The talented team of architects, environmental engineers, industrial hygienists and other skilled professionals at GHP Environmental + Architecture are dedicated to creating safe, sustainable and aesthetically pleasing places to work and live.
Success for David boils down to two main ingredients: collaboration and problem-solving.
With a synergistic management style and a driven desire to learn, David sees every challenge as an opportunity. He is particularly passionate about forging interpersonal connections, developing common goals and turning those goals into realities.
This passion serves him well as he leads operations, ensures organizational alignment and provides strategic oversight across GHP's five offices. David's strategic approach is powered by more than 20 years of experience in the healthcare, higher-ed and commercial office building markets.
Before joining GHP, David held leading roles with Skanska, Yale University and Balfour Beatty. He earned his MBA from George Washington University and Bachelor of Science in Building Construction Management from Purdue University.
Beyond his professional passions, David is an adventurer. With a love for the outdoors and travel, he and his family - including his wife Amanda, three children and regal English Cocker Spaniel dubbed "Duke Patrick" - are always on the move and looking for their next mountain to conquer.
In 27 years, Don has pretty much seen it all.
After getting his start at GHP Environmental + Architecture as an Industrial Hygienist in 1988, Don has taken on several roles and managed dozens of projects, including a multiyear life safety project for the City of Evanston and several demolition projects for the City of Nashville and MDHA.
Now, he's managing projects from initiation to completion for multiple client types and training employees on the best practices and procedures in the environmental field and built environment. He's found the key to a successful team is treating clients and associates with respect and fairness. He trusts his employees to do their part but stays on top of each project so there are no surprises at the end of the day. It's a simple formula for success.
Don might also be a little competitive, but it's only because he wants to do the best work possible for GHP Environmental + Architecture's clients and for himself. After all, he didn't achieve the best half marathon time in the office–1:46–by resting on his laurels.
Pleasing clients is what Mark does best.
As Vice President of Florida Operations and Sr. Manager for the firm, Mark is responsible for assuring all client needs are met for both Architectural and Environmental projects at the Palm Beach Gardens office as well as ensuring the office maintains steady workflow.
That's a lot of accountability for one person, but Mark doesn't break a sweat. He knows good work breed more work. With experience on projects like the Chicago Mercantile Exchange Building, McCabe Golf Course Clubhouse in Nashville and Palm Beach Gardens DoubleTree Hotel and Executive Meeting Center, he lives to overcome challenges, to serve the client and train younger team members to do the same.
Not only is Mark a client service rock star, he's also a well-seasoned traveler. Born in Iowa, he's traveled to all 50 states and 24 countries on four continents. His wife is from Rio de Janeiro while his daughter was born in western Siberia, Russia.
All that worldly experience comes in handy when he's building relationships with people day-to-day and helping them accomplish their goals.
Anita is integral to GHP Environmental + Architecture.
Her motto? Get it done before it's due. No excuses for incomplete.
As VP of Business Development, her duties include identifying and developing clients on a local and national level as well as managing and overseeing the proposal process. With a knack for holding people accountable while motivating and cheering them on, Anita ensures the wheels of GHP Environmental + Architecture never stop turning.
Outside of the office, Anita is usually boating on Old Hickory Lake or arranging photo shoots for her large family of 21. Five children and nine grandchildren will teach you how to organize and motivate people to get things done.
A previous boss once told her she should try her hand at business development – a role in which she would sink or swim pretty quickly.
Anita has been swimming ever since.
Work hard, be honest, and get the job done.
A self-described workaholic, Mike is responsible for assisting GHP Environmental + Architecture team members on various projects, primarily with building forensics. He's originally from Illinois, but quickly got a taste of Nashville life when he shared an elevator ride with Dolly Parton.
What gets Mike up in the morning is knowing he'll be facing a new challenge every day. One day he's managing a roof project from the office and the next day he's scaling a 10-story structure to assess the building envelope. He'll tell you building assessments are no easy task, but it's overwhelmingly satisfying to help a client resolve a complicated, ongoing issue.
Some highlights of his personal career include becoming a partner at age 33 by negotiating more than one million dollars in design fees. Since coming on board he has been integral in developing GHP Environmental + Architecture as a nationally known building forensic studio.
However, Mike says his greatest achievement is yet to come though. He's a glass half full kind of guy.
For Thom, it's all about quality — in life and in work.
It makes sense that one of his most notable professional accomplishments to date has been giving a new life and identity to Nashville's beloved Tennessee Performing Arts Center after 25 years.
Past top projects for the designer include the Opryland Hotel Nashville, Wildhorse Saloon, Bell South Headquarters and Nashville Entrepreneur Center.
As an alum of the University of Tennessee with a degree in Architecture, Thom engages his acquired design expertise, listening skills and love of innovation and quality when approaching any project.
When he's not making Nashville a prettier place, he can be found spending time with his partner Chris, dogs Roxie and Amos and eight horses, which the farm-owner enjoys showing off at Horse Shows.
Rich knows there are two keys to successful projects: attention to detail and good communication.
He primarily works in GHP Environmental + Architecture's Forensics Studio, conducting property condition assessments in the areas of MEP (mechanical/electrical/plumbing) and managing construction projects, resulting from prior Property Condition Assessments (PCA). He also assists other GHP Environmental + Architecture studios with their MEP related issues and acts as a facilitator for projects seeking LEED Certification.
Rich prepped for his role at GHP Environmental + Architecture by earning his Masters degree in Mechanical Engineering from Vanderbilt University. He has worked with owners and operators of hospitals, hotels and office buildings as well as real estate agents and property managers. He always looks forward to building relationships with clients and seeing their satisfaction when the job is done.
Overall, Rich is an outstanding member of GHP Environmental + Architecture's team. He did accidentally "steal" a rental car while at a previous job… Long story short, there was miscommunication between the rental company salesmen and he drove a non-rented car from Houston to San Antonio.
Now you understand why he really appreciates good communication.
David is a man of many talents.
An expert in environmental management, an avid skier and a live music lover, David's passions are as diverse as his skillset. You may have seen him on top of Mount Rainier at 14,410 feet above sea level, at one of the 111 Grateful Dead concerts he's frequented or in the middle of an asbestos decontamination project. Regardless of where David is, you can bet he'll be enjoying it.
Listing fun as one of his core ingredients for success, David approaches each project at GHP Environmental + Architecture and beyond with a great deal of heart. Some of his greatest hits to date include overseeing abatement management and air monitoring of the 465,000 square foot Byron G. Rogers Federal Office Building in downtown Denver––with no notices of violation issued. Additionally, he led the decontamination of an autopsy room after an asbestos-ridden blanket was found on a homicide victim. He also once collected air samples on the Farallon Islands, traveling to work each day by private boat charter. Talk about living the high life.
David earned his Master of Science in Environmental Management from the University of San Francisco after receiving his Bachelor of General Studies in Environmental Studies from the University of Kansas. Having visited all 50 states in the U.S. and 37 countries, David has connected with environments all over world.
We couldn't have said it better ourselves, David.
Katy is passionate about sustainability.
As an accredited LEED© AP Building Design + Construction professional of the United States Green Building Council, Katy leads GHP Environmental + Architecture's Program Management Studio that promotes alternative delivery methods such as Design/Build, Turnkey and Program-Management-at-Risk to existing and new clients.
With more than 25 years of experience in the construction and real estate industries, Katy has managed construction of multi-million dollar healthcare, commercial, retail and industrial projects.
In other words, she's a leader in energy and environmental design.
When she isn't helping GHP Environmental + Architecture further its sustainable building practices through responsible project management, you'll find Katy at the stables with her horses or biking to benefit the National MS Society.
Valiere is our "people person," so it's a good thing she got her degree in psychology.
A born problem-solver, Valiere helps make sure employees feel happy and fulfilled. What GHP Environmental + Architecture does for our clients, Valiere does for GHP Environmental + Architecture.
Over the years, Valiere has helped wrangle GHP's firm of independent workers into a team that works together with processes through her annual training and coordination. Her success comes from being available, open and honest with all employees and fostering an environment that people want to be a part of.
With two young children and a busy schedule, she somehow finds time to manage a 4th – 6th grade choir at church and still be friendly at the end of the day. What can we say? Valiere can make anyone happy.
Sometimes Dustin takes his work home with him.
But only if it's in the form of some really cool, old bricks from the KIPP Academy —Highland Heights renovation project he worked on, repurposed for the reconstruction of his Nashville home.
After a stint living in LA following college — Dustin wasn't a fan — he found himself back in Nashville, where he met the love of his life, ironically a California girl herself.
Now back in the golden state, this time Dustin finds himself responsible for operations at the new San Francisco GHP Environmental + Architecture office locale, an opportunity he is more than happy to be at the helm of.
Since starting as an industrial hygienist for the company back in 2005, Dustin now provides environmental health and safety consulting for a variety of clients in a variety of fields. He values the need for constant communication when it comes to his clients, and relishes the diversity his job allows.
When he's not working hard, Dustin personifies the all-American spirit in the form of watching sports, golfing, hiking, listening to old records, drinking beer and barbecuing.
Ask Meredith what her greatest talent is, and she'll respond with mastering the art of organization. Working with numbers like she does, staying organized is more than just a talent––it's a necessity.
The key to success? Meredith says it's caring about what you do. When it comes to achieving continuous growth, she notes the driving force is her genuine desire to see things work as efficiently as possible. She brings this love of efficiency to every finance project––and it shows.
Outside of work, she enjoys empty-nesting with her husband, Dan, while their two daughters are away in college. Her hobbies include playing one of her 400 board games, dominating ultimate frisbee, traveling to national parks and hiking.
One particular hiking trip brought out Meredith's inner warrior when she and her daughter spent the night on the Appalachian Trail as a bear circled nearby. With only a shovel for protection, they didn't sleep but survived. But we always knew Meredith was a fighter.
Go big or go home. That's Angela's mantra.
Angela is the type that would rather fail while giving 110 percent than play it safe. She did just that as a part-time assistant for our BNA Vision project with the Nashville Airport, and we loved her so much that we had to make her a full-time project coordinator.
As a project coordinator, Angela supports our architectural studio, ensuring the team is prepared for clients and anticipating their needs. Her drive and dedication to excellent client service are what help her exceed within her role, but she'll also tell you she's learned a thing or two about organization and project management as the mother of three rambunctious kids. That Hunger Games themed birthday party isn't going to plan itself.
Angela also puts her artistic, crafty side to use as a painter. She's frequently commissioned to paint custom murals and children's artwork, including a Dr. Seuss wall in her kid's school cafeteria.
A project is only as successful as the report you leave behind.
That's Eric's philosophy anyway. As a senior industrial hygienist, a thorough report is critical. He values a strong work ethic and the desire to provide each client with a report that can answer any question brought up by post-inspection inquiries.
Eric started at GHP Environmental + Architecture in 2002 as an industrial hygiene technician and has been rising through the ranks ever since. He's done everything from performing asbestos surveys in one client's 200+ facilities in an eight-year timeframe to assisting with investigation and remediation of a facility closed due to improper remediation. Eric recently moved to the GHP Environmental + Architecture Accounting Studio.
All that experience cleaning up other people's messes has made Eric an awesome dad. He looks forward to packing the family and their pup Misha in the car every weekend for trips to the park or a day of fishing for bluegill on the bank.
Brian thrives on a healthy sense of adventure.
Whether professionally or personally, he doesn't back down from a challenge. Before joining the GHP Environmental + Architecture Denver team in October 2016, Brian worked on a variety of projects ranging from The Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture to participating in a study of International Air Quality Alerts and even working with the Federal Reserve.
Brian left his home state of Virginia — where he earned his degree in Biological Sciences from Virginia Tech — earlier this year in favor of Boulder, Colorado.
This gives the avid outdoorsman plenty of opportunities to enjoy the great outdoors, where he spends his off hours mountain climbing and skiing with his two brothers.
We're glad to see Brian's life-long love of the environment and outdoors translated into his career. Perhaps it all started when he was 14 years old and got lost in the woods along the Appalachian Trail. One night alone, three bears and an 11-mile hike could turn anyone into an outdoor enthusiast – or scar them for life.
Lucky for us it was the former.
Instead, she opted to combine her creativity with practicality with a career in interior design. Over the last 23 years, the rise of sustainability in design and construction has kept her passionate about the industry and she continues to look for innovative ways to improve human health and well-being in the built environment.
She's used her acute attention to detail to work on mega-yachts, multi-million dollar homes, hotels, restaurants, corporate offices and now healthcare facilities. At GHP Environmental + Architecture, she works on architectural projects to plan and select interior finishes, create production drawings and manage the execution of projects.
As a board member of the U.S. Green Building Council's South Florida Chapter and the Branch Chair for the Treasure Coast Branch, Tammy is LEED AP certified in Building Design and Construction and regularly works on LEED certification projects.
That's industry jargon for you'll want her on your team.
Helping clients turn their visions into realities. That's Tim's favorite part of the job.
And he happens to be really good at it.
Bringing 30 years of professional experience to the table, Tim expertly leads project teams, coordinates with stakeholders and provides hands-on client service. With a passion for problem solving, he has a track record of successfully managing expansive, complex projects on fast-track timelines.
Tim's key to success? Open, honest communication. A trait he has championed in projects spanning from New Zealand to Nashville.
In his previous role with Gresham Smith, Tim strategically managed noteworthy projects including the Rutherford County Justice Center, Lifeway Christian Resources Headquarters, Madison Square Development, Ramsey Solutions Headquarters and the 14-acre Nashville Yards Development that was instrumental in recruiting Amazon to Music City.
A native of Omaha, Nebraska, Tim earned his Master of Architecture and Bachelor of Science in Architectural Studies from the University of Nebraska. Now a Nashvillian, he, his wife Helen and two daughters are still Nebraska "Huskers" at heart.
The arts are what drive Annelise.
For 20 years, Annelise swapped pointe shoes for piano keys. Eventually, she transferred this passion for classical ballet and piano to a different art––interior design.
As an interior design graduate at GHP, Annelise handles space planning, schematic design, project development and specifications. Earning her Master of Interior Architecture from Florida International University, Annelise had a hand in a variety of design projects including a model guest room for the Bay Harbor Hotel. There are now 30 guest rooms in the hotel with that same design.
And Annelise isn't one to back down from a challenge––like that one time she amputated part of her finger while building an architectural model for a final exam. After being rushed into surgery, she still managed to make her final presentation. Did we mention she got an A?
In her spare time, Annelise is whipping up new vegan recipes for her cooking website. She's also a movie buff, a yogi and loves line dancing.
Javier has a life résumé that would rival that of the World's Most Interesting Man.
The Texas Tech University grad served in the U.S. Navy for more than 15 years. He has seen war, been around the world a few times, climbed mountains, swam oceans and escaped his fair share of hurricanes.
Perhaps that's why his favorite assignment so far has been the Marriott IAQ project, which allows Javier to travel to different cities all over, giving him the perfect opportunity to check out the local history and even do some networking along the way.
When it comes to his work, and his life, Javier gets the job done and gets it done correctly. If he doesn't know the answer, he finds it. With Javier, every client gets treated with equality and respect.
Javier relishes his downtime spent with his wife of 13 years, Monica, their girls, Kianna and Ava, and their boxers, Tyrion and Stannis. And yes, those are the names of Game of Thrones characters.
One word of caution: Don't mess with Javier's beloved San Antonio Spurs.
Amber knows big things often have small beginnings.
That's why she always works hard right out of the gate to ensure the success of a finished project. She chose a career in GHP Environmental + Architecture's Forensic, Environmental and IT Studios because she loves a challenge. She's constantly pushing herself to learn as much about the industry as possible and so far, so good. She's one of the brightest on our team.
Amber is an easy-going Nashville native, but don't think that means she's lax when it comes to her work. Her method of success is staying involved and on top of what a project needs (and what it doesn't) to meet a client's goals. She works closely with each project's leaders to create a smooth process for the client from start to finish.
Amber's personal goal is to make every day a happy day. Her loyal albeit goofy Boxer named Norman helps with that as he's always waiting to greet her with a big sloppy kiss when she gets home.
Our Industrial Hygiene Technician position marries science and travel. Good thing Adam has experience in both.
While pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Biology from Texas State University, he researched Hantavirus found in Neotoma (that's science jargon for pack rat). Over the two-year period, he trapped and dissected 400 rodents to acquire testable material for the study. That shows a real dedication to science, Adam.
Having moved 16 times before college and never living anywhere more than two years, traveling is no biggie for Adam. These days, he's frequently spotted toting his suitcase around Texas, Arkansas and Missouri.
Adam is a determined worker. Every day he comes to work to soak up as much info as he can. According to him, there is always something to learn or a method that can be further perfected.
When he's not traveling for work, he can usually be found at a local San Antonio music venue checking out a new band after a full day of kayaking.
Entrepreneur, snowboard instructor, crocodile bait. You might even call him MacGruber.
Chip is a man of many talents with a passion for life that translates into a passion for work. Whether dodging a hungry crocodile on a Costa Rican surf trip or partnering in the design of an automated ground vehicle manufacturing line, Chip doesn't do anything half-way.
As Director of the Environmental Studio at our Florida office, Chip oversees projects in the environmental studio for GHP Environmental + Architecture's Florida operations where he lives out his definition of success: exceeding customer expectations while delivering a quality product at a fair price.
After earning his Bachelor of Science in occupational safety and industrial hygiene management, Chip graduated with an MBA, which he used to start a painting business that expanded across multiple states.
One part ambitious and two parts adventurous, Chip enjoys taking on challenges. Challenges like introducing cutting edge controls to exposure reduction projects, developing a global corporate management system still in use to date or winning the Institute of Industrial Engineers' International Ergonomics Cup.
Simple words, but Chip is far from a simple man.
Since joining GHP as an industrial hygienist technician, we've noticed Kortney has a knack for making the world a better place.
It's the humanitarian side of his job that Kortney most enjoys. He spends his days assessing air quality, mold, asbestos and water damage of hotels, schools and businesses––improving the safety and wellness of the community one space at a time.
Kortney's favorite quote? "We make a living by what we get, but we make a life by what we give." We know, it suits him well.
Leaving his beloved hometown of Itta Bena, Mississippi to move more than 700 miles to San Antonio, we are proud to have Kortney on our team. Sure, Itta Bena seems like a nice place with its feature in the hit movie "O Brother, Where Art Thou." But Kortney is now an adopted San Antonian. Welcome home, Kortney.
Crystal is a highly organized and motivated individual.
Since joining the company back in 2014 as an administrative assistant in the San Antonio office she's used her skillset to work her way up to the role of project coordinator, first in the San Antonio office and now in the Nashville office.
Crystal coordinates projects for the GHP Environmental + Architecture National Environmental team by assisting with proposals, documentation, and tracking projects to completion. She is an integral part in GHP Environmental + Architecture's emergency response projects as well. Crystal continues to be a point of contact for client inquiries and concerns such as billing matters and specific project paperwork.
