The below code works, but returns a list like:

(Please Select),
Adams, Jon
Baker, Sue
Davis, Don

... i.e. there's a comma appended to (Please Select) that I'd really like to
get rid of.

Here's the code:

***************************************************
'1) Build database query.
Dim _Query As IEnumerable(Of Employee) = _
From e In dc.Employees _
Where e.Lookup.LookupCode <> "INA" _
Order By e.EmployeeLastName, _
e.EmployeeFirstName

'2) Execute query and store results in list.
Dim _List As IList(Of Employee) = _Query.ToList()

'3) Insert extra entry in list.
Dim _Employee As New Employee()
_Employee.EmployeeLastName = "(Please Select)"
_Employee.EmployeeFirstName = ""
_List.Insert(0, _Employee)

'4) Project list with concatenated field.
Dim _QueryWithSelect As IEnumerable = _
(From xyz In _List _
Select xyz.EmployeeId, _
EmployeeName = xyz.EmployeeLastName & ", " & _
xyz.EmployeeFirstName).ToList()

'5) Return.
Return _QueryWithSelect
***************************************************

I think I need to insert the (Please Select) record after the object with
the concatenated "EmployeeName" has been created, but I'm not sure how.

Thanks for any help,
Ron