacramento: Fake Vietnam Vet Pleads Guilty - Michael Allan Fraser pled guilty to violating the Stolen Valor Act. 05/16/08: Washington Field Office: Guilty Plea in Espionage Charge Involving Chin - Tai Shen Kuo pled guilty to conspiracy to deliver national defense information to the People’s Republic of China.

05/23/08: New York: Guilty Plea in Fraud Scheme Involving Adoption of Disabled Children - Judith Leekin pled guilty to fraudulently obtaining $1.68 million of adoption subsidies to care for adopted children and using the funds for her lavish lifestyle while keeping the children restrained in their beds.

05/30/08: Newark: Former Mayor Pleads Guilty Former New Jersey Assemblyman and Orange Mayor Mims Hackett, Jr. pled guilty to accepting a bribe in exchange for using his official influence as mayor.

JUNE 2008 06/06/08: Washington Field Office: Congressional Chief of Staff Pleads Guilty - John C. Albaugh, former Chief of Staff to Member of the U.S. House of Representatives, pled guilty to conspiracy to commit honest services wire fraud.

06/13/08: Washington Field Office: Army Colonel Pleads Guilty - Retired Army Colonel Levonda J. Selph pled guilty to her role in a scheme to influence the awarding of a U.S. Department of Defense contract in Iraq.

06/20/08: Operation Malicious Mortgage Nets 406 Individuals - Charges in Operation Malicious Mortgage, a nationwide takedown of mortgage fraud schemes which inflicted approximately $1 billion in losses, were brought in every region of the country.

06/27/08: Washington Field Office: Major International Airlines Agree to Pay $504 Million for Price Fixing - Air France-KLM, Cathay Pacific, Martinair, and SAS have agreed to pay criminal fines for participating in a multi-year price-fixing conspiracy on international air cargo shipments.

JULY 2008

Convicted of Stealing More Than $485 Million - Xu Chaofan, Xu Guojun and their wives were convicted of racketeering and money laundering in their elaborate scheme to defraud the Bank of China through Las Vegas casinos.

09/12/08: Minneapolis: Texas Men Charged With Illegal Possession of Molotov Cocktails - David Guy McKay and Bradley Neil Crowder were charged with the illegal possession of Molotov cocktails and in planning to disrupt the Republican National Convention.

09/19/08: 175 Cartel Members and Associates Arrested - Project Reckoning, a multi-agency law enforcement effort targeting the Gulf Cartel, resulted in the arrest of 175 individuals, and the seizure of $60 million and more than 40 tons of illegal drugs.

09/26/08: Norfolk: Physicist Arrested for Illegally Exporting Space Launch Data to China - Dr. Shu QuanSheng, President of AMAC International, a high-tech company, was arrested for illegally exporting hydrogen liquefier technical data to the People’s Republic of China and bribing Chinese government officials.

OCTOBER 2008 10/03/08: San Diego: Former CIA Executive Director Pleads Guilty - Former Central Intelligence Executive Director Kyle “Dusty” Foggo pled guilty to using his position to cause the CIA to hire companies in which he had a personal interest.

10/10/08: Washington Field Office: Armor Holdings Agrees to Pay $30 Million - Armor Holdings Products LLC agreed to pay $30 million to resolve allegations it sold defective Zylon bullet-proof vests to federal, state, local and tribal agencies.

10/17/08: FBI Coordinates Global Effort to Nab “Dark Market” Cyber Criminals - A two year undercover operation, Dark Market, which joined forces with international law enforcement, resulted in 56 arrests and $70 million in economic loss prevention.

10/24/08: San Francisco: Operation Devil Horns Nabs 29 - Twenty-nine individuals were indicted on federal racketeering charges as a result of a three-year investigation targeting Mara Salvatrucha (MS-13) gang members.

10/31/08: Washington Field Office: Chuckie Taylor Convicted - In the first U.S. case to charge an individual with criminal torture, Roy Belfast Jr. aka Chuckie Taylor, son of former Liberian President Charles Taylor, was convicted of torturing people in Liberia.

NOVEMBER 2008

07/04/08: Miami: French National Indicted - Bernard Jean Temus was charged with conspiring to transport in interstate and foreign transport stolen works of art.

07/11/08: Anchorage: State Senator Indicted on Public Corruption Charges - A federal investigation into public corruption in the State of Alaska led to the indictment of John Cowdery on bribery and conspiracy charges.

07/18/08: Attorney General Joins the Director to Celebrate the 100th Anniversary of the FBI - On July 26th, the FBI will commemorate 100 years of public service.

07/25/08: Columbia: Mayor Indicted for Public Corruption - Union Mayor E. Bruce Morgan and Union Building and Zoning Director Jeffery Lawson were indicted for conspiring to extort bribes from contractors seeking business with the city.

11/07/08: Little Rock: Chief of Police Indicted - Former Sheridan Police Chief David Hooks was charged with embezzling city funds.

11/14/08: Los Angeles: ICE Official and Wife Indicted on 75 Additional Charges - ICE Assistant Chief Counsel Constantine Peter Kallas and his wife, Maria Kallas, were charged in a 75-count superseding indictment in connection with a scheme to take bribes from immigrants seeking citizenship.

11/21/08: Philadelphia: Two Charged with Illegal Trading with Iran - Mohammad Reza Vaghari and Mir Hossein Ghaemi were charged with conspiracy to violate the International Emergency Economic Powers Act. 11/28/08: Dallas: Holy Land Foundation and Leaders Convicted - The Holy Land Foundation of Relief and Development and five of its leaders were found guilty of illegally funneling at least $12 million to the Palestinian terrorist group, Hamas.

AUGUST 2008 DECEMBER 2008 08/01/08: Anchorage: U.S. Senator Indicted - Theodore F. Stevens was charged with making false statements on his U.S. Senate financial disclosure forms.

08/08/08: Army Scientist Sole Culprit in Anthrax Attacks - Army scientist, Bruce Ivins, was determined to have acted alone in the 2001 anthrax attacks which killed five people.

08/15/08: Kansas City: Five Men Indicted for Conspiracy to Use Fake Diplomatic Identification - Five men with connections to various sovereign citizen movementshave been indicted for participating in a conspiracy to use fraudulent diplomatic credentials.

08/22/08: Knoxville: Tech Company Pleads Guilty to Illegal Exports to China - Atmospheric Glow Technologies, Inc. pled guilty to exporting defense-related technical data to the People’s Republic of China.

08/29/08: Houston: U.S. District Judge Charged U.S. District Judge Samuel B. Kent was charged with the attempted aggravated sexual assault and abusive sexual contact of a Deputy Clerk assigned to his courtroom.

12/05/08: Birmingham: Mayor and Others Indicted - Birmingham Mayor Larry P. Langford; lobbyist Albert W. LaPierre; and investment banker William B. Blount were indicted in connection with a long-running bribery scheme.

12/12/08: Chicago: Illinois Governor Arrested Governor Rod R. Blagojevich and his Chief of Staff John Harris were arrested on federal corruption charges including conspiring to trade or sell the Illinois’ Senate seat vacated by President-elect Barrack Obama.

12/19/08: Philadelphia: National Lampoon CEO Charged - Daniel Laikin, CEO of National Lampoon, Inc., and seven other individuals were charged with manipulating the prices of publicly traded companies.

12/29/08: Baltimore: Canadian Charged With Acting as Iraqi Agent - Mouyad Mahmoud Darwish, a Canadian citizen born in Iraq, was charged with conspiring to act as an agent of Iraq under Saddam Hussein’s regime.

SEPTEMBER 2008

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09/05/08: Las Vegas: Bank of China Managers and Their Wives

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SPOTLIGHT 2009 PEOPLE DOING BUSINESS SERIES

Special Gift for a Special Woman California Woman Receives Most Advanced, Non-Invasive Upper Extremity Prosthetic Solution: Bionic i-LIMB Hand and Innovative Interface System Increase Amputee’s Functionality and Confidence SANTA MONICA – Revolutionary new prosthetic technology has made life easier and more fulfilling for a California woman who is an upper extremity amputee. Telisa Boston was recently fit with the most advanced non-surgical upper extremity prosthetic solution commercially available - Touch Bionics’ i-LIMB™ Hand, the world’s first fully-articulating and commercially-available bionic hand, coupled with the innovative selective compression-stabilization interface system created by Randall Alley, CEO and chief prosthetist of biodesigns.

Biodesigns, inc., a high-performance Southern California prosthetic facility specializing in technologically-advanced upper and lower extremity care, recently evaluated Boston and determined she was a candidate for this revolutionary myoelectric solution.

Boston, who lost her right arm at the age of 16 due to a rare tumor, previously only wore a cosmetic or passive prosthesis and was in need of a more functional solution to better handle her duties as a highly-visible public relations and sales professional for a cosmetic dental company. In her position, she coordinates media events and works with the public at industry trade shows but is also required to assist with booth setup and lift packages weighing up to 50 pounds. Boston works on a computer daily, and her job performance was hindered by the inability to use two hands while typing.

Alley, both a licensed and board certified prosthetist, has specialized in upper extremity prosthetic care for over 16 years, and knew the revolutionary i-LIMB Hand and his innovative interface system would enable her to accomplish her goals at work and encourage her to more actively use her right arm.

“Telisa unfortunately suffers from severe carpal tunnel syndrome on her biological hand because it performs all activities requiring grip, due in large part to the lack of active prehension provided by her cosmetic prosthesis. However, with the improved functionality of the iLIMB she can more easily perform bimanual activities, alleviating much of the stress on her left hand,” Alley said.

The i-LIMB Hand is a breakthrough for upper extremity prosthetics and was recently name a top invention for 2008 by TIME Magazine. Its five individuallypowered digits provide Boston with a new level of dexterity, allowing her hand to open and close around objects more naturally and securely because they conform to the shape of the object. Now she can easily perform daily tasks such as typing

on a keyboard, carrying products at a trade show, and creating presentations.

“My new arm is the best thing to happen to me!” Boston said. “Words cannot describe this renewed feeling of independence that I have. Having lost my arm at such a young age, I was never able to do the simplest of things without assistance, like tying my shoes or holding my purse. I can’t wait to go shopping; usually I need someone to help me carry my bags while I look around or I would have to leave the bags on the floor. Now I can shop and carry on my own! You get so used to modifying the way you do things, I sometimes forget that I continued on page, P.10

CALIFORNIA CONNECTIONS: Randall Alley, Chief Prosthetist & CEO, biodesigns fitting Telisa Boston with the most advanced non-surgical upper extremity prosthetic solution commercially available - Touch Bionic's i-LIMB Hand and biodesigns' selective compression-stabilization interface. Amputee now feels renewed feeling of freedom and independence.

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SPOTLIGHT 2009 PEOPLE DOING BUSINESS SERIES

Air Force Sends Surgeons to Train in Iraq surgeries than in her entire career.

This included craniotomies, facial fractures, complex soft tissue facial injuries and enucleations, or eye LACKLAND AIR FORCE removals. She also was a critical BASE, – Optimally managing the member of the head and neck team, unique head and neck operating routinely TEXA S injury patterns seen in with neurosurgeons, Iraq and Afghanistan otolaryngologists, and has led to a successful initiative at oral and maxillofacial surgeons.

Wilford Hall Medical Center here.

These surgeons treated injured U.S. Hospital officials have develand allied troops, Iraqi civilians and oped a program – the first for a mil- insurgents, anyone who came itary medical facility – to send surthrough the doors.

TEXAS CONNECTIONS: From left, ophthalmologists Air Force Col. (Dr.) Randy Beatty, gical fellows to a war zone for a Air Force Maj. (Dr.) Lisa Mihora and Air Force Col. (Dr.) David Holck repair an orbital surgical rotation. fracture at the Air Force Theater Hospital on Joint Base Balad, Iraq, June 20, 2008. U.S. Air Force photo continued on page, P.10 In the past, medical and surgical residents and fellows were not deployed to combat zones for handson training. Concerns over issues such as preparedness for an intense experience, safety, supervision and work-hour restrictions made this type of experience difficult to plan.

“The Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education and individual residency review committees have very strict rules regarding a surgical resident and fellow’s work hours, time away from work, supervision and fatigue management”, said Air Force Col. (Dr.) David Holck, director of the Ophthalmic Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery Fellowship and chairman of the ophthalmology department at Wilford Hall.

“Yet, we realized that some of the best experience a military surgeon can receive is in a combat zone,” Holck continued. “They can gain concentrated exposure to head and neck trauma and optimize their skills in the management of unique war-related injury patterns that are not routinely seen in civilian trauma centers. These include blast injuries from improvised explosive devices, burns, multisystem trauma and combinations of these injuries.”