Crystal derives passion for her work from the excellent sense of camaraderie that GHP Environmental + Architecture possesses as well as the valued opportunity to learn from her peers. She is skilled at streamlining processes and implementing change for maximizing efficiency.
On a personal level, she's a mom to a pug called Alfred Pennyworth, named after Batman's butler, of course. And although dedicated to the San Antonio Spurs and Dallas Cowboys, as a new resident of Nashville she's taking on the Nashville Predators as a new team to cheer for.
Kelly does what it takes to make sure a project is done and done well.
With a background working for the U.S. Department of Navy and the U.S. Department of Air Force, you could say she's organized and regimented to ensure her projects run smoothly. Her past life in human resources and degree in psychology from Gonzaga also give her the people skills necessary to make things happen while being well liked.
As a project coordinator, Kelly supports our team to ensure tasks are completed efficiently and smoothly.
She's up for any challenges too. She once drove from Pennsylvania to Texas with an eight-week-old puppy and hosted her parents and their dog for an extended stay in her three-bedroom home along with her family of five and their Siberian Husky. Oh, and she has three children, two of which are twins. We told you she could handle a challenge!
Stephen pays attention to the details.
That's one reason we're glad he's stuck around since being hired in 2001. As a senior Industrial Hygienist and environmental scientist, Stephen manages and assists with the preparation of legal cases as well as provides expert testimony and consultation on sampling methodologies and procedures.
He helps hold down the fort at the company's Texas office in his hometown of San Antonio. Also home to the college where he earned his degree in physics and environmental science—the University of Texas at San Antonio.
His favorite parts of the job are the various legal clients and working on exposure doses. Let's just say the man enjoys what he does.
Earl is a team player, and he has been his whole life. That's one of the benefits of being born a twin––you learn to share early on.
Biological sciences and environmental conservancy have always interested Earl, and in September 2018, he joined GHP as an industrial hygienist. What can we say, we like seeing employees live out their dreams.
Fun fact about Earl is that he was born in Aruba before his family moved to Lake Ontario. Now, Earl calls Middle Tennessee home.
His favorite off-the-clock hobby is catching live theater, but he doesn't just watch it. Singing and acting in Nashville's community theater, Earl also enjoys singing in his church choir. Whether investigating environmental building issues or taking to the stage, Earl's passion shines through.
Robert plans to be a legend one way or another. While he might be failing at becoming a rock star in Music City, he's succeeding at architecture and hopes his work will outlive him.
Robert joined GHP Environmental + Architecture in 2017 on the architecture team and he's been plugging away at design and production for our hospitality and education clients. From high-rise hotels to divinity schools he's working hard to ensure his efforts as a member of GHP Environmental + Architecture's architecture team become his legacy.
Did we mention he's creative? Whether it's playing the piano, drums, guitar or bass, Robert's idea of fun is using his musical talents to produce music in his own recording studio. We just hope he sticks with his day job because he's shaping up to be a legendary architect.
Teamwork makes the dream work, Jae Lee always says.
Actually, he's never said that, but he does live by it. Jae believes a successful project is defined by achieving both individual and team goals – an ideology he picked up from 2.5 years in the U.S. Air Force.
During his time in the military, he translated Korean/English documents for Homeland Security while ensuring environmental health was up to par on three major headquarters and 34 Air Force bases worldwide. He carries the Air Service core values of "Integrity First, Service Before Itself and Excellence in All You Do" into his work at GHP Environmental + Architecture every day as he performs Hazard Risk Assessments in construction zones at hospitals and other buildings.
Outside of work, Jae has received several awards as a dedicated Tae Kwon Do instructor and he can hold his breath for 100 seconds under water, which basically makes him the coolest guy in our Denver office. Thanks for bringing up our cool score, Jae.
A passion for public health and safety is what inspires Ben each day.
As an Industrial Hygiene Tech in our Denver office, Ben believes a consistent approach to organization, communication and setting standards that get the job done effectively and on time is the key to success with any project.
A native to Denver, Ben's never found a good enough reason to leave the rocky landscapes of Colorado behind. He spends much of his spare time with his family enjoying the beautiful outdoors and various adventure activities.
JP doesn't like to micromanage.
He likes to stay involved with his team while allowing them to show him what they've got. As a project manager in environmental, JP runs projects dealing with mold, asbestos and lead-based paint.
His main project these days, though, involves working on the leveling of six city blocks to make way for the construction of a new hospital in Florence, Alabama. Asbestos abatement, hazardous materials clean up and demolition of structures were involved.
The interesting and ever-changing nature of this work has driven JP's passion for what he does. In fact, his varied employment history, including construction, sales and project management has perfectly paved the way to this very spot.
The Lipscomb University grad moved to Nashville from Glasgow, Kentucky for college and decided to stay. He lives with his wife, three kids and their cats, Brown and Mary, and indulges his love of sports with tennis, golf and fishing in his off hours.
Creative. Loyal. Trustworthy. These traits are Karrie's calling card.
As a Project Coordinator/Office Manager, Karrie is a linchpin of GHP's Florida studio—managing everything from project setup to office administration.
Her philosophy is to "check and re-check," seeing all tasks through to completion. A team player, Karrie joined GHP after experiencing its family-like environment which she continues to cultivate across studios.
Her talent for creating environments can also be seen in her love of woodworking and customized décor. From building signs to refurbishing furniture, Karrie enjoys decorating spaces with hand-painted and hand-crafted touches. In her spare time, she can also be found hunting, fishing and horseback riding.
That's the kind of spirit we're glad to have on our team.
Behind every great company is a great accountant.
With thirteen years of professional experience in accounting, business administration and management, Brianna has a passion for numbers. A self-proclaimed perfectionist, she values organization, efficiency and detail. She also possesses a demonstrated ability to develop and maintain comprehensive operational processes that improve the efficiency of daily and long-term operations.
Analytical to the core, Brianna was a born fit for the role of AP Analyst where she enjoys analyzing records and viewing data from a micro and macro level.
Earning her bachelor's degree in business administration from Cal State Fullerton, Brianna is an Orange County, CA native. After living in New York, she now calls Nashville home. When not pouring over spreadsheets, you may find Brianna cooking, reading, hiking or soaking up country music with her family.
After all, she is a Nashvillian now.
Tom is a stand-up guy.
Whether his latest project is of an educational, municipal healthcare or residential nature, Tom is all about communication and catering to the needs of his clients. He likes to think outside the box and takes full advantage of his artistic side in the hopes of leaving a healthy list of legacy-worthy design efforts in his wake.
Tom has worked on everything from Metro Nashville Fire Stations to the KIPP Academy Nashville's renovation and addition at the Highland Heights historic school building in East Nashville—all of which are LEED certified.
With a strong background in school projects, Tom loves doing his part to ensure the future of our youth.
That includes his own brood — son Adam, daughter Corey, 2-year-old granddaughter Lauren and cats Peanut and Maggy.
When it comes to big projects, Andrew's the guy you want on your team.
Andrew joined GHP Environmental + Architecture with a wealth of experience leading projects such as the abatement of the Westminster Mall, a 200,000+ square-foot mall in Westminster, Colorado, and several building inspections at the U.S. Air Force Academy where he was tasked with collecting samples above the ceiling while cadets were having lunch below – we hope everyone covered their plates.
He's also conducted similar inspections for the Southern Ute Indian Tribe where business trips included stays at their casino in beautiful Southwest Colorado. Talk about work perks.
At GHP Environmental + Architecture, he oversees our industrial hygiene projects and credits his success to his diligence and ability to stay on task to see things through. He prides himself on keeping clients well informed and up-to-date on all aspects of a project so it's always clear what the next step is.
Off the job site, Andrew is usually fishing in one of Colorado's beautiful rivers. One time, he had to fight an otter over the biggest rainbow trout he's ever seen, but in the end he took home the prize. Don't worry, the otter turned out ok too – Andrew stayed to watch him play around in a nearby stream pool and grab his own catch.
Seeing a plan on paper transform into a three-dimensional structure or improved built environment is a process that continues to enthrall Diann to this day.
And it's a process she experiences almost daily. As the Environmental Coordinator for GHP's Florida office, Diann serves as the piston in the engine that powers GHP's environmental team forward.
Having worked with clients ranging from sports figures and captains of industry to Hollywood stars and average Joes, Diann says her favorite part of the job is the diversity each person brings to the table. She notes there is always something to learn from everyone if you stop and listen.
With this inclusive perspective, Diann excels at creating a team atmosphere and attributes a team's ability to work together as a key ingredient to success.
A New Jersey native, Diann has called Florida home for nearly two decades with her son and her pup—a "15-pound ball of fluff." When not keeping GHP's team and projects on track, she can be found testing new recipes in the kitchen with her son, exploring the U.S., volunteering in her community and taking on the competition in mini-golf. She once even got a hole-in-one with the helping hand of a squirrel.
But we'll let her tell you that story.
Dale credits his success to three things: hard work, determination and dedication.
As a project manager with a background in construction, he understands the importance of building trust with his team and instilling them with the confidence to overcome any challenges that arise during the course of a project.
Over the years, he's mastered several different project areas from turnkey asbestos abatement and mold remediation to environmental surveying and indoor air quality assessments. The satisfaction that comes from completing projects on time and under budget for clients like Hospital Corporation of America, Community Health Professional Services Corp. and Host Hotels is what gets Dale out of bed every morning.
In addition to his professional talents, Dale's not a bad poker player either. He enjoys playing an occasional hand or two as well as hiking, mountain biking and fishing on the weekends.
Just don't challenge him to a game of corn hole or darts. You won't win.
Mike likes to anticipate red flags before they ever become problems.
His approach is detailed and forward-thinking, identifying potential issues, tackling challenges up-front and incorporating solutions into the final result.
It's a strategy that has been key to success in projects spanning nearly every industry, including developments like the Palm Beach County Convention Center, CityPlace's 20-story office tower and the Florida Conference and Cultural Center which earned Mike AIA's Award for Excellence.
As GHP's Senior Project Manager, he oversees architectural projects through all phases of drawings and construction. The knowledge that many of these structures stand the test of time and help forge a community and a client's history inspires Mike daily.
A native of Jupiter, FL, he earned his Master of Architecture from Tulane University and now once again calls the Sunshine State home with his wife, two sons and cat named Ruki. When not at the drawing board, you may find Mike paddleboarding in the ocean or snow skiing in the Rockies.
Either way, he enjoys a challenge.
The world is a puzzle waiting to be solved. At least, it is according to Jade.
This love of puzzles is what first drew her to space planning and interior design––learning what makes spaces and their occupants tick and then putting that knowledge into action. And she says it's an added bonus that her path at GHP gives her the opportunity to impact the environment in positive ways.
Having earned a Bachelor's degree in human environmental sciences with an interior design concentration from the University of Alabama, Jade is passionate about designing spaces that are as healthy and high-functioning as they are aesthetically pleasing. She also graduated from Florida International University (FIU) with a master's degree in interior architecture and a certificate in cruise ship and super yacht design. A precursor to this certification, one of Jade's first claims to fame came when she won FIU's Festival of the Trees scholarship for best yacht interior design.
As Graduate Interior Designer, Jade works closely with the architecture team to craft tailored construction and design options for projects while conducting site visits and field reports. When asked what the key is to success on the job, she said it all comes down to a positive mindset.
And we're pretty positive Jade is going to help us design the world for the better.
Eric has always had an interest in environmental issues.
That's why he decided to study Environmental Science with a concentration on Environmental Policy at Carthage College in Wisconsin. Combine his brains with a passion for helping clients solve their dilemmas and keep everyone safe at the same time, and it is obvious why he's excelled as an industrial hygienist at GHP Environmental + Architecture.
Eric knows the key to successful projects is reliability. He believes in setting expectations with the client and then meeting them – every time. So whether he's performing a mold assessment or measuring moisture levels, Eric maintains clear communication with the client and ensures GHP Environmental + Architecture delivers what was promised and then some.
Eric's passion for the environment follows him outside of the work place. On the weekend, Eric is usually hiking and camping with his high school sweetheart turned wife or reveling in his college days as a track and field athlete. He's rumored to throw a mean discus to this day.
David's one of those creative types – in the best kind of way.
At GHP Environmental + Architecture, David gets to draw every day. But he's not just sketching cartoons or bowls of fruit. He harnesses his creativity and elite artistic skills to produce the architectural drawings from which buildings are built. It could be said that without him, there are no buildings to inspect, analyze or remediate, so David is essential to the GHP Environmental + Architecture team.
Each one of David's projects is unique with its own set of challenges. He'll be the first to tell you, "this is not for the faint-hearted or the widget maker." He takes personal responsibility for every project that crosses his desk, demanding from himself and his colleagues that each one be the best project GHP Environmental + Architecture has ever produced.
High expectations, high results. We like it, David.
On a personal note, David is a family man. He enjoys spending time with his wife of 21 years, his two daughters and his church family.
Solving problems and creating efficiencies is Laura's bread and butter.
From architecture to IT to forensics to security consulting, Laura's professional journey has taken many twists and turns––but her passion for innovation is the common thread. Having built software programs for architects in LISP, she was also awarded research grants for "Innovative Design Thinking" during her work at Sundance Laboratory for Advanced Computing and Design where she presented on multi-user urban design in Munich, Germany. And we have it on good authority she's been named "Best Mom Ever" for several years running.
Beyond this growing list, Laura says her greatest achievement is maintaining long-standing professional relationships based on mutual respect, integrity and client-focused, team-oriented results.
Having earned her bachelor's degree in environmental design from the School of Architecture of at the University of Colorado Boulder, Laura is also working on her Master of Science in Computer Information Systems from Boston University. But her greatest teacher? Laura notes there's a lesson in every success, every failure and every challenge.
As Executive Assistant, Laura keeps GHP running. Having first joined GHP as an Architectural Intern and risen through the project management ranks, Laura now identifies and addresses the needs of the CEO to keep the company operating smoothly.
Did we mention a UFO is rumored to have landed on her family farm? She's a woman of many stories, many talents and many interests––but with a singular commitment to honest, thoughtful living that makes her right at home at GHP.
Michelle hit the ground running when she joined the GHP Environmental + Architecture team back in November of 2013.
Her first assignment? Being immediately placed on the Nashville Sounds Ballpark Project Management team. Now, Michelle fancies herself more of a "floater" by bouncing from the architecture to the environmental studio. Her excellent communication skills and years of environmental management experience help her keep projects on track.
An avid environmental lover since high school, Michelle took things to the next level when she got her degree in geological sciences from the University of Tennessee. She's passionate about helping change our way of life for the better—without giving up our quality of life. Her foundation of environmental responsibility runs deep.
She spends her weekends with her husband Doug (whom she met during the Sounds Ballpark project!), daughter Bella and son Milo. She loves cooking, gardening and hanging out with family and friends. We hear she's a pretty good nature photographer too.
Helping people is Jenny's passion. Whether she's creating efficiencies, streamlining workloads or sharing her pumpkin bread recipe, she enjoys improving lives and optimizing projects.
She credits this passion for her success—along with a hunger for knowledge, keen attention to detail and coffee. Lots of coffee. Her love of coffee is so strong that when she first welcomed her daughter into the world, her son was convinced Jenny had gotten his new sister at Starbucks. You could say Jenny's two children are coffee lovers in the making.
Having formerly worked for Kaiser Permanente, Jenny has extensive event and project management experience, including managing an annual nursing conference for Kaiser Permanente's entire Colorado base. A pro at overcoming obstacles, Jenny's ambitious and outgoing spirit mobilizes her team and herself to make visions realities.
A Denver native, Jenny is a die-hard Denver Broncos and Colorado Rockies fan, but she's not afraid to cross lines and cheer for the Golden State Warriors. However, married to her high school sweetheart of 11 years, Jenny's favorite squad is the Mom squad.
David joined GHP in August 2018 and now plays a key role in our Florida office. His job entails a wide range of responsibilities––asbestos inspections, air monitoring, moisture mapping and mold assessments. In fact, that's why David loves his job; every day is a little different than the one before it.
Outside of work, if he's not playing with his dachshund, Rollie, and two guinea pigs, Kelly and Leo, you can catch him in his favorite spot: the outdoors. Born and raised in South Florida, David is an avid fisherman and also enjoys biking and running. Whether on the job or in the fishing boat, he's environmental expert through and through.
Hard work and determination are Rachel's calling cards.
As GHP's office coordinator, the day-to-day operations lie in Rachel's hands. And lucky for us, she holds a tight grip. One of Rachel's core motivations is the joy of seeing the fruits of her labor, making her a pretty rockstar employee. You can spot Rachel around the office by her unique combination of an iron will and a friendly smile.
Life stays pretty busy for Rachel, even after work hours. She and her husband, Jesse, dedicate most of their time to raising their two young children––along with their two cats and a dog. When off work and mom-duty, you might also run into Rachel at one of Music City's many concerts.
On a side note, Rachel grew up riding horses, while also raising a steer and five pigs in high school for FFA. If you ever need a livestock expert, you might want to give Rachel a call. She's a woman of many talents.
Ryan is the numbers guy at GHP Environmental + Architecture.
The go-to person for all AP questions, he also processes AP invoices, weekly check runs and audits expense reports.
He even streamlined the Accounts Payable process, working with vendors to go paperless. The environment thanks you for that one, Ryan.
His secret to enjoying his job and coming through for his team: being honest and having patience. We couldn't have said it better ourselves.
When he's not helping crunch the numbers for us, the Michigander is hanging out with his wife and twin girls, all while squeezing in the occasional golf game.
Eugene joined GHP Environmental + Architecture in May 2015.
With a multidisciplinary background in architecture, engineering and construction, he assists the architectural, forensics and environmental teams through his role as associate project manager.
Having actively worked in all phases of a project. Eugene has a unique advantage when it comes to understanding and dealing with issues that arise mid-project.
He's primarily worked in the healthcare industry, which means no two jobs are ever the same. His degree in applied science and architectural technology from Southern Illinois University has prepared him for such challenges.
Creating something from nothing has always been a passion of his.
When he isn't bass fishing, Eugene is usually taking his sport bike to area track day events at Barber Motorsports or the National Corvette Museum's Raceway.
Artist or architect? In Robby's book, they're one and the same. Echoing Frank Lloyd Wright's words that "the mother of art is architecture," Robby doesn't simply design buildings, he helps craft their cultures and souls.
As a Graduate Architect, Robby puts his skill—and his passion—to work creating the drawings and renderings for GHP Environmental + Architecture's various projects. Defining success as when both he and a client are pleased with the final product, Robby is determined to make every project his best project.
Whether designing a city on Mars during his architectural studies or mastering Dungeons and Dragons with his friends, he's a man who enjoys redesigning the box, exploring new worlds and thinking through fresh challenges. It's a thirst for adventure that has served him well—and has inspired his '40 Before 30' goal of visiting 30 national parks before he turns 30. With 12 parks down, he's feeling pretty confident.
A Texan-turned-Tennessean, Robby also admits to being a cat person, but we don't judge. His passion and his vision more than make up for it.


