Embassy of the United States Serbia

May 11, 2011

Thank you, Steven.

Mayor Djilas, Mr. Kruljevic, Mr. Kacha, Mr. Shaffer, and honored guests – especially the members of the OBO team, Framaco, Gemax, and all those working at the site whose success and hard work we celebrate today. Fifteen months ago, some of us stood here on a frozen barren field to break ground and begin construction of our new Embassy.

Today, we officially complete the highest part of the construction – with what is called the topping out.

The complex is not complete, but all of you who are involved in this exciting project have achieved a significant milestone today. For the past 15 months, working long hours, through weekends, and inclement weather, you have made it possible for us to be standing here today to recognize your dedication, commitment, and achievement.

Our Project Director, Irving Fontaine, his team, and the team from Framaco, Gemax, and others have made exceptional progress and as you can see and hear, that progress continues. Looking over the site, I am confident that we will open the Embassy in July, 2012 – on time and under budget.

I would also like to recognize our special guests from the faculty of the School of Architecture in Belgrade, and Andrea Sehic from the Association of Consulting Engineers of Serbia (ACES), and Marija Golubovic from the Serbia Green Building Council. Collectively, these organizations play a vital role in bringing the US standards for green building to Serbia and will continue “spreading the word” for the future of green building in Serbia and the region.

Special thanks to Mayor Dragan Djilas, whose City offices have been and continue to be instrumental in our success.

My congratulations and sincere thanks to all of you.

We wish you warm weather and all the best of success for your continued hard work in the months ahead.

Now Mayor Djilas, Mr. Kacha, Mr. Kruljevic and I have to do our part to complete the “Topping Out”.

Thank you.