EMP-37

Jerry Edwards, EMP 37, doing a little brand marketing in front of ConAgra Food's World Headquarters.

Jerry Edwards writes that he and his wife, Samantha, moved back to Omaha in January. Now in his fourth year at ConAgra Foods — learn more at www.ConAgraFoods.com — Jerry is the director of sales and trade marketing for the Marie Callender brand of frozen prepared food. “Marie Callender is in an exciting phase of growth in 2002 as we expand outside of our Western core markets into the Central and Eastern states. We face strong competition (unlike anything for which EMP varsity basketball prepared me), but having convenient, superior tasting foods to sell will hasten Marie Callender’s success.”

“In my new role I will be traveling extensively. Since Airforce One is the only major carrier that has layovers in Omaha, if you spot me in an airport I’ll probably be in a hurry to make a connection. This year I intend to get caught up with my EMP classmates, so please stop me. If you don’t have time to chat, but find yourself craving the comfort of home-cooking, you’re a perfect candidate for Marie Callender’s...ask me for a coupon. You’ll find Marie Callender in your grocer’s freezer...or I’m not doing my job!” Jerry’s e-mail address is jerry.edwards@conagrafoods.com

Tom Taber and his family have “moved across the pond” and they are now living in Newcastle, England. Tom said they will be there for approximately two years. Tom has assumed the position of commercial director of Pactiv’s European food packaging business. Tom writes: “The business is a $100million division of our company and the hope is that this could be a major growth business for Pactiv over the next several years. My responsibilities take me all over Europe from Poland to Spain; from France to Finland so aside from professional challenges; this is quickly becoming an amazing education in culture as well. The stories to tell… and it’s only been a few weeks.”

Personally, Tom writes: “My wife and two kids are settling in fine. Both children are enrolled in British private schools. They look like little “Harry Potters” with their uniforms. My son is learning rugby and my daughter is trying to teach the English all about cheerleading — no chance, they’re not enthusiastic enough! Hope all is well with my fellow EMPers.”

Tom’s new U.K. number is 011.44.7715.007.060 and his e-mail address remains the same: ttaber@pactiv.com

Tim Stevens has left the world of dot-com, and is now working for the Babcock & Brown investment bank. Tim says it is a great company that he knew from his GE days. He is currently focusing on large asset leveraged leasing, financial advisory and equity placement. Tim’s new e-mail address is: tim.stevens@babcockbrown.com

Reg Davis reports that he changed jobs in December and he is now assistant managing editor for ABA Journal. His new office has a great view of Lake Michigan and the building is just down the block from Kellogg’s Chicago campus. Reg’s new e-mail address is: davisr@staff.abanet.org

Daniel Vodovotz writes that he is now living in Tampa, Fla., as staff urologist at the James A. Haley VA Medical Center and faculty member at the University of South Florida. Daniel, his wife Lili, and their children and grandchildren are all doing well. Daniel gives his best to his fellow EMPers. Daniel’s e-mail address is: dlvodovotz@hotmail.com.

Bharata Chukkapalli reports she is now partner with Micro Information Technologies in Burr Ridge, Ill. Her new e-mail address is: bchukkapalli@mit-consulting.net

Cliff Sladnick is now vice president of acquisitions and business development at Brunswick Corporation and has been very active over the past year, with 10 divestitures and five acquisitions. Cliff’s e-mail address is: csladnick@brunswick.com

Ed Burton mentioned that he was recently elevated to senior vice president of commercial operations for Chicago Title Insurance Company. Ed’s e-mail address is: burtone@ctt.com