ECONOMIC NEWS
from Lee County Econonomic Develompent
Southern Base of the Research Triangle

for immediate release
Monday, June 9, 2008


Executive and business TV host Chris William
to highlight corporate ethics and 'business sin'

SANFORD -- Stories of corporate misconduct are currency for the media, driving everything from national coverage by TV magazines like "60 Minutes" to quiet debates in the local business press.

Though serious abuses get plenty of attention, a more important question for leaders is this: What is the true state of ethics in business?

Chris William, senior executive consultant for Wachovia and host of television's "Carolina Business Review," will give his assessment -- including a look at what he calls "business sin" taking place right now -- when he speaks on June 24 at Chef Paul's Cafe in Sanford.

"The Corporate Conscience," his presentation for the Committee of 100's summer luncheon, begins at noon and is open to the public.

William occupies an ideal position to analyze what role ethics currently play in corporate life. As senior executive consultant in the Private Client Group of Wachovia, he sees how executives and their businesses operate.

And as executive producer and moderator of PBS' well-regarded weekly business show, he regularly renders his verdict to viewers in almost two dozen television markets throughout North and South Carolina.

"Ethics in leadership is a particularly important issue right now," says Bob Heuts, director of Lee County Economic Development, who arranged for William's visit. "Companies live and die on their reputations, and now that we're in a difficult phase of the business cycle, there's more temptation than ever to cut corners or blur the truth."

A native of Buffalo, N.Y., William has been actively promoting a high ethical standard in business. He is host and co-founder of The Forum for Corporate Conscience, an organization of nearly 150 CEOs formed to discuss issues related to corporate sustainability, and is a much sought-after participant for ethics-related business panels and conferences.

All Committee of 100 meetings are open to the public. The cost, including lunch, is $15 per person for the general public and $10 per person for members. 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.

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Media Contacts
 Bob Heuts, Director
 Jane Haber, Administrative Assistant
 919.774.8439 (phone)
 919.775.5410 (fax)
 info@lcedc.com


More on the Web
 LCEDC Media Web: http://www.lcedc.com/media/
 This release:    http://www.lcedc.com/media/releases/nr060908.txt
 Meeting flyer:   http://www.lcedc.com/c100/documents/C100Jun08.pdf


 Chris William photo
   (218K JPEG, courtesy of Chris William)
   http://www.lcedc.com/media/releases/releasephotos/ChrisWilliam.jpg