Holck initiated this project by taking his fellow, Air Force Maj. (Dr.) Lisa Mihora, to the Air Force theater hospital at Joint Base Balad, Iraq, for a surgical rotation last summer.

Mihora, a board-certified ophthalmologist, is in her second year of a two-year fellowship at Wilford Hall as an oculofacial plastics and Nothing is more painful than when families reconstructive fellow. This specialhave problems. And in times of high emotion, ized division of ophthalmology it’s easy to make poor decisions. involves management of deformities and abnormalities of the eyelids, tear system, orbit – the bony cavity surThat’s why it’s important to have sound advice rounding the eye – and surrounding during difficult times. Sandra J. Peake, face and neck. Facial trauma management is an important component Attorney / Mediator, concentrates on legal of this fellowship. issues of importance to families. We can help “Many Air Force residents and during your darkest hour with solid legal fellows perform rotations at civilian hospitals to obtain the training they counsel and, perhaps even more importantly, need,” Holck said. “We have roucompassion. We listen, and we care. tinely sent our residents to South America for military-unique training and international ophthalmology. As Please contact us today. long as appropriate supervision is available with adherence to workhour restrictions, there really is no limit to where the training can be conducted.”

Sandra J. Peake, Attorney / Mediator Mihora spent six weeks at Joint 9660 Hillcroft, Suite 435 Base Balad, performing more than 130 procedures under the direct Houston, TX 77096 supervision of Holck and another oculofacial plastic surgeon, Air Force Col. (Dr.) Randal Beatty.

N O T C E R T I F I E D B Y T H E T E X A S B O A R D O F L E G A L S P E C I A L I Z AT I O N In Iraq, Mihora said, she participated in more head and neck trauma

By Sue Campbell Special to American Forces Press Service

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SPOTLIGHT 2009 PEOPLE DOING BUSINESS SERIES Special Gift for a Special Woman ic hand,” said Boston. “None of the other prosthetists I have worked with specialized in upper extremity can do things normally, or at least prosthetics. Most work on lower like I used to. I feel free. This is the extremities and help upper extremibest holiday gift ever.” ty amputees from time to time.

Boston will also be receiving a Randy is the expert on custom silicone covering for the arm prosthetics, and it prosthetic system, creating an truly makes a differextremely natural appearance which ence.” closely mimics her biological arm With her new iand hand, boosting LIMB Boston’s confidence CALIFORNIA Hand in a professional seta n d ting. The covering will sophisticated interbe hand-painted by a specially face, Boston is better trained artist.

Alley able to communicate Alley’s selective compressionand interact with assostabilization system is a biomechanciates using hand gestures and has ical breakthrough in prosthetic interimproved her work performance face design. It offers superior stabilsince she was fitted. She now feels ity, comfort, feedback and efficiency assured that audiences are focusing of movement, and is the interface on her message, presentation and foundation for DEKA Research’s physical demeanor, instead of her “Luke Arm Project,” funded by DARPA (Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency). The Alley interface system is set to undergo clinical trials in concert with the Luke Arm and will establish new benchmarks in upper and lower extremity prosthetic and orthotic comfort and performance.

“Randy’s expert knowledge of upper extremity prosthetics has truly been useful in that he has helped me to fully realize the magnitude of things I can do again with this bion-

continued from P.8

physical challenges.

About biodesigns, inc.: Southern California-based biodesigns inc. is a technology-driven prosthetics company specializing in advanced upper and lower extremity patient care and product development. The company's proprietary approach utilizes high tech laser scanners, innovative clinical casting and fitting techniques, and the most biomechanically advanced prosthetic interfaces (sockets) available. Biodesigns works with all levels of upper and lower extremity patients, but especially caters to highly active, technologydriven individuals who demand more from their prostheses. For more information, visit www.biodesigns.com.

THE BIONIC HAND: i-Limb Hand Black (without silicone).

Air Force continued from P.9 “Deploying to Iraq gave me unique exposure to oculoplastics patients,” Mihora said. “The extent of the injuries and surgeries that I cared for were unique to a war zone. Most injuries were from explosive devices, so I am now more comfortable treating these injuries on soldiers when they return stateside.”

The accreditation council evaluates training programs, residents and staff using core competencies. One of these is systems-based practice, which involves understanding and successfully working in the unique medical system that they will be practicing after graduation.

“If we are going to fully train a military surgeon in systems-based practice, a conflict zone is where they will practice their trade,” Holck said.

“Taking Doctor Mihora to Balad not only allowed her to gain firsthand experience, but will help her train other surgeons who may have to deploy in the future.”

Mihora said one of the most important parts of the experience was the chance to work with other head and neck surgeons in a team effort to help injured troops.

“This was a unique opportunity, only available in a military fellowship program, which has enhanced my comfort and skill level in caring for these trauma patients,” she said.

“With the support of the 59th Medical Wing commander, the graduate medical education department and all our staff, this inaugural rotation was a resounding success,” Holck said. “This is another example of the military, and specifically Wilford Hall Medical Center, leading the way in surgical management of trauma patients.”

-------------------------------------------– (Sue Campbell works in the 59th Medical Wing public affairs office.)

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IRVING – First Choice Power and the Texas Education Agency partnered to sponsor 100 General Education Development Tests (GED) in communities across the state of Texas. The First Choice Power GED Scholarship gave qualified customers and community members wishing to get their GED an opportunity to do so.

“At First Choice Power, we know that a GED opens doors of higher education, jobs and promotions and we wanted to help open those doors.

A mother and her daughter, a 10th-grader who had withdrawn from our school district prior to the birth of her baby two years ago, came in to the center to pre-register for the GED. When I told them that she qualified for the First Choice Power GED Scholarship, they both were very appreciative with the mother giving us a tearful ‘thank you.’

This was a great way to support and give back to the community.

At First Choice Power, we know that a GED opens doors of higher education, jobs and promotions," said Michael Swart, vice president of marketing for First Choice Power, “and we wanted to help open those doors.”

“Often those doors came with life-changing tears,” said Ed Heise, GED/CEHI coordinator for Cypress Fairbanks.

First Choice Power is a proud supporter of the communities it serves. The centers that offered First Choice Power GED scholarships were: Alvin Community College, Cypress Fairbanks ISD and Galveston College.

“This was a great way to support and give back to the community,” said Paris Ealy, GED state administrator. “It was an opportunity to provide further education and job advancement for First Choice

Power customers. For others in the community, it is simply the proof they needed to validate the importance of education for themselves, their families and their community.

We appreciate First Choice Power taking the lead to help their customers obtain their GED and make a difference in the lives of the citizens of Texas.”

TEXAS CONNECTIONS: Paris Ealy, General Education Development (GED) state administrator.

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ON THE MOVE Global People On The Move Bulletin • Section

B

THIS SECTION UPDATED WEEKLY AT WWW.HOUSTON-BUSINESSCONNECTIONS.COM • EMAIL INFO TO NEWS@HOUSTON-BUSINESSCONNECTIONS.COM

ON THE WAY OUT: President George W. Bush waves to military members at Bagram Airfield, Afghanistan, Dec. 15, 2008. U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Samuel Morse

Commander

in Chief

Recalls His ‘Great Days’

By Linda D. Kozaryn American Forces Press Service

T

The day the Iraqi people voted for the first time in their history, and the day U.S. forces captured Saddam Hussein were “great days,” according to President George W. Bush. In fact, he said they were two of his greatest days in office.

Upon leaving office, Bush told Air Force Master Sgt. Rusty Barfield in a Pentagon Channel interview, “being the commander in chief of a group of fabulous people is what I’m going to miss the most.”

The 43rd president shared his perspective on the last eight years as the nation’s commander in chief during a recent interview with the Pentagon Channel’s Air Force Master Sgt. Rusty Barfield.

Following the terrorist attacks on Sept.

11, 2001, Bush said, he went from being a president dealing with tax cuts and education reform to being a president in a time of war.

“I vowed that day and the days afterward that I would not let this attack on America stand and that we would bring the killers to justice,” he said.

About a month later, Bush said, he concluded that taking out the Taliban and removing the terrorists’ safe haven in Afghanistan was necessary for the security of the United States. He then called on the U.S. armed forces to “be ready,” because the time had come for America to act.

“The decision to send troops into harm’s way is by far the most difficult decision for a president, because the consequences of war can lead to death – people will die,” he said.

“I knew that it would be my duty – as best as I possibly could – to explain the mission. I knew it was my duty to make sure we put in everything to make sure we succeeded. And I knew in the aftermath that I would be dealing with some grief.”

In 2003, the second phase of the war on terror began after Iraqi dictator Saddam Hussein refused to leave Iraq. Bush said he was deeply concerned that the man who defied the world, had sponsored terrorism and who already had used weapons of mass

destruction would be a security threat to the United States. Although he hoped for a diplomatic solution, the president said, Hussein chose a different course.

“I believe getting rid of Saddam Hussein was the right decision then; it’s the right decision now,” Bush said, “But I knew, however, that families would lose a loved one. That’s always something that weighs heavily on my mind.”

Bush said “it was a great relief” when thenDefense Secretary Donald H. Rumsfeld called to announce U.S. forces had captured Saddam.

“The idea of Saddam Hussein remaining

have come when certain milestones have been reached, and I love to share those milestones and those days with the people who actually made them happen.”

Another great day, he noted, was the day Iraqis voted for the first time in their country’s history.

“When the Iraqis went to vote, our troops from all branches ... helped this young democracy take a huge step on the path to stability,” he said. “For me, I don’t take that much satisfaction personally from it, [but] I

“I get comforted by a soldier who looks me in the eye and says, 'No problem, Sir. I can't wait to heal up and go back in,'" he explained. "I get comforted by families who are so proud of the contribution that their loved one has made. They're by the bedside, obviously praying and hoping for the best recovery, but incredibly proud. It is a great experience to go to see these troops.” alive while we’re trying to help a young democracy grow and people are reconciling their differences would have been very difficult,” he said. “A post-Saddam era would have been extremely complicated if he were in Syria popping off, or had escaped.”

The president said four servicemembers came to the White House to give him a pistol they’d taken from Saddam when they pulled the fallen leader from his spider hole. The pistol now hangs in the Oval Office, he noted, and eventually will hang in a Bush Library at Southern Methodist University, a private university of 11,000 students near Dallas.

“I actually met the guys that pulled him out of the hole,” Bush said. “That was a great day. I’ve had a lot of beautiful days in office, some not so happy. But my best days in office

take a lot of satisfaction as a team member.

Our military is a fabulous team, and I am so honored to be the commander in chief.

When he leaves office, he said, “being the commander in chief of a group of fabulous people is what I’m going to miss the most.”

While supporting the troops always has been a priority, Bush said, he doesn’t think the nation’s commander in chief ever can pay enough attention to the troops and their families.

“We have a volunteer army, and our troops must understand that the president honors them, believes in them and supports them,” he said.

A frequent visitor to Walter Reed Army Medical Center here, Bush said he wants the troops and their families to know the com-

mander in chief is paying attention to the quality of care the wounded and injured are receiving, and more importantly, to the people who are being treated. He said visiting the wounded is an obligation he takes seriously.

Bush said he ends up being comforted by seeing the compassionate care provided by doctors and nurses and by the troops themselves.

“I get comforted by a soldier who looks me in the eye and says, ‘No problem, Sir. I can’t wait to heal up and go back in,’” he explained. “I get comforted by families who are so proud of the contribution that their loved one has made. They’re by the bedside, obviously praying and hoping for the best recovery, but incredibly proud. It is a great experience to go to see these troops.”

Even though he can’t “heal the hole in a family’s heart” of those who have lost a loved one, he said, “I can honor them and I can praise them. I can laugh with them. I can hug them, which I try to do a lot.

“On my way out of office, I want them to know that I never made a decision regarding their loved one based upon what was good for a political party or my own political standing,” he continued. “And that I believe strongly in the mission and I believe history will eventually understand the importance of the mission and the fact that their loved one sacrificed for peace.”

Bush said he learned much about how to lead the military by carefully watching his father, George H.W. Bush, when he served as the nation’s 41st commander in chief.

“I know his great respect for the generals that were close to him. I know he listened to them,” he said. “He was a great commander in chief, because he – first and foremost – he holds the military in great regard and great respect.”

During his final visit to Iraq and Afghanistan, Bush praised the military’s accomplishments.

During a town hall meeting at Bagram Airfield in Afghanistan, the president told the troops: “Thanks to you, the Taliban is gone from power. The al-Qaida training camps are closed, 25 million Iraqis are free and your loved ones are more secure.”

