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"People on the Move" - California

Charlotte Russe Names New Management Team

SAN DIEGO - Charlotte Russe Holding, Inc. (Nasdaq: CHIC) has announced that the Board of Directors has named a new executive management team. John D. Goodman, formerly President and Chief Executive Officer of Mervyn's LLC, has been named Chief Executive Officer; Emilia Fabricant, formerly President and Chief Merchandising Officer of babystyle®, has been named President and Chief Merchandising Officer; and Frederick G. Silny, formerly Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of Guess?, Inc. (NYSE: GES), has been named Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer. Goodman and Fabricant will also join the Charlotte Russe Board of Directors, and along with Silny, will be based at the Company's San Diego headquarters. Len Mogil, who currently serves as Interim Chief Executive and Chief Financial Officer, will work with the new team to ensure a smooth transition and will resume his position on the Board of Directors.

HP Names Pete Bocian as Executive Vice President and Chief Administrative Officer

PALO ALTO - HP (NYSE:HPQ) has announced that it has appointed Pete Bocian to serve as executive vice president and chief administrative officer. Bocian will oversee the company's shared and administrative services, which includes real estate and workplace services, indirect and services procurement, and HP Financial Services, the company's financing arm. He will replace Jon Flaxman, who decided to step down from his role due to personal and health reasons. Flaxman, 51, will remain with HP to work on executive assignments.

Bocian, 54, comes to HP from Starbucks Coffee Company, where he has served since 2007 as executive vice president, chief financial officer and chief administration officer managing the company's finance, supply chain and information technology functions. Previously, he spent 24 years at NCR Corporation, where he served for three years as NCR's senior vice president and chief financial officer after leading the finance organizations of several of the company's divisions, including the Teradata and Retail Solutions divisions.

Bocian joined HP as a member of its executive council on Dec. 1, 2008, reporting to Mark Hurd, HP chairman and chief executive officer.

Tegal Announces New Vice President of Global Sales Peter Dijkstra

PETALUMA - Tegal Corporation (Nasdaq:TGAL), a leading designer and manufacturer of plasma etch and deposition systems used in the production of integrated circuits and nanotechnology devices, has announced the appointment of Peter Dijkstra, Vice President of Global Sales, effective immediately.

McDermott Will & Emery Announces Colindres Promoted to Partner

SAN DIEGO - George Colindres focuses on venture capital and other private equity financings, mergers and acquisitions, corporate formation and maintenance, corporate governance, convertible note and other debt financings, licensing, stock option plans and executive compensation, executive employment agreements, and venture capital and private equity fund formation. (University of California, Los Angeles, School of Law, J.D., 1999; Georgetown University, B.S.F.S., 1996). The George Colindres promotion is effective January 1, 2009.

Chevron Announced First Oil From Blind Faith Field in Gulf of Mexico

SAN RAMON - Chevron Corporation (NYSE:CVX) announced that it has started crude oil production from its Blind Faith Field in the deepwater Gulf of Mexico. First oil from Blind Faith was achieved on Nov. 11, 2008. Daily production is expected to ramp up to approximately 65,000 barrels of crude oil and 55 million cubic feet of natural gas over the next three months.

Richardson & Harman Wins $3.4 Million Jury Verdict for Client Who Lost His Business

PASADENA - A Los Angeles County Superior Court Jury awarded $3.4 million to Paul Yang, a 76 year old Pasadena, CA businessman in a lawsuit against his former wife and her forensic accountants, whose tactics were found to have destroyed his business with the Chinese government. The defendants were found liable for taking confidential business records from his private business office in advance of her filing for divorce, leading to the cancellation of a long-term business relationship with the People's Republic of China.

Edward Thompson and Tom Bevilaqua Join InnoPath Board

SUNNYVALE - InnoPath Software, the leader in Mobile Device Management (MDM), announced the addition of Edward Thompson and Tom Bevilacqua to the company's board of directors. Edward Thompson will be Chairman of the Audit Committee, a position he also holds on the boards of ShoreTel, Inc., Harris Stratex Networks, Inc. and SonicWALL, Inc.

Ralph G. Adamo Earned a Certificate of Recognition

NEWPORT BEACH - Ralph G. Adamo, Founder and CEO of Integrity Wealth Management, and incoming Chairman of the Education Committee of the Financial Planning Association, Orange County, was recognized as a unique professional in the financial services arena with the award of a Certificate of Recognition from The American College, a leader in financial services education. Adamo is a registered representative at FSC Securities Corporation, which is a member of FINRA and SIPC. Integrity Wealth Management believes in a comprehensive, some would say exhaustive, approach to advising its clients who typically have between $10 and $50 million in assets with at least one million investable dollars.

"People on the Move" - Connecticut

Hills named managing director of The Newman's Own Foundation

WESTPORT - The Newman's Own Foundation in Westport, Connecticut, named CARI HILLS as managing director. Hills, director of operations at the Committee Encouraging Corporate Philanthropy, which was co-founded by Paul Newman, earlier worked in sales and marketing at JPMorgan Chase Alternative Asset Management and was a financial services consultant at Accenture LLP. The Hills appointment is official.

"People on the Move" - District of Columbia

Action named associate in Carnegie Endowment of International Peace

WASHINGTON - The Carnegie Endowment for International Peace in Washington, D.C., announced JAMES ACTON as an associate in its nonproliferation program. Acton, an expert on nuclear disarmament and nonproliferation, was earlier a lecturer at the Centre for Science and Security Studies in the Department of War Studies at King's College London.

SBA Announces New Ways to Improve Small Businesses Access to Working Capital

WASHINGTON - In response to the credit crunch, the SBA's Acting Administrator Sandy K. Baruah announced important loan program changes to help the agency's lending partners increase access to capital for small businesses. For more information on the interim final rule or to share your comments, visit www.regulations.gov. To learn more about SBA's guaranteed loan programs visit www.sba.gov. By addressing market issues that were impeding the funding streams for both lenders and small businesses, SBA is making capital more available to America's small businesses.

