Green final 36

Maintaining A Green Conscience April2010
April 2010

THE SUIT www.thesuitezine.com

The Wonders of
Nickel & Steel

A Brave New World

plus:
Green StructureS
LEED Efficient

reArdonSmith reveAlS new
Subterranean London Hotel

AuStrAliAn nucleAr ASSociAtion
Nuclear Energy in Australia

SOIL CONSERVATIONIST THINKOM SOLUTIONS
Green Conscience Go-Anywhere Communications

At Natures Organics©, our motivation is based on a philosophy of creating environmentally respon-
sible products, of the best quality, at the lowest possible price. Not only to make them more readily
affordable to Australian families, but to actually reward and provide incentive for people to do the
right thing, in protecting our planet - and make the important shift to more eco-sensitive alternatives.

To us, there is no sense (or value) in developing advanced products that ‘don't cost the earth'; then
charging a premium that unfairly prevents anyone from purchasing and using them. Across our
range of biodegradable laundry and dishwashing detergents, household surface cleaners and care-
fully formulated hair and skincare offerings, our unwavering aim is to combine the best in Green
attributes with product qualities that succeed in meeting users performance expectations.

With every item we create, we look to optimize the balance between using natural based plant
derived ingredients, with chemical components still deemed necessary for products to work effec-
tively - and in turn, to progressively increase and improve the natural content ratio as quickly as
newfound knowledge and technologies permit.

At every sustainable step, we also act to minimise wastage of non-renewable resources; produce
packaging from recycled materials and strictly ensure that the science behind all of our cruelty free

All other logos and trade names are the property of their respective owners.
product formulas requires no animal testing or animal ingredients.

© Natures Organics Pty Ltd. Inspired by Nature 100% Australian Made & Owned

Please contact us by emailing to: enq@naturesorganics.com.au
Sales and Export enquiries: info@naturesorganics.com.au
Phone: +613 9753 5577
Fax: +613 9753 5177
Head Office Address: 31 Cornhill St, Ferntree Gully, Victoria, 3156, Australia.

From The Editor

THE SUIT
ILLUSTRATED
Editor-in-Chief Erwin Kantor
Managing Editor Michael Gordon
Creative Director Felix Badea
Associate Editor Eric Daniels

Editorial Letter
Copy Editor Helen Potter
Fact Checkers David Stein
While the year has begun, and not without its chal- Art Director C.F.P
lenges, it is time to focus on the future and kickoff Contributing Writers Gary Stevens,
2010 with a positive attitude and new goals to reach. Chizzy Igbokwe
With this in mind we’ve included plenty of inspirational For customer Service, got to, thesuitezine.
articles in our April 2010 edition, interviews that you com. You can also call 718-619-8520
will not find anywhere else.
We bring you Robert Forenza, owner of Hugg-A-
Planet, a trademark name. He is someone to watch LETTERS
in the 21st century, he brings to you, “A BRAVE NEW Please send the letters to:
WORLD.” info@thesuitonline.org
We also have an exclusive interview with Stephen We regret that we cannot answer unpub-
Barnett, CEO of The Nickel Institute a nonprofit orga- lished letters. Letters may be edited for
nization that represents the interests of 24 companies length or clarity.
which together produce more than 90% of the world’s
annual nickel output. Stephen Barnett. If you’ve never If you are interested in telling your story
heard of him, the time has come to get to know the please contact send inquiries to the Manag-
leader in the future of stainless steel. ing Editor Michael Gordon at: info@thesuit-

Finally we lift your spirits with Michael Burke, CEO of online.org
Thinkom Solution, Go-anywhere communications, the The Suit Magazine has gone paperless in an
latest fashion trends, the Purple Diva, and so much effort to help manage a sustainbale way to
more. meet the social, economic and environmental
Remember that The Suit Magazine is your new para- needs of present and future generations.
digm to journalism marketing with stories that compel
readers in a way the average advertisement cannot. ON THE COVER
This issue will cover the future of alternative energy,
the quest for solar power and energy efficient struc- HUGG-A-PLANET, A Brave New World.
tures in 2010. Soil Conversation 2010
ThinKom Solution
Erwin Kantor Energy Efficient Structures
Publisher / Editor in Chief Nuclear Energy
The Nickel Institute
Erwin Kantor

CONTENTS FEATURES
SPECIAL REPORTS: 10
10 A BRAVE NEW WORLD
HUGG-A-PLANET

12 WONDERS OF THE NICKEL INSTITUTE
EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW: STEPHEN BARNETT

14 SOIL CONSERVATION IN ICELAND
GREEN CONSCIOUS 2010 12

17 Green Structures in 2010
U.S. GREEN BUILDING COUNCIL

18 ReardonSmith Reveals Unique
Subterranean Hotel
14

20 AUSTRALIAN NUCLEAR ASSOCIATION
THE FUTURE OF NUCLEAR ENERGY

22 IN A TOUGH ECONOMY
NEW TECHNOLOGY IS KING
18
23 THINKOM SOLUTIONS
AIR BORN ANTENNAS

24 LIVING ON A NEW EARTH
ALTERNATIVE ENERGY

26 SAFDY SYSTEMS
UNDERGROUND AIRFLOW
23
28
COST CALCULATION, INC.
BURNED IN THE CROSS FIRE

30
4PAL LTD.
A BUSTLING CAREER

CONTENTS
32 THE HARVEST GROUP 57 NATURALLY ONLINE
LEADING OTHERS TO THEIR HARVEST
58 THE SCIENCE OF SURVEYS IN AMERICA
POLARIS BUSINESS GUIDES
33
WORKING IN HARMONY WITH THE UNIVERSE 59 CORPORATE BENEFIT CONSULTANT
34 CORPORATE TROUBLE SHOOTER 60 BATTLING SENIOR CARE
TRAIL BLAZER WITHIN CORPORATE AMERICA
EUROHOLD 61 THE HEART OF AN ANGEL
35 DYNAMIC FINANCIAL CONSULTING
36 BRIGGS ENGINEERING 62 Q&A WITH PETER JOEHNK
37 JUST BUCKET EXCAVATING 64 JOI-INNOVATIVE DESIGNS
38 LALL AND COMPANY LTD 66 OPENING OF THE ARCH LONDON
40 TRUE FLORIDA GATOR
70 LIN LEE & ASSOCIATE DESIGNS
41 KALEH MANA ENTERPRISES
73 HIPPS AND COMPANY
41 THE BROOKWATER GROUP
74 THE PURPLE DIVA
41 SEASONED PETROLEUM EXECUTIVE
76 METHODS NYC
BILL BARLEY & ASSOCIATES
42 VETERAN SHOOTER
78 Q&A WITH METHODS NYC
43 WASHINGTON ACOUSTICS
85 ENI DESIGNS
44 GOLDEN GATES SIGN COMPANY
45 THANKS OBAMA FOR HIGH FUEL COSTS 87 Q&A WITH BRYANT DAVIS

46 SPARK COMMUNICATIONS 89 THE NEXT GEORGE BENSON
47 OVERCOMING OBSTACLES
92 THE ART OF A SPIRITUAL HEART
48 NEW METHODS NEW LEARNING
94 JENNIFER MYERS ART GALLERY
50 NATURES ORGANICS
52 GEOGIA’S SCIENCES UNIVERSITY 95 A TRAIL BLAZER IN CHURCH

54 PROGRESS OF CANCER TREATMENTS 97 STS. PETER AND PAUL

Thinkom Solutions, Inc.
20000 Mariner Ave. #500 Torrance, CA 90503 310-371-5486 www.thinkom.com

HUGG A PLANET
A BRAVE NEW WORLD
By Michael Gordon

Eco-Green Entrepreneur: Robert Forenza

Hugg-A-Planet Earth is a soft cotton fabric real The basic idea behind Hugg-A-Planet, says Foren-
globe with labels identifying 600 places, includ- za, a University of Vermont graduate who created
ing countries, bodies of water and islands that the product 27 years ago with his sisters, Patricia
are drawn to scale and color-coded. According to and Lorraine. “If we want real peace, we have to
Hugg-A-Planet president Robert Forenza, on the start with the children,” Forenza says, paraphras-
Space Station they will use our globes during edu- ing Indian spiritual leader Mahatma Gandhi. “I’m
cational demonstrations NASA offers to schools connecting kids in early developmental stages to
and science centers so students can interact with be passionate about the environment, geography
the Astronauts. Which in turn will be beamed to and caring for the world, this early education lasts
viewers on the real planet Earth via satellite, and a lifetime.”
online on NASA TV. Students in classrooms all Putting savvy marketing behind his educational
over the world will have an opportunity to see the outreach, Forenza got Hugg-A-Planets into arms
Vermont-made globes in space and use it to learn of many influential people. He sent them to the
about our planet’s place in the cosmos. Obama family just before the presidential inau-

