For the third year in a row, Inwood Consulting Engineers, Inc. formed a team to participate in the American Cancer Society’s Making Strides Against Breast Cancer (MSABC) 5K walk. Inwood employees, family and friends joined over 5,000 walkers in downtown Orlando on Saturday, October 18. The 28-member team raised over $2,900 for the cause and was awarded with Bronze Striders recognition.
Inwood’s top fundraiser, Janet Middleton, PE, stated, “I am proud to support such a worthy cause. My mother was diagnosed with Breast Cancer this year. I want to do all I can to help her and others battling the disease to have a cancer-free future.” According to Susan Makowski, MSABC Manager, the money raised at the event will fund vital Breast Cancer programs in the community. Makowski explained, “The donations fund breast cancer research, education, advocacy, and patient services. Participation in the walk is a way to bring hope to all people facing the disease.” In recognition of National Breast Cancer Awareness Month and MSABC, October 13-17 was designated “Pink Week” at Inwood. A weeklong bake sale, “Wear Pink to Work” day and a breakfast fundraiser are just a few of the activities that were held in the office to encourage employee involvement. “MSABC is one of many community events that Inwood is proud to support. We will continue to get involved in charitable fundraisers in order to bring hope for a brighter future and improved quality of life for everyone,” stated Alex Hull, President of Inwood. Learn more about the American Cancer Society and MSABC Inwood Consulting Engineers, Inc. has moved into its new corporate office building, located in Oviedo, Florida. Doster Construction Company broke ground on the project in October of 2007. Inwood opened its doors for business at the new location on Tuesday, September 2, 2008.
The building, designed by Hunton Brady Architects, is 30,000 square feet and just minutes from Inwood’s previous location. The facility offers the space needed to achieve the long-term goals of the firm. It currently houses 62 employees and has the capability to accommodate approximately 130 employees and expand to 45,000 square feet in the future. “We have been anticipating the completion of the new building and are thrilled to be moved in. The facility’s size and new technology allow for exciting opportunities for the firm. The new office represents our commitment to future growth,” stated Alex Hull, president of Inwood. The new facility is on the forefront of technology with automated lighting, heating and air conditioning, security systems, Wi-Fi access, converged data and voice networks and a video distribution network with various monitors throughout the building. In addition, the facility features several upgrades including a larger, café style break room, fully equipped conference rooms and an expanded video production office with a sound booth for recording voice-overs. In addition, Inwood is implementing green initiatives in order to become a more environmentally conscious firm. These initiatives include a recycling plan, improved energy management, server and workstation virtualization techniques, and waste reduction measures.
Mr. Houck brings seven years of professional experience. During his graduate studies, he worked for two years on university-led ecological research projects under the direction of the United States Geological Survey in Tennessee and North Carolina. Moreover, Mr. Houck worked as an ecologist, in Florida, for five years. His GIS experience extends across all seven years. Mr. Houck’s areas of expertise include environmental assessments and permitting, mitigation planning and design, and tree surveys. In addition, Mr. Houck has extensive experience with roadway corridor studies and Project Development and Environment (PD&E) Studies.
Mr. Houck holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Environmental Science, with a Biology Concentration, and a Master of Science degree in Environmental Science from the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga (UTC). During his graduate studies, he was a GIS instructor for an undergraduate course at UTC. In addition, Mr. Houck served as a researcher on three publications on environmental science and GIS. He obtained his GIS Professional (GISP) certification in 2007. Orange County has selected Inwood Consulting Engineers, Inc. to provide final engineering design services for the widening of Texas Avenue from Oak Ridge Road to Holden Avenue. Inwood is responsible for roadway design and construction plans preparation; stormwater analysis, drainage design and permitting; and public information. Moreover, the firm will complete the design of utilities, traffic signalization and signing and pavement markings.