"People on the Move" - Florida

McDermott Will & Emery Announces Wolkov Promoted to Partner

MIAMI - Ben Wolkov has experience working on various U.S. and international corporate and transactional matters. He has experience working on cross-border acquisitions and financings between the United States and various jurisdictions in Latin America. (University of Miami School of Law, J.D., magna cum laude, 2000; New College of Florida, B.A., 1996). The Ben Wolkov promotion is effective January 1, 2009.

Steele Announces Candidacy for RNC Chairman

MIAMI & WEST PALM BEACH - Former Lieutenant Governor Michael Steele announced his candidacy for the position of Chairman of the Republican National Committee. Steele states: “I believe the leadership of our party must come from its grassroots because the members of the RNC are the best representation of what direction our party needs to take. The state chairmen, national committeewomen, and national committeemen are the party leaders who are closest to the voters - they know what the voters want - they talk to them everyday. I have walked a mile in their shoes; without them you become out of touch with the issues that are important to Main Street Americans.”

Smith Named President and CEO of Blue Frog Solutions

POMPANO BEACH - Blue Frog Solutions, a leading provider of Life & Annuity Order Management and Compliance solutions for the insurance industry, announced that Dan Smith has been named President and Chief Executive Officer, and has been elected a member of the company's Board of Directors. Prior to joining Blue Frog Solutions, Smith served as Vice President of Technology for New York-based BISYS Insurance Services, which operated as the largest national distributor of life insurance, annuities, long-term care and disability insurance. Smith came to BISYS from Claimtrust, Inc., where he was Chief Operating Officer and member of the Board for this Internet-based service provider to hospitals, vetting outpatient Medicare claims prior to submission, minimizing outstanding A/R and avoiding federal penalties. He also has held senior technology positions at Interim Healthcare, Inc., and System One Amadeus, a computer reservation system for the global travel industry.

Gary Chartrand Assumes Role of Executive Chairman, Promotes Robert Hill to CEO of Acosta Sales and Marketing Company

JACKSONVILLE - Gary R. Chartrand was named Executive Chairman of Acosta Sales and Marketing Company and announced the promotion of Robert Hill Jr. to President and Chief Executive Officer effective January 1, 2009. Hill also was named to the company's Board of Directors. Chartrand, who has led the Jacksonville-based company as CEO since 1996 and became its Chairman in 1998, will continue as Chairman of the Board of Directors. Chartrand joined Acosta as business manager in 1983 after seven years with the Carnation Company. He was subsequently promoted to vice president, regional vice president of Florida, president in 1993, and then president and chief executive officer in 1996. He has served as chairman of the company's Board of Directors since 1998 and will continue in that capacity. As Executive Chairman, Chartrand will work with Hill in developing the annual strategic plan for board review and will also help oversee the future development and growth of the company.

"People on the Move" - Georgia

Bank of Essex, Tappahannock, Virginia Acquires All the Deposits of the Community Bank, Loganville, GA

LOGANVILLE - The Community Bank, Loganville, Georgia, was closed in November by the Georgia Department of Banking and Finance, and the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC) was named receiver. To protect the depositors, the FDIC entered into a purchase and assumption agreement with Bank of Essex, to assume all of the deposits of The Community Bank.

The Community Bank's four branches reopened as Bank of Essex. Depositors of the failed bank automatically became depositors of Bank of Essex. Deposits continue to be insured by the FDIC, so there is no need for customers to change their banking relationship to retain their deposit insurance coverage.

Engle Martin & Associates Opens St. Louis Office

ATLANTA - Malcolm K. Clark and John A. Chestnas, have joined Engle Martin & Associates, Inc. to open its newest location in St. Louis, MO. This will be the second Missouri office for Engle Martin as its Kansas City office was opened in June 2005.

Cousins Properties Incorporated Announces Personnel Changes

ATLANTA - Cousins Properties Incorporated (NYSE: CUZ) has announced personnel changes at its corporate headquarters.

Steve Yenser has been promoted to executive vice president. In this role, Yenser will lead Cousins' leasing and asset management functions, as well as the Company's third-party services business. Yenser succeeds Joel Murphy, whose retirement was announced by the Company on November 10, 2008. Yenser joined Cousins in 2002 and most recently has served as Senior Vice President in the Leasing and Asset Management group.

Bruce Smith, long-time president of the Company's Land Division and current Senior Vice President in its Development Group, is retiring from the Company effective December 31, 2008. Smith, who joined Cousins in 1993, will continue to provide consulting to the Company on its residential and land development projects.

Succeeding Smith is Dan Fields, a 19-year veteran of homebuilder John Wieland Homes and Neighborhoods, who joins the Company as Senior Vice President in the Development Group. Fields worked extensively in land acquisition, management, brokerage and strategic planning at John Wieland and will be responsible for all of Cousins' residential projects.

"People on the Move" - Hawaii

Robert Webber to Become CEO; Warren Haruki to Become Chairman of Maui Land & Pineapple Company, Inc.

KAHULUI - Maui Land & Pineapple Company, Inc. (NYSE:MLP) announced the appointment of Warren Haruki as chairman and Robert (Rob) Webber as president and CEO, effective January 1, 2009. They replace David Cole who recently resigned after five years as chairman, president and CEO of the 100-year old company. Cole will continue to serve as a director and will be the Company's representative to the boards of Hawaii BioEnergy and Hawaii Superferry.

Sato Named Director of Medicare Operations for Humana's Hawaii Market

HONOLULU - Carol Sato has been named director of Medicare operations for Humana (NYSE:HUM) of Hawaii, in an announcement made by Debbie A. Smith, regional president of senior products for Humana's West Coast Region that includes Hawaii. Sato - based at Humana's new Honolulu office in Restaurant Row at 500 Ala Moana Blvd., Suite 400, in Seven Waterfront Plaza - has responsibility for Humana's day-to-day Medicare operations statewide. A registered nurse with a Bachelor of Science degree in Nursing, Sato was previously employed by Kaiser Foundation Health Plan in Hawaii as director of benefits administration from 2006 to 2008 and as director of product development from 1995 to 2006. From 1976 to 1995, she served in a variety of supervisory and nursing positions with Kaiser Permanente of Hawaii in Moanalua and on Maui. Sato can be reached at csato@humana.com.

