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HomeMy WebLinkAboutskyliftSKY-L!FT City of Miami - Procurement Department Dear Mr. Marcos: May 3, 2004 SkyLift Holding, LLC ("SLH") is pleased to submit its Letter of Interest in response to RLFI No. 03-04-101R for the management and operation of a tethered balloon ride at Bayfront Park in the City of Miami. SLH promises the City "Peace of Mind" by being a local owner -operated company with a proven tourism, management and marketing track record in Miami. The team of SLH and the Lindstrand balloon company offers the City of Miami and the Bayfront Park Management Trust ("BPMT") an unparalleled proposal combining a perfect safety record of over more than twenty five (25) years, a credible and unequaled revenue projection for BPMT (estimated at over $400,000.00 per year), and a sincere commitment to making Miami's diverse ethnic community an integral part of the Miami SkyLift attraction, 1. "Safety First" is our motto and our pledge to you. SLH chose the Lindstrand balloon because of its superb safety record among other competitive advantages. With designs certified in forty-eight countries including the United States and their unique in house design and manufacture that guarantees its superb quality; Lindstrand has the highest available approval rating from the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and by the European Union (CAA). Mr. Lindstrand himself, an aeronautical engineer, consultant to the US military and ballooning world record holder, will work in conjunction with us to optimize the Miami SkyLift experience. 2. SLH is guaranteeing $ 270,000.00 of income to BPMT annually. In addition, we offer to pay $ 1.00 per ticket sold, five percent of the advertising revenue, as well as the proceeds of 6 charity events, which we estimate to add up to $ 145,000.00, totaling more than $ 400,000.00 to BPMT. This projection is based on our extensive experience working in Miami's tourist industry. We have already met with our contacts in the cruise industry, convention and visitors' bureau, concierge association and tour companies, who have each promised their cooperation and partnership. 3. This newest addition to the Miami Skyline will benefit from strong community support. We commit to using local, minority companies for functions such as public relations, maintenance and general contracting. All hiring of personnel shall comply with the City of Miami's goals as to local preferences and minority composition. Also, we have contacted Iocal community groups and charities to begin planning our launch party and other charity and community based events. We are confident that our proposal provides greater income to BPMT, more experience and knowledge of the local tourist industry and a perfect safety record. SLH has already purchased a Lindstrand HiFlyer balloon and is in the fortunate position to be fully capitalized to implement this project immediately. The attached Executive Summary and detailed response to the RFLI will demonstrate the advantages of the SLH proposal. Thank you for your cooperation, partnership and consideration. 0incer , Mark unnen - President 1109 Ponce de Leon Blvd. Coral Gables, FL 33134 Tel.: 305-444-0422 Fax: 305-444-8418 Index A. Executive Summary B. SkyLift Holding, LLC - Company Information C. Overall Qualifications and Proven Experience and Letters of Support D. Letters of Recommendation and Client List E. Overall Management and Operations Plan F. Safety Plan and Procedures G. Marketing and Outreach Plan H. Financial Stability I. Proposed Terms J. Occupational License and Articles of Organization K. Claims vs. Facts L. FAA Waiver and Certifications M. General Liability Insurance Quote Exhibits Federal Tax ID No. Royal Caribbean Cruise Line GMC&VB - William Talbert - Alyce McDaniel Kiwanis International Congressman Alcee Hastings Travalco Beacon Council Intl. Life Science Institute Happy Hearts Tours GMC&VB — David Whitaker S. Fl. Concierge Assn. — M. Pena Philadelphia Zoo Letter Dr. Paul George (Historian) S. Florida Maint. Serv. (M/WBE) PM Security (M/WBE) General Contractor (M/WBE) Architectural Plans Company Safety Manual NatCom Marktg. (M/WBE) Per Lindstrand Letter Philadelphia Zoo Letter Financial Projections Income Handling Procedures Articles of Organization Occupational License Paul Woessner Letter & Biography Per Lindstrand Letter FAA Waiver Letter Lindstrand Certifications www.wlison}ones.com Executive Summary SkyLift Holding, LLC, a Florida limited liability company ("SLH" or the "Company") is seeking the endorsement of Bayfront Park Management Trust, a limited