Lamar Wilson, Telecom Optimization Partners
www.telecomop.com

There are two very important things TOPs does not only to grow its business, but also to support local Charlotte businesses. First and foremost our firm works to save our clients' money in the telecom sector of their businesses. Telecom is among the top four business expenses, along with employee, facility and tax expenses. We look at how much companies are being charged by the telecommunication carriers and find ways to cut their rates. As a contingency based firm our clients are never out of pocket, and our firm absorbs 100 percent of the risk - so it's a slam dunk for businesses that are looking for ways to cut expenses. Our business model fits with this economy, and we're growing - four new hires since the first of the year!

The second thing TOPs works very hard to do is to purchase from local Charlotte businesses. We support local business and have actively sought out local marketing, printing, monitored security, drinking water and coffee, and background check companies, among other things. Local businesses are the FIRST place we look to buy from when we have a need. We look at it as our own way of "Charlotte Economic Stimulus."