10 • THE SUIT • GREEN ISSUE

Obama family just before the presidential in-
auguration (one of six Presidents). He shared
them with musicians at Pete Seeger’s 90th
birthday concert at Madison Square Garden
where all 80 performers received one includ-
ing Bruce Springsteen and Dave Matthews. At
a Vigil for Peace event in New York’s Central
Park, Hugg-A-Planets were be onstage and
passed around the crowd. They were even at
a White House Easter egg roll, and a reporter
took one to the first START treaty in the late
80’s, Forenza says.
Now on the space station, the Hugg-A-Plan-
et will make a circuit of our planet 16 times
a day over 90% of the earth’s population for
as long as the station remains active — until
2016, Forenza explains. “The one thing all of
humanity has in common is our planet,” says
Forenza. “Just hugging our earth has a em-
powering affect, and by having generations of
people hugging the world, they’ll take better
care of it.”
Toy companies are beginning to see green in
a different light. Sunday is Earth Day, a good
time to stop and take note of the world we live
in. And yes, even in toy land there are socially
conscious companies wanting to do their part.
Hugg-A-Planet toys are Earth-friendly items
that serve a dual purpose. In addition to being
award-winning toys that teach children about
the Earth and the solar system, they are envi-
ronmentally friendly.

GREEN ISSUE • THE SUIT • 11

STEPHEN BARNETT HAS MORE THAN

THE BIRTH OF NICKEL He is the CEO and President of with The Suit, “The primary use of
Nickel is the fifth most The Nickel Institute, based in nickel in stainless steel accounts
common element in the Brussels, Belgium. The Nickel In- for some 60 percent of nickel use.
Earth. But where did all this
nickel come from? stitute is a non-profit organization Stainless steel can be used for
Billions of years ago, nickel that represents the interests of 24 thousands of different applica-
was created in supernova nickel companies which together tions worldwide, such as chemical

explosions. This is the only produce more than 90 percent of processing, food processing and
place in nature where the
temperature and pressure the world’s annual nickel output. transport, and is valued for both
conditions were sufficient
for the nickel atom to form. The Nickel Institute provides in- its physical properties and its aes-
formation for a wide gamut of in- thetic values, as seen in structures
dustries spanning architecture, such as the Chrysler building in
automotive, chemical, energy, New York City and the Twin Tow-
food and beverage as well as hu- ers of Malaysia.” Over 75 percent
man health care and public health of stainless steel is recycled at the
care in projects such as water pro- end of its long, useful life.
The accompanying ‘false’ vision, two areas which are going Barnett is a nickel specialist, and
color photo (above), to be of ever-increasing value in that has made him a nickel opti-
compliments of the
Lawrence Livermore the coming decades. The core of mist, as he eagerly told The Suit,
National Laboratory, shows the industry, according to Barnett, “Nickel demand continues to grow
the concentrations of nickel
isotopes being expelled is the use of nickel as a primary in- with new applications continually
from a star as it expands gredient in the production of steel. being developed – seven percent
in just such a supernova
Barnett said during an interview of all US patents feature nickel


ENOUGH NICKEL FILLING HIS POCKETS

event. How interstellar every year.” “New uses of nickel of CO2 emissions. It is environ-
nickel coalesced into
solid objects and then in particular are low-carbon tech- mentally friendly. And nickel is a
into planets such as nologies such as fuel cells, gas and green contributor not only with a
the Earth is the domain
of cosmologists and wind turbines and batteries for hy- clean process but a process which
astronomers. But however brid cars,” he said. This gives he produces a product with longev-
it happened, nickel has
been an important part nickel industry a strong position ity. Barnett observes, “Nickel is
of the Earth since its in the movement towards a green- corrosion-resistant and plays an
beginning, well before life
on earth began. er footprint. According to Barnett, important role in structures and
nickel is the 7th most abundant el- materials such as alloys, plated
ement on the planet, and 90 per coins and magnets, which last a
cent of the world’s nickel produc- long time, or even forever”, he
tion comes from Australia, Japan, explains. “Increasing demand for
Russia, Brazil and Canada. Al- stainless steel will drive the nickel
though 1.4 million tons of nickel market to continue to expand into
is used globally every year, it is the 21st century.”
responsible for only 0.1 percent
By Erwin Kantor

Reported By Michael Gordon
Photo By: LAWRENCE LIVERMORE LABORATORY (SUPER NOVA)
All images are the property of the rightful owners of The Nickel Institute


ICELANDIC ECOSYSTEMS.

THE CONSCIENTIOUS CONSERVATIONIST

Al Gore, President of Iceland Olafur Ragnar Grimsson, Sveinn Runolfsson

By Erwin Kantor
He sits amongst high officials in government. He But remaining positive Sveinn said, “We do see
advocates for the greening of our environment positive signs and indications that the economy
and works on practical solutions to the problem will start to get better. The public is determined to
of mounting greenhouse gases and global climate fight through this crisis even if they lost their life
change. Sveinn Runolfsson, Director of the Soil savings. Runolfsson informed us that many Icelan-
Conservation Service, in Iceland, has spoken about dic citizens want to develop new Aluminum plants
public policy with prime ministers, diplomats and and thermo power stations throughout the country.

other world leaders, on a global level. It is a case of the citizens of Iceland wanting to do
The government in Iceland has now decided to the right thing, but there not being enough money.
cut down on green house gas emissions to 15%
below 1990 levels by the year 2020, and Runolfs- Unfortunately, due to tight budgets important en-
son proudly told us, from his office in Gunnar- vironmental issues are on stand-by. So Runolfs-
sholt, ”Iceland will be free of carbon emissions son and others, out of their concern for Iceland’s
and using 100% renewable energy by 2050.” He future, recently put in an application to join the
sees rough waters ahead for the industry, in ris- E.U. In order to unite the European Union, Iceland
ing fuel costs, and fertilizer. The economy needs needs to meet economic and political criteria such
major restructuring.” Last year Iceland began im- as, a stable democratic government. Runolfsson
porting workers from countries such as Chile and believes that there are a lot of benefits from join-
Poland, which caused unemployment to rise by 7 ing the European Union such as, progress in the
to 8%, and even the country’s banks went bank- import and export sectors of the country, particu-
rupt. Runolfson said, “The country continues to larly in marine products and aluminium. Since
struggle with sky rocketing fuel prices and budget negotiations were established with the Interna-
cuts for the important soil conservation projects.” tional Monetary Fund, European countries such


ICELANDIC ECOSYSTEMS

Former Iceland President Vigdís Finnbogadóttir ICELANDIC ECOSYSTEMS ICELANDIC ECOSYSTEMS

as Norway, Germany and Russia have indicat-
ed that they are willing to assist Iceland with BIOGRAPHY
an economic bailout package. ”But”, he cau- As director of the Icelandic Soil Conservation Ser-
tions,“ ”there has been much fear that the E.U. vice, Sveinn has played a major leading role in the
fishing fleet will exploit our fishing grounds”, development of strategies for conservation of soil
continuing, “our overall growth in the agricul- and vegetation in Iceland and improving conser-
tural and marine industries are important to vation ethics. He has a keen interest in working at
the development of the country and our de- the grass-roots level, promoting sustainable land
voted conservation efforts. This crunch brings use and increasing public participation at all levels.
great changes, and opportunity, to improve the
economy as an official institution running as a He sees a great potential in carbon sequestration
state,” Runolffsson continued, “An increase in as a financial incentive for restoring land health.
tourism will help pump money back into the Emphasis has been on the landcare program Farm-
economy, and fuel tax regulations which have ers heal the land, currently involving 30% of the
been implemented by the government for en- sheep producers and facilitating the Better farms
ergy efficient cars will be used more widely.” property planning program that aims at increas-
ing land literacy and planning ability at the farm
Runolfsson also believes in the use of carbon level and coordinating advice and actions of in-
sequestration in order to reduce greenhouse stitutions and others working with the farmers.
gas levels. He said, “Carbon sequestration in
soil , re- vegetation and preventing desertifi- He has ties with various specialists in soil conserva-
cation are extremely important to help reach tion strategies and land care, especially in Australia,
the 15% mark of reduction in emissions by the New Zealand and various universities and UNDP
year 2020.” Iceland, with professionals such in USA. Recently he has initiated cooperation/col-
as Sveinn Runolfsson, is at the forefront of the laboration with the European Union in a Joint Re-
greenhouse battle. search Commission on Soil Protection and a collab-
Landgraeosla rikisins oration agreement on soil research with Ohio State.
Gunnarsholti - n851 Hellu
Simi: 488 300 Married 1973 to Oddný Sæmundsdóttir, who is a
land@land.is nurse and they have three sons.