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BUSINESS CONNECTIONS www.peopledoingbusiness.com

Worldwide

Published By Aubrey R. Taylor • Serving The Houston Community Since 1998

• Email: news@houston-businessconnections.com • SPECIAL 2009 PROMOTIONAL

Optimistic?

New Mexico Nonprofits Brace for Decrease in Revenues in 2009

“I think nonprofits recognize that for those who have been marginal," said Billie Blair, "they are now truly marginal.”

E

ven as they face increased demand for their services, nonprofits in northern New Mexico are growing concerned about what will happen to their funding in 2009,

the Santa Fe New Mexican reports.

Although New Mexico foundations awarded more than $32 million to nonprofits in the state in 2005, and even more in 2006 and 2007, the outlook for 2009 is decidedly mixed.

While most grantmakers say they are committed to honoring multiyear awards, many are taking a wait-andsee approach when it comes to new grants. At the same time, nonprofits are worried that state agencies,

BULLETIN

continued on page, P.22

Global Public Opinion in the Bush Years (2001-2008) ECONOMY: U.S. Chamber of Commerce President Tom Donohue.

W

hen Barack Obama is sworn in as America's new president, he will inherit two wars in distant lands, one highly unpopular and the other going badly, along with a worldwide financial crisis that is being measured against the Great Depression. He will confront the prospect of destructive global climate change and the spread of nuclear weapons to rogue states.

The president-elect has indicated that he will focus on international cooperation in addressing global problems, but he will have to navigate a world that has grown highly critical of the United States.

The U.S. image abroad is suffering almost everywhere. Particularly in the most economically developed countries, people blame America for the financial crisis.

Opposition to key elements of American foreign policy is widespread in Western Europe, and positive views of the U.S. have declined steeply among many of America's longtime European allies. In Muslim nations, the wars in Afghanistan and particularly Iraq have driven negative ratings nearly off the charts. The United States earns positive ratings in several Asian and Latin American nations, but usually by declining margins. And while the most recent Pew Global Attitudes survey finds that favorable views of America edged up in 2008, only in sub-Saharan Africa does America score uniformly favorable marks.

America’s image gap is the central, unmistakable finding from surveys conducted over the course of this decade by the Pew Research Center’s Pew Global Attitudes Project. Since 2002, interviewers have polled over 175,000 people in 54 nations and the Palestinian territories to compare and contrast public opinion around the world on a large variety of subjects. These years coincide almost exactly with the presidency of George W. Bush, thus making it possible to assess his impact on matters of concern not just to the United States but to the world. Some of the other major findings include: • Numerous tensions exist between Muslim and Western publics on values, policies, world events, and perceptions of one another. For instance, a 2006 Pew Global Attitudes survey highlighted the extent to which Muslims saw the controversy surrounding cartoons published by a Danish newspaper portraying the prophet Muhammad as an example of Western disrespect for Islam, while Westerners blamed intolerance among Muslims.

Report Identifies Barriers to Local Economic Competitiveness Business executives cite high taxes and a lack of qualified labor as the most significant local factors hindering long-term economic development and competitiveness, a new report from the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Business Civic Leadership Center finds.

A MUST SEE ISSUE: In the December 29, 2008-January 5, 2009 double issue of Newsweek, “The New Global Elite,” correspondents from around the world compile the first ever list of the world's 50 most powerful people and explore their importance in the world today. Plus: a recap of 2008 with cartoons and quotes and “The Outrageously Hard 2008 News Quiz.” Lastly: a look back at the celebrities, political figures and other notable people who passed away in 2008. – PRNewsFoto/NEWSWEEK

G LOBAL • Despite some rough edges, globalization has enjoyed widespread popularity during the Bush years.

Surveys have found worldwide support for increased commerce across national borders.

Still, enthusiasm is waning in Western Europe and the United States as rich countries become aware of accompanying dislocations.

And many foreigners, even as they devour

American movies and music, fear the crowding out of their own cultures.

• The rise of China has generated serious concerns in many countries. China's favorability ratings have fallen since 2002, particularly in Europe and its biggest neighbors - India, Opinion: continued on page, P.22

Based on a survey of executives in the nation’s hundred largest metropolitan areas, Report on the State of Corporate Community Investment found that respondents believe the ability to attract business depends on a strong local economy (53 percent) and favorable tax rates (51 percent), while the ability of businesses to recruit and retain employees depends on strong educational opportunities (55 percent) and regional affordability (52 percent). Asked about factors that limit competitiveness, respondents said companies have a role in addressing the lack of good jobs (44 percent) and lack of qualified labor (34 percent).

The report, which was published in partnership with the Center on Philanthropy at Indiana University and funded by the U.S. Department of Commerce Economic Development Administration, also found that 90 percent of respondents said their companies make cash donations to community causes, 88 percent sponsor nonprofits, 77 percent make in-kind donations, and 42 percent provide pro-bono services. More than half of the respondents said their employees are permitted to volunteer while on company time.

“According to our research findings, several factors restrict companies’ ability to be fully successful in their communities, but business leaders are tackling the challenges head on,” said BCLC executive director Stephen Jordan. “In light of the tough conditions our nation now faces, companies are exploring various strategies to promote local community competitiveness.”

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ILLINOIS

The Jackie Joyner-Kersee Foundation has tax-exempt status restored by the IRS PHD News Digest

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A financially troubled charity headed by Olympic star Jackie Joyner-Kersee paid at least $457,000 in consulting fees to her husband’s private foundation between 2003 and 2006, during which time the foundation failed to file federal income statements as required by law, the Belleville (IL) News-Democrat reports.

SUPPORTING OUR TROOPS: Actor and director Ben Affleck helped Operation Gratitude volunteers assemble care packages for deployed troops in the National Guard Armory in Van Nuys, Calif. Operation Gratitude, a California-based troop-support group, organized the event that also included actress and model Kathy Ireland and “Days of Our Lives” soap opera stars Deidre Hall, Jay Kenneth Johnson and Leanne Hunley. Courtesy photo National Guard

According to federal tax documents, the Jackie Joyner-Kersee Foundation paid Robert Kersee’s Diversity Through Sports Youth Foundation $327,000 in 2003; $35,000 in 2004; $20,000 in 2005; and $75,000 in 2006.

Tax records also showed that in 2007 the Joyner-Kersee Foundation paid $33,000 in consulting fees to a for-profit

Athletes Who Give Back: Six-time Olympic medalist Jackie Joyner-Kersee founded the Jackie JoynerKersee Foundation in 1988. business owned by Kersee, though the corporate status of the business was revoked in 2004, and that Kersee received a salary of $47,154 as president of his wife’s charity in 2001. According to a report, Kersee worked an average of two hours per week as president.

From 2004 to 2006, the Joyner-Kersee Foundation, which provides sports programs and mentoring for disadvantaged youth, amassed a debt of $2.5 million, while the East St. Louis youth center it runs was forced to cut staff and services and restructure its debt. In September, Joyner-Kersee publicly appealed for donations, saying the youth center was too important for the community to lose. However, at the time of the appeal the foundation could not legally solicit or accept tax-free donations because its state registration as a nonprofit was revoked in February for failure to file required financial paperwork for 2006. The Joyner-Kersee Foundation submitted the required paperwork in late December, and the state has restored the organization’s tax-exempt status.

According to W.K. Kellogg Foundation spokesperson Dianne Price, the groups - which received a total of nearly $2.4 million from Kellogg in 2004 - are both eligible tax-exempt organizations that used their grants from Kellogg properly. Some, however, have questioned the exchanges of money between the Joyner-Kersee Foundation and Diversity Through Sports.

“In general, you do see this kind of relationship where a charity may make a payment to a private foundation. It can be for totally legitimate reasons,” said GuideStar spokesperson Suzanne Coffman. “But the problem is that when you can’t get hold of their income statements, you don’t know how the money was used...It’s the type of thing the IRS can investigate.”

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Alabama Energen Board Adopts 2009 Budget BIRMINGHAM - Energen Corporation announces that its Board of Directors approved its Birmingham-based energy company’s 2009 budget. Relative to prior earnings guidance, the budget incorporated lower commodity price assumptions applicable to its unhedged production to better reflect the current market outlook for natural gas and oil. Based on a natural gas price of $6 per thousand cubic feet (Mcf) and an oil price of $50 per barrel, Energen adjusted its 2009 earnings guidance to $3.20-$3.60 per diluted share.

Alaska UAA launches needs assessment of breast cancer survivors ANCHORAGE - UAA’s Behavioral Health Research and Services (BHRS) is setting out to conduct a statewide needs assessment of breast cancer survivors.

Through this research, BHRS hopes to identify the needs of Alaska women facing breast cancer, increase the body of knowledge about breast cancer in Alaska, and provide baseline data about necessary service development to meet the needs of women diagnosed with breast cancer in the state of Alaska.

Arizona Blue Cross Blue Shield of Arizona Expands Discounts on Medicare Supplement Plans PHOENIX - Blue Cross Blue Shield of Arizona is upping the ante in the competitive market to serve Arizona's seniors by increasing the size and extending the duration and eligible age limit for early enrollment discounts on its Medicare supplement plans. BCBSAZ’s improved discount program knocks as much as 32 percent off of the first year's premiums for an eligible 65-year-old, extends the duration of the discounts from 5 to 10 years, and raises the eligible age limit for the discounts from 651⁄2 through 67. The changes are effective immediately.

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Arvo Mackenzie of Lewis And Roca Elected to Desert Mission Board PHOENIX - Lewis and Roca is proud to announce that Julie Arvo MacKenzie has been elected Secretary of the Desert Mission Board. She has served on the Board of Directors since 2006. Her term as Secretary filled an existing vacancy and will continue through December 2009.

Arvo MacKenzie is of counsel in the firm's Phoenix office and is a member of the Business Transactions Practice Group. She concentrates primarily in public finance and tax-exempt securities and is experienced in a broad range of financings, including revenue bonds, general obligation bonds, private activity bonds, remarketings and refundings.

In addition, her experience as underwriter’s counsel, bond counsel, issuer counsel and trustee's counsel have involved her in hospital, school district, housing, charter school, and health facilities project financings.

Arkansas Acxiom Appoints Asia-Pacific Sales Vice President LITTLE ROCK - Acxiom® Corporation, a global leader in interactive marketing services, announces the appointment of Claire Pribula as vice president of sales for Acxiom’s Asia-Pacific business. The position is one of a number of recent appointments aimed at Acxiom's plans for regional consolidation and growth.

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Moore Stephens Frost Announces Name Change to FROST, PLLC LITTLE ROCK - Moore Stephens Frost, an independent accounting firm that serves diverse clients in the United States and abroad, announces that it has changed its name to FROST, PLLC. Over a year ago, Moore Stephens Frost acquired Lynch & Howard, an 80-year old accounting firm based in Raleigh,

North Carolina, and Rick J. Tanneberger, CPA, PA, based in Fayetteville, Arkansas. The mergers created a larger firm with a deep pool of talented people offering a varied array of accounting related services, including not just audit and tax services, but also retirement planning, investment management, business valuations, employee benefit plan design and administration, insurance services, and more. and growth.

California Sony Pictures Entertainment Promotes Gumpert to President, Business Affairs and Administration for Columbia Pictures CULVER CITY - Andrew Gumpert has been promoted to President of Business Affairs and Administration for Columbia Pictures; it was announced recently by Michael Lynton, Chairman and CEO of Sony Pictures Entertainment (SPE) and Amy Pascal, Co-Chairman of SPE and Chairman, SPE Motion Pictures Group, to whom he will jointly report. As President of Business Affairs and Administration for Columbia, Gumpert will work closely with Columbia Presidents Matt Tolmach and Doug Belgrad. He will not only oversee deal negotiations and administration for the studio, but will be integrally involved in the budgeting and financing aspects of all of Columbia’s theatrical releases. In this position, Gumpert will also work closely with Peter Schlessel, President of Worldwide Affairs for Sony Pictures Entertainment.

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Volterra Announces Appointment of Dr. Fu-Tai Liou to Its Board of Directors FREMONT - Volterra Semiconductor Corporation (Nasdaq:VLTR), a leading provider of high-performance analog and mixed-signal power management semiconductors, announces that Dr. Fu-Tai Liou has been appointed to its Board of Directors, effective immediately. Dr. Liou is a 26-year semiconductor industry veteran, having spent his career at companies such as Intel, Motorola, SGS-Thomson Microelectronics and United Microelectronics Corporation. Dr. Liou has held senior management positions while at SGS-Thomson Microelectronics and at UMC, in the areas of manufacturing operaLiou tions, quality & reliability, research & development and sales & marketing. “We are fortunate to be able to add another member to our Board with the breadth of experience that Fu-Tai possesses,” said Jeff Staszak, Volterra’s President and Chief Executive Officer. “We believe his strong international knowledge and experience will bring a particularly valuable perspective to our Board and Company as we continue to expand our market share in Asia.”

