The San Diego-based, non-profit volunteer organization announced Wednesday that 44 client companies were engaged in the mentoring process during 2005, representing represents a nearly three-fold increase over 2004.

"We set a very aggressive goal of mentoring 40 clients at the start of 2005," said Tom Dorosewicz, chairman of the CRT. "I am pleased to say that we not only met our goal, but exceeded it. We have set the same goal for 2006 and I have every confidence that our new board of directors, and current members and sponsors will rally once again to meet this goal."

Reid Carr, president, Red Door Interactive and recent CRT client had this to say to anyone thinking about working with the CRT, "Set your ego aside and open yourself up to the possibilities. Our problems and the corresponding solutions were right in front of us. We just needed an outside perspective to help us find them."

The CRT's mission is to strengthen San Diego one company at a time, Dorosewicz said.

"It's exciting to think about the positive impact the CRT has made with these 44 companies and the influence these companies have and will make in our community," he said.

"It is incredibly satisfying for all of us in the CRT to see the positive outcome of our involvement with so many local companies," he added. "We have provided guidance to over 150 companies since the inception of CRT in 1998 and we are committed to adding 40 or more to that list in 2006."

The CRT also announced its 2006 board of director appointments. Tom Dorosewicz will continue as Chairman. Mike Berthelot will serve as chief financial officer. Chair positions have been appointed as f! ollows: Hus Tigli, Chair Membership; Bob McRann, Chair Client Evaluation and Mentor Assignment; Marco Thompson, Chair Client Acquisition; Dave Duval, Chair Sponsor Development; Kevin O'Neill, Chair Marketing; and Bill Carpenter, Chair Quality Assurance.