About USGBC

The Washington, D.C.-based U.S. Green Building Coun-
cil (USGBC) is a 501 c3 non-profit organization commit-
ted to a prosperous and sustainable future for our nation
through cost-efficient and energy-saving green buildings..
With a community comprising 78 local affiliates, more than
18,000 member companies and organizations, and more than
140,000 LEED Professional Credential holders, USGBC is the
driving force of an industry that is projected to contribute $554
billion to the U.S. gross domestic product from 2009-2013. US-
GBC leads an unlikely diverse constituency of builders and envi-

ronmentalists, corporations and nonprofit organizations, elect-
ed officials and concerned citizens, and teachers and students.
Buildings in the United States are responsible for 39% of CO2
emissions, 40% of energy consumption, 13% water consump-
tion and 15% of GDP per year, making green building a source
of significant economic and environmental opportunity.
Greater building efficiency can meet 85% of future U.S. de-
mand for energy, and a national commitment to green build-
ing has the potential to generate 2.5 million American jobs.

U.S. Green Building Council
2101 L Street, NW
Suite 500
Washington, DC 20037
www.usgbc.org

Greening Structures in American Cities
In an era where “going green” is becoming the ties alike can employ LEED green building rating
norm, best practices to reduce carbon footprints system. Regardless of building type, the benefits
are continuously encouraged. Actions, efforts, of green buildings are abundant. Economically
and initiatives should adhere to standards of green speaking, a green building uses less because less
living. Now, the space we occupy must also meet is being spent in turn savings increase. Green
these standards. The experts on green building buildings save 8-13% of operations and mainte-
assurance, the US Green Building Council are the nance costs and utilize 2-30% less energy con-
creators of the LEED (Leadership Energy and En- sumption and most of the buildings use 40% less
vironmental Design) certification system. It sets water. These are not just one time costs; the sav-
the standards of human and environmental health, ings occur throughout the life cycle of the building.
sustainable development, emission control, water Building sale prices for energy efficient buildings
savings, energy efficiency, materials that are well are as much as 10% higher per square foot than
emitting and healthier for building occupants, and conventional buildings. Green building occupants
indoor environmental quality. are healthier and are said to be more productive.
Marie Coleman, Communications Associate at It is often assumed, going green costs more money.
the USGBC says, “a building should be holistically In the case of green buildings, the up front costs
green not just focusing on one particular area.” are approximately 2% more, but results in sav-
The process measures various elements of green ings of over 20% over the life cycle of the building.
buildings. One must attain a certain number of The return on investment will be ten-fold. Green
points from the following categories: buildings not only benefit our economy, but also
Silver - Gold - Platinum our environment and community by enhancing
the quality of air and water, protects biodiversity,
There is no archetype of a LEED client. Various minimizing the strain on local infrastructures, and
establishments that have undergone this rigorous improving occupant health and comfort.
certification range from public property such as
the Bronx Library in New York City (LEED Gold); It is feasible to convert later in the building pro-
Education based institutions like West Brazos Ju- cess. It is never too late to transform your build-
nior High School in Brazoria, Texas (LEED Certi- ing to meet the LEED certification standards the
fied); and even retail organizations such as Chipo- pros certainly outweigh the cons.
tle in Gurnee Mills, IL (LEED Platinum).
A rigorous process it is, but also one that ensures
accuracy. Commercial and residential proper- --By Chizzy Igbokwe


ReardonSmith Reveals Unique Subterranean

(London – 9 December 2009) A scheme for a the proposal respects and reflects this. Car park-
unique, sustainable and innovative luxury hotel ing, which is currently above ground, will be re-
and spa, designed by international hotel and re- located underground. The existing golf clubhouse
sort architects, ReardonSmith, has been revealed and car park will be demolished and replaced by a
by public exhibition prior to the submission of a new clubhouse integrated within the hotel. A ded-

planning application in the new year. icated new access road, carefully woven into the
The proposed development, at Hersham Golf Club landscape, will better manage the flow of traffic
in Surrey, is within London’s Green Belt and the onto the site. The proposal also includes provision
architects’ response to the area’s strict planning for extensive on-site re-vegetation and improve-
guidelines has been to place all 200 plus guest ments to local public footpaths to further enhance
rooms underground around landscaped court- the site.
yards, leaving just one level of public areas at “Our concept integrates hotel, spa and golf fa-
grade. cilities into a single architecturally exciting and
The proposal is topped by a living green roof that organic composition below and above ground,”
mimics the undulating nature of the golf course explains Matthew Guy, ReardonSmith’s project
and merges it into the surrounding landscape. In designer.
total, the ReardonSmith scheme represents in the “The design fulfils the requirements of the brief
region of one third less built-up hard surface than for a bespoke five star hotel while returning hard
the existing club houses and car parking. Her- standing to the Green Belt and improving the
sham Golf Club stands in an area of woodland and physical layout and visual attraction of the entire


Hotel Scheme for London’s Green Belt
site. It represents a commercially viable solution to
developing in the Green Belt and is, we believe, a Roof Plan
world-first.”
The two underground levels of the hotel comprise
three “rings” of guest rooms, each built around large
800m2 garden courtyards, allowing light to perme-
ate the fully glazed façade. Public spaces, including
high quality restaurants, will be contained within a
single level at grade. Contouring mimicking the un-
dulating nature of the course will conceal this level
and merge it with the natural landscape. The entire
development is set back from the local residential
area and is positioned within an enclave of existing
woodland in such a way that it is hidden from view
for local residents. Carefully framed views from all
the hotel’s public areas of the golf course and wood-
land will make for a unique dining, hotel and golf
club experience. Notes
ReardonSmith Architects
The total area of the hotel and new golf club will be
approximately 16,500 sq. metres. Reflecting on the ReardonSmith is Europe’s leading architectural practice
specializing entirely in hotels and resorts. Its work en-
implicit challenges of the brief, Patrick Reardon, compasses the master planning and design of new desti-
executive chairman of ReardonSmith, says: “The nations around the world as well as the restoration and
question was how to design a hotel of significant refurbishment of iconic hotels and heritage buildings and
size that would not disturb the Green Belt envi- the complete spectrum of new business and leisure hotels.
ronment. In fact, our solution attempts not only to Current projects include: The Savoy and The Four Seasons
Park Lane, both in London; a new Four Seasons and a JW
preserve the essence of Green Belt amenity but also Marriott, both in Baku; Travelodges in London and Spain;
to improve it by the removal of existing and highly Porto Montenegro; Estrela Santiago Resort, Cape Verde;
visible buildings and hard standing parking zones. and a new ski resort in Courcheval. For more information
The process required to achieve this proposed hotel about ReardonSmith Architects, visit: www.reardonsmith.
will be expensive. But, the client accepts this and is com
to be congratulated for his willingness to invest in a
solution which clearly responds to environmental,
as well as commercial, imperatives.” The Arkin Group
Both hotel and spa have been designed to minimise The Arkin Group is a major player in the international lei-
their carbon footprint by using combined heat and sure and gaming industry and undertook its first property
power generation, heat exchangers and ground development six years ago with the construction of the
five star Colony Hotel in Northern Cyprus. Since then, the
source heat pumps together with grey water recy-
Group has gradually been building a land bank by acquir-
cling and rain water harvesting. It is confidently an- ing prominent sites and properties with a view to expand-
ticipated that the building’s resource demands will ing its development operation. The Arkin Group acquired
be significantly reduced in comparison to conven- Hersham Golf Club in 2008.
tional five star hotels. Mr. Cahit Atasoy, CEO of Ar- For more information about this release, please contact:
kin Group, the owner of Hersham Golf Club, says: Gillian Cake or Su Pecha, ESP Business Development
“Our vision is to create a stunning boutique hotel
gcake@espbusinessdevelopment.com specha@espbusi-
and spa destination that will be truly unique and nessdevelopment.com
prestigious. It will blend into the natural woodland
+44(0)208 374 6320/4476
setting and enhance and increase the level of green
landscape.”