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Grantham University Announces New Degree in Performance Improvement
By Grantham University
Kansas City, Mo. – July 14, 2010 – Grantham University, www.grantham.edu, an online university specializing in educating working adults, announced today that it is adding a Master of Science in Performance Improvement (MSPI) to its curriculum. This program will provide students with advanced skills in organizational resource management. Students are prepared to manage complex organizational challenges through performance improvement strategies and are adept at analyzing an organization, generating strategies to maximize performance and implementing solutions.
"Our new program in Performance Improvement blends the disciplines of human resource management, training and development, organizational development, and human performance technology" said Ms. Rhonda Corwin, dean of Grantham University's Mark Skousen School of Business. "In light of the economic uncertainty and continuously changing regulatory requirements business are facing, we need highly talented individuals who can lead organizational changes and improve human performance."
In today's business world, there is a demand for qualified professionals who are able to utilize human performance technology to improve organizational productivity. The Master of Science in Performance Improvement is ideal for those pursuing advanced training related to organization and human performance or consulting positions in the government and corporate sectors.
Grantham University's online degree programs are designed with busy working professionals in mind. The flexibility of its programs allows students to study when and where it is convenient for them.
For more information about the Master of Science in Performance Improvement degree, visit: www.grantham.edu or call 1-888-947-2684.
Grantham University Awards $7,000 in Scholarships through the Imagine America Foundation
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Try a relaxing QUEEN bedded non view room – an economical opportunity to visit Catalina. Guests enjoy the ocean breezes and experience the uniqueness of Island life. Clean, efficiently planned for two people for a getaway or a romantic package option.


