The 501 Partnership To Host New Business-Focused Event

Entrepreneurs, small business owners, and aspiring professionals from the tri-state area are invited to mark their calendars and save-the-date for The Briefcase, a new one-day professional development event. This business-focused event is hosted by the 501 Partnership—Quincy Area Chamber, The District, & Great River Economic Development Foundation (GREDF)—with collaboration from Quincy ACA Business Club. Designed to provide the tools, knowledge, and connections needed to start, grow, and strengthen a business, The Briefcase will take place on Thursday, May 28 with check-in beginning at 8:30 am. Event registration opened on March 26 and must be completed by May 14. The $100 registration fee includes six sessions presented by industry experts, a professional headshot, refreshments, and lunch. Visit bit.ly/501_Briefcase to register.

The following are the topics and presenters for the sessions: 

  • Social Media/Google Business: Leah Hetzler, ReThink Media; Sally Kintz, Poole Communications
  • AI: David Maples, Catapult Creative Media
  • Finance & Banking: Jana Hattey, First Bankers Trust; Julie Bowen, Mercantile; Tom Hendren, Homebank; State Street Bank will also be represented.  
  • Small Business Legal: Chip Owens, Hauk & Owens; Darla Rischar, SHRM; David Penn, Schmiedeskamp, Robertson, Neu, & Mitchell 
  • Workforce Development: Valerie Howell, John Wood Community College
  • Business Resources: Rich Ellerman, Quincy ACA Business Club; Kenyetta McFall, Quincy Area Chamber

“We’ve created this event to serve individuals at every stage of their business journey,” stated Quincy Area Chamber President/CEO Bruce Guthrie. “From people simply exploring a business idea to seasoned business owners seeking fresh insights–attending this one-day business-focused event is essential. This event offers valuable tools they can immediately put into action.” The Briefcase will also provide multiple hands-on opportunities for attendees, along with time to network, collaborate, and build relationships with other professionals who share their goals and ambitions. Attendees are encouraged to bring a fully charged laptop/cell phone for the hands-on portions of the event.