What began in 1999 as Project Excellence has evolved into a much broader, enterprisewide technology initiative—one that will ultimately affect just about everything we do. Phase I, completed in year 2000, involved accounting processes—consolidating accounts and introducing new automatic payment, budgeting and forecasting systems. The beginning of 2001 means the beginning of Phase II—major software installations and the creation of a Shared Service Center. “It will mean a lot less paper, more electronic approvals, much more efficient, streamlined routing of information and easier access to quality data. We will have expertise and processes in a Shared Service Center to resolve issues more efficiently,” says Steve Riffee, Senior Vice President, Controller and Treasurer. “The key word here is quality—quality technology, quality processes and developing top quality skills in our people.” Says Joel Manfredo, Chief Technology Officer and Managing Director of e-Business Solutions: “We call it an enterprise transformation. It means everything that everybody does will change and be done differently—done better—in the future.”