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A Micro-Moment Filled Karma Kitchen!
What a gift to be at Karma Kitchen on the once-every-four-years day when February 28th is the second to last day of the month! From start to finsih, our circle of 14 volunteers quickly transformed into a humming team that collectively served 110 guests!
With an enthused crowd streaming in at 11AM, we hit the ground running as Rezwan jumped right into his first table of nine guests! Mimi instantly embodied her "savior" role-- finding the missing forks and filling in all gaps with a never-fading smile! Jon kept all his tables beaming as he serendipitously ran into multiple acquaintances, as Eva and Brandon zigzagged the restaurant, clearing tables and delivering orders with Olympian agility!
At any given moment, so many micro moments of care were transpiring before us. When a guest's cup of gratitude overflowed into a Rumi poem performance, Eva stepped-up the goodness by inviting our poetic performer to lead us in a "Happy Birthday" song for one young man who came with his parents. Shortly after, without skipping a beat, the birthday boy's mother nudged their elegant cake into my hands and said, "This is for all of you volunteers!" It made me think-- if I had walked into any regular restaurant, it would be highly unlikely that a random guest would instantly share her birthday cake with a bunch of strangers. But on this day, in this way, were were family. They had come at a peak hour, had never heard of Karma Kitchen, and the only seats available were at the corner of the Community Table. Yet something about the spirit in the air, and perhaps the intention to simply grow in generosity, with no strings attached, lit a spark in their eyes, and a down-to-earthness in their hearts that made it so easy to connect, so humbling to remember how we are all in this thing called life together, often in ways that don't meet the eye.
Meanwhile, behind the counter, our interface Vishesh did everything (though he claims to have "done nothing"). And in the kitchen, Zeenia transformed the swirling stream of orders into love-in-action while Navina and Cathy poured endless goodwill into each plate that went out. Karen and Tiffany made art out of an assortment of delectable desserts (including one guest's offering of homemade cupcakes)! On top of it all, Jerry's dedicated attention to detail and Saourubh's can-do attitude invisibly grounded our whole team as their high-quality dishwashing kept us going strong!
Even after our closing circle, everyone's collective energy made for an effortless clean-up that left the restaurant shining. As the last few pots were soaped and put through the sanitizer, one volunteer (who'd been our star dishwasher the whole day!) noted, "I should do this more at home." Me too, I thought.
Whether in the form of dishes, or serving up food, or simply finding small ways to make someone smile-- the spirit of generosity is contagious, and I'm left with a simple pull to do this more at home. :)
--Maitre-D on Feb 29, 2016


