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High Marks for the City of Chicago Treasurer’s Small Business Expo


chicago-treasurers-small-business-expo-2009Chicago, IL–(ENEWSPF)– This past Friday, Stephanie Neely, the City Treasurer of Chicago, hosted the Eight Annual Small Business Expo at the UIC Forum. The expo held up to its reputation of being a premier event for connecting small businesses to success.

With over 30 workshops in both English and Spanish, and 150 exhibitors from the banking and financial services, Chambers of Commerce and nonprofits, governments, and other businesses, the expo provided entrepreneurs and small business owners the opportunity to network and obtain valuable information from experts in various industries. An estimated 1000 people attended the event.

“I came to network with small businesses and share with them information about my payroll service” said Thomas Ketchum of Payroll Resources. “This is the place to be if you want to meet real entrepreneurs and learn from the best”.

New this year was the “One Hour Mentor Session” where a panel of eight experts from various industries provided advice and answers to an open audience. Among the panelist were David Joe, President of Elite Business Solutions, a fast growing management consulting firm for small and medium size businesses; Eric Pinto, Business Relations Director for Better Business Bureau Chicago and Northern Illinois; Irwin Ross, a SCORE (Service Corps of Retired Executives) volunteer and coach, and Tom Cassell, Director of the Illinois Small Business Development Center with Chicago Community Ventures.

“Never make an assumption” said panelist Nick Farina “Vision is figuring out the steps to take to fulfill your dreams”. Farina has a vast history in working in media and developing major brand and public relations campaigns.

Panelist Shelly Ng, owner of American Mass Media  Corporation, a company that does web design as well as TV, radio and online advertising, spoke about how she came to America 14 years ago with only two bags of clothing and $600.00 borrowed from a friend, but with determination was able to develop a grow her successful business.

Attending the mentoring session was Althea Taylor, owner of Taylor Made Industries, who spoke about how SCORE has assisted her in developing her successful training and development company.

City Treasurer Stephanie Neely also lent her expertise to the audience reminding them of the options of partnering and bartering services in these touch economic times. Neely, Mayor Daley, and Robin Kelly, Chief of Staff for State Treasurer, Alexi Giannoulias shared lunch with exhibitors and attendees.

Major event sponsors included Northern Trust, Harris, Chase, Citi, Bank of America, Chicago Community Ventures, Sofbang, and Uno.


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