Sopogy Received the Business Leadership Hawaii 2008 “Innovative Company of the Year” Award last month

HONOLULU - Before 1,000 members of the business community, Sopogy, Inc. was presented the Business Leadership Hawaii (BLH) 2008 “Innovative Company of the Year” Award. The event, which took place at the Hilton Hawaiian Village, honors the best in the business. The Innovative Company of the Year Award recognizes organizations dedicated to developing new approaches to creating products, winning customers, and tackling problems. Sopogy was chosen based on its innovative MicroCSP technologies, used to create Process Heat, Solar Air Conditioning, and Electrical Power, and its commitment to leading Hawaii to a sustainable future and curbing the effects of global climate change. The president and CEO of Sopogy is Darren Kimura.

"People on the Move" - Illinois

Midway Appoints New Chairman of the Board

CHICAGO - Midway Games Inc. (NYSE:MWY) announced the Company's Board of Directors has appointed Peter C. Brown as Chairman of the Board. Brown succeeds Shari E. Redstone, who has resigned from the Company's Board of Directors. Ms. Redstone joined Midway's Board of Directors in 2004, and she was the vice chairwoman of the board and has served in the past on the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee and the Compensation Committee.

McDermott Will & Emery Announces Christopher Lin Promoted to Partner

CHICAGO - Christopher Lin focuses on mergers and acquisitions and general corporate counseling. (University of Michigan Law School, J.D., 2002; Washington University, B.A., magna cum laude, 1999). The Lin promotion is effective January 1, 2009. McDermott Will & Emery conducts its practice through separate legal entities in each of the countries where it has offices.

"People on the Move" - Louisiana

Tidewater Elects Joseph H. Netherland To Its Board of Directors

NEW ORLEANS - Tidewater (NYSE: TDW) announced the election of Joseph H. Netherland to its Board of Directors for a term expiring in July 2009.

"People on the Move" - Massachusetts

Curt Bloom to Head smartFOCUS International Operations

BOSTON - smartFOCUS, the international multi-channel marketing software company, announced that Curt Bloom has been named President of smartFOCUS International, a new position that reflects the company's increasing investment in the US market. Long a leading European player, smartFOCUS earlier this year bolstered its US presence by acquiring ASTECH InterMedia, supplier of data-driven marketing solutions for the news media industry. Meanwhile, the company has enjoyed continued strong US new business growth, particularly with middle market organizations.

McDermott Will & Emery Announces Schuster Promoted to Partner

BOSTON - Rebecca L. Schuster represents venture capital firms and both private and public companies in the biotechnology and other high-tech industries. Her practice focuses on general corporate, securities, mergers and acquisitions, and venture capital financing transactions. (Boston University School of Law, J.D., 2002; Cornell University, B.A., 1999). The Schuster promotion is effective January 1, 2009. McDermott Will & Emery conducts its practice through separate legal entities in each of the countries where it has offices.

Robin Camara Named Vice President of Human Resources & Administration Harvard Business Publishing

BOSTON - Harvard Business Publishing (HBP) announced that Robin Camara joined the organization as Vice President, Human Resources & Administration. Camara will report to HBP's CEO David Wan and serve on the company's Executive Committee. She succeeds Toni Smit, who is retiring from the VP of Human Resources & Administration role, after an 18 year career with Harvard Business Publishing.

"People on the Move" - New Jersey

Alcatel-Lucent Names Harvey Nash Strategic Outsourcing Partner

PARSIPPANY - The Harvey Nash Group Plc (Harvey Nash) headquartered in London and the parent company of Parsippany-based Harvey Nash USA, announced that Alcatel-Lucent AG (Alcatel-Lucent) selected the global company to be a key strategic outsourcing partner. A new subsidiary company, Nash Technologies GmbH (Nash Technologies), has been incorporated for this purpose and will be a center of excellence providing wireless technology maintenance, research and development services. Revenue generated under the contract is expected to be approximately $65 million over an initial fixed term from October 1, 2008 to December 31, 2010.

Synchronoss Expands Business Development with Appointment to Executive Team

BRIDGEWATER - Synchronoss Technologies, Inc. (Nasdaq: SNCR) the leading software provider of electronic order management solutions to the communications services marketplace, announced the appointment of Daniel Rizer as Executive Vice President of Business Development last month. In his role, Mr. Rizer will lead the direction and execution of Synchronoss' strategic initiatives, mergers and acquisitions, and the creation of new channel development activities. Additionally, Rizer will be responsible for the identification, negotiation and integration of acquisitions, joint ventures, alliances and strategic investments to create shareholder value.“We are extremely pleased to welcome Daniel to our executive management team,” said Stephen G. Waldis President and Chief Executive Officer of Synchronoss Technologies, Inc.

Prominent Business Developers Join HDR CUH2A

PRINCETON - HDR CUH2A announced that Mary M. Williamson in New York and J. Louise McGinnis-Barber, CPSM in San Francisco have joined the firm as Directors of Business Development. With these key hires, HDR CUH2A expects to realize an increase in opportunities in the NY and SF offices in the following fiscal year.

"People on the Move" - New York

Adults in Five Largest European Countries and the U.S. Rate Both Their Government's and Heads of State Handling of Economic Crisis as Poor or Fair

ROCHESTER - As the economic crisis continues to deepen around the world, majorities of adults in the United States (68%), Spain (62%), Italy (57%), and Great Britain (53%) rate their government's handling of the financial global market crisis as poor while a plurality of Germans (43%) and 39% of French adults rate their government's handling as fair. This is one of the findings of a Financial Times/Harris Poll conducted online by Harris Interactive® among a total of 6,257 adults (aged 16-64) in France, Germany, Great Britain, Spain and the United States and adults (aged 18-64) in Italy between October 29 and November 6, 2008.