With a slip and fall, your life can change in a matter of moments. In the instance of a spinal cord injury, a simple accident has the potential to devastate your quality of life forever. These injuries are costly both to your finances and to your wellbeing. If you or a loved one is faced with such suffering there may be little one can do to ease the physical pain. However, in the case that an accident may be attributed to the fault of another party, your financial burden of extensive medical bills could be eased and wrongful actions held accountable.
The first step in a spinal cord injury slip and fall lawsuit is determining who is to blame for the accident. Perhaps there were negligent actions on a particular premises or a faulty product that caused the accident. These are the two most likely culprits.
Negligence refers to the instance that a person's actions directly cause an injury to someone else. Any obstruction, and typically some sort of spill, can lead to a serious injury. When someone is responsible for keeping a place safe, they may be held accountable when they have failed to do so and consequently charged with negligence.
A flaw in a product may result from poor design or manufacturing. When a product is defective and has caused the fall in which a person has injured their spinal cord, the designer or manufacturer of that product may be held liable for those injuries.
If you or a loved one has suffered the complications of a spinal cord injury due to the negligence of another party, do not hesitate to seek legal help. Call Peach and Weathers Law Firm for legal guidance and counsel in this difficult time. We stand for justice in the cases of terrible accidents.


Light pink frosted hoop earrings in a great square shape. This is the Wide Cubist Hoop - wider than the regular 'Cubist Hoop' style. It measures just under 1" or 25mm in diameter. Geometric & funky earrings with a preppy edge. This style is a great modern pop of color in an angled minimalist shape.