N uclear Power and Uranium

A View from Australia

By Erwin Kantor

The Suit interviewed Dr. Clarence Hardy and asked him his
views on nuclear energy in general and Australia’s role in the
world nuclear industry.
See his responses to a series of questions below. Dr Hardy
has had a distinguished career for over 30 years in senior
positions in three well-known national nuclear laboratories
at Harwell in the UK, Oak Ridge National Laboratory in the
USA and Lucas Heights in Australia where he was the Chief
Scientist.
He is currently the Secretary of the Australian Nuclear Asso-
ciation, and Immediate Past President of the Pacific Nuclear
Council which represents over 60,000 nuclear professionals
in 12 countries in the Pacific region. He is Managing Direc-
tor of a consulting company in Sydney and a director of two
other companies in the nuclear field. He is prominent in
giving talks on nuclear matters to wide ranging audiences in
Australia and overseas.

Dr. Hardy has published two major books on nuclear energy

Are the peaceful uses of nuclear energy in- world’s energy future.
creasing worldwide. Nuclear power should play an increasing role in
Yes, the peaceful uses are increasing worldwide the world’s energy future since it is a mature, eco-
with the major increase being in China, Japan, nomic and safe technology for production of base-
Korea, India and Russia and moderate increases load electricity with very low emissions of green-
planned in the European Union, led by France, house gases. It is increasing replacing fossil fuels
Finland and the UK. President Obama’s recent in many countries.
encouragement of the US nuclear new build by
giving substantial loan guarantees will help the in- What are the current and future challenges
dustry develop and the President said “This is just of the use of nuclear energy and how will
the beginning”. these shape the future growth.
The current challenge is to build new nuclear pow-
What role should nuclear power play in the er plants on time and on budget and to ensure that

they are built to the highest possible safety stan- benefits and risks of nuclear energy is essential
dards. The future challenges are to demonstrate starting in the schools. I spend a lot of time giving
that nuclear waste is minimized and can be dis- talks on these issues to a wide variety of audiences.
posed of safely and all suitable nuclear products
are recycled, so that plutonium in spent fuel is What role will Australia’s uranium play in
used sustainably to produce electricity and any the next 10 years in the global market.
potentially long-lived waste is burned up to mini- Australia currently has the largest low cost ura-
mise its danger to future generations. nium resources of any country (about 40%) and
currently produces over 20% of world production
Are nuclear power plants perfectly safe and with every indication that this production will in-
how can the industry dis- crease considerably in the next
pose of nuclear waste. No 10 years. Therefore, Australia’s
one can give an assurance that uranium will play a major role
nuclear power plants are per- in the worldwide expansion of
fectly safe and no accidents will nuclear power and help to re-
ever take place. Nuclear power duce the amount of carbon di-
plants are built to very high oxide emitted from fossil fuels.
standards and closely moni-
tored by regulatory bodies. The When will Australia build
new generation of nuclear pow- nuclear power stations
er plants being built have even It is ironic that Australia, with
higher standards of safety than the world’s largest uranium re-
previous generations as well as sources, has so far not built a
being hardened to withstand nuclear power station. The main
terrorist attacks by land or air or aircraft accidents.
reason is simple to understand. Australia has very
large resources of high quality coal located near
All nuclear plant vendors and responsible govern- major cities on the east and south coasts and can
ments are encouraging a high level of safety cul- produce base-load electricity at a cost which is well
ture in operation of plants. below the cost estimated for nuclear power. How-
The generally accepted way to dispose of radioac- ever, no account is taken of the very large emis-
tive waste safely is to encapsulate it in carefully sions of carbon dioxide and if a cost was placed by
selected containers and bury it deep underground government on emissions from coal, then nuclear
in stable geological formations. There is an in- power would become more attractive. Nuclear
creasing movement away from a once-through or power is economic in comparison with coal, gas
“throw away” fuel cycle and to reprocess spent fuel and renewable sources in many other countries
to recover and re-use valuable materials. Unwant- and this in one reason why nuclear power is being
ed long-lived fission products and transuranium expanded in those countries and well as because of
elements can be burned up and thus reduce the its very low carbon emissions and greater energy
volume and toxicity of the waste to be disposed of security.
underground.

Are there any public perceptions and mis- To contact the ANA Committee please email
conceptions about the use of nuclear en- ana.info@optusnet.com.au
ergy.
Yes, there are many public misconceptions about Our mail address is:
the use of nuclear energy. Some of these are that it Australian Nuclear Association
is not safe enough, costs too much, is a prolifera- PO Box 85
tion risk and that the radioactive waste cannot be Peakhurst
disposed of safely. All of these misconceptions can NSW 2210
be answered and better public education about the www.nuclearaustralia.org.au


In A Tough Economy
New Technology is King
Y
By Michael Gordon

ama Dastgir Chief Ex- added, “for example, our trading
ecutive Officer of Bee Technolo- markets are booming in tour-
gies (Bee Tech) S.A., in Athens ism and shipping while the small
Greece focuses particularly in businesses of this economy are
the field of Intelligent Transport absorbing the impact for the rest
solutions (ITS). of us”.

The firm’s niche market has Dastgir said Bee Tech Inc. has
drastically changed due to new been facing a number of new
business trends. “Our goal is to challenges. He said his company
be number two since we have has had to revamp the Electronic
grown 20 percent up for the year Toll Collection (ETC) systems
from third place as rated in the service and maintenance, and
industry.” Dastgir said during a the maintenance of manual toll
recent interview in late Novem- systems.
ber. “In fact, policies in Greece
are rapidly changing and they With these new challenges for
are not business friendly,” he the upcoming year, Bee Tech-

added. nologies has managed the toll
system software and hardware,
The company provides network including turnkey products for
solutions for highways, road network and database manage-
tolling systems and operations; ment. “We focus on the funda-
principally, in transport, infra- mental needs of our customers’
structure and system supply co- integrating toll and traffic system
ordination. The projects include management with creative solu-
post offices, the ministry of de- tions and flexibility,” he said.
fense, Athens International Air-
port as well as work with Pireaus Greece
Bank, Dastgir said. “Greece has Nemeseos 6, Metamorfosi Athens
not yet felt the financial impact Ph: +30-210-9885201
as the rest of the world,” he www.Beetech.gr


Intelligent Solutions
By Eric Daniels
Michael Burke is the brain trust behind his intel- rated number 253, as one of the fastest 500 grow-
ligence solutions business. And he believes that ing companies in the United States. The company
in the world of high-tech innovations, intelligent has made great strides in “developing and manu-
wireless broadband solutions have remained cut- facturing antennas that offer airborne and mobile
ting edge over the years. communications solutions for both commercial
He serves as the CEO of ThinKom Solutions, one and military use.”
of the leading providers of innovative highly-af-
fordable compact antenna and product solutions According to Burke, “the antenna is capable of
for aeronautical, On-The-Move (OTM), and man- receiving internet connectivity throughout the
portable applications. continental United States and south-
ern Canada. This technology can be
“These antennas are sleek, small used in the air, land and sea, with
and dynamic making it cost effec- limited connectivity options.”
tive and affordable for executives,”
explained Michael Burke, President Established in 2000, and headquar-
of ThinKom Solutions, Inc. “We have tered in Torrance, California, the
created an innovative and unique company employs 35 professional
design with capabilities in superior staff members. ThinKom has made
performance.” an estimated $6 million annually.
“The demand is there and we have
It was back in March of 2009 when ThinkKom an excellent product,” Burke said.
introduced the world’s lowest-profile antenna
technology for affordable Ku-Band Satellite Com-
munications (SATCOM) On-The-Move (SOTM)
integrated antenna systems at the Satellite 2009 Thinkom Solutions, Inc.
Exhibition which was held at the Walter E. Wash- 20000 Mariner Ave. #500
ington Convention Center in Washington, D.C. Torrance, CA 90503
310-371-5486
ThinKom has been featured in Business Week www.thinkom.com
and Entrepreneur Magazine. The firm has been