Michael L. Smith Joins Carestream Health Board of Directors

ROCHESTER - Michael L. Smith, former Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer (CFO) for Anthem, Inc., and its subsidiaries, Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield, has joined the Board of Directors for Carestream Health, Inc. Carestream Health is a world leader in medical and dental imaging and information technology products, molecular imaging systems and non-destructive testing products.

McDermott Will & Emery Announces LEWITTES Promoted to Partner

NEW YORK - Meir A. Lewittes concentrates on private equity, mergers and acquisitions, and securities with a focus on cross-border transactions, private placements, joint ventures, compliance with federal securities laws and general corporate matters. (New York University School of Law, J.D., 2002; University of Maryland, B.A., 1997).

Eric Bolling Named Co-Host of Happy Hour on FOX Business Network

NEW YORK - Eric Bolling joined Cody Willard and Rebecca Diamond as co-hosts of FOX Business Network's (FBN) Happy Hour, announced Kevin Magee, Executive Vice President, FOX News. Happy Hour (5PM-6PM ET) is a daily business news program set inside the Bull & Bear bar at the Waldorf-Astoria Hotel in New York City that provides irreverent banter on the day's market activity in a lively open forum atmosphere. Since joining FBN in March 2008, Bolling has served as a contributor providing daily commentary to Money for Breakfast, America's Nightly Scoreboard and Happy Hour, among other programming. Bolling is also an independent trader based out of the New York Mercantile Exchange (NYMEX) specializing in trading commodities such as crude oil, gold, and agricultural commodities. Prior to this, Bolling served as a CNBC contributor for two years, where he was a panelist on Fast Money. He also was the recipient of the Maybach Man of the Year award at the Trader Monthly Awards in January 2007. FOX Business Network (FBN) is a financial news channel delivering real-time information across all platforms that impact both Main Street and Wall Street. Headquartered in New York-the business capital of the world-FBN launched in October 2007 and is available in more than 40 million homes in major markets across the United States. Owned by News Corp, the network has bureaus in Chicago, Los Angeles, Silicon Valley, Washington, DC and London. On the web at www.foxbusiness.com.

Connie Lindsey elected board president, Davia Temin vice president

NEW YORK - New York City-based Girl Scouts of the USA has elected CONNIE L. LINDSEY as board president and DAVIA B. TEMIN as first vice president. Lindsey, an executive vice president at Northern Trust Company in Chicago, also serves on the boards of the Joffrey Ballet, Women Employed, the Metropolitan Club of Chicago, DePaul University School of Education, and the Chicago Finance Exchange. Temin, president and CEO of marketing consultancy Temin and Company, formerly managed marketing at GE Capital, Schroders Investment Bank, Scudder, Citicorp Investment Bank, and Columbia Business School.

Mike Gelhard Joins Deutsche Bank as Global Co-Head of Emerging Markets Corporate Credit and Special Situations

NEW YORK - Deutsche Bank announced that Mike Gelhard has joined the bank as a Managing Director and Global Co-Head of Emerging Markets Corporate Credit and Special Situations. Gelhard is based in New York and will be responsible for the origination, risk management and distribution of corporate credit throughout Latin America and Eastern Europe, the Middle East and Africa. Gelhard and Global Co-Head Tim Zundel will report globally to Sean Bates, Managing Director and Global Head of Emerging Markets Credit Trading. Gelhard joins the Bank from UBS where he was Head of High Yield and Distressed Credit Trading for Latin America and Asia. Prior to that, he held positions at UBS and Citibank in Sydney, Australia.

Russo Appointed to Alcoa Board of Directors

NEW YORK - Alcoa (NYSE:AA) announced that its board of directors has appointed Patricia F. Russo, 56, a director of the company effective immediately. Russo is the former chief executive officer of Alcatel-Lucent, the world's leading communication solutions provider formed in 2006 by the merger of Alcatel in France and Lucent in the U.S. Prior to the combination of Alcatel and Lucent, she was Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Lucent. She will stand for re-election at the next shareholders meeting in May 2009.

Timothy J. O'Connor Named President of Gramercy Capital Corp.

NEW YORK - Gramercy Capital Corp. (NYSE:GKK) announced the appointment of Timothy J. O'Connor as President. A veteran of the commercial real estate industry, he served most recently as Chief Operating Officer of iStar Financial Inc. As President of Gramercy Capital Corp., O'Connor will assume a broad range of responsibilities, with a particular focus on completing the integration of its Gramercy Realty unit into the Company and producing greater operational efficiencies. Gramercy Realty consists of many of the assets and staff that formerly comprised American Financial Realty Trust, which was acquired earlier this year. The unit manages a portfolio of net lease commercial properties totaling over 29 million square feet.

"People on the Move" - North Carolina

Snyderman Receives Lifetime Achievement Award for Contributions to Prospective and Personalized Health Care

DURHAM - Proventys Inc., a healthcare technology company committed to advancing personalized medicine at the point of care, announced that founder Dr. Ralph Snyderman received Frost & Sullivan's 2008 North American Healthcare Lifetime Achievement Award for his contributions to the field of personalized medicine. Dr. Snyderman accepted the award last month at the 2008 Excellence in Healthcare Innovation Awards Banquet in San Antonio, Texas.