The way we do business each day is changing because of technology, information and innovation, however the face of business remains unchanged. Individuals make business happen and our best asset is the personal touch.
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Will you be voting? Let your friends know with Facebook's 'I'm a Voter' button - Social Songbird
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Home Facebook social media Will you be voting? Let your friends know with Facebook's 'I'm a Voter' button
Will you be voting? Let your friends know with Facebook's 'I'm a Voter' button
Wednesday, May 06, 2015 Facebook, social media
The UK elections are just around the corner and this year is set to be one of the closest in many years, with most predicting no party will gain a majority vote (326 seats) to form a government.
Facebook, being no stranger to getting involved with the hot topic of the day, has decided to release a new feature across its platform. The simple 'I'm a Voter' button will start to appear across accounts in the UK on voting day (Thursday).
This will be the first time Facebook has made this feature available for the UK election, having used it 3 times previously in the US elections. However the button was trialed in the UK last year during the independence referendum in Scotland.
The aim of the button is to encourage people to vote and with Facebook's 35 million users in the UK it seems like a great platform to do so. A study published in 'Nature' in 2012 showed that increased conversation ahead of an election can increase voter turnout on the day.
Facebook's politics and government specialist for Europe, the Middle East and Africa, Elizabeth Linder had this to say -
'Politics is huge on Facebook, and with over 52 million interactions related to the General Election already this year, we fully expect it to be the most discussed topic in the UK in 2015'
YouGov's most recent issues poll showed that voters believe the Economy, Immigration and Health are the 3 biggest issues the UK is facing.
With this years election being one of the most discussed events on social media in the UK in recent years, Facebook have taken to the Coca-Cola London Eye to display their data as a pie chart projected on to the giant wheel, opposite the Houses of Parliament.
Visualisations over the past three nights have looked at the most discussed parties among men and women as well as the country as a whole.
Between January 1 and May 1, the most discussed UK political party on Facebook was UKIP, seeing 15.6 million interactions from three million people.
The second most talked-about party were The Conservatives with 12.2 million interactions from 2.5 million people, followed by Labour with 9.7 million interactions from 2 million people.
The Liberal Democrats saw two million interactions from 688,000 people and the SNP, 2 million interactions from 415,000 people.
When Thursday comes I am sure that you will see Facebook's new button cropping up more and more throughout the day with many of your friends pressing the button to say they have voted.
Jack Bonson
Jack is our office manager with a passion for marketing, he contributes articles to our blog when available between meetings. Follow him @JackAtSMF
Contact us on Twitter, on Facebook, or leave your comments below. To find out about social media training or management why not take a look at our website for more info http://socialmediacambridge.co.uk/.
Will you be voting? Let your friends know with Facebook's 'I'm a Voter' button Reviewed by Unknown on Wednesday, May 06, 2015 Rating: 5
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About Social Songbird
Keeping you up to date on social media, digital marketing, apps, news & reviews. Social media, and digital marketing as a whole, are rapidly and constantly changing, adapting to new developments at an ever increasing rate. Just keeping up to date can be a nightmare. Our team of writers know their field, and keep an ear to the ground. We aim to keep you informed of all recent developments in the online world, and teach you a little something along the way. So whether you just want to stay connected, or gain some knowledge for yourself, the Social Songbird will keep on singing! More articles are posted every day so keep checking back! Join the discussion on Twitter - #SocialSongbird Or contact us directly - @SongbirdWriters
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Mili Ponce - Executive Editor
Mili Ponce is a recognised international Digital Marketing strategist and keynote speaker. Known in the UK as the Twitter Queen for the last 9 years, she was the first one, to write and speak in conferences about how to create an online business and promote any products and services by using Twitter.
She gives training and consultancy to Corporate Companies, Government Organizations, Marketing Managers, Business Owners and Individuals @miliponce
Sam Bonson - Editor/Content Writer
Sam is an aspiring novelist with a passion for fantasy and crime thrillers. Currently working as Editor of Social Songbird, he hopes to one day drop that 'aspiring' prefix. Follow him @Songbird_Sam
Sarah Cousins - Contributor
I write about ideas. My background is in strategic marketing, PR, social media and project management, my future is in ideas. I'm professionally qualified with the Chartered Institute of Marketing, holding a postgraduate diploma in strategic marketing. After working for the BBC I spent a lot of time in the education sector. I've flirted with freelance work and consultancy but the BIG thing I've noticed is that people want practical results (ridiculously fast). I help boutique business owners and online entrepreneurs. One powerful idea can change your world, last a lifetime or even create a legacy. You can find me on Twitter @The_Ideas_Girl
Victoria Greene - Contributor
Victoria Greene is an e-commerce marketing expert and freelance writer who derives an unusual level of enjoyment from browsing supermarkets. You can read more of her work at her blog Victoria Ecommerce
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Controls whether to verify the Billing Address fields at checkout when using the Stripe payment gateway.
Modifies the list of valid gateways used by PMPro. By default, it returns the gateway set in Memberships > Payment Settings in the WordPress Dashboard.
This hook allows you to modify the membership level object before checkout.
Controls whether or not to show the "Apply Discount Code" field at checkout. By default, this field is only shown when there is a discount code which applies to this level.
This filter is used to determine if the username/password account fields should show up at checkout. By default, it is shown when the user is logged out and not shown when logged in. The hook allows you to return true or false to override this behavior. If the fields are skipped while no user is logged in a username and password will be automatically generated for the new user after checkout.
Filters the required fields for the Billing Address section on the checkout page. Passes the array of field names.
Execute code before sending the order to 2Checkout. This hook passes the user ID of the order's customer and the MemberOrder object.
Use this action to execute custom code after a user checks out, before any emails are sent. This hook passes the WordPress user's id number and the membership order number.
Saves extra variables to the session for use in certain cases with PayPal Express.


This detailed map is double-sided for maximum coverage. The main map shows the actual town in detail, with coverage extending eastward to Nant Stigallt Reservoir and southward to Pen-Rhyd-Lyniog. Features include the town centre with individual buildings neatly shown, Cambrian Railway with terminus, Goods Station, Inner Harbour, Afon Erch, High Street area, Maes Square, Penmount Chapel, St Peter's church, chapels, schools, cemetery, Workhouse, Embankment Road, northern part of Pwllheli & Llanbedrog Tramway etc.
On the reverse we include part of adjacent sheet 40.12 extending coverage south to include South Beach, Pwllheli & Lanbedrog Tramway, West End, tramway along Embankment Road (the Corporation's tramway), etc.


A poster map of the Commissioners of Irish Lights aids to navigation around the coast of Ireland. This is suitable for printing up to A2.
The GLA AtoN strategy to 2030 titled, '2030 – Navigating the Future', was developed by IGC5 during 2015 and presented to the Joint Users Consultative Group on May 2016.
Each AtoN has been studied in isolation, as well as in relation to the other AtoN in its vicinity which is referred to as the "mix" of AtoN. The review has been carried out based solely on the navigational requirements.
This strategy document charts our future course. The changes we are making will secure our future as a dynamic and innovative maritime organisation, delivering sustainable and efficient services for all of our stakeholders and customers.
ILV Granuaile is a versatile Class 1 DP vessel with a large working deck and proven capabilities in a wide range of operations.
We provide and maintain over 150 navigation buoys around the coast of Ireland. Buoys are tailored to meet specific requirements and designs can be adapted to host and provide power to third-party equipment as required.
Irish Lights data services can provide and/or facilitate the delivery of a range of services for Government, local authorities, mariners, industry, research institutions and the general public. Our all-island coastal network infrastructure consists of on/offshore sites and a range of platforms.
We are responsible for providing lighthouses, buoys, beacons, and radio aids to marine navigation to assist the safe and expeditious passage of all classes of mariners in general navigation and have a duty of superintending and managing all local Aids to Navigation.
This document outlines how the General Lighthouse Authorities (GLAs) in Ireland and Britain will fulfil their shared mission of "delivering a reliable, efficient and cost effective aids to navigation service for the benefit and safety of all mariners".
This Risk Response Criteria Document provides an up to date, balanced assessment of response requirements. For the first time modern traffic analysis tools have been used along with the principles of risk assessment to ensure proportionate response times to wrecks and new dangers.
The GLAs have completed their latest 5 yearly comprehensive review of AtoN requirements for the waters around the Ireland and Britain.
This plan focuses on the visual aids needed for safe navigation in the changing marine environment and presents the General Lighthouse Authorities' plans for lighthouses, beacons, major floating aids, buoys, day-marks and other visual aids required for safe navigation. It reflects the level of service the GLAs will provide, taking advantage of technological and operational improvements forecast in AtoN service provision.
The joint Navigation Requirements Policies (JNRP) of the three General Lighthouse Authorities on a wide variety of matters relating to navigation policy and aids to navigation were comprehensively revised (December 2007). Each policy will be updated as required (as web documents). If you'd like a hard copy, please email info@irishlights.ie.
The General Lighthouse Authorities of Ireland and the United Kingdom carry out a regular formal review of the Aids to Navigation provided to ensure they are cost effective and continue to meet the need of all mariners.
The Marine Aids to Navigation Strategy (developed approx. every five years) informs our user community and aids the coastal navigation review and planning requirements into the future.
The GLA's Radio Navigation Plan (GRNP) is a core part of their Marine Aids to Navigation Strategy the latest being "2020 The Vision"; see above). It focuses on radio navigation systems and their role in the overall Aid to Navigation service provision mix.


