172 CHAPTER 13 We’ve been working with Western States for over a decade, and I honestly cannot remember an unpleasant moment throughout our relationship — even despite the ups and downs we’ve seen in the market. The Western States team is highly professional, and very dedicated to their work and company. Whether it is bidding for new installations, repairs, service work, or parts, each department is staffed with very knowledgeable and friendly personnel who know what they are talking about! This has made our experience — and that of our end-users — a very pleasurable one. However, no memory of Western States will stand out more in my mind than the 2007 ISSCT Sugar Congress in South Africa where I watched my father (Richard Powell) and our Territory Sales Manager (Rafael Ibañez) take the stage at the cultural night and perform in front of the entire Congress, singing Bob Marley songs as if they were part of the original band! As we run a family-owned enterprise, these personal touches and experiences throughout the years (there have been many more), are what make us view the team at Western States like a true extension of our own team and family, and not just a vendor/manufacturer. Thank you to Western States, and congratulations on the incredible 100th year anniversary! You are welcome to visit Jamaica any time as our guests! Cheers to you all! Warm Regards, Josef Powell, President & CEO, Mapex and The Entire Mapex Team below: left to right: Josef Powell (President and CEO, Mapex), Rafael Ibañez, Carl Bell, Jim Neal (WSMC), Richard Powell (Executive Chairman, Mapex: Jamaica & West Indies)