Second-Stage Companies: The Powerhouses of our Economy

Oct 15

Date & Time

Friday, October 15, 2010
8:00AM – 9:30AM

Location & Directions

DePaul Center
1 E. Jackson Blvd, room 8012
View Map Driving Directions

It is not the start-up or creation of businesses that drives our economy, but the expansion of them. Growth-oriented firms have the greatest, most positive impact on the economy through the jobs they create, driven by their revenue increases and/or capital infusions.

Dubbed “second-stage companies”, these firms are those that have grown past the start-up stage but have not yet grown to maturity. They typically have 10 to 100 employees and $1 million to $50 million in annual revenues. They make up the Inc. 5000, employ many of our friends and family members, yet tend to remain under the radar.

In this panel discussion, you will see the compelling data that tells the story of second-stage impact on our economy. You will hear about the needs these companies have and why they’re under the radar. And you will meet some of the founders and CEOs behind these firms.

Panelists

Penny Lewandowski

Recruited to the Edward Lowe Foundation in 2005, Penny Lewandowski is responsible for developing and delivering programs that serve second-stage entrepreneurs, including Companies to Watch. She has also spearheaded the foundation’s initiative to support cultural and other fundamental changes in entrepreneurial communities.

Previously, Penny was executive director of the Greater Baltimore Technology Council Inc., an organization that seeks to strengthen the Baltimore region's technology community.

In 2003 the Kauffman Foundation named Penny as the recipient of its prestigious "National Supporter of Entrepreneurship" award.

Brian Sutherland

Brian Sutherland is President of Highland Solutions, a Chicago-based firm that provides growth strategies using technology and business solutions to a now nationwide client base.

Mr. Sutherland has over 29 years of professional consulting experience to commercial clients, public utilities, the legal industry and government agencies. He participated in the start-up teams of Gensys Corporation and Decision Design and went on to form Highland Solutions and Media Propulsion based on a reputation for providing complex data, analysis and process oriented issues to the marketplace.

Dee Farrell - Co-Founder/Senior Vice President, Neat-Oh! International, LLC

DePaul University – Coleman Entrepreneurship Center

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