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Occidental Elects E.A. ‘Sandy’ Lowe Vice President LOS ANGELES - Occidental Petroleum Corporation (NYSE:OXY) announces that the Board of Directors has elected Sandy Lowe a Vice President of the corporation. Mr. Lowe, 57, is Executive Vice President, International Production and Engineering for Oxy Oil and Gas. He oversees all oil and gas international producing assets, and the engineering and major project development functions. Mr. Lowe joined Occidental in 1978.

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City National Names Michael Dowling to Lead Personal Trust Division LOS ANGELES - City National Bank announces that G. Michael Dowling has joined the company as senior vice president and manager for its personal trust division.

Dowling will oversee all personal trust division activities at City National, including all account administration for trust clients in Los Angeles, San Francisco, Orange County, San Diego and Las Vegas. For the past six years, he has served as a division trust executive at U.S. Trust, Bank of America Private Wealth Management in San Francisco. In addition to overall leadership and management of fiduciary services for a sixDowling state region, he oversaw 72 associates and approximately $24 billion in accounts under management.

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Chancellor Emeritus Young named CEO of Museum of Contemporary Art LOS ANGELES - UCLA Chancellor Emeritus Charles E. Young has been appointed chief executive officer of the Los

Angeles Museum of Contemporary Art, the museum's board of trustees recently announced. Young, currently a public policy professor at the UCLA School of Public Affairs, will oversee the day-to-day operations of MOCA and work with an advisory committee that includes leaders in the field of museum management and finance.

Young’s appointment as the museum’s first CEO was made in conjunction with the Young trustees’ decision to accept a $30 million financial rescue plan from the Eli and Edythe Broad Foundation. Under the agreement, the foundation will match contributions to the museum's endowment up to $15 million and will provide $15 million over five years to support MOCA exhibitions.

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Robert E. Feller to Join Scientific Learning as Chief Financial Officer OAKLAND - Scientific Learning Corporation (NASDAQ:SCIL) announces that Robert E. Feller is joining the Company as its new Chief Financial Officer. Mr. Feller has 18 years of financial leadership and auditing experience, including positions in financial management experience at both Fortune 500 and startup firms.

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Frank Basirico Named Chief Executive Officer of Temecula Valley Bancorp; Martin Plourd Named President and Chief Operating Officer TEMECULA - Temecula Valley Bancorp Inc. (Nasdaq:TMCV) announces that Frank Basirico, Jr. has been promoted to Chief Executive Officer and Martin E. Plourd was named President. Both executive officers will also serve as members of the Board of Directors.

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Ken Kuang Named Most Admired CEO

by San Diego Business Journal SAN DIEGO - Torrey Hills Technologies, LLC announces that Ken Kuang, its president and CEO, was named 2008 Most Admired CEO among private-held small businesses by San Diego Business Journal. Kuang was honored with this award at a recent awards ceremony held at the San Diego Marriott Hotel and Marina. More than 150 nominees, finalists and honorees including the Honorable Mayor Jerry Sanders, the lifetime achievement honoree Connect CEO Duane Roth, San Diego Convention Center CEO Carol Wallace, and Qualcomm CEO Dr. Paul Jacobs attended the ceremony.

Under Kuang's direction, Torrey Hills’ revenue has doubled almost every year since its establishment in 2004, bringing it to a prominent position as a manufacturer and distributor of microelectronics equipment and packaging components. The company was ranked 5th among the 2008 fastest growing 100 privately held companies in San Diego county by San Diego Business Journal in September this year. Kuang has used his technical abilities to help his company develop new manufacturing processes to improve the quality of products, while reducing costs. By learning from other success stories on the business and marketing side of companies, Kuang has tailored them to formulate strategies for his company's needs.

He is innovative in the way he supports his customers to remain competitive and to grow, and in the way he finds new customers. His keen sense of business aptitude in reading the market, following trends and finding new opportunities keeps the company focused.

Colorado Absolutely PR Owner/Founder Maggie Chamberlin Holben, APR, Appointed to Second Three-Year Term on The Colorado BioScience Association Board of Directors DENVER - Maggie Chamberlin Holben, owner/founder of Denver public relations consulting firm, Absolutely Public Relations, has been appointed to a second three-year term on the Colorado BioScience Association (CBSA) Board of Directors. Jack Wheeler, founder of MicroPhage, Inc., and chairperson of the CBSA Board of Directors made the announcement, recently. Other recent reappointments of CBSA board members include: Sean Moriarty, QLT USA; Rick Jory, Sandhill Scientific; John Eckstein, Fairfield & Woods; Tom Roach, Ernst & Young; Lynn Taussig, University of Denver and Wheeler.

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Connecticut Christina Stearns added as Assistant Account Executive at Mintz & Hoke AVON - Mintz & Hoke Communications Group has added Christina Stearns as an Assistant Account Executive. Ms. Stearns will assist on a variety of Mintz & Hoke’s accounts including the firm's engagement with the Department of Public Utility Control and with Aetna. Previously, Stearns was employed at two other marketing agencies working on consumer packaged goods. There, she worked with brands such as Reynolds, Nexxus Hair Care, Georgia-Pacific Tissue/Towel and Arm & Hammer.

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Crane Co. Acquires the Krombach Group for $51 Million STAMFORD - Crane Co. , a diversified manufacturer of highly engineered industrial products, announces that it has purchased all of the capital stock of Friedrich Krombach GmbH & Company KG Armaturenwerke and Krombach International GmbH, both of Kreuztal, Germany. Krombach is a leading manufacturer of specialty valve flow solutions for the power, oil and gas, and chemical markets, employing 640 people globally. The purchase price was $51 million in cash and the assumption of approximately $18 million of net debt. In addition to their manufacturing and headquarters location in Germany, Krombach currently has foundry, machining and assembly facilities in Slovenia and China. Krombach’s 2008 sales are estimated to be approximately $91 million.

Delaware ING DIRECT Launches Bold Media Campaign “We the Savers” Challenging U.S. Consumers to Save and Invest WILMINGTON - ING DIRECT, the nation’s largest direct bank, announces a far-reaching media campaign urging Americans to save. The multifaceted campaign allows participants to sign the online “Declaration of Financial Independence”; participate in and read informative online polls; and use “We the Savers” savings calculators, social networking and IM icons, online forums and more. ING DIRECT’s campaign also rolls through the streets of New York, consumer capital of the world, with Taxi TV spots and taxi-top signs imploring you to “Save a spender.”

District of Columbia Faizun Kamal Named Director of Strategic Alliances and Public Policy for Verizon WASHINGTON - Verizon has named Faizun Kamal director of strategic alliances and public policy. In this capasity Kamal is responsible for directing national outreach to leaders in the Asian-American community and to women, youth and education stakeholder groups. Kamal also works with Verizon's healthcare reform initiative – an effort to educate Verizon employees and the public about health care issues and solutions.

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Microsoft’s Jack Krumholtz Departs After 14 years, Fred Humphries to Lead Company’s D.C. Office WASHINGTON - Jack Krumholtz, Managing Director Federal Government Affairs, has decided to leave Microsoft Corp. to pursue a new chapter in his career. Krumholtz launched Microsoft’s federal government affairs activities in D.C. in March 1995, and built the company’s presence into one of the industry’s leading voices in the nation’s capital. Over the past 14 years, Krumholtz oversaw the development of Microsoft’s federal relations function, leading a bipartisan team of Democrats, Republicans and policy experts. During his tenure, Microsoft has become a key resource for policymakers and their staff as they work to understand the often complex and technical issues related to intellectual property, telecom, trade and high-skilled immigration reform, and Krumholtz has testified before Congress on numerous occasions. He has been considered one of the top corporate representatives in Washington, D.C.

TSA Completes Background Checks on Over 1 Million Truckers WASHINGTON - The Transportation Security Administration announces the completion of over 1 million fingerprint-based background checks on truck drivers required to carry a Hazardous Material Endorsement (HME) on a commercial driver's license.

Florida The St. Joe Company Announces Agreements Designed to Spur Economic Development and Job Growth in Northwest Florida JACKSONVILLE - The St. Joe Company announces that it has entered into three agreements designed to stimulate economic growth and job creation in Northwest Florida. The agreements open the way for the reopening of a deepwater seaport in Port St. Joe, link the port with the national rail system and provide workforce training region-wide.

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PSS World Medical Appoints Steven T. Halverson as Director JACKSONVILLE - PSS World Medical, Inc. announces that its Board of Directors has appointed Steven T. Halverson, age 54, as a new director, effective immediately, filling the vacancy created by the retirement of T. O’Neal Douglas.

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Marlo Deckard Joins Robb & Stucky as General Manager PALM BEACH GARDENS - Marlo Deckard, a veteran of the patio furniture industry, has been named general manager of Robb & Stucky Patio in Palm Beach Gardens. For a decade, Deckard played an integral role as manager, buyer and merchandiser at her family’s outdoor furniture showrooms in Palm Beach County. She was directly involved with addressing the lifestyle and design needs of clients. Robb Deckard & Stucky Patio is part of a larger Robb & Stucky campus that includes the Robb & Stucky Interiors showroom, and is within the Palm Beach Gardens Professional & Design Center just south of PGA Boulevard.

Georgia Senior VP of Polaris Marketing Research, Branding Research Specialists, is Featured in Marketing News ATLANTA - Polaris Marketing Research, branding research specialists, announces that senior vice president Debra Semans was recently featured in Marketing News, a publication of the American Marketing Association. The article, titled “10 Minutes with Debra Semans,” recaps an interview with Ms. Semans on the topic of internal branding.

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Community Foundation of Greater Atlanta announces grants ATLANTA - The Community Foundation of Greater Atlanta has announced $200,000 in grants to several high-capacity nonprofits working to provide emergency assistance and foreclosure relief in the metropolitan region. The grants included a total of $60,000 to ten regional programs working to provide direct assistance to households with basic needs - food and medicine, rent and mortgage assistance, and transportation.

Another $40,000 will be awarded to one of these organizations to conduct comprehensive outreach services and housing assistance for clients.

Hawaii

immediately. Rosenblum replaces T. Michael May, who stepped down as President and CEO in August of last year.

Hawaii Eye Surgeon Receives Small Business Success Award HONOLULU - Tyrie Jenkins, M.D., accomplished Hawaii ophthalmologist and eye surgeon, is a recipient of a Hawaii Business magazine 2009 Small Business Success Award. Dr. Tyrie Jenkins’ success can be measured in many ways: professional trailblazer, health care advocate, educator and student.

She provides eye care to patients of all ages, has worked in laser refractive surgery since its infancy and remains on top of technological advances in eye diseases, including cataracts and glaucoma. She performed Hawaii’s first LASIK (Laser In Situ Keratomileusis) procedure in 1997. She participated in the national study that led to Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approval and has remained in the forefront of refractive technologies, performing thouJenkins sands of procedures. Dr. Jenkins is president of the Women’s Fund of Hawaii, a philanthropic organization that benefits women and young girls in need in Hawaii. With an eye to a later-life career in missionary work, Dr. Jenkins is also working on a Masters in Public Health from Johns Hopkins University. Hawaii Business annually recognizes outstanding Hawaii-based companies with fewer than 100 employees. Hawaii Business magazine’s editors review nominations and select the top 20 percent. Entries are judged on four criteria: longevity, unique service or product, rapid sales growth or expansion, and ability to overcome challenges and make a comeback. The 2009 awardees will be recognized at a reception in the first quarter of 2009.

Idaho Home Federal Bancorp, Inc. Announces That Dr. Fred H. Helpenstell Is Retiring From the Board of Directors NAMPA - Home Federal Bancorp, Inc., the parent company of Home Federal Bank (the “Bank”), announces that Fred H. Helpenstell will not stand for re-election as a director of the Company or the Bank at their respective annual meetings of stockholders and will retire from service at the conclusion of the Company’s annual meeting. The Nominating Committee of the Company’s Board of Directors has identified and unanimously recommended Senator Brad J. Little to fill the vacancy created by Mr. Helpenstell's resignation and to stand for election for a threeyear term as a director of the Company at its annual meeting.

Mr. Little also will stand for election at the Bank’s annual meeting. The Company’s Annual Meeting of Stockholders will be held on Friday, January 16, 2009, at 3:00 p.m. at the Nampa Civic Center located at 311 3rd Street South, Nampa, Idaho.

