Mark Your Calendars...

We've got so many great events and workshops coming up, it's hard to keep track. First, don't forget to mark your calendars for the New Member Expo taking place here at the Chamber next Thursday, June 10 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Support local business as we welcome dozens of new businesses to the Chamber network. In addition to great networking opportunities, the Expo will feature live music and food sampling, all provided by new members - and it's FREE! See a list of participating industries and businesses here. 

Also, check out these upcoming workshops - both employers and professionals will find value in these upcoming sessions:

Health Care: What Employers Need to Know
This year Congress passed the most comprehensive piece of social legislation since Medicare, and employers need to understand the obligations and  opportunities that coincide with these changes. The Chamber will hold a special four-hour Chamber Academy session on Tuesday, June 8 from 8 a.m. to Noon entitled “Health Care Reform: What it Means for Employers.” Chamber member Doug Powers of Powers Law Offices will describe in easy-to-understand terms the most important features of health care reform for employers, how they interrelate, and when they go into effect. Participants will be equipped to take advantage of government incentives, learn how to be proactive with changes, and walk away with materials that will facilitate their planning process. RSVP is required. 

If Yours Walls Could Talk – The Importance of Branding Your Facility
Join the Chamber and Brand Innovation Group on June 17 from Noon to 1 p.m. for a Business Brown Bag workshop entitled “If Yours Walls Could Talk – The Importance of Branding Your Facility.” Believe it or not, “Your walls really can talk,” and, in fact, your facility creates an indelible first impression for customers, employees and potential new hires. Branding your facility, internally and externally, is often overlooked. But, it’s a critical component in bringing your organization’s mission, vision and values to life. RSVP is required.

The HIRE Act: Hiring & Retention Incentives
On Monday, June 21 from Noon to 1 p.m. Mark Kittaka of Barnes & Thornburg LLP will present a Business Brown Bag workshop on “The HIRE Act: Hiring & Retention Incentives.” Kittaka will discuss the new hiring and retention incentives available under both federal and state law for Indiana employers. Employers will learn about hiring incentives to restore employment and Indiana job creation laws (the Helping Indiana Restart Employment Program). The federal HIRE Act is already in effect for businesses through the end of 2010, and the Indiana HIRE Program begins on June 30 of this year. Other parts of the Indiana tax incentives and credits are already in effect, and certain Indiana provisions are of benefit to small businesses in particular. RSVP is required.

Looking to Grow: Strategies to Build Your Business
The foundation is laid and you have your own enterprise. But it's time to take the next step. You need strategies to build and grow. On Wednesday, June 30 from 8 a.m. to 12 p.m., Gordon Bell of The Midland Group will present “Looking to Grow: Strategies to Build Your Business.” Attendees will discover how to begin assembling and executing a plan for business growth. The session will include an overview of legacy assessment, strategic planning, business development, and corporate development. Chamber Academy begins promptly at 8 a.m., and RSVP is required.