EMP-38

Hello EMP-38.

As time passes, we lose touch with an increasing number of our EMP classmates. If you maintain updated e-mail information with Northwestern or Kellogg, you should receive e-mails from me regarding the magazine. I'm using the new e-mail service available to class reps, but I'm also happy to receive information pertaining to our classmates. Thanks to those of you who drop me notes just to say hello, even when you don't have news to report. I enjoy hearing from you, too.

Jeff Felton has accepted a new position with McKesson as president of McKesson's Zee Medical Inc., subsidiary. Zee has been around since 1959 and specializes in providing first aid, safety, emergency preparedness and training services to businesses all over North America-from huge manufacturing plants to neighborhood restaurants. "We have a salesforce of 1,000 van-based representatives who hit the pavement every day to serve their customers and help them keep their workplaces safe and OSHA-compliant." The Feltons are relocating from northern to southern California.

Juanita and Larry Brand EMP-38 in front of the Great Wall.

Larry Brand reports that he and his wife Juanita moved to China for six months this year on a short-term assignment for Motorola. "We lived in a high-rise condo in Hangzhou, which is in South China near the Pacific coast. China is booming right now, with new buildings going up and new highways being built everywhere, especially in Beijing and Shanghai. There is a real entrepreneurial spirit and lots of business opportunities for those with the know-how and resources to make it happen, but after several years of double-digit growth, the government is taking steps to cool down the economy. Hangzhou is one of those "small" China towns with 6 million people in the city and environs. Crime is non-existent and the scenery is very green. Although the natives are trying to improve their English, we had to learn some Chinese to survive our daily trips to the market and taxi rides around town. By the end of our stay, Hangzhou was feeling almost like home and we were very sorry to leave our new Chinese friends."

Larry returned to the United States in a new position at Motorola. He is director in the mobile devices CDMA business: "My specialty is low-tier markets including China!"

Mike O'Dell continues his work as executive vice president of Sears Retail Stores, which includes responsibility for all Sears retail formats. He and his wife Nancy continue to live in St. Charles with their three children who are 9, 12 and 14. Nancy manages the logistics of getting all three kids to their respective schools and their 14 year old just entered St. Charles East and is playing soccer.

MS150 team Mike's Bikes, named for Mike Shelton EMP-38. Front, from left: Michelle Shelton (daughter), Julie Shelton (wife), Maggie Shelton (niece), Wendy Shelton (sister-in-law) Jack Shelton (nephew), Trish Lambrecht EMP-38 (behind gentleman with the sign), Hayley Shelton (daughter) and Katie Shelton (niece).

Trish Lambrecht EMP-38 (after a shower and a beer) and Mike Shelton EMP-38 at the McKinsey tent after day one at the MS150.

This summer I joined the McKinsey Team for the MS150 Ride. This year, McKinsey renamed the team Mike's Bikes for our classmate Mike Shelton. It was a fantastic event and very well supported. The first day was beautiful. Day two started out with some morning showers but the skies cleared for a beautiful finish. Thanks to everyone from EMP-38 who donated to support multiple sclerosis and Mike. The team had a goal of $25,000 and has raised $25,642.

On Sept. 4, our classmate Scott Etzler's picture was on the front page of the Chicago Tribune's business section. The article interviewed Scott about the growth and competition of the conference call business and the role conference calls are playing in corporate communication. Scott says that companies "want things easy and reliable." Scott is the chief executive of InterCall.

Kelley White sent some great news: She and her husband just adopted a little girl named Katie. She was born in Colorado Springs on March 12 and joins big brother Brandon (4) and big sister Hayley (3). She says, "We are busy but enjoying them so much! And still loving Colorado."

A little bird told me that Erick Christensen and his family moved to Chalotte N.C. Erick, where are you?

I continue to see a number of the women from EMP-38. Betsy Finkelmeier, Cindy Vanina and Susan Amato are all doing fine. Mary Bouska continues to keep herself busy at Motorola and Kathy Madison is doing fantastic at HSBC. What about the rest of the women of EMP-38?