LEE COUNTY ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION Southern Base of the Research Triangle Region NEWS RELEASE FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Friday, April 21, 2006 SPEAKER TO REVEAL "SECRETS" OF HIGH-PERFORMING ORGANIZATIONS SANFORD -- Trying to stay ahead in business can be frustrating. Many of the old ways no longer work and unexpected forces seem to be pressing in from all directions. But that doesn't mean you canŐt find success -- or create your own. Management guru Bud Bilanich, who will speak next month in Sanford, believes the best way to deal with an uncertain future is to create the future you want. A popular speaker, consultant and executive coach, Bilanich will explain how to accomplish that goal when he addresses the Committee of 100 on May 3 at Chef Paul's Cafe. The meeting begins at noon and is open to the public. The Denver, Colo., resident said he gained much of his insight from three decades working with some of America's best-known companies -- including Pfizer, Johnson and Johnson, Citicorp, JP Morgan Chase and AT&T. Bilanich believes the best-performing organizations, companies that have created their own future, have four things in common. First of all, they begin with a very clear purpose and direction. Then, they get the sincere commitment of everyone involved in the organization, skillfully execute the things that really matter and develop mutually-beneficial relationships with key groups and stakeholders. Bilanich says those "Four Secrets of High Performing Organizations," outlined in his book by the same title, are keys to success. Even when uncertainty is swirling all around. During his presentation, the Pennsylvania native will give examples of how the "secrets" operate in various companies and explain how they can be put to work in any organization. Billing himself as "The Common Sense Guy," Bilanich specializes in pragmatic advice about business and life. His credentials include a doctorate from Harvard University, but his down-to-earth approach was forged during his childhood in the steel country outside of Pittsburgh. That pragmatism also helped him survive thyroid cancer and set him on a course to help others. "The cancer diagnosis helped me realize how precious life is," he explains. "I feel that I have been given a second chance to do what I do best -- help people and organizations grow and flourish." All Committee of 100 meetings are open to the public; the cost, including lunch, is $10 per person for members, $15 per person for guests. For reservations or information, contact Jane Haber at the Lee County Economic Development Corp., 919-774-8439 or info@lcedc.com. The Committee of 100 is an organization of business leaders committing time, energy and resources to enhance the economic well-being of Lee County and its citizens. Corporate and individual members assist the Lee County Economic Development Corp. by establishing venture capital projects to expand local industry, helping to promote economic growth and enhancing working relationships among government, business and the community. -- 30 -- Media Contacts Bob Heuts, Director Jane Haber, Administrative Assistant 919-774-8439 (phone) 919-775-5410 (fax) info@lcedc.com (e-mail) More on the Web LCEDC Media Web: http://www.lcedc.com/media/ This release: http://www.lcedc.com/media/releases/nr042106.txt Bilanich Web: http://www.budbilanich.com Bud Bilanich Photos Small Mug Shot (31K JPEG) http://www.lcedc.com/media/releases/releasephotos/BudBilanich1.jpg Larger "Performance" Photo (223K JPEG) http://www.lcedc.com/media/releases/releasephotos/BudBilanich2.jpg