Winners of the City Treasurer's Business Plan Competition to be Announced CHICAGO, July 16 /PRNewswire/ -- Harris announced today that it's supporting the efforts of the City Treasurer's Office through sponsorship of the 8th Annual Small Business Expo. For the 5th consecutive year, Harris in partnership with Chicago Community Ventures, sponsored the Business Plan Competition held in conjunction with the expo. Three deserving entrepreneurs will be winners of cash prizes to help advance their businesses. The Business Plan Competition gives entrepreneurs the opportunity to submit two-page written business plan summaries for judging. In addition to cash prizes, winners receive access to one-on-one mentoring resources that are essential to any new business. In the City of Chicago, ninety-two percent (92%) of all business licenses are issued to small businesses with one hundred employees or less. This year, a record number of plans were submitted for the competition. Plans were accepted form those hoping to start a small business and from existing small business owners working to reach the next level. "Small businesses are critical to the economic stability and growth of our city," said Steve Quasny, Regional President, Harris Central District. "In these challenging economic times, we have to commend the entrepreneurial spirit of those joining the ranks of business owners and assist in providing technical assistance that will help them succeed in their businesses." The City Treasurer's Small Business Expo will take place on Friday, July 17, 2009, 8am - 3:30pm at the UIC Forum, 725 West Roosevelt Road, Chicago. The 8th Annual City Treasurer's Small Business Expo is designed to promote entrepreneurship in the Chicago area, enhance understanding of business planning, and provide high quality educational experiences to Chicago Entrepreneurs. About Harris Harris is an integrated financial service organization providing more than 1.2 million personal, business and corporate clients with banking, lending, investing and wealth management solutions. The organization is a member of the BMO Financial Group (NYSE, TSX: BMO), which also provides corporate and investment banking services in the U.S. under the BMO Capital Markets name. Harris is a trade name used by various financial service subsidiaries of Harris Financial Corp. Banking products and services are provided by Harris N.A., The Harris Bank, N.A. and their bank affiliates, Members FDIC. Brokerage products are offered through Harris Investor Services, Inc. (HIS), a registered broker/dealer, member FINRA/SIPC, and SEC-registered investment adviser. Insurance and annuities are offered through Harris Bancorp Insurance Services, Inc. (HBIS). Investment banking services are provided by BMO Capital Markets Corp. (BMOCM), a registered broker dealer and member NYSE, FINRA and SIPC. HIS, HBIS and BMOCM are affiliated companies and are wholly owned subsidiaries of Harris Financial Corp. Products offered by HIS, HBIS and BMOCM are Not Insured by the FDIC or any Federal Government Agency, Not a Deposit of or Guaranteed by Any Bank or Bank Affiliate, May Lose Value. The purchase of insurance or an annuity is not a condition to any bank loan or service. Financial planning and investment advisory services are provided by Sullivan, Bruyette, Speros & Blayney, Inc., an SEC registered investment adviser. Family Office Services are provided by Harris myCFO, Inc. Investment advisory services are offered by Harris myCFO Investment Advisory Services LLC, a SEC-registered investment adviser and wholly-owned subsidiary of Harris myCFO, Inc. Investment advisory services to institutional clients are provided by Harris Investment Management (HIM), a SEC-registered investment adviser. Not all products and services are offered in every state and/or location. DATASOURCE: Harris CONTACT: James Kappel of Harris, +1-312-461-2478

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