Teufel Times, Issue #2, October 13, 2009

A Memo From the Teufel Family

Recent events have provided the opportunity for us to pause and reflect on our history. Would we have done anything different?

2009 has been one of those periods that most of us will remember for years to come. Even with the challenging economy, here at Teufel we continue to be involved in so many of the landmark projects of this year. A major new software development campus in Redmond, Washington; the latest addition to the Light Rail system in Portland; and to cap it off, at the new Tacoma Goodwill facility Teufel was first in the United States to install a Vertical Garden (green wall) designed by world renowned French botanist, Patric Blanc. These are just a few of the many projects that have kept us busy in 2009.

When you are hard at work, perhaps there is little time left to ponder how things might have been different. Here's to our future - and many more exciting projects to work on together!

Larry Teufel, President

PS: we want to hear from you. Comments gladly accepted at teufeltimes.editor@teufel.com. Don't forget to visit our new web site at www.teufel.com and hit the 'Latest News' button for live updates.

 

GREEN MEANS GO!

With the opening of the latest addition (the Green Line) to the Tri-Met Light Rail system, Portland solidified its reputation as the mass transit capitol of the U.S. But more than just a way to get from point A to point B, each of the rail lines become an integral part of the community. Sculptures and art work from local artists are featured throughout the 8 new stations and 5 Park & Ride lots. But the real connection along the entire Light Rail system is the landscape.

 

Grading, drainage, soil preparation, and extensive irrigation all take place before the final planting.

Plantings are incorporated as a buffer to soften the impact of the new rail system. The landscape also is a primary identification element along the entire line whenever the rail system comes to a station or parking area. We all know the cooling that shade trees and foliage can create during the hot summer months. And lush vegetation creates an oasis in a decidedly urban setting. But plants were also selected to add interest during the long, dark winter months.

Our partnership with Tri-Met started back in 1986 when we were called on to landscape the original line from Gateway to Gresham. At the time this was the largest municipal landscape contract in Oregon. Since then we have not only provided ornamental landscape plantings, but also been involved in major wetlands mitigation and native re-establishment contracts. We're proud to have been 'on board' since the beginning.

Hard to believe that just three weeks earlier this area was rocks and bare dirt. People can't help but smile when they see the results of our work.

 

Restructuring Update

October 22, 2009 is the due date for submitting our financial restructuring plan to the court. Once submitted, the court starts a review period. This will involve participation by all of our creditors, who have the opportunity to review, comment and vote on the plan. The Court will set a hearing on approval of the Plan, which can be approved even if not all of the creditors vote for it, if the Court finds that the plan provides a fair and equitable treatment of all classes of creditors. Within a reasonable time following approval of the Plan, court supervision ends, and Teufel will return to business as usual.