Press Release

For Immediate Release Contact: Tom Long

November 3, 2003 708-524-0886 tomlong@iib.ws

Local Executive ACCREDITED to Serve Businesses in Chicago area

Oak Park, Illinois – Chicago area businessman Tom Long has received accreditation by the Institute for Independent Business (IIB). Mr. Long’s mission will be expanding the Institute’s presence in Cook and DuPage counties.

“We are delighted to have an executive of Long’s caliber joining our leadership team for the Chicago area area. His accreditation is a key step in our initiatives,” said Eric Leaman, Managing Director at IIB’s USA headquarters in Parsippany, NJ. “Tom will be a particularly valuable advisor to Chicago area business people. For the last 30 years he has been working as a senior executive at some of the country’s most successful consumer products, publishing, consulting and computer software companies.”

“The Institute’s accreditation means a lot to my clients, “ said Mr. Long. “Besides the prestige, my relationship with the IIB will provide my clients with a depth of resources that other business advisors simply cannot offer. I now have access to top-level executives around the world. With resources like that I can assist my clients with any issue or challenge they may be facing.”

Established in 1984 in the UK, the Institute is an international, not-for-profit, business support organization. Its purpose is to bring timely and practical advice to independent business owners. It is the largest global organization of its type with over 2000 senior Executive Associates accredited to serve business owners. The IIB provides mentoring and business advice as well as access to a wide range of expertise and services, including angel and venture funding, banking/financing, human resources, sales and marketing, organization and management, quality and ISO 9000, business valuations, mergers and acquisitions, succession planning and exit strategies.

Business owners may take advantage of a free meeting with one of the Institute’s Executive Associates. To discuss anything to do with business, or to get a free executive assessment, contact Tom Long at 708-524-0886, or via email at tomlong@iib.ws

########

Editors Note: The Institute for Independent Business is an international not-for-profit research and educational organization chartered in the United Kingdom, which provides services to small and medium size businesses. The IIB is available to provide in-depth background material, research and professional commentary or opinion for feature articles.