agency and instrumentality of the City of Miami ("BPMT"), whereby BPMT will, subject to acceptance of the proposed financial terms and conditions, make available to SLH an approximately 25,000 square foot portion of the property located at the current site of the fountain and its surrounding plaza in Bayfront Park (the "Site") for the purpose of operating a tethered helium balloon ride (the "SkyLift"). Background Information SLH has the unique advantage of being owned and managed by a team of local tourism and business professionals who have dedicated years of research to developing a new attraction to draw 'visitors and locals alike to downtown Miami's Bayfront Park. The SkyLift Team including those responsible for day-to-day operations has extensive experience in Miami's tourism industry, and a proven track record in marketing, planning, and guiding visitors to tourist attractions and organizing and hosting special events for tourists and locals alike. The Team has been working together for many years to successfully showcase Miami as a vibrant, multi -cultural destination, and knows what it takes to execute a successful business while providing patrons with an enjoyable, entertaining experience. The Miami SkyLift should be a pleasurable, exhilarating experience for young and old, tourists, locals and families alike. To optimize the experience, we will add a pleasant educational/cultural component by including a local historian, Dr. Paul George, to lend his "voice" to the experience. SLH's President, Mark Funnen, is the hands-on executive for the Company. Neither the Trust nor the City will ever have to wonder who is in charge. Mr. Funnen will be available 24/7 if needed. He will be the "go to" contact person for any issue, large or small. Mr. Funnen has been living in our community since 1988 and has made Miami his home. You can count on his availability and leadership for the long term. Mr. Funnen has fourteen (14) years of tourism experience ranging from serving as a tour guide to owning and operating a successful travel and tourism business and planning and promoting special events in Miami. Operations Manager, Andreas Bahls, will be responsible for on -site operations at Bayfront Park. He has worked closely with Mr. Funnen in the execution and operation of special events and other tourism related programs in Miarni for more than ten (10) years. Board Member, Mark Scott, is a shareholder with the law Firm of Becker & Poliakoff, P.A and focuses his practice on corporate and private equity transactions. His extensive experience in business operations, transactions and corporate structuring provides the Company with the added value of close to ten years of legal and business experience in Miami and abroad. He has worked closely with Mr. Funnen for the last three (3) years in various community and business organizations. Board Member, Daniel Braverman, is a retired businessman from Los Angeles, California, who brings decades of financial, operational, and management experience to the team. The success of his Los Angeles based business, which included six offices and thirty employees depended on his ability to work within the multi -cultural, multi-lingual community. Thus, he is a tremendous asset to the Company's management team. It is important to us that the SkyLift not only become a profitable operation, but also that it is well regarded by Miami residents and tourists alike. We will run a Marketing and Outreach Campaign, developed by SLH's team member, NatCom Marketing, that will communicate the message that the SkyLift is a family oriented, fun, safe and environmentally friendly attraction. In addition to daily public operations, the Company plans to use the Site for corporate events, private parties and other functions. It will become a popular venue for weddings, "quinces", birthdays and anniversaries. Also, patrons will be able to enjoy a "from above" view of fireworks, concerts, and special events such as New Year's Eve activities, Regattas, and other Bayfront Park happenings. In addition, we anticipate our daily sunset ride to become a well-known local attraction. In the State of Florida, all tethered captive helium balloons are categorized as an attraction ride and not an aircraft by Federal Aviation Agency ("FAA") standards. Therefore, these types of balloons do not require aircraft certification to operate, but only need a waiver letter from the FAA. This is due to the fact that tethered helium balloons are not equipped with the necessary maneuvering equipment and disposable ballast needed to safely control altitude and ultimately a safe