The W. L. Jorden acquisition headquartered in Atlanta, Georgia, increased HDR's presence in the Southeast. Corporate activities were dominated by integration of new employees as the result of acquisition activities and Y2K compliance activities. With regard to Y2K, new software is in place and all systems are operating. HDR will continue to upgrade systems and will continue to invest in new technology. The efforts of the corporate staff have been truly outstanding and I could not be more pleased with their dedication to the company.
Training continues to be a key element in our success.
This integrated program incorporates the Dale Carnegie training program with three other hands-on mentoring work sessions. Nine participants will complete the program in the spring of 2000 with plans calling for expansion of this program under corporate leadership next year. One visible sign of commitment to the program is the banner highlighting the TSO departments that are active in this activity. Locally driven programs are the future of TSO, and the Phoenix-based Southwest program has been an outstanding example of what may be accomplished through employee involvement. On a personal note, HDR lost a very special friend and supporter in 1999 when Margre Henningson Durham passed away in September.