Politics & Government

PHOTOS: New Business Owners Mingle at Annual Reception

Businesspeople gathered Tuesday evening at Lake Forest City Hall to network and explore resources.

When longtime Lake Forest resident Lani Cook began selling insurance out of her home after years of working in an office environment, she knew she would need to start making business contacts on her own.

Cook, who works as a sales representative for insurance company Colonial Life, was one of a roomful of local businesspeople who spent Tuesday evening at Lake Forest's annual New Business Reception.

"It's my first time here and I'm really excited to understand what Lake Forest has to offer for businesspeople," Cook said. "Now that I'm on my own, I'm trying to network and just get out there."

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The event, in its fifth year, is a joint effort between the city and the .

About 50 guests attended the reception, which featured 11 booths with information and resources for businesses.

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Handing out information to attendees were representatives from local businesses, government agencies, nonprofits and city programs, including , the U.S Small Business AdministrationSCORESmall Manufacturers AdvantageOrange County Business Service Center, the  and .

The city also provided information about its Business Watch program, a free crime prevention program, and its Community Services, Economic Development and Planning and Building departments.


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