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ABOUT U.S. CHICKEN
ABOUT U.S. TURKEY
USAPEEC conducted a trade mission to South Africa and hosted importers from nine countries, along with U.S. companies in Cape Town, South Africa.
eNCA: The U.S. Perspective | Senator Coons | AGOA
Senator Christopher Coons, a junior US senator from Delaware with a special interest in Africa, gives perspective on AGOA.
First chicken shipments since 2000 reach South Africa
U.S. chicken is on grocery shelves in South Africa for the first time in nearly 17 years. Five containers of U.S. bone-in chicken leg quarters and drumsticks arrived at the Port of Durban on Feb. 19, and were cleared by South African veterinary authorities on Feb. 22. The chicken cuts have been repackaged and are now for sale at the company's 21 shops in and around Durban.
"We're delighted to hear that the first shipment of U.S. chicken under the agreement has landed and has met South Africa's import requirements," said USAPEEC President Jim Sumner. "We understand that several other shipments are en route and will arrive before March 15. We also believe that the quota amount for the period will be met."
>The importing company of the initial shipment praised the efficiency of the South African veterinary services staff at the port, and said it is happy to have U.S. product back on the butchery shelves.
Zelda Sharp, USAPEEC's representative in South Africa, said that more containers of U.S. chicken are expected to arrive soon. "We're most pleased that the market has finally reopened," Sharp said. "USAPEEC has been committed to South Africa and we now have product on the shelves."
Sharp said that USAPEEC and the U.S. Embassy are planning to mark the event with a braai of U.S. chicken. "We will be having the MOAB (mother of all braais) in the next couple of weeks," she said.
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Nazira (Quran-reading) program: There will be no classes during Spring break week. All classes resume from Sunday March 18th Insha Allah. Due to time change, class timing on Sunday will be 10am-11am.
Connect the dots: The program has just completed the semester. We are looking for teachers to help teach in classes. If interested, please email: connectdots@icbrushycreek.org.
Weekend Islamic School: No school during Spring break week. Classes resume from Sunday March 18th. Due to time change, school begins at 11am and ends at 2 pm.


Blog Rat: Share or Trade?
I am reading news about "Rhapsody connects to Facebook, Twitter." You go and listen to a song you like at Rhapsody, then you post a link into your Facebook profile for sharing. Your friends see it and click on it; the link will bring them to Rhapsody site for further exploration.
Actually you're helping them to do advertisement for free and helping them to get more exposure in public - similar to the effect of "the word of mouth." The more people visit their sites, the more chances for them do business. It is just a marketing tactic. It looks like more and more business going to this direction.
Nowadays, sharing has another meaning attached to it - free advertisement - yeah, you share their content and they will make profit from your "sharing" - fair deal, huh? Or it may be called a trade!


If an individual was thinking about investing in a money market fund, it is likely that they will find a number of suitable savings account options to suit them as well. There are various advantages and disadvantages to both types of accounts, and an investor should carefully consider these prior to making their decision.
Possibly the greatest difference between these two types of investments is where you can actually get them from. A money market fund will typically involve an investor working directly with a mutual fund company or a financial broker. A money market fund can best be described as one of the mutual funds that are generally offered in a family of funds. On the other hand a savings account will typically involve an investor working with a bank. It is actually possible to open a traditional savings account with a traditional high street bank or even online.
It must be said that money market funds tend to have higher yields than a standard savings account, although it is important to realize that they are not FDIC insured. With that said, it is also highly unlikely that an investor will ever lose money in a money market fund. However, in order to ensure that investor does not lose their money, they should seek this type of investment from a well-established national bank or investment company.
Investing in a money market fund will not involve an individual investing in stocks, but rather in a short-term debt instrument that is purchased on what is known as the "money market". However, the money market isn't actually a particular place, but simply how the US government, banks, corporations, and any other large institutions manage their short-term cash needs, i.e. loans.
The vast majority of investors will want to invest their funds into something that they consider safe, and it must be said that money market funds are considered a safe investment, as money is typically invested in securities that aren't particularly volatile. However, a traditional savings account will always be a far safer place to invest. As a traditional savings account involves investing money with a bank, this will mean that the account will be insured by the FDIC. Therefore, if the bank was to go out of business, the FDIC is able to step in and reimburse an investor up to $100,000.
Another important consideration is the returns that someone will get from their investment. A savings account, especially in the current market, will offer an extremely low annual return, and in most cases an investor will not currently get a rate that is much better than 1%. However, many banks will also offer high yield savings accounts, but even so the interest rates offered are still not that fantastic. A money market mutual fund will typically offer an investor a far greater annual return on their money. In fact, investors should be able to earn at least 1% to 2% more on an annual basis by simply investing into a money market fund.
Money market funds and traditional savings accounts also differ from each other in the accessibility that they offer to the funds. Most money market funds will generally have some type of provision in place to allow an investor to easily access their money. This may be in the form of a check book which will allow an investor to simply write checks against the money that they currently have invested in a mutual fund. However, it is important to note that there will usually be a minimum amount for the check, such as $500 to $1000.
A traditional savings account will typically allow an investor to transfer the money directly into their checking account in order to access it. Many banks will also allow an investor to make a cash withdrawal at the bank or they may even provide a card that can be used as an ATM.
Another option that investors should be aware of is money market accounts, although they should not be confused with money market funds. A money market savings account is typically insured by the FDIC and will offer higher interest rates than a traditional savings account. However, it will generally require a higher balance and will often limit the number of withdrawals that a person can make.
Traditional savings accounts have typically offered a risk adverse customer an ideal place to invest their money. However, as interest rates have been steadily declining for a number of years, bank customers have been looking for alternative methods to invest their money. One of the most popular alternatives is money market funds, and although they are considered to be a fairly safe investment, an investor should always be wary that they are not insured by the FDIC.


text:
Monocleaceae é uma família de plantas não vasculares pertencente à classe Marchantiopsida, divisão Marchantiophyta.

Esta família é apenas constituida por um género: Monoclea.

Espécies
 Monoclea forsteri
 Monoclea gottschei

Referências

Ligações externas
  Descrição e figuras de  Monoclea forsteri
   Taxonomia da família Monocleales