Illinois Roland Burris Named By Illinois Governor Rod Blagojevich to fill President-elect Barrack Obama’s Senate Seat CHICAGO - Former Illinois attorney general Roland Burris named to take the place of Presidentelect Barrack Obama in the U.S. Senate. Burris was born and raised in a small community of Centralia in southern Illinois. He attended Southern Illinois University Carbondale receiving a Bachelor of Arts degree in political science. He was an exchange student on scholarship to study International Law at the University of Hamburg in Germany. He earned his Juris Doctor degree from Howard Burris University School of Law in 1963. Burris is married to Berlean M. Burris, Ph.D., and is the father of two adult children, Dr. Rolanda S. Burris, and Roland W. Burris II, Esq. He also has a grandson, Roland T. Burris. The Chicago Tribune initially broke the report that embattled Illinois Gov. Rod Blagojevich had named Roland Burris to fill the Senate seat vacated by President-elect Barrack Obama.

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Hawaiian Electric Company Names Rosenblum as New President & CEO

Sun-Times Media Group Announces Innovative Changes to The Courier News Newspaper

HONOLULU - Hawaiian Electric Company, subsidiary of Hawaiian Electric Industries, Inc. , announces that Richard M. Rosenblum has been named President and CEO, effective

CHICAGO - Sun-Times Media Group, Inc. , continuing its commitment to being the Chicago area’s best source of local

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THIS SECTION UPDATED WEEKLY AT WWW.HOUSTON-BUSINESSCONNECTIONS.COM • EMAIL INFO TO NEWS@HOUSTON-BUSINESSCONNECTIONS.COM news and information, announces some exciting new format changes to The Courier News, the daily newspaper of record for Elgin, Illinois, and surrounding communities. The Courier News will be redesigned to contain even more local content, more graphics and more of the intensely local information that Elgin-area residents want and need. The redesigned newspaper will launch on Monday, January 26, 2009 and will be converted into a portable, easy-to-read tabloid format. It will feature more in-depth and investigative reporting, more local features and more names and faces of Elgin-area residents – all reorganized into an easily digestible format perfect for the reader on the go. The newspaper will also switch publishing schedules to publish every day Sunday through Friday, and will debut a new Weekend Edition debuting on Friday, January 30, 2009, combining all of the news and features found in its Friday and Saturday publications. The Courier News will continue to carry all of the great content readers have come to depend upon, including their favorite columnists, local news and features and sports stories.

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RR Donnelley Awarded $100 Million Multi-Year Catalog Agreement by Cornerstone Brands CHICAGO - R.R. Donnelley & Sons Company announces that it has been awarded a multi-year $100 million agreement

by Cornerstone Brands, an operating unit of HSN, Inc. (Nasdaq:HSNi), a leading interactive multi-channel retailer.

Under the terms of the agreement, which renews and significantly expands RR Donnelley’s relationship with Cornerstone, the company will provide catalog production and logistics services for Cornerstone’s brands, which include Ballard Designs, Frontgate®, Garnet Hill, Improvements®, Smith+Noble, The Territory Ahead and TravelSmith®.

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Betten named Foundation Manager, Crawford, Jones, as Juvenile Justice officers, Vodopic, Housing Program Officer of MacAuthur Foundation CHICAGO - The Chicago-based John D. and Catherine T. MacArthur Foundation has named Buck Betten as manager of derivative strategies, Cathryn Crawford and Candice Jones as program officers for juvenile justice, and Mijo Vodopic as program officer for housing. Betten formerly served as an options market maker for Susquehanna Investment Group in San Francisco. Crawford was an associate clinical professor at Northwestern School of Law and a staff attorney at its Children and Family Justice Center. Jones was most recently a litigator at the law firm of Barrack Ferrazzano Kirschbaum & Nagelberg. And Vodopic was a senior analyst on the financial markets and community investment team at the Chicago Government Accountability Office.

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Sara Lee Announces Business Process Outsourcing Initiative DOWNERS GROVE - Sara Lee Corp. announces its intent to outsource pieces of its North American and European Finance (transaction processing) and Global Information Services (applications development and maintenance) groups, as well as the company’s global indirect procurement activities. This effort is an important component of Sara Lee’s “Accelerate” initiative, the company’s series of global projBarnes ects designed to drive annualized benefits of $200 - $250 million in the next three years. As a result, approximately 700 positions, including roles currently performed by contractors, would become redundant. “‘Project Accelerate’ is designed to improve margins and drive shareholder value as we continue to build the long-term strength of the company,” said Brenda Barnes, chairman and chief executive officer, Sara Lee Corp. “In addition to the cost savings, business process outsourcing will help Sara Lee further drive standardization, increase efficiency and provide flexibility.”

Darian K. Rich Named Vice President, Human Resources of Albemarle

Indiana Dean J. Abplanalp and Thomas W. Armor have joined Raymond James & Associates as Financial Advisors GREENWOOD - Dean J. Abplanalp and Thomas W. Armor have joined Raymond James & Associates, Inc., member New York Stock Exchange/SIPC, as financial advisors at the 1499 Windhorst Way office, according to Regional Director Jim Oxley.

Iowa

Albert Ruesga announced as President of Greater New Orleans Foundation

United Way and Community Foundation announces grants FORT DODGE - The Fort Dodge-based United Way and Community Foundation of Northwest Iowa has announced $54,545 in grants through the county endowment fund, which supports programs in the eighty-five counties in the state that do not have a gambling license. Recipients include the YWCA, Character Counts, and the Fort Dodge Parks Foundation.

Kansas Noland Named Vice President, Board & CEO Services for B. E. Smith LENEXA - B. E. Smith, a leading healthcare provider of interim and executive placement and consulting solutions announces the promotion of Kathy Noland to vice president of board and CEO services. Formerly vice president, senior executive search, Noland has more than 20 years of experience in senior leadership roles for Noland hospitals, home care companies, health systems and national healthcare organizations. In her new role, Noland will lead B. E. Smith’s business development and management of services for boards of directors and CEOs. Her duties include CEO recruitment, as well as managing the search process to help clients select the ideal CEO candidate.

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Robert Woody Promoted to Assistant Executive Director at Santa Marta OLATHE - Santa Marta announces the promotion of Robert Woody as the new Assistant Executive Director at Santa Marta, the premier senior living community in Johnson County, now open at 13800 W. 116th Street. In his new position, Woody is responsible for managing the day-to-day operations of dining services, maintenance, grounds, housekeeping and security services at the new Life Care community.

Kentucky Louisville Community Foundation names Barry new CEO LOUISVILLE - The Community Foundation of Louisville has named Susan A. Barry as its new president and CEO. Barry most recently served as president of the York County Community Foundation in Pennsylvania.

Louisiana Sara Lee Corp. Announces CFO to Leave Company in 2009 CHICAGO - Sara Lee Corp Chief Financial Officer Theo de Kool will leave the company this year in a mutual decision between himself and Chief Executive Brenda Barnes, the food and household products maker announced recently. The move by de Kool, 56, to leave the company at the end of the current fiscal year in June comes as Sara Lee looks to speed up new cost-cutting measures followdeKool ing an overhaul that saw it divest businesses that represented about 40 percent of the company's revenue.

Sara Lee said it is looking for a replacement.

BATON ROUGE - Albemarle Corporation, a leader in the global specialty chemicals market, recently announced that Darian K. Rich has been named Vice President, Human Resources, effective immediately. Mr. Rich replaces Jack P. Harsh, who is retiring from the company. In his new role, Mr. Rich will oversee all aspects of Albemarle's talent management and performance based compensation strategies. He will work to enhance Albemarle’s human resource Rich ("HR") management systems and drive increased process automation to further align the company with competitive HR benchmarks.

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Shaw Names Gary P. Graphia as Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer BATON ROUGE - The Shaw Group Inc. announces Gary P. Graphia, currently executive vice president of Corporate Development and Strategy, has been named executive vice president and chief operating officer of The Shaw Group Inc. In this new role, Mr. Graphia will oversee the operating segments of the company and continue to report to J.M. Bernhard Jr., Shaw's chairman, president and chief executive officer.

NEW ORLEANS - The Greater New Orleans Foundation has announced G. ALBERT RUESGA as president and CEO. Ruesga, most recently vice president for programs and communications at the D.C.-based Meyer Foundation, was earlier founding director of New Ventures in Philanthropy. He has also worked with the Boston Foundation and served as an assistant professor of philosophy at Gettysburg College.

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Whitney Elects A. R. Blossman and Terence E. Hall Directors NEW ORLEANS - The Board of Directors of Whitney Holding Corporation (Nasdaq:WTNY) elected A.R. Blossman, Jr. and Terence E. Hall directors of the company. Mr. Blossman served as Chairman of the Board of Parish National Bank from 1968 and as a director of Parish National Corporation from 2004 until Parish National Corporation merged with Whitney on November 7, 2008. Mr. Blossman is a partner in Corporate Plaza Partnership, manager of ARB Aviation, L.L.C. and is part owner of Abita Brewing Company. Mr. Hall has served as the Chairman of the Board, CEO and a Director of Superior Energy Services, Inc. since December 1995. From December 1995 until November 2004, Mr. Hall also served as Superior Energy Services’ President. Superior Energy Services has over $2 billion in assets and is a leading provider of specialized oilfield services and equipment, focusing on serving the productionrelated needs of oil and gas companies in the Gulf of Mexico.

Maine UMaine's Elizabeth DePoy Receives American Public Health Association Lifetime Award ORONO - Elizabeth DePoy, professor of social work and coordinator of Interdisciplinary Disability Studies at the University of Maine Center for Community Inclusion and Disability Studies, has been honored with the 2008 Lifetime Achievement Award from the Disability Section of the American Public Health Association. The award is presented to a person who, over the course of his or her career, has made a major contribution to the improvement of health and quality of life for people with disabilities in one or more areas of research, teaching or advocacy.

Maryland The Washington Post and The Baltimore Sun to Share Content BALTIMORE - The Washington Post and The Baltimore Sun announces that effective immediately they will share selected stories, photos and news content with each other in order to better serve readers of both newspapers. The Post and The Sun have agreed to share the newspapers' day-to-day coverage of certain Maryland news and sports. In addition, The Post and The Sun may draw on each other's national, international and feature stories that are distributed by the LAT-WP News Service, to which both contribute. The exchanges will allow each paper to take advantage of the other's strengths and expertise in specific subjects around the region and the world.

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Legg Mason Names Mark R. Fetting Chairman of the Board of Directors BALTIMORE - As the next step in a leadership succession which began in early 2008, the Board of Directors of Legg

When great changes occur in history, when great principles are involved, as a rule the majority are wrong. The minority are right. — Eugene V. Debs

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THIS SECTION UPDATED WEEKLY AT WWW.HOUSTON-BUSINESSCONNECTIONS.COM • EMAIL INFO TO NEWS@HOUSTON-BUSINESSCONNECTIONS.COM Mason, Inc. announces that Mark R. Fetting, President, Chief Executive Officer and a Director, has been elected Chairman of the Board of Directors, effective immediately. He succeeds long-serving Chairman and Legg Mason co-founder Raymond A. (“Chip”) Mason, who has served in a non-executive capacity since Mr. Fetting's appointment as chief executive in January of 2008. Mr. Mason, who leaves the Board, will continue to serve as a senior advisor.

Massachusetts Klossner Named to Executive Appointment With Altra Engineered Couplings Group QUINCY - Altra Holdings, Inc. (Nasdaq:AIMC), a leading global supplier of clutch brakes, couplings, gearing, belted drives and power transmission components, announces the appointment of Mark Klossner to the executive position of Vice President and General Manager of the Altra Engineered Couplings Group, according to Altra President and Chief Operating Officer Carl Christenson.

Michigan Detroit Regional Chamber Responds to creation of Cobo Hall Board DETROIT - The Detroit Regional Chamber has issued the following statement in reaction to the creation of a Cobo Hall Board: “The Legislature and Governor Granholm are to be commended for creating an authority to oversee the operation and improvement of Cobo Hall,” said Richard E. Blouse, president and CEO for the Detroit Regional Chamber. “Getting our political leadership behind one plan is a significant accomplishment. The business community will continue to support efforts to ensure Cobo remains a regional asset for generating economic activity for Michigan through important events like the North American International Auto Show.” With over 20,000 members, the Detroit Regional Chamber is the largest metro chamber of commerce in the country. The Chamber’s mission is carried out through business attraction efforts, public policy advocacy, strategic partnerships and quality products and services for members.

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AIA Detroit Selects Thomas M. Roberts as its Young Architect of the Year DETROIT - The Detroit Chapter of the American Institute of Architects picked a Down River designer as its Young Architect of the Year. The award goes to Thomas M. Roberts, AIA. He is an advocate for urban development who built his own home in a redeveloping area of downtown Wyandotte.