The planned improvements to Texas Avenue include widening from a two-lane rural roadway to a four-lane divided urban roadway. The improvements will include 11-foot wide travel lanes; a 15.5-foot, raised, landscaped median; concrete sidewalks; on-road bicycle lanes; street lighting; landscaping and curb and gutter inlets for drainage. The design phase of the project is scheduled to be completed by December 2009. Learn more about Orange County
“I registered for the ride because I wanted to do something for the people who have been diagnosed with MS. As I crossed the finish line on Sunday, it felt amazing to support our community through this worthy cause,” explained Grant Panaccione, an employee at Inwood. Along with supporting LCF and NMSS, Inwood’s employees are involved with numerous charitable organizations and events throughout the year. In the fall, the firm forms a team to walk in the American Cancer Society’s Making Strides Against Breast Cancer. Moreover, throughout the year, employees collect pop tabs to raise money for the Ronald McDonald House in Orlando. “Community involvement is a core value of Inwood’s company culture. We encourage employees to get involved and give back to the local community. We will continue to help organizations in Central Florida raise awareness, support the community and bring hope for a brighter future and improved quality of life for everyone,” said Alex Hull, President of Inwood. Learn more about Lighthouse Central Florida (LCF) Learn more about The National MS Society
Moreover, Buck has contributed to building the strong reputation of the firm by encouraging and utilizing emerging technologies and trends. Early on, Buck was recognized as a leader in the utilization of raster imagery for transportation planning and design. In 1999, Buck expanded the firm’s services to include in-house video production and today Inwood is one of the only firms in the state who offers this service to the consulting engineering industry. In recent years he has launched several improvements to the company's Information Technology infrastructure as well as a complete upgrade to the corporate accounting system. Additionally, Buck is currently managing the design and construction of Inwood’s new 30,000 square foot office building and insuring that it too will be on the forefront of technology.
“Since the beginning, Ed has proven to be an integral part of the success of Inwood. He has a strong work ethic and dedication to growing and moving the firm in a positive direction. Ed’s commitment to continually increasing the quality of our work, employees, corporate culture and environment makes him the ideal candidate to serve as COO,” stated Alex Hull, President of Inwood. Inwood Consulting Engineers, Inc is pleased to announce three employee promotions. Mark Hales, PE, has been appointed an Associate of the firm. Kate Spiess, PE, and Steve Sommerfeldt, PE, have been promoted to Project Managers.
In over two and a half years with the firm, Mark Hales, PE, has successfully provided transportation engineering and project management services to Inwood's clients. His key areas of expertise include rural and urban roadway design, as well as limited access highway design and milling and resurfacing projects. Hales graduated from the University of Central Florida (UCF) with a Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering. Alex Hull, President of Inwood, stated, “Mark is well deserving of his promotion to Associate. He has consistently shown the skills necessary to become a future leader of Inwood. Mark has been successful in managing his projects profitably and has developed client relationships that will sustain the growth of the company.” Since 2000, Kate Spiess, PE, has been a project engineer on a variety of transportation design projects for Inwood. Spiess’s key area of expertise is with roadway construction plans including signing and pavement marking, signalization, maintenance of traffic and the analysis of primary and secondary drainage systems using ICPR and ASAD. Her new responsibilities will include management of the project scope, schedule, and budget as well as participation in project marketing and client management. Spiess graduated from Georgia Institute of Technology with a Bachelor of Science degree in Civil Engineering. Steve Sommerfeldt, PE, has been with Inwood for six years. He has served as project engineer on various drainage and water resource projects throughout the state. Sommerfeldt’s experience includes stormwater retrofits and watershed master planning efforts, including drainage infrastructure inventory and evaluation, hydraulic modeling, floodplain analysis, permitting and construction plans preparation. His responsibilities will expand to include management of the project scope, schedule, and budget as well as participation in project marketing and client management. Sommerfeldt holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Civil Engineering from UCF. “Both Kate and Steve started their engineering careers at Inwood and have shown the ability to handle diverse projects from both a production as well as a management standpoint. Their hard work and dedication to quality has not gone unnoticed by both their peers and our clients. Their promotion means recognition of their expanding role within the company as team leaders,” explained Hull. Inwood Consulting Engineers, Inc. ceremonially broke ground on Friday, November 9, 2007 for a new $7.8 million corporate office building, located in Winter Springs, that will allow for continuing growth and expansion of the firm.