landing. Any claims to the contrary are misleading and violate all laws of physics pertaining to free manned ballooning. We have obtained a letter from the FAA, which grants SLH the right to operate the SkyLift as an attraction ride up to a height of 500 feet on the proposed Site. Also, it should be noted that the Lindstrand HiFlyer balloon has been certified in the State of Florida since 1997. Advantages of the Lindstrand Balloon The Company diligently researched both major manufacturers of tethered captive helium balloons before making a decision regarding which would be the most appropriate for our purposes. We opted to purchase the "HiFlyer Balloon", manufactured by Lindstrand Ltd. in Great Britain. Our search included meeting personally with both manufacturers to address the specifics of each balloon, reviewing each company's history, financial strength and references and meeting with independent experts all over the world. It was obvious that the HiFlyer Balloon by Mr. Lindstrand was by far the superior choice. Why? Mr. Lindstrand is an aeronautical engineer and world-renowned balloonist who is the manufacturer of his own balloons assuring their consistent superior quality. This is in contrast to the competitor's balloon, which is assembled from various components, delivered by subcontractors and operated by sales associates. The Lindstrand HiFlyer is designed that it will never leave its moorings and has never done so. Its safety system is rated safety category 3, with three levels of redundancy. A Failure Mode Effect Analysis has been carried out to insure that all possible modes of failure can occur without any risk to passengers. Lindstrand offers superior warranty services, quick response times in case of potential product damage and most importantly, the manufacturer's extensive knowledge and experience in the fields of engineering and ballooning. As the safety of our passengers is our highest priority, we opted to work with Mr. Lindstrand who consults the US Army and certain municipalities, such as the City of New York, on defense and anti -terrorism solutions. Mr. Lindstrand holds three world records (distance, duration, altitude) for hot air balloons. Lindstrand Ltd. occupies two 40,000 square foot factories in Shropshire, England where he has been manufacturing lighter -than -air 2 vehicles for more than 20 years, and has a perfect safety record. Moreover, we chose to enter into a contractual relation with a company that possesses actual assets, so that potential warranty and contractual claims can be satisfied. Furthermore, we found the Lindstrand balloon offers a most advantageous feature that the competitor's balloon does not — it is the mill balloon of its kind that can be illuminated internally and thus is a wonderful sight for spectators during its evening flights. Clearly, in a city like Miami that ranks third on the list of most illuminated cities in the world, we felt that this particular feature would be invaluable to the success and popularity of our balloon. We are sure that the nightly "Moon Over Miami" addition to Miami's skyline will become Miami's signature destination attraction. It's also important to note that Lindstrand Ltd. manufactured all tethered helium balloons currently operating in the United States (eg. Philadelphia, Baltimore, and Niagara Falls). We have communicated with the operators in these cities who confirmed that Lindstrand was an excellent balloon choice and has been a reliable partner to work with. Benefits of the Lindstrand Balloon: * Lindstrand Ltd. Was Established in 1978 * Highest Available Approval Rating from U.S. FAA and the British CAA * Eleven (11) HiFlyers Operation Worldwide (including 3 in U.S.) * Fully Automated Winch and Balloon System Requires Less Personnel * Internal Lighting Available to Create "Moon Over Miami" Image * Quality Control Ensured by In House Manufacturing SLH has secured the services of an experienced balloon operator to be primarily responsible for the technical operation and maintenance of our balloon. Mr. Matthew Manfredi is intimately familiar with the equipment and has several years of experience working with this type of balloon in Spain and the US. Proposed Income to the Bayfront Park Management Trust The profitability of the Miami SkyLift and therefore, the proposed revenue to BPMT is directly related to the number of paying visitors and groups riding the SkyLift and sponsorship opportunities. A detailed financial statement is included in the attached proposal outlining a projected annual income exceeding $ 400,000.00 to BPMT, with the potential for further growth. The