Chapter President Mark Nickita, AIA of Birmingham made the presentation during the Chapter's annual celebration of architecture at the Detroit Institute of Arts. This award recognizes an architect for exceptional contributions to the profession who is less than 40 years of age. Roberts has invested in his hometown community in many other ways and is an advisor to the Planning Commission and City Council. He is known for his inventive designs for modern structures as well as seamless additions to historic buildings.

Minnesota Knapp Elected to National Board of Directors for State Law Resources, Inc. MINNEAPOLIS - John Knapp, a partner with Winthrop & Weinstine, P.A., law firm in Minneapolis, has been elected to the national board of directors for State Law Resources, Inc., an international referral network of independent law firms that provides legal and regulatory strategy to clients across the country.

Mississippi Lacey Named President of M&F

President of First M&F Corporation and serve as Vice Chairman of the Board of Directors.

Missouri Former Kansas City Chief Marc Boerigter Joins Career Athletes KANSAS CITY - Career Athletes, the leading career education and resource provider for graduating and alumni collegiate athletes, recently brought on former Kansas City Chiefs wide receiver Marc Boerigter as a business development representative at its headquarters in Olathe, KS. Marc will be responsible for promoting all aspects of Career Athlete’s unique branding and Boerigter recruitment services to hiring organizations.

“We are very pleased to have Marc join Career Athletes,” said Chris Smith, CEO of Career Athletes.

“Not only was Marc an outstanding collegiate and professional athlete, but he was also an outstanding student and brings a fresh experience and perspective to our organization.”

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First Banks, Inc. Announces Election of Two New External Directors ST. LOUIS - First Banks, Inc. announces the nomination and appointment of Mr. Allen H. Blake and Mr. James A. Cooper to its Board of Directors, increasing the composition of the Board to eight members effective immediately.

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Environmental Operations Names Human Resources Manager St. LOUIS - Environmental Operations, Inc. has promoted Kara Szwargulski to human resources manager from executive assistant to the CEO. Szwargulski now is responsible for all human resources functions at the approximately 150-employee firm located downtown. Szwargulski, who has worked at Environmental Operations for three years, earned a bachelor of science in environmental policy at Eckerd College.

Montana Stillwater Mining Company board elects Michael E. McGuire, Jr. BILLINGS - Stillwater Mining Company announces that the Board of Directors has elected Michael E. McGuire, Jr., 43, as a director of the Company. Michael McGuire is founder and managing partner of Triple Trunk Capital LLC, which provides liquidity to middle-tier corporate clients and banks in the Russian market through the use of structured trade finance, structured finance and asset backed lending strategies.

Nebraska Kramer Elected to National Board of Directors for State Law Resources, Inc. OMAHA - David Kramer, a partner with the Baird Holm law firm, has been elected to the national board of directors for State Law Resources, Inc., an international referral network of independent law firms that provide legal and regulatory strategy to clients across the country.

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Jose H. Villarreal Elected to Union Pacific Corporation Board of Directors OMAHA - Union Pacific Corporation announces that Jose H. Villarreal, 55, as a member of the company’s board of directors, effective immediately. Mr. Villarreal serves as an advisor to Akin, Gump, Strauss, Hauer & Feld, LLP, a national law firm with offices around the country and overseas, including San Antonio, Texas, and Washington, D.C. He previously served as an assistant attorney general in the public finance division of the Texas attorney general's office.

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KOSCIUSKO - First M&F Corporation announces that veteran banker Jeffrey B. Lacey has been named President and Chief Banking Officer of M&F Bank. He succeeds Scott Wiggers, who will retain his position as

Thomas J. McAlister named Chief Information Officer of infoGROUP

OMAHA - infoGROUP, the leading provider of proprietary business and consumer databases, sales leads, direct marketing, email marketing, market research and global information solutions, has named Thomas J. McAlister its new Chief Information Officer. McAlister will be responsible for managing the enterprise technology aspects for the entire Company.

He will be coordinating the initiatives of infoGROUP’s business units with those of the corporate enterprise to develop an overall strategy for the governance of information technology.

Nevada CORE to Build New Elementary School LAS VEGAS - CORE Construction-Nevada announces the beginning of its construction on Mark L. Fine Elementary School at 6635 W. Cougar Ave. in Southwest Las Vegas for the Clark County School District. The 68,875-sq-ft, single-story school is situated on 30 acres and includes four blocks of classrooms, a multipurpose room, library, enclosed exterior courtyards and playgrounds. The plan calls for reinforced masonry walls with structural steel, singleply roofing and a central plant for heating and cooling.

Completion is scheduled for July 2009. JMA is the architect of record for the $18.7 million project.

New Hampshire Gov. Lynch presents Financial Strategy to Address Revenue Shortfall CONCORD - Gov. John Lynch has presented the Joint Legislative Fiscal Committee with a financial strategy to address a projected revenue shortfall and help ensure the state has a balanced budget by the end of the current fiscal year. “We are in the midst of an unprecedented global economic crisis. We are in the midst of an unprecedented global economic crisis. When we Lynch crafted this budget 18 months ago, no one could have predicted the depths to which our nation's economy would sink,” Gov. Lynch said. He also went on to say: “This crisis has led to budget shortfalls in states across the nation.

And while we are better positioned than most states, New Hampshire is not immune to the global economic conditions.

The challenge before us is very real and very significant.”

New Jersey John Pellecchia Completes Term as Chair of National Board MORRISTOWN - John M. Pellecchia, a senior partner with the law firm Riker Danzig and leader of its Government Affairs Practice Group, has completed his term as Chair of the national board of directors for State Law Resources, Inc., an international referral network of independent law firms that provide legal and regulatory strategy to clients across the country.

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Able Energy Announces CFO Change ROCKAWAY- Able Energy, Inc. (“Able” or the “Company”) announces that it has appointed John F. O'Brien as Interim Chief Financial Officer to replace Daniel Johnston who is leaving the company for personal reasons. Mr. Johnston will continue to assist the Company on a consulting basis as his time permits and as required by the Company. Mr. O’Brien has an extensive background in financial accounting management, regulatory requirements of public companies, investment banking, private equity, M&A, financial operations and venture capital. He has managed numerous transactions related to mergers and acquisitions for clients ranging in size from small capitalization enterprises to Fortune 1000 companies, handled public market IPO's, and provided strategic and financial advisory services to both public and private corporations in a variety of industries.

New Mexico Wildwood Management Corporation

Whatever field of human activity one may take, only those trends that are in harmony with the needs of society show rapid progress. — Nikolai Chernyshevsky

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Signs Letter of Intent for Gold Mining Concession in Colombia FARMINGTON - Wildwood Management Corporation (FRANKFURT: 4IO) - a mining exploration company - has signed a Letter of Intent for a 391 hectare gold mining concession in Rivera, Tolima in Colombia.

Wildwood has been evaluating the gold opportunities in Colombia and has found the country to be at the forefront with more than 4,250 gold mines and 190 platinum mines.

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Attorney Tom Hnasko Elected as Chair of National Board SANTA FE - Tom Hnasko, a partner with the law firm Hinkle, Hensley, Shanor & Martin LLP, has been named Chair of the national board of directors for State Law Resources, Inc., an international referral network of independent law firms that provide legal and regulatory strategy to clients across the country.

New York The New York & New Jersey Minority Supplier Development Council Named Council of the Year by National Minority Supplier Development Council NEW YORK - The New York & New Jersey Minority Supplier Development Council celebrated its prestigious “Council of the Year Award” from the National Minority Supplier Development Council (NMSDC) during its 35th Anniversary Partnership Awards Gala, a tribute to business collaborations between New York and New Jersey corporations and minority entrepreneurs.

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Nelson joins Cozen O'Connor's New York Office as Litigation Associate NEW YORK - Amanda L. Nelson has joined Cozen O'Connor's New York office as an associate in the general litigation department. Prior to joining the firm, she was an associate with Belkin, Burden, Wenig & Goldman LLP in New York. Nelson focuses her practice on general litigation matters, and also has extensive experience in commercial and residential real estate litigation, including complex zoning and regulatory issues and loft law matters. She is admitted to practice in New York and New Jersey.

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Muhtar Kent to Succeed Neville Isdell as Coca-Cola Chairman NEW YORK - Coca-Cola Co. announces it plans to elect Chief Executive Muhtar Kent as chairman of the board, succeeding former CEO Neville Isdell, who will not stand for re-election. The succession, which is consistent with the soft drink giant's stated plans, will occur after Coke's annual shareholder Kent meeting in April of 2009. Kent, a protege of Isdell, took over the top job at Coke in July of last year.

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Richard Corman announced as Executive Director NEW YORK - The New York City-based ISEF Foundation announces RICHARD CORMAN as executive director.

Corman, most recently executive director of the Jewish Community Center of Central New Jersey, earlier served as president of Rutgers Hillel and as president of the New Jersey and Greater Philadelphia branches of the Association of Jewish Communal Service.

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Burnes Stepping down after twenty-two years as Executive Director NEW YORK - Richard Burns is stepping down after twentytwo years as executive director of New York City’s LGBT Center to become chief operating officer of the Arcus Foundation, the New York Blade reports. Burns, a lawyer, previously founded Gay & Lesbian Advocates & Defenders and ran the Boston weekly Gay Community News.

National Speakers AssociationNew York City Chapter has Appointed Volper President WHITE PLAINS - The Board of Directors of the New York City Chapter of the National Speakers Association has appointed Ron Volper, Ph.D. President of the Chapter, effective immediately. Volper, an expert on business development, is a Certified Toastmaster and has been a keynote speaker for hundreds of corporations and organizations in the US and abroad. He is also an adjunct faculty member at New York University, where he teaches graduate level courses on developing sales and enhancing customer service to Volper increase customer retention. Volper noted that: “In a period when the tri-state area, and the rest of the country, is undergoing a period of economic turmoil, companies can benefit from our speakers' expertise in a range of disciplines more then ever.”

North Carolina Murphy-Erby named Program Officer CHAROLETTE - The Duke Endowment in Charlotte, North Carolina, has named YVETTE MURPHY-ERBY as a program officer in its childcare program area. Murphy-Erby previously taught in the graduate program at the University of ArkansasFayetteville school of social work.

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Smithfield Foods Chairman Sells Portion of His Stock To Family Members for Estate Planning Purposes SMITHFIELD - Smithfield Foods, Inc. announces that its Chairman, Joseph W. Luter, III, has sold two million shares of Smithfield Foods common stock to his four children.

According to Mr. Luter, the sale of stock was made for estate planning purposes and to ensure continuity of ownership. The sale enables his children to continue to participate in the longterm growth of Smithfield Foods. Mr. Luter sold the stock at a price of $6 per share.

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RLF Communications Hires and Promotes Staff GREENSBORO - RLF Communications announces two staff updates that will help the agency better serve its clients. Aleasha Vuncannon has been promoted to Senior Account Executive and Jennifer Seeley promoted to Assistant Account Executive.

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VACO Raleigh Names David D. Rhode Senior Technical Recruiter RALEIGH - David R. Rhode, managing partner of VACO Raleigh, an executive placement and consulting firm specializing in the fields of accounting and finance, information technology (IT), operations and executive search, has announced that Tommy E. Dalton has joined the firm as senior technical recruiter.

North Dakota Titan Machinery Acquires Agriculture Dealership in Minnesota FARGO - Titan Machinery Inc. announces the acquisition of Anderson Power and Equipment, Inc., an agriculture equipment dealership in Thief River Falls, Minnesota. David Meyer, CEO of Titan Machinery stated, “Thief River Falls is strategically located between our Crookston, Grand Forks and Roseau stores. Being on the edge of the Red River Valley, the Thief River Falls market is very similar to that of our core footprint in the Red River Valley of Eastern North Dakota and Western Minnesota. We are fortunate to have Cecil Anderson, the founder of Anderson Power and Equipment, as part of the Titan Machinery team, as he will continue to manage the dealership.

Mr. Anderson is an industry leader and has done a great job over the years selling and supporting farm machinery representing the New Holland and CaseIH brands. We are witnessing increases in acres under production, improved farming practices, and improved seed genetics in this market, which will drive growth opportunities for Titan Machinery in the future.”

Ohio

Patrick J. McMahon Named Senior Vice President/CFO of Sisters of Charity Health System CLEVELAND - Patrick J. McMahon, CPA, has been named the Senior Vice President/Chief Financial Officer of the Sisters of Charity Health System. In his new position, McMahon will be part of the leadership team charting the future of the Sisters of Charity Health System (SCHS) as it continues to play a significant role in the direction and overall operations of its 20 health, human service and philanthropic ministries in Canton and Cleveland, Ohio, and South Carolina.