The 30,000 square foot, state-of-the-art facility, will sit on four acres of water-front property located across from the Oviedo Marketplace and is just minutes away from the current office in Oviedo. Due for completion in July 2008, the facility will have the capability to expand to 45,000 square feet in the future. Inwood has seen steady growth and success since it’s inception in 1995. The firm started with five employees and now, 12 years later, has a staff of just over 50. The new facility will offer the space needed to achieve the long-term goals of the firm. Inwood’s new office facility will have the capacity to house approximately 130 employees with plenty of parking for visitors and staff. Inwood will lease approximately 10,000 square feet of the ground floor to other businesses until the additional space is required to accommodate an increase in staff. Inwood has seen steady growth and success since it’s inception in 1995. The firm started with five employees and now, 12 years later, has a staff of just over 50. The new facility will offer the space needed to achieve the long-term goals of the firm. “We are excited about the opportunities involved with the new facility. The additional space will not only allow us to potentially double our staff, but will provide opportunity to add new services for our clients and ultimately reach our goal of becoming a full service consulting engineering firm,” stated Alex Hull, President of Inwood. According to Hull, the new building represents a commitment to growth for the future. Aside from expanding the civil, environmental, transportation and public involvement services the firm already provides, Inwood plans to launch construction management, environmental sciences and planning divisions. The new facility will be on the forefront of technology with a building automation system, wireless network, converged data and voice network and a video network with flat panel plasma televisions throughout the building. In addition the facility features several upgrades including a larger, café style break room, fully equipped conference rooms and an expanded video production office to include a green screen and sound booth for recording voice-overs. In keeping with the Corporate Wellness Program, the facility is designed with health and fitness in mind. The building is a smoke-free facility and showers and lockers will be provided in the restrooms. “The City of Winter Springs is thrilled to have Inwood Consulting Engineers, Inc. join our community. The ground breaking marks growth for the city as well as the firm, said John Bush, Mayor of Winter Springs. Bush stated that Inwood’s new facility is the third Class A building in Winter Springs. He and the Commission are looking forward to more businesses developing in the city of this quality. Inwood’s principals and staff were joined by representatives from the contractor, Doster Construction Company, Inc., architect, Hunton Brady Architects as well as City of Winter Springs to celebrate the ground breaking and future growth of the firm. Osceola County has selected Inwood Consulting Engineers, Inc. to provide professional services for the widening of Narcoossee Road from two lanes to a four-lane urban roadway, including the bridge over Canal 29B. The project limits are from Jack Brack Road to Boggy Creek Road, a distance of 3.2 miles.
Inwood will be responsible for preparation of the final construction plans for the roadway, pavement markings and signalization in accordance with FDOT Plans Preparation Manual and Osceola County Standards. In addition, the firm will coordinate with the appropriate governmental agencies to provide permitting services, subsurface utility engineering and coordination with residents and business owners along the project corridor. In an effort to raise awareness, support the cause and bring hope to the community, Inwood Consulting Engineers, Inc., formed a team, for the second year in a row, to participate in the American Cancer Society’s Making Strides Against Breast Cancer (MSABC) walk. The team, made up of employees, family and friends, joined approximately 4,200 walkers at the event at Lake Eola in downtown Orlando on Saturday, October 27, 2007. The team raised over $2,000 for the cause.
Alex Hull, President of Inwood, said, “We are proud of our employees’ commitment to supporting the community through MSABC. Community involvement is an important part of our company culture. Reaching out to help organizations like the American Cancer Society is part of Inwood’s commitment to improving the quality of life for everyone.” MSABC is a noncompetitive, 5K walk supporting the unique mission to fight cancer on four fronts: research, education, advocacy, and patient services. The participants’ support enables the American Cancer Society to fund groundbreaking breast cancer research, provide up-to-date prevention and early detection information, help ensure all women have access to mammograms and follow-up care, and provide free services that improve the quality of life for all patients and their families. According to Lauren Nelson, Senior Community Representative of the American Cancer Society, in 2006, 450,000 walkers in more than 120 communities across the country joined the American Cancer Society in the united fight against breast cancer. Floridians proudly raised more than $4.8 million through the MSABC events. This year, the MSABC participants, in Central Florida alone, raised more than $465,000 for the American Cancer Society. “As I walked next to survivors of the disease, I found the event to be such an uplifting experience. It was inspiring to witness the survivors’ strength, courage and dedication to raising awareness and funds to support the American Cancer Society. I dedicated my walk to my friend’s mother who lost her life to breast cancer,” states Jerri Buck, an employee at Inwood and top fundraiser of the team. To learn more about the American Cancer Society, MSABC and how to make a donation, please visit www.cancersociety.org/stridesonline. Inwood Consulting Engineers, Inc. has been selected by Seminole County to provide the final design services for the widening of State Road 426/County Road 419 from Pine Avenue to west of Lockwood Boulevard within the City of Oviedo. The proposed roadway improvements will consist of four-lanes separated by a 22-foot wide raised median. This project will also include sidewalks and bicycle lanes in both directions. Inwood will be responsible for the roadway design, drainage design, signalization, signing and pavement marking design and public involvement for the project.
