The American Dream Continues

The very beginnings of this country have their roots in small business. Names like Ford, Walgreens, Colgate, Kraft and Mattel all had humble beginnings – all who started these businesses which are household names today had an idea, a dream they were able to shape into what ultimately became a business. Small in the beginning, but as we all know, they aren’t small anymore.

That very dream is many times the goal of a small business owner. Not their names in lights necessarily, but being able to build something so strong it can stand the test of time, be passed down to their children and their children's' children, providing a lasting livelihood that spans generations.

The dream of small business, what is in many cases dubbed, ‘The American Dream’ is beautiful. It’s beautiful for personal reasons, and as a business owner, I’d like to share them with you.

I grew up watching my father and his brothers, along with my mother's sister and brother, all building their businesses. The lesson I learned first, was it’s not easy. The proverbial blood, sweat and tears are required to make it happen. It also can’t be realized without commitment, perseverance, drive and smarts. Those were my first lessons as a young girl.

The next was that you had to build a business around something that you loved, and had true passion for. Otherwise, why would you willfully stick with it to see it through?

The final teaching was that you couldn’t give up. There would be hard times, and instances where you question if you made the right choice...

In the end though, I saw that there was that thing, that intangible je ne sais quoi that business owners have when they are in their glory-when they are growing something that they LOVE.

An event is coming up in two weeks; it’s called the VP Business Showcase. It was created by Vicarious Productions, Inc., a marketing communications firm (and small business) with the intent of lifting up and supporting other small businesses. Not that they need saving – they each have found success in their own rites. But, awareness needs to be greater, people in our area need to know who these business owners are, who have put in the time, developed a plan and strategy, and made something of what was once simply an idea.

Vicarious Productions, Inc. invites you to come out and celebrate these businesses and what they have to offer. We know these owners; they are good, hard working people who have an intensely strong work ethic. They care about what they are doing, and they care about playing their part in continuing to grow their own personal American Dream. A dream that is still alive and well, but still needs nurturing and support. A dream that supports the very foundations of our national economy.

Join us on Wednesday, February 12, 2014 from 5:30 p.m. until 8:30 p.m. at the Holiday Inn Palatine-Arlington Heights (1550 Dundee Road in Palatine, Illinois at Route 53 next to Gold’s Gym).

Twenty area businesses (and a local non-profit) will be showcased, as attendees can mingle while enjoying a complimentary glass of wine, hors d’oeuvres (cash bar available) and have the opportunity to see all that these businesses have to offer.

Visit www.vpbusinessshowcase.com for more information.

Those who pre-register will qualify for fabulous door prizes. There also will be a drawing for other fantastic prizes at 8:15 p.m. on the night of the event. Attendees will be given the VP Business Showcase punch card. You simply have to visit each vendor, get your card stamped and qualify to win.

We invite you, thank you and encourage you to show your support.