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Thompson Hine Law Firm Names 13 New Partners CLEVELAND - Thompson Hine LLP established in 1911, has more than 400 lawyers, and serves premier businesses worldwide. The firm has offices in Atlanta, Brussels, Cincinnati, Cleveland, Columbus, Dayton, New York and Washington, D.C., and has elected 13 lawyers to the firm's partnership effective immediately. Gary D. Blachman, Dorian Daggs, Carolyn S. Flahive, Gregory J. Gawlik, Christopher R. Johnson, Eduardo Kim, Tony Kuhel, Jennifer Mingus Mountcastle, Michele L. Noble, Christopher T. O'Shaughnessy, Patrick J. Saccogna, Robin M. Wilson, M. Scott Young, were announced as partners.

Oklahoma Sonic Corp. Announces Launch of System-Wide Value Menu OKLAHOMA CITY - Sonic Corp., the nation’s largest chain of drive-in restaurants, announces that it is launching a system-wide value menu, in line with the company’s previous announcement that it was taking a more strategic approach to pricing. Sonic’s new value-oriented offerings reflect the added pressure that the challenging economic environment has placed on consumers and, in turn, the growing frequency of consumers trading to lower-priced choices. “We are focused on providing our customers with a variety of meal options at different price points,” said Clifford Hudson, Sonic’s Chairman and Chief Executive Officer. “Our new value menu will give customers the flexibility to snack, add sides or build a meal at a price that best meets their needs. At the same time, we note that incremental growth in the quick-service restaurant segment has been driven primarily by value-based offers, and we believe that the combination of a strong value menu and our highly differentiated drive-in concept will enable us to capitalize on that opportunity.”

Oregon TriMetiquette - TriMet Riding Etiquette - Launches New Website PORTLAND - TriMetiquette - a Portland Public Transportation news blog covering topics about TriMet riding etiquette - has relaunched their website. The new website features tips on public transportation riding etiquette as well as personal stories about riding public transportation.

For additional information on TriMetiquette’s new website launch visit www.trimetiquette.com.

Pennsylvania Trial Lawyer Harty joins Cozen O’Connor Commercial Litigation Practice PHILADELPHIA - Thomas Harty joins Cozen O'Connor as a member of the commercial litigation department. Harty, who will work from the firm's Philadelphia office, has more than two decades of experience handling complex corporate and commercial litigation matters. Joining from Levy Angstreich Finney Baldante Rubenstein & Coren, P.C., where he served as a managing attorney and on the executive committee, Harty complements Cozen's existing commercial litigation practice with a wide range of high profile trial experience in contract claims, anti-competitive and unfair trade practices act (including Federal Trade Practices Act) matters, business and securities fraud claims, shareholder litigation, complicated estate and guardianship litigation, and business related terminations, among other areas.

Democracy cannot be forced upon a society, neither is it a gift that can be held forever. It has to be struggled hard for and defended everyday anew.—Heinz Galinski

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Jim Clarke Joins Brandywine Global Investment Management Large Cap Value Team as Senior Research Analyst

Douglas Benham, existing members of the Company’s Board of Directors, will assume the positions of Lead Independent Director and Chairman of the Board's Executive Committee, respectively.

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Gov. Perry Names Evans Chair of Texas Youth Commission Advisory Board, appoints Fisher, Hay to board

PHILADELPHIA - Brandywine Global Investment Management, LLC (“Brandywine Global”) announces that Jim Clarke has joined the firm as a senior equity research analyst supporting our Large Cap Value investment strategies. He rejoins Brandywine Global after three years serving as a founding partner of Clarke Bennitt, LLC and co-portfolio manager of the concentrated, all-cap Montchanin funds.

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Paul Melton Joins Cybera to Lead Enterprise Sales

AUSTIN - Gov. Rick Perry has named Catherine Evans of Dallas chair of the Texas Youth Commission Advisory Board for a term to expire at the pleasure of the governor. He also appointed Scott W. Fisher of Bedford and Matthew J. Hay of Galveston to the board for terms to expire at the pleasure of the governor. Pursuant to Senate Bill 103 of the 80th Legislative Session, the board has advised the executive commissioner of the Texas Youth Commission.

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Cohen & Grigsby Forges Partnership with the Pittsburgh Cultural Trust PITTSBURGH - Cohen & Grigsby, a business law firm with headquarters in Pittsburgh, PA and offices in Naples and Bonita Springs, FL, has formed a partnership with the Pittsburgh Cultural Trust to be the Presenting Sponsor of the 2008-2009 “Trust Presents” series. A programming division of The Pittsburgh Cultural Trust, the “Trust Presents” series brings a diverse array of entertainment to Pittsburgh’s Cultural District - from live music and uproarious comedy to literary luminaries and world-famous artists.

Rhode Island Federal Electronics, Inc. Earns International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR) Registration CRANSTON - Federal Electronics, Inc. has received official International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR) registration from the U.S. Department of State, Bureau of Political-Military Affairs, certifying the company’s dedication to adhering to regulations controlling the export and import of defense-related articles and services. Federal Electronics, Inc. is a leading electronics manufacturing services (EMS) partner to original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) outsourcing military and government contract manufacturing projects. The company is based in Cranston, RI.

South Carolina Lexington Medical Center Names Co-Chairs of Estate Planning Advisory Board WEST COLUMBIA - Lexington Medical Center announces that Donny Burkett and David Hipp are the new Co-Chairs of the Lexington Medical Center Foundation Estate Planning Advisory Board. The Estate Planning Advisory Board educates the community about charitable giving and estate planning options with the hospital.

South Dakota Operation Cares Receives $10,000 from TriWest Healthcare Alliance RAPID CITY - To ensure that even more military families can receive the financial aid they need, TriWest Healthcare Alliance recently contributed $10,000 to Operation Cares. The secretary of the South Dakota Department of Military and Veterans Affairs, Maj. Gen. Steven Doohen, accepted the contribution from TriWest’s Don Brown, market vice president for the Central market in Rapid City.

Tennessee

NASHVILLE - Cybera, a leading MPLS-based managed service provider, announces the hire of Paul Melton as the company's Vice President of Enterprise Sales. Most recently Melton was co-founder and Vice President of Sales & Marketing for Global Linking Solutions (GLS), a managed service provider. Melton was directly responsible for revenue growth and profitability derived from direct and indirect channel resources. During his 10 years with GLS, Melton architected and executed the overall sales strategy and tactical team from the ground up and is responsible for contributing more than $10 million in annual sales.

Texas Gov. Perry Names 23 Members to Governor's Commission for Disaster Recovery and Renewal AUSTIN - Gov. Rick Perry has named 23 members to the Governor's Commission for Disaster Recovery and Renewal. The commission will act as an advisory panel of public and private sector experts who will create a plan to assist Texas communities with recovery efforts after a natural disaster. County Judges from coastal counties are named ex-officio members along with the Commissioner of the General Land Office Jerry Patterson of Austin and Agriculture Commissioner Todd Staples of Austin. The governor previously named Robert Eckels of Houston chair of the commission. Ronnie “Ron” Acosta of Pearland is regional vice president of Wal-Mart Stores Inc.; William B. Claybar is mayor of the City of Orange and president of Perry Claybar Funeral Home; Irma DiazGonzalez of Houston is president and CEO of the Employment and Training Centers Inc. and chair of the Houston Hispanic Chamber of Commerce; George “Trey” H. Henderson III of Lufkin is president of Angelina Hardwood Sales Company; Gary L. Hockstra of Lake Jackson is the vice president and site director for Dow Texas Operations; Jo Ann Howard of Austin is an attorney and president of H2O Partners Inc; Jerry Kane of Corpus Christi is president and CEO of Sam Kane Beef Processors; Mary E. Kelly of Austin is vice president of rivers and deltas at the Environmental Defense Fund. She has 20 years experience as an environmental lawyer, William “Bill” E. King of Houston is a lawyer at Bracewell & Giuliani LLP, and president and director of Southwest Airport Services Inc.; H. Thomas Kornegay of Houston is executive director of the Port of Houston Authority, and a registered engineer in the state of Texas; David L. Lakey of Austin is the commissioner of the Texas Department of State Health Services; David S. Lopez of Houston is president and CEO of the Harris County Hospital District; Ross D. Margraves Jr. of Houston is an attorney and a member of the recruiting committee for Winstead Attorneys; Scott McClelland of Houston is president of the Houston Division of H-E-B; Tracye McDaniel of Houston is executive vice president and COO of the Greater Houston Partnership; Allan B. Polunsky of San Antonio is an attorney and the presiding chair of the Texas Public Safety Commission; Penny Redington of Austin is executive director of the Texas Association of Regional Councils; Regina Rogers of Beaumont is an attorney in private practice, and a member of the Harris County Hospital District; Rolando Rubiano of Harlingen is a structural engineer and principal with Green, Rubiano and Associates, Karen A. Sexton of Galveston is interim executive vice president and CEO of the University of Texas Medical Branch Health System; Wade E. Upton of Houston is the retired senior vice president of Valero Energy Corporation; and Daniel “Dan” J. Wolterman of Houston is president and CEO of Memorial Healthcare System.

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O'Charley’s Inc. Announces Retirement Gregory L. Burns NASHVILLE - O’Charley’s Inc. , a leading casualdining restaurant company, announces Gregory L. Burns will retire as Chairman and Chief Executive Officer effective February 12, 2009 after 25 years with the Company. The Company’s Board of Directors will immediately initiate a nationwide search for his replacement. Commencing February 13, Lawrence E. Hyatt, the Company’s Chief Financial Officer, will serve as interim CEO while Richard Reiss, Jr. and

Motion Computing Secures $6 Million in New Funding AUSTIN - Motion Computing®, a leader in mobile computing and wireless communications, announces that it has received funding of $6 million from New Enterprise Associates (NEA), Institutional Venture Partners (IVP), G-51 Capital, and other new investors. The funds will be used to drive continued expansion into the healthcare market and support international growth opportunities.

Austin Chamber Honors Pat Forgione as 2008 Austinite of the Year AUSTIN - The Austin Chamber announces plans to honor Austin Independent School District Superintendent Pascal D. Forgione, Jr., Ph.D., as the Austin Chamber's 2008 Austinite of the Year at its 131st Annual Meeting on February 4, 2009. Dr. Pat Forgione has served as Superintendent of the Austin Independent School District since August 1999. Working with the District's Board of Trustees, Dr. Forgione has overseen continuously improving student academic achievement, the return to fiscal stability and a high bond rating for the district, two successful bond elections and improved community support for Austin public schools. In August Dr. Forgione announced his intentions to retire as AISD Superintendent in June of 2009.

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Gov. Perry Appoints Lieck as District Attorney for 344th Judicial District AUSTIN - Gov. Rick Perry has appointed Cheryl Swope Lieck of Anahuac as district attorney for the 344th Judicial District in Chambers County for a term to expire at the next general election. The position was created pursuant to House Bill 2569 and is effective immediately. Lieck is the Chambers County Attorney. She is a member of the Texas District and County Attorneys Association, and a founding member of the Bridgehaven Children's Advocacy Board of Directors for Liberty and Chambers County and CASA Advisory Board of Directors. She is also a member of the Anahuac, Winnie Area and West Chambers County chambers of commerce. Lieck received a bachelor's degree from Texas State University and a law degree from Texas Southern University.

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Thompson & Knight Partner Named President-Elect of Central Texas Chapter of Association for Corporate Growth AUSTIN - The global law firm of Thompson & Knight LLP announces the election of Greg Holloway as President-Elect of the Central Texas Chapter of the Association for Corporate Growth. He will serve through 2009 as President-Elect before succeeding Lathrop Smith of Focus Strategies Investment Banking as President in 2010. Holloway will also serve on the Awards Committee for the fourth straight year.

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Gov. Perry Appoints Esterline and Haley to OneStar Foundation AUSTIN - Gov. Rick Perry has appointed Bruce H. Esterline of Dallas and Joanie A. Haley of Houston to newly created positions on the OneStar Foundation. The foundation serves to further volunteerism and community service in the State of Texas.

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Gov. Perry Names Witt Director of Disaster Recovery and Renewal AUSTIN - Gov. Rick Perry announces Ellen Witt to replace Brian Newby as director of the Division of Disaster Recovery and Renewal within the Office of the Governor. The division will provide support for the Governor’s Commission for Disaster Recovery and Renewal, which is an advisory panel of public and private sector experts that will guide the state's long-term recovery and renewal efforts in the wake of the devastating 2008 hurricane season. The division will also continue working with local officials to help ensure communities are optimally positioned to rebuild after future catastrophic events.