Company proposes to enter into the Agreement with BPMT to use the Site for an initial five (5) years, with two (2) two (2) year options to renew and offers to pay a base annual guaranteed payment of $270,000.00 (the "Minimum Annual Guaranteed Payment"). In addition to the Minimum Annual Guaranteed Payment, SLH shall pay to BPMT (a) ONE DOLLAR AND NO CENTS ($1.00) for each ticket sold and (b) five percent (5%) of the gross annual advertising revenues resulting directly from any sponsorship agreements pertaining only to advertisements placed on the balloon envelope. Also, SLH will provide BPMT with the gross revenues from (a) four (4) events for the benefit of BPMT and (b) two (2) events for the benefit of community or charitable organizations selected by BPMT. BPMT and the City of Miami will receive tens of thousands of dollars of additional in - kind income through the use of its name and logo on all promotional materials, advertising 3 mediums including its website and media releases. Additionally, the Company will, at no cost, provide advertising on the balloon gondola when not otherwise used. The Company will be fully insured at all times, as deemed acceptable by the City's Risk Manager and has obtained a binding proposal. The costs associated with the insurance premium have been considered in the Company's financial projections. SLH successfully raised the required funds for this venture by means of a private equity offering in April of 2003 from domestic and foreign investors. To date, SLH has already purchased and paid for the Lindstrand HiFlyer balloon and ancillary equipment and possesses sufficient capital for site preparation and implementation of the Miami SkyLift. The Company, through its knowledge and contacts within the local tourism industry, is in a superior position to promote and operate the Miami SkyLift effectively and integrate it into Miami's existing tourism business. This will ensure that the required number of visitors is reached. In that regard, our team member, NatCom Marketing, a Local minority certified company, has developed a thorough Marketing and Community Outreach Plan. Operations SkyLift Holding, LLC, is in the fortunate position to be fully capitalized, and will be able to implement this project immediately. The Company plans to erect a building (approximately 1200 square feet) on the north side of the property. It will house the winch system, the ticket booth, a merchandising area, restrooms, as well as a storage room. The building will serve as a waiting area in which patrons will be able to view the balloon and the impressive winch system before the ride. The landing platform will be placed in the center of the Site (old fountain) and will be surrounded by up to 32 ground anchors for the mooring of the balloon during non -operational hours. A walkway will connect the building with the entrance area of the gondola. For the above purpose, the Company has hired an experienced and long-standing architect in the Miami area, Mr. Les Beilinson, to design and help execute this project. Together with Mr. Beilinson and our general contractor, Regosa Engineering, Inc., a local minority certified company, we have created an architectural drawing that illustrates our plans and is attached for your review. The Company understands its responsibilities regarding the security and maintenance of the Site and the equipment and has included a well-known Local minority owned company on our team to provide such services. South Florida Maintenance Service, Inc. provides similar services to Bayfront Park, the Orange Bowl Stadium, the Dade County Fair & Expo and is therefore very familiar with the area, the BPMT and the City of Miami. The manufacturer will provide a team of Lindstrand technicians to train the staff on location and the operator of the Lindstrand balloon in Philadelphia has agreed to work with us in Miami during our first year of operation offering his practical hands on business and operational experience. Additionally, the Company will undertake daily, weekly and monthly first -line servicing and maintenance. An annual visit by the manufacturer is required for envelope and winch maintenance. 