Editor’s Note Garden Route Investments has grown at a phenomenal rate from its relatively humble beginnings, establishing itself at the forefront of local newspaper offerings with its overall presentation, content and national distribution. Having identified a definite need for detailed and useful business and investment information for both existing and potential investors to the region, our newspaper has attracted a tremendous amount of support from a multitude of different people. I would like to personally thank our rapidly expanding advertising client base, businesses both large and small, as well as the Western Cape Provincial Government and the Garden Route and Klein Karoo Municipalities for their ongoing support. Also the belief placed in us by Dr. Wolfgang Thomas (University Of Stellenbosch), and Professor Ernst van Biljon (George Campus, PE Technikon), whose encouragement and direct participation have been a constant source of wisdom and local knowledge to the GRI crew. Richard Martin, Operations Manager at the Knysna Municipality, also needs to be thanked for his proactiveness regarding the 'Southern Cape Business Prospects Conference', of which Garden Route Investments has been made the official media partner. Here at GRI HQ in Knysna, the dedication and long hours put in by 'Big Six Advertising' (Melanie, Henry, Terri and Daniel) is much appreciated. Without them the paper would not be where it is today and my account at the local Pizza takeaway would not be so high! To Peter and Jackie for their tremendous business editorials, and to Charmaine for her 'I'm always on the road' sales efforts, to Ricky 'the quiet trafficker', and to the tough yet fair Yvonne who rules the finances of GRI with an iron fist, the paper owes you all a lot. Last but not least, also to my partner in this whole affair, Greg Vogt, for his vision and faith in running with what GRI set out to achieve. To all our READERS, thank you for your acceptance of GRI and for helping us to establish the credibility of our publication so quickly. Enjoy this Bumper issue while you are recuperating from 2003, preferably on a beach with a chilled substance, with GRI wishing everyone a Happy Xmas and Successful 2004.