Witt previously served as deputy attorney general for legal counsel in the Office of the Attorney General of Texas, where she advised state, county and municipal officials on diverse legal issues. She also served as general counsel for the Texas Department of Agriculture. Witt also brings experience in residential construction.

In actual fact those who do not care for politics and sit on the fence do indeed side for a political party: The ruling party. — Max Frisch

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Cleveland Coleman Promoted to Director and Limited Partner of Texas Wasatch Group COLLEYVILLE - Texas Wasatch Insurance/TWG Insurance, a major Texas auto and home insurance broker, has promoted Cleveland Coleman to Director. He has also become a limited partner of the firm. The promotion reflects the ongoing success of the company's growth strategy in its core auto insurance and home insurance business.

Mark E. Jones, Chairman and CEO commented, “Cleveland has had a major impact on our Texas auto insurance and home Jones insurance business. His and others’ efforts are propelling what we expect to be a doubling of our home and auto insurance business in 2009. Our growth is a function of intense focus on providing the best home and auto insurance alternatives for our clients and serving them with what I believe is the most capable team in the industry - bar none.”

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LMA Dallas City Group Officers Elected DALLAS - The 2009 officers for the Legal Marketing Association's Dallas City Group have been announced. Lisa Whitley Coleman, Communications Manager, Gardere Wynne Sewell, LLP, has been elected as Chair. Ms. Coleman has worked in the legal marketing field for the past five years, after working for the proceeding five years covering the legal industry for newspapers including Texas Lawyer and the Dallas Business Journal. Other Dallas City Group leaders include: Immediate Past Chair, Susannah West, Marketing Strategist, Strasburger & Price, LLP; Program Chair, Brandy Austin, Client Relations Manager, Baker Botts LLP; and Membership Chair, Kelly Lindner, Law Firm Advertising Manager, Texas Lawyer. The Chair-Elect will be announced at a later date. All leaders serve a one-year term.

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Richard A. Lowe Elected Managing Partner of Shannon Gracey FORT WORTH - Shannon, Gracey, Ratliff & Miller, LLP, announces the election of Richard A. Lowe as Managing Partner. Lowe joined Shannon, Gracey, Ratliff & Miller, LLP in 1999. He has served on its executive committee for seven years and was head of the firm's business section for eight years. Lowe assumes the duties of Managing Partner from Phillip McCrury.

Lowe will be leading the firm's executive committee, managing the firm's multiple offices in Arlington, Austin, Dallas, Fort Worth and Houston. “Shannon, Gracey, Lowe Ratliff & Miller is an exemplary team of professionals, and I am honored to be chosen as Managing Partner,” states Lowe. “Phil McCrury has done an extraordinary job, and to be chosen as his successor is truly a privilege.”

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CBP Names New Leadership for Border Patrol in Hidalgo/Pharr Region HIDALGO - U.S. Customs and Border Protection’s Laredo Field Office announces the appointment of Mike DeBruhl as Interim Port Director for Customs and Border Protection at the Hidalgo/Pharr port of entry as part of a CBP senior executive development program.

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Kraton Polymers Announces Larry R. Frazier as Chief Information Officer HOUSTON - Kraton Polymers LLC (Kraton), a leading global producer of engineered polymers and styrenic block copolymers (SBCs), announces the appointment of Larry R. Frazier as Chief Information Officer. In this role, Larry will be responsible for all aspects of Information Technology for Kraton, including the planned global ERP (SAP) implementation to be undertaken in 2009.

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Frontier Oil Announces the Appointments of Doug Aron as Chief Financial Officer and Nancy Zupan as Chief Accounting Officer HOUSTON - Frontier Oil Corporation announces the appointment of Douglas S. Aron to the position of Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer effective immediately.

Mr. Aron, 35, has served as Vice President - Corporate Finance for Frontier since 2005 and prior to that as Director - Investor Relations since 2001. He earned an MBA from the Jesse H. Jones Graduate School of Management at Rice University and a Bachelor of Journalism in public relations from the University of Texas at Austin.

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John Rudley has Texas Southern University Optimistic About SACS HOUSTON - Texas Southern University is looking forward to the opportunity to prove its strength in handling university governance and fiscal integrity so that the University can be removed from probation by the Commission on Colleges of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (SACS).

Texas Southern officials recently received word at the annual meeting of the Commission that when certain financial audits and reports are finalized and submitted demonstrating control over finances, the probation will be lifted, most likely at their next meeting in June 2009. TSU’s President of only 11 months Dr. John Rudley, made the SACS probation issue one of his top priorities. “It is gratifying that the committee found no cause to cite the University for vioRudley lations in the areas of integrity or governance,” stated Rudley. “Even though great strides have been made,” Rudley continues, “there is still plenty of work to be done. I don’t want people to think for a minute that this was easy for us. We are completing the 2007 and 2008 independent audits requested and will have the additional fiscal reviews completed by mid-semester this spring.”

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Harte-Hanks Announces CEO Transition SAN ANTONIO - Harte-Hanks, Inc. announces that, effective immediately, President and Chief Executive Officer Dean Blythe will leave the company to pursue other professional opportunities and will be succeeded by company veteran and current Chairman of the Board Larry Franklin.

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Clear Channel Radio Names New York, Phoenix Market Leadership SAN ANTONIO - Clear Channel Radio announces Joe Puglise, 38, as President and Market Manager for its marketleading cluster of New York metro stations. Separately, the company announces Jeff England will replace Puglise as President and Market Manager in Phoenix. Both appointments are effective immediately.

Utah AdvancedMD Software Names Tech Veteran, Bijou, as Executive Vice President of Sales SALT LAKE CITY - AdvancedMD Software, the leader in software-as-a-service (SaaS) applications for medical practices and medical billing services, announces that it has appointed Christopher J. Bijou, 41, as the company's executive vice president of sales. In his new role, Bijou is responsible for inside, fieldbased and channel sales operations. Bijou is part of the executive management team, reporting to Eric C. Morgan, CEO.

Vermont

Global Healthcare Alliance Welcomes Poole as New Vice President of Operations and Client Services

Erik Glitman of Fletcher/CSI Elected to SCIP Board of Directors

HOUSTON - Executives at Global Healthcare Alliance (Global) announces that Donna Poole joined the Houston-based medical billing and claims processing provider as vice president of operations and client services. A member of Global’s senior management team, Poole is responsible for managing and leading the day-to-day operating functions of the company.

WILLISTON - Fletcher/CSI announces that Erik Glitman, Managing Director at Fletcher/CSI, has been elected to the Board of Directors of the Society for Competitive Intelligence.

Along with Mr. Glitman, the others elected to Board positions were Adrian Alvarez, Jens Thieme and Todd Welda.

Virginia Janet K. Ginn named Board Vice Chair ALEXANDRIA - Heifer Foundation International president Janet K. Ginn has been named board vice chair of Certified Fund Raising Executive International, the Log Cabin Democrat reports. Before she rose to the top job at Heifer, Ginn worked in the nonprofit sector in Arkansas.

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Timmons Group Names Patey, PE and Moriarty, PE as Newest Associates RICHMOND - Timmons Group, Timmons Group, an ENR 500 Design Firm and leader in multi-disciplined civil engineering consulting services, announces that the Board of Directors have named Michael Patey, PE and Andrew Moriarty, PE as the firm's newest Associates.

Washington New Grantmaking Strategy Announced

by Community Foundation TACOMA - The Greater Tacoma Community Foundation has announced a new grantmaking strategy aligned with a long-term community development plan. Developed over the past two years, the plan includes five focus areas: arts and culture, basic needs, environment, education, and neighborhoods and communities.

West Virginia Kim named News and Information Services director at WVU CHARLESTON - An award-winning communications professional with expertise in both traditional and new media has been tapped to lead West Virginia University’s News and Information Services unit. As the new director of NIS, Danial Kim will oversee WVU’s media relation efforts, as well as serve as primary spokesperson for the University and help strategically position WVU nationally with the media, said Christine Martin, vice president for University Relations.

Wisconsin Milwaukee Foundation Announces Creation of Special Fund MILWAUKEE - The Greater Milwaukee Foundation announces the creation of the Basic Needs Fund, which will work to help meet the needs of an increasing number of area families struggling during the current economic downturn. To that end, the foundation will allocate $300,000 in 2009 to help local nonprofits assist more families and individuals in need of food and shelter while working with existing networks of food and shelter providers to identify the areas of greatest need.

Wyoming Firehole Technologies to Conduct Composites Analysis on XCOR's New Launch Vehicle, the Lynx LARAMIE - Firehole Technologies, a leader in advanced composites analysis, and XCOR Aerospace announces a partnership that will lead to faster construction of XCOR's two-seat Lynx suborbital launch vehicle. This craft, first unveiled in March of 2008, will be built of composites. It will provide affordable access to space for researchers as well as individuals seeking to view Earth from the edge of space. “One of the key techniques that make it possible for a small firm like XCOR to build a fully reusable launch vehicle is composite construction,” said XCOR CEO Jeff Greason. “Composite construction provides strength, is light weight, and gives you flexibility in your aerodynamic design.”

If...the machine of government...is of such a nature that it requires you to be the agent of injustice to another, then, I say, break the law.— Henry David Thoreau

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SHOWCASE THE BUSINESS CONNECTIONS SHOWCASE is a monthly platform sponsored by the businesses showcased. All advertisements are accepted at the discretion of the publisher. Although Aubrey R. Taylor Communications makes every effort to check the authenticity of our advertisements, we accept no responsibility or liability for the contents therein.

The advertiser assures that advertisements will not contain any matter that is libelous or violates any person's right of privacy or constitutes copyright infringement or is otherwise contrary to law. The advertiser assumes all responsibility in connection with the advertisement placed in this publication. Aubrey R. Taylor Communications shall be held harmless from any claim, loss, damage (including reasonable attorneys' fees) that may be incurred or suffered for any reason including but not limited to a breach of any kind associated with advertisers included in this section. What are you waiting for? Call today to get started! Advertising in this section is an excellent way to promote your business in 2009!

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Nonprofits

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continued from P.13 which have been asked by the governor to reduce operating expenses by 5 percent, will not be able to fill the gap if foundation giving falls.

Despite the anxiety, Lisa Dietlin, a national consultant advising the Food Depot foodbank noted that in past recessions giving by foundations in the state only fell 1.3 percent on a per-annum basis. Another possible sign of hope for nonprofits occurred during a recent meeting of the New Mexico Association of Grantmakers, during which many foundation officials pledged to cut expenses and maintain their grant budgets by freezing salaries, reducing travel and supply costs, and even dipping into their endowments.

For some nonprofits on the edge, however, any loss of grant revenue could be the straw that breaks the camel's back. Billie Blair, president of the Santa Fe Community Foundation, said her group has been approached by three nonprofits in the last month asking for help to facilitate mergers. “I think nonprofits recognize that for those who have been marginal,” said Blair, “they are now truly marginal.”

Opinion continued from P.13 Japan, and Russia. China is already widely regarded as one of the world's top economic powers and is seen by many as likely to replace the United States as the world's dominant power.

– The world’s agenda is evolving but not transforming. A 2007 survey found that global publics were increasingly concerned about the growing gap between the world's rich and poor. Concern about pollution had also increased. At the family level, people consistently named financial concerns as the most important problem in their own lives, but they did not want to see economic growth come at the expense of the environment.

Mounting discontent with U.S. foreign policy over the last eight years has translated into a concern about American power. In the view of much of the world, the United States has played the role of bully in the school yard, throwing its weight around with little regard for others' interests.

America won a measure of global sympathy after the terrorist attacks of Sept. 11, 2001, but the inaugural Pew Global Attitudes survey showed that by spring 2002 favorability ratings for the U.S. had already dropped in many countries since the start of the decade.

Surveys conducted after the U.S.-led invasion of Iraq in 2003 found further declines.

Positive views of the United States declined in 26 of the 33 countries where the question was posed in both 2002 and 2007.

Respondents to the 2006 survey in 13 of 15 countries found the American presence in Iraq to be an equal or greater danger to stability in the Middle East than the regime of Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad, while 11 judged it a threat to Middle East stability greater than or equal to the IsraeliPalestinian conflict.

And while the U.S.-led war on terrorism initially drew strong support among U.S. allies in Europe, in recent years world attitudes toward America's military operations in Afghanistan have turned increasingly negative. Now in recent surveys, majorities in nearly all countries think it's time for America to withdraw from both Iraq and Afghanistan.

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