Why is it that every business – even the best ones - struggle so much to sustain growth and profitability?

Why is it that only 3% of businesses drive the overwhelming majority of economic growth and job creation in any given community?

Why does it have to be only 3%? Can’t we do any better?  Perhaps more importantly, what are we going to do about accelerating growth for the other 97% of businesses?

Well, these issues frustrate me — BUT — I have a plan and I want to share it with you.

That’s why I’m kicking off my 50-city “Economic Acceleration Tour: Breaking the 3% Speed Limit”, sponsored by Six Disciplines, in Columbus on December 10, 2008 at the Hilton Columbus at Easton, from 8:00 – 10:30 AM.

Consider these facts:

• Columbus ranks 7th in the nation among large metropolitan areas for its number of “high-impact” companies, those that produce both significant revenue growth and expanding employment.
• Yet only 3% (2.43 percent) of Columbus’ 82,810 businesses are considered to be high-impact.
• On average, it takes a company almost 20 years to enter this high-impact stage.  Yet, three out of four companies cease to be high-impact after just four years.

On December 10, I’ll be sharing this new vision and a specific plan for changing the economic development equation with business and community leaders in the capital of my home state of Ohio.

To register for this event, visit: www.GaryHarpst.com/Tour/Columbus

In attendance at the Columbus Economic Acceleration Tour event will be CEOs of small and midsized businesses, chamber of commerce executives, economic development executives, civic leaders, business incubator professionals, college and university business program chairs and faculty, quality program professionals, venture capitalists, private equity and angel investors, business coaches, management consultants, and professional service firm partners.

I look forward to meeting you and discussing the unique opportunity America has to improve the performance of our businesses, and the competitive advantages it will offer our communities and nation.

All the best!

Gary

P.S. Join me for an intensive private workshop (after the event) where I’ll coach a select group of Columbus CEOs on how to craft a powerful strategic position – one that produces breakthrough results.  I personally guarantee the return you’ll get by attending this workshop, as many of our clients would testify. Space is limited to the first 7 participants!  Register today at www.GaryHarpst.com/Tour/Columbus.