4 Conclusion The Miami SkyLift experience will be a harmonious and revitalizing addition to Bayfront Park and its efforts to draw visitors. It will contribute positively to the popularity of the Park, add significant guaranteed revenues to the Park and become Miami's signature destination attraction. The Miami SkyLift team is a combination of successful, local business experience in Miami with a proven track record in local tourism and event planning and one of the world's most well known and respected balloon companies and balloonists, Lindstrand Ltd. It is our commitment to ensure that Miami's diverse ethnic community is an integral part of the SkyLift experience, as demonstrated by our inclusion of local Miami companies to the team. We are confident that Miami SkyLift and the BPMT will create a mutually beneficial long-term relationship that benefits the City of Miami, its residents, visitors and business community, SkyLift Holding, LLC, looks forward to working with the BPMT and the City of Miami and is ready to begin this project immediately. 5 r„ tvdsonjartes,,,) w,dviv.wison'joles„com Company Profile SkyLift Holding, LLC is a Florida limited liability company (F!D# 43-1973231) that was organized on May 20th 2002 with its principal office at 1109 Ponce de Leon Blvd., Coral Gables, FL 33134. SLH's principals are: Mark A. Funnen Daniel J. Braverman Bearoy Inv. Ltd. Holger Ziegeler Marvin and Connie Roth SLH's officers are: Mark A. Funnen — President and Chairman of the Board Daniel J. Braverman — Board Member Mark Scott — Board Member Contact Person: Mark A. Funnen SkyLift Holding, LLC 1109 Ponce de Leon BIvd. Coral Gables, FL 33134 Tel: 305 444-0422 Fax: 305 444-8418 Email: mfunnen@miamiskylift.com _, nip I1 I'l I ur ono I RtMZUKY INTERNAL REVENUE SERVICE PHILADELPHIA PA 19255 DATE OF THIS NOTICE: 09-17-2002 NUMBER OF THIS NOTICE: CP 575 B EMPLOYER IDENTIFICATION NUMBER: 43-1973231 FORM: SS-4 0532925340 B SKYLIFT HOLDING LLC FUNNEN MARK A MEMBER 1109 PONCE DE LEON BLVD CORAL GABLES FL 33134 FOR ASSISTANCE CALL US AT: 1-800-829-1040 OR WRITE TO THE ADDRESS SHOWN AT THE TOP LEFT. IF YOU WRITE, ATTACH THE STUB OF THIS NOTICE. WE ASSIGNED YOU AN EMPLOYER IDENTIFICATION NUMBER (EIN) Thank you for your Form SS-4, Application for Employer Identification Number (EIN). We assigned you EIN 43-1973231. This EIN will identify your business account, tax returns, and documents, even if you have no employees. Please keep this notice in your permanent records. Use your completename and EIN shown above an all federal tax forms, payments and related correspondence. If you use any variation in your name or EIN, it may cause a delay in processing and incorrect information in your account. It also could cause you to be assigned more than one EIN. Based on the information shown on your Form SS-4, you must file the following forms(s) by the data we show. Form 1065 04/15/2003 Your assigned tax classification is based on information obtained from your Form 5S-4. It is not a legal determination of your tax classification and is not binding on the IRS. If you want a determination on your tax classification, you may seek a private letter ruling from the IRS under the procedures set forth in Rev. Proc. 98-01, 1998-1 I.R.B. 7 (or the superceding revenue procedure for the year at issue). If you need help in determining what your tax year is, you can get Publication 538, Accounting Periods and Methods, at your local IRS office. If you have questions about the forms shown or the date they are due, you may call us at 1-800-829-1040 or write to us at the address shown above. Ww'w, ilsonjones com Overall Qualifications and Proven Experience The SkyLift team includes individuals with proven management, operations and business experience for local, relevant tourist attractions plus the expertise of one of the world's most successful and well renowned balloonist and manufacturers. Mark A. Funnen will be primarily responsible for the day-to-day management and operation of SkyLift Holding, LLC, and will be Chairman of the Board of Managers, President and General Manager. He will be the single point of contact for all issues related to the Miami SkyLift. Mr. Funnen will be the hands-on leader and continue to be a visible member of the local tourism and business community. The Trust and the City can count on Mr. Funnen to be available to them at all times. Since his conceptualization of the SkyLift project in 2002, Mr. Funnen has been the key person in the development of all matters relating to the SkyLift, including maintaining constant contact with the manufacturer, Mr. Per Lindstrand, and Mr. Matt Monfredi, the operator of the Philadelphia Tethered balloon. As a result, Mr. Funnen has a comprehensive understanding of the operation of a tethered helium balloon and will continue to work closely with the manufacturer throughout the development and execution of the project. Mr. Funnen's background in the tourism industry will be invaluable in marketing the SkyLift to the steady flow of tourists that visit the South Florida