“This project is of special interest to Inwood because it is in our backyard. Our firm is located less than one mile from the project and many of our employees live in the area. This will enable us to utilize our local knowledge and understanding of the project issues in order to achieve success for Seminole County,” stated Andy DeWitt, PE, Vice President of Inwood and Project Manager. Inwood will be working to provide a more pedestrian friendly environment and to incorporate opportunities for landscape/streetscape through downtown Oviedo. In addition, the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) will be approving new typical sections which reduce the travel lane width to 11-feet and increase the sidewalk width to 8-feet through the downtown corridor. The wider sidewalks will enhance connectivity to the existing and proposed Cross Seminole Trail and Florida National Scenic Trail. During the design, Inwood will coordinate with the County’s trail program to ensure proper connectivity to a possible future extension of the Cross Seminole Trail to the east of SR 434. This project is a liaison project funded through a Local Agency Program (LAP) agreement with the FDOT. Federal earmark funds appropriated for the City of Oviedo will be used. This project will require close coordination among Seminole County, the City of Oviedo and the FDOT. Inwood’s extensive expertise and experience with several liaison/LAP projects for the County will enable the firm to efficiently and effectively manage the project.
Mr. Chuw brings 12 years of experience to Inwood. His areas of expertise include stormwater drainage and permitting of surface transportation projects. Prior to joining Inwood, Mr. Chuw served as Highway Drainage Manager for URS Corporation in Orlando. His past projects include the drainage design, storm sewer and ditch design and permitting efforts for the I-4 and SR 408 Interchange, SR 436 and Red Bug Lake Road Intersection, I-4 Ultimate from South OBT to Ivanhoe Boulevard, the I-4 and SR 46 Interchange and the I-4 and US 192 Interchange. Mr. Chuw holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Civil Engineering from the University of Central Florida.
The funds raised at the MS Bike Tour will allow the NMSS to support MS research, offer services for people with MS, provide professional education programs and further MS advocacy efforts. According to Michael Cooper, bike tour director, it is estimated that in Central Florida alone, 10,000 individuals are coping with the effects of the disease.
“This was my first time participating in a ride like the MS Bike Tour. It felt amazing to cross the finish line on Sunday because not only did I achieve a personal goal, but I also supported the community through raising money and awareness of a worthy cause,” explained Janet Middleton, an employee at Inwood. To learn more about MS, please visit www.nationalmssociety.org/flc or call 407-478-8880
Alex Hull, President of Inwood, understands the importance of supporting the cause through his personal connection to the organization. Alex’s sister, Joyce Hildreth, is the Associate Director of LCF and lives with inherited and progressive vision loss known as Retinitis Pigmentosa. Joyce has been dedicated to LCF for 10 years and due to her strength and commitment to supporting the cause, Alex has been inspired to do the same. Over the years, Alex has worked to raise Inwood’s awareness of the importance of the services provided by the organization and encourage annual participation in the Sight and Sole Walk.
“I am proud to support my sister, LCF and the amazing work the organization does for people living with visual impairments,” stated Alex Hull. “Inwood will continue to help organizations, like LCF, raise awareness and bring hope to the community.” For over 30 years, LCF has been the only organization in Central Florida that provides comprehensive vision rehabilitation services to children and adults with vision impairment. According to the organization, it is estimated that as many as 80,000 Central Floridians are living with blindness or significant vision loss. LCF uses the funds raised at events like the Sight and Sole Walk for high quality programs, expert technology and caring advocacy. “My daughters and I enjoyed walking and making a difference in the community. The walk not only raised money but also raised our awareness of LCF and the need for their services in the community,” explained Emma Doing, an employee at Inwood. She further stated, “I think that it is important to support the community through organizations like LCF because you never know when you or a loved one may need help and support from such organizations.” To learn more about LCF please visit www.lighthousecentralflorida.org or call 407-898-2483.