LIVING ON A NEW EARTH
TACKLING THE FUTURE OF
ALTERNATIVE ENERGY
By The Suit Staff Writer

The quest for solar power continues to thrive in example countries such as Denmark or Germany,
the modern world, where technology and society they extract 95 percent of energy from fossil fu-
are constantly advancing. The way we live our els and 20 percent of their electricity comes from
lives is affected in a subtle and significant way by wind. Germany has constructed the largest solar
the evolving technologies present. The future of park plant in the world, costing an estimated $48
alternative energy is relied heavily upon the nat- million US dollars. Germany demonstrates new
ural resources that the earth provides. Civiliza- standards in costs-efficiency for solar power. Solar
tion depends much on natural resources such as energy is at the cusp of a historic turning point.
oil and coal in order to create the very energy to This is our wake up call because the future is clos-
sustain humanity here on earth. The solution is er than you could imagine. The worldwide com-
to begin investing and exploring more about the munity and its developments of electric-powered
use of wind, solar and hydro power. Solar power vehicles and other important solar energy break-
comes from a well known resource, the sun, that throughs in the solar industry are greater than ever.
contains an infinite amount of energy. Solar, wind
and Hydro power are the way of the future. It would require a well devised, costly and timely
There are numerous benefits that come from using economic plan to be used by the nation’s leaders
solar power as compared to the use of oil and coal. in order to properly harness and distribute this
Solar energy is a renewable resource, although energy accordingly throughout major cities across
we cannot use the power of the sun at night or on the United States. Scientists, while considering
stormy and cloudy days, we can certainly count on many obstacles, also find that they have to jump
the sun being there the very next day. Solar cells other hurdles in implementing solar power. This
are totally silent and while extracting energy from factor thus demands that we come to either one
the sun they also help keep noise pollution down. of two solutions; a government sponsored plan to

Solar energy is also a non-pollutant, this perhaps is install solar panels for all homes and businesses
the most important aspect considering that when or an advertising campaign focused on turning a
oil is burned it releases carbon dioxide, hazardous significant percent of energy used in the United
greenhouse gases and carcinogens into the air. States into solar energy. There are already heavy
amounts of advertising dollars that go into the
This type of energy also eliminates the need for “green”, or environmentally friendly movement
constant supervision and work. Energy is har- that strongly supports the construction of solar
vested automatically and the home owners do not panels. A government plan would create a much
operate these systems any more then they oper- better effect, but due to an increasingly volatile
ate their oil, gas and/or electric heat. Solar panels political climate and down-turned economy, may
also create new jobs for our economy. Thanks to not be as easy to accomplish. While it comes with
tax credits and rebates people can now make in- its fair share of disadvantages, solar power is the
expensive and simple decisions to use and install way of the future in the modern world. The future
solar energy panels every day. With global warm- belongs to renewable energy and its reduction on
ing on the rise, people are becoming environmen- pollution and the preservation of fossil fuels.
tally conscious about the way they live. Take for


water is normally found in air and the air-
flow measurement doesn’t work right because
the weight of the air becomes heavier, which
translate into high airflow,” he added.
Ypenburg studied in Holland.

The Dutch native had the opportunity to
work for Phillips, studying quality of com-
ponents, in South Africa he had the oppor-
tunity to study wind flows inside cement
chimneys 50 meters in diameter. “That’s
when I learned about air flow, he said, ”I had
the ability to play in wind tunnels and learn
about airflow.” He adds, “Because wind and
air is naked to the eye, which gave me the
time to research and experiment with wind.”
By Eric Daniels
Frits Ypenburg, Owner of Safdy Systems Company, He said it took him a long time to understand
a South African based company specializing in un- how air flow current travel,” But I learned
derground airflow instruments particularly for the electronics and airflow dynamics in South Af-
mining industry. “My instruments transform air rica because you cannot ask many people for
speed to electrical currents, these mining compa- answers,” he said.
nies use a telemetry system called SCADA which Tests were completed in the CSIR wind tun-
measures the standard output of airflow,” he said. nels and that Vortex Airflow Meters will now
Safdy was established in 1990, manufacturing the be sold to mining companies in CANADA.
solid-state air flow systems used underground to
help monitor ventilation for South African mines;
which is so crucial for a healthy environment.

SAFDY solid-state airflow sensors were originally
designed for the South African diamond and coal
mining industries. This underground instrument
determines whether enough air flows through the
ventilation systems, making it crucial for human life
functionality. “What is very often used for airflow
measurement underground is the so called anemom-
eter,” he adds, “This principal is to heat the resistor
by an electrical current and the airflow cools it down.

The end temperature is than a measure for airflow,”
Ypenburg said. This airflow theory is widely used in
many of the mining systems in South Africa to de-
termine air flow ventilation. “That there is a large
draw back especially in coal mines, for instance


William Manfredonia
W
-- J. Michael Gordon

illiam Manfredonia is the founder “Now I’m waiting six months to be paid for old work.”
and President of Cost Calculations, Inc. A firm Manferdonia cut his teeth in the business and has
specializing particularly in construction, cost es- come a long way, in the cost estimating industry.
timating, cost control, management, conceptual
cost estimating and insurance just to name a few. After college started working for an esti-
He said, “The economy is tough, but the bubble mating firm and climbed through the ranks
had to burst.” Manfredonia has been burned in the eventually finding his niche in the industry.
cross fire of clients not being able to pay on time. His Currently Manfredonia handles commercial,
clients have been put on a payment plan, he said, residential, institutional and specialty projects

WWW.COSTCALCULATIONSINC.COM


Cost Calculations, Inc.
such as, Diesel Construction, Morris Park Con- as an arbitrator in construction and insurance cas-
tracting, Jeffery Brown Inc., A.J. Contracting es. He has also served as an expert witness for the
and York Hunter just to name a few. Sitting at federal government in construction fraud cases.
the helm for over 47 years, he said, “I’m a man
who wears many hats,” he adds, “I know the Manfredonia said from his New Jersey business
inn’s and out’s about general construction, car- office, “We perform estimates for many insurance
pentry, drywall, acoustical ceilings and EIFS.” companies such as AIG, State Farm, Travelers and
He serves as a cost consultant for the New York Prudential. Currently he is working on a 232 million
State Department of Economic Development and dollar undisclosed project in New Jersey for 2010.

“We are experienced in all construction projects.”


NASEER AHMED:
ON FIRE WITH
A BUSTLING
CAREER
By Michael Gordon

Naseer Ahmed serves as the Managing Director Ahmed explains, that it is very important to seek
of 4PAL Ltd, a retail products and pharmaceutical out new acquisitions on a global basis. Recently
company. Established in 2003 and headquartered having accepted a personal invitation of member-
in London, the company has maintained strong ship with the Institute of Directors (IOD) based in
ties in the Middle East and is currently planning to Pall Mall, London, he will now have the opportu-
expand not only in the pharmaceutical industry, nity to network and forge strong alliances with a
but also in the financial, banking and legal indus- myriad of world renowned conglomerates such as
try as well as the investment holding sectors. With those listed on the FTSE 100 and its equivalents
strong focuses on property investments and devel- globally. “I have been able to successfully fullfill
opment particularly in the Middle East, 4PAL is my position even while simultaneously serving as

on the forefront for innovation and growth in the an Investment Advisor with the Kingdom Hold-
international arena. ings,” Ahmed said. A position which he began
in 2008 and still currently holds. The Kingdom
Ahmed plays a key role in the business plan de- Holdings is a prestigious multi faceted investment
velopment of the company for the long term and company with substantial holdings in all sectors,
future of the organization. Ahmed said, “I fulfil ranging from finance to media. As an investment
a motivational role, I motivate and mentor mem- Advisor he focuses on a core strategy through
bers of the management team.” Ahmed leads the growth and research in investing in high perfor-
company and strives to develop a positive corpo- mance companies and extracting value from un-
rate culture and setting. He oversees all of the re- dervalued and under performing Assets.
sources making sure that the company continues
to maintain growth and profitability. He said, “I Ahmed takes time out of his day to work as a
also oversee all company affairs, which include consultant for Chiltern Group, a civil engineering
proper audit procedures, making sure the com- company where he specializes in accounting ser-
pany doesn’t break any trade embargoes and deals vices to a broad range of companies. His current
with the legalities of goods and services.” goals include taking his career to a new level in


the international arena where he would spend far
more time travelling and connecting with other
key companies with which he can establish mu-
tually beneficial partnerships. Highly satisfied
with his position, Ahmed is looking ahead to the
future growth of the company and new business
challenges in 2010. Ahmed’s future plans include
searching for other companies which will share
synergy and who will collaborate with 4Pal, Ltd,
with efforts to expand both nationally and inter-
nationally. His next imminent steps are to pursue
dynamic avenues of growth and development in
the area of Banking and Finance on a global turf.
He credits his success thus far to his extraordinary
ability to network and connect well with others,
as well as his hard work and dedication over the
years.

