Contact: Dr. DeVance Walker, Jr., 240-777-2032 or
Arnetta Quarles, 240-777-2023
For Immediate Release: December 24, 2001

County to Host Business Conference,
"Moving Forward in Uncertain Times"

The Montgomery County Department of Economic Development will host a business conference, Moving Forward in Uncertain Times, on Thursday, January 10, 2002 from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. The conference will be held at the University of Maryland – Shady Grove Center located at 9630 Gudelsky Drive in Rockville.

The conference will provide business owners and executives with practical information and valuable contacts for strengthening their businesses during an economic downturn. Local lenders will review business plans, and both private and public organizations will be on hand to discuss contracting opportunities.

Workshops will cover topics such as starting and expanding a business, developing an effective business plan, raising capital and managing debt. Scheduled speakers include George A. Cloutier, chairman and CEO of Partner America and American Management Services; Alan Burke, managing partner of Walker Ventures and managing director of the Maryland Angels Association; Beatrice Tignor, director, Montgomery County Office of Procurement, and Beverly Williams, president of the American Association of Home-Based Businesses.

The conference is sponsored by the Montgomery Department of Economic Development, the Small Business Development Center, the County Executive’s Office of Community Outreach, the U.S. Small Business Administration, Partner America, the Montgomery County Council, the Montgomery County Office of Procurement, the Action Business Committee and the Macklin Business Institute.

The conference registration fee is $30 ($35 after January 4, 2002). For more information or to register, please call 240-777-2023 or go to www.TheIdeaLocation.com.