Soave: Newsletter Summer 2008

Diversification

Headquartered in Detroit as we are, we often have to make an extra effort to see the rest of the country from the perspective of those domiciled elsewhere. Contrary to some markets, the economic outlook in Michigan is generally negative, the automotive industry is wrestling with powerful challenges, our population is in decline, businesses are down and the unemployment rate is unusually high. Of course, these statistics also mean real human beings are struggling to find work, fuel their cars and feed their families. Times are tough for many. We have been very fortunate so far that the diversification in our portfolio of companies has prevented major layoffs or cutbacks when so many others are facing significant challenges.

Diversification has always been part of the Soave reality. Sometimes due to opportunity, other times due to strategy, and others due to old-fashioned entrepreneurial curiosity, our portfolio’s industry mix has always been a little different than most. It’s true that our compilation of businesses has occasionally raised some eyebrows. What respected business advisor would recommend selling Mercedes, Budweiser, hydroponic tomatoes and number one scrap bundles in the same portfolio? Not many, and they would usually be right. But being diversified by geography, industry, customer base and employee experience and creativity has worked well for us – and we have even had some fun along the way.

This issue of Soave Spectrum nicely illustrates the varied holdings in our company’s portfolio, and the diverse ways our people make a difference in their industries and communities. One thing’s for certain – it’s never dull! We’ve all seen the Soave tagline “What makes us different, makes us better.” Well, sometimes, what makes us better is the fact that we’re also a little different.

Thanks for all you do!

MPS Group Goes Green

For a company founded upon providing “best in class” solutions, MPS Group’s decision to join the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC) reflects its ongoing leadership status within the industry.

“The USGBC is the national certifying organization that issues LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) certifications for facilities, as well as individual certifications of competency,” explains David Barnwell, MPS Group’s Chief Financial Officer. “The importance of these certificates is significant within the construction and facilities management industries – and growing. MPS Group is accelerating its participation in this transformation.”

Construction waste is the largest single component of solid waste in the United States. The decommissioning and demolition work done by MPS Group directly relates to this waste stream. By belonging to USGBC, the company will bolster its network of environmentally concerned service providers to help reduce waste.

“Having already received GM’s 2005 Vendor of the Year recognition for facility management,” Barnwell continues, “we wanted to further strengthen our service menu, relating every activity to an enhanced concern for green issues. A relationship with USGBC helps us respond to the most current customer needs.”

The non-profit organization’s goal is to make green buildings available to everyone within a generation. By issuing LEED certificates, USGBC encourages the adoption of sustainable green building and development practices. LEED is the nationally accepted benchmark for design, construction and operation of high performance green buildings.

“Our business partners are already deeply involved in USGBC,” Barnwell notes. “Interface Americas, a commercial flooring manufacturer that we feature through our Interiors Group, is an active member, and Kenn Rickman from Interface now chairs the Detroit Regional Council of USGBC.”rdquo;

“MPS Group is proud of its contribution to date on LEED initiatives. Several of our customer facilities are now landfill-free, and MPS Group was a major contributor to making this happen,” says Barnwell. “With the help of USGBC, we look forward to further increasing our corporate awareness of green building technology and opportunities.”

As a corporate member of USGBC, MPS Group will be able to utilize the organization’s logo on its literature and place a link on its website.

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A Coveted Repeat for Brambleton

Consistent excellence explains Brambleton’s déjà vu moment at the recent MAME Awards. Presented by the Washington Metropolitan Sales & Marketing Council, Northern Virginia Building Industry Association and the Maryland National Capital Building Industry Association, the 2008 MAME awards recognized outstanding industry peers in a variety of categories.

For the second consecutive year, Brambleton captured the coveted “Community of the Year” Award for projects with 300 or more homes. The Soave master planned community also received honors for Best Landscaping in a master planned community, Best Color Advertisement (half page or less), and Best On-site Marketing Presentation.

Marketing Director Kim Adams attributes much of the community’s success and industry recognition “to incredible curb appeal and the outstanding job our marketing team does. Every visitor who walks into Brambleton is immediately welcomed whether they stop by one of our model homes or come into the new Builder Showcase and Welcome Center. We are proud that competitors benchmark themselves against our high standards.”

Congratulations on this impressive recognition go to the entire Brambleton team.

Soave SPECTRUM is developed and published by Soave Enterprises LLC for and about the employees and the companies owned by Anthony Soave. Entire contents © 2008 Soave Enterprises LLC. All rights reserved; reproduction in whole or in part without permission is prohibited.