Dear friend;

Over the past 19 years, ECI has grown from a dream to a multi-national group of companies. It has been quite an accomplishment, and the credit goes to a phenomenal group of people getting the job done! Growing a company from a concept to where we are today has been challenging of course, but also very rewarding. The chance to work together with so many talented people makes all the hard work worthwhile.

I want to thank each one of our staff for being part of the team during this critically important phase of the company’s growth. I am very proud of what ECI has become, and is today. The deep dedication and passion that everyone from our staff and shareholders to our clients have for ECI and our mission is the key ingredient in our success to date.

We are now entering an exciting new phase of growth for the company. It is at this point in the life cycle of every successful company that the original founders need to continue to do what they do best, and allow the talented people around them to run the operations of the company. As much as I would like, I simply can no longer be directly involved in the operational details for each area of the company and dedicate the needed time these areas deserve. The talent and skill set of our leadership team is powerfully strong and we need to take advantage of that strength to move to the next level with the company.

In this time of transition, Michael Hanyecz will make room for a new COO. He has committed himself to helping our Sales and Marketing team deliver our quality products to our customers and sales revenues to our organization. Therefore, he will be leaving his position as Chief Operating Officer and entering the Sales and Marketing Department. The Company and its employees thank him for his true devotion and dedication to ECI.

In his place, Frank Byers will step in as acting Chief Operating Officer to assess and guide us during this transitional period. In his year with the company, Frank has shown the expertise and the skill sets necessary to organize the company in new ways, pulling the most from the talent and dedication inherent in the company.

The transition from entrepreneurial to professional is the most difficult jump a company can make. Many companies do not make the transition because egos can get in the way. I understand this and have trust in Frank to lead us where we need to go next. Frank will take point on this process, and we will be in excellent hands. I, of course, will continue to lead the company, but Frank will manage the processes.

As part of this transition it is clearly apparent that we need to unite the multiple Sales and Marketing teams of ECI in several countries into a common unit, and position ourselves for the growth we expect in the future. Patrick Hiebert has joined the company as Vice President – Sales and Marketing for ECI and is responsible for leading the talents of each business unit in the company as one unified Sales and Marketing front.

This is the next step in our progression as a company. We have a winning formula for long term success and we are glad you are part of it! As the CEO, freed from operational issues, I expect to do what I do best and communicate our mission and vision to the marketplace. This is going to be a great year, a tough year, but a fun year. These are the times that we will look back upon as critical points that made the company successful. Thank you for your support to date and I look forward to growing ECI into the future with all of you.

Sincerely

Michael Cobb
Contact me
Chairman and CEO
 www.grandbaymen.com