Whirlpool VP Jeff Noel speaks on behalf of recently arrested Harbor Shores developer.
Noel hails from Kentucky, one of the more corrupt states in the US - Noel worked previously in the tobacco industry. A perfect resume for a job at Whirlpool. See this good ol' boy's bio at the end.
Developer for Harbor Shores arrested
Mark Hesemann pleads no contest following incident at Lion's Den
By Julie Swidwa, Saturday, June 25, 2011
St. Joseph- Mark Hesemann, a contracted developer for the real estate arm of Harbor Shores, reached a plea deal with prosecutors Friday following his arrest Wednesday at an adult entertainment store in Sawyer.
His lawyer, Andrew Burch, said Hesemann pleaded no contest before Berrien County Trial Court Judge Gary Bruce to a charge of disturbing the peace. Hesemann was originally charged with retail fraud, commonly known as shoplifting, according to state police Sgt. Ken High at the Bridgman post.
Burch said alcohol contributed to his client's acntions.
High said Hesemann was arrested around 9:15 p.m. Wednesday by Trooper Gary Guild at the Lion's Den Adult Book Store after he allegedly tried to steal two pornographic DVDs.
Hesemann is the managing director of Evergreen Development Co. in St. Joseph, which is under contract to develop the real estate arm of the Harbor Shores golf course development. Jeff Noel, president of Harbor Shores Community Redevelopment Inc., said Friday he was unaware of Hesemann's arrest before being contacted by The Herald-Palladium.
Speaking on behalf of Harbor Shores, Noel said, "I'm absolutely surprised. I've known Mark for all these years we've been working on Harbor Shores together."
Noel went on to say, "I'm disappointed, and yet because I do know Mark it's most important to try to understand what transpired and get all sides of the story. Until we have all the information and know exactly what transpired, it would be wrong to predetermine what it will mean for Mark and his relationship with Harbor Shores."
..."(Hesemann) has a very caring heart. He is very committed to this community and he wants to see it succeed," Noel said. "He's given a lot of time and energy into this community. [We know that when Noel talks about wanting 'this' community to succeed, he is definitely not referring to citizens of Benton Harbor.]
Full article while still available: http://www.heraldpalladium.com/articles/2011/06/26/local_news/5357891.txt
BIO: Jeff Noel was appointed corporate vice president, Communications and Public Affairs 2004. Noel is responsible for the company's global external and internal communications, government relations, and corporate affairs departments, including Whirlpool Corporation's strategic community partnerships and also serves as the president of the Whirlpool Foundation.
Noel is also actively involved in area initiatives including serving as Chairman of the Harbor Shores Development and Bluffside projects and as a member of the Michigan Colleges Foundation. Additionally, he was appointed vice chairman of the Michigan Economic Development Corporation in 2011 and serves as general vice chairman for the 73rd Senior PGA Championship.
Prior to joining Whirlpool, Noel served for 11 years as president of Cornerstone Alliance, a Benton Harbor-based economic development group. He also served as commissioner of management and operations for the Kentucky Cabinet for Economic Development Department, director of government affairs for Brown & Williamson Tobacco Corporation and executive assistant to U.S. Senator Wendell Ford of Kentucky as well as an owner/developer of over 700,000 sq. ft of commercial real estate.
Noel holds a master's degree in business administration from Marymount University and a bachelor's degree in agricultural economics from the University of Kentucky.