"People on the Move" - Pennsylvania

Charles W. Fischer Joins the Board of Directors of NOVA Chemicals

PITTSBURGH - NOVA Chemicals (NYSE:NCX)(TSX:NCX) announced that Charles W. Fischer was appointed to the Board of Directors of the company. Fischer is President and Chief Executive Officer of Nexen Inc., an independent, Canadian-based global energy company. Fischer will serve on the Human Resources Committee, as well as the Public Policy and Responsible Care Committee of the Board. With the addition of Mr. Fischer, the NOVA Chemicals Board will have 13 members. Fischer will serve on the Human Resources Committee, as well as the Public Policy and Responsible Care Committee of the Board. With the addition of Fischer, the NOVA Chemicals Board will have 13 members. NOVA Chemicals develops and manufactures chemicals, plastic resins and end-products that make everyday life safer, healthier and easier. Our employees work to ensure health, safety, security and environmental stewardship through our commitment to Responsible Care®. NOVA Chemicals shares are traded as NCX on the Toronto and New York stock exchanges.

"People on the Move" - South Carolina

Former VERITAS Executive Joins Unitrends' Board of Directors

COLUMBIA - Unitrends, a leading provider of innovative, integrated solutions that protect and restore critical data and systems, announced the appointment of Mike Coney, a former VERITAS executive, to its seven-member Board of Directors.

"People on the Move" - Texas

C3 Productions is looking for “Dads On The Move” for Father and Daughter relationship building event

SUGAR LAND - Shan Oliver, president and CEO of C3 Productions has signed a marketing package with Aubrey R. Taylor Communications (publisher of Houston Business Connections Newspaper) to promote the C3 Productions “Daddy's Little Girl Valentine's Dance” scheduled to take place on Friday, February 13, 2009 (Highlights). The purpose of the event is to emphasize the importance of the father and daughter relationship. “The father is the first significant man in his daughter's life and he plays a unique and essential role in the development of her self image, confidence, and self esteem,” says Oliver. “This is a time for Dads and Daughters to block out a special night to bond and for dad to serve as a model date to his daughter. This is also an opportunity for C3 Productions to give back and to help enrich and empower the lives of the community, which is C3's main goal and mission,” says Oliver. “C3's concentration for 2009 will be education and mentorship which I feel a critical need for our youth, economy, and our future.” The night will come complete with an evening of dancing, refreshments, entertainment, photographs, door prizes, and every girl registered will take home a gift bag! Pre-registration is $35 per couple; however there is a $10 charge for each additional daughter. Partial proceeds will help support a non profit organization.

Despite the downturn in the economy, Oliver says she is committed to the memory - building event because she personally knows how important it is to develop strong father and daughter relationships and memories. “To have our first African American President and father (president-elect Barack Obama); our first African American First Lady (Michelle Obama); and those two beautiful first daughters (Malia and Sasha) moving into the White House in January, I'm confident now is the perfect time to reinforce to our young ladies that there is nothing on earth they can't achieve.”

“Moms can also participate by helping their daughters to get dressed for their date with dad,” she says. “We realize that moms want to be there to sneak a peek or take pictures, but this is not their night,” she explains. “Their daughters and significant others will tell them all about it! We will also have a professional photographer there to capture the moment for the dad and daughter couples,” she went on to say. “We already have a large group of committed dads who will be attending the 2009 event. And I know there are many more fathers out there who are just as committed to building strong father and daughter relationships as we are.”

For more information on tickets, sponsorship opportunities, or questions email: info@anotherc3production.com or contact Shan Oliver 832-453-9223. If you would like to see a few of the past attendees log onto www.anotherc3production.com. This is an event you don't want to miss!

Temple-Inland Named Mathis Vice-President, Investor Relations and Treasury and Geoff Reid Director of Treasury

AUSTIN - Temple-Inland Inc. (NYSE:TIN) announced that Chris Mathis has been named Vice President, Investor Relations and Treasury, and Geoff Reid Director of Treasury of the company. The company also announced that Randy Levy, its Chief Financial Officer, will assume the additional title of Treasurer. Temple-Inland Inc. is a manufacturing company focused on corrugated packaging and building products. The fully integrated corrugated packaging operation consists of 7 mills and 63 converting facilities. The building products operation manufactures a diverse line of building products for new home construction, commercial and repair and remodeling markets. Temple-Inland's address on the World Wide Web is www.templeinland.com.

Tavis Smiley and Nationwide Insurance Made a Stop in Dallas to Help Consumers Control Their Financial Future

DALLAS - The 2008 Nationwide On Your Side® Tour with Tavis Smiley made its final stop in Dallas, Texas, at the Sheraton Dallas Hotel, 400 N. Olive Street. In the wake of some of the more difficult economic times facing consumers everywhere, the tour helps people learn about ways to empower themselves and enhance their financial future. The event is part of an exclusive partnership between The Smiley Group and Nationwide. “Now more than ever, it is vitally important for consumers to focus on taking the steps to plan for their financial future,” said James Lyski, chief marketing officer for Nationwide. “By partnering with Tavis Smiley, we're engaging the community in very important dialogue regarding financial planning and financial responsibility.”

AT&T to Acquire Centennial Communications, Enhance Service for Wireless Customers and Businesses

DALLAS & WALL - AT&T Inc. (NYSE:T) and Centennial Communications Corp. (Nasdaq:CYCL) announced that AT&T plans to acquire Centennial, a regional provider of wireless and wired communications services, for $944 million in cash. The transaction will enhance AT&T's wireless coverage for customers in largely rural areas of the Midwest and Southeast United States and in Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands.

Frank Hughes and Dean Campbell Announce Their Intent to Retire from RFM Board of Directors

DALLAS - RF Monolithics, Inc. (NASDAQ:RFMI) (“RFM” or the “Company”), a leader in delivering quality RF hardware solutions, announced that two of its existing directors, Francis J. Hughes, Jr. and Dean C. Campbell, have informed the Board of Directors that they intend to retire no later than the end of their current terms and will not seek re-election to the board at RFM's Annual Meeting of Shareholders, scheduled for January 21, 2009.

El Paso Electric Names David W. Stevens Chief Executive Officer

EL PASO - El Paso Electric (NYSE:EE) announced the selection of David W. Stevens as chief executive officer last month. Stevens succeeds J. Frank Bates, who has served as interim president and CEO since February, 2008.