Mr. Wu brings 19 years of experience to Inwood. His areas of expertise include Roadway Design, ranging from resurfacing and rehabilitation projects to multilane widening projects; PD&E Studies; Traffic Operation Studies and Design. Moreover, he has extensive experience in Quality Assurance/Quality Control. Prior to joining Inwood, Mr. Wu served as a Principal Engineer with Seminole County’s Engineering Division.
Mr. Wu holds a Master of Engineering degree in Civil Engineering from the University of Florida. The principals of Inwood Consulting Engineers, Inc. swam, cycled and ran their way through the Larry and Penny Thompson Park and the Miami Metro Zoo on Sunday, November 12, 2006. Andy DeWitt, P.E., David Coleman, P.E. and Ed Buck, P.E. competed in the Miami Man Half Iron Triathlon and Alex Hull, P.E. competed in the Miami Man International Distance Triathlon. The four principals were among approximately 1,300 total athletes competing in Miami, Florida.
“Everybody’s experience is different. For me it was about achieving my goal. I turned 40 this year and I made a promise to myself that I would complete a half-ironman triathlon,” explained David Coleman, Vice President of Inwood. “Parts of the race were painful and other parts were enjoyable. The endurance it takes to persevere through a triathlon is similar to what is needed to run a company. There are challenges in running a business just as there are challenges in competing in a race and the key to success is to work hard and never give up. Achieving my goal was worth it.” The Principals’ participation in the Miami Man Triathlon is only one example of Inwood’s commitment to health and fitness. The firm’s company culture encourages employees to be fit and active in their work and personal lives. As part of the Corporate Wellness Program, Inwood offers to pay the initiation fee to join a local fitness club. In addition, the work environment is designed with health and fitness in mind. Inwood is a smoke-free facility. Moreover, the employees have the benefit of using the locker and shower amenities provided in the building. The healthy mentality that the firm and its Principals promote has led employees to follow the example. Currently over half of the employees hold memberships to the gym many of them spending their lunch hour exercising. On a weekday afternoon, it’s not unusual to see a team of Inwood employees cycling, running or playing a game of basketball at the gym. “Inwood’s corporate culture is designed to promote wellness in and out of the workplace. When we started the company in 1995 we thought that is was important to cultivate an atmosphere that promotes fitness and health because it plays a part in the overall success of the firm,” said Alex Hull, President of Inwood. “Healthy employees will be fit physically and ready mentally for everyday challenges.” As part of the National Breast Cancer Awareness month, Inwood Consulting Engineers, Inc., a growing civil engineering firm in Oviedo, is contributing to the cause by participating in the American Cancer Society’s Making Strides Against Breast Cancer (MSABC). Inwood employees, family and friends will meet in Winter Park early on Saturday, October 28, 2006 to join others in a walk to end Breast Cancer. The 25 member team has raised nearly $2,500 for the cause.
“Inwood is proud to support and participate in MSABC,” said Alex Hull, President of Inwood Consulting Engineers, Inc. “We will continue to help organizations like the American Cancer Society raise awareness, support the community and bring hope for a brighter future and improved quality of life for everyone.” The American Cancer Society’s MSABC is a noncompetitive, 5K walk supporting the unique mission to fight cancer on four fronts: research, education, advocacy, and patient services. Events like the MSABC in Orlando will take place all over the country. In 2005, MSABC raised more than $3.2 million in the state of Florida alone. According to Lauren Nelson, Senior Community Representative of the American Cancer Society, the money raised for MSABC will fund vital Breast Cancer programs in the community. “Every three minutes a woman in the United States is diagnosed with Breast Cancer. Saturday’s walk is a great opportunity for Central Florida to support this worthy cause and ultimately support each other,” explained Lauren Nelson. The walk begins at 8:00 am in Lake Island Park. Registration begins at 7:00 am and is open up to the start of the event. To learn more about the American Cancer Society, MSABC and how to make a donation, please visit www.cancersociety.org/stridesonline. You may also call Lauren Nelson at 407-843-2483. The principals of Inwood and their wives showed their support of Lighthouse Central Florida (LCF) by attending the 2006 Eye Ball Romantique. The Benefit Gala raised funds and focus on improving vision for Central Floridians . The evening included silent and live auctions as well as Hors Doeuvres, dinner, music and dancing.
