Two area businessmen are not waiting for the economy to turn around — they are working to make it happen through the Vision 2020: Maximum Potential, Building a Platform for Success.

The event, geared for small business owners, entrepreneurs and job seekers, will be held from 11:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Nov. 17 at the University Center of Lake County, 1200 University Center Drive in Grayslake. Participants will learn networking skills, business plans and strategies, how to build an online presence, customer service and technology tools.

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Have you registered yet? It’s not too late.

LAKE COUNTY, ILLINOIS – July 1st, 2009 – The committee for Vision 2020: Insights Needed to Grow Your Business is proud to announce their first business conference and expo being held Tuesday July 21, 2009, at the University Center of Lake County in Grayslake.

Senator Dan Duffy, Illinois Senator representing the 26th District and Suzy Schmidt, Chairman of the Lake County Board are expected to be present at the conference and will share their views. More local officials are also expected to attend.

Improv Playhouse an entertainment organization and full-service acting school that specializes in comprehensive improv – comedy and acting classes for adults and youth, corporate and private entertainment, business training and development, and talent management will be kicking off the event and will have interactive workshops to coach the audience on various business tactics.

Presentations, panel discussions, workshops, product showcases and networking opportunities will center around business growth topics, such as Business Plans & Strategies, Networking Skills, Customer Service, Technology Tools and Online Presence. Over 22 speakers and 9 sessions packed with content, workshops, success stories, go to market lessons from people who have started or grown their business. Jeff Weber, who started his business in his basement and grew it to $30 million dollar in revenues before selling it to CDW Tom Drugan, Founder, Naymz.com will be some of the speakers and sharing their secret to success.

A must-attend event if you are interested in investing in the future of your business.

“The perfect event for all entrepreneurs, small business owners and anyone who is interested in starting or growing their own business” Mario Feijoo, VP of Elite Accounting and Business Services, and co-chair of the Vision 2020.

Sponsors include EverybodySafe.com, NorStates Bank, Teleprime Inc., Elite Accounting and Business Services, Office Plus of Lake County, Quality Business Solutions, Lake County Prosperity Forum, TDS, Improv Playhouse, Libertyville, Corporate Portrait Chicago, Imasion Corporation, Ruggeri Consulting, Next Level Ventures have joined the ranks of the sponsors.

“We believe that small and medium sized businesses will be a driving force in leading the economy out of this recession. Through collaboration, commitment and change, we can make a difference in our own lives and in our communities,” commented Anup Manchanda, co-chair of the Vision 2020 event.

Kris Schroder, Social Media Evangelist and Director of Internet Operations for EverybodySafe.com, one of the sponsors, had this say about the event, “We are excited to be part of an event that is focused on helping small business. This works hand in hand with the focus of our company, which is helping people.”

“This is a wonderful networking opportunity for those who have been negatively impacted by large corporate layoffs during the last year, and who are interested in exploring opportunities in entrepreneurship or with local, small businesses. The price value of the full-day event is well worth the investment.” Heather Richtfort, Finance Manager, co-founder of the Lake County Prosperity Forum.

For more information go to http://www.vision2020conf.info or call (847) 833-8822.