area. His business contacts within the cruise industry, local hotels, tour operators and other tourist organizations will facilitate access to the tourist base that will help obtain the number of visitors to make the SkyLift venture a success. Additionally, Mr. Funnen has had more than 14 years of experience leading a tour and travel company managing numerous employees and independent contractors, which will certainly prove advantageous to operating the SkyLift. Mr. Funnen, who is the original founder (and also an investor) of SkyLift Holding, LLC, will receive further support pertaining to the business aspect from two Board Members, Mark S. Scott and Daniel Braverman, and his current Operations Manager, Andreas Bahls. In addition, Per Linstrand, the founder of Lindstrand Balloons and world-renowned balloonist, will provide technical and operational expertise. Mark Funnen has been an active member of Miami's local tourism industry since 1990, and is the owner and president of Style Ventures, Inc., a local tour and destination management company. Mr. Funnen established himself in Miami's competitive environment by providing quality services to his customers and creating a reputation as a diligent and reliable business partner. He has worked in conjunction with organizations including: Norwegian Cruise Lines by executing their Miami shore excursions program and handling thousands of passengers every year; the Greater Miami Conventions & Visitors Bureau, for whom Mr, Funnen has personally guided numerous journalists and media groups through various local communities including Little Haiti, South Beach, Coconut Grove and Little Havana; RFB-Touristik, a European travel company that specializes in tour packages for disabled travelers; First Conventions & Incentives, Europe's largest travel incentive company, and Thomas Cook, for whom he is currently providing tour guiding and transportation services. Previous clients have included Orient Cruise Lines, the Kiwanis International Chapter, Young President's Organization, Pepsi Cola, Quaker Oats, Oracle and a variety of other national and international organizations. The services provided by Mr. Funnen's company to the above named clients were not limited to tour and destination management, but also included the planning and execution of customized events. An example is the annual "Florida Skate" Inline Skating Tour that takes international inline skating enthusiasts on public streets over 180 miles from Cocoa Beach to Miami Beach. This type of event not only requires international and domestic travel planning, management, safety and entertainment of the participants, but also demands making detailed arrangements with numerous municipalities for permitting and police escorts. Further, he has hosted numerous corporate events for national and international entities. As a result, Mr. Funnen has first hand knowledge of what it takes to plan and execute large events requiring great attention to detail. Most importantly, he has demonstrated the ability to work closely with a variety of tourism related companies and has proven his ability to successfully run a tourist related business in Miami. Mark S. Scott is a shareholder of the law firm of Becker & Poliakoff, P.A. where he focuses his practice an mergers and acquisitions, corporate finance, venture capital and private equity transactions. Mr. Scott is a participating Board Member of SLH and primarily responsible for the structuring of this venture, ongoing general business advice, contract negotiations and future legal issues. A substantial portion of Mr. Scott's practice involves the counseling of emerging companies, foreign and domestic venture capital funds and private investors in private equity transactions. Mr. Scott has represented clients in numerous transactions with a total value of over $1.2 Billion. In addition, Mr. Scott serves as the principal U.S. corporate legal advisor or Special Counsel to a number of private and publicly held corporations, including Volkswagen AG, Deutsche Frankonia AG, Deutsche Bank AG and Boris Becker. Mr. Scott received his Juris Doctor in 1995 from Boston University School of Law and his Bachelor of Science in 1991 from Tufts University. He is admitted to the State Bar of Florida and New York and is a member of the American and International Bar Association. He has assisted U.S. entities with business transactions, amalgamations and investments abroad and has represented European clients in a variety of corporate transactions in the U.S. Daniel Braverman is a retired businessman from Los Angeles, California and a participating