Charles W. Shimko, age 69, is founder and President of Inland Enterprises, a consulting firm specializing in ideas and innovation, with a special focus on transportation issues. He has held this position since 1991.

Charles enhanced his professional work experience with involvement in the buying and selling of real estate, as well as the development of new ventures and negotiations with many brokers and investment bankers.

Mr. Shimko's expertise stems from his experience at The Lincoln Electric Company (World's Largest Manufacturer of Electric Arc Welding Equipment) at Company headquarters in Cleveland, Ohio, where he worked from 1955 until 1992.

Charles was employed for 38 years by The Lincoln Electric Company. Gaining experience in various aspects of the industry, he supervised all of the transportation logistics and contract negotiations -- domestic and international -- for the Company for 25 years. His negotiations and innovative practices saved the Company millions of dollars in transportation costs.

Combining work with study, he earned a certificate in Advanced Transportation at Cuyahoga Community College in Cleveland and later served on the Board of Governors of the Traffic Club of Cleveland.

From April, 1991 through April, 1996, Mr. Shimko also served as a director of International Brewing & Manufacturing, Inc., a Nevada corporation and publicly traded company which supplies brew pub equipment.

Charles and his wife Judith reside in Clermont, Florida, where his retirement affords him the time and opportunity to pursue and expand his many investment interests.