The Suit: Are you optimistic about the economy?
Ahmed: The economy has been through quite the down
fall, due to over leveraged financial institutions together
with bad leadership. Businesses and people have suffered
greatly from an employment and monetary perspective to
state the least, which in turn has affected people on a mas-
sive level as the economies of scale shift. People assume which all waste will be converted into energy and trees be-
the worst is over. Is it..? Well, different policies relevant to ing watered by treatment plants. Alongside the worlds larg-
different countries around the world are brought about into est hydrogen plant. The vision is to play an active part in
action relative to the individual statistics of that country in bringing about synergy in the different types of businesses
aid to taking it out of ‘recession’. I believe its not something on all continents to collaborate their expertise and visions
that will recover over night; as time and patience will be the to help restore and build a new infrastructure which will
key to bringing about opportunity for new entrepreneurs allow for an energy efficient way of living. By implementing
through good genuine leaders in the business world who the above I believe together a greener future is achievable.
can set the stage for a brighter and more solid future.
The Suit: How does the new green age affect both your
The Suit: What is your vision on the new green age? business and your clients?
Ahmed: We now know that what we’ve done over the past Ahmed: More often than not when people talk about
100 years has caused an astonishing amount of damage to green. The concept of money collides with the issue. As the
the world. It can be believed that we did not know any bet- cost factor is inevitably an underlining issue affecting most
ter, but now we do, and it poses a climatic problem to say people in becoming more green. The green age doesn’t re-
the least. There are certain things we know will occur in the ally affect the business or the clientele of such on an imme-
next 30 to 50 years. So we have to start acting now. Every diate basis, but is encouraged within and all the businesses
marathon begins with a first step. From the likes of the west it collaborates with in order to see the bigger picture, in aid
where extreme efforts are being made upon bringing about of a cleaner and healthier way of life.
polices to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 25% by the
year 2020, a reduction in the carbon content of transporta-
tion fuels, to the east where, the building of ‘Masdar’, a city
being built by Abu Dhabi with zero waste and zero carbon Naseer Ahmed
ecology. Whereby residential homes, shops and businesses 37 Warren Street London, W1 6AD
will be built and connected through capsule shaped pods United Kingdom Tel:+44 2085250214
made from recycled concrete, steel and aluminium, in Email: N.Ahmed@4pal.co.uk


LEADING OTHERS TO
THEIR HARVEST

tation for excellence in her in- CASL™ designation, which
dustry. For the past 12 years, in takes roughly 18 months to com-
addition to advising thousands plete, has enabled Rosemary to
of valued clients, she has been provide even more client-centric
a national speaker conducting services to her mature clientele.
various educational programs These services include age-based
for other financial professionals. investment strategies, untan-
gling the complexities of long-
With a genuine interest in term and health care insurance,
ROSEMARY CALIGIURI spreading financial literacy to understanding and streamlin-
consumers, she regularly hosts ing the full range of older client
She may not have entered the fi- educational seminars for pre-re- needs, and navigating the intri-
nancial services industry the way tirees and retirees at local librar- cacies of estate planning.
many advisors did, but that’s ies, churches, and senior citizen
exactly how Rosemary Caligi- clubs in and around the Bucks “One of the biggest reasons for
uri’s clients would distinguish County area, and she is sought our success is that we take the
her from other advisors they’ve after by local media as a leading time to make our clients ‘edu-
worked with – “Rosemary’s expert in the financial industry. cated consumers,” says Caligi-
completely different.” Amidst her busy work sched- uri. “I teach our clients instead
ule, you can find Rosemary on of talking at them, and when you
After graduating with honors the airwaves hosting her weekly educate a customer first, they
from Adelphi College, Rosemary radio show – “Financial Issues feel comfortable with their un-

spent the next 10 years living out & Answers” – which focuses on derstanding of their options, and
a childhood dream in the medi- consumer education and perti- in my opinion, there’s no better
cal field as a nurse, caring for the nent financial issues in today’s way to do business.”
physical needs of her patients. economy. Her show is broadcast Rosemary has earned the Elite
When her entrepreneurial spirit every Tuesday morning at 9:30 IRA Advisor designation from
prompted her to move on, she set a.m. on WBCB 1490 AM, and lis- Ed Slott & Company – one of the
out to care for people in anoth- teners can also access the show nation’s foremost IRA experts.
er way – by helping them meet live through the Harvest Group Slott is host of the Public Tele-
their financial health needs. web site at www.harvestgroupfi- vision Special “Stay Rich For &
nancialservcies.com. Ever with Ed Slott” viewed by
Rosemary subsequently formed millions of Americans, and his
Harvest Group Financial Servic- Rosemary has earned the Char- Elite Advisors are kept abreast
es – an award-winning, compre- tered Advisor for Senior Living of the very latest tax law changes
hensive financial services based (CASL™) designation through concerning IRAs, 401(k)s, and
in Langhorne, Pennsylvania. the American College of Finan- other retirement accounts.
Rosemary has earned a repu- cial Planning. The esteemed


Madeline C. Gerwick

mgb@polarisbusinessguides.com

Contact: 877-524-8300

Madeline C. Gerwick is an internationally recog- strong finances. She has also provided many good
nized and certified astrologer, specializing in busi- dates and times for contract signings, product in-
ness and personal astrology. She has a BA degree troductions, new hires, facility changes, legal ac-
with honors in economics, many years in indus- tions, web site launches, and many other impor-
trial sales and marketing, and she’s listed in sev- tant business activities.
eral Who’s Who books, including Who’s Who in
the World and Who’s Who in America. Her unique Ms. Gerwick co-authored The Complete Idiot’s
combination of credentials makes her an in-de- Guide to Astrology, and The Pocket Idiot’s Guide
mand speaker regarding economic conditions and to Horoscopes, both published by Alpha Books, a
business trends. She consults with individuals and division of Penguin Group Inc. She recently joined
businesses of all sizes to guide them to higher lev- well-known authors Steven Covey, Tom Peters,
els of prosperity by working in harmony with the Oprah, Steve Jobs, Donald Trump, Thomas Moore,
Universe. Scott Peck, Robert Kiyosaki and many more as
contributing authors to the new business anthol-
Ms. Gerwick is heard weekly on The Dr. Pat Show ogy, Einstein’s Business: Engaging Soul, Imagina-
on broadcast and internet radio. She writes a tion and Excellence in the Workplace. This book
column for Promise Magazine and she annually is available through the Polaris store and in major
writes The Good Timing Guide and Newsletters. bookstores and sites.
Her 30+ years of astrological experience and study
enable her to provide in-depth, multi-dimensional She has served on two Boards of the Washington
insights and analysis. She also teaches prosperity State Astrological Association and is a past mem-
training, Eight Keys to the Ultimately Prosperous ber of the Board of Trustees for the Kepler College
Business, so businesses and individuals can learn of Astrological Arts and Sciences. She’s a member
new ways to attract money, sales, and abundance. of the International Society of Business Astrolo-
gers and the International Society of Astrological
While working in business, she observed the syn- Research. She co-founded Polaris Business Guides
chronicity of astrological cycles associated with LLC, originally Astro Cycles Consulting in 1995.
sales, project development, marketing, manufac-
turing, purchasing, legal issues, travel, contracts,
and more. Her combined experience in both as- “When workplaces become “work-tribes” that
trology and business led to the development of create nourishment for life and we learn how to
this Guide, with the aim of providing better pro- partner with the Universe, our creativity and pro-
ductivity for all types of businesses. Hundreds of ductivity will accelerate exponentially, and we’ll
new companies have used her highly successful all live in a truly abundant Universe.”
dates and times to start, ensuring high growth and — Madeline Gerwick


HOUCK & ASSOCIATES, INC.

