Chamber of Commerce membership luncheon Oct. 31

HOVENSA TO ADDRESS THE CHAMBER MEMBERSHIP

The St. Thomas-St. John Chamber of Commerce will host a membership luncheon on Friday, October 31st at the Holiday Inn Windward Passage at 12:00 Noon. The guest speaker for the luncheon is Mr. Lawrence J. Kupfer. Mr. Kupfer has been President and Chief Operating Officer of HOVENSA L.L.C., a 500,000 barrel per day joint venture refinery owned by Hess Corporation and Petroleos de Venezuela (PDVSA) since October 2003. Mr. Kupfer has over 25 years of refining experience, including 12 years involvement with the St. Croix refinery. His refining experience has included assignments in construction, technical services, operations, accounting, supply and trading, and administration.

As President and Chief Operating Officer of HOVENSA L.L.C., he has continued the company's program for excellence in refining. The refinery has significantly improved its safety record and overall levels of utilization.

According to Joe Aubain, Chamber Executive Director, "Mr. Kupfer will address Hovensa's impact on the local community and its position in the world market".

The luncheon will be held at the Restaurant at Holiday Inn - Windward Passage and begin promptly at 12:00 Noon. Members will have an opportunity for questions following Mr. Kupfer's presentation. The cost for the luncheon is $35.00 for Chamber members and $40.00 for non-members. Reservations are requested and can be made by calling the Chamber office at 776-0100.

Court Ruling Will Allow Government to Reissue FY 2006 Tax Bills

From the St. Thomas Source:

Oct. 12, 2008 -- A court-approved freeze on the recent property-tax bill recall will allow the government to reissue fiscal year 2006 bills and collect the revenue it needs to sustain the FY 2009 budget, according to government officials.

Jumeirah to Manage The Preserve at Botany Bay, St. Thomas

Timbers Resorts appointed Jumeirah Group, the Dubai-based luxury international hospitality management group and member of Dubai Holding, to manage the property formerly known as The Preserve at Botany Bay. The luxury, multi-use resort, is scheduled to open in 2011 under the name Jumeirah Botany Bay Resort, and will occupy the entire western tip of St. Thomas. The 400-acre property will include a five-star, 84-room boutique hotel managed by Jumeirah, as well as 30 fractional residences, 30 whole ownership villas and up to 20 grand estates managed by Jumeirah Living. For further information, visit timbersresorts.com.