Houston's Aztec Oil & Gas Announced Waylan R. Johnson as New President

HOUSTON - Aztec Oil & Gas, Inc. (OTCBB:AZGS) announced that Waylan R. Johnson has been elected to the position of President. Johnson assumed the position of President last month. Franklin C. Fisher, Jr. will remain CEO and Chairman of Aztec Oil & Gas, Inc. Aztec also announced last month that its corporate offices will remain in Houston, Texas, while the company's operations offices will be relocating to Spicewood, Texas, where they will be headed by Waylan R. Johnson.

ATP's CEO Honored with 2008 Rhodes Petroleum Industry Leadership Award

HOUSTON - ATP Oil & Gas Corporation's (NASDAQ:ATPG) Chairman and CEO, T. Paul Bulmahn, was honored with the 2008 Rhodes Petroleum Industry Leadership Award by the American Society of Mechanical Engineers - International Petroleum Technology Institute (“ASME-IPTI”). The award is the principal award of ASME designed to honor significant contributions to the petroleum industry demonstrated through management and motivational skills, entrepreneurship, innovation and leadership within corporate and industry circles. ASME is a 120,000 member professional organization focused on technical, educational and research issues of the engineering and technology community. Houston-based, the IPTI (Institute) represents: the Ocean, Offshore and Arctic Engineering, the Petroleum Division and the Pipeline Systems Division.

Weingarten Realty Investors Announces $271 Million Joint Venture With Hines REIT

HOUSTON - Weingarten Realty Investors (NYSE: WRI) and Hines Real Estate Investment Trust, Inc. (“Hines REIT”) announced the formation of a joint venture transaction in which a subsidiary of Hines REIT will acquire a 70% interest in a WRI portfolio of 12 high-volume supermarket-anchored shopping centers. The aggregate transaction price is approximately $271 million and the transaction will close on multiple dates. The initial closing occurred last month and included eight of the properties for approximately $205 million, and the purchase of the remaining four properties will be closed upon at the finalization of their loan assumptions. The twelve properties consist of 1.5 million square feet and are located in areas across five states that have very strong demographics with average trade area populations exceeding 100,000 people and average household income exceeding $80,000. These centers are anchored by a diversified mix of leading grocers including Kroger, Randall's (Safeway), H-E-B, Publix, B.J.'s Wholesale and Harris Teeter. Additional anchors include Marshall's, Barnes and Noble, Palais Royal and Stein Mart. The president and CEO of Weingarten Realty is Andrew M. Alexander.

Texas Gov. Rick Perry Appoints Four to Trinity River Authority

AUSTIN- Gov. Rick Perry has appointed four members to the Trinity River Authority, which develops and conserves the surface water resources of the Trinity River Basin.

Karl Butler Appointed By Gov. Perry to Trinity River Authority

AUSTIN - Karl Butler of Dallas is president and CEO of ICC Energy Corporation. He is a member of the Dallas Petroleum Club. He is also a member of the American Heart Association, Salvation Army, and United Way of Metro Dallas boards of directors. Butler served in the U.S. Army and U.S. Navy Reserve. He received a bachelor's degree from Jarvis Christina College. He is reappointed for a term to expire March 15, 2011.

Amanda Davis Appointed By Gov. Perry to Trinity River Authority

AUSTIN - Amanda Davis of Buffalo is an assistant principal in the Buffalo Independent School District. She is a member of the Texas Elementary Principals Association, Science Teachers Association of Texas and Texas Farm Bureau. Davis received a bachelor's degree from Sam Houston State University, and is pursuing a master's in education leadership from Abilene Christian University. She replaces Jerry House of Leona for a term to expire March 15, 2011.

Ronald Goldman Appointed By Gov. Perry to Trinity River Authority

AUSTIN - Ronald Goldman of Fort Worth is president of Ronnie's LLCa and director of Liberty Bancshares Inc. He is a member of the World President's Organization, Fort Worth Airpower Council and Harris Methodist Leadership. He served in the Texas Army National Guard. Goldman received a bachelor's degree from the University of Texas at Austin. He replaces Hector Escamilla of Dallas for a term to expire March 15, 2009.

Texas Gov. Perry Names Betancourt Chair of Texas State Board of Plumbing Examiners, appoints Thompson, Meade, Lilley, to the Board

AUSTIN - Gov. Rick Perry has named Tammy Betancourt of Houston chair of the Texas State Board of Plumbing Examiners. He also appointed three members to the board for terms to expire Sept. 5, 2013. The board enforces plumbing regulations and oversees examinations and licensing of plumbers and plumbing inspectors in the state. Betancourt is executive vice president of the Houston Building Owners and Managers Association. She is a member of the American and Houston societies of Association Executives. Betancourt is currently pursuing a bachelor's degree at the University of Houston.

Thompson appointed to Texas State Board of Plumbing Examiners

AUSTIN - Ed Thompson of Tyler is president and CEO of Thompson Wood Development, Ed Thompson Homes and North Chase Development. He is a member of the National and Texas associations of Home Builders, and the Tyler Area Builders Association. He is also a member of the Tyler Area and Metropolitan chambers of commerce, and the Better Business Bureau of Tyler. Thompson replaces Al Tarver of Nederland.

Meade appointed to Texas State Board of Plumbing Examiners

AUSTIN - Alex Meade III of Brownsville is a principal at P3 Economics. He is a member of the Texas Economic Development Council, International Council of Shopping Centers and South Texas Young Professionals. Meade received a bachelor's degree from St. Edward's University and a master's of business administration from the University of Texas at Brownsville. He replaces John Hatchel of Woodway.

