Welcome SBSers! SMB Nation 2005 is almost here...

We are now less than 24 hours from the "official" start of SMB Nation 2005 and SBSers from around the world are currently on planes, in cars, in traffic, etc. making their way North, South, East, and West to unite here in Redmond for Harry B's annual event! The buzz is in the air and the excitement is everywhere.

So as you all are making your way from the airport, between hotels, around campus, or wherever you are, if you happen to look around and see a car with these plates (Yes, they are still Illinois), be sure to honk, wave, yell, etc. to get the driver's attention. Why? Because that will be me and after having the privilege of interacting with so many of you in the Microsoft Small Business Channel Community over the past few years, I personally am looking forward to meeting as many of you face-to-face as possible while you are out here at MS Headquarters. And for my fellow SBSers from back in the Midwest (I believe Bob Hood has a caravan heading over from Sea-Tac today), it will be nice to see you all again after leaving my homeland back in June.

If I don't see you prior to the start of the conference, be sure to stop by and say, "Hi," at my session at SMB Nation on Saturday, where I will be unveiling the brand new Microsoft Partner Community Manager Team which is one of the most exciting things to happen to Small Business this year! (Ok, so maybe I'm a little biased since it is my team, but I'll let you be the judge after my session) :-)

Welcome, everyone, to Redmond and SMB Nation 2005!

Thank you and have a wonderful day,

Eric Ligman
Microsoft US Senior Manager,
Small Business Community Engagement
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