INVESTING IN THE REGION By Debra Solomon Baker Michael Zambrana president, Pangea When Michael Zambrana conducted a nationwide search to relocate his Chesterfield-based company, Pangea, a few years ago, he decided to head East. East to New York? To Boston? No. East on Highway 40—straight into the City of St. Louis. There he bought an historic bank building at the convergence of Gravois, Sidney, and Jefferson in a foreclosure sale and began renovation. He has not looked back. In fact, since then, Zambrana has dedicated himself to giving back to the community, and he hopes to triple Pangea’s local market share. An environmental and remediation construction firm, Pangea’s clients include federal agencies such as U.S. Army Corps of Engineer Districts, the Department of Defense, and the Department of Energy. It was named by Inc. Magazine as the 29th fastest-growing inner-city company in America. Pangea’s projects span the country, including New Orleans, where it is part of a team installing 26,000 trailers for persons displaced by Hurricane Katrina. However, Pangea is not purely a federal entity. Zambrana is working to transition his vast experiences (more than 300 federal projects across the country) into the private sector. For instance, he aims to secure projects such as the construction of laboratory facilities for local hospitals. This entrepreneur, who incorporated his company back in 1994, finds his work to be highly rewarding. “It always makes you feel good to build things and to clean up a mess,” says Zambrana. “Hopefully, we’re helping to make the world a better place.” Pangea certainly seems to be making the South City area a better place. This spring, the company completed its very first city project: the renovation of three firehouses. Zambrana is also busy serving the greater community. He is committed to bringing the Hispanic business community of St. Louis together. In order to help achieve this, Zambrana recently became the Chairman of the Hispanic Chamber of Commerce Corporate Advisory Board. He also serves on the RCGA board. Zambrana also serves on the National Board of the Society of American Military Engineers and was instrumental in attracting its small business conference to St. Louis. That conference will take place in December of 2006 and 2007. LEADERSHIP CIRCLE INSIGHTS What’s your favorite restaurant for a business meeting, and why? “My favorite restaurant for business is the one where we get to close the deal with our client. St. Louis Bread Company is great for a breakfast meeting.” Tracy Hart President, Tarlton Corporation “My favorite business meeting place is Mike Shannon’s. I have always enjoyed the service and the personal attention that I receive. The new location has private rooms with partition doors for extra privacy during meetings. Besides, Pat and Gary Van Mater are the best.” Anthony Thompson Joint Venture Spokesman, The SPK Team “I’d say Niche for it's sophisticated, New York atmosphere, fresh creative dishes and impeccable service. And the owner, Gerard, is also the dynamic chef.” Tom Langsdorf Vice Chairman, Universal Printing

July 2006 - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - Cover Story: Eric Rhone and Cedric the Entertainer Jeffrey Michelman Joe Edwards Harrah’s - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - www.stlrcga.org - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - www.technologygateway.org - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - Whitaker Music Festival Soulard Market Ruth’s Chris Steak House