Marchantiopsida

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaWikipedia


text:
Documenting the Plight Of Palestinian Female Prisoners
A new book will recount the experiences of Palestinian women in Israeli prisons, highlighting the abuse that they faced and the challenges they have faced since being released, writes Naela Khalil.
Read In: العربية
Palestinian women, former prisoners, stand with Hamas leader Khaled Meshaal after they were released from Israeli jails and deported to Cairo, Oct. 18, 2011. Photo by REUTERS/Jamal Saidi.
Naela Khalil
women, rape, prisoners, palestinian, israeli-palestinian conflict, israel, human rights, hamas
When former prisoner Aisha Awdat talks about the experiences of Palestinian women inside Israeli prisons, she delves into the details of pain and endurance. The month of March, which saw the worst of her suffering and sexual assault at the hands of her investigator, remains deeply entrenched in her soul and memories.
Awdat cannot forget the night of March 10, 1969, when she was raped with a stick by her Israeli investigator, who violated everything that is human and revealed the ugliest face of the Israeli occupation. She has documented that night and her experiences in prison in her book, titled "Dreams of Freedom," which was published in 2004. Awdat is now the head of the association "Women Imprisoned for Freedom," dubbed "Masira" and is keen on documenting the experiences of female prisoners.
It is true that Awdat's experiences are like no others among Palestinian prisoners. Awdat was the first to talk about sexual assault among Palestinian women. Her book came as a surprise to many people in the conservative Palestinian community. She was released in 1979 on the condition that she would be exiled from Palestine, and returned to her homeland in 1994 with the establishment of the Palestinian Authority.
She still believes that the experience of female Palestinian prisoners has not received enough attention and there are many stories that should be documented.
In 2011, Awdat, along with several other former female prisoners, founded the Masira Association, which came as the result of an urgent need to establish a group for former female prisoners. Previously, there was only an association dedicated to male prisoners and organizations and institutions addressing the issue of Palestinian captives in general such as the Palestinian Ministry of Prisoners' Affairs and the Palestinian Prisoners' Club. There was no institution that represented female prisoners in particular and helped them to adjust in society after captivity.
Masira founders decided not to accept any financial support from abroad, as this directly conflicts with their beliefs. They were keen to rely on themselves and volunteering services to achieve the goals of the association.
Documenting the experiences of the liberated female prisoners is one of the main goals of Masira, which seeks to document the stories of more than 10,000 Palestinian women inside Israeli prisons since 1967. Jalwa Bader, head of gender equality in the Ministry of Prisoners' Affairs, said "the actual number of female prisoners released since 1967 amounts to 15,000 women."
In coordination with the Women's Affairs Technical Committee (WATC), Masira has documented the experience of 20 former female prisoners. Moreover, a book that includes the stories of 25 released prisoners is expected to be published next year.
Awdat does not hesitate to express her wish that these stories would someday be turned into movies, reflecting the role of the struggling women and their right to be on par with men. This would be part of the education of future generations to teach them the true meaning of steadfastness and struggle.
"The experience of liberated women must become a part of the positive collective awareness in Palestinian society and a reference for future generations," Awadat said.
Masira, which is taking slow but steady steps, includes 170 women who are former prisoners, and the number continues to grow. It is no surprise that there isn't any sort of communication between the freed prisoners, nor exchange of experience between the old generations of prisoners and the new ones.
Awdat added "after being released from prison, prisoners become isolated from other women who had the same experience. Although the number of female prisoners is relatively small compared with the number of male prisoners, women do not know each other even though they may be living in the same city."
Awdat believes that "Masira is able to focus on the unified role of women in order to bring different perspectives together and find a common language. Women are able to do so regardless of their political affiliations."
One of the most important features of Masira is that, unlike the majority of NGOs dealing with the issue of prisoners that are affiliated with certain political group, Masira includes members from across the Palestinian political spectrum.
Although the Ministry of Prisoners' Affairs grants liberated female prisoners the same financial allocations and rehabilitation programs as men, women suffer more than men whether during captivity or after liberation, according to former prisoners.
Several female prisoners agree that the Palestinian community is usually biased against them, while captive men are received as heroes when they return home.
Fatima Daana, legal adviser of the Gender Issues department in the Ministry of Justice, said: "Many factions of the Palestinian community incite hatred against women who chose to be involved in activism as men, based on the concept of family and honor."
She added that "many women were divorced while in prison, while the husbands of others married other women when they were away. Many former female prisoners face great hardship when they return home."
Awdat commented, "Indeed, many freed women suffer psychological and social hardships. The association helps them to restore self-confidence and to continue their active role in community service."
She believes that "what is seen as a culture of incitement against captive women is considered the norm in the world. We are not different from the rest of the world. When I used to work in the association, I used to strongly disagree to assigning married women any activist missions that could lead to prison. I consider children to be a priority and women cannot turn their back to them. We know that mothers suffer in captivity more than single women and even married men."
Masira has organized sessions with psychologists to meet with former women prisoners. Experts found out that imprisoned mothers along with their children have suffered a great deal of pain.
"We saw the suffering of mothers, and how they were punished by their children, who neglected them and refused to call them 'mom.' Children are always the victim in this case, so my personal opinion is that women should be activists," Awdat added.
Moreover, Masira is keen to organize social and cultural events in an attempt to reintegrate former women prisoners into society.
Perhaps the growing number of prisoners is weighing heavily on the Ministry of Prisoners' Affairs, as many are accusing it of neglecting prisoners who are newly freed from prisons.
"I have spent three years in Israeli prisons. When I was freed, I started looking for work but to no avail. The ministry said it cannot provide any work. Today, I am a single mother of a nine-year old child. What should I do? How can I pay for his school tuition?" Tahani Saleh said.
Saleh, who lives in the city of Jenin, hopes to "find a solution with Masira," stressing that "everybody turns a deaf ear to the demands of former women prisoners and finding work is almost impossible, especially for those who do not have a college degree."
As part of its objective to financially support former women prisoners, Masira concluded agreements with lending institutions and banks in order to take out a loan with low interest so they can start a small venture to support their families.
"We have been coordinating with national economic institutions and exploring all possible options with former prisoners so they can start projects according to their own budgets. We want to be productive so we can grow stronger," Awdat said.
Naela Khalil is a reporter for the Palestinian daily newspaper Al-Ayyam. She was a reporter for the UN humanitarian news and analysis agency IRIN (2005-06), the UAE magazine Al Maraa el-Muslema (2003), the Jordanian daily Al-Dustur (2002-03), and the An-Najah Office for Media and Journalism (2001-02).
More from Naela Khalil
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Islamic Jihad accuses Palestinian Authority of collusion with Israel
Volatile Hebron Could Derail Talks
Hamas seizes Gulf detente opportunity to get close to Saudi Arabia
Ahmad Melhem | | Jan 16, 2021
Israel to start vaccinating prisoners next week
Al-Monitor Staff | Coronavirus | Jan 14, 2021
Palestinian factory workers strike in West Bank industrial zone
Danny Zaken | | Jan 14, 2021
Biden names Samantha Power as nominee for USAID chief
Elizabeth Hagedorn | Human rights | Jan 13, 2021
Rights group B'Tselem says Israel is an apartheid state
Al-Monitor Staff | Human rights | Jan 12, 2021
More from Palestine
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Rasha Abou Jalal | Gaza | Jan 15, 2021
Cairo talks on Mideast peace show key players preparing for post-Trump era
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Can someone tell me about that thread spammer that keeps showing up?
Discussion in 'Regular Discussion' started by Dewnose, Sep 20, 2018.
Every so often, when I look for new posts, the forums are clogged up by someone who keeps on posting in every forum in another language. Is anyone looking into this?
That's actually a bot posting unrelated stuff, the posts from the bots usually get removed shortly.
Ansible, Enperry and Kidnacho like this.
Yep, bots keep spamming advertisements here and the admins either can't or won't implement a solution beyond making the mods manually delete their accounts.
ThatSquidYouKnow and Enperry like this.
Indeed as Cephalobro stated, those are spam bots. Our staff is aware of the issue and we manually remove the spam and said users ourselves. We have been looking into the issue and will have a resolve for it at some point.
The solution was implemented, but then users complained about increased security and hoops to go through to post and be validated as not a spam bot. We're trying to find a balance that accommodates everyone.
Ansible, Mr. 9, Enperry and 2 others like this.
Are there certain hours when Ad bots are most active? I usually notice their threads popping up at around 10-11 p.m. EDT.
I myself have noticed it being mostly late night and early morning hours, but they can pop up in the middle of the day as well. It seems to vary on a day by day basis.
Ansible and Enperry like this.


text:
AIPAC Condemns John Kerry's Anti-Israel Speech Calling It "A Failed Attempt To Defend The Indefensible"
December 29, 2016 Chris Jones
On Wednesday, The American Israel Public Affairs Committee (AIPAC) issued a statement denouncing Secretary of State John Kerry's long-winded speech defending the United States' decision to allow a UN resolution to pass that declared Israel's settlements in the West Bank and Jerusalem "illegal." AIPAC, which works to promote the U.S. and Israel relationship within the United States, stated that Secretary Kerry's speech was "a failed attempt to defend the indefensible."
"Secretary of State John Kerry's speech today was a failed attempt to defend the indefensible," the statement says.
"Contrary to Secretary of State Kerry's address today, the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) resolution that the administration unconscionably failed to block was unfair, unbalanced and represented a profound departure from the policies of previous Democratic and Republican administrations for nearly the past forty years," it continues. "Secretary Kerry placed overwhelming, disproportionate blame for the failure to advance peace on our ally, Israel, while neglecting numerous Israeli peace offers and Palestinian refusal to resume direct talks."
The statement went on to say that the Obama Administration's decision to abstain from voting against the resolution was an abandonment of U.S. principles and a betrayal to America's Middle Eastern ally. It also noted that Israel's dealings with the Obama Administration over the past eight years have been incredibly difficult as the leaders of America have continuously sided with the Palestinians who have never been looking to find peace.
"Over the past eight years, Israel has repeatedly tried to advance the negotiations process, including the imposition of a settlement freeze and the release of convicted Palestinian terrorists– a step that was deeply difficult for the Israeli people," the statement says. "In response, the Palestinians made no significant gesture to advance the cause of peace. Yet, the intransigence of the Palestinian leadership is now being rewarded by the administration and others through destructive resolutions and counterproductive attempts to internationalize the conflict."
AIPAC stated that as Kerry said in his speech, "it would be wrong to seek to impose conditions or to unilaterally recognize a Palestinian state."
The pro-Israel group finished their statement by imploring Congress and the incoming Trump Administration to reject the actions taken by the current administration and make America the ally Israel needs.
"AIPAC calls upon the bipartisan congressional majority and the incoming Trump Administration to renounce the recent action taken by this administration and to begin the work of repairing the damage done to the cause of peace and the U.S-Israel relationship," the statement concluded.
[revad2]