text: The third component of interest rate risk is marked increases in interest rates which may adversely impact the rate at 
  which the Company may borrow funds for growth in the future. Although this risk is real, it is not significant at this 
  time as the Company has adequate cash for operations, payment of debt and near-term capital projects. 
  
  Management does not view market risk as having a significant impact on the Company's results of operations, although 
  future results could be adversely impacted if interest rates were to escalate markedly and the company required external 
  financing. Since the Company does not currently have significant investments in publicly traded stock, currently there 
  is limited risk related to the Company’s available for sale securities. General economic conditions impacted by 
  regulatory changes, competition or other external influences may play a higher risk to the Company’s overall results. 
  
  As of December 31, 2003, the Company has $7.3 million invested in privately held companies directly or through 
  investments with portfolio managers. Most of the companies are early stage and significant increases in interest rates 
  could have an adverse impact on their results, ability to raise capital and viability. The Company’s market risk is 
  limited to the funds previously invested and an additional $1.8 million committed under contracts the Company has 
  signed with portfolio managers. 
  
  **Evaluation of Disclosure Controls and Procedures**