INTERNATIONAl
CORpORATE TROUblESHOOTER


Harold H. Houck , President of Houck & As- was entirely preventable through competent re-
sociates, Inc. provides corporate troubleshoot- search prior to investment. Mr. Houck suggests
ing services and asset assessment on a global in considering financial research, avoid anony-
basis. His firm counters or resolves issues con- mous entities, check for licensor and status, ask
cerning embezzlement, fraud and corporate es- for a contract, and finally, meet the responsible
pionage. The firm’s success in international fi- person if possible. That person should be able to
nancial research and creative problem solving knowledgeably answer your prepared questions.
has earned Mr. Houck his unique reputation. Houck & Associates has provided an amalgama-

Mr. Houck related that the recent high profile tion of services to a variety of clients. Cases have
Ponzi schemes have crystallized the truth of his ranged from the exotic such the currency crisis in
fundamental beliefs: “every matter requires fore- Venezuela, or tracking priceless artwork, to more
knowledge” and “knowledge is never too dear”. The ordinary such as a short term con or a conten-
tentacles of fraud have indiscriminately targeted tious divorce. This is what Mr. Houck expresses
individuals, businesses, banks and even state gov- he likes most about his business – ever chang-
ernments. This has changed the trusting environ- ing challenges. Mr. Houck came to understand
ment wherein only corporations conduct due dili- the need for his particular niche while serving
gence. Clients are now more prudent, wanting their in naval intelligence and working for the FDIC
own due diligence – a second opinion, if you will. and the FSLIC during the 1980’s banking crisis.
Mr. Houck relates the most frequent regret ex- He has travelled globally on business, is an avid
pressed by his clients is, “I wish I knew about reader, enjoys athletic fitness, is a government
your services earlier.” Often, the client’s dilemma and believes the key to happiness is discipline.

10151 University Blvd, Suite 178 Orlando, FL 32817-1904 800-677-3307 houckinc@bellsouth.net

Dynamic Financial Consulting
-- Gary Stevens

Managing Partner
Pascal Vieilledente, as a principal in the dynamic Acquisitions companies in Spain. And that por-
financial consulting company, Eurohold, has been tion of the business has been a key to their suc-
able to steer his firm through the troubled waters cess over the past eighteen months, when world
of our recent economic turbulence. His foresight financial markets have constricted and deals have
has enabled Eurohold to continue to make deals been harder to make. Vieilledente, on the other
throughout the crisis; the performance of Euro- hand, was able to complete ten deals in the fiscal
hold serves as a lesson to other financial profes- year of 2009. That is an incredible rate of suc-
sionals and serves as a reason for potential part- cess given the economic environment. The reason
ners and clients to do business with Eurohold. As Eurhohold was able to have that success is a testa-
opposed to many financial consulting firms, the ment to the insight and adaptability of Pascal and
future looks bright for Eurohold, in no small part his partners. Instead of looking for mega-deals,
due to the diligence of Pascal and his partners. Pascal instead concentrated on making smaller
“Eurohold was established in 1989 with its head- deals that were highly leveraged. That enabled
quarters in Spain and does extensive business him to put together financing, with smaller capital
throughout the country,” he adds, “But over the requirements, while still providing the potential
past twenty years I have helped Eurohold to devel- for large gains. Primarily using their own capital
op a network of business partners that places the Pascal and his partners were able to cope with the
company at the hub of financial activity in France, recent general down-turn in financial activity and
the Netherlands, Switzerland, Denmark, the Unit- create a very positive and profitable economic in-
ed Kingdom, Sweden, Norway and Germany,” vestment model.
Vieilledente said. With large clients such as Ma- Vieilledente said, “I am optimistic about the fu-
daus, Kerry, Aegon and Indra, Eurohold’s key to ture, both for Eurohold and the world economy.”
success has been the ability to maintain long-term He sees the current problems as a short-term
relationships with quality firms in key sectors of anomaly in another-wise growing world market.
international business. Those sectors include: In- With leadership that is able to discern profitable
formation technology and telecommunications, pathways in today’s financial markets, Eurohold
Pharmacy and Health, Food & Beverage, Distribu- is poised to become an even larger player in the
tion, Business to Business services, Retail, Trans- business of international trade and finance in the
port and Logistics, as well as the rapidly growing future. Pascal Vieilledente’s business acumen
area of Environmental technology and consulta- and his ability to maintain trusting and profitable
tion. The primary focus of Eurohold’s business long-term relationships with his clients, large and
compass points in two directions: Mergers & Ac- small, is a big reason why Eurohold has enjoyed so
quisitions, and Strategy Consultancy. Currently, much success.
Eurohold is one of the most active Mergers &


Dean Briggs
President & CEO
Briggs Engineering Inc.

Dean Briggs has an uncanny way of running his reports, studies, and drawing-out designs. He
engineering company. But, one thing is for cer- said his projects are modified to clients’s specific
tain: he garners big results and big returns as an concerns. “We are dedicated to performing the
entrepreneur on the rise. In fact, Briggs Engi- best work possible – for our clients and for our
neering Inc. operates a boutique company pro- organization!” he said. “After all, we are in the

viding a full-range consulting services in urban business of building dreams!”
and land-use, said Briggs during an early morn- Briggs said his projects includes in all types of
ing interview, ensconced in his office. “My father terrain, scale, land uses and jurisdictions for both
influenced me greatly in my engineering career,” private and governmental section clients.” “BEI’s
he said. highly trained survey department,” Briggs noted,
The company offers comprehensive services “he has extensive experience in performing with
which include the preliminary investigations, various boundaries, topographical surveys for
reports, studies, and the preparation of design residential and commercial subdivisions develop-
drawings and specifications. They consistently ers, government agencies, and private individuals
provide professional project management tai- and organizations.
lored to their clients’ specific concerns. One survey team uses CAD-based staky plans
Briggs said his father schooled him well in finer and produces electronic coordinate files that can
points of “drafting, printing, and I even worked be easily loaded into the data collectors, for the
with a survey crew,” he added. Briggs noted that total station units and FPS receivers, for our field
BEI Inc. included preliminary investigations, crews,” he said.


Just Bucket Excavating, Inc.

-- Eric Daniels

For more than twenty -years, Willie Davis Jr., has tions.” As a business professional, he manages
literally worked in the trenches, hauling waste by business negotiations, handles contracts and req-
the ton, earning a decent buck. As President of uisitions, and organizes marketing and strategic
Just Bucket Excavating, Inc. said his company planning initiatives. Davis said he’s dedicated
uses state-of-the-art equipment. “Just Buck- to the growth and development of the company.
et Excavating, Inc. is involved in many aspects
of excavating construction, including but not
limited to, earth moving, culvert replacement, Davis is hopeful that President Barack Obama’s
ecosystem restoration, and paving,” He said. health plan will change the way small busi-
ness owners look at health benefits for em-
ployees. “As an African American contractor
Davis said he “retains overall responsibility for there is serious debate on the insurance and
all facets of the company’s administrative func- health care system in this nation,” Davis said.


CUSTOM BROKERS - FREIGHT FORWARDERS

-- Eric Daniels

Lall and Company Ltd. has established a dynamic and
diverse team of thirty-five (35) members of staff, inclusive
of two (2) Customs Brokers and one (1) Grade III Customs
Clerk, who are highly trained professionals committed to
delivering efficient and quality service.

Percy Lall, Owner and President however we are stilling man-
of Freight Forwarding Brokers aging to run the business with
are no stranger to international a positive future on growth.”
services, operating his business Freight Forwarding Brokers has
with family. Based out of Trini- not made any major changes
dad & Tobago, the company since the downturn and still
offers a full range of services. maintains a full staff, unlike
other companies who have had
Grossing an estimated annual major layoffs and cut-backs over
net income of 1.8 million dollars the last year. Lall says, “We are
annually, Lall says, “Business has doing well enough to weather
dropped a little due to this eco- the storm,” sitting at the helm.
nomic down turn; but as a cus- He states, “Keeping clients sat-
tom brokerage service we depend isfied is hard work, but my fam-
upon the importers and export- ily has assisted in the day to day
ers in the industry to stay in busi- operations to make things easier
ness.” He comments, “This means on me.” Lall has one son and

over the next couple of months two daughters who are currently
our income depends largely employed by the company, “we
on the amount of work we do.” are a big family.” he chuckles.