member of the Board. He started his company in 1977 and owned, operated and managed it for 22 years. His company was in the Financial Services business. During that time he had successful contracts with the County of Los Angeles, international, national and Iocal companies, which created a handling of gross financial transactions of over I00 million dollars per year. His company handled aver 200,000 transactions per year with six (6) branch offices and 30 employees. He successfully tailored his marketing and customer service to best satisfy and attract his ethnically diverse customer base. After selling his business, Mr. Braverman moved to Miami as a permanent resident in 1998. He received his Degree in Business Administration from U.C.L.A. in 1963 Mr. Braverman's background and experience with multi -ethnic customers and his understanding of servicing a constant and fluctuating flow of business is perfectly suited for the SkyLift type operation as a member of the Board of Managers. In addition to serving as a board member, he is an investor in the Company and intends to assist Mr. Funnen with the planning of daily operations, offer his experienced business guidance and to be personally available if there is the necessity for additional management to insure a smooth and successful business operation. Andreas J. Bahls will serve as on site Operations Manager and will actively participate in the manufacturer's training process with Mr. Funnen. He started his career as Staff Coordinator for Pan American Airlines. Mr. Bahls moved to Miami in 1990 where he began working in the tourism industry. He has varied experience in transportation services, tour operations and general business operations and was employed by well-known local companies such as J.J. Kelly, 2 Flamingo Tours and Corporate Connection before being recruited by Mr. Funnen to work at his Miami based tour and travel company in 1999. Overall, Mr. Bahls has been arranging transportation and coordinating other tourist related activities for South Florida tourists and local businesses for more than 14 years. He will be the on site point person for SkyLift patrons and will be responsible for managing the multi-lingual staff of the SkyLift. Per Lindstrand has been designing and manufacturing balloons since 1976. Mr. Lindstrand holds three world records (distance, duration, altitude) for hot air balloons. His company, Lindstrand Ltd. occupies two 40,000 square foot factories in Shropshire, England where he has been manufacturing lighter -than -air vehicles for more than 20 years, and has a perfect safety record with his balloons. Lindstrand leads the way in aerospace technology and is working closely with the NASA Goddard Space Flight Center in Washington and the European Space Agency in Holland. To date, the Lindstrand team, led by Per Lindstrand, has designed, manufactured and type -certified hot air balloons currently operating in 48 countries. Notably, Mr. Lindstrand's company has produced the largest hot air balloon, manned super - pressure balloon, and thermal airship He has built in excess of 100 airships and helium gas balloons. It is the expertise of the Lindstrand team that pioneered the development of the world's first thermal airship fabric, which now is the aviation industry standard. Much of the machinery used at Lindstrand Balloons is unique and is largely developed and built in-house with a comprehensive machine and full electronic/electrical workshop. Lindstrand has designed, developed and built specialistmachinery for projects, which include the most sophisticated manned balloon ever built, the ICO Global Round The World Balloon. Mr. Per Lindstrand developed the HiFlyer to offer everyone the opportunity to experience the magic of flying in a balloon. His unique design and manufacturing allows riders to experience the romance and appeal of ballooning in a safe, secure and comfortable environment. The sensation is exciting and impossible to imitate. A HiFlyer ride creates a long lasting memory. Matthew Monfredi is currently the on -site manager and operator of the Lindstrand Hi -Flyer balloon at the Philadelphia Zoo. He will relocate to Miami and work as the Chief Balloon Operator of the SkyLift balloon, responsible for implementing safety and maintenance procedures as well as training the staff during the SkyLift's launch and initial months of operation. Mr. Monfredi has extensive technical and operational knowledge of the Lindstrand balloon. In addition to his work with the Philadelphia Lindstrand HiFlyer balloon, he also managed Lindstrand balloons in Barcelona and Tenerife, Spain. 3