Lilley appointed to Texas State Board of Plumbing Examiners

AUSTIN - Dave Lilley of Wichita Falls is CEO of Trinity Hughes Construction. He is a member of the Texas and Wichita County Bar associations, and the Wichita Falls Board of Commerce and Industry. He is also a member of the Northwest Texas Ducks Unlimited Board of Directors, North Texas Rehab Hospital Ranch Round Up, North Montague Historical Society, and the Construction Specification Institute. Lilley received a bachelor's degree from Texas A&M University and a law degree from the University of Tulsa College of Law. He replaces Tony Cortez of New Cibolo.

Gov. Perry Appoints Hortenstine and Frazier to Texas Council on Alzheimer's Disease & Related Disorders

AUSTIN - Gov. Rick Perry has appointed Carolyn Frazier of Huffman and Rita Hortenstine of Dallas to the Texas Council on Alzheimer's Disease and Related Disorders for terms to expire Aug. 31, 2013. The council facilitates coordination of state services for victims of Alzheimer's disease and related disorders.

Texas Gov. Perry Appoints Garland and Hope to State Office of Risk Management

AUSTIN - Gov. Rick Perry has appointed Lloyd M. Garland of Lubbock and Ruben W. Hope of Montgomery to the State Office of Risk Management for terms to expire Feb. 1, 2013. The office reduces and controls risk by ensuring state agencies' ability to protect their employees, the public and the state's physical and financial assets.

Texas Gov. Perry Reappoints Davenport to Texas Ethics Commission

AUSTIN - Gov. Rick Perry has reappointed Raymond R. “Tripp” Davenport III of Southlake to the Texas Ethics Commission for a term to expire Nov. 19, 2011. The commission is responsible for administering and enforcing laws concerning political contributions and expenditures, political advertising, lobbyist activities and the conduct of state officers and employees. Davenport is an investment banker and vice president of Banc of America Securities LLC. He received a bachelor's degree from the University of Texas at Arlington, a master's degree in international economics, and a law degree from St. Mary's University.

Texas Gov. Perry Appoints Baucom to Texas Medical Board

AUSTIN - Gov. Rick Perry has appointed David Baucom of Sulphur Springs to the Texas Medical Board for a term to expire April 13, 2009. The board protects and enhances the public's health, safety and welfare by establishing and maintaining standards of excellence used in regulating the practice of medicine and ensuring quality health care for the citizens of Texas.

Texas Gov. Perry Appoints Pope and West to Texas Council on Cardiovascular Disease

AUSTIN - Gov. Rick Perry has appointed Sue Pope of Willis and Louis West of Taylor to the Texas Council on Cardiovascular Disease and Stroke for terms to expire Feb. 1, 2013. The council educates, informs and coordinates activities to reduce the human and financial toll of cardiovascular disease and stroke.

Texas Gov. Perry Reappoints Nine to Pharmaceutical and Therapeutics Committee

AUSTIN - Gov. Rick Perry has appointed Sue Pope of Willis and Louis West of Taylor to the Texas Council on Cardiovascular Disease and Stroke for terms to expire Feb. 1, 2013. The council educates, informs and coordinates activities to reduce the human and financial toll of cardiovascular disease and stroke.

Texas Gov. Perry Appoints Pope and West to Texas Council on Cardiovascular Disease

AUSTIN - Gov. Rick Perry has appointed two and reappointed nine members to the Pharmaceutical and Therapeutics Committee for terms to expire Sept. 1, 2009. The committee makes recommendations about the contents of the preferred drug lists.

Richard C. Adams of Plano is director of developmental disabilities at the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center at Dallas and Texas Scottish Rite Hospital for Children. He is a member of the American Academy of Pediatrics, Texas Pediatric Society and Society for Developmental Pediatrics. Adams received a bachelor's degree from Louisiana State University, and a medical degree from the Louisiana State University School of Medicine.

Mario R. Anzaldua of Mission is a physician in private practice. He is a member of the Texas Medical Association and Texas Academy of Family Physicians. He is also a past member of the Mission Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors. Anzaldua received a bachelor's degree from Stanford University and a medical degree from the University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio.

Donna Burkett of Austin is director of pharmacy at St. David's Round Rock Medical Center. She is the current secretary of the Austin Area Society of Health System Pharmacists, and a member of the University of Texas' College of Pharmacy's Dean's Advisory Council and the Round Rock Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors. Burkett received a bachelor's degree and a master's degree in pharmacy administration from the University of Texas at Austin.

Anthony J. Busti of Salado is an adjunct professor at Baylor University and Texas Woman's University. He is a member of the National Lipid Association Board of Directors and the Southwest Lipid Association Board of Directors. He is also chairman of the Texas Medicaid Drug Use Review Board and a member of the Clinical Lipidology Board of Governors Accreditation Council. Busti received a bachelor's degree from the University of the Incarnate Word, and a doctorate degree in pharmacy from Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center.

Harris M. Hauser of Houston is a physician at Memorial Neurological Association, where he is also founder, president and CEO. He is a member of the American College of Psychiatrists, American Academy of Neurology and Texas Neurological Society. Hauser attended the University of Texas at Austin and the University of Houston. He received a master's degree in neurology from the University of Minnesota in Rochester and a medical degree from Baylor College of Medicine.

Daniel Ray Hernandez of Harlingen is a pharmacy manager at Texas Oncology Pharmacy - Harlingen. He is a member of the Texas Pharmacy Association, University of Texas Pan American (UTPA) Admissions Committee and Regional Advisory Council for UTPA/UT College of Pharmacy Cooperative Program. Hernandez received a bachelor's degree from the University of Texas at Austin. He replaces David King of Kingwood.

Bob Hillert Jr. of Dallas is a cardiologist at White Rock Adult Medicine. He is a member and past president of the Texas affiliate of the American Heart Association, a member of the Texas Medical Association, and a fellow of the American College of Physicians, American College of Cardiology and American Heart Association. Hillert received a bachelor's degree from Texas Christian University and a medical degree from the University of Texas Southwestern Medical School in Dallas.

J.C. Jackson of Seabrook is a retail pharmacy manager at Alvin Medicine Shoppe. He is a member of the National Pharmaceutical Association. He is also a member of the Knights of Columbus. Jackson received a bachelor's degree from Texas Southern University.

