EMP-49

We hope and pray that none of you had any relatives in the Gulf area with the Katrina disaster. I want to apologize to all of you for "no news" provided from EMP-49 for the previous Kellogg World magazine. I had forwarded to Ross all updates provided to me but for some reason it did not get printed. This time we have lots of great news.

Congratulations to Merritt Becker! He was recently promoted to vice president, strategic business development for International Truck and Engine Corporation after four great years managing the Blue Diamond Parts JV between International and Ford. Also, he recently spent time working with Rebecca O'Mara of Caterpillar Remanufacturing. Merritt adds, "It is great to be able to work with a fellow classmate and reminisce about our time in school." Now that his schedule is easing a bit, he will have time to steal beer from the garage of his new neighbor and fellow group F classmate, Bob Cruz. He and his family moved to Batavia in the spring.

Peter Frank has been promoted to vice president and is making lots of cash as of March.

John Garvy writes, "I founded a mortgage company, American Mortgage Specialists, specializing in securing below-market rates for executives/larger mortgages." If any fellow Kellogg classmates have questions about mortgages or mortgage rates, feel free to contact him.

According to Robert Direnzo, Tom Gosline is moving to London with Kraft.

John Hines writes, "Started with Wachovia Securities last August and relocated family from Glenview to Charlotte, N.C." His new position at Wachovia is head of investment-grade debt syndicate. You can contact John at john.hines@wachovia.com.

Shanti Kiran is happily employed by 3Com and moved to Boston. Both he and his wife, Preethi, have positions with 3Com. He is in 3Com's business intelligence area. He is trying to settle down in Boston and finds it hard to leave Chicago after staying in the area for 17 years, especially, leaving behind friends and family. You can contact him at 11 Brook St., Shrewsbury, MA 01545.

Jim Pekarek has recently accepted a job in Cincinnati, Ohio for a company called Cornerstone Brands. He wishes everyone all the best, and he will try to stay in touch with EMP-49.

In February 2004, Eileen Roman left Dean Foods to take a position as chief financial and administrative officer for the Federated Group, Inc. Federated is a privately held company that offers customized, private brand marketing solutions across all food industry trade channels. You can contact Eileen at eileen.roman@fedgroup.com.

Brad Trotter has been busy making babies. Beth Frasco TMP 2000 and Brad Trotter became the proud parents of identical twin girls, Eva Nicole and Madeline Avery, on March 23. All are healthy and growing quickly. Jackson has taken to his role of big brother with exceptional gusto!