The Odessa American from Odessa, Texas • 12

Doiferagil (giipainisiiu(3S fi sal .53 Typically, entrepreneur follow up initial private Investments in their startups wKh two or three rounds of venture capital, significantly diluting their ownership In the process. Evity's founders were able to leapfrog that process, jumping straight to payday. Evity in April 1999. Their benefactor, whom they did not identify invested $1.5 million in June, and twd months later the company moved into the incubator BMC needed a tool to measure the performance of Web pages from the user's perspective. Evity's 25 employees will move into BMC's Austin office.

This is an area that for quite some time we thought we needed to extend into," said Max Watson, chief executive of BMC. And while the recent deal meant a big payoff for Evity BMC didn't see the price as steep. Six years ago, the software maker paid $34 million for a line of products that last year brought it more than $600 million in sales. reduced rate for space and are not required to carry a lease. In an apparent show of appreciation for its help, Davis and Neville recently pledged an undisclosed number of shares in Evity to the incubator Evity was the last company to enter the incubator before a policy went into effect requiring that tenants give it a 1-percent stake in their ventures.

"I think it will probably be the biggest gift "we've ever received," said Robert Ronstadt, director of the IC2 Institute. As a consultant, Davis built the piece of software that a became Evity's service, but he didn't know what to do with it Neville believed it could be used to monitor activity on Web sites. The two got together in late 1998 and incorporated Evity's service, called SiteAngel 2000, monitors whether Web sites can be accessed and how quickly they process transactions for Internet users. BMC sells software that monitors and manages the performance of applications that run on Internet servers. The sale wasn't the biggest for an Austin company, not even this year.

But it's a remarkable sign tflat with i the right idea at the right time entrepreneurs can build businesses worth $100 million in a matter of months. Typically, entrepreneurs follow up initial private investments in their startups with two or three rounds of venture capital, significantly diluting their ownership in the process. Evity's founders were AUSTIN (KRT) When Clay Davis and Rob Neville moved their fledgling Internet software company into the Austin Technology Incubator in August, they were working on a shoestring: Their only financing was $1.5 million from an outside investor not much in the high-dollar world of the Web and they were sharing space with other hopeful startups. Earlier this month, they sold their company, Evity to BMC Software Inc. of Houston.

Price tag: $100 million in BMC stock and cash. "I think we're somewhat shellshocked right now," said Neville, 34, who incorporated the company a year ago last month. "I think it's going to set in as we figure out we have a boss." Texas, 'flf 197, software developer Skipstone Inc. was acquired by Adaptec Inc. for $7.5 million.

Many prominent: Austin companies are among the incubator's 55 graduates, including Metrowerks Applied Science Fiction Inc. and InfoGlide Corp. The incubator provides mentoring and help to early-stage companies it believes have the potential to benefit the local economy Companies pay a able to leapfrog that process, jumping straight to payday 'As we grew the company of course we were on a growth path acquisition was something we thought could happen," said Davis, 30, a former Internet consultant. "We didn't really think it could happen this early." The company is just the second to be acquired while still a tenant in the technology incubator, a venture of the IC2 Institute at the University of Cause of ammonia tank explosion still unknown I -i i -a i OCEXPEMENCE (new student orientation and registration for Summer and Fall classes) Find out what it takes to succeed in college Take a tour of Odessa College's campus Learn about financial aid application procedures Talk with counselors and get one-onone attention Get the answers to your questions, and "The gas burned completely, so it wasn't a threat to the environment. Cynthia Fanning US.

ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY Mouch said officials believe the tank that was in use failed. Then the hydrogen exploded, said Cynthia Fanning, a spokeswoman for the Environmental Protection Agency "The gas burned completely so it wasn't a threat to the environment," Fanning said. "There were no residual effects downwind. But hydrogen also burns very hot, and that's why we saw the serious injuries." Investigators with the Louisiana State Police Hazardous Materials Unit and the U.S. Occupational Safety and Health Agency are studying the accident Since there was no environmental damage, the EPA wrapped up its investigation Friday, Fanning said.

David Toussaint of Zachary was released from the hospital Thursday DONALDSONVILLE, La. (AP) Investigators believe they know what exploded at the CF Industries fertilizer plant, but it may be weeks before they know why it burst, killing one man and injuring 10 others. Nine remained in the burn unit at Baton Rouge General Medical Center on Saturday. Six were in critical condition and three in fair, said Jace Dobrowolski, a hospital spokeswoman. The tank which burst on Wednesday was a "molecular sieve vessel" used to separate moisture from hydrogen and nitrogen gas, investigators said Friday It is one of three identical pressurized tanks which stand within six feet of each other.

Inside the tanks, a drying agent is mixed with nitrogen and hydrogen, CF Industries spokesman Dennis Mouch said. The one which exploded was in use; workers were changing the drying agent on the other two. The body of Richard Escobedo, 40, of Pasadena, Texas, was found inside one of the vessels being worked on, state police Lt. Mike Edmonson said. He, Escobedo and four of the hospitalized men worked for Catalyst Process Specialists of Pasadena.

Willie Reed, 49, and James Smith, 31, both of Houston, were in fair condition Saturday Glen Ford, 35, of Houston and Edward Lane, age unavailable, of Crosby were in critical condition. Four of the other hospitalized men work for CF Industries. Mike Gautreaux, 35, of St Amant, Boyd Mahler, 38, of Vacherie, and James Moses, 38, of Geismar, all were in critical condition. Leroy 43, Donaldsonville, improved from serious to fair condition. He is a 24-year employee of the plant and a member of the Donaldsonville Commission Council The 10th injured man works for Turner Industries of Baton Rouge.

