i want to congratulation all the parties, the city, skidmore, owens, and yerrell, to make sure to getn time and a building that all san franciscans can be proud of. we look forward to gathering here in just ten months from now to celebrate the dedication of the finest building and the finest convention center in the united states. ladies and gentlemen, welcome. it's a great day to celebrate. thank you very much for being here. [applause]. >> so before i bring up public works, i want to just thank some of the department heads who are here today. tom huey, the director of building inspection. thank you for helping us with the permits. john nogucci, our director of convention facilities. in addition i can-- nadia ducer director of ocii. i have to thank brook novotnez and edgar hernandez, they're construction managers working day-to-day, managing all the contracts, managing all the finances, managing sf travel, making sure -- and working with the hotel industry to make sure that we deliver this -- this beautiful building, and so with that, their fearless leader, mohamed nuru, i'd like to