The company depends on the “We are stilling managing to
work of other companies both keep aboard despite of the up’s
private and individual on the im- and down’s in this volatile econ-
porting and exporting of goods omy.” The Freight forwarding
and services. He claims, that the Service Company will continue
countries values have fallen sub- to do well and are keeping up
stantially with clients importing with the demands in the market.
and exporting less then what Lall expresses with confidence,
they are accustom to do over “the business is moving forward,
the years. Lall states, “income we are still managing to keep
has fallen and continues to fall, alive in this economic fallout.”

“Quality service never goes out of style!”

Colin M. Cameron
Attorney at Law, ESQ PA

A True Gator
Colin Cameron is a practicing general lawyer debate about the insurance and health care cri-
in the greater area of Okeechobee, Florida. He sis, although I’m, optimistic like the rest of us,”
said, “My grandfather was a judge and my father he chuckles, “My clients are struggling to pay me
was a lawyer, so I followed in their footsteps.” even though they are on a payment plan with me.”

Cameron has been in the business for thirty years Cameron specializes particularly in property,
now. This upside-down economy is creating entre- probate and divorce law. Since 1979 he has been
preneurial opportunities, so long as you can deal a member of the Masons and Old Fellows Asso-
with a situation about as stable as the stock market. ciation as well as member of the 5th and 11th cir-
Even in finance, confidence and risk tolerance cuit court of appeals. Cameron achieved his Jurist
are on the rise. Cameron said, “There is serious Doctorate from the University of Florida in 1978.


Kaleh Mana enterprises Dr. Ahmad
Entrepreneurs tend to spot opportunity where others see Tabassi
dead ends. One such person is Mohammed Dantata Ndus.
Upon completing his studies (he holds a post-graduate
Seasoned
degree in Financial Management from the University of Petroleum
Abubakar Tafawa Balewa and an M.B.A. from the Institute
of Chartered Economists of Nigeria), Mohammed found Executive
opportunity in the area of government policy, developing
experience in that field over the course of thirteen years. Dr. Ahmad Tabassi, Chief Executive Of-
ficer and Chairman of Persia Petroleum
In March 2006, he established Kaleh Mana Enterpris- Services, has cornered the international
es in 2006, and has been serving as Director ever since. market, particularly, in the oil and gas
Today, the company is a specialized consultan- industries. Persia Petroleum Services
cy firm for governmental policies and programs provides a range of “upstream services
with an estimated $10 billion in annual revenues. to international oil and gas companies”,
Located in Gomba Nigeria, the firm also offers local Tabassi said. The company’s primary
and national government ministries financial manage- goal has been to invest and support “Ira-
ment advice in such areas as communications, agricul- nian companies which provide equipment
ture, banking and finance, as well as expertise in gov- and services to the Petroleum industry in
ernment relations, policy, opinion research, strategic Iran”, he said recently from his office in
corporate communications, organizational development Australia.
and procurement to Nigeria with international clients.
PPS has five subsidiaries in Iran. The com-
pany focuses on seismic acquisition, drill-
ing, geological and geophysical project
management, procurement and supplies.
Tabassi provides strategic leadership and
guidance while at the same time, setting
the tone on the day-to-day operations of
We offer total project management and develop- the business. PPS works closely with the
ment that will see you through the entire planning, National Iranian Oil Company (NIOC).
design and construction phases. This will preserve Tabassi has been in the oil industry for
the integrity of your needs throughout the process. over twenty years. He was the co-founder
of RBT Petroleum Associates in 1995, a
Your project will come in at the right price, be- project management company, which he
cause of our strong networks and strategic allianc- later sold to a United Kingdom firm.
es allow us to put the right people on your project.
We'll evaluate lean construction and design management In 1976, Tabassi left Iran before the 1979
techniques to better address your needs without over revolution, after graduating from Isfahan
building, over budgeting or over extending your team. University, and later moved to Austra-
lia in 1981. In 1996, he returned to Iran.
Implement sustainable concepts to facili- Tabassi has a Ph.D in Exploration Geology
tate both initial and long-term savings for you from Leeds University. He’s also a former
while fostering a cleaner – greener tomorrow. Federal President of the Petroleum Explo-
ration Society of Australia. “I am an en-
1615 West Shore Drive trepreneurial geologist”, he said. “I travel
Delafield, WI 53018 to many countries; it is demanding work
Phone: 262.244.7272 – but very rewarding”.


Veteran Shooter and Professional Photographer

Bill Barley carries a Nikon around his neck as a The history of Photojournalism is very interesting.
professional photographer. He’s taken over 5,000 According to the Rochester institute of Technol-
rolls of film as a veteran shooter, capturing gritty ogy, “Photojournalism is the visual reporting of
images for Life Magazine, and countless others, news for publication in newspapers and maga-
during the 1960s, when New York had more news- zines,” they served as the eyes and ears, as true
papers than candy stores. “That’s when the news- eyewitness and observer of history. In the old
paper industry was booming and I made more days, “most photojournalists were not college-
money than ever before,” he said. “I miss those educated. They became photojournalists by work-
days.” ing an apprenticeship system. First, they worked
The veteran shooter said he’s walked the streets as lab technicians in a newspaper’s darkroom and
of New York as photojournalist. He worked with then being promoted to shooter.”

several news outfits in his time, including the New “That was the general rule,” Barley said, “photo-
York Times, several tabloids, and a small stint journalists back in those days were not college ed-
with UPI. “It was John Dusniak, the Photo Editor, ucated.” For years, many photojournalists worked
who virtually extended my freelance contract for in an apprentice system. They labored long hours
more than a year. That’s was a nice run,” Barley in the smelly dark rooms of newspapers across the
said with a chuckle. Today, as chief photographer country, before being promoted to “shooter.”
of Bill Barley & Associates, a company he founded
in 1966, he specializes in commercial and industri-
al photography. He provides “full-service cinema- They later earned the nickname “writers with the
tography,” including advisements, lighting, and light,” because many of their photographs report-
state-of-the-art camera equipment. Barley han- ed the news visually. As it turns out, photojour-
dles corporate accounts, including special catalogs nalists were the great adventurers and interpret-
for small and mid-size companies. Barley is even ers of history. That’s why Barley is honored to be
proficient with a computer and handles graphic called a veteran shooter of his era. “I captured a lot
design assignments. “I’ve been doing graphic de- of photos in my time,” he said with slight guffaw.
sign for a long time now,” he said. “I did a lot of good photography.”


Jimmie R. Phillips
President/Owner
Washington Acoustics
-- Gary Stevens
Right out of high school Jimmie Phillips operated Phillips offers acoustic ceiling installation and in-
a forklift. Thanks to his family, they cut their teeth terior finishes inhibiting surface growth of mold
in the construction business. Washington Acous- and mildew.
tics is a 3rd generation construction business These materials used in wall and ceiling in-
which specializes particularly in home & business sulation provide excellent sound absorption.
services. He said, “The economy can be challenging,”
As a general contractor Phillips handles acousti- he adds, “people are not spending money.”
cal services, ceilings, drywall as well as home re-
modeling and businesses interior improvements. The struggle continues……



A Golden Opportunity in The Sign business
Alan A. Bartizal, a second-generation entre-
preneur, who’s cut his teeth, watching his fa-
ther runs the business, he said. He said he ad-
mires his fathers’ business acumen. “It’s my
dad’s work ethic that has carried me through the
rough times as a business owner,” Bartizal said.

Bartizal has worked hard since 1969, virtually build-
ing a strong reputation as “The premier manufactur-
er of electrical signs in the San Francisco Bay area.”
He believes his success has been based on “Family-
bred ethics, fair dealings and technical know-how.”
The Oakland based company has grown and

evolved into what has become the Golden Gate
Sign Company. As a family business, Barizal said,
“We understand the consumers and utilize our
many years of knowledge and experiences to pro-
vide high quality products and affordable pricing.”

For more then 40 years, Barizal said, “we have
been providing outstanding services as we contin-
ue to build our reputation and are looking toward
the future as an integral part of the Sign industry.”
Bartizal said, “He’s learned a valuable les-
son in business: To respect three elders, who
came before you. “My father taught me every-
thing I know today. That stays with you for life.”
Golden Gate Sign Company, Inc.
1455 Third Street San Francisco, CA 94107
www.goldengatesign.com 510.336.3838

Green final 36

Empfohlen

Empfohlen

Weitere ähnliche Inhalte

Ähnlich wie Green final 36

Ähnlich wie Green final 36 (20)

Kürzlich hochgeladen

Kürzlich hochgeladen (8)

Green final 36