A Turner spokeswoman said Friday that his family asked the company not to release his name. Hospital officials said he is in critical condition. CF Industries manufactures ammonia and other nitrogen fertilizers at its Donaldsonville plant. Its corporate headquarters are in Long Grove, DI REGISTER FOR YOUR CLASSES! Visit OC't home page on the World Wide Web www.odessa.edu inn 2 p.m., Thursday, June 15 OC Community Room 2nd Floor, Student Union Bldg. mi -i 201 W.

University Odessa, Texas 79764 For more information, phone 335-6432 or 335-6403 aata Mmi cannon mm 8 li''4 tiff fflhamiEx Yfom ox? 1 2 yeacs off sexrefice Go TvlIedScall (Cecatiei? ospmCall Ci EcCtoc (CotmnaGy IHIocipfiflan CONGRATULATIONS ON YOUR RETIREMENT! "Thank you for jumping in head-first when the future looked dim. You have led us in the direction of being the premier healthcare facility in the Permian Dasin region. Thank you for your "no-nonsense" approach and open door policy. Come back and visit us in your spare time!" -Employees of Medical Center Hospital Ar TSt. City of Csks.a owe you a tr "Sight in Medicf and wish you: jest in iical tbe Thanks, Bill Elms Elms, Faiis "Thanks for your 1 -quality health care fur Hospita, s.

bringing maintaining i Basin." William Fowler Attorney-at-Law "Your legacy will be the rebuilding of a hospital into a first-class community health care complex. Thank you for being a dedicated professional, and most of all, for continuing to be our valued friend." M. Olaf Gail Frandsen Former Odessans "Thanks for a job well done. Be proud!" Joe Buice ECHD Board President "It's hard to believe it's been a decade since we worked together to promote the passing of the one-cent sales tax to benefit Medical Center. What a difference 10 years makes! In the words of the immortal Mac Boring Michael and retirement it just makes sense!" Betsy Triplett-Hurt Former member Medical Center Development Corporation "What a wonderful Hospital you have given us.

It has been a joy to work with and for you. Best wishes for your future!" Jim O'Leary Attomey-at-Law "So, you are retiring? I hear the chirps we can always use another pigeon on the golf course!" Raymond Chavez Golf Partner -Major Electric Odessa Chamber Board of Directors "Now that you are retired and will have some extra time, maybe you can work on having a decent golf swing!" Tom Pace Longtime Friend "Mike is very community-minded and has always been reliable and a help to volunteer organizations around town. His energy and professionalism will be missed!" Laura Dennis Managing Editor Odessa American "Your collaborative efforts with members of the local health care community have resulted in the birth and prosperity of the Permian Basin Healthcare Network. Many thanks for your visionary support." Scott Taylor Executive Director Permian Basin Healthcare Network "You've earned the right to retire!" Joe Florey Personal Accountant Florey, Washburn Price "Life is too short to play bad golf!" -Dorothy Greene Jackson Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center Odessa Michael Stephans was a team player while representing MCH on the Odessa Partnership, the group that initially proposed the 14 cent economic development sales tax. J.

Michael recognized the communities' need for growth and diversification, which could only be funded through the reallocation of a portion of the dedicated one-cent hospital district sales tax. His leadership during his' 12 years at MCH will have positive long-range effects on Odessa, Ector County and the Permian Basin for many years to come." Michael F. George PresidentCEO Odessa Chamber of Commerce "Your leadership and loyalty to Medical Center Hospital has been instrumental in providing premium healthcare to all of us here in West Texas. Your legacy and impact on our community will long be remembered! Have fun!" Marian White Director of Physician Relations Memorial Rehabilitation Hospital "You've done a great job making the Hospital accessible to all the community Mil Gracias!" Pete Almanza President Medical Center Development Corporation Board "On behalf of the Junior League of Odessa, a super thanks for your continual commitment to the League's projects and fund-raising activities. This commitment is evident in your monetary support and volunteer spirit with the league and the community." Frances M.

Gunkel-Boyles 1999-2000 President Junior League of Odessa, Inc. "We all thank you for your on-going support and for keeping us on track as a group. We've made great strides with you as an advisor. We look forward to you coming on board as an Auxiliary member now that you have some free time." Margie Marrs President Medical Center Hospital Auxiliary "Mike Thanks! You are able to take the current reality with a vision of the future and translate that into a viable, profitable institution. Best Wishes!" Gary Elam, MX).

Chief-of-Staff Medical Center Hospital at the J. Michael will soon be "putting" time early in the day." "Get ready Tiger Woods Ritz and having his "tee' Sharon Wilson Ector County Elections Administrator "It is said that old soldiers never die they just fade away. In the hospital business, they go to the golf course. J. Michael raised the bar for health care in Odessa.

During his tenure as Chief Administrator, he took a very sick hospital and turned it around to be one of the best in this area. As a friend, J. Michael always had an open door whenever I needed to talk shop. I'll miss him. Good luck, best wishes and play nice with the other senior golfers!" Sam Gonzalez Chairman of the Governing Board Odessa Regional Hospital "Thank you for a great 12 years at MCH." BobGlast Friend Golfing Partner City Pipe Supply Medical Center Hospital 1 Vtl sVil t.jl rntktglHl' clfe 0111(11 tir hriKvrihltlplJhiUlM Many Caring Bands.