John J. Farkas Liaison Person of the Year

1. 2004 John J. FarkasLiaison Person of the Year Presented by Florida Utilities Coordinating Committee August 2004 Marco Island, Florida

2. Past Recipients • 1986 Dennis LaBelle FP&L • 1987 Ken Brown Tampa Electric • 1989 John Farkas Southern Bell • 1990 Terry Vogel FP&L • 1992 P. Kalzorowski FDOT Dennis LaBelle FP&L • 1993 Ray Afeld GTE Florida • 1994 Larry Claxton Tampa Electric • 1995 Dan Buol AT&T • 1996 Jim Weeks FDOT • 1997 Mark Sweet FPC • 1998 Tom Kennedy FPC • 1998 Ken Weldon FDOT • 1999 Billy Hattaway FDOT • 2000 Carlos Solis Pinellas Utilities • 2001 David Kuhlman FPL • 2002 Cheryl Ritter SSOC • 2003 Earl Christian BellSouth

3. John J. Farkas • University of Florida • B.S. Degree EE • BellSouth Support Manager • Engineering Honor Society • Director SSOCOF Board • Promoted Liaison between utilities and the Governmental Agencies

4. Biography of John J. Farkas • He was a “Bridge Builder” between utilities • He was a Bilingual employee • Understood all aspects of communication • Could talk to anybody on their level. • Legal Eagles • Thought of as an unofficial legal expert • Vice President of Unusual Affairs • Modern Day “Wizard” • Firm believer in the 4 C’s of Liaison • Coordination, Communication, Cooperation, & Commitment

5. 2004 Nominee

6. I want to be Mr. America! Years Ago ….. Born: 11/19/49 He grew up in Pittsburg, Pa He liked to show off his muscles

7. He was the baby of the family Paul Lenny Mary Ann FUCC Inductee

8. He liked to wear COOL Sweaters

9. Became a Team Player early in life.

10. Middle School’s “Best Dressed Student of the Year” He also was a sharp dresser. Won the award for

11. Graduated from Taylor Allderdice High School Pittsburg, PA In 1967

12. Learned to ride a bike late in life. He needed help steering. Editorial Note: The training wheels were removed the day before the picture was taken.

13. In the 70s … Joined the Hippie Movement

14. Finally he had to go to work. They gave him the best van in the Service Center. Telephone Installer

15. He always discussed business with his mentor.

16. Known as Mr. GQ around the office

17. Golf Pro Bob Lowen He has his own custom made GOLF CART

18. Family Man Wife:Cindi Sons:Todd & Sam

19. Education • Taylor Allderdice High School • Allegheny Community & Barry Colleges

20. Career • Started work with BellSouth in 1971 • Career Advancements: • Telephone Installer - 1971 • Cable Repair Technician - 1973 • OSP Facilities Designer - 1979 • Manager – Project Implementation – 1997 • Worked in 2 BellSouth Districts • Transferred to West Palm District to straighten out Larry M. mess.

21. Quotes from fellow employees • Has never met a meeting he did not want to attend or run. • Never met a mirror he hasn't looked into. • Known as Mr. GQ around the office. You can wear shorts to a meeting and he will show up in a shirt and tie. • Hasn't met a diet he hasn't tried. • Runs, bikes and exercises everywhere!! • Thinks he is the golf pro of the office. • Adores his wife and both sons talks about them all the time. • Great family man !

22. District • Chaired the Broward County Coordinating Committee • Made presentations on telecommunication operations to FDOT. • Actively works with other utilities and highway consultants to resolve coordination problems. • Is a firm believer in upfront coordination.

23. Florida Utilities Coordinating Committee • Chaired the Telecommunications Interest Group • Served as the Telecommunication Steering Committee representative • Active member of the Joint Use Committee • Attendee since 1994 • Help setup various workshops and participated in the Undergrounding of Utilities & Utility Work Schedule Workshops

24. The 2004 John J. Farkas Liaison Person of the Year is ....

25. 2004 FUCC John J. Farkas Liaison Person of the Year Bob Lowen

26. Special Thanks • Earl Christian • Dennis La Belle • Cindi Lowen • and a host of his fellow workers