Dorinda Martin of Austin is a pharmacist and owner of Dripping Springs Pharmacy. She is a fellow of the American Society of Consultant Pharmacists, chairman of the National Association of Community Pharmacists Long Term Health Committee, and a past member of the Texas Pharmacy Association Board of Directors. Martin received an associate's degree from Grayson College, a bachelor's degree from Southwestern Oklahoma State University and a doctorate degree in pharmacy from Rio Grande College of Pharmacy. She replaces Julie Lewis of Frisco.

Valerie Robinson of Lubbock is an assistant professor and director of child and adolescent psychiatry at the Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center. She is past president of the Texas Society of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry and past secretary of the West Texas Chapter of the Texas Society of Psychiatric Physicians. She is also a member of the American Psychiatric Association and American and Texas Medical associations. Robinson received a bachelor's degree from Texas Christian University and a medical degree from Texas Tech University School of Medicine.

Guadalupe Zamora of Austin is a physician in private practice. He is a member of the Texas Medical Association, Travis County Medical Society and Texas Academy of Family Practice. Zamora received a bachelor's degree from St. Mary's University and a medical degree from the University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston.

"People on the Move" - Virginia

American Diabetes Association in Alexandria elects president

ALEXANDRIA - The American Diabetes Association in Alexandria, Virginia, elected R. PAUL ROBERTSON as president of medicine and science at the organization. Robertson, president and scientific director of the Pacific Northwest Diabetes Research Institute and a professor of medicine and pharmacology at the University of Washington, is one of the country's preeminent researchers in the area of abnormal islet function. He previously served on the association's national board and as editor in chief of its research journal, Diabetes.

Information - Election Poll Results

Economic Confidence Continues to Fall as Cash Flow and Business Investment Issues Intensify

The Discover® Small Business WatchSM continued to decline for the third straight month, dropping below 70.0 for the first time since the Watch was established in August 2006. The index fell 3.9 points in November to 67.5.

November Key Findings:

• 44 percent of small business owners have experienced cash flow issues over the last 90 days, up sharply from 38 percent in October. This is the category's highest rating since April 2008, when the same number of owners reported cash flow issues.

• Cash flow difficulties were most pronounced for small business owners whose primary customers are consumers: 49 percent said they had cash flow issues in the past 90 days that caused them to hold off on paying some bills, while only 33 percent of owners who sell business-to-business expressed the same issue.

• 51 percent plan to decrease spending on business development over the next six months, up significantly from 42 percent in October and a record-high for this category; 20 percent plan to increase spending, down slightly from 23 percent last month; and 24 percent are not planning any changes in the next six months.

• 65 percent rate the economy as poor, up 1 percent from October; only 5 percent rate the economy excellent or good, the lowest rating in this category in the history of the Watch.

• 54 percent believe economic conditions for their businesses are worsening, up from 53 percent in October; and only 15 percent feel conditions for their business are improving, which is another record low.

• The number of small business owners who think the U.S. economy is getting worse decreased by two percentage points to 72 percent in November; 8 percent feel the economy is getting better and 14 percent think it is staying the same.

Election Poll: Small Business Owners Want Obama, Congress to Make Taxes a Top Priority

• The majority of small business owners, 29 percent, cited taxes as the top issue they would like to see President-elect Obama and the new Congress tackle first in 2009; health insurance costs came in second, followed by energy costs, 15 percent; inflation, 13 percent; and access to capital, 12 percent.

• Owners remain skeptical, however, that the government can help them: 64 percent said they are not confident the federal government and Congress can address the needs of America's small businesses.

• Looking back on the recent campaign, 47 percent said they felt that Joe the Plumber, aka Samuel Wurzelbacher, was a good representative of the concerns of most American small business owners, 40 percent said he was not a good representative, while 14 percent were not sure.

Holiday Poll: 4 in 10 Small Business Owners Expecting Holiday Drop-off

• Forty percent of small business owners expect to do less business this holiday season than in 2007, while 47 percent expect it to be about the same and 9 percent expect more business this year.

• Most of the small business owners polled for the Watch, 63 percent, said they make less than 10 percent of their annual income during the holidays, followed by 21 percent who make about a quarter of their annual income at this time of year, and 5 percent who make less than half of their income in this season.

Visit Our Bipartisan Political Index - Do It Today!

Click Here: This page displays a bipartisan list of selected (Texas/Harris County) candidates by first name from the 2008 November Presidential General Election; the 2006 November Mid-term General Election; and the 2005 November Citywide General Election who answered the request of the Houston Business Connections, publisher (Aubrey R. Taylor), to tell Harris County area voters why they should choose them on Election Day.

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If you would like to have your business featured inside the upcoming "People Doing Business" series, please call (832)212-8735. You may also e-mail your request for more information or inclusion to the publisher at the e-mail address below.

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Chris Bell - Interview

Chris Bell E-Interview

TAYLOR: Can you tell our readers and the constituents of State Senate District 17 why you're the best candidate to represent them without mentioning your opponent!

BELL: I think the issues that I've addressed in my campaign demonstrate the kind of leadership I can bring to this district. People in Texas want to see real reform in the areas of public education, health care, college tuition, and ethics, and I am the only candidate who has been talking about these issues since the campaign began.

Joan Huffman - Interview

Joan Huffman E-Interview

TAYLOR: Can you tell our readers and the constituents of State Senate District 17 why you're the best candidate to represent them without mentioning your opponent!

HUFFMAN: This is a critical time. Though the Texas economy is stronger than most other states, we are beginning to feel the brunt of the current economic slowdown. Texas needs lawmakers who want to keep state spending and taxes low and who understand that our failure to address border security is not only increasing crime rates, it is also creating enormous costs in our health care and education system.

DECEMBER 2008

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©2008 Houston Business Connections is published by Aubrey R. Taylor Communications

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