Nicolas Berggruen is a billionaire, he acquired his wealth from rice fields in Cambodia, wind farms in Turkey, an ethanol plant in Oregon (Port Westward) and sky scrappers in inner cities through out the world. He states that he wants to increase his net worth and at the same time lessen poor social standards. Berggruen who is a mere 46 years old has decided after amassing a huge fortune and buying all the material things people of great wealth buys. Has decided to sell every thing and has said that all of his things are now considered temporary, and is labeled homeless, he is concerned how people perceive him now and after he is dead. 
Quote:
"since we're only here for a short period of time. It's what we do and produce, it's our actions, that will last forever. That's real value."
After reading a few stories about Mr. Berggruen it is written that he is a hard working individual and has a real savvy for investments and knows how to make a good profit. To be fair to Mr. Berggruen he has done many remarkable things through out his life and will probably continue to do so for many years to come. What I do not understand, if Mr. Berggruen is such a great social progressive, after purchasing Cascade Grain in May 2008 why didn't he refund all the "free" money Cascade Grain had previously accepted? For example the tax loop holes, grants, economic development money, and other freebees from Columbia County, and discounts from the Clatskanie PUD. the money coming out of hard working peoples pocket books in one form or the other.
Why has Cascade Grain failed to honor their contract with JH Kelly? Why does the construction company have to launch a foreclosure lawsuit to receive money owed to them by the Ethanol Company? It is reported that Mr. Berggruen works 12-14 hour days, which is quite a workday. I did so myself many years ago when I worked 12-14 hours a day, 7 days a week for months at a time at the shipyards. It is apparent that Mr. Berggruen is not the only person who has worked long hours or dedicated to their craft or business. JH Kelly is a union company, and was awarded the contract to build the Ethanol plant, which they did, with efficient union labor, working their men 6 days a week from 10-12 hours per day. Finishing on schedule.
If Mr. Berggruen is so socially minded he must understand that many construction workers and their families depend on JH Kelley's ability to remain in business and should not have to file a foreclosure suit to receive money owed to them. If he really wants to improve peoples lives than he should cough up the funds owed. Being sued over default of payment is a hell of a way to be remembered. Losing your newly purchased company in a foreclosure suit reeks as well.

Note: The Ethanol Plant is only making money on their dry cake and wet cake cattle feed section of the plant. The ethanol production part is barely breaking even at this time.


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