"The LCF gala event was a great opportunity to enjoy a nice evening out and most importantly support an organization that serves Central Floridians with visual impairments. Inwood is committed to helping our local community through events like the 2006 Eye Ball Romantique," explained President of Inwood, Alex Hull, P.E. LCF is the only organization in Central Florida that provides comprehensive vision rehabilitation services to children and adults with vision impairment. The organization uses the funds raised for high quality programs, expert technology, and caring advocacy. To learn more about LCF please visit www.lighthousecentralflorida.org or call 407-898-2483. Inwood Consulting Engineers, Inc. has been awarded the North Florida Parkway Culvert Improvements Project by Osceola County. The primary goal of this project is to provide localized flooding relief to the North Florida Parkway and Satinwood Circle area in Buenaventura Lakes (BVL). This project is one in a series of culvert replacement projects intended to provide relief to the Bass Slough Basin portion of the BVL Master Drainage System. The project will aid in reducing flood stages at Osceola Parkway, a major arterial roadway and evacuation route.
Inwood will be responsible for preparing construction plans and documents as well as other services as set forth in the scope of work. In addition, Inwood will hold meetings to coordinate with the state and local agencies that will have an influence upon the preparation of the design. Inwood’s previous work experience with Osceola County and more specifically in the area of BVL, will aid in the success of this project. In 2003, Inwood completed the Bass Slough Basin Management Plan which included a detailed modeling of the BVL Master Drainage System in the project area. The plan included recommendations for conceptual culvert improvements in BVL, including the area that is the subject of this project. July 2006 – Inwood Consulting Engineers, Inc. has been selected to provide engineering services under a continuing services contract with St. Lucie County. The contract includes engineering services related to the planning, design, cost estimating and construction of County roadway projects. The exact scope of work under this contract will be determined during the life of the contract. The individual work projects identified as well as payment schedules will be negotiated as the scope of work is determined.
Inwood’s positive working relationship with St. Lucie County and extensive design experience will ensure success with the contract. The company held the previous continuing services contract and has worked on additional projects with the County including S. 25th Street Widening Design, Walton Road Widening Design and the Prima Vista Boulevard Reconstruction Project. Moreover, Inwood brings a strong background in roadway planning, corridor studies, roadway design, PD&E studies and intersection design to the project. Inwood Consulting Engineers, Inc. has won a Professional Civil Engineering Continuing Services Contract with the City of Orlando. The company has served under this same contract for the past 6 years. Inwood's responsibilities will include a variety of studies and design services. These services will be assigned by the City as the specific tasks are required to accomplish the scope of work. Assigned projects may include stormwater and roadway engineering services.
Seminole County has selected Inwood Consulting Engineers to complete an update of the construction plans for Chapman Road project improvements from SR 426 to SR 434. The proposed roadway will feature two lanes in each direction and a raised center median. Sidewalks and bicycle lanes are proposed for both sides of the road. This plans update will result in a biddable set of construction plans in compliance with current design standards, incorporating new utility facilities and including all necessary permits from the St. Johns River Water Management District (SJRWMD) and Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT). Inwood will also provide post design services as necessary, including future plans updates, expert witness and support during construction.
Inwood Wins Watershed Management Program for the Southwest Florida Water Management District4/1/2006 Inwood is pleased to announce our selection as a consultant to the Southwest Florida Water Management District (SWFWMD) for performing elements of their Watershed Management Plan Program. This selection consists of a 5-year continuing contract to perform various watershed related studies throughout the district. The scope can include watershed inventory efforts, development of digital elevation models, floodplain delineation, stormwater BMP implementation, as well as review and update of previous studies.
In support of the vision impaired community in Central Florida, Inwood Consulting Engineers raised money for Lighthouse Central Florida's (LCF) annual Sight for Sole Walk held on Saturday, March 4th at Universal Studios. Inwood placed second in the Corporate Team category raising over $3,000 for the event. Over 40 Inwood employees and their family members showed their support for the cause by attending the walk early Saturday morning.
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