Local business owners and entrepreneurs can learn about available resources to help improve business profitability, assist in developing new ideas or expanding existing ventures and network with professionals and other business owners to share strategies, discuss their challenges and identify possible solutions during the sixth annual Moab Business Summit.
The event, which this year explores the theme “Moab–Business Elevated,” will be held on Wednesday, Nov. 1, from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Moab Valley Inn, 711 S. Main St.
“This year’s Business Summit will appeal to local businesses and organizations,” Moab Area Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Lexie Samuelsen said. “It brings people across all industries together to discuss the common struggles and successes they encounter, the resources available to overcome these challenges, and to become better informed on upcoming city and county developments affecting the local area and business community.”
The summit provides business owners and those aspiring to open a new local business the opportunity to learn from experts in various fields and network with industry partners. Throughout the day, participants will explore a variety of topics, including strategies for creating a happy workplace and improving staff retention presented by Kathleen Kelly of K-Squared, and information from Canyonlands Field Airport Manager Judd Hill about how businesses can benefit from the planned airport expansion.
“I’m particularly excited about this year’s summit because of the range of topics covered,” said Grand County Community Development Director Zacharia Levine, who will also speak at the event about the state of the local economy. “Attendees will leave having a really good sense of the major projects and trends that will affect the Moab business climate in coming years. They will also leave with business lessons and fresh perspectives on business principles that can be implemented in their workplaces immediately.”
Other speakers lined up for the seminar include Utah State University–Moab Executive Director Lianna Etchberger, who will discuss “Education, Business, and the Future of USU–Moab,” and Seven County Infrastructure Coalition Executive Director Mike McKee, who will provide an update on the coalition’s plans and activities.
The event also includes a screening of “My Moab Story,” a short documentary by former AmeriCorps VISTA volunteer Kaitlin Myers, in which 40 local residents discuss how they’ve built a life in Moab.
The 2017 Business Summit also features extended opportunities for networking, Levine said.
“This year, we have included a facilitated networking session in the schedule, which is guaranteed to stimulate some forward-thinking conversations,” he said. “Networking and relationship building, for some, may be the most valuable part of the entire Summit.”
Registration for the Moab Business Summit is $25 in advance and $30 at the door. A continental breakfast and hot lunch are included, and participants will have the chance to win prizes, organizers said.
The summit is hosted by the Moab Area Chamber of Commerce, USU–Moab, the SBDC, the City of Moab and Grand County. The event is supported through generous donations from a variety of local and regional businesses.
Beth McCue, director of the Moab Small Business Development Center (SBDC), encourages everyone involved in local business, or considering starting a business, to attend the event, adding that it provides a unique opportunity to learn, engage and problem solve.
“This sixth annual Moab Business Summit is a great way for business owners and potential entrepreneurs to come together to share ideas, business strategies, experiences and solutions,” McCue said.
To register for the Moab Business Summit, contact the Moab Area Chamber of Commerce at 435-259-7814, drop by the chamber office at 217 E. Center St., Suite 250, or complete the online registration form at: www.moabchamber.com; click on “Annual Business Summit,” then select “Register.”
A complete schedule for the Business Summit is available at: www.moabchamber.com.
Sixth annual event explores “business elevated”
