EMP-56

Hello Class of EMP-56! The summer is here and it seems our EMP-56 class continues to meet the challenge of implementing strategic change (for ourselves and for our companies) in a challenging and dynamic world economy. Here's our class news:

Thanks to Curtis Smith, Mike Dvorak, Ping Yu, Matt DesRosier and Dave Sulfridge, EMP-56 was represented at the Kellogg Reunion event. All reports are that the business seminars were interesting and the topics very timely. Dean Jain delivered an inspirational message focused on continuing to build a strong Kellogg, providing graduates that make a lasting impact on the world — the best in the world and the best for the world. Yes we are!

Dave Sulfridge has set his sights on a new and very challenging goal — completing the World Marathon Majors. Running over two years, Dave will complete the marathon circuit of Boston, London, Berlin, Chicago and New York. His first of five is in the record books, with a grand celebration for 26.2 miles from Boston's Hopkinton to the Library. Next up is Berlin in September, then New York in November. 2010 will challenge Dave with London in April. He will finish in home-sweet-home Chicago next October. Dave will be training in Brazil, where he's headed soon on a new project for The Warranty Group. Does anyone speak Portuguese? If yes, please call Dave. EMP-56 wishes you a wonderful world adventure and a personal best around every corner. Go, Dave, go!

	Curtis Smith EMP-56 and his family are ready for a lovely Easter day.

Curtis Smith has been working hard as the national account director at Crown Imports, focused on developing strategy and tactical implementation to increase market share for their very tasty beverages. He spent spring break with his lovely wife and son Colby in Charleston, S.C., where they enjoyed some warm southern hospitality and the Masters golf tournament. Growing the business and growing the family — sounds like Curtis will be very busy in 2009!

Scott Corley's projects are right on schedule (personal and professional). The latest Wideload video game, called Texas Cheat'em, shipped on XBox 360 and Playstation 3 in May. It is an online multi-player poker game — and you have to cheat to win! It has been met with high praise from veteran poker players because of its uniquely challenging twist on Texas Hold 'Em. New poker players find that it's a great way to learn poker. Is this an opportunity for an EMP-56 virtual poker tournament?

David Gambino traveled to Tokyo in April to speak at the Oracle OpenWorld Japan conference. Bridging the challenge of communicating in a global forum, David's speech was translated in Japanese in real time so that attendees could listen via wireless headsets in their native language. Congratulations on your success, David!

Jim Clewlow is keeping busy as the CIO and EVP at CenterPoint Properties Trust. The company continues to acquire and develop rail and port-based industrial real estate in markets like Chicago, Houston, Norfolk, Savannah, and Los Angeles, where Jim has been spending a lot of his time.

Vickie Free is doing very well in Atlanta, still working for Turner Broadcasting and now leading the consumer marketing for the young adults and kids media division (Cartoon Network and Adult Swim).

Tim Morrison is among the EMP-56ers who have relocated for a European assignment. Tim continues to work with Ernst & Young and is in the middle of a three-year assignment based in Frankfurt, Germany (voted the eighth best city in the world to live by Forbes). Tim's leadership as a partner in the capital markets group has proven valuable, as the economy makes things interesting for clients looking to raise capital! The whole family — wife Kathy, Elizabeth (9), and Tommy (4) — has been making the most of their central Europe location with trips to Amsterdam, Bruges, Paris, Normandy, Luxembourg, London, Stockholm, Munich, Venice, Berlin, Moscow, Poland, Tuscany and the Ice Hotel. Tim sends out a warm invitation for anyone visiting Frankfurt (if you can catch him at home).

Dan Masterson's world is continuing to grow. He welcomed beautiful baby girl Madelyn Grace to the world on March 18. From a business perspective, Dan's company, EMD, has entered into its first licensing agreement for one of their inventions, and their Guardian Angel outlet and Guardian Angel stroller are the foundation of a start-up entity planned for this summer. No doubt managing two companies (one is focused on new inventions and the other is a juvenile-products manufacturing, distribution and marketing company) and welcoming a new expanded family to his home in Geneva will keep Dan busy. Congratulations from the whole EMP-56 class!

Short Notes: Shumin Wang and her family are doing very well in Shanghai and she sends a warm EMP-56 "Hello!" to the class. Melissa Fabio is touring Europe — look for news and photos in our next edition. And, Christy Wistar is continuing her important work in Africa.